Organophosphate flame retardants in Romania coastline: Occurrence, faith and environmental risk.

This research comprehensively assesses phosphorus-based flame retardants (OPFRs) in seawater, sediment, and algae from the Romanian Black Sea coastline, evaluating their concentrations, distribution patterns, and potential environmental risks. OPFR concentrations ranged from 479 to 2229 ng/L in abiotic samples and 44 to 1953 ng/g dry weight in sediments, while algae samples showed concentrations between 273 and 10,301 ng/g dry weight. The most common OPFRs identified were tri-propyl phosphate (TPP), tri(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and tri(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) in abiotic samples, with TCEP, diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), TPP, and TCPP dominating in algae. Notably, TPP reached concentrations of 1417 ng/L and 10,062 ng/g dry weight in algae. The environmental risk assessment indicated that these contaminants pose risks ranging from low to medium, highlighting a moderate concern for aquatic organisms. The findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of OPFR levels in marine environments to inform management strategies and mitigate potential ecological impacts on the Black Sea ecosystem.

NMR-based metabolomics analysis reveals the effect of environmental contamination exposure on fishermen living around the Mundaú Lagoon in Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil).

The Mundaú lagoon in Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil) is a crucial resource for the local population, particularly fishing communities. Recent studies have revealed potential toxic metal contamination in the lagoon, particularly with mercury (Hg) levels exceeding the maximum regulated values. This inorganic contaminant may be impacting the health of fishermen and the local population. In this context, metabolomics, a study of small-molecule metabolites, can offer insights into the physiological impact of environmental contamination on humans. Thus, volunteers from the control and exposed groups were selected, considering the main exposure criteria primarily defined by their proximity and interaction with the lagoon. Blood and urine samples were collected from the volunteers and subjected to analysis using NMR spectroscopy. The data underwent Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) based on metabolic patterns to establish group discrimination or identification. Metabolic pathways were assessed through enrichment analysis. The study revealed several metabolic disturbances in the exposed group's urine and plasma samples compared to control group. Noteworthy findings included arginine and proline metabolism disruptions, indicative of ammonia recycling and urea cycle impairment. These changes suggest compromised ammonia detoxification in the exposed group. Disturbances in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the transfer of acetyl groups into mitochondria suggested systemic metabolic stress in energy metabolism. Furthermore, elevated carnitine and ketone levels may indicate compensatory responses to low TCA cycle activity. Alterations in glutamate and glutathione metabolism and imbalances in glutathione levels indicate oxidative stress and impaired detoxification. This study highlights significant metabolic changes in fishermen exposed to contaminated environments, which can affect various metabolic pathways, including energy metabolism and antioxidant processes, potentially making individuals more vulnerable to the adverse effects of environmental contaminants. Finally, this work highlights insights into the relationship between environmental contamination and metabolic pathways, particularly in regions with limited studies.

Mapping high-risk areas for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteria transmission: Linking host space use and environmental contamination.

In many Mediterranean ecosystems, animal tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, an ecovar of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), is maintained by multi-host communities. It is hypothesised that interspecies transmission is mainly indirect via shared contaminated environments. Therefore, identifying spatial areas where MTBC bacteria occur and quantifying space use by susceptible hosts might help predict the spatial likelihood of transmission across the landscape. Here, we aimed to evaluate the transmission risk of MTBC in a multi-host system involving wildlife (ungulates and carnivores) and cattle (Bos taurus). We collected eighty-nine samples from natural substrates (water, soil, and mud) at 38 sampling sites in a TB endemic area within a Mediterranean agroforestry system in Portugal. These samples were analysed by real-time PCR to detect MTBC DNA. Additionally, host-specific space use intensity maps were obtained through camera-trapping covering the same sampling sites. Results evidenced that a significant proportion of samples were positive for MTBC DNA (49 %), suggesting that the contamination is widespread in the area. Moreover, they showed that the probability of MTBC occurrence in the environment was significantly influenced by topographic features (i.e., slope), although other non-significant predictor related with soil conditions (SMI: soil moisture index) incorporated the MTBC contamination model. The integration of host space use intensity maps with the spatial detection of MTBC showed that the red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) exhibited the highest percentages of high-risk areas for MTBC transmission. Furthermore, when considering the co-occurrence of multiple hosts, transmission risk analyses revealed that 26.5 % of the study area represented high-risk conditions for MTBC transmission, mainly in forest areas.

