Toxics

14 pages, 1799 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality Rate: Correlation with Socio-Economic and Environmental Factors

by Valfran da Silva Lima, Yasmin Gabriele Ferreira, Júlio Cezar de Oliveira, Vanessa de Almeida Raia, Ludmila Barbosa Bandeira Rodrigues Emerick, Lucinéia Reuse Albiero, Valéria Dornelles Gindri Sinhorin and Guilherme Luz Emerick

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080586 - 13 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2284

Abstract

The progressive increase in the number of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Brazil and around the world between 2010 and 2020 raises questions in scientific society. At the same time, there is also an increase in life expectancy at birth (LEB). [...] Read more.

The progressive increase in the number of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Brazil and around the world between 2010 and 2020 raises questions in scientific society. At the same time, there is also an increase in life expectancy at birth (LEB). Thus, the aim of this study was, for the first time, to compare the increase in AD mortality rate (ADMR) in Brazilian regions over the years 2010 to 2020 with the increase in LEB, and investigate the possible correlation between these demographic transition phenomena and pesticide sales and exposure during this period. Data were extracted from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), from the Department of Informatics and Technology of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (DATASUS) and from the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). There was a significant increase in life expectancy at birth and in ADMR over the years between 2010 and 2020 in all Brazilian regions, with the female population in the South region being the most affected. In conclusion, there is a strong positive correlation between the increase in ADMR and LEB; ADMR and Human Development Index (HDI) and ADMR and pesticide sales and exposure in Brazil over the years studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pesticide Risk Assessment, Emerging and Re-Emerging Problems)

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17 pages, 730 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Percutaneous Absorption of Fireground Contaminants: Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, and Benzo[a]pyrene in Porcine Skin in an Artificial Sweat Vehicle

by Chandler Probert, Emma Nixon, R. Bryan Ormond and Ronald Baynes

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080588 - 13 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2763

Abstract

Firefighters face significant risks of exposure to toxic chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), during fire suppression activities. PAHs have been found in the air, on the gear and equipment, and in biological samples such as the skin, breath, urine, and blood [...] Read more.

Firefighters face significant risks of exposure to toxic chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), during fire suppression activities. PAHs have been found in the air, on the gear and equipment, and in biological samples such as the skin, breath, urine, and blood of firefighters after fire response. However, the extent to which exposure occurs via inhalation, dermal absorption, or ingestion is unclear. In this study, three PAHs, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and benzo[a]pyrene, were applied to porcine skin in vitro in an artificial sweat solution to better gauge firefighters’ dermal exposures while mimicking their sweaty skin conditions using an artificial sweat dosing vehicle. Multiple absorption characteristics were calculated, including cumulative absorption, percent dose absorbed, diffusivity, flux, lag time, and permeability. The absorption of the PAHs was greatly influenced by their molecular weight and solubility in the artificial sweat solution. Naphthalene had the greatest dose absorption efficiency (35.0 ± 4.6% dose), followed by phenanthrene (6.8 ± 3.2% dose), and lastly, benzo[a]pyrene, which had the lowest absorption (0.03 ± 0.04% dose). The lag times followed a similar trend. All chemicals had a lag time of approximately 60 min or longer, suggesting that chemical concentrations on the skin may be reduced by immediate skin cleansing practices after fire exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Firefighters’ Occupational Exposures and Health Risks)

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26 pages, 863 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Mixtures of Micro and Nanoplastics and Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Environment: What We Know about Their Toxicological Effects

by Marina Bastante-Rabadán and Karina Boltes

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080589 - 13 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2025

Abstract

In real environments, pollutants do not occur in isolation. Instead, they can be found in complex mixtures with effects that are completely different from those of the individual components. In this review, articles from 2017 to May 2024 have been selected to provide [...] Read more.

In real environments, pollutants do not occur in isolation. Instead, they can be found in complex mixtures with effects that are completely different from those of the individual components. In this review, articles from 2017 to May 2024 have been selected to provide an overview of the existing knowledge on complex mixtures between micropollutants and micro and nanoplastics in organisms in terrestrial and aquatic environments. It was found that the corresponding toxicological parameters to determine the interaction between the compounds were not calculated in most of the literature reviewed. Our analysis shows that, in aquatic environments, synergistic effects have been found more frequently than antagonistic effects. In terrestrial environments, the joint toxicological action of microplastics or nanoplastics with emerging contaminants has been less studied, but synergistic effects may also predominate. Future work should thoroughly investigate the nature of the interactions in order to properly assess the risk posed by this cocktail of compounds in ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies for Detection and Bioremediation of Contaminated Water and Soil)

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9 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

N-Acetylcysteine Ineffective in Alleviating Hangover from Binge Drinking: A Clinical Study

by Boris Podobnik, Lenart Demšar, Lucija Šarc, Aleš Jerin, Joško Osredkar, Jurij Trontelj, Robert Roškar and Miran Brvar

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080585 - 12 Aug 2024

Viewed by 9573

Abstract

Alcohol hangover (veisalgia) is a fairly common phenomenon. The pathogenesis of veisalgia is not understood and treatment has not yet been established. Occasionally, students take N-acetylcysteine (NAC) before binge drinking to alleviate hangover. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect [...] Read more.

Alcohol hangover (veisalgia) is a fairly common phenomenon. The pathogenesis of veisalgia is not understood and treatment has not yet been established. Occasionally, students take N-acetylcysteine (NAC) before binge drinking to alleviate hangover. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NAC on serum levels of electrolytes, enzymes, oxidative stress biomarkers and symptoms of veisalgia in binge drinking. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy students were randomly assigned into two groups: one receiving NAC and the other receiving a placebo. Blood samples were taken before drinking, 30 min after a 1.5 h long drinking session, and the subsequent morning. Serum levels of electrolytes, urea, enzymes, ethanol, 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and N-epsilon-hexanoyl-lysine were measured. The participants completed the Acute Hangover Severity Scale (AHSS) assessment based on symptoms, and 40 students (20 male), aged 23 ± 2 years, were included in the study. Their mean blood ethanol concentration was 1.4 g/kg. Serum sodium levels were increased after drinking, and urea decreased the following morning compared to their levels before drinking in both groups. Serum 8-OHdG levels were increased after drinking and remained elevated until the following morning, compared to the levels before drinking, in both groups. NAC had no effect on sodium, urea and 8-OHdG levels or the symptoms of veisalgia. In conclusion, binge drinking causes a transient increase in serum sodium and as a prolonged increase in oxidative marker 8-OHdG levels. NAC had no effect on the sodium and 8-OHdG levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Toxicology and Epidemiology)

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18 pages, 1302 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Benchmark Dose of Melamine Exposure for a Renal Injury Marker Mediated by Oxidative Stress: Examples in Patients with Urolithiasis and Occupational Workers

by Chu-Chih Chen, Chia-Chu Liu, Yin-Han Wang, Chia-Fang Wu, Yi-Chun Tsai, Sih-Syuan Li, Tusty-Jiuan Hsieh and Ming-Tsang Wu

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080584 - 11 Aug 2024

Viewed by 3260

Abstract

Establishing a safe exposure level from epidemiological studies while providing direct hazard characterization in humans often faces uncertainty in causality, especially cross-sectional data. With advances in molecular epidemiology, it is reasonable to integrate identified intermediate biomarkers into health risk assessment. In this study, [...] Read more.

Establishing a safe exposure level from epidemiological studies while providing direct hazard characterization in humans often faces uncertainty in causality, especially cross-sectional data. With advances in molecular epidemiology, it is reasonable to integrate identified intermediate biomarkers into health risk assessment. In this study, by considering the mediation of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), we explored the exposure threshold of melamine on the early renal injury marker N-acetyl-β-D glucosaminidase (NAG). The benchmark dose (BMD) was derived from model averaging of the composite direct effect of melamine exposure and the indirect effect through the mediation of MDA on NAG levels. As illustrative examples, we analyzed 309 adult patients with calcium urolithiasis and 80 occupational workers for the corresponding exposure thresholds. The derived threshold was subpopulation-dependent, with the one-sided lower bound BMDL₁₀ for the patients with urolithiasis with (without) the mediator MDA for the patients with kidney stones and the occupational workers being 0.88 (0.96)

μ g / k g_b w / d a y

and 22.82 (18.09)

μ g / k g_b w / d a y

, respectively. The derived threshold levels, considering the oxidative stress marker MDA, were consistent with those without adjusting for the mediation effect. However, the study outcomes were further supported by the suggested mechanism pathway. The threshold for the patients with urolithiasis was up to two orders lower than the current tolerable daily intake level of 200

μ g / k g_b w / d a y

recommended by the WHO (EFSA). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nephrotoxicity Induced by Drugs and Chemicals in the Environment)

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21 pages, 732 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Microplastics as a Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and Human Health

by Agata Witczak, Laura Przedpełska, Kamila Pokorska-Niewiada and Jacek Cybulski

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080571 - 5 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4701

Abstract

The threat posed by microplastics has become one of the world’s most serious problems. Recent reports indicate that the presence of microplastics has been documented not only in coastal areas and beaches, but also in water reservoirs, from which they enter the bodies [...] Read more.

The threat posed by microplastics has become one of the world’s most serious problems. Recent reports indicate that the presence of microplastics has been documented not only in coastal areas and beaches, but also in water reservoirs, from which they enter the bodies of aquatic animals and humans. Microplastics can also bioaccumulate contaminants that lead to serious damage to aquatic ecosystems. The lack of comprehensive data makes it challenging to ascertain the potential consequences of acute and chronic exposure, particularly for future generations. It is crucial to acknowledge that there is still a substantial need for rapid and effective techniques to identify microplastic particles for precise evaluation. Additionally, implementing legal regulations, limiting plastic production, and developing biodegradation methods are promising solutions, the implementation of which could limit the spread of toxic microplastics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Food Safety)

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18 pages, 1413 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Effects of Insecticide and Herbicides on Thyroid Disturbances in Zebrafish

by Tingting Ma, Xiangji An, Peng Wu, Xiaoli He and Yongming Luo

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080570 - 3 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2262

Abstract

Thyroid cancer usually begins with thyroid dysfunction and nodules and has become the most common cancer globally, especially in women. Although the causes of thyroid dysfunction are complex, the presence of environmental pollutants, especially certain pesticides as established mutagens, has been widely accepted. [...] Read more.

