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Integrative Studies on Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Remediation Strategies for...
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Integrative Studies on Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Remediation Strategies for Hazardous Substances

A special issue of Journal of Xenobiotics (ISSN 2039-4713). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecotoxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2025 | Viewed by 8609

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mohamed A. Ghorab

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, DC, USA
2. Adjunct Assistant Professor, ToxMSDT Program-School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
Interests: environmental toxicology; emerging contaminants; aquatic toxicology; pesticide chemistry and toxicology; human and ecological risk assessment
Dr. Shaohua Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Interests: organic pollutants; pesticides; biocontrol; biodegradation; bioremediation; microbial quorum sensing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental toxicity and bioaccumulation represent critical areas of study in understanding the pervasive impacts of toxic substances on both human health and ecological systems. This Special Issue of JOX delves into the multifaceted nature of toxic substance exposure, focusing on the pathways, mechanisms, and long-term effects of bioaccumulation in various environmental matrices.

The areas of focus include the biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the dynamics of emerging contaminants, and the synergistic effects of complex chemical mixtures. Advanced analytical techniques, innovative risk assessment methodologies, and the development of robust regulatory frameworks will be prominently featured. This Special Issue also aims to explore the intersection of environmental toxicity with public health, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to mitigate adverse outcomes.

By assembling contributions from leading experts in toxicology, environmental science, and public health, this Special Issue seeks to enhance our understanding of the intricate interactions between toxic substances and biological systems. The insights gained will be instrumental in shaping effective environmental protection strategies and informing public health policies aimed at reducing exposure risks.

This Special Issue seeks to publish pioneering research on the intricate mechanisms, pathways, and long-term effects of toxic substance exposure and bioaccumulation.

Areas of interest include the following:

  • Biomagnification and persistence of organic pollutants (POPs);
  • Dynamics and impact of emerging contaminants;
  • Synergistic effects of chemical mixtures;
  • Advanced analytical methodologies for toxicity assessment;
  • Innovative risk assessment and regulatory strategies;
  • Intersection of environmental toxicity and public health outcomes;
  • Innovative remediation strategies;
  • Microbial degradation of emerging contaminants.

Dr. Mohamed A. Ghorab
Dr. Shaohua Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Xenobiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomagnification and persistence of organic pollutants (POPs)
  • dynamics and impact of emerging contaminants
  • synergistic effects of chemical mixtures
  • advanced analytical methodologies for toxicity assessment
  • innovative risk assessment and regulatory strategies
  • intersection of environmental toxicity and public health outcomes
  • innovative remediation strategies
  • microbial degradation of emerging contaminants

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

49 pages, 3785 KiB  
Review
Carbon-Nanotube-Based Nanocomposites in Environmental Remediation: An Overview of Typologies and Applications and an Analysis of Their Paradoxical Double-Sided Effects
by Silvana Alfei and Guendalina Zuccari
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030076 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
Incessant urbanization and industrialization have resulted in several pollutants being increasingly produced and continuously discharged into the environment, altering its equilibrium, with a high risk for living organisms’ health. To restore it, new advanced materials for remediating gas streams, polluted soil, water, wastewater, [...] Read more.
Incessant urbanization and industrialization have resulted in several pollutants being increasingly produced and continuously discharged into the environment, altering its equilibrium, with a high risk for living organisms’ health. To restore it, new advanced materials for remediating gas streams, polluted soil, water, wastewater, groundwater and industrial waste are continually explored. Carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs), including quantum dots, nanotubes, fullerenes and graphene, have displayed outstanding effectiveness in the decontamination of the environment by several processes. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), due to their nonpareil characteristics and architecture, when included in absorbents, filter membranes, gas sensors, etc., have significantly improved the efficiency of these technologies in detecting and/or removing inorganic, organic and gaseous xenobiotics and pathogens from air, soil and aqueous matrices. Moreover, CNT-based membranes have displayed significant potential for efficient, fast and low-energy water desalination. However, despite CNTs serving as very potent instruments for environmental detoxification, their extensive utilization could, paradoxically, be highly noxious to the environment and, therefore, humans, due to their toxicity. The functionalization of CNTs (F-CNTs), in addition to further enhancing their absorption capacity and selectivity, has increased their hydrophilicity, thus minimizing their toxicity and carcinogenic effects. In this scenario, this review aims to provide evidence of both the enormous potential of CNTs in sustainable environmental remediation and the concerning hazards to the environment and living organisms that could derive from their extensive and uncontrolled utilization. To this end, an introduction to CNTs, including their eco-friendly production from biomass, is first reported. Several literature reports on CNTs’ possible utilization for environmental remediation, their potential toxicity due to environmental accumulation and the challenges of their regeneration are provided using several reader-friendly tools, to better capture readers’ attention and make reading easier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Studies on Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Remediation Strategies for Hazardous Substances)
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Graphical abstract

41 pages, 3996 KiB  
Review
Innovative Approaches and Evolving Strategies in Heavy Metal Bioremediation: Current Limitations and Future Opportunities
by Cristina Firincă, Lucian-Gabriel Zamfir, Mariana Constantin, Iuliana Răut, Maria-Luiza Jecu, Mihaela Doni, Ana-Maria Gurban and Tatiana Eugenia Șesan
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030063 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1157
Abstract
Decades of technological advancements have led to major environmental concerns, particularly the bioaccumulation of heavy metals, which pose persistent risks to ecosystems and human health. Consequently, research has increasingly shifted from conventional remediation techniques toward more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions. This review explores [...] Read more.
Decades of technological advancements have led to major environmental concerns, particularly the bioaccumulation of heavy metals, which pose persistent risks to ecosystems and human health. Consequently, research has increasingly shifted from conventional remediation techniques toward more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions. This review explores recent advancements, ongoing challenges, and future perspectives in the field of bioremediation, emphasizing its potential as a green technology for heavy metal decontamination. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain, including scalability limitations and the management of bioremediation by-products, along with the influence of regulatory policies and public perception on its large-scale implementation. Emerging approaches such as genetic engineering and nanotechnology show promise in overcoming these limitations. Gene editing allows the tailoring of specific metabolic traits for bioprocesses targeted towards increased tolerance to pollutants and higher biodegradation efficiency, higher enzymatic specificity and affinity, and improved yield and fitness in plants. Nanotechnologies, particularly biogenic nanostructures, open up the possibility of repurposing waste materials as well as harnessing the advantages of the biosynthesis of NPs with higher stability, biocompatibility, and biostimulant capacities. Furthermore, biopolymers and bio-based nanocomposites can improve the efficiency and costs of bioremediation protocols. Even so, further research is essential to evaluate their long-term risks and feasibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Studies on Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Remediation Strategies for Hazardous Substances)
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Graphical abstract

29 pages, 1283 KiB  
Review
Associations of Environmental Exposure to Arsenic, Manganese, Lead, and Cadmium with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review of Recent Evidence from Mechanistic Studies
by Giasuddin Ahmed, Md. Shiblur Rahaman, Enrique Perez and Khalid M. Khan
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020047 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1270
Abstract
Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that populations exposed to environmental toxicants such as heavy metals have a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) compared to those unexposed, indicating a potential association between heavy metals exposure and AD. The aim of this review is [...] Read more.
Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that populations exposed to environmental toxicants such as heavy metals have a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) compared to those unexposed, indicating a potential association between heavy metals exposure and AD. The aim of this review is to summarize contemporary mechanistic research exploring the associations of four important metals, arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), with AD and possible pathways, processes, and molecular mechanisms on the basis of data from the most recent mechanistic studies. Primary research publications published during the last decade were identified via a search of the PubMed Database. A thorough literature search and final screening yielded 45 original research articles for this review. Of the 45 research articles, 6 pertain to As, 9 to Mn, 21 to Pb, and 9 to Cd exposures and AD pathobiology. Environmental exposure to these heavy metals induces a wide range of pathological processes that intersect with well-known mechanisms leading to AD, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, autophagy dysfunction, and tau hyperphosphorylation. While exposure to single metals shares some affected pathways, certain effects are unique to specific metals. For instance, Pb disrupts the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and mitochondrial functions and alters AD-related genes epigenetically. Cd triggers neuronal senescence via p53/p21/Rb. As disrupts nitric oxide (NO) signaling, cortical, and synaptic function. Mn causes glutamate excitotoxicity and dopamine neuron damage. Our review provides a deeper understanding of biological mechanisms showing how metals contribute to AD. Information regarding the potential metal-induced toxicity relevant to AD may help us develop effective therapeutic AD intervention, treatment, and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Studies on Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Remediation Strategies for Hazardous Substances)
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54 pages, 10959 KiB  
Review
Pharmaceutical Pollutants: Ecotoxicological Impacts and the Use of Agro-Industrial Waste for Their Removal from Aquatic Environments
by Ana Gabriela Estrada-Almeida, María Luisa Castrejón-Godínez, Patricia Mussali-Galante, Efraín Tovar-Sánchez and Alexis Rodríguez
J. Xenobiot. 2024, 14(4), 1465-1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox14040082 - 15 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4900
Abstract
Medicines are pharmaceutical substances used to treat, prevent, or relieve symptoms of different diseases in animals and humans. However, their large-scale production and use worldwide cause their release to the environment. Pharmaceutical molecules are currently considered emerging pollutants that enter water bodies due [...] Read more.
Medicines are pharmaceutical substances used to treat, prevent, or relieve symptoms of different diseases in animals and humans. However, their large-scale production and use worldwide cause their release to the environment. Pharmaceutical molecules are currently considered emerging pollutants that enter water bodies due to inadequate management, affecting water quality and generating adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Hence, different alternatives for pharmaceuticals removal from water have been sought; among them, the use of agro-industrial wastes has been proposed, mainly because of its high availability and low cost. This review highlights the adverse ecotoxicological effects related to the presence of different pharmaceuticals on aquatic environments and analyzes 94 investigations, from 2012 to 2024, on the removal of 17 antibiotics, highlighting sulfamethoxazole as the most reported, as well as 6 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac and ibuprofen, and 27 pharmaceutical drugs with different pharmacological activities. The removal of these drugs was evaluated using agro-industrial wastes such as wheat straw, mung bean husk, bagasse, bamboo, olive stones, rice straw, pinewood, rice husk, among others. On average, 60% of the agro-industrial wastes were transformed into biochar to be used as a biosorbents for pharmaceuticals removal. The diversity in experimental conditions among the removal studies makes it difficult to stablish which agro-industrial waste has the greatest removal capacity; therefore, in this review, the drug mass removal rate (DMRR) was calculated, a parameter used with comparative purposes. Almond shell-activated biochar showed the highest removal rate for antibiotics (1940 mg/g·h), while cork powder (CP) (10,420 mg/g·h) showed the highest for NSAIDs. Therefore, scientific evidence demonstrates that agro-industrial waste is a promising alternative for the removal of emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals substances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Studies on Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Remediation Strategies for Hazardous Substances)
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