Agricultural Mitigation Strategies to Reduce the Impact of Romaine Lettuce Contamination.

BACKGROUND: Leafy greens, particularly romaine lettuce, are often associated with outbreaks due to their susceptibility to contamination from various environmental sources. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of E. coli, Salmonella, copper, nickel, zinc, and manganese in irrigation water, lettuce leaves, and agricultural soil in the Litani River Basin (LRB), Lebanon. METHOD: Samples were collected from five demonstration plots employing different agricultural practices. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry, while E. coli and Salmonella testing were conducted through conventional culturing techniques. The impact of E. coli contamination on seed germination and the interaction effects between E. coli and heavy metals were also examined. The study also compared the effectiveness of various irrigation systems in reducing bacterial contamination. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that contamination levels varied significantly across the plots and irrigation types. This variation underscores the necessity of site-specific mitigation strategies to enhance food safety. Our findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate irrigation methods and implementing tailored agricultural practices to minimize the risk of contamination. CONCLUSION: This research provides valuable insights for optimizing agricultural practices in the LRB to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability.

Plant Defense Mechanisms against Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contamination: Insights into the Role of Extracellular Vesicles.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants that pose significant environmental and health risks. These compounds originate from both natural phenomena, such as volcanic activity and wildfires, and anthropogenic sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial processes, and fossil fuel combustion. Their classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic substances link them to various cancers and health disorders. PAHs are categorized into low-molecular-weight (LMW) and high-molecular-weight (HMW) groups, with HMW PAHs exhibiting greater resistance to degradation and a tendency to accumulate in sediments and biological tissues. Soil serves as a primary reservoir for PAHs, particularly in areas of high emissions, creating substantial risks through ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. Coastal and aquatic ecosystems are especially vulnerable due to concentrated human activities, with PAH persistence disrupting microbial communities, inhibiting plant growth, and altering ecosystem functions, potentially leading to biodiversity loss. In plants, PAH contamination manifests as a form of abiotic stress, inducing oxidative stress, cellular damage, and growth inhibition. Plants respond by activating antioxidant defenses and stress-related pathways. A notable aspect of plant defense mechanisms involves plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), which are membrane-bound nanoparticles released by plant cells. These PDEVs play a crucial role in enhancing plant resistance to PAHs by facilitating intercellular communication and coordinating defense responses. The interaction between PAHs and PDEVs, while not fully elucidated, suggests a complex interplay of cellular defense mechanisms. PDEVs may contribute to PAH detoxification through pollutant sequestration or by delivering enzymes capable of PAH degradation. Studying PDEVs provides valuable insights into plant stress resilience mechanisms and offers potential new strategies for mitigating PAH-induced stress in plants and ecosystems.

Salmonella in black pepper (Piper nigrum): From farm to processing.

Contamination of black pepper (Piper nigrum) with Salmonella is a frequent problem in retail and imported shipments. However, there is scarce information about the prevalence of the pathogen in the initial stages of black pepper production chain. This study sought to bridge this gap in research by determining the prevalence, as well as quantifying, and identifying the main Salmonella serovars present during black pepper primary production and processing. Black pepper (233) and environmental (175) samples were collected from farms (354) and processing plants (54) in Espirito Santo, Brazil. The pathogen was detected in soil (16.7 %), drying waste (20.4 %), fallen berries (3.7 %), threshed berries (14.3 %), and dried peppercorns (22.2 %) collected from farms. Salmonella was also detected in samples of raw material (11.1 %), export products (16.7 %), and processing waste (16.7 %) collected from processing plants. A total of 12 serotypes were identified, and Salmonella Javiana showed the highest prevalence (38.8 %). According to the results, contamination occurring in the post-harvest phase is not eliminated or reduced during processing. Therefore, the adoption of good agricultural and manufacturing practices, supported by hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), is crucial to mitigate this kind of contamination. These practices should be combined with decontamination treatments to ensure the safety of the final product.