Thyroid cancer usually begins with thyroid dysfunction and nodules and has become the most common cancer globally, especially in women. Although the causes of thyroid dysfunction are complex, the presence of environmental pollutants, especially certain pesticides as established mutagens, has been widely accepted. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have similar toxic reactions and signal transduction pathways to humans and are very similar to humans in physiology, development, and metabolic function. Here, the direct toxicity effects and mechanisms of different insecticides and herbicides on zebrafish thyroid functions and indirect toxicity effects originating from thyroid dysfunction were summarized and compared. The overall toxicity of insecticides on the zebrafish thyroid was greater than that of herbicides based on effective concentrations. Penpropathrin and atrazine were more typical thyroid disruptors than other pesticides. Meanwhile, chiral pesticides showed more sophisticated single/combined toxicity effects on both parental and offspring zebrafish. Besides thyroid hormone levels and HPT axis-related gene expression alteration, developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative damage effects were all observed. These data are necessary for understanding the thyroid interference effect of pesticides on humans and for screening for thyroid disruptors in surface water with zebrafish models for the pre-assessment of human health risks and ecological risk control in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity Induced by Pesticides Exposure Volume II)

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20 pages, 5614 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

GIS- and Multivariate-Based Approaches for Assessing Potential Environmental Hazards in Some Areas of Southwestern Saudi Arabia

by Hassan Alzahrani, Abdelbaset S. El-Sorogy, Abdurraouf Okok and Mohamed S. Shokr

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080569 - 3 Aug 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1070

Abstract

Soil contamination is a major issue that endangers the ecology in most countries. Total concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, VFe, and Zn were determined by analyzing soil samples from 32 surface soil samples in southwest Saudi Arabia, including [...] Read more.

Soil contamination is a major issue that endangers the ecology in most countries. Total concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, VFe, and Zn were determined by analyzing soil samples from 32 surface soil samples in southwest Saudi Arabia, including certain areas of Al-Baha. Kriging techniques were used to create maps of the distribution of metal. To assess the levels of soil contamination in the research area, principal component analysis (PCA), contamination factors (CF), and pollution load index were used. The results show the stable model gave the best fit to the As and Zn semivariograms. The circular model fits the Cd, Co, and Ni semivariograms the best, while the exponential model fits the Cr, V, and Fe semivariograms the best. For Ni and Pb, respectively, spherical and Gaussian models are fitted. The findings demonstrated two clusters containing different soil heavy metal concentrations. According to the data, there were two different pollution levels in the research region: 36.58% of it is strongly contaminated, while 63.41% of it has a moderate level of contamination (with average levels of these metals 5.28 ± 5.83, 0.81 ± 0.19, 18.65 ± 6.22, 45.15 ± 23.25, 60.55 ± 23.74, 972.30 ± 223.50, 33.45 ± 14.11, 10.05 ± 5.13, 84.15 ± 30.72, 97.40 ± 30.05, and 43,245.00 ± 8942.95 mg kg⁻¹ for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Fe, and Zn, respectively). The research area’s poor management practices are reflected in the current results, which raised the concentration of harmful elements in the soil’s surface layers. Ultimately, the outcomes of pollution concentration and spatial distribution maps could aid in informing decision-makers when creating suitable heavy metal mitigation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Toxicity of Heavy Metals and Chemical Pollutants in Agricultural Soil and Plants: Ecological Risks and Remediation)

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14 pages, 3653 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Chronic Polystyrene Microplastic Exposure Reduces Testosterone Levels in Mice through Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and BAX/BCL2-Mediated Apoptosis

by Yi Liu, Xiaomin Li and Ying Xiong

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080561 - 1 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2328

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a major environmental issue. They have been found to cause significant reproductive toxicity and lower testosterone levels in adult males, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, C57bl/6 mice were orally exposed to saline or varying [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a major environmental issue. They have been found to cause significant reproductive toxicity and lower testosterone levels in adult males, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, C57bl/6 mice were orally exposed to saline or varying doses (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/day) of 5 μm polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) for 4 weeks, and TM3 mouse Leydig cells were treated with different concentrations of PS-MPs. Our results found that exposure to PS-MPs significantly reduced testosterone levels and impaired the synthesis function of testicular steroids. In vitro, PS-MPs reduced steroid synthesis in Leydig cells. Treatment with PS-MPs significantly increased the apoptosis rate and BAX/BCL2 ratio in Leydig cells. Additionally, GSH-px and SOD activities decreased, while MDA levels increased, along with a rise in mitochondrial ROS. In conclusion, chronic PS-MP exposure reduced testosterone levels in mice through mitochondrial oxidative stress and BAX/BCL2-mediated apoptosis. This study offers new insights into the health risks posed by MPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity)

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13 pages, 4395 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Association of Urinary Glyphosate with All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality among Adults in NHANES 2013–2018: Role of Alkaline Phosphatase

by Yongyue Gao, Shuge Shu, Di Zhang, Pu Wang, Xiangyu Yu, Yucheng Wang and Yongquan Yu

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080559 - 31 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1817

Abstract

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships among urinary glyphosate, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases (CVD)-related mortality in the general US population of adults, and to determine the role of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), [...] Read more.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships among urinary glyphosate, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases (CVD)-related mortality in the general US population of adults, and to determine the role of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an inflammation marker that is associated with glyphosate exposure, in these relationships. Subjects from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018 cycles were included. Survey-weighted Cox regression analysis was applied to estimate the relationship of glyphosate with overall and CVD mortalities. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was utilized to detect the linearity of associations. The intermediary role of ALP was explored by mediation analysis. Our results found consistent and positive associations of glyphosate with all-cause mortality (HR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.05–1.59) and CVD mortality (HR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.02–1.70). RCS curves further validated linear and positive dose-dependent relationships between glyphosate and mortality-related outcomes. Moreover, serum ALP was identified as a mediator in these associations and explained 12.1% and 14.0% of the total associations between glyphosate and all-cause death and CVD death risk, respectively. Our study indicated that glyphosate was associated with increased all-cause and CVD mortality in humans. Increased ALP may play an essential role in these associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pesticides and Human Health: Between Toxicology and Epidemiology)

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23 pages, 4216 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure on Placental Health and Adverse Pregnancy Risks: Novel Assessment System Based upon Targeted Risk Assessment Environmental Chemicals Strategy

by Danyang Wan, Yujie Liu, Qianjing Chang, Zhaofeng Liu, Qing Wang, Rui Niu, Beibei Gao, Quanquan Guan and Yankai Xia

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080553 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2567

Abstract

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging pollutants, have been detected in both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta in pregnant women, and their reproductive toxicity has been demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The Targeted Risk Assessment of Environmental Chemicals [...] Read more.

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging pollutants, have been detected in both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta in pregnant women, and their reproductive toxicity has been demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The Targeted Risk Assessment of Environmental Chemicals (TRAEC) strategy has been innovatively devised to facilitate valid risk assessment, encompassing a comprehensive evaluation of reliability, correlation, outcome fitness, and integrity across four dimensions based on the included published evidence and our own findings. This study serves as an application case of TRAEC, with 40 items of research evidence on the toxicity of MNPs to the placenta, which were rigorously screened and incorporated into the final scoring system. The final score for this TRAEC case study is 5.63, suggesting a moderate-to-low risk of reproductive toxicity associated with MNPs in the placenta, which may potentially increase with decreasing particle size. It is essential to emphasize that the findings also report original data from assays indicating that exposure to high-dose groups (100 μg/mL, 200 μg/mL) of 50 nm and 200 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) induces HTR8/SVneo cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis, which lead to reproductive toxicity in the placenta by disrupting mitochondrial function. Overall, this study employed the TRAEC strategy to provide comprehensive insight into the potential reproductive health effects of ubiquitous MNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identification of Toxic Effects of Emerging Chemicals throughout the Reproductive Process)

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15 pages, 3484 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommunication

Comparison of Transgenerational Neurotoxicity between Pristine and Amino-Modified Nanoplastics in C. elegans

by Mingxuan Song, Qinli Ruan and Dayong Wang

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080555 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1471

Abstract

Increasing evidence has suggested that nanoplastic pollution has become a global concern. More importantly, transgenerational toxicity can be induced by nanoplastics at predicted environmentally relevant doses (ERDs). Considering that amino modification could increase nanoplastic toxicity, we compared transgenerational neurotoxicity between pristine polystyrene nanoparticle [...] Read more.

Increasing evidence has suggested that nanoplastic pollution has become a global concern. More importantly, transgenerational toxicity can be induced by nanoplastics at predicted environmentally relevant doses (ERDs). Considering that amino modification could increase nanoplastic toxicity, we compared transgenerational neurotoxicity between pristine polystyrene nanoparticle (PS-NP) and amino-modified PS-NP (NH₂-PS-NP) in Caenorhabditis elegans. At 0.1–10 μg/L, NH₂-PS-NP caused more severe transgenerational toxicity on locomotion and neuronal development. Accompanied with a difference in transgenerational neuronal damage, compared to PS-NP (10 μg/L), NH₂-PS-NP (10 μg/L) induced more severe transgenerational activation of mec-4, crt-1, itr-1, and tra-3, which are required for the induction of neurodegeneration. Moreover, NH₂-PS-NP (10 μg/L) caused more severe transgenerational inhibition in expressions of mpk-1, jnk-1, dbl-1, and daf-7 than PS-NP (10 μg/L), and RNA interference (RNAi) of these genes conferred susceptibility to the toxicity of PS-NP and NH₂-PS-NP on locomotion and neuronal development. NH₂-PS-NP (10 μg/L) further caused more severe transgenerational activation of germline ligand genes (ins-3, ins-39, daf-28, lin-44, egl-17, efn-3, and lag-2) than PS-NP (10 μg/L), and RNAi of these ligand genes caused resistance to the toxicity of PS-NP and NH₂-PS-NP on locomotion and neuronal development. Our results highlighted more severe exposure risk of amino-modified nanoplastics at ERDs in causing transgenerational neurotoxicity in organisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)

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13 pages, 836 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Associations between Ethylene Oxide Exposure and Liver Function in the US Adult Population

by Shanshan Li, Jinzhou Wang, Dengliang Lei, Dadi Peng, Kezhen Zong, Kaili Li, Zhongjun Wu, Yanyao Liu and Zuotian Huang

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080551 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1544

Abstract

Background: Ethylene oxide, a reactive epoxy compound, has been widely used in various industries for many years. However, evidence of the combined toxic effects of ethylene oxide exposure on the liver is still lacking. Methods: We analyzed the merged data from the National [...] Read more.

Background: Ethylene oxide, a reactive epoxy compound, has been widely used in various industries for many years. However, evidence of the combined toxic effects of ethylene oxide exposure on the liver is still lacking. Methods: We analyzed the merged data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2016. Ultimately, 4141 adults aged 18 and over were selected as the sample. We used linear regression to explore the association between blood ethylene oxide and LFT indicators. Results: The weighted linear regression model showed that HbEO is positively correlated with ALP (β = 2.61, 95% CI 1.97, 3.24, p < 0.0001), GGT (β = 5.75, 95% CI 4.46, 7/05, p < 0.0001), ALT (β = 0.50, 95% CI 0.09, 0.90, p = 0.0158), and AST (β = 0.71, 95% CI 0.44, 0.98, p < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with TBIL (β = −0.30, 95% CI −0.43, −0.16, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Ethylene oxide exposure is significantly associated with changes in liver function indicators among adults in the United States. Future work should further examine these relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Contaminants and Human Health)

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15 pages, 1609 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Increased Prorenin Expression in the Kidneys May Be Involved in the Abnormal Renal Function Caused by Prolonged Environmental Exposure to Microcystin-LR

by Yuuka Hitsuda, Yoshihito Koto, Hideaki Kawahara, Koichi Kurata, Keisuke Yoshikiyo, Kohji Nishimura, Ayumi Hashiguchi, Hideaki Maseda, Kunihiro Okano, Norio Sugiura, Kazuya Shimizu and Hidehisa Shimizu

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080547 - 27 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1274

Abstract

Toxic algae in eutrophic lakes produce cyanotoxic microcystins. Prior research on the effect of microcystin-LR in the kidney utilized intraperitoneal injections, which did not reflect natural exposure. Oral microcystin-LR research has focused on renal function and histopathology without examining the molecular mechanisms. The [...] Read more.

Toxic algae in eutrophic lakes produce cyanotoxic microcystins. Prior research on the effect of microcystin-LR in the kidney utilized intraperitoneal injections, which did not reflect natural exposure. Oral microcystin-LR research has focused on renal function and histopathology without examining the molecular mechanisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of microcystin-LR in the kidneys via oral administration in WKAH/HkmSlc rats over 7 weeks, alongside stimulation of the proximal tubular cells. Although there were no differences in the concentrations of plasma albumin, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, which are parameters of renal function, between the control and microcystin-LR-administrated rats, prorenin expression was significantly increased in the renal cortex of the rats administered microcystin-LR and the microcystin-LR-treated proximal tubular cells. The expression levels of (pro)renin receptor (PRR), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the renal cortex did not differ significantly between the control and microcystin-LR-administered rats. However, the expression levels of prorenin were significantly positively correlated with those of PRR, TGFβ1, and α-SMA in the renal cortex of rats administered microcystin-LR. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between the expression levels of TGFβ1 and α-SMA. Collectively, increased prorenin expression caused by the long-term consumption of microcystin-LR may initiate a process that influences renal fibrosis and abnormal renal function by regulating the expression levels of PRR, TGFβ1, and α-SMA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Effects of Chemical and Non-Chemical Exposures on the Kidney)

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16 pages, 2901 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) and Their Potential Effects on Female Reproductive Diseases

by Yuqing Yi, Yang Feng, Yuechen Shi, Jiaming Xiao, Ming Liu and Ke Wang

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080539 - 26 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2296

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of anthropogenic organic compounds widely present in the natural and human living environments. These emerging persistent pollutants can enter the human body through multiple channels, posing risks to human health. In particular, exposure to PFASs [...] Read more.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of anthropogenic organic compounds widely present in the natural and human living environments. These emerging persistent pollutants can enter the human body through multiple channels, posing risks to human health. In particular, exposure to PFASs in women may cause a series of reproductive health hazards and infertility. Based on a review of the existing literature, this study preliminarily summarizes the effects of PFAS exposure on the occurrence and development of female reproductive endocrine diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Furthermore, we outline the relevant mechanisms through which PFASs interfere with the physiological function of the female ovary and finally highlight the role played by nutrients in reducing the reproductive health hazards caused by PFASs. It is worth noting that the physiological mechanisms of PFASs in the above diseases are still unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the molecular mechanisms of PFASs in female reproductive diseases and the role of nutrients in this process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Exposure to per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): Toxicity, Health Effects, and Mitigation)

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20 pages, 1896 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Prediction of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Related to Estrogen, Androgen, and Thyroid Hormone (EAT) Modalities Using Transcriptomics Data and Machine Learning

by Guillaume Ollitrault, Marco Marzo, Alessandra Roncaglioni, Emilio Benfenati, Enrico Mombelli and Olivier Taboureau

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080541 - 26 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2053

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that can interfere with homeostatic processes. They are a major concern for public health, and they can cause adverse long-term effects such as cancer, intellectual impairment, obesity, diabetes, and male infertility. The endocrine system is a complex machinery, [...] Read more.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that can interfere with homeostatic processes. They are a major concern for public health, and they can cause adverse long-term effects such as cancer, intellectual impairment, obesity, diabetes, and male infertility. The endocrine system is a complex machinery, with the estrogen (E), androgen (A), and thyroid hormone (T) modes of action being of major importance. In this context, the availability of in silico models for the rapid detection of hazardous chemicals is an effective contribution to toxicological assessments. We developed Qualitative Gene expression Activity Relationship (QGexAR) models to predict the propensities of chemically induced disruption of EAT modalities. We gathered gene expression profiles from the LINCS database tested on two cell lines, i.e., MCF7 (breast cancer) and A549 (adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial). We optimized our prediction protocol by testing different feature selection methods and classification algorithms, including CATBoost, XGBoost, Random Forest, SVM, Logistic regression, AutoKeras, TPOT, and deep learning models. For each EAT endpoint, the final prediction was made according to a consensus prediction as a function of the best model obtained for each cell line. With the available data, we were able to develop a predictive model for estrogen receptor and androgen receptor binding and thyroid hormone receptor antagonistic effects with a consensus balanced accuracy on a validation set ranging from 0.725 to 0.840. The importance of each predictive feature was further assessed to identify known genes and suggest new genes potentially involved in the mechanisms of action of EAT perturbation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Predictive Toxicology)

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14 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review of the Literature on Episodes of Acute Fentanyl Intoxication in Pediatric Age and Toxicological Applications

by Matteo Antonio Sacco, Saverio Gualtieri, Alessandro Pasquale Tarallo, Lucia Tarda, Maria Cristina Verrina, Andrea Costa and Isabella Aquila

Toxics 2024, 12(8), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080534 - 24 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2460

Abstract

Fentanyl is an opioid with powerful analgesic effects and a high speed of action. Due to its pharmacological properties, this molecule has therapeutic application as an anesthetic in surgery or as palliative therapy for cancer patients. Unfortunately, in recent years, the easy availability [...] Read more.

Fentanyl is an opioid with powerful analgesic effects and a high speed of action. Due to its pharmacological properties, this molecule has therapeutic application as an anesthetic in surgery or as palliative therapy for cancer patients. Unfortunately, in recent years, the easy availability of this substance, the low cost and the illegal online market have favored the large-scale diffusion of fentanyl. Fentanyl is available in different forms, including nasal spray, oral patches, soluble capsules, aerosol or the new version of fentanyl mixed with other drugs, making its use very widespread. Subjects of various ages are involved in fentanyl consumption, including minors that have not yet reached adolescence. In this work, we performed a literature review using the search engines PubMed NCBI and SCOPUS regarding episodes of acute fentanyl intoxication occurring in those of a pediatric age using the Mesh Terms “fentanyl” AND “overdose” AND “children”. The inclusion criteria were English papers published in the last 10 years regarding the cases of children under the age of 10. We evaluated the most frequent methods of intake and the circumstances of such episodes. In cases of death, we analyzed the autopsy, the toxicological findings and the investigations carried out. The review results show that in this age group (under < 10 y.o. s), it is possible to identify the risk factors for fentanyl intake, such as the presence of this molecule within the family unit due to drug addiction or medical therapy. The results also demonstrate a significant risk of underestimation of this phenomenon, since the molecule is often not investigated through adequate toxicological analysis. These results, therefore, suggest always carrying out toxicological investigations in the case of suspected fentanyl intoxication, both on patients or cadavers. The investigations must always include a urinary screening for opiates, and the request for a second level analysis with molecule dosage in cases of positivity or in cases of strong suspicion for assumption. In cases of intoxication in a family context of drug addiction, it is necessary to investigate the chronicity of the intake through hair analysis and evaluate the possible co-administration of other drugs. In conclusion, we suggest a protocol, applicable both on patients or cadavers, which can be useful for physicians and forensic pathologists in order to promptly identify these cases and allow for the reporting of them to the judicial authorities with the adoption of strict prevention and control measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drugs Toxicity)

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26 pages, 3181 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Comprehensive Bibliometric Study in the Context of Chemical Hazards in Coffee

by Grobert A. Guadalupe, Dorila E. Grandez-Yoplac, Ligia García and Eva Doménech

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070526 - 22 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3122

Abstract

The research aimed to carefully review the chemical hazards linked to the coffee production chain to analyse the risks and opportunities for consumers and the environment, as well as identify potential knowledge gaps. The Scopus database was consulted from 1949 to April 2024 [...] Read more.

