Food Safety

J Food Sci. 2025 Dec;90(12):e70716. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.70716.

ABSTRACT

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into food packaging systems is transforming traditional packaging from passive containment into an intelligent, adaptive component of food quality management. This review provides a critical and systematic evaluation of AI-driven packaging technologies published between 2015 and 2025, retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore databases using defined keywords related to AI, machine learning, and smart packaging. It examines how algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and support vector machines are integrated with embedded sensors, computer vision, and edge analytics to enable real-time spoilage prediction, microbial risk detection, and supply-chain traceability. The analysis incorporates model performance indicators precision, recall, and coefficient of determination (R²) and assesses limitations associated with dataset imbalance, energy consumption, and model transferability. Regulatory frameworks from European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and Codex Alimentarius are reviewed alongside sustainability aspects concerning life-cycle impacts, e-waste, and biodegradable AI components. Industrial implementations, including SpoilerAlert, Aryballe, and Tetra Pak's connected systems, demonstrate the transition toward commercial adoption. The review concludes by defining future directions for developing scalable, ethical, and resource-efficient AI-enabled packaging systems aligned with global food safety and circular economy objectives.

PMID:41316858 | DOI:10.1111/1750-3841.70716

J Appl Toxicol. 2025 Nov 29. doi: 10.1002/jat.70011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Humans are chronically exposed to mixtures of environmental contaminants. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) contributes to increased health impairment observed globally. This study aimed to evaluate the endocrine-disruptive and oxidative stress potential of a human-relevant, complex chemical mixture in vitro. By testing chemical class subgroup mixtures, the identity of toxicological drivers and mixture additivity could be investigated. A 50-component mixture was compiled based on Swedish human blood concentrations (xHBC), consisting of six subgroup mixtures: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PCB mixture), brominated flame retardants (BFR mixture), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS mixture), pesticide mixture, synthetic phenolic contaminants (phenol mixture), and phthalate mixture. These were tested in four chemically activated luciferase gene expression (CALUX) assays: dioxin responsive (DR-), estrogen receptor α (ERα-), androgen receptor. (AR-), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-CALUX, along with an adipocyte cell assay. The total mixture caused significant agonistic activity in DR- and ER-, and antagonistic activity in AR-CALUX at 0.1-15 xHBC, depending on the assay. Mixture additivity was assessed in ERα-, DR-, and anti-AR-CALUX using subgroup mixtures and the concentration addition (CA) model. The total mixture followed the CA model in ERα-, anti-AR- and DR-CALUX. The toxicological drivers of these activities were mainly the PCB and phenol mixture. A significant increase in differentiated adipocytes was observed at 100 xHBC. These results raise concerns regarding potential health effects on the endocrine system. The additive effects at human-relevant concentrations observed in this study motivate considering mixtures in regulatory contexts to protect the well-being of future generations.

PMID:41317044 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70011

J Appl Toxicol. 2025 Nov 29. doi: 10.1002/jat.70011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Humans are chronically exposed to mixtures of environmental contaminants. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) contributes to increased health impairment observed globally. This study aimed to evaluate the endocrine-disruptive and oxidative stress potential of a human-relevant, complex chemical mixture in vitro. By testing chemical class subgroup mixtures, the identity of toxicological drivers and mixture additivity could be investigated. A 50-component mixture was compiled based on Swedish human blood concentrations (xHBC), consisting of six subgroup mixtures: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PCB mixture), brominated flame retardants (BFR mixture), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS mixture), pesticide mixture, synthetic phenolic contaminants (phenol mixture), and phthalate mixture. These were tested in four chemically activated luciferase gene expression (CALUX) assays: dioxin responsive (DR-), estrogen receptor α (ERα-), androgen receptor. (AR-), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-CALUX, along with an adipocyte cell assay. The total mixture caused significant agonistic activity in DR- and ER-, and antagonistic activity in AR-CALUX at 0.1-15 xHBC, depending on the assay. Mixture additivity was assessed in ERα-, DR-, and anti-AR-CALUX using subgroup mixtures and the concentration addition (CA) model. The total mixture followed the CA model in ERα-, anti-AR- and DR-CALUX. The toxicological drivers of these activities were mainly the PCB and phenol mixture. A significant increase in differentiated adipocytes was observed at 100 xHBC. These results raise concerns regarding potential health effects on the endocrine system. The additive effects at human-relevant concentrations observed in this study motivate considering mixtures in regulatory contexts to protect the well-being of future generations.

PMID:41317044 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70011

Environ Int. 2025 Nov 22;206:109953. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109953. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Halogenated persistent organic pollutants (Hal-POPs) are endocrine disruptors that posing risks to fetal development via transplacental transfer. This study utilized neonatal meconium, a non-invasive matrix reflecting cumulative exposure during the second- and third-trimester, to assess prenatal levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in 271 mother-infant pairs from Guangzhou, China. The associations between Hal-POP exposure, neonatal sex hormones, and birth size Z-scores [weight (BWZ), length (BLZ), head circumference (HCZ)], as well as the potential hormonal mediation were explored. Results showed ubiquitous Hal-POP detection, with 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (4:2 FTSA; median: 0.53 nmol/g), BDE-47 (0.11 nmol/g), and p, p'-DDE (0.04 nmol/g) being the dominant chemicals within their respective classes. 4:2 FTSA levels were higher in male neonates (p < 0.05). Generalized linear models (GLMs) revealed sex-specific endocrine association of 4:2 FTSA, elevating androgens [testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)] and reducing estrogens [estrone (E1) and estriol (E3)] and progesterone (P4) in males, whereas only decreasing E1 modestly in females. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) identified PFASs (Group-PIP ≥ 0.98) as the primary contributors to elevated androgen (T and DHT) and reduced E3, with 4:2 FTSA as the key driver (Cond-PIP ≥ 0.95). Mediation analyses revealed that both E1 and E3 mediated 22.2 % of the negative association between 4:2 FTSA and BLZ. Sex-stratified analyses showed E3 mediated 22.8 % of this relationship in males, while exerted a suppression effect on the 4:2 FTSA-HCZ associations in females. Molecular docking revealed that 4:2 FTSA exhibits high-affinity binding to key steroidogenic enzymes (including CYP19A1, 17β-HSD1, AKR1C2, and AKR1C3), suggesting direct disruption on steroid hormone synthesis. This study highlights the endocrine-disrupting potential of emerging PFAS alternatives and their sex-specific effects on fetal growth, providing critical evidence for targeted strategies to reduce prenatal Hal-POP exposure and associated developmental risks.

PMID:41317605 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109953

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 28;308:119438. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119438. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental xenobiotics, encompassing a wide spectrum of chemical pollutants such as particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pesticides, and emerging contaminants like nanomaterials and microplastics, have been increasingly implicated in impairing lung tissue function. These agents enter the body primarily through inhalation, particularly via outdoor air pollution, indoor contaminants, and occupational exposures, with additional contributions from ingestion and dermal absorption. Studies investigating these pollutants employ diverse exposure assessment methods, including environmental and biological monitoring, model-based estimations, and questionnaire-based tools. Lung function assessment spans from clinical spirometry and imaging to experimental histopathology and molecular biomarker analyses. Mechanistic evidence reveals that xenobiotics induce lung injury through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, epithelial barrier disruption, and epigenetic alterations. These processes lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. Key signaling pathways implicated include activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), promoting pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic responses. Furthermore, pollutant-induced epithelial permeability and fibrotic remodeling via TGF-β signaling exacerbate lung tissue damage and functional decline. While spirometry is widely used in population studies, it lacks sensitivity for early pathophysiological changes, necessitating integration with molecular and imaging approaches. Experimental models and in vitro studies provide valuable mechanistic insight, though challenges remain in translating findings to human populations. Current research underscores the complexity of real-world exposure scenarios and highlights the need for harmonized, multidisciplinary approaches combining environmental, biological, and molecular data. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence across epidemiological and experimental studies, aiming to elucidate the biological pathways by which xenobiotic exposure compromises lung tissue function and to inform future research and regulatory strategies.