Assessment of ecological risks posed by veterinary antibiotics in European aquatic environments: A comprehensive review and analysis.

The extensive use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine has led to the emergence of antibiotic contaminants in the environment, posing significant risks to ecosystems and public health. This contamination arises from the persistence of antibiotics in aquatic environments, particularly in aquifer systems, where they contribute to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Despite increasing research, the understanding of the ecological and human health implications of these contaminants remains incomplete. Since these compounds are only partially removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), they are continuously released into the environment. Antibiotics enter the environment mainly through human and animal excretions, improper drug disposal, wastewater treatment plants, and waste streams from antibiotic production. Recent research has focused on antibiotic metabolites and transformation products, which can affect aquatic ecosystems and the food chain, posing long-term risks to human health. This critical review provides a comprehensive analysis of the risk assessment of veterinary antibiotics (VAs) in European aquatic environments, where VAs concentrations ranging from micrograms to milligrams per liter. By examining toxicity data from freshwater and saltwater species, the study evaluates acute and chronic effects across different antibiotic classes. The review also assesses the sensitivity of various taxonomic groups and species to different antibiotics, providing insights into potential ecological risks. Species sensitivity distributions and hazard concentrations affecting a given percentage of species are calculated to assess the overall ecological risk. The findings reveal varying proportions of toxicity data across antibiotic classes, with Aminoglycosides, ß-lactams, Fluoroquinolones, Macrolides, and Tetracyclines classes demonstrating higher toxicity levels than others towards certain cyanobacteria and chlorophyta species. Macrolides and Fluoroquinolones emerge as particularly concerning due to their high toxicological risks across various aquatic environments. The analysis underscores the urgent need for further research to fill knowledge gaps and develop effective strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of VAs on aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Assessment of the mobility of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) and radionuclides released in soils stabilized with mixtures of bentonite-lime-phosphogypsum.

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a solid by-product of the phosphate industry, rich in contaminants and produced in large quantities. Raw materials and stabilized specimens, consisting of bentonite-lime-PG mixtures, were characterized by mineralogical, microstructural, chemical, alpha-particle, and gamma-ray spectrometry analysis before hydration and after hardening. Compressive strength and leaching tests were performed on hardened specimens. The physicochemical parameters and chemical composition of leachates from raw materials and hardened specimens were determined. PG contains high concentrations of natural radionuclides, specially from U series. Uranium-238 activities are double in PG than the worldwide average for soil values. The mobility of PTEs from PG is Cd (2.43%), Zn (2.36%), Ni (2.07%), Cu (1.04%), Pb (0.25%), and As (0.21%). Cadmium is the cation most easily released by PG in water with a concentration 0.0316 mg kg-1. When PG is added to bentonite-lime mixture, cadmium is no longer released. The radionuclide 238,234U and 210Po predominates in the leachates of PG. However, the activity of 210Po becomes negligible in the leachates of bentonite-lime-PG mixtures. The addition of PG to bentonite-lime mixtures facilitates the trapping of trace elements (PTEs) and radionuclides, providing potential applications for PG as road embankments and fill coatings.

Corrigendum: Environmental pressures, tumor characteristics, and death rate in a female breast cancer cohort: a seven-years Bayesian survival analysis using cancer registry data from a contaminated area in Italy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1310823.].

Dissipation Kinetics and Residue Distribution of Imazethapyr in Urdbean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) and Urdbean Field soil and its Effect on soil Microbial Population.

Imazethapyr is the most common herbicide used for weed management in pulses. A field trial was carried out with imazethapyr 10% SL formulation at 100 and 150 g a.i./ha application rates, as pre-and post-emergence, to study dissipation of imazethapyr in soil, persistence in urdbean plant, terminal residues in urdbean grains and effect on soil microbes. An acetate buffered- quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was validated for imazethapyr residue analysis. The half-life of imazethapyr in soil ranged from 15.12 to 18.02 days. The residues of imazethapyr persist up to 60 days in soil and up to 7-15 days in urdbean plant. Residues were not detected in grains at the time of harvest. Persistence of imazethapyr residues in soil significantly impact soil microbial populations depending on herbicide application rates and timing.

Optimizing intermittent micro-aeration as a strategy for enhancing aniline anaerobic biodegradation: kinetic, ecotoxicity, and microbial community dynamics analyses.

Groundwater and soil contamination by aromatic amines (AAs), used in the production of polymers, plastics, and pesticides, often results from improper waste disposal and accidental leaks. These compounds are resistant to anaerobic degradation; however, micro-aeration can enhance this process by promoting microbial interactions. In batch assays, anaerobic degradation of aniline (0.14 mM), a model AA, was tested under three micro-aeration conditions: T30, T15, and T10 (30, 15, and 10 min of micro-aeration every 2 h, respectively). Aniline degradation occurred in all conditions, producing both aerobic (catechol) and anaerobic (benzoic acid) byproducts. The main genera involved in T30 and T15 were Comamonas, Clostridium, Longilinea, Petrimonas, Phenylobacterium, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Thiobacillus. In contrast, in T10 were Pseudomonas, Delftia, Leucobacter, and Thermomonas. While T30 and T15 promoted microbial cooperation for anaerobic degradation and facultative respiration, T10 resulted in a competitive environment due to dominance and oxygen scarcity. Despite aniline degradation in 9.4 h under T10, this condition was toxic to Allium cepa seeds and exhibited cytogenotoxic effects. Therefore, T15 emerged as the optimal condition, effectively promoting anaerobic degradation without accumulating toxic byproducts. Intermittent micro-aeration emerges as a promising strategy for enhancing the anaerobic degradation of AA-contaminated effluents.

Environmental contamination with feces of free-roaming dogs and the risk of transmission of Echinococcus and Taenia species in urban regions of southeastern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Dogs are the most important definitive hosts of zoonotic taeniid helminths worldwide. Different Echinococcus and Taenia species of domestic and wild carnivores pose a potential risk to human population. High populations of free-roaming dogs (FRDs) in urban areas of Iran and widespread contamination of the environment with dog feces is a potential source of infecting people living in the urban regions with cystic echinococcosis (CE). Our knowledge on the risk of CE transmission in the urban settings in the endemic regions is limited. The present study surveyed the species and genotypes of E. granulosus sensu lato and other taeniids by examining feces of free-roaming dogs in the urban areas in the city of Kerman, southeastern Iran. METHODS: The city was divided into 100 consecutive blocks of which 25 blocks were randomly selected. Fecal samples of FRDs were counted, mapped and fresh samples were collected. Then Zinc chloride flotation, and sequential sieving was performed, and the samples were examined under an inverted microscope. Single individual taeniid eggs were isolated, partial nad1 gene was amplified and sequenced to identify species and genotypes. RESULTS: In total 5607 fecal samples of dogs were mapped and 83 fresh samples were collected. Taeniid eggs were detected in nine fecal samples (10.8%) from seven out of the 25 city blocks (28.0%). Echinococcus eggs were found in four samples (4.8%) from three city blocks, two samples containing E. granulosus sensu stricto (2.4%), two samples containing E. canadensis G6/7 (2.4%). In addition, three samples contained eggs of Taenia hydatigena (3.6%), and one sample of Taenia serialis (1.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This study documented the potential risk of CE transmission to humans resulting from the feces of dogs roaming freely in urban areas.

