Food Safety

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Feb 1;1385:344995. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344995. Epub 2025 Dec 9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are linked to chronic conditions such as hormonal cancers, metabolic disorders, and reproductive dysfunction. They can enter drinking water through inadequate wastewater treatment and poor waste disposal, contaminating surface and groundwater. Bottled water adds risk due to leaching of packaging chemicals, especially from plastics. Since even low-level exposure may harm health, systematic monitoring is crucial. This requires advanced analytical methods able to detect and quantify multiple EDC classes at trace concentrations in bottled drinking water.

RESULTS: This study developed and validated a comprehensive multi-residue method to quantify 25 EDCs across eight chemical classes - hormones, microbial agents, mycotoxins, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, phenols, phthalates, and sunscreen agents - and to screen 983 additional suspected EDCs in drinking water. The method, based on solid-phase extraction coupled with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, was optimized using factorial design to ensure accuracy and reliability. Validation with still water demonstrated excellent linearity (R² ≥ 0.99), low detection limits (0.5-5.0 ng L^-1), and compliance with international criteria for recovery, precision, and measurement uncertainty. Cross-validation on sparkling water further confirmed robustness, with only 17β-estradiol showing slightly elevated recovery at the lowest concentration. Stability tests showed analytes remained intact for 72 h under dark conditions. Application to 37 Belgian bottled waters revealed 17 EDCs, with bisphenol B and acetaminophen most abundant. More compounds occurred in plastic than glass bottles, while mineral water showed higher α-zearalanol than spring water. Notably, premium plastic bottled water contained increased phthalate levels.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study presents a robust method for multi-class EDC analysis in bottled drinking water, offering high sensitivity and broad coverage, including EU watch list substances. Using an extensive suspect screening database from international inventories, it is the first Belgian study to map diverse EDCs in popular bottled water brands. The findings provide crucial data for public health risk assessment and inform regulatory and commercial decisions, emphasizing packaging, source type, and retail price as key factors.

PMID:41526113 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2025.344995

Reprod Biomed Online. 2025 Aug 30;52(3):105236. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.105236. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does maternal occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) during pregnancy affect reproductive hormone concentrations in adult sons?

DESIGN: Data from a cross-sectional study of 2326 Swiss conscripts collected between 2005 and 2017 were analysed. On inclusion, the conscripts' mothers completed a detailed questionnaire about their pregnancy. A job-exposure matrix was used to assess exposure to 10 categories of potential EDC. Reproductive hormones - FSH, LH, total and free testosterone, oestradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) - were determined in serum samples from all conscripts whose mothers were exposed to EDC during pregnancy (n = 138) and a random sample of non-exposed conscripts (n = 276). Multiple linear regression analyses were adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS: Prenatal exposure to phthalates or alkyl phenolic compounds was significantly associated with higher FSH concentrations (aβ = 0.26, 95% CI 0.03-0.49, and aβ = 0.22, 95% CI 0.02-0.42, respectively) and prenatal exposure to pesticides was significantly associated with higher SHBG concentrations (aβ = 0.22, 95% CI 0.05-0.38). No statistically significant associations were found between other EDC categories and reproductive hormones.

CONCLUSIONS: Maternal occupational exposure to certain types of EDC during pregnancy was associated with the concentrations of reproductive hormones in adult sons. These findings require replication in larger, prospective population studies.

PMID:41520584 | DOI:10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.105236

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Dec 21;27(1):90. doi: 10.3390/ijms27010090.

ABSTRACT

Carbofuran, a widely used carbamate pesticide, is an endocrine disruptor with documented reproductive toxicity, yet the mechanisms underlying its ovarian toxicity remain incompletely understood. This study employed integrated network toxicology and untargeted metabolomics to investigate these mechanisms in female C57BL/6J mice that had been chronically exposed to carbofuran (0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg for 45 days, once daily). Methods included histopathological evaluation, serum hormone ELISA, network prediction of toxicity targets, molecular docking, and metabolomics profiling. Results demonstrated that carbofuran exposure induced dose-dependent ovarian damage, including reduced follicular reserve, increased atresia, abnormal corpus luteum, and disrupted hormone levels. Network toxicology identified 38 common targets, with EGFR, GSK3B, APP, and JAK2 as core proteins, indicating potential high affinity. Metabolomics suggests significant alterations in pathways such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan biosynthesis and arginine/proline metabolism. Our collective evidence indicates that carbofuran may induce ovarian toxicity through multifaceted mechanisms involving endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, inflammatory activation, and metabolic disturbance. This study provides novel experimental insights into the reproductive toxicity mechanisms of carbofuran, offering a theoretical basis for health risk assessment and intervention strategies.

PMID:41515972 | PMC:PMC12786280 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27010090

Molecules. 2025 Dec 22;31(1):27. doi: 10.3390/molecules31010027.

ABSTRACT

Corn processing generates substantial volumes of agricultural by-products, collectively referred to as corn stover, comprising husks, cobs, stalks, leaves, and silks. Although rich in bioactive compounds, these by-products are still predominantly destined for low-value uses such as landfilling and open-field burning. They contain valuable biomolecules such as lignocellulosic fibers, starch, pectin, proteins, and polyphenols, all of which hold significant potential for applications in agricultural and food industries. These compounds offer opportunities as sustainable alternatives to conventional ingredients and as novel functional additives. However, utilization of corn stover remains focused on biofuel production, limiting the development of applications in broader, high-value fields such as functional food ingredients. This review aims to highlight the opportunities that corn stover presents for developing solutions for food production, which is becoming increasingly important as the global population continues to grow and food demand rises, particularly in regions where access to sufficient and nutritious food remains limited. It also considers the challenges to be solved in order to incorporate corn stover in circular economies, like the impact of pesticide presence on derived products and gaps of emerging strategies for scaling up production in alignment with circular economy goals and the high-value utilization of corn stover.

PMID:41515324 | PMC:PMC12786415 | DOI:10.3390/molecules31010027

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 6;503:141069. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141069. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread use of pesticides has raised serious concerns about their combined impact on aquatic life; however, the underlying mechanisms of reproductive toxicity remain poorly defined. Adult Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were exposed for 60 days to fenvalerate (FEN, 0.039 mg/L), tebuconazole (TEB, 1.0 mg/L), or their combination (FEN + TEB, 0.01 mg/L + 0.5 mg/L) to evaluate single and mixture-induced disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Long-term exposure to either FEN or TEB significantly reduced fertilization, hatchability, and survival rates, with the combined exposure group exhibiting the most severe adverse effects. Gonadal histological assessment revealed severe degenerative alterations, disrupted spermatogenesis, and reduction of germ cells, follicular atresia, and loss of structural integrity. Transcriptional profiling further demonstrated broad disturbances across the HPG axis, with significant downregulation of cyp19a1, dmrt1, fshr, gnrh1, gnrh2, lhβ, and star, alongside altered transcription of erα, erβ, fshβ, vtg1, and vtg2 in a sex-dependent pattern. The observed impairment of gametogenesis is likely attributable to dysregulated transcriptional control, as molecular docking revealed stable binding of FEN and TEB to Dmrt1 and aromatase (Cyp19a1). In addition, biochemical assays confirmed that co-exposure to FEN and TEB also led to oxidative stress and immune suppression, reflected by reductions in CAT, GSH-PX, LZM, and SOD activities and elevated MDA levels. These findings provide integrated molecular and histopathological evidence that FEN and TEB synergistically disrupt endocrine signaling, trigger oxidative imbalance, and impair gonadal integrity in fish, highlighting the ecological risks associated with pesticide mixtures in aquatic environments.

PMID:41518803 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141069

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Jan 9;309:119713. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119713. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The co-occurrence of pesticides and heavy metals in aquatic ecosystem poses a significant threat to biota, yet the interactive toxicological effects and mechanisms remain poorly understood, especially during their early developmental stages. In this study, we employed zebrafish embryos as a sensitive model to investigate the combined effects of fungicide triadimefon (TDF) and copper (Cu^{2 +}) on endocrine regulation via the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes. Our results showed that both individual and combined exposures to TDF and Cu²⁺ significantly increased the mortality and malformation rates, impaired swimming ability, and exhibited dose-dependent toxicity. Compared to Cu²⁺ exposure alone, TDF exposure significantly reduced thyroxine (T4) levels in zebrafish, and the co-exposure further exacerbated this reduction. Cu²⁺ alone downregulated several HPT-related genes (e.g., TTR), whereas TDF exposure and co-exposure upregulated TTR expression. Regarding reproductive toxicity, Cu²⁺ exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on key HPG genes (e.g., cyp19a) compared to TDF; however, co-exposure significantly enhanced these inhibitory and induced the upregulation of genes such as StAR. The results of this study provide insights into the dual disruption of thyroid and reproductive endocrine functions by TDF and Cu²⁺, improveing our understanding of the combined ecological risks posed by pesticide and heavy metal co-contamination.