The research aimed to carefully review the chemical hazards linked to the coffee production chain to analyse the risks and opportunities for consumers and the environment, as well as identify potential knowledge gaps. The Scopus database was consulted from 1949 to April 2024 to conduct a bibliometric analysis. As a result, 680 articles were analysed. Results indicated a significant increase in research activity since 2015. China, Brazil, and the USA were the leading countries in scientific production and collaborations. The most prolific journals in this field were Chemosphere, Science of the Total Environment, Food Chemistry, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, and Journal of Environmental Management, all of which are in the first quartile. The word analysis revealed two main themes: the first focuses on the chemical hazards of coffee and their impact on health, while the second explores the waste generated during coffee production and its potential for reuse. The topics covered in the research include the composition of coffee, associated chemical hazards, possible health risks, and ways to reuse waste for environmental protection. Future research should concentrate on optimising techniques and processes to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology)

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19 pages, 4910 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Quantitative Effects of Anthropogenic and Natural Factors on Heavy Metals Pollution and Spatial Distribution in Surface Drinking Water Sources in the Upper Huaihe River Basin in China

by Tong Liu, Mingya Wang, Chunhui Zhang, Shili Yang, Fan Zhang, Luhao Jia, Wanqi Ma, Shaobo Sui, Qingwei Liu and Mingshi Wang

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070517 - 18 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1194

Abstract

The water quality of sources in the Huaihe River Basin significantly affects the lives and health of approximately 16.7% of China’s population. Identifying and quantifying pollution sources and risks is essential for effective water resource management. This study utilized Monte Carlo simulations and [...] Read more.

The water quality of sources in the Huaihe River Basin significantly affects the lives and health of approximately 16.7% of China’s population. Identifying and quantifying pollution sources and risks is essential for effective water resource management. This study utilized Monte Carlo simulations and Geodetector to assess water quality and eutrophication, as well as to evaluate the sources of heavy metals and the associated health risks for both adults and children. The results showed that eutrophication of water sources in Huaihe River was severe, with an overall EI value of 37.92; 67.8% of the water sources were classified as mesotrophic and 32.2% classified as eutrophic. Water quality and eutrophication levels in the southern mountainous regions were better than those in the densely populated northern areas. Adults were found to have a higher carcinogenic risk than children, whereas children faced a higher noncarcinogenic risk than adults. Cr presented the highest carcinogenic risk, affecting more than 99.8% of both adults and children at levels above 1 × 10⁻⁶ but not exceeding 1 × 10⁻⁴. The noncarcinogenic risk from metals did not surpass a level of 1, except for Pb. As was primarily influenced by agricultural activities and transportation, whereas Cd, Cr, and Pb were mainly affected by industrial activities, particularly in local textile industries such as knitting and clothing manufacturing. The analysis demonstrated that the influence of anthropogenic factors on heavy metal distribution was significantly enhanced by indirect natural factors. For example, the explanatory power of Precipitation and Road Network Density on As was 0.362 and 0.189, respectively, whereas their interaction had an explanatory power as high as 0.673. This study indicates that the geodetector method is effective in elucidating the factors influencing heavy metal distribution in water, thereby providing valuable insights into pollution sources in global drinking water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Radioactive Substances)

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12 pages, 2682 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Rutaecarpine Aggravates Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inducing CYP1A2

by Meiqi Wan, Hua Gao, Xiaoyan Liu and Youbo Zhang

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070515 - 18 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2049

Abstract

In this study, we investigated whether rutaecarpine could aggravate acetaminophen-induced acute liver damage in vivo and in vitro. CCK-8 and apoptosis assays were performed to verify the cytotoxicity of acetaminophen to L02 cells with or without rutaecarpine. The expression levels of the target [...] Read more.

In this study, we investigated whether rutaecarpine could aggravate acetaminophen-induced acute liver damage in vivo and in vitro. CCK-8 and apoptosis assays were performed to verify the cytotoxicity of acetaminophen to L02 cells with or without rutaecarpine. The expression levels of the target proteins and genes were determined using Western blotting and qRT-PCR. The liver pathological changes were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining, while the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (AST) levels in plasma were measured to assess the liver damage. Our results revealed that pretreatment of the cell and mice with rutaecarpine significantly aggravated the acetaminophen-induced liver damage. Mechanistically, rutaecarpine induces the CYP1A2 protein, which accelerates the metabolism of acetaminophen to produce a toxic intermediate, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), leading to severe liver inflammation. Rutaecarpine exacerbated the liver damage by upregulating CYP1A2 and proinflammatory factors. These findings highlight the importance of carefully considering the dosage of rutaecarpine when combined with acetaminophen in drug design and preclinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Metabolism and Toxicological Mechanisms)

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11 pages, 859 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Ocular Surface Fluid: More than a Matrix

by Ivan Šoša

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070513 - 16 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2054

Abstract

Although the eye can be subjected to therapeutic manipulation, some of its structures are highly inaccessible. Thus, conventional therapeutic administration pathways, such as topical or systemic routes, usually show significant limitations in the form of low ocular penetration or the appearance of side [...] Read more.

Although the eye can be subjected to therapeutic manipulation, some of its structures are highly inaccessible. Thus, conventional therapeutic administration pathways, such as topical or systemic routes, usually show significant limitations in the form of low ocular penetration or the appearance of side effects linked to physiology, among others. The critical feature of many xenobiotics is the drug gradient from the concentrated tear reservoir to the relatively barren corneal and conjunctival epithelia, which forces a passive route of absorption. The same is true in the opposite direction, towards the ocular surface (OS). With the premise that tears can be regarded as equivalent to or a substitute for plasma, researchers may determine drug concentrations in the OS fluid. Within this framework, a survey of scholarly sources on the topic was conducted. It provided an overview of current knowledge, allowing the identification of relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that can be employed in subsequent research. OS fluid (tears particularly) has enormous potential as a source of biological material for external drug screening and as a biomarker of various systemic diseases. Given the numerous alternate matrices, knowledge of their properties is very important in selecting the most appropriate specimens in toxicological analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Identification of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs)

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11 pages, 391 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in Chili Peppers Using International Pesticide Monitoring Data for Safety Management

by Minsoo Park, Seo-Hong Kim, Subin Bae and Moo-Hyeog Im

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070508 - 15 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2099

Abstract

Repeated pesticide residue detection in chili peppers in the Republic of Korea has become a serious health concern. Thus, monitoring domestically grown and imported chili peppers for pesticide residues is of great significance. Here, we investigated pesticide residues detected in imported and domestically [...] Read more.

Repeated pesticide residue detection in chili peppers in the Republic of Korea has become a serious health concern. Thus, monitoring domestically grown and imported chili peppers for pesticide residues is of great significance. Here, we investigated pesticide residues detected in imported and domestically grown chili peppers using global pesticide residue monitoring data. Our analysis involved organizing inspection and detection data from different sources. Global pesticide residue monitoring data for chili peppers revealed 139 pesticide types, 43,532 inspections, and 3966 detections (detection rate, 9.11%). Peppers from Mexico were sampled the most (39,927 inspections) and showed the highest number of detected cases (2998 cases). Globally, the top 10 most frequently detected pesticides were clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, chlorpyrifos, thiacloprid, metalaxyl, myclobutanil, azoxystrobin, carbendazim, and cyhalothrin, with detection rates in the range of 10.52–28.66%. Furthermore, domestic chili pepper pesticide residue monitoring revealed 73 pesticide types, 3535 inspections, and 332 detected cases (detection rate, 9.39%), and the top 10 most frequently detected pesticides were chlorfenapyr, tebuconazole, flonicamid, dinotefuran, boscalid, pyraclostrobin, fluxametamide, thiamethoxam, pyridaben, and azoxystrobin, with detection rates in the range of 13.89–32.58%. These findings may serve as fundamental data for safety management related to chili pepper pesticide residues in the Republic of Korea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data Science for Environmental Chemical Monitoring)

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19 pages, 2742 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Study on the Distribution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Antibiotics and Resistance Genes in Water Sources of Wuhan

by Jun Wang, Ying Yu, Jiayi Jiang, Bolin Li, Weimin Xie, Gezi Li, Huanjie Song, Wanying Zhai and Ye Li

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070507 - 14 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1150

Abstract

In contemporary society, the improper use of antibiotics leads to their persistent presence in the ecological environment. Due to the diverse physical and chemical properties of antibiotics, their spatial and temporal distribution in the environment varies. Moreover, antibiotics can stimulate the emergence of [...] Read more.

In contemporary society, the improper use of antibiotics leads to their persistent presence in the ecological environment. Due to the diverse physical and chemical properties of antibiotics, their spatial and temporal distribution in the environment varies. Moreover, antibiotics can stimulate the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which complicates the monitoring and regulation of antibiotics and poses a significant threat to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. This study investigated the distribution of 15 antibiotics and 11 typical ARGs across four categories at 19 sites of drinking water sources in Wuhan, China. The findings revealed that the concentration of antibiotics during the dry season (nd~61,883 ng/L) was significantly higher compared to both the normal water season (nd~49,883 ng/L) and the wet season (nd~28,686 ng/L). Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfamethoxazole (SMD), sulfadiazine (SD), and roxithromycin (RTM) were the predominant antibiotics in the target water environments. The study indicated that most of the antibiotics analyzed posed little to no risk to aquatic organisms. The primary ARGs detected in the surface water of the study area were sul1, qnrD, and tetO. Furthermore, some ARGs showed a negative correlation with their respective antibiotics. Additional research is necessary to evaluate the impact of these emerging pollutants (antibiotics and ARGs) on the safety of high-quality drinking water for residents in Wuhan City. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drugs Toxicity)

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31 pages, 3060 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Using Zebrafish to Screen Developmental Toxicity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

by Katy N. Britton, Richard S. Judson, Bridgett N. Hill, Kimberly A. Jarema, Jeanene K. Olin, Bridget R. Knapp, Morgan Lowery, Madison Feshuk, Jason Brown and Stephanie Padilla

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070501 - 10 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3273