Multi-omics analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites reveals contrasting profiles in domestic pigs and wild boars across urban environments.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health and metabolism. This study explores the differences in gut microbiota and metabolites between domestic pigs (DP) and wild boars (WB) in urban environments. We analyzed gut microbial composition, metabolic profiles, virome composition, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and human pathogenic bacteria (HPB) in both DP and WB. Our results revealed that DP exhibited a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and were enriched in bacterial genera associated with domestication and modern feeding practices. Metabolomic analysis showed distinct profiles, with WB significantly enriched in the Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis pathway, highlighting dietary and environmental influences on host metabolism. Additionally, DP had a distinct gut virome composition, particularly enriched in lytic phages of the Chaseviridae family. ARG analysis indicated a higher abundance of tetracycline resistance genes in DP, likely due to antibiotic use in pig farms. Furthermore, variations in HPB composition underscored potential health risks associated with contact with pig feces. These findings provide valuable insights into the microbial ecology of domestic pigs and wild boars, emphasizing the importance of these comparisons in identifying zoonotic pathogen transmission pathways and managing antibiotic resistance. Continued research in this area is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate public health risks and promote sustainable livestock management practices.

Sex, environment, and death rate in a dementia cohort: a seven-years Bayesian survival analysis using medications data from a contaminated area in Italy.

Introduction: Studies have analyzed the effects of industrial installations on the environment and human health in Taranto, Southern Italy. Literature documented associations between different variables and dementia mortality among both women and men. The present study aims to investigate the associations between sex, environment, age, disease duration, pandemic years, anti-dementia drugs, and death rate. Methods: Data from the regional medication registry were used. All women and men with an anti-dementia medication between 2015 and 2021 were included and followed-up to 2021. Bayesian mixed effects logistic and Cox regression models with time varying exposures were fitted using integrated nested Laplace approximations and adjusting for patients and therapy characteristics. Results: A total of 7,961 person-years were observed. Variables associated with lower prevalence of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) medication were male sex (OR 0.63, 95% CrI 0.42-0.96), age 70-79 years (OR 0.17, 95% CrI 0.06-0.47) and ≥ 80 years (OR 0.08, 95% CrI 0.03-0.23), disease duration of 2-3 years (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.32-0.56) and 4-6 years (OR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.13-0.33), and pandemic years 2020 (OR 0.50, 95% CrI 0.37-0.67) and 2021 (OR 0.47, 95% CrI 0.33-0.65). Variables associated with higher mortality were male sex (HR 2.14, 95% CrI 1.75-2.62), residence in the contaminated site of national interest (SIN) (HR 1.25, 95% CrI 1.02-1.53), age ≥ 80 years (HR 6.06, 95% CrI 1.94-18.95), disease duration of 1 year (HR 1.50, 95% CrI 1.12-2.01), 2-3 years (HR 1.90, 95% CrI 1.45-2.48) and 4-6 years (HR 2.21, 95% CrI 1.60-3.07), and pandemic years 2020 (HR 1.38, 95% CrI 1.06-1.80) and 2021 (HR 1.56, 95% CrI 1.21-2.02). Variables associated with lower mortality were therapy with AChEIs alone (HR 0.69, 95% CrI 0.56-0.86) and in combination with memantine (HR 0.54, 95% CrI 0.37-0.81). Discussion: Male sex, age, disease duration, and pandemic years appeared to be associated with lower AChEIs medications. Male sex, residence in the SIN of Taranto, age, disease duration, and pandemic years seemed to be associated with an increased death rate, while AChEIs medication seemed to be associated with improved survival rate.

Ultrashort pfas: a review of the topic.