PMID:41518983 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119713

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 5;503:141055. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141055. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastics can adsorb both organic and inorganic contaminants from surrounding aquatic environments, with potential toxic effects on a wide range of species. In this study, polyethylene pellets were immersed along nine European river-to-sea continuums for one month. Adsorbed contaminants were characterized, and their toxicity assessed using DMSO extracts on the marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri and Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) embryos. A diverse array of organic pollutants was annotated, including plastic additives, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Spatial trends were observed for trace elements, with higher zinc adsorption downstream, while iron was more concentrated upstream. Standardized bacterial toxicity tests revealed significant effects at 29 % of the sites, with estuarine and intermediate-salinity locations exhibiting higher toxicity than upstream sites. Redundancy analysis identified manganese, copper, zinc and iron as the primary contributors of the DMSO extracts toxicity, although iron was negatively correlated with toxic effects. Individual trace element concentrations in DMSO extracts remained below EC₅₀ values reported in the literature. Overall, this study demonstrates that caging polyethylene pellets could serve as effective passive sensors, enabling the monitoring of a wide range of environmental contaminants along river-to-sea gradients and highlighting spatial variations in both contaminant accumulation and toxicity.

PMID:41518798 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141055

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 5;503:141055. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141055. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastics can adsorb both organic and inorganic contaminants from surrounding aquatic environments, with potential toxic effects on a wide range of species. In this study, polyethylene pellets were immersed along nine European river-to-sea continuums for one month. Adsorbed contaminants were characterized, and their toxicity assessed using DMSO extracts on the marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri and Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) embryos. A diverse array of organic pollutants was annotated, including plastic additives, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Spatial trends were observed for trace elements, with higher zinc adsorption downstream, while iron was more concentrated upstream. Standardized bacterial toxicity tests revealed significant effects at 29 % of the sites, with estuarine and intermediate-salinity locations exhibiting higher toxicity than upstream sites. Redundancy analysis identified manganese, copper, zinc and iron as the primary contributors of the DMSO extracts toxicity, although iron was negatively correlated with toxic effects. Individual trace element concentrations in DMSO extracts remained below EC₅₀ values reported in the literature. Overall, this study demonstrates that caging polyethylene pellets could serve as effective passive sensors, enabling the monitoring of a wide range of environmental contaminants along river-to-sea gradients and highlighting spatial variations in both contaminant accumulation and toxicity.

PMID:41518798 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141055

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 7;503:141086. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141086. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The escalating global incidence of male infertility is closely linked to environmental endocrine disruptors, particularly pesticides. Glyphosate (GLY) is a widely used pesticide with endocrine-disrupting activity and has been recognized to pose substantial public health risks. However, its impact on male reproductive health and the underlying mechanisms remains poorly defined. Thus, the present study established a 24-week mouse model of chronic GLY exposure to investigate its effects on spermatogenesis systematically. Pathological analysis revealed that GLY exposure damaged seminiferous tubules and induced sperm acrosomal defects. These defects originated from GLY-induced disruption of the Golgi apparatus, which impaired the accumulation and fusion of proacrosomal vesicles on spermatid nuclei. Integrated network toxicology and transcriptomics showed that autophagy is a critical mediator of GLY-induced Golgi damage and suppression of vesicle biosynthesis. Further analysis demonstrated that GLY triggered Golgi fragmentation and reduced proacrosomal vesicles via activating Golgiphagy. Importantly, knockdown of Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3), a novel Golgiphagy receptor, markedly attenuated GLY-induced Golgiphagy and restored the Golgi structure. Taken together, chronic GLY exposure compromises acrosome biogenesis during spermatogenesis by activating GOLPH3-mediated Golgiphagy, thereby impairing sperm quality. These findings provide a feasible therapeutic strategy to counteract the reproductive health threats posed by GLY and analogous environmental pollutants.

PMID:41512752 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141086

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2026 Jan 6:110442. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2025.110442. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This review systematically examines the mechanisms through which multiple environmental pollutants-including microplastics, heavy metals, atmospheric particulates, pesticide residues, water eutrophication, and artificial light at night-synergistically exacerbate the transmission risk of mosquito-borne diseases. A conceptual framework of the "pollution - resistance - transmission" vicious cycle is proposed, illustrating how pollutants not only directly impair mosquito physiology and drive the evolution of insecticide resistance but also systematically enhance pathogen transmission efficiency by reshaping vector-host-environment interactions, altering host behavior, compromising immune function, and extending mosquito activity periods. Interactions among pollutants, such as the role of microplastics as "Trojan horses" that carry other contaminants, further amplify ecological and health risks through combined exposure. The review also highlights species-specific and context-dependent variations in responses, identifies key research bottlenecks, and proposes multi-level intervention strategies integrating technological innovation with systematic governance-encompassing source control, process interruption, and ecological restoration-to provide a scientific basis for harmonizing public health and ecological security.

PMID:41506308 | DOI:10.1016/j.cbpc.2025.110442

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2026 Jan 7;614:112730. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2026.112730. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pesticide mixture exposure during critical developmental windows is a growing public health concern, given their potential additive or synergistic effects on the male reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate whether developmental exposure to a mixture of propiconazole (PRO) and glyphosate (GLY) alters the postpubertal rat prostate. Pregnant rats were orally exposed to vehicle (saline) or a mixture of PRO and GLY (4 mg PRO/kg/day and 3.7 mg GLY/kg/day) from gestation day 9 until weaning. On postnatal day 60, male offspring were euthanized, and the prostate and serum samples were collected. PROGLY-exposed rats exhibited changes in the ventral and dorsolateral prostate histoarchitecture, including epithelial and stromal remodeling and increased incidence of prostate lesions. In the ventral prostate, although the relative glandular area remained unchanged, PROGLY exposure exhibited increased epithelial height and decreased luminal acinar area. Also, hyperplastic and atrophic acini were more prevalent in these animals. PROGLY exposure reduced estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) protein level, particularly in hyperplastic and atrophic acini, without affecting androgen or estrogen receptor alpha. ESR2 decrease was associated with an increased cell proliferation index in hyperplastic acini and a reduction in serum testosterone level in PROGLY-exposed rats. Stromal alterations included increased smooth muscle cell layers and reduced vimentin-positive fibroblasts, with no evidence of myofibroblast presence. This study shows that developmental exposure to PROGLY disrupts normal ventral prostate architecture and hormone signaling in postpubertal rats. These findings highlight the potential long-term risks of combined pesticide exposure on male reproductive health and the importance of evaluating mixture effects.

PMID:41506592 | DOI:10.1016/j.mce.2026.112730

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 2;502:141006. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.141006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Male reproductive toxicity tests are a standard component of toxicological research, regulatory and safety assessment during drug development and environmental biomonitoring. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a valuable model for studying male reproductive toxicity, particularly through sperm toxicity tests. Thus, this review systematically analyzed the scientific literature concerning the Zebrafish Sperm Toxicity test (ZST), focusing on the effects of environmental chemicals on sperm quality and reproductive health. Results showed that over 80 chemicals have been studied for their adverse effects on zebrafish sperm, including synthetic estrogens, metals, pesticides, and antibiotics. Several endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and tributyltin (TBT), impairing sperm count, motility, and morphology by disrupting hormonal regulation and inducing oxidative stress. Methodological approaches were discussed, including sperm collection techniques and storage media, which are critical for experimental reproducibility. Exposure times vary widely, with chronic and long-term exposures being more common in in vivo studies, while in vitro studies typically involve shorter exposure periods. The most frequently adverse effects on zebrafish sperm were reduced sperm count, volume or density, motility, DNA and membrane integrity, and morphological alterations, with endocrine disruption being a primary mechanism of action and toxicity. The review underscores the need for standardized protocols and further research on emerging pollutants, transgenerational effects, and the development of advanced in vitro models to reduce reliance on in vivo experiments. Overall, the zebrafish sperm toxicity test is a suitable tool for assessing the impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health, helping to protect human and environmental health.

