Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.0
4.4
Journals
JoX
Special Issues
Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation
share announcement

Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 5676

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Rachele Macirella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: aquatic ecosystems; microscopy; transmission electron microscopy; scanning electron microscopy; ecotoxicology; heavy metals; pesticides; xenobiotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Xenobiotics are increasingly detected in freshwater and marine environments, raising growing concerns about their fate and biological impacts. Although notable advances have been made, major knowledge gaps persist regarding the transformation, persistence, and bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, PFAS, heavy metals, personal-care products, and other emerging contaminants. These substances can accumulate in aquatic animals and interfere with key physiological functions - including endocrine balance, reproduction, immune responses, growth, and behaviour-compromising survival and fitness across a wide range of species. Because humans rely on aquatic organisms for food, economic activities, and ecosystem - derived services, such impairments inevitably carry implications for human health through trophic transfer, exposure to contaminated water, and reduced availability of safe biological resources.

This Special Issue aims to consolidate cutting-edge research on the occurrence, distribution, and ecotoxicological effects of xenobiotics in aquatic fauna, alongside sustainable strategies for their mitigation. Contributions are invited on analytical and modelling approaches, mechanistic insights into acute and chronic toxicity, and innovative, low-impact remediation technologies. By mobilising interdisciplinary expertise, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of xenobiotic risk assessment and support safer, more sustainable management of aquatic environments.

Dr. Rachele Macirella
Guest Editor

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • xenobiotics
  • aquatic animals
  • bioaccumulation
  • toxicity
  • endocrine disruption
  • human health implications
  • sustainable remediation

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

22 pages, 4265 KB  
Article
Renal Accumulation and Hemocyte-Mediated Internalization After Acute Exposure to Injected Polyethylene Terephthalate Nanoplastics (PET-NPs) in the Freshwater Gastropod Pomacea canaliculata
by Anita Ferri, Sandro Sacchi, Chiara Losi, Martina Amico, Nicola Franchi and Davide Malagoli
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(3), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16030088 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026
Abstract
The increasing fragmentation of plastic debris into nanosized particles represents a threat to freshwater ecosystems, yet the biological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater invertebrates remain poorly understood. This study investigated tissue distribution, cellular effects and immune responses following acute exposure to polyethylene [...] Read more.
The increasing fragmentation of plastic debris into nanosized particles represents a threat to freshwater ecosystems, yet the biological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater invertebrates remain poorly understood. This study investigated tissue distribution, cellular effects and immune responses following acute exposure to polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics (PET-NPs) in the freshwater gastropod Pomacea canaliculata, a species of high ecological relevance and physiological resilience. Adult snails were injected with PET-NPs at 5 or 10 mg/L and sampled after 24 and 72 h. PET-NPs accumulation in the anterior and posterior kidneys was assessed by fluorescence imaging and tissue morphology was evaluated. Stress- and inflammation-related genes (Pc-Heat Shock Protein (HSP)70, Pc-HSP90 and Pc-Allograft inflammatory factor 1) expression was quantified by RT-qPCR. PET-NPs uptake and phagocytic activity were analyzed in circulating hemocytes in vivo and ex vivo. PET-NPs were accumulated in renal tissues, persisting up to 72 h without histopathological alterations. Gene expression analyses revealed non-linear and dose/time-dependent responses. Hemocytes of different morphologies internalized PET-NPs in a dose-dependent manner and showed intercellular particle transfer. Overall, acute PET-NP exposure determines rapid immune handling and tissue sequestration with limited short-term physiological impact, underscoring the potential involvement of immune processes in NPs fate and highlighting the need for chronic exposure studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 9532 KB  
Article
Sodium Nitroprusside as a Xenobiotic Model of Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress in Cellular and Zebrafish Systems
by Carlos Alberto-Silva, Felipe Assumpção da Cunha e Silva, Brenda Rufino da Silva, Leticia Ribeiro de Barros, Adolfo Luis Almeida Maleski and Maricilia Silva Costa
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16010029 - 6 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Oxidative and nitrosative stress are central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, where excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, membrane damage, and neuronal death. In this study, we established and compared short-term (2 h) and [...] Read more.
Oxidative and nitrosative stress are central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, where excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, membrane damage, and neuronal death. In this study, we established and compared short-term (2 h) and long-term (20 h) exposure paradigms to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), used as a xenobiotic nitric oxide donor, in two neuronal cell lines (mHippoE-18 and PC12) and zebrafish larvae, aiming to provide a preclinical framework for neurodegenerative drug discovery. In vitro, SNP exposure caused concentration-dependent reductions in viability and alterations in oxidative balance, with mHippoE-18 cells exhibiting higher susceptibility than PC12 cells. In the short-term exposure paradigm, cytotoxicity was primarily associated with membrane disruption at higher concentrations, whereas oxidative stress contributed more strongly at intermediate doses. In the long-term exposure, mHippoE-18 cells showed strong integrated correlations between ROS, LDH release, and viability loss, highlighting their increased vulnerability to nitrosative stress. In zebrafish, SNP exposure impaired metabolic activity and swimming behavior in both paradigms. Long-term exposure led to consistent dose-dependent increases in ROS, accompanied by locomotor deficits tightly linked to energy metabolism. Overall, the higher sensitivity of mHippoE-18 cells compared with PC12 cells, together with the dose-dependent metabolic and behavioral impairments observed in zebrafish, indicates that cellular responses partially mirror in vivo outcomes. This integrative approach underscores the value of combining neuronal cell lines with zebrafish larvae to capture complementary aspects of SNP-induced neurotoxicity and to strengthen preclinical evaluation of candidate compounds with protective or therapeutic potential. These findings support the use of SNP as a xenobiotic model to probe nitrosative stress-driven neurotoxicity across cellular and organismal systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