Background: Ultrashort perfluoroalkyl substances (UsPFAS), characterized by carbon chain lengths of 2 to 4 atoms, represent a distinct subgroup within the broader PFAS class of chemicals. Despite their lower molecular weight, ultrashort PFAS have gained significant attention due to their widespread presence. This article provides a comprehensive review of the topic. Methods: We analyzed 33 articles published between 2017 and 2024 found on Pubmed using "ultrashort PFAS" as keyword. We compared: 1- environmental matrices in which ultrashort PFAS were found, 2- different distribution patterns, 3- degradation pathways, to better understand whether they may resemble longer-chain PFAS, which are known for their bioaccumulation and persistence as "forever chemicals". Conclusions: The occurrence of ultrashort PFAS has been documented in different environmental matrices (including surface waters, waste waters, precipitations, sediments, soils, and also human serum and urine) indicating widespread environmental exposure. Advanced analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), have enabled the sensitive detection and quantification of these compounds at trace levels. Studies keep finding new ultrashort PFAS and have focused on elucidating their sources and fate pathways to better understand their behavior in natural systems. The toxicity of ultrashort PFAS remains an area of active in-vestigation. While less is known about their health effects, studies suggest potential adverse impacts on organisms and ecosystems. This underscores the importance of continued research to assess the eco-logical consequences of ultrashort PFAS exposure and bring up risk management strategies.

Assessment of fishes, sediment and water from some inland rivers across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria for microplastics.

In Nigeria, limited research has been conducted on Microplastics (MPs) in inland rivers, necessitating a comprehensive assessment to understand the extent of contamination. This study aimed to assess the abundance, distribution, and composition of MPs in fishes, sediment, and water from inland rivers across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Samples were collected from selected rivers in each geopolitical zone (Rivers Yauri, Benue, Argungu, Jamare, Ogun, Ethiope and Orashi). MPs were isolated using a combination of filtration, density separation, and visual identification. MPs abundance, distribution, shapes, colors, and chemical composition were determined using microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The study presents the first report of MPs in six in land rivers in Nigeria and found that MPs were present in all the fishes, sediments and river waters studied across all the rivers. The abundance and composition of MPs varied among the different sample types, with fibers being the most abundant shape in both water and fish samples. PET, PP, and PE were the most prevalent types of plastics found in fish samples, while PE/PA/Nylon, PVA, and PVC were predominant in water samples. PA/Nylon, PUR, PVC, and PET were the most common in sediment samples. Source analysis by Principal component analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) indicated that the presence of MPs was mainly influenced by local anthropogenic activities. However, estimated daily intakes are generally low, indicating that daily consumption of the samples is not likely to be harmful. The widespread presence of MPs in inland rivers across Nigeria highlights the urgent need for effective waste management strategies and environmental conservation efforts to mitigate plastic pollution.

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs): Assessment of health and dietary risk in the consumption of Plagioscion squamosissimus in one of the largest rivers in a semi-arid region (Rio São Francisco, Brazil).

The São Francisco River, significant in semi-arid areas, faces impacts from hydroelectric plants and agricultural pesticides. Despite extensive research on its aquatic life, especially fish reproductive biology, there's a notable lack of studies on toxicity and its human health implications. This gap highlights the need for targeted research in this vital ecological zone. Consequently, this study aimed to scrutinize the concentrations of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs), pyrethroid pesticides (PPs), triazine pesticides (TPs), and Organophosphorus Pesticides (OPPs) in the water, sediment, and fish (Plagioscion squamosissimus). The findings revealed the presence of all compound classes in sediment, albeit in limited quantities in water. Biotic components exhibited higher concentrations in nerve tissue, followed by the liver and muscle, indicative of a bioaccumulation trend. It is noteworthy that more concerning levels were observed in both water and sediments. In particular, Fenvalerate in water and Prometon in sediments demonstrated the highest Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) values. While for non-carcinogenic effects and Cancer Risk (CR), the parameters were calculated and all classified in the areas of acceptable or insignificant according to chemical safety agencies. However, the compounds under scrutiny demand vigilant attention, given their nearly ubiquitous presence across various matrices and demonstrated bioaccumulative capacity, potentially posing future repercussions for human health.

Altered ovarian reserve in Ewe lambs exposed to a glyphosate-based herbicide.

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are considered endocrine disruptors that affect the female reproductive tract of rats and ewe lambs. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of neonatal exposure to a low dose of a GBH on the ovarian follicular reserve of ewe lambs and the response to a gonadotropic stimulus with porcine FSH (pFSH). To this end, ewe lambs were orally exposed to an environmentally relevant GBH dose (1 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (Control) from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND14, and then some received pFSH (50 mg/day) between PND41 and 43. The ovaries were dissected, and follicular types and gene expression were assessed via RT-PCR. The treatments did not affect the body weight of animals, but pFSH increased ovarian weight, not observed in GBH-exposed lambs. GBH-exposed lambs showed decreased Estrogen receptor-alpha (56%), Progesterone receptor (75%), Activin receptor II (ACVRII) (85%), and Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) (88%) mRNA levels. Control lambs treated with pFSH exhibited downregulation of Follistatin (81%), ACVRII (77%), BMP15 (93%), and FSH receptor (FSHr) (72%). GBH-exposed lambs treated with pFSH displayed reduced ACVRII (68%), BMP15 (81%), and FSHr (50%). GBH-exposed lambs also exhibited decreased Anti-Müllerian hormone expression in primordial and antral follicles (27%) and (54%) respectively) and reduced Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (31%) expression in primordial follicles. Results suggest that GBH disrupts key follicular development molecules and interferes with pFSH action in ovarian receptors, decreasing the ovarian reserve. Future studies should explore whether this decreased ovarian reserve impairs adult ovarian function and its response to superovulation stimuli.

Distribution and migration of rare earth elements in sediment profile near a decommissioned uranium hydrometallurgical site in South China: Environmental implications.

Rare earth elements have garnered increasing attention due to their strategic properties and chronic toxicity to humans. To better understand the content, migration, and ecological risk of rare earth elements in a 180 cm depth sediment profile downstream of a decommissioned uranium hydrometallurgical site in South China, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) were additionally used to quantify and clarify the mineral composition features. The results showed a high enrichment level of total rare earth elements in the sediment depth profile (range: 129.6-1264.3 mg/kg); the concentration variation of light rare earth elements was more dependent on depth than heavy rare earth elements. Overall, there was an obvious enrichment trend of light rare earth elements relative to heavy rare earth elements and negative anomalies of Ce and Eu. The fractionation and anomaly of rare earth elements in sediments were closely related to the formation and weathering of iron-bearing minerals and clay minerals, as confirmed by the correlation analysis of rare earth elements with Fe (r2 = 0.77-0.90) and Al (r2 = 0.50-0.71). The mineralogical composition of sediments mainly consisted of quartz, feldspar, magnetite, goethite, and hematite. Pollution assessment based on the potential ecological risk index, pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor, and geological accumulation index (Igeo) showed that almost all the sediments had varying degrees of pollution and a high level of ecological risk. This study implied that continued environmental supervision and management are needed to secure the ecological health in terms of rare earth elements enrichment around a decommissioned uranium hydrometallurgical site. The findings may provide valuable insights for other uranium mining and hydrometallurgical areas globally.

Use of plant growth-promoting bacteria to facilitate phytoremediation.

Here, phytoremediation studies of toxic metal and organic compounds using plants augmented with plant growth-promoting bacteria, published in the past few years, were summarized and reviewed. These studies complemented and extended the many earlier studies in this area of research. The studies summarized here employed a wide range of non-agricultural plants including various grasses indigenous to regions of the world. The plant growth-promoting bacteria used a range of different known mechanisms to promote plant growth in the presence of metallic and/or organic toxicants and thereby improve the phytoremediation ability of most plants. Both rhizosphere and endophyte PGPB strains have been found to be effective within various phytoremediation schemes. Consortia consisting of several PGPB were often more effective than individual PGPB in assisting phytoremediation in the presence of metallic and/or organic environmental contaminants.