PMID:41499865 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.141006

Toxicol Lett. 2026 Jan 3;416:111817. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2025.111817. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used chemicals known for their persistence, bioaccumulation, and adverse health effects, particularly on the immune system. Epidemiological studies link PFAS exposure to immunosuppression, with increased infection susceptibility and reduced vaccine efficacy. In this paper, we describe the workflow we used to establish an integrated testing strategy (ITS) combining in vitro and in silico methods to model PFAS inhibition of antibody production and to define a tolerable daily intake. This strategy was based on data generated within an EFSA-sponsored project. Using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the effects of PFAS on antibody production were assessed. Mathematical models were then applied to determine PFAS free concentrations in vitro, while Physiologically Based Kinetics (PBK) modeling enabled quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) to translate in vitro effects into external doses. In addition, the Universal Immune System Simulator was used to predict immune-related outcomes and threshold doses for sensitive populations. Following this strategy, we were able to demonstrate that the oral equivalent effect doses derived through QIVIVE were similar to, or lower than, the tolerable weekly intake established by EFSA for PFAS, indicating that our approach is conservative. We demonstrate the possibility of using alternative methods for studying PFAS toxicity, offering insights into their dynamics and kinetics without animal testing. The strategy provides a promising framework for assessing other chemicals, advancing toxicology toward more human-relevant and ethical practices.

PMID:41490601 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxlet.2025.111817

Turk J Med Sci. 2025 Oct 26;55(7):1620-1624. doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.6122. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Fetal development depends on complex maternal-fetal-placental interactions, with thyroid hormones playing a vital role in regulating growth and neurogenesis. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy has emerged as a significant risk factor for thyroid dysfunction and its associated developmental and cognitive disorders. EDCs, including bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, and heavy metals, disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis, secretion, and metabolism. Mechanisms involve receptor binding, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and inhibition of thyroid peroxidase activity. BPA exposure, for instance, reduces free and total T4 levels and interferes with deiodinase activity. Similarly, PCBs and PBDEs are associated with lower thyroxine concentrations and long-term behavioral abnormalities in offspring. Pesticides and heavy metals exacerbate thyroid dysfunction by interfering with hormone synthesis and receptor interactions. Genetic predisposition, iodine deficiency, and autoimmune conditions further increase susceptibility to EDC-related thyroid disorders. Considering the heightened vulnerability of early pregnancy and the widespread environmental presence of EDCs, reducing exposure and implementing regulatory measures are essential to mitigate their adverse effects on maternal and fetal thyroid health. Future research should prioritize elucidating the mechanisms of EDC-induced thyroid dysfunction and developing interventions to protect at-risk populations.

PMID:41488242 | PMC:PMC12758918 | DOI:10.55730/1300-0144.6122

Turk J Med Sci. 2025 Oct 26;55(7):1602-1612. doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.6120. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The global prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is rising worldwide, and increasing evidence suggests that chemical exposures-particularly endocrine disruptors (EDs)-represent a significant contributing factor. EDs can act as obesogens, increasing the risk of weight gain and related metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. They may also alter the basal metabolic rate, gut microbiota composition, and hormonal regulation of appetite and satiety. EDs are reported to exert their effects mainly through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma pathway, which is primarily expressed in adipose tissue and is a key regulator of adipogenesis. Common consumer products such as plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides frequently contain EDs. Humans can be exposed to these chemicals via multiple routes, including transplacental transfer, breast milk, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. Bisphenols, tributyltin, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals are among the known EDs that have been associated with obesity and MetS. The need for further investigation and stricter regulations to mitigate the public health consequences of environmental exposure to EDs is consistently emphasized in recent literature. Understanding the mechanisms by which EDs affect various hormones and systems is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. In this review, we discuss the relationship between obesity, MetS, and EDs, along with exposure pathways and preventive strategies.

PMID:41488238 | PMC:PMC12758928 | DOI:10.55730/1300-0144.6120

Turk J Med Sci. 2025 Nov 6;55(7):1671-1680. doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.6129. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental contaminants that disrupt hormonal regulation by mimicking, inhibiting, or modifying endocrine signaling pathways. EDCs are commonly present in plastics, pesticides, industrial byproducts, and personal care products and pose substantial health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as infants and children. Early-life exposure is especially concerning due to the developing detoxification systems, the immaturity of the blood-brain barrier, and the ongoing organ differentiation, making these periods highly susceptible to EDCs' harmful effects. Moreover, exposure during critical developmental periods, such as sex differentiation and neurodevelopment, can lead to significant long-term developmental impairments that persist into later life. Perinatal and childhood exposure to EDCs has been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including neurodevelopmental delays, impairments in reproductive health, obesity, type 2 diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and even a heightened risk of certain malignancies. These effects are mediated through various mechanisms, including direct modulation of hormone receptors, disruption of genetic regulation, and interference with endocrine feedback systems. Alterations in endocrine signaling, particularly disruptions in thyroid hormone homeostasis, may also indirectly impair cognitive development, increasing the risk of attention disorders and intellectual impairment. Although regulatory measures to reduce EDC exposure are crucial, current restrictions remain insufficient. Moreover, as new EDCs emerge, ongoing research is essential to understand their risks and develop effective strategies to minimize their potential harm. Protecting future generations requires a proactive approach that combines public health awareness, strong regulations, and ongoing scientific research. This review highlights the potential risks of EDCs exposure in children and highlights the significance of multidisciplinary research and policy efforts.

PMID:41488246 | PMC:PMC12758920 | DOI:10.55730/1300-0144.6129

Turk J Med Sci. 2025 Nov 11;55(7):1657-1663. doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.6127. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is increasing interest in endocrine disrupting chemicals because of the potential effects on neurological health. These chemicals are widely found in various consumer products and industrial processes, and can lead to serious disorders of the endocrine system by disrupting hormone synthesis, expression, and function. The aim of this review was to examine epidemiological and experimental findings by investigating the link between exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and adverse neurological outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the preparation of this review, a PubMed literature search was conducted using the words "endocrine disruptors," "neuroendocrine effects," "neurobehavioral effects," and "neurodevelopmental effects" and articles containing relevant studies were examined.

RESULTS: Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and neurodevelopmental diseases such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The effects of common pollutants such as pesticides, bisphenol A, polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals on the endocrine system have been especially emphasized.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, understanding the role played by endocrine disrupting chemicals in the development of neurological diseases will be of critical importance in the development of new strategies to prevent these diseases.

PMID:41488245 | PMC:PMC12758925 | DOI:10.55730/1300-0144.6127

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Dec 24;502:140894. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140894. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Industrial and agricultural expansion has led to widespread release of emerging contaminants (ECs) into aquatic ecosystems, posing substantial risks to environment and human health. This study investigated the fate, ecological risk, and prioritization of phthalate esters (PAEs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotics, and pesticides in sediments of the Pengxi River in China's Three Gorges Reservoir. Sediment samples from ten sites along the river's upstream-downstream gradient were analyzed as follow: PAEs by GC-MS, and PFAS, antibiotics, and pesticides by LC-MS. Ecological risk was assessed using Risk Quotients (RQ) and a multidimensional Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi) integrating persistence, bioaccumulation potential, (eco)toxicity, concentration, detection frequency, and experimental uncertainty. Total extractable concentrations spanned three orders of magnitude, with PAEs being the most prevalent (133-993 ng∙g^-1; mean: 466 ng·g⁻¹), substantially higher than antibiotics (4.32-12.4 ng∙g^-1; mean: 7.8 ng·g⁻¹), PFAS (0.37-1.41 ng∙g^-1; mean: 0.65 ng·g⁻¹), and pesticides (0.186-2.01 ng∙g^-1; mean: 0.47 ng·g⁻¹). ToxPi analysis identified PAEs as the highest-priority contaminants due to their elevated concentrations, persistence, and toxicity, followed by PFAS and antibiotics, whereas pesticides posed the lowest risk in this specific study. In contrast, the concentration-based RQ method, which relies solely on concentration and ecotoxicity, identified only a few PAEs and pesticides as medium-to-high risk. Consequently, the traditional RQ approach underestimated risks of PFAS and antibiotics. The study demonstrates ToxPi's exceptional performance in integrating multifaceted data for evidence-based prioritization. These findings provide a scalable framework for risk assessment in other comparable riverine systems and offer actionable insights to guide regulatory strategies targeting PAEs and PFAS.

PMID:41485340 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140894

J Chromatogr A. 2025 Dec 30;1767:466666. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466666. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In order to study the adsorption interaction and behavior of organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) on the surface of different microplastics, a Zr-covalent organic framework (COF)-based magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) was established. Due to various interactions (π-π interaction, hydrogen bonding and Zr-O-P coordination interactions), Zr-COF exhibited higher adsorption capacities towards five OPPs than COF without Zr through the theoretical calculation and analysis. The established MSPE-HPLC method showed the detection limit of 0.011-0.019 mg L^-1 for OPPs. It was used to determine the adsorption performance of four microplastics towards OPPs. Small sized and aging microplastics showed more adsorption capacities than the large sized and original microplastics. Polylactic acid exhibited higher adsorption capacities than most OPPs, especially with the N element, -NO₂, and P=O groups, due to the presence of hydrogen bonding. Besides, the method matrix effect was between 2.90%-17.84% in real samples, and the adsorption capacity in juice was significantly higher than that in aquatic samples because of the acidic environment.

PMID:41483548 | DOI:10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466666

Front Public Health. 2025 Dec 17;13:1633266. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1633266. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Health behaviors and exposures to environmental hazards among individuals of reproductive age prior to pregnancy can influence maternal and child health outcomes. While research attention has focused on preconception health behaviors, such as diet and lifestyle, there is emerging evidence that environmental exposures may also be important to consider.

METHODS: A search strategy (PROSPERO # CRD42021240069) was developed for MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), Maternity and Infant Care (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (EBSCO). Searches were conducted from database inception until 21 May 2021. Studies were included that investigated male or female exposure to any environmental hazard during the preconception period and reported neonatal or child health outcomes. No limit to date of publication, language or comparator were applied. Studies were critically appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for Cohort studies.

RESULTS: The review identified 63 studies that met the inclusion criteria, published between 1974 and 2021. They encompassed studies that covered ambient exposures (n = 23), chemical exposures (n = 26), and other exposures (n = 24). For ambient exposures, all studies examined the outcomes associated with air pollution and one study also explored associations with exposure to hot and cold ambient temperature. Studies investigating chemical exposures encompassed endocrine-disrupting chemicals (n = 4), pesticides (n = 10), persistent organic pollutants (n = 4), and organic solvents (n = 7). Other exposures studied were categorized as radiation (n = 9), metals (n = 4) and undifferentiated products or compounds (n = 14). Outcomes measured by the included studies covered congenital malformations, adverse birth outcomes and childhood illness. There was a high level of heterogeneity across the included studies that precluded meta-analysis. Various associations between exposures and outcomes were identified.

DISCUSSION: There is growing evidence of adverse outcomes in offspring associated with maternal and paternal environmental exposures during the pre-conception period. While there are some topics that have received focused attention from research teams in the last 50 years, most studies appear to be standalone and have not continued to develop as part of wider research programs. There is need to develop a field-wide approach to create an agenda for environmental preconception health exposures and outcomes that supports more coordinated, targeted and strategic research efforts.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42021240069.

PMID:41480069 | PMC:PMC12753933 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1633266

Front Toxicol. 2025 Dec 17;7:1690491. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2025.1690491. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Read-across has matured from an expert-driven extrapolation based largely on structural analogy into a rigorously documented, mechanistically informed cornerstone of next-generation risk assessment. Three pivotal frameworks are compared that now shape its regulatory use: the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) 2025 guidance for food and feed safety, the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) Read-Across Assessment Framework (RAAF) for industrial chemicals under REACH, and the community-driven Good Read-Across Practice (GRAP) principles. Using five analytical lenses-conceptual structure, scientific rigor, implementation tools, regulatory acceptance, and practical impact-we identified areas of complementarity and divergence. EFSA provides a seven-step, uncertainty-anchored workflow that actively embeds new approach methodologies (NAMs) and adverse outcome pathway reasoning, offering applicants a transparent "how-to" template. RAAF, in contrast, operates as an evaluator's rubric: six scenario types and associated assessment elements delineate what evidence must be delivered, thereby standardizing regulatory scrutiny but leaving dossier construction to the registrant. GRAP supplies the conceptual glue, emphasizing mechanistic plausibility, exhaustive analogue selection, explicit uncertainty characterization, and the strategic use of NAMs; its influence is evident in both EFSA's and ECHA's evolving expectations. (Terminology note: the acronym "NAM" was popularized at an ECHA workshop in 2016; earlier documents such as RAAF and initial GRAP papers therefore may not use the term explicitly). Regulatory experience under REACH demonstrates that dossier quality and acceptance rates rise markedly when RAAF criteria are met, while EFSA's new guidance is poised to catalyze similar gains in food and feed assessments. Globally, the convergence of these frameworks-reinforced by OECD initiatives and NAM-enhanced case studies-signals an emerging international consensus on what constitutes defensible read-across. In conclusion, harmonizing EFSA's procedural roadmap with RAAF's evaluative rigor and GRAP's best-practice ethos can mainstream reliable, animal-saving read-across across regulatory domains, paving the way for fully mechanistic, AI-enabled chemical safety assessment.

PMID:41479674 | PMC:PMC12753468 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2025.1690491

Acc Mater Res. 2025 Nov 25;6(12):1451-1461. doi: 10.1021/accountsmr.5c00150. eCollection 2025 Dec 26.

ABSTRACT

Nanocellulose in anionic and cationic form can be extracted from biomass using a top-down approach, and the surface chemistry can be tuned to have selective interactions toward water pollutants under aqueous conditions. The versatility of the surface functionalization potential of nanocellulose and its processability into membranes, hydrogel beads, 3D printed filters, electrospun webs, etc., have resulted in promising performance in water treatment. Nanocellulose interactions with pollutants and adsorption can involve multiple mechanisms such as electrostatic interactions, complexation, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, precipitation, or nucleation and growth depending on time scales. This is, however, not fully understood, predominantly due to challenges related to characterization under aqueous conditions. In this context, we explored liquid phase atomic force microscopy (AFM), colloidal probe force spectroscopy, and in situ synchrotron scattering methods as advanced characterization tools to extract reliable information on interactions of nanocellulose with metal ions, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, humic acid, nitrates, PFAS, microplastics, proteins, bacteria, etc., under aqueous conditions. AFM provides information on structure and nanomechanics data on length scales of 1 nm to microns as well as molecular level interactions, whereas scattering methods can detect structures in the range of 1 Å-100 nm. This Account summarizes the research using these techniques under in operando conditions to understand reactions and interactions under aqueous conditions for nanocellulose based systems in the context of water treatment. The use of these techniques to understand the adsorption process, membrane structure, and interactions in wet environments, as well as the synthesis of water treatment materials in aqueous media, is included in this Account. In addition to our work, other relevant reports in the literature are also summarized to demonstrate the possibilities and challenges in this approach. Literature review showed only 6 studies on using AFM/force spectroscopy (4 from our group) and only 3 studies (from our group) on scattering methods on nanocellulose in water treatment, which indicates the challenges and limitations of this approach and also the need for expanding this field. Our works in this field have demonstrated that the advanced characterization methodologies discussed here, viz., atomic force microscopy and X-ray scattering, have significant potential to provide information on nano, molecular, and atomic scales. It is worth mentioning that in order to compensate for the interference with water, which can reduce the accuracy of the data, careful tailoring of experimental design and method development is needed. We also infer that these methodologies and tools, developed to evaluate how the nanocellulose surface interacts/reacts with other hybrid components, biomolecules, and pollutants, can be extended to understand materials and devices (e.g., biomedical implants, conductive material, catalysts, sensors, etc.) driven by surface charge under in situ and in operando conditions.

PMID:41476784 | PMC:PMC12752729 | DOI:10.1021/accountsmr.5c00150

Acc Mater Res. 2025 Nov 25;6(12):1451-1461. doi: 10.1021/accountsmr.5c00150. eCollection 2025 Dec 26.

ABSTRACT

Nanocellulose in anionic and cationic form can be extracted from biomass using a top-down approach, and the surface chemistry can be tuned to have selective interactions toward water pollutants under aqueous conditions. The versatility of the surface functionalization potential of nanocellulose and its processability into membranes, hydrogel beads, 3D printed filters, electrospun webs, etc., have resulted in promising performance in water treatment. Nanocellulose interactions with pollutants and adsorption can involve multiple mechanisms such as electrostatic interactions, complexation, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, precipitation, or nucleation and growth depending on time scales. This is, however, not fully understood, predominantly due to challenges related to characterization under aqueous conditions. In this context, we explored liquid phase atomic force microscopy (AFM), colloidal probe force spectroscopy, and in situ synchrotron scattering methods as advanced characterization tools to extract reliable information on interactions of nanocellulose with metal ions, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, humic acid, nitrates, PFAS, microplastics, proteins, bacteria, etc., under aqueous conditions. AFM provides information on structure and nanomechanics data on length scales of 1 nm to microns as well as molecular level interactions, whereas scattering methods can detect structures in the range of 1 Å-100 nm. This Account summarizes the research using these techniques under in operando conditions to understand reactions and interactions under aqueous conditions for nanocellulose based systems in the context of water treatment. The use of these techniques to understand the adsorption process, membrane structure, and interactions in wet environments, as well as the synthesis of water treatment materials in aqueous media, is included in this Account. In addition to our work, other relevant reports in the literature are also summarized to demonstrate the possibilities and challenges in this approach. Literature review showed only 6 studies on using AFM/force spectroscopy (4 from our group) and only 3 studies (from our group) on scattering methods on nanocellulose in water treatment, which indicates the challenges and limitations of this approach and also the need for expanding this field. Our works in this field have demonstrated that the advanced characterization methodologies discussed here, viz., atomic force microscopy and X-ray scattering, have significant potential to provide information on nano, molecular, and atomic scales. It is worth mentioning that in order to compensate for the interference with water, which can reduce the accuracy of the data, careful tailoring of experimental design and method development is needed. We also infer that these methodologies and tools, developed to evaluate how the nanocellulose surface interacts/reacts with other hybrid components, biomolecules, and pollutants, can be extended to understand materials and devices (e.g., biomedical implants, conductive material, catalysts, sensors, etc.) driven by surface charge under in situ and in operando conditions.

PMID:41476784 | PMC:PMC12752729 | DOI:10.1021/accountsmr.5c00150

Molecules. 2025 Dec 15;30(24):4780. doi: 10.3390/molecules30244780.

ABSTRACT

The increasing reliance of the European Union on strawberry imports from North African countries, particularly Egypt, underscores the necessity of systematic monitoring of these commodities for pesticide residues prior to their placement on the EU market. This study evaluated pesticide residues in Egyptian strawberries inspected at the Polish border between 2021 and 2024. Detection rates rose sharply from 63% in 2022 to over 90% in 2023-2024, although a subset of samples each year contained no detectable residues (1 sample in 2021 and 2024; 2 in 2022), confirming that pesticide-free production is achievable. Fosetyl-aluminium was the most frequently identified compound, followed by bromide ion, azoxystrobin, and boscalid. Eleven exceedances of maximum residue levels (MRLs) were recorded, involving substances not approved in the EU due to carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or endocrine-disrupting properties. Multiple-residue presence was common, with up to eleven pesticides detected in a single sample. The findings highlight the need for broader surveillance, stricter enforcement, and support for sustainable pest management in exporting countries.

PMID:41471804 | PMC:PMC12736362 | DOI:10.3390/molecules30244780

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Dec 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c14140. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) occur in aquatic environments and accumulate in fish. MNPs can also adsorb other contaminants present in aquatic environments, and there is limited information on exposure scenarios involving MNP and pesticide mixtures. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and chemical oxidation of MNPs can affect the sorption properties of MNPs and chemicals, thus altering the exposure and effects on fish. Our study investigated the toxicity and bioaccumulation of a lindane and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) mixture adsorbed onto pristine and weathered polyethylene (PE) MNPs. Three different PE MNP types were used: microplastics (2-10 μm), oxidized microplastics (10-15 μm), and a MNP mixture (0.2-9.9 μm), and additionally each type was UV-aged for comparisons. RTgutGC cells, derived from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestine, were used to evaluate the role of the particle type on pesticides bioaccumulation and toxicity. Results showed that UV aging did not affect the agglomeration in solution but decreased the MNP's capacity to adsorb the pesticides (i.e., non-aged adsorbed 35% and 69% and UV-aged adsorbed 9.7% and 63% of lindane and DDE, respectively) likely due to a shift in MNPs hydrophobicity and consequently reduced the cytotoxicity of the pesticide MNPs mixture. Nanoplastics induced approximately 20% more lysosomal damage than microplastics, suggesting a distinct toxicity mechanism. Fluorescently labeled MNPs accumulated in intestinal cells which confirmed the internalization. Finally, bioaccumulation of DDE decreased approximately 2 to 8-fold in cells coexposed with all particle types, although lindane was not detected in the cells. Overall, our study indicated that MP and NPs reduce bioavailability of pesticides, but UV aging and particle fragmentation to nano size increased their bioaccumulation and toxicity in fish intestinal cells.

PMID:41457494 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c14140

J Environ Sci (China). 2026 Mar;161:320-329. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2025.05.039. Epub 2025 May 21.

ABSTRACT

Ensuring the quality and safety of drinking water is crucial for public health. Yet our understanding of pesticides contamination and associated in drinking water systems remains incomplete. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis combining target, suspect, and nontarget screening to investigate pesticide presence from source to tap in a drinking water treatment plant in Jiangsu, China. We identified 162 pesticides, including 10 transformation products, with a composition of 41.3 % herbicides, 29 % insecticides, and 27.7 % fungicides. Triazole fungicides were detected at concentrations up to 281.2 ng/L, while atrazine was the most concentrated pesticide at 153.2 ng/L. Post-treatment, 65.6 % of pesticides were removed, 20.3 % were reduced, and 14.1 % were retained. Three prohibited pesticides in China, metsulfuron-methyl, monocrotophos, and isofenphos-methyl, were detected in source water, along with 22 endocrine-disrupting pesticides and 25 fluorinated pesticides. No substances with persistence, bioaccumulation, mobility, and toxic (PBMT) properties were identified in household tap water. However, flucycloxuron was identified as a PBT substance, while epoxiconazole was classified as a PMT substance. All Hazard Quotient values for adults, children, and infants were below 1. A prioritization method, considering occurrence, classification, preliminary hazard assessment, and human health risk, identified atrazine, flucycloxuron, and epoxiconazole as the highest risk. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of pesticide distribution and risk throughout the drinking water system, highlighting the need for further research on their occurrence, fate, and risk, and providing essential data to inform pollution control and environmental protection strategies in drinking water systems.

PMID:41461478 | DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2025.05.039

Drug Test Anal. 2025 Dec 26. doi: 10.1002/dta.70020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chronic exposure to pesticides can cause carcinogenic, reproductive, neurological, and endocrine-disrupting effects. Hair analysis is a valuable biomonitoring tool to assess human exposure to pesticides. We determined the presence of pesticides, their metabolites, and other environmental pollutants in the hair of children in an agricultural area of Paraguay. We analyzed 152 pesticides and environmental chemicals in hair samples from 51 children (2-14 years, mean ± SD = 8.5 ± 3.3 years) living in Colonia San Juan, a rural community in Paraguay. The locality is surrounded by soybean crops, and the community engages primarily in family farming. Eighty of the 152 compounds (52.6%) were detected. Each child's sample contained an average of 55 ± 3.7 compounds (range 48-65), including organophosphates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, fungicides, herbicides, and endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A and bisphenol S. Thirty-seven compounds were present in all samples. Children in this rural community are simultaneously exposed to numerous pesticides and pollutants, highlighting the urgent need for stricter environmental protections and preventive health measures.

PMID:41454582 | DOI:10.1002/dta.70020

Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2025 Dec 24;26(1):7. doi: 10.1007/s12012-025-10084-6.

ABSTRACT

Accumulating evidence supports the association between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the link between EDCs and cardiovascular health (CVH) prior to CVD onset remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between individual and combined EDC exposure and Life's Essential 8 (LE8). We included 9,940 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2003 and 2016, excluding adults with known CVD. Twenty-two types of EDCs were detected in urine samples, including three phenols, two phenolic pesticides, eleven phthalates, and six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Weighted generalized linear models (GLM) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression to explore the relationship between single/mixed exposure to EDCs and CVH. Overall, 9,940 individuals (weighted mean [SE] age, 42.53 [0.26] years; 5,313 women [weighted 53.7%]) without CVD were included, with a mean score of LE8 at 68.70. The GLM model reveals that specific exposures to EDCs are inversely associated with LE8, serving as independent risk factors contributing to poorer CVH. The WQS index of EDCs was independently associated with overall CVH, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.00 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.30-3.90; P < 0.001). 2-Fluorenone (2-FLU) emerged as the most heavily weighted component in the overall CVH model. This study emphasizes the association between exposure to EDCs is correlated with a higher odds ratio for decline in CVH among American adults. 2-FLU emerges as a prominent contributor. It provides epidemiologic evidence for the detrimental effects of these chemicals on CVH.

PMID:41442004 | DOI:10.1007/s12012-025-10084-6

Toxics. 2025 Dec 7;13(12):1060. doi: 10.3390/toxics13121060.

ABSTRACT

Imidacloprid (IMI) and polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are common environmental pollutants, posing potential risks to ecosystems and human health. However, there is limited research on their toxic effects on nerve cells, particularly under combined exposure conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of IMI and PS-MPs alone and in combination on rat neuroblastoma B104 cells. Based on a cell viability assay (48 h), the No Observed Adverse Effect Levels of IMI and PS-MPs were 260 mg/L and <150 mg/L, respectively. To study their effects on the cholinergic system and oxidative stress, similar concentrations of IMI (2.6, 26, 260 mg/L) and PS-MPs (3, 30, 300 mg/L), alone and in combination, were exposed to B104 cells for 48 h. The results showed that IMI alone decreased acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents, PS-MPs alone increased ACh and AChE contents, and under the combined condition, the effect of PS-MPs predominated over IMI. Both IMI and PS-MPs alone decreased the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG), indicating oxidative stress, and under the combined condition, the ratio of GSH/GSSG decreased more, but were less than the sum of the decreases that were observed under treatment by both compounds alone. The combined exposure exhibited antagonistic effects on all endpoints. Results of this study provides a scientific basis for the environmental risk assessment of microplastics and neonicotinoid pesticides.

PMID:41441282 | PMC:PMC12737414 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13121060

Membranes (Basel). 2025 Nov 27;15(12):358. doi: 10.3390/membranes15120358.

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), pesticides, and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly detected in surface waters at trace concentrations, raising concerns for both aquatic systems and, consequently, human health. Conventional solutions are insufficient to achieve complete removal at trace compound concentrations, highlighting the need for advanced separation technologies. This study aims to comprehensively analyze rejection and removal mechanisms of selected PhACs, pesticides, and PFAS present in water solutions at reported environmentally relevant concentrations (300 ng L^-1), using two nanofiltration (NF) and one reverse osmosis (RO) polyamide membrane. PhACs, pesticides, and PFAS were selected to cover a broad range of physicochemical properties, specifically molecular mass (MM), dissociation constant (pKa), and octanol-water partition coefficient (logK_o/w). Rejection values ranged from 42.1% (acetaminophen) to apparent 100% (for multiple compounds), depending on water pH, solute properties, and membrane characteristics. Size exclusion and electrostatic interactions were identified as the primary removal mechanisms, with hydrophobic interactions having a lower impact, particularly for carbamazepine, bezafibrate, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Addition of sodium chloride (3 g L^-1) decreased rejection of most negatively charged compounds due to suppression of membrane surface charge, although clarithromycin and ofloxacin exhibited improved rejection. Presented results provide fundamental insight into compound-specific membrane rejection and highlight the importance of membrane-solute interactions under environmentally realistic conditions. The results support further optimization of NF and RO for targeted compound rejection and provide a baseline for data-driven membrane process modeling.

PMID:41441061 | PMC:PMC12734873 | DOI:10.3390/membranes15120358

Food Addit Contam Part B Surveill. 2025 Dec 19:1-6. doi: 10.1080/19393210.2025.2600358. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Jam samples from the Slovenian market, originating from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Serbia, and Slovenia, were analysed for the presence of 40 active substances authorised in the European Union, including 13 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Fourteen active substances were found in apricot, cherry, peach, plum, raspberry, and/or strawberry jam samples. No active substances were found in orange jam samples. By recalculating residues in jam to residues in fruit, using the fruit content in jam and, where possible, the processing factor for jam production, the residues did not exceed the maximum residue levels for fruit. Despite a high percentage of positive samples (65.5%), ecological samples were free from pesticides. Risk assessment indicated acceptable chronic and acute exposure for consumers.

PMID:41416838 | DOI:10.1080/19393210.2025.2600358

Mar Environ Res. 2025 Dec 11;215:107774. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107774. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Marine ecosystems are increasingly exposed to emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and microplastics, raising concerns over their potential ecological impact. This study investigated the eco-genotoxic effects of the antiviral drug acyclovir (ACV), the pesticide imidacloprid (IMD), and 1.0 μm polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in representative marine organisms from different trophic levels: the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum, the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, and the crustacean Artemia franciscana. Ecotoxicity tests showed that PS-MPs were the most toxic to P. tricornutum (EC50 = 8.30 mg/L), followed by IMD (EC50 = 135.83 mg/L) and ACV (EC50 = 177.83 mg/L). Among consumers, B. plicatilis was more sensitive to PS-MPs and ACV (LC50 ∼100 mg/L). PS-MPs showed the lowest short-term toxicity in A. franciscana (<20 % lethality at 200 mg/L). Genotoxicity was observed starting from 20 mg/L for IMD, 2 mg/L for ACV, and 0.2 mg/L for PS-MPs, the latter being the most environmentally concerning. Environmental risk assessment indicated no immediate ecological threat from IMD and PS-MPs at current marine environmental concentrations.

PMID:41418586 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107774

The draft Commission Regulation would update the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set for these substances. The European Food Safety Authority concluded that the data were appropriate to derive or confirm the MRL proposals. Members object on the grounds that acetamiprid, which is authorised until 2033, is a neonicotinoid insecticide associated with significant risks to human health and the environment. They specifically argue that it is neurotoxic and may contribute to infertility in humans. They further argue that is toxic to bees and water-soluble, contaminating wild flora and even organic crops. They contend that the Regulation conflicts with the General Food Law, which requires food law to ensure a high level of human-health protection and to consider the protection of animal health, welfare, plant health and the environment. They add that high import tolerances create a double standard between EU and third-country producers. The Parliament can potentially veto the proposed measure.

Environ Res. 2025 Dec 16;291:123572. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123572. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Early-life exposure to environmental contaminants, such as endocrine disrupting persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), is linked to adverse neonatal outcomes. However, the sex-specific effects of POP mixtures and the potential mediating roles of biological pathways, such as inflammation, remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate these aspects within the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. The study population consisted of newborns (n = 402) from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort, of which cord plasma levels of POPs were quantified using GC-ECNI/MS. Neonatal birth outcomes were derived from anthropometric measurements obtained at birth and via questionnaires completed postpartum. Among the 28 targeted POPs, nine were found in more than 50 % of the samples with CB 170, 180 and 153 detected in over 98 % of them. In single-pollutant models, several PCBs were inversely associated with ponderal index, while CB 118 was positively associated with head circumference in males (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression revealed that in males, the POP mixture was inversely associated with birth weight (β = -141.21, p < 0.05) and ponderal index (β = -0.11, p < 0.01) and positively associated with head circumference (β = 0.53, p < 0.01) and the odds of preterm birth (OR = 2.91, p < 0.05). Conversely, among females, the POP mixture was associated with reduced odds of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (OR = 0.21, p < 0.05) and below normal APGAR scores (OR = 0.39, p < 0.05). Mediation analysis indicated that the association between p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and reduced birth weight/length was significantly mediated by eosinophil levels.

PMID:41412363 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.123572

J Agric Food Chem. 2025 Dec 18. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c09441. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Soil constitutes a major sink for microplastics (MPs). In agricultural soils, microplastics co-occur with pesticides and veterinary medicines like anthelminthics (AHs). Little is known regarding the influence of microplastics on the dissipation of these organic pollutants. We hypothesized (a) that microplastics due to their hydrophobic surfaces would affect the dissipation of the anthelminthic albendazole (ABZ) and the fungicide pyraclostrobin (PYR), and (b) the outcome of this interaction will vary depending on the type (PBAT-based, Starch-based, and LDPE-based) and the concentration (0.1 and 0.01%) of plastics. (c) Besides microplastics, the co-occurrence of ABZ and PYR will influence each other's dissipation. We tested the dissipation of ABZ and PYR in the presence and absence of microplastics in three soils. The dissipation of ABZ was accelerated in the presence of microplastics in Greek soil (DT₅₀ 2.8-8.2 days vs 13.9 days in the control) but not in the other two soils, while microplastics had no effect on the dissipation of PYR in all three soils. No systematic type- or concentration-driven effect of microplastics on ABZ and PYR soil dissipation was observed in the three soils. Regardless of microplastics' presence, ABZ delayed PYR dissipation in Greek soil (DT₅₀ 47.5 to 99.4 days), an effect further exacerbated in the presence of microplastics (DT₅₀ 47.0-59.9 to 72.1-117.5 days). We suggest that complex tripartite interactions between pesticides-anthelminthics-microplastics are operative in agricultural soils affecting the dissipation of pesticides and anthelminthics. These interactions are not considered in the current framework of chemical risk assessment, and they are expected to have serious implications, undermining environmental quality and soil health.