PMID:41317616 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119438

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 28;308:119438. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119438. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental xenobiotics, encompassing a wide spectrum of chemical pollutants such as particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pesticides, and emerging contaminants like nanomaterials and microplastics, have been increasingly implicated in impairing lung tissue function. These agents enter the body primarily through inhalation, particularly via outdoor air pollution, indoor contaminants, and occupational exposures, with additional contributions from ingestion and dermal absorption. Studies investigating these pollutants employ diverse exposure assessment methods, including environmental and biological monitoring, model-based estimations, and questionnaire-based tools. Lung function assessment spans from clinical spirometry and imaging to experimental histopathology and molecular biomarker analyses. Mechanistic evidence reveals that xenobiotics induce lung injury through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, epithelial barrier disruption, and epigenetic alterations. These processes lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. Key signaling pathways implicated include activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), promoting pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic responses. Furthermore, pollutant-induced epithelial permeability and fibrotic remodeling via TGF-β signaling exacerbate lung tissue damage and functional decline. While spirometry is widely used in population studies, it lacks sensitivity for early pathophysiological changes, necessitating integration with molecular and imaging approaches. Experimental models and in vitro studies provide valuable mechanistic insight, though challenges remain in translating findings to human populations. Current research underscores the complexity of real-world exposure scenarios and highlights the need for harmonized, multidisciplinary approaches combining environmental, biological, and molecular data. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence across epidemiological and experimental studies, aiming to elucidate the biological pathways by which xenobiotic exposure compromises lung tissue function and to inform future research and regulatory strategies.

PMID:41317616 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119438

Environ Int. 2025 Nov 22;206:109953. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109953. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Halogenated persistent organic pollutants (Hal-POPs) are endocrine disruptors that posing risks to fetal development via transplacental transfer. This study utilized neonatal meconium, a non-invasive matrix reflecting cumulative exposure during the second- and third-trimester, to assess prenatal levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in 271 mother-infant pairs from Guangzhou, China. The associations between Hal-POP exposure, neonatal sex hormones, and birth size Z-scores [weight (BWZ), length (BLZ), head circumference (HCZ)], as well as the potential hormonal mediation were explored. Results showed ubiquitous Hal-POP detection, with 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (4:2 FTSA; median: 0.53 nmol/g), BDE-47 (0.11 nmol/g), and p, p'-DDE (0.04 nmol/g) being the dominant chemicals within their respective classes. 4:2 FTSA levels were higher in male neonates (p < 0.05). Generalized linear models (GLMs) revealed sex-specific endocrine association of 4:2 FTSA, elevating androgens [testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)] and reducing estrogens [estrone (E1) and estriol (E3)] and progesterone (P4) in males, whereas only decreasing E1 modestly in females. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) identified PFASs (Group-PIP ≥ 0.98) as the primary contributors to elevated androgen (T and DHT) and reduced E3, with 4:2 FTSA as the key driver (Cond-PIP ≥ 0.95). Mediation analyses revealed that both E1 and E3 mediated 22.2 % of the negative association between 4:2 FTSA and BLZ. Sex-stratified analyses showed E3 mediated 22.8 % of this relationship in males, while exerted a suppression effect on the 4:2 FTSA-HCZ associations in females. Molecular docking revealed that 4:2 FTSA exhibits high-affinity binding to key steroidogenic enzymes (including CYP19A1, 17β-HSD1, AKR1C2, and AKR1C3), suggesting direct disruption on steroid hormone synthesis. This study highlights the endocrine-disrupting potential of emerging PFAS alternatives and their sex-specific effects on fetal growth, providing critical evidence for targeted strategies to reduce prenatal Hal-POP exposure and associated developmental risks.

PMID:41317605 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109953

Animals (Basel). 2025 Nov 20;15(22):3351. doi: 10.3390/ani15223351.

ABSTRACT

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a naturally occurring contaminant pervasively found in agricultural produce, exhibiting extremely high carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and immunotoxicity, thereby constituting a substantial menace to worldwide food security and public health. Consequently, developing green and efficient degradation strategies for AFB1 is highly important. The intestinal tract of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) contains complex, functionally diverse microbial communities that function as microbial reactors to degrade emerging environmental pollutants such as pesticides, microplastics, mycotoxins, and antibiotics. This functional characteristic offers a novel approach for mitigating AFB1 contamination. In this review, we systematically summarize the currently reported AFB1 degradation methods, focusing on the biological mode of action of the intestinal microbiota of BSFL. We elaborate on the efficacy of BSFL in AFB1 detoxification in terms of the host-microorganism co-degradation mechanism and discuss the core intestinal microbiota of BSFL and the main microbial degradation pathways involved in AFB1 metabolism during degradation. Given the low cost, high efficiency, safety, and sustainability of using the BSFL as living microbial reactors in which the core gut microbiota and the larval host detoxifying enzyme system synergistically degrade AFB1, this study provides a scientific reference for managing AFB1 pollution to overcome food security issues.

PMID:41302058 | PMC:PMC12649714 | DOI:10.3390/ani15223351

Toxics. 2025 Oct 30;13(11):931. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110931.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants frequently detected in animal-derived foods, raising concerns for consumer health. In 2020, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established a group tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg bw per week for four PFAS (PFOA, PFNA, PFOS, PFHxS) based on immunotoxicity, prompting the European Commission to set maximum levels in food. However, many other PFAS are present in the diet, and their cumulative risk is poorly characterized. This study applied the Relative Potency Factor (RPF) approach, using hepatic toxicity as the reference endpoint. The RPF approach addresses a key challenge in assessing human dietary exposure to PFAS by enabling cumulative risk assessment for complex mixtures found in food, moving beyond single-compound evaluations. Occurrence data from EFSA's 2020 opinion were combined with European consumption data for fish, meat, eggs, and milk across four population groups (toddlers, adolescents, adults, elderly). Exposure estimates, expressed in PFOA equivalents, were compared with the group TWI. Results showed toddlers as the most vulnerable, with cumulative exposure approaching or exceeding TWI through fish, meat, and eggs, while milk contributed less. PFOS and PFOA were the main contributors across all food categories, with PFNA and PFDA also relevant, especially in younger populations. The findings highlight the added value of the RPF approach for cumulative PFAS risk assessment and emphasize the need for updated monitoring, refinement of potency factors for under-studied PFAS, and continued regulatory measures to protect high-risk consumers.

PMID:41304483 | PMC:PMC12656023 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110931

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2025 Nov 27:vjaf176. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjaf176. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobials pose ecological risks in aquatic environments, particularly to cyanobacteria, aquatic plants and green algae, and with the potential to disrupt microbiomes upon which all biota rely. Beyond direct toxicity, these chemicals also contribute to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, posing risks to human, animal (including wildlife) and plant crop health, particularly through wastewater discharges and water reuse. Despite these concerns, Australia and New Zealand currently lack environmental water quality guideline values for antimicrobials. Furthermore, existing guideline value derivation frameworks for this region do not consider environmental endpoints to protect against antimicrobial resistance. This study critically reviews international approaches to estimating antimicrobial hazards to identify possible improvements for use in Australia and New Zealand. Through a co-design process with stakeholders across the water sector, a method for deriving guideline values using species sensitivity distributions was developed that integrates both traditional toxicity and antimicrobial resistance endpoints. Critically, the approach includes microbiome data, essential for capturing the impacts of antimicrobials on complex aquatic microbial communities. A case study with ciprofloxacin demonstrated that combining microbiome and single-species data in species sensitivity distributions provides a scientifically robust and data-efficient approach for developing environmental guideline values for antimicrobials. The framework may also have applicability to other contaminants known to influence antimicrobial resistance, such as other pharmaceuticals, metals, pesticides and microplastics. We also identified critical gaps that remain barriers to implementing antimicrobial resistance-inclusive frameworks for deriving water quality guideline values applicable to Australia and New Zealand.

PMID:41308172 | DOI:10.1093/inteam/vjaf176

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2025 Nov 12;15(22):1712. doi: 10.3390/nano15221712.

ABSTRACT

Iron-based catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation represent a cornerstone of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in environmental remediation, prized for their cost-effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and high catalytic potential. These catalysts, including zero-valent iron, iron oxides, and iron-organic frameworks, activate PMS/PDS through heterogeneous and homogeneous pathways to generate reactive species such as sulfate radicals (SO₄•^-) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). However, their large-scale implementation is constrained by inefficient iron cycling, characterized by sluggish Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ conversion and significant iron precipitation, leading to catalyst passivation and oxidant wastage. This comprehensive review systematically dissects innovative strategies to augment iron cycling efficiency, encompassing advanced material design through elemental doping, heterostructure construction, and defect engineering; system optimization via reductant incorporation, bimetallic synergy, and pH modulation; and external field assistance using light, electricity, or ultrasound. We present a mechanistic deep-dive into these approaches, emphasizing facilitated electron transfer, suppression of iron precipitation, and precise regulation of radical versus non-radical pathways. The performance in degrading persistent organic pollutants-including antibiotics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and pesticides-in complex environmental matrices is critically evaluated. We further discuss practical challenges related to scalability, long-term stability, and secondary environmental risks. Finally, forward-looking directions are proposed, focusing on rational catalyst design, integration of sustainable processes, and scalable implementation, thereby providing a foundational framework for developing next-generation iron-persulfate catalytic systems.

PMID:41295619 | PMC:PMC12655755 | DOI:10.3390/nano15221712

Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 24;15(1):41672. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-25638-5.

ABSTRACT

Doogh is a traditional Iranian yogurt-based drink that is served flavored or unflavored and carbonated or non-carbonated. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting analyte, which poses significant dangers to public health. The goal of our investigation was to assess the BPA content in doogh samples from Tehran along with risk assessment by using the Monte Carlo method. A nano-adsorbent of magnetized iron-based multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-Fe₃O₄) was used with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to evaluate the mentioned contaminant. The average amount of BPA in doogh samples was 3.50 µg/L (ranged 0.63 to 6.75 µg/L). BPA concentrations in all doogh samples were within the standard limit. In addition, the health risks of BPA intake through doogh were assessed. The results of multivariate statistical evaluation highlighted the relationship between BPA concentrations and independent variables (volume, brand, packaging type, storage conditions, pH, fat, salt, and trans fatty acid content). According to the updated tolerable daily intake (TDI) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the 50th percentile for the target hazard quotient of BPA in doogh samples was 2.22E + 0 for adults and 7.83E + 0 for children (THQ > 1). This evidence suggests chronic consumption of doogh from plastic or metal containers may endanger human health. The intake of BPA through doogh samples poses adverse health risks to Iranian consumers.

PMID:41285985 | PMC:PMC12644895 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-25638-5

Curr Environ Health Rep. 2025 Nov 25;12(1):48. doi: 10.1007/s40572-025-00515-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) disrupt the synthesis, transport, action, or metabolism of endogenous hormones in the human body. EDCs often enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact and can accumulate in the body. Remobilization or transfer of EDCs can occur during lactation, causing human milk to become contaminated with a variety of EDCs, which could expose nursing infants and children to these chemicals.

RECENT FINDINGS: Several studies have examined the concentration ranges for one or multiple EDC(s) in human milk. Additional studies document associations between EDC exposure and adverse health outcomes, many of which are in adult populations. It is therefore essential to understand the extent to which EDCs in human milk contribute to cumulative early-life exposures.

SUMMARY: We performed a literature review of peer-reviewed studies reporting concentrations of one or more of the following EDCs in human milk during or after 2004: bisphenols, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), parabens, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and phthalates. We identified concentration ranges for each chemical detected in human milk and health impacts associated with early-life exposures to EDCs noted across studies from this review. Determining the presence of EDCs in human milk and the associated effects of exposure through nursing is essential to develop feeding recommendations that safeguard infant and child health.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40572-025-00515-5.

PMID:41286197 | PMC:PMC12644229 | DOI:10.1007/s40572-025-00515-5

Curr Environ Health Rep. 2025 Nov 25;12(1):48. doi: 10.1007/s40572-025-00515-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) disrupt the synthesis, transport, action, or metabolism of endogenous hormones in the human body. EDCs often enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact and can accumulate in the body. Remobilization or transfer of EDCs can occur during lactation, causing human milk to become contaminated with a variety of EDCs, which could expose nursing infants and children to these chemicals.

RECENT FINDINGS: Several studies have examined the concentration ranges for one or multiple EDC(s) in human milk. Additional studies document associations between EDC exposure and adverse health outcomes, many of which are in adult populations. It is therefore essential to understand the extent to which EDCs in human milk contribute to cumulative early-life exposures.

SUMMARY: We performed a literature review of peer-reviewed studies reporting concentrations of one or more of the following EDCs in human milk during or after 2004: bisphenols, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), parabens, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and phthalates. We identified concentration ranges for each chemical detected in human milk and health impacts associated with early-life exposures to EDCs noted across studies from this review. Determining the presence of EDCs in human milk and the associated effects of exposure through nursing is essential to develop feeding recommendations that safeguard infant and child health.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40572-025-00515-5.

PMID:41286197 | PMC:PMC12644229 | DOI:10.1007/s40572-025-00515-5

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Nov 23. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c11490. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in beauty products pose a potential human exposure risk through dermal contact. To better understand the potential exposure risk, PFAS were analyzed in 64 beauty products. Target analysis indicated that long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (C8-C9 PFCAs) appeared at high detection frequencies but low levels across all products, while C4-C7 PFCAs were detected at high levels in the products labeled with fluorinated ingredients (F-listed products). Total oxidizable precursor assay revealed widespread presence of perfluoroalkyl acid precursors in 95% of the samples, with levels in three of the F-listed products reaching nearly 1000 times the ∑_targetPFCAs. Suspect and nontarget analysis based on high-resolution mass spectrometry identified 20 emerging PFAS, including ultrashort-chain, ether-containing, fluorotelomer- and perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide-derived PFAS. Semiquantification using structurally similar standards showed that the ∑_emergingPFAS level ranged from 1.26 ng/g to 6.54 μg/g, with higher concentrations in the F-listed products. It is predicted that transdermal absorption via using F-listed cosmetics serves as the second most significant PFAS exposure route in the general population, with the median estimated ∑PFAS exposure level (1.28 ng/kg bw/day) exceeding the EFSA's recommended threshold. Our findings underscore that fluorinated ingredients in beauty products may introduce high levels of PFAS and pose a potential exposure risk, warranting further attention.

PMID:41276955 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c11490

iScience. 2025 Oct 21;28(11):113822. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113822. eCollection 2025 Nov 21.

ABSTRACT

Environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) affect the immune system and influence the development of autoimmune diseases (ADs). However, a comprehensive summary of the relationship between EDCs and ADs has not been developed. Consequently, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous observational studies examining the association between exposure to EDCs and AD outcomes. We searched relevant literature published from January 2008 to the present, which ultimately included 19 studies. The synthesis of evidence demonstrated a positive association between AD risk and exposure to major EDC classes such as bisphenols (strongest association: OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.27-4.45), organochlorine pesticides, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This trend was not observed for polychlorinated biphenyls. These findings position EDC exposure as a potential risk factor for ADs, yet the mechanistic pathways require elucidation. Future high-quality longitudinal and experimental studies are essential to confirm these relationships and explore the underlying biology.

PMID:41280698 | PMC:PMC12637241 | DOI:10.1016/j.isci.2025.113822

Toxicol In Vitro. 2025 Nov 20;111:106178. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2025.106178. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Glyphosate (GLY) is among the most widely used pesticides globally. Emerging evidence suggests that GLY-based herbicides (GBHs) are more toxic than GLY alone. In this study, we used HepG2 cells expressing mitochondrial-targeted Hyper7 to monitor H₂O₂ production and performed RNA sequencing to compare transcriptomic responses to GLY and a commercial GBH formulation. GBH exposure significantly elevated mitochondrial H₂O₂ levels compared to control and GLY-treated cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of gene ontology (GO) terms associated with oxidative stress and response to hydrogen peroxide, alongside downregulation of antioxidant enzyme genes and reduced PRDX3 protein, indicating impaired redox homeostasis in GBH-exposed cells. GBH also induced ER stress, marked by increased expression of stress-related genes (Ern1, Ddit3) and enrichment of GO terms for the unfolded protein response. GBH treatment upregulated genes involved in autophagy and apoptosis (Sqstm1, Bbc3, Map1lc3b), suggesting progressive stress response. Additionally, in GBH-treated cells metabolic pathways were altered, with higher expression of Atf3 and Ppargc1a, and enrichment of GO terms including response to glucose and lipid metabolism regulation These results indicate that GBH triggers complex stress and metabolic changes distinct from GLY alone, highlighting the importance of assessing full formulations to better evaluate potential health risks.

PMID:41274613 | DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2025.106178

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 20;307:119401. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119401. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) poses potential health concern. Following the European Food Safety Authority's 2023 re-assessment of tolerable daily intake for BPA, the exposure risks and reference values of these bisphenols in Taiwan remain unclear. This study aimed to establish the human urinary reference values of BPA and its substitutes and identify exposure-related risk factors using biomonitoring data.

METHODS: We analyzed urinary BPA, BPF and BPS in 1964 participants from the Taiwan Environmental Survey for Toxicants (TEST 2013-2016), covering major regions and age groups of the Taiwanese population, and stratified by sex and age (7-11, 12-17, 18-39, 40-64, and ≥65 years). Urinary bisphenol concentrations were quantified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: Bisphenol levels were significantly associated with personal care product use, diet, medication, and plastic use (p < 0.001). BPF showed the highest median levels (8.09 μg/g creatinine), followed by BPA (7.71 μg/g creatinine) and BPS (1.93 μg/g creatinine). Adults exhibited significantly higher concentrations of BPA and its substitutes than minors (BPA: 8.89 vs. 5.80; BPF:9.06 vs. 6.32; BPS: 2.18 vs.1.50 μg/g creatinine), with women showing higher BPs levels than men. Bisphenol levels increased with age, peaking in individuals aged ≥ 65 years. Daily intake was highest for BPF across all age groups, exceeding that of BPA and BPS. In contrast, estimated DI and hazard index (HI) were higher among minors than adults (BPA DI: 2.61 vs. 2.15; BPF DI: 2.84 vs. 2.19; BPS DI: 0.71 vs. 0.53 ng/kg bw/day). Using the EFSA 2023 tolerable daily intake (TDI), hazard quotient and index exceeded 1 across all groups, indicating potential health concern.

CONCLUSION: Taiwanese residents are exposed to BPA and its substitutes, with women and minors, being at an increased risk of exposure. The findings highlight the need for continued biomonitoring and risk evaluation of bisphenol substitutes to inform evidence-based exposure reduction strategies.

PMID:41270583 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119401

Reprod Toxicol. 2025 Nov 19:109115. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109115. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a pesticide and persistent endocrine disruptor. This study examined how PCP and its metabolite tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TCBQ) inhibit human (h3β-HSD2) and rat (r3β-HSD1) gonadal steroidogenic enzymes. In vitro assays using human KGN cells and rat testicular microsomes showed PCP moderately inhibited h3β-HSD2 (IC₅₀: 22.55μM, mixed inhibitor), while TCBQ was more potent (IC₅₀: 6.42μM). PCP (25-50μM) significantly reduced progesterone in KGN cells, whereas TCBQ suppressed it at ≥1μM. In rats, PCP weakly inhibited r3β-HSD1 (IC₅₀: 32.03μM), but TCBQ was far stronger (IC₅₀: 41nM, mixed/noncompetitive). Molecular docking revealed both compounds bind to the enzyme's steroid/NAD⁺ site, with TCBQ covalently attaching to Cys123 via Michael addition. Dithiothreitol (DTT) partially reversed TCBQ's inhibition but not PCP's, suggesting differing mechanisms. Findings indicate PCP's metabolic activation to TCBQ drives its stronger endocrine-disrupting effects, highlighting TCBQ's role as a potent 3β-HSD inhibitor in both species.

PMID:41270842 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109115

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2025 Nov 19:104872. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2025.104872. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, soil pollution from emerging contaminants has attracted significant global attention. These contaminants comprise a wide range of substances, including industrial by-products, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, microplastics, phthalates, nanomaterials, and their transformation products. Their diverse nature and persistence in environment pose serious threats to soil functionality, plant health. Every year, the production and discharge of these compounds contribute to their extensive distribution worldwide. Many of these emerging contaminants exhibit strong soil adsorption and bioaccumulation capacity within food webs, leading to their persistence in both terrestrial and aquatic systems leading to complex, often unpredictable ecological consequences. This review synthesizes recent findings on the sources and environmental impacts of emerging contaminants, with a particular focus on plants. It highlights their effects on plant growth, the mechanisms of phytotoxicity, and the broader implications for crop productivity, soil health, and agricultural sustainability. By elucidating the interactions between these contaminants and plant systems, this work also underscores the need for effective mitigation strategies to protect ecosystems, food security, and human well-being.

PMID:41270919 | DOI:10.1016/j.etap.2025.104872

Xenobiotica. 2025 Nov 20:1-21. doi: 10.1080/00498254.2025.2592099. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This investigation was planned to evaluate the mechanistic interactions of Imidacloprid (IM) and Chlorothalonil (CL), inducing endocrine disruptions after 28 days of oral administration.Male Wistar rats were divided into a control (CR) and three treatment groups, receiving IM (45 mg/kg), CL (300 mg/kg), and an admixture of IM and CL.The gathered findings indicate that IM and CL induced spuriously abnormal thyroid hormone measurements distinguished by a decrement in circulating levels of T3, T4, with a normal/slight increase in TSH concentration. Equally, a sharp decline in insulin levels was recorded in the IM (0.46 ± 0.33 pmol/L) and CL (2.08 ± 0.43 Pmol/L) groups compared to the healthy specimens (8.21 ± 0.014 Pmol/L). Additionally, high plasma alanine transferase (ALT/SGPT) and aspartate transferase (AST/SGOT) levels, as well as alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P) and metabolite concentrations, including serum creatinine (SCR), uric acid (SUA), and urea levels, were recorded in all treated groups. Both IM and CL significantly compromised the antioxidant defense system by increasing the MDA level, decreasing the GSH content, and inhibiting the activity of CAT and SOD.We systematically investigated the binding affinity and the potential inhibitory effects of IM and CL on a series of enzymes integral to the blood transport and receptor binding of THs, such as MCT8 and TSHR. A significant binding affinity of IM and CL to these proteins was observed, suggesting the possibility of competitive or allosteric inhibition. The MD simulations revealed the strong and stable interactions between IM, CL, MCT8, and TSH-R. MMGBSA energies showed that both pesticides compete with hormones at active sites, indicating their potential to modulate key enzymes involved in thyroid hormone transport and action.Therefore, it is anticipated that this result supply beneficial knowledge for future therapeutic endeavors.

PMID:41263615 | DOI:10.1080/00498254.2025.2592099

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jan 1;388:127395. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127395. Epub 2025 Nov 19.

ABSTRACT

The extensive use of pesticides and agricultural plastic films has created emerging environmental challenges, with accumulating evidence showing their co-occurrence in soils. This coexistence raises serious concerns about their combined ecological impacts, particularly their potential synergistic effects that remain poorly understood and require urgent investigation. In this study, we evaluated the ecological toxicity effects of boscalid (BOS, 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg) and polystyrene microplastics (PE MPs, 15 and 150 μm) combined exposure on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) from changes in oxidative defense system, intestinal structural function, and metabolic phenotypes. Our findings demonstrated that co-exposure to BOS and PE MPs significantly inhibited earthworm growth and induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, the combined treatment disrupted intestinal barrier integrity. Metabolomics analysis revealed substantial perturbations in earthworm metabolic profiles, suggesting systemic physiological dysregulation. Notably, the toxicological interactions between BOS and PE MPs were dose- and size-dependent, with higher pesticide concentrations and greater MPs exacerbating adverse effects. Collectively, this study highlights that agricultural plastic residues could synergistically enhance the toxicity of co-occurring pesticides, underscoring the need for greater environmental and regulatory scrutiny of such combined pollutants.

PMID:41265821 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127395

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 17;307:119417. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119417. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pesticides are recognized as prominent toxicants in aqueous ecosystems, which frequently impact aquatic life. The pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin (LDC) and the triazole fungicide difenoconazole (DFC) are frequently co-detected in many water sources. However, the joint harmful effects of these chemicals on fish are still poorly understood. In this study, a 30-day co-exposure experiment was conducted using LDC and DFC on the hook snout carp (Opsariichthys bidens) to assess their toxic impacts on hepatic tissues. Biochemical assays demonstrated a significant increase in catalase (CAT) and caspase-3 (CASP-3) activities of hepatic cells following exposure to either LDC or DFC alone, as well as their combination. Notably, the combined exposure group exhibited a more pronounced elevation in these enzymatic activities compared to individual exposures, suggesting enhanced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. At the molecular level, exposure to both pesticides, either individually or in combination, caused erβ1 and socs3a to be downregulated and cxcl-c1c to be upregulated. Consistent with the biochemical findings, the combined exposure had a more substantial impact on gene expression than the individual exposures, indicating heightened immunotoxic and endocrine-disrupting effects. The synergistic interaction between LDC and DFC suggested that their co-presence exacerbates toxicity in fish liver, revealing underlying mechanisms of oxidative damage, mitochondrial impairment, and immune dysregulation. These findings provide insightful knowledge that could inform chemical regulatory guidelines for pesticide application and management in agricultural settings, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of these commonly used agrochemicals.

PMID:41252975 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119417

Reprod Toxicol. 2025 Nov 16;139:109112. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109112. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pesticides are widespread in the environment and suspected endocrine disruptors that may interfere with sex hormones. Following the chlorpyrifos ban in 2020, use of alternative pesticides has increased; 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) remains widely used. This study examined the association between maternal pesticide exposure and pituitary, gonadal, and adrenal hormones in offspring during infancy.

METHODS: We recruited pregnant women from 2010 to 2012 in the Odense Child Cohort, including 489 mother-child pairs. Maternal urinary concentrations of the generic pyrethroid metabolite 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), the chlorpyrifos metabolite 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPY), and the herbicide 2,4-D were measured at gestational week 28. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), Androstenedione (Adione), and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were assessed in infancy. Associations between prenatal pesticide exposure and offspring reproductive hormones (expressed as age- and sex-specific standard deviation (SD) scores) were assessed using multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS: In girls, higher maternal urinary TCPY and 2,4-D concentrations were associated with lower LH (-0.07 SD, 95 % CI: - 0.13; - 0.01 and - 0.06 SD, 95 % CI: - 0.11; - 0.02, per 1 µg/L increase, respectively); there were trends towards associations between 3-PBA, TCPY, 2,4-D and lower LH, FSH, E1 and E2, respectively. No associations were seen in boys.

CONCLUSION: In this low-exposed cohort, prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos and 2,4-D may affect the reproductive hormones in girls, but not boys, during minipuberty, which may have long-term implications. This is of public health concern given the fact that > 90 % of participants were exposed.

PMID:41253260 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109112

Environ Int. 2025 Nov 14;206:109927. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109927. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exposure to environmental chemicals is suspected to influence attentional function, yet causal evidence is inconsistent. We triangulated multiple lines of evidence to estimate the effects of prenatal and childhood exposure to environmental chemicals on adolescent attention problems.

METHODS: We followed 1,658 participants in the European Human Early-Life Exposome cohort. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), metals, phenols, and phthalate and organophosphate pesticide (OPP) metabolites were measured during pregnancy and childhood. Adolescent attention problems were evaluated with the Child Behavior Checklist. Evidence was triangulated across single-pollutant regression models, negative-control designs, instrumental-variable (IV) regression and Mendelian Randomization (MR). We estimated mixture effects using the parametric g-formula.

RESULTS: In single exposure models, higher levels of several chemicals were associated with fewer attentional problems (prenatal PFOS, β_0→1 and 95 % confidence interval (CI) for a unit increase from 0 to 1: -0.86 (-1.63, -0.09); prenatal PFHxS: -1.32 (-2.44, -0.21); childhood BUPA: -0.78 (-1.27, -0.29)). Higher levels of prenatal BPA and childhood DEP were instead associated with more attentional problems (0.96 (0.02, 1.89) and 0.56 (-0.05, 1.16), respectively). IV regression supported the association of childhood DEP (2.80 (0.86, 4.70)); MR yielded little evidence for causality. Negative-control analyses suggested little to no residual confounding by socio-economic status. A joint increase from the 10th to the 90th percentile in the components of the prenatal PFAS mixture was associated with fewer attentional problems in females (marginal contrast and 95 % CI: -0.37 (-0.64, -0.10)).

CONCLUSIONS: Triangulation of multiple causal designs suggests that childhood exposure to the OPP metabolite DEP may impair adolescent attentional function.

PMID:41252940 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109927

Chemosphere. 2025 Nov 15;393:144772. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144772. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bisphenols, including bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, are widely used in consumer plastics and are known endocrine disruptors. Despite increasing BPA regulations, its analogues have been found in children's products, with migration patterns varying across product categories. This study provides a large-scale evaluation of bisphenols migration from 162 products randomly selected from the Swiss market, categorized into toys (TOY), bath toys and accessories (BTA), oral supports (OSU), and feeding accessories and baby bottles (FAB). Migration was assessed using artificial saliva as a simulant, replicating buccal exposure in infants and young children. This study reveals widespread bisphenols release, with BPA and bisphenol B as the most frequently detected compounds. Notably, OSU and FAB categories, which involve direct oral contact, exhibited higher migration rates than TOY and BTA. Exposure was estimated using a deterministic model, integrating daily exposure (DE), margin of exposure (MOE), and total daily intake (TDI). MOE values below 100 were observed for BPE in OSU, indicating potential health concerns. TDI calculations suggest that exposure from these products alone exceeds the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) safety threshold for BPA. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight, particularly for bisphenol A analogues in products frequently mouthed by infants and toddlers.

PMID:41242227 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144772

Chemosphere. 2025 Nov 15;393:144760. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144760. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recent data indicate that urban air harbors a complex mixture of industrial chemicals, pesticides, and combustion by-products, many of which may act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). By interfering with the endocrine system, EDCs can affect human health. Hence, there is an urgent need to better characterize outdoor airborne chemical mixtures and their health impact. This study assessed the bioactivity on key targets of EDCs for chemical extracts of the atmospheric vapour phase (i.e., excluding particulate matter) collected from 40 sites across Montreal, Canada, using passive air samplers deployed over 82 summer days. Seven validated bioassays were used to test the ability of each extract to alter the estrogen, androgen, thyroid, and steroidogenesis pathways. Of the 42 urban air extracts tested, none induced alteration of the human thyroid peroxidase activity or activated the human androgen receptor (hAR) but three induced estrogen receptor activation and five inhibited the sodium/iodide symporter by 40-60 %. More than 20 extracts antagonized hESR1 and/or hAR, a few with very strong potency. Yet, blanks used as controls also induced signals in the antagonist mode of the transactivation assays and affected testosterone production in the H295R steroidogenic assay, challenging data interpretations. Overall, our data indicate the potential for thyroid, estrogenic, antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic disruption caused by the chemical mixtures present in the outdoor air of a major metropolis. This work provides one of the first integrated assessments of endocrine activity from atmospheric vapour phase chemical extracts, underscoring the importance of incorporating bioanalytical tools into air-quality and health-risk evaluation frameworks.

PMID:41242228 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144760

Environ Pollut. 2025 Nov 15;388:127394. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127394. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of conventional polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on the degradation behavior and ecological impacts of three commonly used pesticides-dimethomorph, metolachlor, and imidacloprid-in a soil-earthworm system. Through controlled laboratory incubation experiments, a comprehensive approach combining soil physicochemical property analysis, earthworm biochemical assays, pesticide residue monitoring, and microbial community sequencing was employed to systematically assess the effects of microplastic type and concentration on pesticide degradation pathways, earthworm antioxidant responses, and bacterial community structure. The results demonstrated that a high concentration of PLA (1 % w/w) significantly enhanced the degradation rate of dimethomorph by 6.75 % and increased the accumulation of its Z-isomer in earthworms by 76.4 % compared to the control. Concurrently, PLA at 1 % elevated the accumulation of the metolachlor metabolite MOA by 33.29 % in soil and 82.5 % in earthworms, and induced oxidative stress in earthworms (e.g., a significant increase of approximately 50 % in MDA content) alongside intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. In contrast, PE exhibited relatively minor effects. Soils amended with PLA showed a notable enrichment of pesticide-degrading bacterial genera, such as Pseudarthrobacter and Rhodococcus, with relative abundances increased by 103 % and 65.4 %, respectively, and significant correlations were identified among environmental factors, earthworm physiological indices, and pesticide degradation rates. In conclusion, while biodegradable PLA microplastics can promote the transformation of certain pesticides, they may also increase ecological risks by disrupting bacterial communities and affecting earthworm health. This highlights the importance of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of their environmental safety.

PMID:41242413 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127394

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Nov 14. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-37052-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in eggs of great tits (Parus major) from urban, agricultural, and woodland areas from Italy. PFOS was the most prevalent PFAS, followed by long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). Agricultural areas showed the highest PFOS concentrations, while woodland areas exhibited higher concentrations of PFUnDA and PFTrDA. The observed PFCA chain length patterns across different locations highlight the influence of atmospheric chemistry, especially the oxidative breakdown of PFCA precursors, in determining contamination profiles. OCP contamination was dominated by DDT metabolites, especially p,p'-DDE, with higher concentrations in urban areas, reflecting historical pesticide use and the limited soil disturbance in these environments, which prevents the dilution and breakdown of persistent compounds like DDT. Agricultural areas showed elevated PFOS concentrations, likely due to the use of biosolid fertilizers. Principal component analysis revealed distinct contamination patterns across the studied environments, with urban and agricultural areas influenced by local sources, while woodland areas exhibited contamination linked to atmospheric deposition. These results highlight the persistence of both PFAS and OCPs in the environment, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and the utility of great tit eggs as effective bioindicators for assessing the impact of historical and ongoing pollution sources.

PMID:41239096 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-37052-5

Foods. 2025 Nov 6;14(21):3797. doi: 10.3390/foods14213797.

ABSTRACT

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical factor of food contamination risks, particularly through its influence on pesticide behavior and usage. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and the proliferation of crop pests are leading to intensified and extended pesticide application across agricultural systems. These shifts increase the likelihood of elevated pesticide residues in food and water and affect their environmental persistence, mobility, and accumulation within the food chain. At the same time, current regulatory frameworks and risk assessment models often fail to account for the synergistic effects of chronic low-dose exposure to multiple residues under climate-stressed conditions. This review provides a multidisciplinary overview of how climate change intensifies the pesticide residue burden in food, emphasizing emerging toxicological concerns and identifying critical gaps in current mitigation strategies. In particular, it examines sustainable adsorbent technologies, primarily carbon-based materials derived from agro-industrial waste, which offer promising potential for removing pesticide residues from water and food matrices, aligning with a circular economy approach. Beyond their technical performance, the real question is whether such materials and the thinking behind them can be meaningfully integrated into next-generation food safety systems that are capable of responding to a rapidly changing world.

PMID:41227767 | PMC:PMC12609006 | DOI:10.3390/foods14213797

Toxicol In Vitro. 2025 Nov 11;111:106174. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2025.106174. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) is a primary and persistent metabolite of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. p,p'-DDE bioaccumulates in humans and has been associated with adverse health effects including endocrine disruption and cancer. Epidemiological studies also suggest associations with cardiovascular disease, but mechanisms are unknown. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of p,p'-DDE on human angiogenic microvascular function. Blood plasma samples (2006-2021, n = 80) and subcutaneous adipose tissues specimens (2024-2025, n = 18) were collected from adult human subjects undergoing elective bariatric surgery. Plasma samples were analyzed for p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) and its primary metabolites p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p'-DDD) and p,p'-DDE by GC-MS. In a separate cohort of bariatric subjects, we examined the effect of p,p'-DDE on angiogenic capacity in fat pad specimens ex vivo. Cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were used to study p,p'-DDE-mediated transcriptional changes in endothelial cells. p,p'-DDE was detected in the blood of all subjects and at higher concentrations than p,p'-DDD or p,p'-DDT. Ex vivo p,p'-DDE exposure significantly impaired microvascular angiogenic capacity (P < 0.05 vs. control) in adipose tissue and downregulated fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) gene expression in HAECs in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we observed that p,p'-DDE-induced angiogenic impairment was fully reversed by exogenous recombinant FGF2 supplementation. We provide evidence that p,p'-DDE may interfere with human microvascular angiogenic processes via downregulation of FGF2 expression. Our results provide a novel mechanism by which environmental pollutants such as p,p'-DDE could negatively impact cardiovascular health.

PMID:41232628 | DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2025.106174

Chemosphere. 2025 Dec;392:144727. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144727. Epub 2025 Nov 12.

ABSTRACT

The simultaneous determination of pesticides remains a significant challenge for current electrochemical sensors. This work presents the synthesis, characterization, and application of an innovative functional Buckyball nanoarchitectures composed of carbon nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles of doped carbon dots decorated with Ni metallic, NiO, and NiOOH nanoparticles. The chronoamperometry technique was used to obtain fullerene-like nanoparticles of F, S-doped carbon dots from PFAS (Perfluoro-1-butane-sulfonyl fluoride). The buckyball nanoarchitectures have been based on the direct mixture of functionalized MWCNTs, F, S-doped carbon dots solution, and nickel acetate aqueous solution. The F, S-doped carbon dots, Nickel nanoparticles, and Carbon allotropes/Nickel nanoarchitectures were characterized using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical techniques. A sensitive electrochemical sensor has been prepared by modifying a printed gold electrode with Carbon allotropes/Nickel nanoarchitectures and used to simultaneously determine imidacloprid, fenitrothion, and glyphosate in a buffer solution at pH 6.5. The sensor exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity in the simultaneous determination of fenitrothion, glyphosate, and imidacloprid pesticides with detection limits at 19.6, 5.14, and 37.9 pM, respectively, demonstrating its high sensitivity and selectivity. The sensor was also used to determine the presence of imidacloprid, fenitrothion, and glyphosate pesticides in tap water and orange juice, yielding an excellent recovery rate.

PMID:41232470 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144727

Food Res Int. 2025 Dec;221(Pt 3):117494. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117494. Epub 2025 Sep 12.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants posing significant health risks through dietary exposure. This review compiles global data (November 2016-February 2025) on PFAS concentrations in food systems, including 48 studies on fish and shellfish, animal-origin food (livestock, poultry products, and milk), plant-based foods, and processed items. Seafood, especially shellfish and freshwater fish, emerges as a primary exposure route, frequently exceeding safety thresholds, with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as dominant contaminants. Animal-derived foods like eggs and milk also contribute significantly, particularly from contaminated regions. Plant-based foods typically show lower PFAS concentrations, although irrigation and soil pollution can increase their levels. Regional differences are notable, with elevated concentrations near industrial areas. Cooking methods affect PFAS concentrations, yet no single approach consistently reduces exposure. Health risks are especially pronounced for vulnerable groups (children, pregnant women, and frequent seafood consumers) whose dietary intake often surpasses the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) tolerable weekly intake. Regulatory challenges, emerging short-chain PFAS, and analytical variability persist. The pressing need for standardized monitoring, unified regulations, and targeted strategies to reduce dietary PFAS exposure and protect public health is highlighted here.

PMID:41214984 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117494

Waste Manag. 2025 Nov 9;210:115219. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2025.115219. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens, can efficiently convert biowaste into high-quality protein for the feed industry. However, biowaste can contain several chemical hazards and their fate in BSFL remain largely unexplored, even though they can pose a threat for both the insect sector and the higher levels of the trophic chain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical contamination of BSFL reared on authorized biowaste (wheat bran, carrots, apricots, salad) or unauthorized biowaste in the EU (school canteen and supermarket biowaste). PFAS were not quantifiable in the substrates in contrast with persistent organic pollutants, pesticides and trace metal elements. The chlormequat pesticide was the only pesticide quantified in BSFL (15 µg/kg), slightly above the maximum residue limit in the EU for feed (10 µg/kg). Concentrations of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in BSFL were below the maximum limit (ML) but bioaccumulation factors up to 5 were obtained. As and Cd were highly bioaccumulated with concentrations approaching the ML for Cd (0.5 mg/kg) or 8 times below for As (ML = 2 mg/kg). The unauthorized substrate samples tested led to higher chemical safety risks in BSFL, with 10 times higher concentrations of As than in BSFL reared on authorized substrates and the presence of PCDD/Fs and PCBs. The concentrations of chemical contaminants in animal products consumed by humans such as eggs were estimated using transfer models when animals were fed with BSFL reared on unauthorized substrates. The concentrations were below the maximum limits in all cases.

PMID:41213220 | DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2025.115219

EFSA J. 2025 Nov 7;23(11):e9711. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9711. eCollection 2025 Nov.

ABSTRACT

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Finland and co-rapporteur Member State Denmark for the pesticide active substance phenmedipham are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of phenmedipham as a herbicide on sugar beet/fodder beet. The conclusions were updated with regard to the endocrine disrupting properties and the genotoxicity assessment following a mandate received from the European Commission in January 2019 and its update in January 2024, respectively. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

PMID:41210515 | PMC:PMC12593531 | DOI:10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9711

J Toxicol. 2025 Oct 30;2025:5181162. doi: 10.1155/jt/5181162. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), a region of critical biodiversity and natural resources, faces escalating threats from anthropogenic soil and water pollution. While individual studies have documented contamination, a comprehensive synthesis of its impacts on ecosystems and public health across the region was lacking.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to map and qualitatively synthesize the empirical evidence on the impacts of soil and water pollution in LAC, identifying regional research trends and critical knowledge gaps.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across five databases (EBSCOhost, PubMed, SciELO, JSTOR, and HINARI) for peer-reviewed literature (2008-2023). Following a blinded, two-phase screening of 1145 records via Rayyan software, 11 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Data on geographic context, pollutant profiles, exposure assessment, and health/ecological endpoints were extracted and analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS: The evidence base exhibited a pronounced geographical skew, with 8 of 11 studies originating from Brazil, and no eligible studies from Central America or the insular Caribbean. Synthesis of human studies revealed pervasive subclinical health effects, including respiratory symptoms in ≤ 40% of agricultural workers, endocrine disruption strongly correlated with organochlorine exposure (r = 0.68-0.72; p < 0.001), and cholinesterase inhibition in 63.8% of organophosphate-exposed subjects. Aquatic systems showed widespread contamination, with pesticide and metal concentrations spanning 0.0047 μg/L to 2110 μg/L. Herbicides dominated contaminant profiles, with compounds like clomazone detected in 100% of river samples, while metals including lead demonstrated clear bioaccumulation in fish muscle. Several studies identified latent ecological risks, with arsenic carcinogenicity risk > 10^-6 and herbicide mixtures endangering aquatic biota.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the absence of acute poisoning events, the convergence of evidence signals a latent threat from the pervasive, low-level contamination of LAC's environments. The documented subclinical impairments and clear potential for bioaccumulative escalation underscore an urgent need for enhanced environmental monitoring, stringent regulatory enforcement, and targeted research, particularly in underrepresented regions, to safeguard public health and ecosystem integrity.

PMID:41211541 | PMC:PMC12591810 | DOI:10.1155/jt/5181162

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 9;306:119345. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic pollution and its environmental consequences have been a research topic for decades. Alongside sewage sludge and compost, mulch films are one of the most important sources of organic matter in agricultural soils. As microplastics accumulate in these environments, they increasingly interact with other agrochemical contaminants, such as pesticides. The consequences of the combined presence of mulch film microplastic and pesticides, especially on bioavailability and toxicity, still need to be understood. We investigated the interaction of pesticides with polyethylene mulch films by choosing the neonicotinoid Thiacloprid and the fungicide Tebuconazole in their commercial formulations as plant protection products, serving as representative hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances. The impact of PE microplastic (150 mg/kg) on both pesticides' extractability and earthworm mortality was determined. The hypothesis is that microplastics reduce pesticide bioavailability in soil. Hence, reduced earthworm toxicity might be observed. Acute toxicity testing with Eisenia fetida showed a slight decrease in toxicity while MPP was present, shifting the LC50 from 110.3 to 120.6 mg/kg (Tebuconazole) and 20.3-22.6 mg/kg (Thiacloprid). The chemical analysis after two-time extraction of test soil with CaCl₂ and then solvents confirmed the reduced availability of pesticide in the presence of MPP. Our research shows that microplastic at application-relevant concentrations can retain pesticides and reduce pesticide toxicity. These findings impact pesticide efficiency in soils that accumulate microplastic, potentially requiring the adaptation of agricultural practices. This study underscores the need for further research and mitigation strategies as our understanding of the interactions between pesticides and microplastics in soil evolves.

PMID:41213227 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119345

J Agric Food Chem. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c10696. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Global bacterial antibiotic resistance threatens health, food safety, and sustainability. The food supply chain is a critical "One Health" pathway, linking agriculture, environment, and processing. However, systematic reviews addressing the impact of coexisting stressors on antibiotic resistance emergence and transmission across this continuum are lacking. This review innovatively synthesizes environmental inputs (antibiotic residues, fertilizers, heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, climate change, and grazing) and processing/transport stressors (temperature, nonthermal technologies, pH, osmosis, disinfectants, food additives, probiotics, and trade), focusing on their individual and synergistic effects. These stressors enhance resistance and horizontal gene transfer by activating bacterial stress responses (sigma factors, SOS), altering membranes, and triggering mutations/efflux pumps. Coexisting stressors can further intensify, accelerate, and amplify resistance emergence and transmission. We propose multilevel mitigation strategies across the food chain, including curbing selective pressures at the source, optimizing food processing techniques to avoid stress-induced resistance, guiding consumer behavior, and strengthening international regulatory governance.

PMID:41204637 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.5c10696

Environ Res. 2025 Nov 5;288(Pt 1):123270. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123270. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chemical pollution of the environment is one of the main factors contributing to the global decline of wildlife populations. Both persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and new contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) can pose a threat to the health of humans and wildlife. Bird species, and raptors in particular, are used as sentinels for environmental pollution because they are at the top of food chains and can accumulate and biomagnify organic contaminants. In this context, 136 blood samples from chicks of four species (Eurasian eagle-owl, common buzzard, common kestrel, and white stork) were analyzed. A method based on miniaturized liquid-liquid extraction, followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the analysis of 112 organic pollutants, including plant protection products (PPPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). A total of 12 compounds (5 PPPs, 3 PFASs, and 4 ARs) were detected. The herbicide MCPA was detected in all species studied, with a maximum concentration of 30.9 ng mL^-1. Linear PFOS was detected in all species, including 100 % of white stork samples (maximum concentration of 105.4 ng mL^-1). First and second generation ARs were identified only in Eurasian Eagle-owls, with brodifacaoum showing the highest concentration (10.5 ng mL^-1). We related the concentration of organic pollutants to the land use around the nest, observing that the presence of PPPs may be mainly related to agriculture, while PFASs may be related to urban areas, although with particularities for each species. This study highlights the extent of exposure to which wildlife is subjected, even in areas with low human activity.

PMID:41202960 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.123270

Aquat Toxicol. 2025 Dec;289:107608. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107608. Epub 2025 Oct 15.

ABSTRACT

Retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A metabolite, plays a crucial and evolutionarily conserved role in vertebrate development. Chemical disruption of retinoid signaling can severely affect organisms; yet, despite its teratogenicity and pathway interactions, this disruption remains understudied. Increasing research aims to address these gaps by developing comprehensive frameworks like Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs). This study refines a previously proposed AOP network on retinoid-induced teratogenicity by: (1) empirically confirming overactivation of the Retinoic Acid Receptor (RAR)/Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) heterodimer as the molecular initiating event (MIE), through morphological rescue of 5 dpf zebrafish co-exposed to all-trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA), a RAR ligand, and either BMS493 (RAR inverse agonist) or UVI3003 (RXR antagonist); (2) Identifying the window of sensitivity for MIE through time-stage co-exposure (4-24, 4-48, 4-72, and 4-120 hpf); (3) integrating key molecular and cellular events from existing knowledge. The study also brings new knowledge on how RXR signaling disruption contributes to RA and Thyroid Hormone (TH) signaling disruption using in vitro reporter assays and in vivo morphological endpoints. Results show that BMS493 and, unexpectedly, diclazuril (pesticide identified as a thyroid hormone receptor antagonist in vitro) inhibit Retinoic Acid Response Element (RARE) activity in vitro. UVI3003-ATRA co-exposure induced additive effect on RARE activity. UVI3003-TH co-exposure inhibited Thyroid Hormone Response Element activity. In zebrafish, co-exposure of ATRA with BMS493 or diclazuril rescued ATRA-induced malformations, i.e., craniofacial and tail malformations, and microphthalmia - confirming RAR/RXR overactivation as MIE. It also rescued posterior swim bladder inflation and retinal layer defects -revealing novel role for RAR/RXR in these phenotypes. Additionally, UVI3003-ATRA co-exposure increased zebrafish embryos mortality, and UVI3003 alone increased fluorescence expressed in thyrocytes of thyroglobulin-mCherry zebrafish. Altogether, these findings reveal RXR's involvement in endocrine crosstalk and highlight the critical role of retinoid signaling in developmental toxicity and the need for its inclusion in hazard assessment.

PMID:41201921 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107608

J Appl Toxicol. 2025 Nov 5. doi: 10.1002/jat.4980. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly contaminated by complex mixtures of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pesticides, yet the combined toxicological impacts of these pollutants on aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) (0.62-620 μg/L) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (10 μg/L) in their isolated forms and as a mixture on developing zebrafish (Danio rerio). We measured several endpoints related to survivability, hatchability, malformations, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), locomotor activity, and gene expression following a 7-day exposure. We also employed a computational approach to identify molecular interactions between CPF and PFHxA. Survival decreased with exposure to CPF and the mixture CPF/PFHxA at 620 μg/L. Increased deformity rates were observed at 62 μg/L CPF, but no effects were observed in the hatching rate. In the behavior assay, CPF and the mixture decreased the larvae's locomotor activity. Expression of genes related to neurotoxicity and oxidative stress was altered mainly in the coexposure group. ROS levels were higher in the 62 μg/L CPF than in the solvent control but lower in the coexposure with 0.62 μg/L CPF/PFHxA. Our results demonstrate interactive effects of PFHxA and chlorpyrifos, emphasizing the importance of mixture toxicity in aquatic risk assessment.

PMID:41194561 | DOI:10.1002/jat.4980

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Nov 5;1005:180861. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180861. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in East Africa, sustaining the livelihoods of over 40 million people. However, its fisheries face increasing threats from contamination by potentially toxic elements (heavy metals), persistent organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants. This systematic review integrates 25 years (2000-2025) of research, analyzing primary studies on fish contamination across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The review assessed the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and toxicology of pollutants, as well as their health implications and management strategies. Mercury was the dominant pollutant of concern, with concentrations ranging from 3.4 ng/g wet weight in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to very high values of 335,000 ng/g dry weight in silver fish from mining regions, exceeding international safety limits. Other detected contaminants included organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, endosulfan, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and microplastics. Bioaccumulation patterns revealed higher contaminant loads in the liver tissues of all fish, particularly in Nile perch (Lates niloticus). The health risks associated with these pollutants include neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, and ecosystem-level impacts. However, significant knowledge gaps remain for newer pollutants, including pharmaceutical and personal care products, plasticizers, and modern pesticides, which have not been assessed in Lake Victoria fish. Furthermore, spatial coverage is uneven, with most islands and some inshore fishing zones lacking data. This review presents the first comprehensive synthesis of fish contamination data in Lake Victoria, providing a foundation for future scientific research, policy, and transboundary management, while also offering a transferable framework for addressing similar pollution challenges in tropical inland waters globally.

PMID:41197541 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180861

J Environ Manage. 2025 Nov 5;395:127900. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127900. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study comprehensively analyzes the development, implementation, and challenges of constructed wetlands (CWs) for wastewater treatment (WWT) in Latin America, with a specific focus on Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. A literature review (2000-2024) combined with a review of full-scale implementations reveals distinct national trajectories shaped by climatic, socioeconomic, and regulatory contexts. In Mexico, more than 230 full-scale CWs have been established, predominantly horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) systems using gravel and tezontle. These are often integrated with ornamental plants to enhance pollutant removal and generate economic value. Chile, driven by water scarcity and supported by greywater reuse regulations, has diversified its configurations to include vertical flow, recirculation, combined vermifilters, and floating wetlands. Domestic wastewater reuse, however, remains unregulated. In Argentina, applications focus on industrial effluents, with free water surface (FWS) and hybrid systems achieving high efficiencies in the removal of heavy metals and nutrients. In all three countries, CWs have demonstrated a high removal efficiency for organic matter, nutrients, faecal coliforms, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and microplastics. However, their contribution to total WWT remains low. To increase the use of CWs in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), numerous challenges must be overcome. Among them is the perception of CWs as an unknown technology by stakeholders. These findings highlight the need for better dissemination of CWs as a reliable technology, as well as the necessity for regional cooperation, the development of design guidelines in Spanish, and greater coordination among academia, the productive sector, and governments.

PMID:41197482 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127900

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Nov 5;1005:180861. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180861. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in East Africa, sustaining the livelihoods of over 40 million people. However, its fisheries face increasing threats from contamination by potentially toxic elements (heavy metals), persistent organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants. This systematic review integrates 25 years (2000-2025) of research, analyzing primary studies on fish contamination across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The review assessed the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and toxicology of pollutants, as well as their health implications and management strategies. Mercury was the dominant pollutant of concern, with concentrations ranging from 3.4 ng/g wet weight in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to very high values of 335,000 ng/g dry weight in silver fish from mining regions, exceeding international safety limits. Other detected contaminants included organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, endosulfan, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and microplastics. Bioaccumulation patterns revealed higher contaminant loads in the liver tissues of all fish, particularly in Nile perch (Lates niloticus). The health risks associated with these pollutants include neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, and ecosystem-level impacts. However, significant knowledge gaps remain for newer pollutants, including pharmaceutical and personal care products, plasticizers, and modern pesticides, which have not been assessed in Lake Victoria fish. Furthermore, spatial coverage is uneven, with most islands and some inshore fishing zones lacking data. This review presents the first comprehensive synthesis of fish contamination data in Lake Victoria, providing a foundation for future scientific research, policy, and transboundary management, while also offering a transferable framework for addressing similar pollution challenges in tropical inland waters globally.

PMID:41197541 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180861

Toxicology. 2025 Nov 4;519:154332. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2025.154332. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Persistent environmental pollutants such as organochlorines (OCs) remain a global concern due to their widespread distribution, bioaccumulative nature, and endocrine-disrupting potential. While associations with male reproductive toxicity are well documented, the underlying mechanisms, particularly those involving lipid metabolism in testicular cells, are not fully understood. This study investigates the mechanistic basis of male reprotoxicity induced by a real-life OC mixture (OC-MIX), modeled after the contaminant profile of ringed seal blubber and comprising 20 environmentally relevant OCs, including pesticides (e.g., dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and industrial compounds (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls). We applied a mechanistic in vitro test battery that combines receptor-specific reporter gene assays with functional profiling in immature murine Leydig TM3 cells exposed to OC-MIX concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 50 µg/mL. OC-MIX exhibited strong antiandrogenic and dioxin-like activities. Functional assays revealed reduced testosterone and progesterone levels, increased oxidative stress, and impaired mitochondrial function. These effects were driven by broad lipid dysregulation, including enhanced fatty acid degradation and acylcarnitine depletion, which was evident even at the lowest tested concentration (2.5 µg/mL). These lipid alterations were not primarily mediated via androgen receptor antagonism or aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonism. Instead, the lipidomic signature closely resembled that of the lipotoxic drug amiodarone, rather than a non-cytotoxic fatty acid mixture. Our findings underscore the central role of lipid metabolism in testicular function and demonstrate that OC-MIX exerts reproductive toxicity via complex, non-classical endocrine mechanisms. This study highlights the value of integrating lipidomics with mechanistic in vitro models to assess the reproductive toxicity of environmental chemical mixtures.

PMID:41192750 | DOI:10.1016/j.tox.2025.154332