28 pages, 6228 KB  
Article
The Freshwater Ciliate Coleps hirtus as a Model Organism for Metal and Nanoparticle Toxicity: Mixture Interactions and Antioxidant Responses
by Govindhasamay R. Varatharajan, Martina Coletta, Santosh Kumar, Daizy Bharti, Arnab Ghosh, Shikha Singh, Amit C. Kharkwal, Francesco Dondero and Antonietta La Terza
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16010023 - 1 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1038
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) and metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) frequently co-occur in freshwater systems, yet their combined effects on microbial predators remain poorly understood. Here, the freshwater ciliate Coleps hirtus was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of single and binary mixtures of HMs (Cd, Cu, [...] Read more.
Heavy metals (HMs) and metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) frequently co-occur in freshwater systems, yet their combined effects on microbial predators remain poorly understood. Here, the freshwater ciliate Coleps hirtus was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of single and binary mixtures of HMs (Cd, Cu, Zn) and NPs (ZnO, CuO, TiO2, SiO2), and to characterize associated antioxidant responses. Acute toxicity was assessed after 24 h by estimating LC20 and LC50 values, while mixture toxicity for Cd + Zn and Cd + ZnO was analyzed using the Toxic Unit approach and the MixTOX framework. Non-enzymatic (TPC, DPPH, HRSA) and enzymatic (CAT, GST, GPx, SOD) antioxidants were quantified as sublethal biomarkers at concentrations below lethal thresholds. HMs were markedly more toxic than NPs, with a toxicity ranking of Cu > Cd >> Zn, whereas NPs followed ZnO > CuO >> TiO2 >> SiO2. Cd + Zn mixtures showed predominantly antagonistic or non-interactive effects, while Cd + ZnO mixtures exhibited strong synergistic toxicity with a non-linear dependence on mixture composition, as supported by MixTox modeling. Exposure to HMs and NPs induced significant and often coordinated changes in antioxidant biomarkers, with binary mixtures eliciting stronger responses than single contaminants. Together, these findings indicate that mixture composition strongly influences both toxicity outcomes and oxidative stress responses in C. hirtus. The combination of clear, mixture-dependent toxicity patterns and robust oxidative stress responses makes C. hirtus a promising bioindicator for freshwater environments impacted by HMs and NPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 627 KB  
Article
Remediation Potential of Ulva lactuca for Europium: Removal Efficiency, Metal Partitioning and Stress Biomarkers
by Saereh Mohammadpour, Thainara Viana, Rosa Freitas, Eduarda Pereira and Bruno Henriques
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16010020 - 24 Jan 2026
Viewed by 707
Abstract
As demand for rare earth elements (REEs) rises and environmental concerns about the extraction of primary resources grow, biological methods for removing these elements have gained significant attention as eco-friendly alternatives. This study assessed the ability of the green macroalga Ulva lactuca to [...] Read more.
As demand for rare earth elements (REEs) rises and environmental concerns about the extraction of primary resources grow, biological methods for removing these elements have gained significant attention as eco-friendly alternatives. This study assessed the ability of the green macroalga Ulva lactuca to remove europium (Eu) from aqueous solutions, evaluated the cellular partition of this element and investigated the toxicological effects of Eu exposure on its biochemical performance. U. lactuca was exposed to variable concentrations of Eu (ranging from 0.5 to 50 mg/L), and the amount of Eu in both the solution and algal biomass was analyzed after 72 h. The results showed that U. lactuca successfully removed 85 to 95% of Eu at low exposure concentrations (0.5–5.0 mg/L), with removal efficiencies of 75% and 47% at 10 and 50 mg/L, respectively. Europium accumulated in algal biomass in a concentration-dependent manner, reaching up to 22 mg/g dry weight (DW) at 50 mg/L. The distribution of Eu between extracellular and intracellular fractions of U. lactuca demonstrated that at higher concentrations (5.0–50 mg/L), 93–97% of Eu remained bound to the extracellular fraction, whereas intracellular uptake accounted for approximately 20% at the lowest concentration (0.5 mg/L). Biochemical analyses showed significant modulation of antioxidant defenses. Superoxide dismutase activity increased at 10 and 50 mg/L, while catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were enhanced at lower concentrations (0.5–1.0 mg/L) and inhibited at higher exposures. Lipid peroxidation levels remained similar to controls at most concentrations, with no evidence of severe membrane damage except at the highest Eu level. Overall, the results demonstrate that U. lactuca is an efficient and resilient biological system for Eu removal, combining high sorption capacity with controlled biochemical responses. These findings highlight its potential application in environmentally sustainable remediation strategies for REE-contaminated waters, while also providing insights into Eu toxicity and cellular partitioning mechanisms in marine macroalgae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