PMID:41410301 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.5c09441

EFSA J. 2025 Dec 15;23(Suppl 1):e231104. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2025.e231104. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Anthropogenic activities, such as industrial processes, urban development, intensive agriculture and waste disposal, have significantly contributed to the continuous introduction and accumulation of a wide array of xenobiotic compounds into natural ecosystems. Among them, emerging contaminants (ECs) such as pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increasing concern due to their persistence, bioactivity and limited regulation. ECs enter ecosystems through diverse pathways including wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff and atmospheric deposition. Once released, many of these xenobiotics can bioaccumulate in organisms and enter the food chain, posing serious risks to food safety and public health. Traditional physico-chemical remediation methods are often insufficient or environmentally taxing, prompting a shift toward bio-based alternatives like bioremediation. These approaches, which rely on the activity of microbial communities to degrade pollutants, offer more sustainable solutions but require further interdisciplinary research to optimise their use. The One Health framework provides an effective model for addressing the complex risks posed by xenobiotics. This research programme aims to harmonise methodologies for cumulative dietary risk assessment across Europe and explore microbial strategies for xenobiotic degradation. By integrating microbiomics, toxicology, environmental science and food safety, this approach supports the development of safer food systems and more effective pollution management in line with the 'farm to fork' and One Health principles.

PMID:41404309 | PMC:PMC12704022 | DOI:10.2903/j.efsa.2025.e231104

medRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Dec 5:2025.12.05.25341559. doi: 10.64898/2025.12.05.25341559.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been reported in human milk. However, prior U.S. studies have not included novel PFAS alternatives of emerging concern or infants' Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of PFAS.

METHODS: Human milk was collected between 2019 and 2020 at 6 weeks after delivery from 100 Cincinnati, Ohio, nursing women participants in the IMPRINT study; 29 PFAS congeners were measured using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We performed descriptive exposure analyses and assessed infant's PFAS EDI from human milk.

RESULTS: All human milk samples contained PFAS. Of the 19 PFAS detected, 5 congeners were concurrently found in ≥ 50% of the samples. Legacy PFAS had the highest detection frequencies and concentrations: 97.7% for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (median concentration: 14.5 ng/L) and 89.8% for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (median: 17.4 ng/L), 71.6% for perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) (median: 3.7 ng/L), and 70.0% for perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (median: 10.4 ng/L). An emerging PFAS, dodecafluoro-3H-4,8-dioxanonanoate (ADONA), was detected in 68.0% of samples (median: 3.5 ng/L). The PFAS with the highest EDI included PFOA (median: 8.6 ng), PFOS (median: 7.1 ng), and PFHxA (median: 5.8 ng). About 98% of samples had PFAS levels above the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) tolerable weekly intake of 4.4 ng/kg body weight/week for the sum of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and perfluorononanoate (PFNA).

CONCLUSIONS: Human milk from women in Cincinnati, Ohio, contained both legacy and emerging PFAS and infants' PFAS consumption through breastfeeding exceeded EFSA tolerable weekly intakes.

PMID:41404286 | PMC:PMC12704623 | DOI:10.64898/2025.12.05.25341559

EFSA J. 2025 Dec 15;23(Suppl 1):e231107. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2025.e231107. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

The focus on this EU-FORA fellowship was to develop a qualitative risk assessment with flowchart as way of communicating the risk assessment transparently at each stage including the indication of data uncertainty and variability. Even though qualitative risk assessments are widely used, they do not always include uncertainty and variability and are not always presented in scenarios, as way of transparent communication. As case studies a microbial pathogen and a contaminant were chosen because they exemplify different types of risk. During this fellowship, a qualitative risk assessment flowchart was developed for Trichinella spp. and per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) for consumers of Latvia and Germany, from consuming wild boar meat. For each potential hazard, a literature search was done. For the flowchart, prevalence and concentration for each hazard were estimated, based on available literature. Furthermore, the flowchart was supplemented with additional nodes, that might increase or decrease the risk for the consumer. In the end, two different qualitative risk assessment flowcharts were developed, out of which, the Trichinella spp. risk assessment has been presented in two conferences.

PMID:41404306 | PMC:PMC12703806 | DOI:10.2903/j.efsa.2025.e231107

EFSA J. 2025 Dec 15;23(Suppl 1):e231104. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2025.e231104. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Anthropogenic activities, such as industrial processes, urban development, intensive agriculture and waste disposal, have significantly contributed to the continuous introduction and accumulation of a wide array of xenobiotic compounds into natural ecosystems. Among them, emerging contaminants (ECs) such as pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increasing concern due to their persistence, bioactivity and limited regulation. ECs enter ecosystems through diverse pathways including wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff and atmospheric deposition. Once released, many of these xenobiotics can bioaccumulate in organisms and enter the food chain, posing serious risks to food safety and public health. Traditional physico-chemical remediation methods are often insufficient or environmentally taxing, prompting a shift toward bio-based alternatives like bioremediation. These approaches, which rely on the activity of microbial communities to degrade pollutants, offer more sustainable solutions but require further interdisciplinary research to optimise their use. The One Health framework provides an effective model for addressing the complex risks posed by xenobiotics. This research programme aims to harmonise methodologies for cumulative dietary risk assessment across Europe and explore microbial strategies for xenobiotic degradation. By integrating microbiomics, toxicology, environmental science and food safety, this approach supports the development of safer food systems and more effective pollution management in line with the 'farm to fork' and One Health principles.

PMID:41404309 | PMC:PMC12704022 | DOI:10.2903/j.efsa.2025.e231104

J Chromatogr A. 2026 Jan 11;1766:466615. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466615. Epub 2025 Dec 10.

ABSTRACT

In this study, a facile and efficient pipette tip-integrated silanized melamine sponge device was developed for the rapid quantification of multi-pesticide residues in cowpea by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. By embedding silanized melamine sponges within a pipette tip architecture, the device facilitates efficient matrix cleanup through simple aspiration-dispensing maneuvers, substantially simplifying sample pretreatment workflows. Comparative evaluations against conventional commercial adsorbents revealed that the proposed system exhibits comparable or enhanced purification performance. Method validation demonstrated that target analytes achieved recoveries spanning 81.0 %-115.4 % across three spiking concentrations, with intra- and inter-day precisions both below 15 %. Additionally, excellent linearity (R²≥0.9985), negligible matrix effects (-18.3 % to 19.8 %), and low limits of detection (0.025-2.40 μg·kg⁻¹) and quantification (0.05-5.00 μg·kg⁻¹) were attained. These findings underscore the considerable potential of the developed purification device for pesticide multi-residue analysis in complex food matrices.

PMID:41406799 | DOI:10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466615

Mar Environ Res. 2025 Dec 11;215:107780. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107780. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The pervasive contamination of aquatic environments by diverse pollutants poses a latent threat to fish population stability by inducing subtle, yet profound, multigenerational impairments. This review synthesizes evidence that chronic, whole-life-cycle exposure to diverse environmental pollutants-including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, inorganic compounds, and biotoxins, compromises reproductive and developmental health in fish crossing multiple generations. This review document how these pollutants disrupt endocrine function, notably via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and induce epigenetic changes, leading to multigenerational deficits in reproduction, altered sex ratios, and behavioral abnormalities. Critically, these effects often manifest or intensify in unexposed offspring, revealing a capacity for heritable damage that is invisible to standard ecotoxicological tests. Furthermore, the combined stress of multiple pollutants or interactions with other environmental stressors may amplify these adverse outcomes. The findings underscore the inadequacy of conventional single-generation risk assessments and highlight the imperative for adopting multigenerational testing frameworks. We advocate for the integration of epigenetic endpoints and population modeling into regulatory paradigms to better forecast long-term ecological risks and inform policies aimed at safeguarding aquatic ecosystem integrity.

PMID:41406754 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107780

Water Res. 2025 Dec 12;291:125163. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.125163. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emerging contaminants (ECs) in drinking water raise growing concerns, yet their profiles and removal efficiencies in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) remain poorly understood. This study employed a combination of nontarget feature-based analysis and nontarget screening (NTS) to profile ECs in influent and effluent samples from eight DWTPs. A total of 12,049 and 15,885 molecular features were detected in summer and winter samples, respectively, reflecting the considerable chemical complexity present in these facilities. Molecular formula assignment and chemical classification revealed a notable increase in halogenated compounds and the dominance of organic acids/derivatives, benzenoids, organoheterocyclic compounds, organic nitrogen compounds, and lipids/lipid-like molecules at the superclass level. A tiered analytical strategy, integrating wide-scope, class-specific, and a SIRIUS-assisted NTS workflow, successfully identified 282 ECs in DWTP influents and effluents, with 99 % exhibiting median concentrations below 10 ng/L and including dozens of novel chlorinated disinfection by-products. Removal efficiencies for food additives, pesticides, and industrial chemicals were significantly higher in summer (35.9‒65.5 %) than in winter (-145‒37.8 %). Transformation products, particularly chlorinated organophosphorus compounds and 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, displayed negative removal efficiencies. Tox21 screening identified 39 estrogenic disruptors, among which estrogen receptor agonists were removed at a median efficiency of 57.5 %. The transformation product 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid was flagged as the highest-priority compound. These findings highlight the persistent challenges in effectively eliminating ECs during drinking water treatment and emphasize the need for improved monitoring and mitigation strategies.

PMID:41401676 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2025.125163

Chemosphere. 2025 Dec 15;394:144802. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144802. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study provides the first integrated assessment of emerging (microplastics, MPs) and legacy (organochlorine pesticides, OCPs; polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs; and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) contaminants in abyssal sediments (>700 m) of the southern Caspian Sea. Vertically resolved cores (0-6 cm) were analyzed to determine compound-specific distributions and persistence. MPs were found only in the surface layer (0-2 cm) at 16 items kg^-1 dw, composed exclusively of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, indicating restricted downward transport. OCPs such as 4,4^'-DDT and Dieldrin declined sharply with depth, whereas transformation products (4,4^'-DDE) and recalcitrant compounds persisted. PCBs were confined to surface sediments, while total PAHs (∑PAHs) increased with depth (49-68 ng g^-1), reflecting stronger contributions from natural petrogenic sources associated with pre-industrial conditions. These results show that the southern Caspian abyss functions as a long-term sink for both emerging and legacy contaminants, governed by hydrographic isolation, weak bottom circulation, and sediment focusing. The co-occurrence of MPs and persistent hydrocarbons underscores the role of enclosed basins in global contaminant storage and long-term pollutant fate.

PMID:41401566 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144802

EFSA J. 2025 Dec 11;23(12):e9815. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9815. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Amphibians (specifically Xenopus laevis) are used as the model species to assess potential endocrine-disrupting properties in non-mammalian species through thyroid modality. The amphibian metamorphosis assay is the most frequently available test. Attempts have been made to modify this protocol in order to make it more fit for purpose and overcome potential limitations. In light of these developments, EFSA, with the support of the Working Group on Endocrine Disruptors, under the auspices of a self-task mandate here endeavours to clarify the pros and cons of newly proposed amphibian protocols when compared with the standard guideline tests. Moreover, recommendations to facilitate the interpretation of findings in relation to changes in thyroid histopathology have been included.

PMID:41394338 | PMC:PMC12696481 | DOI:10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9815

Glob Chall. 2025 Nov 8;9(12):e00395. doi: 10.1002/gch2.202500395. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

The widespread Presence of emerging contaminants (ECs) from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial, agricultural, and urban chemicals/wastes has escalated into a pressing global health concern. Key ECs include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, certain nanomaterials, endocrine disrupting compounds, and pesticides spanning diverse chemical classes, with harmful implications for humans, animals, and the environment. They have been detected in groundwater, surface water, soils, and wastewaters in different concentrations. Bioremediation has been well praised as a green, ecofriendly method among other methods for environmental remediation. Laccase (Lac), a versatile oxidative enzyme, is distinguished by its ability to act on non-phenolic substrates, thereby expanding its utility in EC breakdown. This review delves into the origins of ECs and investigates the pivotal role of Lac in their degradation. Lac is one of the most powerful natural oxidative enzymes and is presently receiving the attention of the science community as an effective and versatile green catalyst for eco-powered cleanup of various contaminants. This review analyses the complex mechanisms behind Lac-mediated degradation and underscores its promise in promoting sustainable water/land resource management. While its wide use still faces different challenges, innovative methodologies such as Lac immobilization are highlighted as effective approaches for enhancing EC removal and advancing environmental conservation. In essence, the review spotlights the ecological implications of Lac in bioremediation and the transformative approaches for its sustainable applications. Through cutting-edge techniques and strategic enzyme deployment, this review offers a forward-looking perspective on Lac in mitigating EC-induced environmental challenges.

PMID:41395583 | PMC:PMC12697079 | DOI:10.1002/gch2.202500395

Glob Chall. 2025 Nov 8;9(12):e00395. doi: 10.1002/gch2.202500395. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

The widespread Presence of emerging contaminants (ECs) from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial, agricultural, and urban chemicals/wastes has escalated into a pressing global health concern. Key ECs include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, certain nanomaterials, endocrine disrupting compounds, and pesticides spanning diverse chemical classes, with harmful implications for humans, animals, and the environment. They have been detected in groundwater, surface water, soils, and wastewaters in different concentrations. Bioremediation has been well praised as a green, ecofriendly method among other methods for environmental remediation. Laccase (Lac), a versatile oxidative enzyme, is distinguished by its ability to act on non-phenolic substrates, thereby expanding its utility in EC breakdown. This review delves into the origins of ECs and investigates the pivotal role of Lac in their degradation. Lac is one of the most powerful natural oxidative enzymes and is presently receiving the attention of the science community as an effective and versatile green catalyst for eco-powered cleanup of various contaminants. This review analyses the complex mechanisms behind Lac-mediated degradation and underscores its promise in promoting sustainable water/land resource management. While its wide use still faces different challenges, innovative methodologies such as Lac immobilization are highlighted as effective approaches for enhancing EC removal and advancing environmental conservation. In essence, the review spotlights the ecological implications of Lac in bioremediation and the transformative approaches for its sustainable applications. Through cutting-edge techniques and strategic enzyme deployment, this review offers a forward-looking perspective on Lac in mitigating EC-induced environmental challenges.

PMID:41395583 | PMC:PMC12697079 | DOI:10.1002/gch2.202500395

Glob Chall. 2025 Nov 8;9(12):e00395. doi: 10.1002/gch2.202500395. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

The widespread Presence of emerging contaminants (ECs) from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial, agricultural, and urban chemicals/wastes has escalated into a pressing global health concern. Key ECs include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, certain nanomaterials, endocrine disrupting compounds, and pesticides spanning diverse chemical classes, with harmful implications for humans, animals, and the environment. They have been detected in groundwater, surface water, soils, and wastewaters in different concentrations. Bioremediation has been well praised as a green, ecofriendly method among other methods for environmental remediation. Laccase (Lac), a versatile oxidative enzyme, is distinguished by its ability to act on non-phenolic substrates, thereby expanding its utility in EC breakdown. This review delves into the origins of ECs and investigates the pivotal role of Lac in their degradation. Lac is one of the most powerful natural oxidative enzymes and is presently receiving the attention of the science community as an effective and versatile green catalyst for eco-powered cleanup of various contaminants. This review analyses the complex mechanisms behind Lac-mediated degradation and underscores its promise in promoting sustainable water/land resource management. While its wide use still faces different challenges, innovative methodologies such as Lac immobilization are highlighted as effective approaches for enhancing EC removal and advancing environmental conservation. In essence, the review spotlights the ecological implications of Lac in bioremediation and the transformative approaches for its sustainable applications. Through cutting-edge techniques and strategic enzyme deployment, this review offers a forward-looking perspective on Lac in mitigating EC-induced environmental challenges.

PMID:41395583 | PMC:PMC12697079 | DOI:10.1002/gch2.202500395