Search Results (175)

The potential benefits of nanopesticide use over standard pesticides include more precise application at reduced application rates, lower premature degradation, and decreased direct impacts to target organisms. However, field scale investigations of the fate and transport of common nanopesticides such as copper (II) hydroxide and imidacloprid combinations, remain limited. A field study evaluating nano-scale copper (II) hydroxide (Cu), standard imidacloprid (I), nanoimidicloprid (NI), and nano-scale copper (II) hydroxide and imidacloprid (CuNI) compared to control (C) plots was conducted using thirty 14.6 m² field plots to determine the impacts of nanopesticide applications on nutrient cycling and quantify the persistence of copper (II) hydroxide in soil and surface runoff during the growing season. Soil samples were taken at the beginning and end of the growing season, while water quality runoff samples were collected following eleven rainfall events. Ammonium concentrations in runoff decreased in CuNI plots by 1.74 mg N/L, while total nitrogen concentrations in runoff increased by 1.29 mg N/L in Cu plots compared to CuNI plots. Runoff orthophosphate concentrations decreased in CuNI treatments compared to all other pesticide treatments by 1.37, 1.32, and 1.30 mg P/L in Cu, I, and NI plots, respectively. Significant increases in soil copper concentrations were also observed in all plots receiving Cu. These findings emphasize the potential biogeochemical implications of using these nanopesticides on nutrient cycling in agroecosystems. Full article

Kalach (KL) is a glyphosate (G)-based herbicide extensively used in agricultural and urban areas in Tunisia. It has been reported that G crosses the placenta in pregnant rats, potentially disrupting organ function in offspring. The present study examined the effects of prenatal and lactational exposure to KL on thyroid function, bone integrity, and phosphocalcic homeostasis in rat offspring. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups, group A (control group) and group B, exposed to KL (each mother rat received 0.07 mL of KL diluted in 1 mL of water by gavage). On postnatal day 14, plasma samples were analyzed for thyroid hormones, calcium, and phosphorus. Histology and immunohistochemical study of bone and thyroid, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy assessed alterations. Additionally, we complemented the in vivo study with an in silico study. We found that KL induced hypothyroidism, necrosis in thyroid tissue, and phosphocalcic imbalance, leading to skeletal abnormalities. Structural and mineralization defects in bone were confirmed by FTIR and XRD analysis. The in silico study revealed that G bids to growth hormone receptors and thyroglobulin with good affinity, corroborating the in vivo findings. In conclusion, KL may interfere with bone tissue, growth hormone receptors, and thyroglobulin, impair hypothyroidism, and function as an endocrine disruptor exposure. Consequently, KL induces disorganization of the femoral growth plate. Full article

Western Pará, northern Brazil, is a significant region for mineral exploration, leading to the deposition of potentially toxic elements in soils and water basins. This study evaluated concentrations of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in cattle muscle tissue from three municipalities: Oriximiná, Itaituba, and Monte Alegre. Metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of toxic metals via beef consumption (71 g/person/day) was below oral reference doses values (RfDo). Target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ (TTHQ) values for all metals were below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risk. Monte Alegre exhibited the highest THQ for As and Pb, Oriximiná for Cd, and Itaituba for Hg. Although the overall assessment suggests low risk, elevated Hg concentrations were detected in 10% of the samples, with at least one animal from each municipality exceeding the European Union maximum residue limit (0.01 mg/kg). These findings indicate localized contamination and potential mercury bioaccumulation. Given the rising anthropogenic activities (such as mining and deforestation), continued monitoring of heavy metal levels in animal tissues is recommended to ensure long-term food safety and public health. Full article

The mutagenic potential of coffee by-products, including Coffea leaves, blossoms, cherries, and silverskin, was studied using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) coupled with the recent planar Ames bioassay via pH indicator endpoint. The 2LabsToGo-Eco allowed for the separation and detection of mutagens in complex samples. Hot water was the most effective extraction solvent in terms of yield and closely simulated the typical human consumption of coffee by-products. Separation was performed on TLC plates with a mixture of ethyl acetate, n-propanol, and water, followed by bioassay detection. The positive control 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide exhibited clear mutagenic responses, confirming the proper bioassay performance. In the Ames bioautogram, none of the tested coffee by-products showed mutagenic zones, suggesting the absence of strongly acting, acute mutagens under the applied test conditions; however, given the only 5 h short incubation and the use of TA98 strain only, a longer incubation time and testing with additional Salmonella strains is recommended. The results provide new safety data for Coffea leaves and blossoms and are consistent with some previous studies demonstrating the safety of coffee by-products. However, further improvements in the sensitivity and selectivity of the planar Ames bioassay are demanded, and further in vivo and long-term safety studies are recommended. Considering natural variability, the different uses of pesticides and treatments, and the fluctuating supply chains, coffee by-products may differ highly. The planar bioassay technology using the affordable 2LabsToGo-Eco is a powerful toxicological screening option for the coffee industry, considering the increasing interest in utilizing coffee by-products. Full article

In recent years, the consumption of Amanita muscaria has gained popularity as a perceived natural alternative to psychoactive substances, often promoted online for its supposed therapeutic properties. However, the safety of such preparations remains largely unverified, particularly with regard to toxic element content. The present study focused on evaluating how different preparation methods affect the concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the most commonly consumed Amanita muscaria products. A total of 50 mushroom caps were collected in October 2024 from the Stąporków Forest District in central Poland. Seven types of preparations were analyzed: dried with skin, dried without skin, tincture (mineralized and direct), boiled, fermented, infusion, and decoction. Samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS); depending on the preparation type, some underwent acid digestion prior to measurement. Statistically significant differences in lead concentrations were observed between the various preparation types (p = 0.002; η² = 0.97). Lead levels in the direct tincture were significantly higher than those in the boiled (p = 0.001), infusion (p = 0.001), decoction (p = 0.009), and dried without skin (p = 0.04) forms. Significant differences in cadmium concentrations were also found (p = 0.006; η² = 0.94), with lower Cd levels in the decoction compared to the dried with skin (p = 0.009) and without skin (p = 0.001), as well as in the fermented form compared to the dried samples (p = 0.03 and p = 0.004, respectively). These findings demonstrate that the type of preparation significantly influences the levels of cadmium and lead in Amanita muscaria products. While aqueous and fermented preparations showed reduced metal concentrations, none can be considered entirely safe, as even lower levels of Cd and Pb may pose health risks with frequent or excessive consumption. Full article

Wild-growing edible mushrooms are known to bioaccumulate radionuclides from their environment, particularly the natural isotope potassium-40 (⁴⁰K) and anthropogenic cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs). However, region-specific data for commercially relevant species in north-eastern Poland remain limited, despite the cultural and economic importance of mushroom foraging and export. This study aimed to assess the radiological safety of wild mushrooms intended for human consumption, with particular attention to regulatory compliance and potential exposure levels. In this study, 230 mushroom samples representing 19 wild edible species were analyzed using gamma spectrometry, alongside composite soil samples collected from corresponding foraging sites. The activity concentration of ¹³⁷Cs in mushrooms ranged from 0.94 to 159.0 Bq/kg fresh mass (f.m.), and that of ⁴⁰K from 64.4 to 150.2 Bq/kg f.m. None of the samples exceeded the regulatory limit of 1250 Bq/kg f.m. for ¹³⁷Cs. The highest estimated annual effective dose was 2.32 µSv from ¹³⁷Cs and 0.93 µSv from ⁴⁰K, with no exceedance of regulatory limits observed in any sample. A strong positive correlation was observed between ¹³⁷Cs activity in soil and mushroom dry mass (Spearman’s Rho = 0.81, p = 0.042), supporting predictable transfer patterns. Additionally, the implications of mushroom drying were assessed considering Council Regulation (Euratom) 2016/52, which mandates radionuclide levels in dried products be evaluated based on their reconstituted form. After such adjustment, even the most contaminated dried samples were found to comply with food safety limits. These findings confirm the radiological safety of wild mushrooms from north-eastern Poland and contribute novel data for a region with limited prior monitoring, in the context of current food safety regulations. Full article

Bee pollination is essential for terrestrial ecosystems and crop production. However, the species richness of wild bees and other pollinators has declined over the past 50 years, with some species experiencing dramatic decreases. A key factor in maintaining bee health is their gut microbiota, which plays an essential role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and resistance to pathogens. Disruptions to this microbiota can severely impact bee health, rendering them more susceptible to diseases and environmental stressors. Glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides, has been extensively studied for its effects on various organisms, with increasing evidence indicating its potential to disrupt bee microbiota. This review explores recent research on the effects of glyphosate and its formulations on the gut microbiota of honeybees and bumblebees. It examines species-specific responses, methodological approaches, and broader ecological implications. While evidence indicates that glyphosate can alter the gut microbiome in some bee species, its effects vary depending on exposure conditions, species, and the composition of microbial communities. Additionally, glyphosate formulations containing surfactants may exacerbate these effects. Given the endocrine-disrupting properties of glyphosate, further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of exposure, especially its impact on hormonal regulation and bee resilience to environmental stressors. Full article

Photosafety assessments are a key requirement for the safe development of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agrochemicals. Although in vitro methods are widely used for phototoxicity and photoallergy testing, their limited applicability and predictive power often necessitate supplemental in vivo studies. To address this, we developed the PhotoChem Reference Chemical Database, comprising 251 reference compounds with curated data from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. Using this database, we evaluated the predictive capacity of three OECD in vitro test guidelines—TG 432 (3T3 NRU), TG 495 (ROS assay), and TG 498 (reconstructed human epidermis)—by comparing the results against human and animal data. Against human reference data, all three test methods showed high sensitivity (≥82.6%) and strong overall accuracy: TG 432 (accuracy: 94.2% (49/52)), TG 495 (100% (27/27)), and TG 498 (86.7% (26/30)). In comparison with animal data, sensitivity remained high for all tests (≥92.0%), while specificity varied: TG 432 (54.3% (19/35)), TG 495 (63.6% (7/11)), and TG 498 (90.5% (19/21)). TG 498 demonstrated the most balanced performance in both sensitivity and specificity across datasets. We also analyzed 106 drug approvals from major regulatory agencies to assess real-world application of photosafety testing. Since the mid-2000s, the use of in vitro phototoxicity assays has steadily increased in Korea, particularly following the 2021 revision of the MFDS regulations. Test method preferences varied by region, with 3T3 NRU and ROS assays most widely used to evaluate phototoxicity, while photo-LLNA and guinea pig tests were frequently employed for photoallergy assay. Collectively, this study provides a valuable reference for optimizing test method selection and supports the broader adoption of validated, human-relevant non-animal photosafety assessment strategies. Full article

Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in plastic food contact materials represent a critical undercharacterized chemical safety concern, caused by their inherent diversity, potential toxicity, and regulatory challenges. This review synthesizes recent advances and persistent gaps in NIAS analysis, with a primary focus on analytical workflows for non-targeted analysis, alongside a consideration of risk assessment and toxicological prioritization frameworks. Conventional plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate) as well as emerging materials (e.g., bioplastics and recycled polymers) exhibit different NIAS profiles, including oligomers, degradation products, additives, and contaminants, requiring specific approaches for migration testing, extraction, and detection. Advanced techniques, such as ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography or two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, have enabled non-targeted analysis approaches. However, the field remains constrained by spectral library gaps, limited reference standards, and inconsistent data processing protocols, resulting in heavy reliance on tentative identifications. Risk assessment procedures mainly employ the Threshold of Toxicological Concern and classification by Cramer’s rules. Nevertheless, addressing genotoxicity, mixture effects, and novel hazards from recycled or bio-based polymers remains challenging with these approaches. Future priorities and efforts may include expanding spectral databases, harmonizing analytical protocols, and integrating in vitro bioassays with computational toxicology to refine hazard characterization. Full article

Ecuador, located in South America, ranks among the countries with the highest rates of pesticide use per unit of cropland. Pesticide exposure is linked to genotoxic effects and carcinogenicity. While most studies evaluating the effects of pesticides focus on the active ingredient, commercial formulations are complex mixtures of several components that may alter their toxicological profile. In this study, we analyzed four pesticides commonly used in corn cultivation, and their typical field mixtures, including the herbicides atrazine and pendimethalin, the insecticides chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin, and a fertilizer, to evaluate their genotoxic effects, oxidative status, and potential to induce cellular transformation. CHO-K1 cells were treated with subtoxic doses of these formulations. MTS, comet, micronucleus, H2AX expression, SOD and GPx activity, and wound healing assays were performed. The results showed these formulations induced genotoxicity, evidenced by the comet assay. Additionally, exposure activated cellular DNA repair mechanisms, evidenced by a 1.89- to 2.63-fold increase in H2AX expression across all treatments and mixtures after 10 h. Notably, pendimethalin was associated with signs of cellular transformation, as evidenced by a 1.4-times greater cell migration observed in the wound healing assay. These findings suggest that even at subtoxic concentrations, these pesticide formulations can cause genetic damage and potentially alter cellular control mechanisms. Full article

Glufosinate-ammonium (GLA) is a broad-spectrum herbicide widely used for weed control. However, its potential toxic effects on non-target aquatic organisms, especially in freshwater ecosystems, are of growing concern. This study investigates the toxic effects of GLA on Biomphalaria glabrata, a freshwater snail highly sensitive to environmental pollutants and commonly used as a model organism in toxicological studies. Acute toxicity tests revealed that the 96-h LC50 of GLA for adult snails was 3.77 mg/L, indicating moderate toxicity, while the LC50 for embryos was 0.01576 mg/L, indicating extremely high toxicity. Chronic exposure experiments further showed that at high concentrations (0.5 mg/L), the shell diameter and body weight of the snails not only failed to increase but also decreased, and they ceased to lay eggs. Moreover, their hepatopancreas and gonads suffered significant damage. Even at an environmentally relevant concentration of 0.05 mg/L, the body length, body weight, and reproductive capacity of the snails were inhibited, and damage to the hepatopancreas and gonads was observed. These findings provide important data for assessing the potential risks of GLA to aquatic ecosystems and offer a scientific basis for formulating environmental protection policies and optimizing herbicide usage standards. Full article

Fluridone is a pyrrolidone soil-sealing herbicide that has been widely used in cotton fields in Xinjiang in recent years. The purpose of this study was to establish a method for determining fluridone residues in cotton fields and to perform residue digestion tests, final residue analysis, and dietary risk assessment. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile, purified with primary secondary amine (PSA) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that in a certain concentration range, the concentration and peak area of fluridone showed a good linear relationship (R² > 0.99), with limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of 0.00090–0.00108 mg·kg⁻¹ and 0.0030–0.0033 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values of fluridone were 0.46% to 4.57% at the spiked level of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively. The average daily recovery rate of fluridone was 85.08% to 95.07%. The residual levels of fluridone in cottonseed oil were below the safety threshold, indicating no significant dietary risk to consumers. Full article

This study evaluated the histopathological impact of three commonly used pesticides—pirimiphos-methyl, propamocarb hydrochloride, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)—on the kidneys of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) after 96-h acute exposure. The histopathological analysis demonstrated that all three tested pesticides induced structural changes. The histopathological changes were assessed using a semi-quantitative scoring system and categorised into circulatory, degenerative, proliferative, and inflammatory alterations. While circulatory alterations were absent in all treatments, clear and statistically significant degenerative, proliferative, and inflammatory responses were recorded, which escalated with increasing pesticide concentrations. Additionally, various statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the lesions in kidney structure and function. Before the statistical analysis, normality and variance homogeneity were assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s tests, respectively. Due to non-normal data distribution, non-parametric methods were applied. Hence, the non-parametric statistical methods showed distinct group-level differences in the kidney damage indices. The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences across treatments (p < 0.001), and Mann–Whitney U tests identified specific pairwise differences. The degenerative and proliferative lesions were most prominent in fish exposed to 2,4-D at 100 µg/L (IK = 34), followed by pirimiphos-methyl and propamocarb hydrochloride. Inflammatory changes were mainly observed in the pirimiphos-methyl groups. The histopathological lesions were concentration-dependent, with 2,4-D causing irreversible renal damage at higher concentrations. These findings highlight the nephrotoxic risks posed by common pesticides and validate that the use of histopathological indices, combined with robust non-parametric testing, provides a reliable approach to evaluating organ-specific pesticide toxicity. These biomarkers offer sensitive early warning indicators of environmental risk, reinforcing the suitability of common carp as a model species for ecotoxicological assessment. Full article

Unregulated irrigation with partially industrial effluents may lead to heavy metal contamination in crops and pose significant human health risks, especially in developing countries like India. Therefore, the present study aimed to quantify six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in soil and wheat irrigated with paper mill effluent, assess plant responses, and evaluate associated health risks for consumers. For this, a field study was conducted across ten sites (five effluent-irrigated, five borewell-irrigated as control), analyzing soil and wheat tissues for metal concentrations and calculating risk indices including bioaccumulation factor (Bf), translocation factor (Tf), Dietary Intake of Metals (DIM < 1), Health Risk Index (HRI < 1), and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1). Results indicated high concentrations of Cd and Cr in effluent-irrigated soils and wheat tissues (root > stem > leaves > grains) compared to control sites, with some values exceeding permissible limits. Although the THQ values for heavy metals were below 1, indicating a low immediate health risk, concentrations of Cd and Cr in both soil and crop tissues exceeded acceptable safety standards. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the need for effluent treatment and policy interventions to mitigate agricultural contamination from the use of industrial effluents and protect public health. Full article

Mycotoxins are a large family of secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi species that may be present in food following fungal growth. Mycotoxins are found in a variety of crops, including wheat, millet, maize, sorghum, peanut, soybean, and their by-products. In recent years, the consumption of ready-to-eat food (RTE) has increased exponentially. An increasing number of consumers have elected to purchase and consume ready-made meals, a choice that allows for a more expedient and convenient dining experience. The aim of this review was to investigate recent literature to find a link between the consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated RTEs, modern detection methods (artificial intelligence), and potential health risks to consumers. The regular exchange of information between the Member States and the European Community (EU) concerning the monitoring of contaminants and undesirable chemical substances, and the subsequent communication of the findings to the EFSA, provides the foundation for the evolution of the legislative framework with the objective of enhancing food safety and reducing the risks associated with the consumption of food. It is imperative that governments, the food industry, and the scientific community collaborate to reduce this risk and ensure consumer safety. Full article