32 pages, 5535 KB  
Article
Comparative Hepatic Toxicity of Pesticides in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758): An Integrated Histopathological, Histochemical, and Enzymatic Biomarker Approach
by Vesela Yancheva, Stela Stoyanova, Elenka Georgieva, Eleonora Kovacheva, Bartosz Bojarski, László Antal, Ifeanyi Emmanuel Uzochukwu and Krisztián Nyeste
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16010019 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 747
Abstract
The intensive use of pesticides in agriculture poses serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and non-target organisms, yet toxicological data remain limited. This study evaluated the acute effects of three widely used pesticides—pirimiphos-methyl (10 and 60 μg/L), propamocarb hydrochloride (40 and 80 μg/L), and [...] Read more.
The intensive use of pesticides in agriculture poses serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and non-target organisms, yet toxicological data remain limited. This study evaluated the acute effects of three widely used pesticides—pirimiphos-methyl (10 and 60 μg/L), propamocarb hydrochloride (40 and 80 μg/L), and 2,4-D (50 and 100 μg/L)—on the liver of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758), a sentinel species in aquaculture, but also a species equally important in risk assessment and environmental monitoring. Fish were exposed for 96 h under controlled conditions, and histopathological, histochemical, and biochemical biomarkers were analyzed. All tested pesticides induced significant histopathological alterations, predominantly circulatory and degenerative changes, with severity increasing at higher concentrations. Propamocarb hydrochloride and 2,4-D caused more pronounced and partly irreversible hepatotoxicity compared to pirimiphos-methyl. The histochemical assessment revealed altered glycogen metabolism, while the biochemical assays showed inhibition of key liver enzymes, including ALAT, ASAT, ChE, and LDH, indicating disrupted metabolic processes. These findings highlight the vulnerability of aquatic organisms to pesticide exposure and support the use of fish liver biomarkers as effective tools in ecotoxicology research. The study also emphasizes the need for stricter regulation and environmental monitoring of pesticide contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 1587 KB  
Review
Fluorescent Dyes in Hydrological Tracing: Application Methods, Ecotoxicological Effects, and Safe Application Levels
by Carlos J. A. Campos, Louis A. Tremblay, Olivier Champeau and Gregory Goblick
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16020045 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1430
Abstract
Fluorescent dyes are commonly used as tracers in hydrological investigations to quantify transport pathways, residence times, mixing behavior, and connectivity in surface water, groundwater, and coastal systems. Despite their long history of application, the ecological implications of deliberate dye releases are not well [...] Read more.
Fluorescent dyes are commonly used as tracers in hydrological investigations to quantify transport pathways, residence times, mixing behavior, and connectivity in surface water, groundwater, and coastal systems. Despite their long history of application, the ecological implications of deliberate dye releases are not well understood. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the physico-chemical characteristics, environmental behavior, and ecotoxicological effects of major dye classes, with emphasis on rhodamines, fluorescein derivatives, and sulfonated xanthene dyes commonly used in water tracing studies. Toxicity data for algae, cyanobacteria, invertebrates, and fish show large inter-specific variability. Some dyes, particularly rhodamine B and eosin Y, show acute or sub-lethal effects at concentrations detected during poorly controlled applications. By contrast, dyes with high polarity and extensive sulfonation (e.g., rhodamine WT, sulforhodamine B, pyranine, and fluorescein) show consistently low toxicity and minimal bioaccumulation potential. Environmental fate processes, including photolysis, sorption, and transformation into potentially more reactive products, influence exposure dynamics, especially in clear, shallow, or slow-moving systems. This review also evaluates regulatory frameworks and operational guidance for safe use, identifies gaps in toxicological and fate data, and proposes recommendations for minimizing environmental impact through dye selection, mass optimization, injection design, and monitoring. The findings support the continued use of fluorescent dyes but highlight the need for more systematic assessment of transformation products, chronic and sub-lethal responses, and cumulative exposure in sensitive environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop