The possible impacts of nano and microplastics on human health: lessons from experimental models across multiple organs.

The widespread production and use of plastics have resulted in accumulation of plastic debris in the environment, gradually breaking down into smaller particles over time. Nano-plastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs), defined as particles smaller than 100 nanometers and 5 millimeters, respectively, raise concerns due to their ability to enter the human body through various pathways including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Various investigators demonstrated that these particles may produce physical and chemical damage to human cells, tissues, and organs, disrupting cellular processes, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, and impacting hormone and neurotransmitter balance. In addition, micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) may carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, exacerbating adverse effects on human health. The magnitude and nature of these effects are not yet fully understood, requiring further research for a comprehensive risk assessment. Nevertheless, evidence available suggests that accumulation of these particles in the environment and potential human uptake are causes for concern. Urgent measures to reduce plastic pollution and limit human exposure to MNPLs are necessary to safeguard human health and the environment. In this review, current knowledge regarding the influence of MNPLs on human health is summarized, including toxicity mechanisms, exposure pathways, and health outcomes across multiple organs. The critical need for additional research is also emphasized to comprehensively assess potential risks posed by degradation of MNPLs on human health and inform strategies for addressing this emerging environmental health challenge. Finally, new research directions are proposed including evaluation of gene regulation associated with MNPLs exposure.

Enhancing Pigment Phenotyping and Classification in Lettuce through the Integration of Reflectance Spectroscopy and AI Algorithms.

In this study, we investigated the use of artificial intelligence algorithms (AIAs) in combination with VIS-NIR-SWIR hyperspectroscopy for the classification of eleven lettuce plant varieties. For this purpose, a spectroradiometer was utilized to collect hyperspectral data in the VIS-NIR-SWIR range, and 17 AIAs were applied to classify lettuce plants. The results showed that the highest accuracy and precision were achieved using the full hyperspectral curves or the specific spectral ranges of 400-700 nm, 700-1300 nm, and 1300-2400 nm. Four models, AdB, CN2, G-Boo, and NN, demonstrated exceptional R2 and ROC values, exceeding 0.99, when compared between all models and confirming the hypothesis and highlighting the potential of AIAs and hyperspectral fingerprints for efficient, precise classification and pigment phenotyping in agriculture. The findings of this study have important implications for the development of efficient methods for phenotyping and classification in agriculture and the potential of AIAs in combination with hyperspectral technology. To advance our understanding of the capabilities of hyperspectroscopy and AIs in precision agriculture and contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable agriculture practices, further research is needed to explore the full potential of these technologies in different crop species and environments.

Site-specific framework of sustainable practices for a Brazilian contaminated site case study.

Management of contaminated sites requires application of remediation technologies to reduce environmental and human health risks, but these actions can also produce negative effects, such as energy and natural resources consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and impacts on local communities. The tenets of sustainability can be used to select sustainable alternatives in the environmental cleanup of these areas to reduce negative consequences and seek new solutions for site reuse. The present study evaluates seven case studies of contaminated sites to identify how sustainable practices were adopted at each site and how environmental, economic and social benefits were achieved. Based on this survey, an in-depth analysis of 48 sustainable management practices was conducted to assess interim actions and institutional controls at a contaminated site located on the campus of University of Sao Paulo (USP) in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The analysis involved a discussion about how future potential improvements to sustainable practices at the site could generate benefits and sustainable gains, such as improvement of quality of life of university students and surrounding communities; reduction of natural resource use, reduction of costs represented by the consumption of water and reduction of demand of potable water for society. The result of this analysis is a site-specific framework of 36 sustainable practices represented by a graphical approach with several examples that can be adopted during assessment and remediation on a case study basis, taking into account the needs and guidelines of the administration of the contaminated site. This approach can easily be adopted by the public and stakeholders who want to apply sustainable practices in other sites. The site-specific framework demonstrates how sustainable principles can be included in the process of contaminated sites management in an integrated process, meeting the needs and expectations of all affected stakeholders.

Shippers and freight operators perceptions of sustainable initiatives.

The purpose of this paper is to document the extent to which Brazilian companies in retail channels have committed to adopting environmental sustainability measures, goals and strategies for waste disposal in the evaluation and planning of sustainable transportation. This paper also aims to examine the different viewpoints of sustainability issues and the preventive actions taken by companies in terms of controlling carbon dioxide emissions and proper disposal of tires, lubricant oils, accessories and spare parts. Finally, taking the perspective of these companies, this paper examines their difficulties in meeting environmental regulations. The research involved a survey completed by 185 representatives of different types of companies, including shippers (represented by manufacturers), LSPs (logistics service providers) and carriers. The non-linear canonical correlation was calculated to verify the opinions of these representatives from different companies regarding issues that impact on the environment, the preventive actions they adopt to reduce their environmental impact and their difficulties in meeting environmental regulations. The results show that shippers and LSPs have the same perceptions regarding these sustainability issues and preventive actions. In addition, the companies perceive high costs and the lack of training for their partners as the major challenges experienced in addressing these issues and undertaking preventive actions. Therefore they need to plan their transportation activities.