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in many consumer and industrial products. While some PFAS, notably perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are developmentally toxic in mammals, the vast majority of PFAS have not been evaluated for developmental toxicity potential. A [...] Read more.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in many consumer and industrial products. While some PFAS, notably perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are developmentally toxic in mammals, the vast majority of PFAS have not been evaluated for developmental toxicity potential. A concentration–response study of 182 unique PFAS chemicals using the zebrafish medium-throughput, developmental vertebrate toxicity assay was conducted to investigate chemical structural identifiers for toxicity. Embryos were exposed to each PFAS compound (≤100 μM) beginning on the day of fertilization. At 6 days post-fertilization (dpf), two independent observers graded developmental landmarks for each larva (e.g., mortality, hatching, swim bladder inflation, edema, abnormal spine/tail, or craniofacial structure). Thirty percent of the PFAS were developmentally toxic, but there was no enrichment of any OECD structural category. PFOS was developmentally toxic (benchmark concentration [BMC] = 7.48 μM); however, other chemicals were more potent: perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA), N-methylperfluorooctane sulfonamide (N-MeFOSA), ((perfluorooctyl)ethyl)phosphonic acid, perfluoro-3,6,9-trioxatridecanoic acid, and perfluorohexane sulfonamide. The developmental toxicity profile for these more potent PFAS is largely unexplored in mammals and other species. Based on these zebrafish developmental toxicity results, additional screening may be warranted to understand the toxicity profile of these chemicals in other species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue PFAS Toxicology and Metabolism)

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14 pages, 3724 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Testosterone Mediates Reproductive Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans by Affecting Sex Determination in Germ Cells through nhr-69/mpk-1/fog-1/3

by Ke Meng, Ying-Chi Shi, Wei-Xi Li, Jia Wang, Bei-Jing Cheng, Tian-Lin Li, Hui Li, Nan Jiang and Ran Liu

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070502 - 10 Jul 2024

Viewed by 3316

Abstract

Testosterone (T), an environmental androgen, significantly disrupts endocrine systems in wildlife and ecosystems. Despite growing concern over its high levels in aquatic environments, the reproductive toxicity of testosterone and its mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the reproductive toxicity [...] Read more.

Testosterone (T), an environmental androgen, significantly disrupts endocrine systems in wildlife and ecosystems. Despite growing concern over its high levels in aquatic environments, the reproductive toxicity of testosterone and its mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the reproductive toxicity and mechanisms of testosterone using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and assessed its ecological toxicity through the benchmark dose (BMD) method. Our results indicate that T concentrations exceeding 0.01 μg/L significantly reduce the brood size, decrease germ cell counts, and prolong the generation time in C. elegans as T concentrations increase. Furthermore, to elucidate the specific mechanisms, we analyzed the expression of nhr-69, mpk-1, and other genes involved in sex determination. These findings suggest that the nhr-69-mediated reproductive toxicity of T primarily affects sperm formation and the offspring number by influencing its downstream targets, mpk-1 and fog-1/3, which are critical in the germ cell sex-determining pathway. Additionally, this study determined that the 10% lower boundary of the baseline dose (BMDL10) is 1.160 ng/L, offering a more protective reference dose for the ecological risk assessment of T. The present study suggests that nhr-69 mediates the reproductive toxicity of T by influencing mpk-1 and fog-1/3, critical genes at the end of the germ cell sex-determining pathway, thereby providing a basis for establishing reproductive toxicity thresholds for T. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity)

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14 pages, 3501 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of pH, Temperature, and Salinity Levels on Heavy Metal Fraction in Lake Sediments

by Shengnan Zhao, Yunxi Zhao, Zhimou Cui, Hui Zhang and Jinda Zhang

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070494 - 5 Jul 2024

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3156

Abstract

Heavy metals (HMs) in aquatic environments are characterized by high toxicity, a propensity for bioaccumulation, and non-degradability, and pose significant risks to biological communities. Previous studies of HMs in lakes have shown that the physical and chemical characteristics of the lake water may [...] Read more.

Heavy metals (HMs) in aquatic environments are characterized by high toxicity, a propensity for bioaccumulation, and non-degradability, and pose significant risks to biological communities. Previous studies of HMs in lakes have shown that the physical and chemical characteristics of the lake water may control both the migration of HMs in the sediments and the concentration of heavy metals in the lake water. In fact, the change in aquatic environments changes the heavy metal fraction in the sediment, which controls the release of HMs. In this paper, we investigated the effects of the pH, temperature, and salinity levels of overlying water on the chemical fraction of Cu and Zn in Wuliangsuhai Lake surface sediments. The results show that lower water pH and higher water salinity and temperature could increase Cu and Zn release from the sediment. An increase in pH led to changes in the speciation of solid fractions of Zn, namely increases in the residual fraction and decreases in the organic matter and sulfide, whereas acid-extractable and Fe-Mn oxide fractions remained largely the same. Increases in temperature and salinity led to opposite changes in the speciation of solid fractions, namely decreases in the residual fraction and increases in the organic matter and sulfide and Fe-Mn oxide fractions, whereas acid-extractable fractions remained largely the same. The effect of pH, temperature, and salinity on Cu fractions in the solids was much smaller. According to the ratio of the secondary phase to the primary phase (RSP), acidic, high-temperature, and high-salt conditions increase the release risks of Zn. Changes in water temperature have the greatest influence on the risk of Zn and Cu release from sediments, followed by the influence of salinity changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Radioactive Substances)

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26 pages, 2442 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Research Progress on Micro(nano)plastic-Induced Programmed Cell Death Associated with Disease Risks

by Huanpeng Liu, Huiqi Li, Ting Chen, Fan Yu, Qizhuan Lin, Haiyang Zhao, Libo Jin and Renyi Peng

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070493 - 5 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2824

Abstract

Due to their robust migration capabilities, slow degradation, and propensity for adsorbing environmental pollutants, micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are pervasive across diverse ecosystems. They infiltrate various organisms within different food chains through multiple pathways including inhalation and dermal contact, and pose a significant environmental challenge [...] Read more.

Due to their robust migration capabilities, slow degradation, and propensity for adsorbing environmental pollutants, micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are pervasive across diverse ecosystems. They infiltrate various organisms within different food chains through multiple pathways including inhalation and dermal contact, and pose a significant environmental challenge in the 21st century. Research indicates that MNPs pose health threats to a broad range of organisms, including humans. Currently, extensive detection data and studies using experimental animals and in vitro cell culture indicate that MNPs can trigger various forms of programmed cell death (PCD) and can induce various diseases. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of different MNP-induced PCD processes, including pyroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and apoptosis, based on recent research findings and focuses on elucidating the links between PCD and diseases. Additionally, targeted therapeutic interventions for these diseases are described. This review provides original insights into the opportunities and challenges posed by current research findings. This review evaluates ways to mitigate various diseases resulting from cell death patterns. Moreover, this paper enhances the understanding of the biohazards associated with MNPs by providing a systematic reference for subsequent toxicological research and health risk mitigation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Exposome Analysis and Risk Assessment)

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18 pages, 6327 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating Molecular Mechanism of Viral Inhibition of Aerosolized Smart Nano-Enabled Antiviral Therapeutic (SNAT) on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Hamsters

by Anais N. Bauer, John F. Williams, Lok R. Pokhrel, Selena Garcia, Niska Majumdar, Jeffrey B. Eells, Paul P. Cook and Shaw M. Akula

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070495 - 5 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1822

Abstract

Smart Nano-enabled Antiviral Therapeutic (SNAT) is a promising nanodrug that previously demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies to alleviate SARS-CoV-2 pathology in hamsters. SNAT comprises taxoid (Tx)-decorated amino (NH₂)-functionalized near-atomic size positively charged silver nanoparticles (Tx–[NH₂-AgNPs]). Herein, we aimed to [...] Read more.

Smart Nano-enabled Antiviral Therapeutic (SNAT) is a promising nanodrug that previously demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies to alleviate SARS-CoV-2 pathology in hamsters. SNAT comprises taxoid (Tx)-decorated amino (NH₂)-functionalized near-atomic size positively charged silver nanoparticles (Tx–[NH₂-AgNPs]). Herein, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the viral inhibition and safety of aerosolized SNAT treatment in SARS-CoV-2-infected golden Syrian hamsters. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and ELISAs showed SNAT binds directly to the SARS-CoV-2 virus by interacting with intact spike (S) protein, specifically to S2 subunit. SNAT (≥1 µg/mL) treatment significantly lowered SARS-CoV-2 infections of Calu-3 cells. Extraction-free whole transcriptome assay was used to detect changes in circulatory micronome in hamsters treated intranasally with SNAT (two doses of 10 µg/mL of 2 mL each administered 24 h apart). Uninfected hamsters treated with SNAT had altered circulatory concentrations of 18 microRNAs (8 miRNAs upregulated, 10 downregulated) on day 3 post-treatment compared to uninfected controls. SNAT-induced downregulation of miR-141-3p and miR-200b-3p may reduce viral replication and inflammation by targeting Ythdf2 and Slit2, respectively. Further, SNAT treatment significantly lowered IL-6 expression in infected hamster lungs compared to untreated infected hamsters. Taken together, we demonstrate that SNAT binds directly to SARS-CoV-2 via the S protein to prevent viral entry and propose a model by which SNAT alters the cellular miRNA-directed milieu to promote antiviral cellular processes and neutralize infection. Our results provide insights into the use of low-dose intranasally delivered SNAT in treating SARS-CoV-2 infections in a hamster model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deciphering Toxicology of Nanomaterials and Sustainable Nano-Based Products)

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21 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biomonitoring Study of Toxic Metal(loid)s: Levels in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients

by Nataša Milošević, Maja Milanović, Danica Sazdanić Velikić, Jan Sudji, Jelena Jovičić-Bata, Milorad Španović, Mirjana Ševo, Mirka Lukić Šarkanović, Ljilja Torović, Sanja Bijelović and Nataša Milić

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070490 - 4 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2012

Abstract

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate heavy metal(loid)s (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, and As) in lung cancer patients in order to elucidate their role as lung cancer environmental [...] Read more.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate heavy metal(loid)s (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, and As) in lung cancer patients in order to elucidate their role as lung cancer environmental risk factors. Sixty-three patients of both sexes with adenocarcinoma stage IIIB or IV were enrolled in this research. The heavy metal(loid) urine concentrations were measured using ICP-MS. Arsenic was quantified above 10 μg/L in 44.44% of the samples. Nickel urinary concentrations above the ToxGuide reference levels were found in 50.79% of the samples, while lead was quantified in 9.52% of the urine samples. The urinary chromium levels were above the mean ToxGuide levels in 41.27% of the patients and were significantly higher in men in comparison with women (p = 0.035). The chromium urinary concentrations were positively associated with the CRP serum levels (p = 0.037). Cadmium was quantified in 61.90% of the samples with levels significantly higher in females than in males (p = 0.023), which was associated with smoking habits. Mercury was measured above the limit of quantification in 63.49% of the samples and was not associated with amalgam dental fillings. However, the Hg urinary concentrations were correlated positively with the ALT (p = 0.02), AST (p < 0.001), and GGT (p < 0.001) serum levels. In 46.03% of the samples, the Mo concentrations were above 32 μg/L, the mean value for healthy adults according to the ToxGuide, and 9.52% of the patients had Mn levels higher than 8 μg/L, the reference value for healthy adults based on ToxGuide data. The obtained results are preliminary, and further studies are needed to have a deeper insight into metal(loid) exposure’s association with lung cancer development, progression, and survival prediction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Toxicology and Epidemiology)

23 pages, 2452 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Widespread Myalgia and Chronic Fatigue: Phagocytes from Macrophagic Myofasciitis Patients Exposed to Aluminum Oxyhydroxide-Adjuvanted Vaccine Exhibit Specific Inflammatory, Autophagic, and Mitochondrial Responses

by Jean-Daniel Masson, Ghidaa Badran, Romain K. Gherardi, François-Jérôme Authier and Guillemette Crépeaux

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070491 - 4 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2361

Abstract

(1) Background: Macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF) is an inflammatory histopathological lesion demonstrating long-term biopersistence of vaccine-derived aluminum adjuvants within muscular phagocytic cells. Affected patients suffer from widespread myalgia and severe fatigue consistent with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a poorly understood disorder suspected to [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF) is an inflammatory histopathological lesion demonstrating long-term biopersistence of vaccine-derived aluminum adjuvants within muscular phagocytic cells. Affected patients suffer from widespread myalgia and severe fatigue consistent with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a poorly understood disorder suspected to result from chronic immune stimulation by infectious and inorganic particles. (2) Methods: In this study we determined the immuno-metabolic properties of MMF phagocytic cells compared to controls, at rest and upon exposure to aluminum oxyhydroxide adjuvant, with or without adsorbed antigens, using protein quantification and an oxygen consumption assay. (3) Results: MMF and control cells similarly internalized the adjuvant and vaccine but MMF cells specifically expressed Rubicon and Nox2, two molecules unique to the LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) machinery, a non-canonical autophagic pathway able to downregulate canonical autophagy. MMF cells exhibited an altered inflammatory secretome, producing more pain-inducing CXC chemokines and less TNF-α than controls, consistent with chronic myalgia and exhaustion of the immune system previously documented in ME/CFS. MMF cells exhibited mitochondrial metabolism dysfunction, with exacerbated reaction to adjuvanted vaccine, contrasting with limited spare respiratory capacity and marked proton leak weakening energy production. (4) Conclusions: MMF phagocytes seemingly use LAP to handle aluminum oxyhydroxide vaccine particles, secrete pain-inducing molecules, and exhibit exacerbated metabolic reaction to the vaccine with limited capacity to respond to ongoing energetic requests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Exposome Analysis and Risk Assessment)

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9 pages, 1130 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of the Reduction in Environmental Pollution during COVID-19 Lockdown on Healthy Individuals

by Christian Romero-Mesones, Miquel de Homdedeu, David Soler-Segovia, Carlos Gómez-Ollés, David Espejo-Castellanos, Inigo Ojanguren, Berta Saez-Gimenez, María-Jesús Cruz and Xavier Munoz

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070492 - 4 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1867

Abstract

The lockdown imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic produced a historic fall in air pollution in cities like Barcelona. This exceptional situation offered a unique context in which to examine the effects of air pollutants on human health. The present study aims to [...] Read more.

The lockdown imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic produced a historic fall in air pollution in cities like Barcelona. This exceptional situation offered a unique context in which to examine the effects of air pollutants on human health. The present study aims to determine and compare the oxidative stress biomarkers Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines in healthy individuals first during lockdown and then six months after the easing of the restrictions on mobility. A prospective study of a representative sample of 58 healthy, non-smoking adults was carried out. During lockdown and six months post-easing of restrictions, blood samples were drawn to measure the percentage of eosinophils, levels of Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines assessed by a multiplex assay (BioRad Laboratories S.A., Marnes-la-Coquette, France), and levels of 8-isoprostane, glutathione peroxidase activity, and myeloperoxidase (Cayman Chemical Co., Ann Arbor, MI, USA), to assess their value as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Six months after easing mobility restrictions, increases in the levels of 8-isoprostane (p < 0.0001), IL-1β (p = 0.0013), IL-1ra (p = 0.0110), IL-4 (p < 0.0001), IL-13 (p < 0.0001), G-CSF (p = 0.0007), and CCL3 (p < 0.0001) were recorded, along with reductions in glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.0001), IFN-γ (p = 0.0145), TNFα (p < 0.0001), IP-10 (p < 0.0001), IL-2 (p < 0.0001), IL-7 (p < 0.0001), basic FGF (p < 0.0001), CCL4 (p < 0.0001), and CCL5 (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in the rest of the biomarkers analyzed. The reduction in environmental pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown significantly lowered the levels of oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and Th2-related cytokines in healthy people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity from Air Pollutant Exposure)

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13 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Metformin as an Emerging Pollutant in the Aquatic Environment: Occurrence, Analysis, and Toxicity

by Yueyue Zheng, Yongjian Shao, Yinan Zhang, Zhiquan Liu, Zirui Zhao, Ranyun Xu, Jiafeng Ding, Wenbing Li, Binhao Wang and Hangjun Zhang

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070483 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3031

Abstract

The use of human and veterinary drugs has led to the accumulation of pharmaceuticals in various aquatic environments at progressively increasing levels, exhibiting strong ecological risks. Metformin is widely used as a first-line prescription drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus [...] Read more.

The use of human and veterinary drugs has led to the accumulation of pharmaceuticals in various aquatic environments at progressively increasing levels, exhibiting strong ecological risks. Metformin is widely used as a first-line prescription drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as a livestock drug. Unlike other drugs, metformin is not metabolized in the body, and almost all of its intake is excreted and released into the aquatic environment via urine and feces, causing adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. This review provides an overview of the occurrence and detection of metformin in the aquatic environment and its toxic effects on different aquatic organisms (fish, daphnia, rotifers, chlorella). Metformin has been documented in a variety of aqueous environments such as wastewater, surface water, and groundwater as well as drinking water. The wide distribution of metformin in the aqueous environment calls for the development of more accurate detection methods. This paper reviews detection methods for metformin in the aqueous environment and evaluates their advantages and disadvantages. Toxicity studies have shown that metformin can cause adverse reactions in fish, such as oxidative stress, genotoxicity, disruption of intestinal flora, and morphological alterations; it also affects the growth and reproduction of small aquatic organisms. Knowledge gaps in the field of metformin research were assessed, and future research priorities were identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Risk Assessment of Emerging Contaminants in Water)

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22 pages, 8227 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Obesity Induces DNA Damage in Mammary Epithelial Cells Exacerbated by Acrylamide Treatment through CYP2E1-Mediated Oxidative Stress

by Brenna Walton, Noah Kaplan, Brooke Hrdlicka, Kavi Mehta and Lisa M. Arendt

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070484 - 2 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1825

Abstract

Obesity and environmental toxins are risk factors for breast cancer; however, there is limited knowledge on how these risk factors interact to promote breast cancer. Acrylamide, a probable carcinogen and obesogen, is a by-product in foods prevalent in the obesity-inducing Western diet. Acrylamide [...] Read more.

Obesity and environmental toxins are risk factors for breast cancer; however, there is limited knowledge on how these risk factors interact to promote breast cancer. Acrylamide, a probable carcinogen and obesogen, is a by-product in foods prevalent in the obesity-inducing Western diet. Acrylamide is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to the genotoxic epoxide, glycidamide, and is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. To investigate how acrylamide and obesity interact to increase breast cancer risk, female mice were fed a low-fat (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) and control water or water supplemented with acrylamide at levels similar to the average daily exposure in humans. While HFD significantly enhanced weight gain in mice, the addition of acrylamide did not significantly alter body weights compared to respective controls. Mammary epithelial cells from obese, acrylamide-treated mice had increased DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage compared to all other groups. In vitro, glycidamide-treated COMMA-D cells showed significantly increased DNA strand breaks, while acrylamide-treated cells demonstrated significantly higher levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The knockdown of CYP2E1 rescued the acrylamide-induced oxidative stress. These studies suggest that long-term acrylamide exposure through foods common in the Western diet may enhance DNA damage and the CYP2E1-induced generation of oxidative stress in mammary epithelial cells, potentially enhancing obesity-induced breast cancer risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Emerging Contaminants)

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17 pages, 2747 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Volatile Organic Compounds on Rhodes Island, Greece: Implications for Outdoor and Indoor Human Exposure

by Athanasios Besis, Dimitrios Margaritis, Constantini Samara and Evangelos Bekiaris

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070486 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1893

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are considered a class of pollutants with a significant presence in indoor and outdoor air and serious health effects. The aim of this study was to measure and evaluate the levels of outdoor and indoor VOCs at selected sites [...] Read more.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are considered a class of pollutants with a significant presence in indoor and outdoor air and serious health effects. The aim of this study was to measure and evaluate the levels of outdoor and indoor VOCs at selected sites on Rhodes Island, Greece, during the cold and warm periods of 2023. Spatial and seasonal variations were evaluated; moreover, cancer and non-cancer inhalation risks were assessed. For this purpose, simultaneous indoor-outdoor air sampling was carried out on the island of Rhodes. VOCs were determined by Thermal Desorption—Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (TD-GC/MS). Fifty-six VOCs with frequencies ≥ 50% were further considered. VOC concentrations (∑₅₆VOCs) at all sites were found to be higher in the warm period. In the warm and cold sampling periods, the highest concentrations were found at the port of Rhodes City, while total VOC concentrations were dominated by alkanes. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to identify the VOC emission sources. Non-cancer and cancer risks for adults were within the safe levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis, Exposures, and Health Risks of Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution)

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14 pages, 2954 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Prenatal Arsenic Exposure on DNA Methylation of C18ORF8 and ADAMTS9 Genes of Newborns from the POSGRAD Birth Cohort Study

by Carolina Lerma-Treviño, Leticia Hernández-Cadena, Jorge Octavio Acosta-Montes, Georgina Hernández-Montes, Isabel Alvarado-Cruz, Isabelle Romieu and Albino Barraza-Villarreal

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070476 - 30 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1965

Abstract

Exposure to arsenic (As) is a public health problem associated with cancer (skin and colon) and it has been reported that epigenetic changes may be a potential mechanism of As carcinogenesis. It is pertinent to evaluate this process in genes that have been [...] Read more.

Exposure to arsenic (As) is a public health problem associated with cancer (skin and colon) and it has been reported that epigenetic changes may be a potential mechanism of As carcinogenesis. It is pertinent to evaluate this process in genes that have been associated with cancer, such as ADAMTS9 and C18ORF8. Gestation and delivery data were obtained from the POSGRAD study. Exposure to As was measured in urine during pregnancy. Gene methylation was performed by sodium bisulfite sequencing; 26 CpG sites for the C18ORF8 gene and 21 for ADAMTS9 were analyzed. These sites are located on the CpG islands near the start of transcription. Sociodemographic characteristics were obtained by a questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Newborns with an As exposure above 49.4 μg g⁻¹ showed a decrease of 0.21% on the methylation rate in the sites CpG15, CpG19, and CpG21 of the C18ORF8 gene (adjusted ß = −0.21, p-value = 0.02). No statistically significant association was found between prenatal exposure to As and methylation of the ADAMTS9 gene. Prenatal exposure to As was associated with decreased DNA methylation at the CpG15, CpG19, and CpG21 sites of the C18ORF8 gene. These sites can provide information to elucidate epigenetic mechanisms associated with prenatal exposure to As and cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Toxicology and Epidemiology)

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38 pages, 5753 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Machine-Learning-Driven Pathophysiology-Based New Approach Method for the Dose-Dependent Assessment of Hazardous Chemical Mixtures and Experimental Validations

by Sarita Limbu, Eric Glasgow, Tessa Block and Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070481 - 30 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2103

Abstract

Environmental chemicals, such as PFAS, exist as mixtures and are frequently encountered at varying concentrations, which can lead to serious health effects, such as cancer. Therefore, understanding the dose-dependent toxicity of chemical mixtures is essential for health risk assessment. However, comprehensive methods to [...] Read more.

Environmental chemicals, such as PFAS, exist as mixtures and are frequently encountered at varying concentrations, which can lead to serious health effects, such as cancer. Therefore, understanding the dose-dependent toxicity of chemical mixtures is essential for health risk assessment. However, comprehensive methods to assess toxicity and identify the mechanisms of these harmful mixtures are currently absent. In this study, the dose-dependent toxicity assessments of chemical mixtures are performed in three methodologically distinct phases. In the first phase, we evaluated our machine-learning method (AI-HNN) and pathophysiology method (CPTM) for predicting toxicity. In the second phase, we integrated AI-HNN and CPTM to establish a comprehensive new approach method (NAM) framework called AI-CPTM that is targeted at refining prediction accuracy and providing a comprehensive understanding of toxicity mechanisms. The third phase involved experimental validations of the AI-CPTM predictions. Initially, we developed binary, multiclass classification, and regression models to predict binary, categorical toxicity, and toxic potencies using nearly a thousand experimental mixtures. This empirical dataset was expanded with assumption-based virtual mixtures, compensating for the lack of experimental data and broadening the scope of the dataset. For comparison, we also developed machine-learning models based on RF, Bagging, AdaBoost, SVR, GB, KR, DT, KN, and Consensus methods. The AI-HNN achieved overall accuracies of over 80%, with the AUC exceeding 90%. In the final phase, we demonstrated the superior performance and predictive capability of AI-CPTM, including for PFAS mixtures and their interaction effects, through rigorous literature and statistical validations, along with experimental dose-response zebrafish-embryo toxicity assays. Overall, the AI-CPTM approach significantly improves upon the limitations of standalone AI models, showing extensive enhancements in identifying toxic chemicals and mixtures and their mechanisms. This study is the first to develop a hybrid NAM that integrates AI with a pathophysiology method to comprehensively predict chemical-mixture toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Novel Methods in Toxicology Research)

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16 pages, 3457 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Flavoring Agent Ethyl Vanillin Induces Cellular Stress Responses in HK-2 Cells

by Ashley J. Cox, Kathleen C. Brown and Monica A. Valentovic

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070472 - 29 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1450

Abstract

Flavored e-cigarettes are a popular alternative to cigarette smoking; unfortunately, the extrapulmonary effects are not well-characterized. Human proximal tubule cells were cultured for 24 or 48 h with 0–1000 µM ethyl vanillin (ETH VAN) and cytotoxicity evaluated. Mitochondrial health was significantly diminished following [...] Read more.

Flavored e-cigarettes are a popular alternative to cigarette smoking; unfortunately, the extrapulmonary effects are not well-characterized. Human proximal tubule cells were cultured for 24 or 48 h with 0–1000 µM ethyl vanillin (ETH VAN) and cytotoxicity evaluated. Mitochondrial health was significantly diminished following 48 h of exposure, accompanied by significantly decreased spare capacity, coupling efficiency, and ATP synthase expression. ETH VAN at 24 h inhibited glycolysis. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) was increased at 100 μM relative to 500–1000 μM. The downstream proapoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 subsequently showed a decreasing trend in expression after 48 h of exposure. The autophagy biomarkers microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3B-I and LC3B-II) were measured by Western blot. LC3B-II levels and the LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio increased at 24 h, which suggested activation of autophagy. In contrast, by 48 h, the autophagy biomarker LC3B-II decreased, resulting in no change in the LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio. Mitophagy biomarker PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) expression decreased after 48 h of exposure. The downstream marker Parkin was not significantly changed after 24 or 48 h. These findings indicate that the flavoring ETH VAN can induce energy pathway dysfunction and cellular stress responses in a renal model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nephrotoxicity Induced by Drugs and Chemicals in the Environment)

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21 pages, 1562 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Toxic Elements in Sheep Milk, Whey, and Cheese from the Environmentally Burdened Area in Eastern Slovakia and Health Risk Assessment with Different Scenarios of Their Consumption

by Simona Almášiová, Róbert Toman, Martina Pšenková, Vladimír Tančin and Ivona Jančo

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070467 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1272

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the content of 17 elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in samples of sheep milk, cheese, and whey (36 samples in total) collected from a [...] Read more.

The study aimed to determine the content of 17 elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in samples of sheep milk, cheese, and whey (36 samples in total) collected from a farm in an environmentally burdened area due to the long-term mining and industrial activity in Slovakia as well as to determine the possible risk of consumption via health risk assessment calculations. Consumption of 120 g of milk, 500 g of milk, 20 g of cheese, and 100 g of cheese were used in calculations for children and adults, respectively. According to the results, concentrations of four elements are controversial. Lead concentrations in all types of samples exceeded the maximum permissible lead limit in milk set by European Union legislation. The content of Se and As is problematic for children’s consumption, and the target hazard quotient for As and Al is higher than one (considered potentially not safe) in all scenarios. According to the target system approach, lead concentrations in milk and cheese could adversely influence the nervous system and kidneys of adults’ and children’s developmental and reproductive systems. Considering the worst-case scenario, consuming sheep milk and cheese from the monitored areas could represent a risk and be potentially harmful to human health, mainly for children. However, further monitoring of the levels of elements and concentrations in environmentally burdened areas and more robust data on consumption are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology)

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29 pages, 867 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkylated Substances on Female Reproduction

by María Estefanía González-Alvarez, Collins Antwi-Boasiako and Aileen F. Keating

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070455 - 25 Jun 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2625

Abstract

Per- and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that persist both in the environment and in the body. Legacy PFAS, e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, are implicated as endocrine disruptors and reproductive and developmental toxicants in epidemiological and [...] Read more.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that persist both in the environment and in the body. Legacy PFAS, e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, are implicated as endocrine disruptors and reproductive and developmental toxicants in epidemiological and animal model studies. This review describes female reproductive outcomes of reported studies and includes where associative relationships between PFAS exposures and female reproductive outcomes have been observed as well as where those are absent. In animal models, studies in which PFAS are documented to cause toxicity and where effects are lacking are described. Discrepancies exist in both human and animal studies and are likely attributable to human geographical contamination, developmental status, duration of exposure, and PFAS chemical identity. Similarly, in animal investigations, the model used, exposure paradigm, and developmental status of the female are important and vary widely in documented studies. Taken together, support for PFAS as reproductive and developmental toxicants exists, although the disparity in study conditions and human exposures contribute to the variation in effects noted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment: Sources, Fate and Risk Assessments)

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34 pages, 3754 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Pharmaceutical and Trace Metal Interaction within the Water–Soil–Plant Continuum: Implications for Human and Soil Health

by Lesly Ayala Cabana, Ana de Santiago-Martín, Raffaella Meffe, Isabel López-Heras and Irene de Bustamante

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070457 - 25 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1858

Abstract

Unplanned water reuse for crop irrigation may pose a global health risk due to the entry of contaminants into the food chain, undesirable effects on crop quality, and impact on soil health. In this study, we evaluate the impact derived from the co-occurrence [...] Read more.

Unplanned water reuse for crop irrigation may pose a global health risk due to the entry of contaminants into the food chain, undesirable effects on crop quality, and impact on soil health. In this study, we evaluate the impact derived from the co-occurrence of pharmaceuticals (Phs), trace metals (TMs), and one metalloid within the water–soil–plant continuum through bioassay experiments with Lactuca sativa L. Results indicate that the co-occurrence of Phs and TMs has synergistic or antagonistic effects, depending on target contaminants and environmental compartments. Complex formations between drugs and TMs may be responsible for enhanced sorption onto the soil of several Phs and TMs. Concerning plant uptake, the co-occurrence of Phs and TMs exerts antagonistic and synergistic effects on carbamazepine and diazepam, respectively. With the exception of Cd, drugs exert an antagonistic effect on TMs, negatively affecting their uptake and translocation. Drug contents in lettuce edible parts do not pose any threat to human health, but Cd levels exceed the maximum limits set for leafy vegetable foodstuffs. Under Ph-TM conditions, lettuce biomass decreases, and a nutrient imbalance is observed. Soil enzyme activity is stimulated under Ph-TM conditions (β-galactosidase) and Ph and Ph-TM conditions (urease and arylsulfatase), or it is not affected (phosphatase). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies for Detection and Bioremediation of Contaminated Water and Soil)

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18 pages, 1170 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Potential Early Effect Biomarkers for Ambient Air Pollution Related Mental Disorders

by Lijun Bai, Kai Wang, Dandan Liu and Shaowei Wu

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070454 - 24 Jun 2024

Viewed by 2079

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to health, with 99% of the world’s population living where the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines were not met. In addition to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the brain is another potential target [...] Read more.

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to health, with 99% of the world’s population living where the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines were not met. In addition to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the brain is another potential target of air pollution. Population- and experiment-based studies have shown that air pollution may affect mental health through direct or indirect biological pathways. The evidence for mental hazards associated with air pollution has been well documented. However, previous reviews mainly focused on epidemiological associations of air pollution with some specific mental disorders or possible biological mechanisms. A systematic review is absent for early effect biomarkers for characterizing mental health hazards associated with ambient air pollution, which can be used for early warning of related mental disorders and identifying susceptible populations at high risk. This review summarizes possible biomarkers involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic changes linking air pollution and mental disorders, as well as genetic susceptibility biomarkers. These biomarkers may provide a better understanding of air pollution’s adverse effects on mental disorders and provide future research direction in this arena. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air Pollution and Health)

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14 pages, 3123 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Removal of Aqueous Antimony and Arsenic by Iron-Loaded Coal Gasification Slag Composite

by Zheng Leng, Changzhi Zhou, Hong Hou and Junhuan Wang

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060440 - 19 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1388

Abstract

The adsorption of Sb(V) and As(V) onto iron-loaded gasification slag composite material (Fe-GFS), as well as the possible mechanisms, was investigated. Batch experiments showed that in a single system, Fe-GFS sorbed As(V) to a greater extent than Sb(V) with the maximum adsorption capacity [...] Read more.

The adsorption of Sb(V) and As(V) onto iron-loaded gasification slag composite material (Fe-GFS), as well as the possible mechanisms, was investigated. Batch experiments showed that in a single system, Fe-GFS sorbed As(V) to a greater extent than Sb(V) with the maximum adsorption capacity (pH 3.0) of 34.99 mg/g (0.47 mmol/g), while that of Sb(V) was 27.61 mg/g (0.23 mmol/g). In the composite system, the presence of low concentrations of Sb(V) reduced the adsorption efficiency of Fe-GFS for As(V), while the presence of high concentrations of Sb(V) actually promoted the adsorption of As(V). The presence of As(V) consistently inhibited the adsorption of Sb(V) by Fe-GFS. Compared to Fe-GFS, new peaks appeared in the FTIR spectra after adsorption, indicating the presence of Sb-O and As-O bonds on the surface after adsorption. XPS results showed that the adsorption of As(V) and Sb(V) led to a decrease in Fe-OH bonds, with a more significant decrease in Fe-OH bonds observed after the adsorption of As(V), indicating a stronger affinity of Fe-GFS for As(V) compared to Sb(V). Our results suggest that Fe-GFS is an efficient adsorbent with great potential for applications in water containing As(V) and Sb(V). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation)

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26 pages, 2730 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integrated Approach for Testing and Assessment for Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) to Prioritize Aromatic Organophosphorus Flame Retardants

by Anna Kreutz, Oluwakemi B. Oyetade, Xiaoqing Chang, Jui-Hua Hsieh, Mamta Behl, David G. Allen, Nicole C. Kleinstreuer and Helena T. Hogberg

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060437 - 18 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) are abundant and persistent in the environment but have limited toxicity information. Their similarity in structure to organophosphate pesticides presents great concern for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). However, current in vivo testing is not suitable to provide DNT information on [...] Read more.

Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) are abundant and persistent in the environment but have limited toxicity information. Their similarity in structure to organophosphate pesticides presents great concern for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). However, current in vivo testing is not suitable to provide DNT information on the amount of OPFRs that lack data. Over the past decade, an in vitro battery was developed to enhance DNT assessment, consisting of assays that evaluate cellular processes in neurodevelopment and function. In this study, behavioral data of small model organisms were also included. To assess if these assays provide sufficient mechanistic coverage to prioritize chemicals for further testing and/or identify hazards, an integrated approach to testing and assessment (IATA) was developed with additional information from the Integrated Chemical Environment (ICE) and the literature. Human biomonitoring and exposure data were identified and physiologically-based toxicokinetic models were applied to relate in vitro toxicity data to human exposure based on maximum plasma concentration. Eight OPFRs were evaluated, including aromatic OPFRs (triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), isopropylated phenyl phosphate (IPP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDP), tricresyl phosphate (TMPP), isodecyl diphenyl phosphate (IDDP), tert-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (BPDP)) and halogenated FRs ((Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)). Two representative brominated flame retardants (BFRs) (2,2′4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)) with known DNT potential were selected for toxicity benchmarking. Data from the DNT battery indicate that the aromatic OPFRs have activity at similar concentrations as the BFRs and should therefore be evaluated further. However, these assays provide limited information on the mechanism of the compounds. By integrating information from ICE and the literature, endocrine disruption was identified as a potential mechanism. This IATA case study indicates that human exposure to some OPFRs could lead to a plasma concentration similar to those exerting in vitro activities, indicating potential concern for human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Flame Retardants in Consumer Products)

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15 pages, 2925 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Association between Volatile Organic Compound Exposure and Sex Hormones in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Serum Albumin

by Xinyao Lian, Jianhui Guo, Yaqi Wang, Shaoguan Wang and Jing Li

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060438 - 18 Jun 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

The associations between VOCs and sex hormones in adolescents remain unclear, and the role of serum albumin in these associations deserves to be explored. We conducted cross-sectional analyses using generalized linear models (GLMs), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and mediation analysis, based on [...] Read more.

The associations between VOCs and sex hormones in adolescents remain unclear, and the role of serum albumin in these associations deserves to be explored. We conducted cross-sectional analyses using generalized linear models (GLMs), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and mediation analysis, based on data from 584 adolescents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The GLM analyses revealed that seven kinds of mVOCs potentially affected sex hormone levels. According to the WQS regression results, 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA) was the major contributor to the significant associations of mixed mVOC exposure with testosterone, estradiol, and free androgen index in males; N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-L-cysteine (AMCC) was the major contributor to the significant associations of mixed mVOC exposure with sex hormone-binding globulin in males; and N-acetyl-S-(benzyl)-L-cysteine (BMA) was the major contributor to the significant associations of mixed mVOC exposure with the ratio of testosterone to estradiol in females. Moreover, serum albumin could mediate up to 9.2% of the associations between mixed exposure to mVOCs and sex hormones. Our findings could provide a reference for studies on the mechanisms underlying the effects of VOCs on sex hormones in adolescents and emphasize the necessity of reducing exposure to ATCA, AMCC, BMA, and their parent compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds)

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14 pages, 21149 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Legacy of Hg Contamination in a Past Mining Area (Tuscany, Italy): Hg Speciation and Health Risk Assessment

by Simone Arrighi, Fabrizio Franceschini, Riccardo Petrini, Silvia Fornasaro and Lisa Ghezzi

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060436 - 16 Jun 2024

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Abstract

The mercury cell manufacturing process, which has been extensively used in chlor-alkali plants to produce chlorine and caustic soda by electrolysis, represents a major source of Hg environmental pollution. At Saline di Volterra (Tuscany, Italy), solution mining by pumping water into halite deposits [...] Read more.

The mercury cell manufacturing process, which has been extensively used in chlor-alkali plants to produce chlorine and caustic soda by electrolysis, represents a major source of Hg environmental pollution. At Saline di Volterra (Tuscany, Italy), solution mining by pumping water into halite deposits was applied to produce brines for a mercury-cell chlor-alkali plant. The Hg-contaminated, exhausted brines were pumped back at depth into the rock salt field in order to renew the available resources. Activities ceased in 1994, following the leakage dispersion of highly contaminated Hg(0)-bearing brines into the environment. The mercury content in the soil, measured during a survey conducted in 2000, reached 334 mg/kg, highlighting diffuse contamination in the floodplain. By 2009, the Hg concentration had generally decreased and was mostly confined to the topsoil layer. In order to evaluate the present Hg soil pollution, a geochemical survey was carried out in 2023, almost thirty years after the contamination event. The obtained data indicated the occurrence of legacy Hg, which reached 25.5 mg/kg in some soil samples. Speciation analysis for the most contaminated soil revealed that Hg(0) represented about 17.3% of the total Hg and that water-soluble and organic Hg fractions were negligible. These results suggest that the originally released metallic mercury has volatilized and likely oxidized, becoming practically immobile in the soil. A risk assessment, performed by applying Hg speciation analysis, indicated that the mercury in the soil does not carry a risk of non-cancerous effects for different exposure routes in case of subsequent use of the site and that the formerly contaminated area can now be converted into a leisure area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Mercury Pollution)

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17 pages, 3145 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Citric Acid Inhibits Cd Absorption and Transportation by Improving the Antagonism of Essential Elements in Rice Organs

by Kexin Chen, Bozhen Yu, Weijie Xue, Yuebing Sun, Changbo Zhang, Xusheng Gao, Xiaojia Zhou, Yun Deng, Jiarun Yang and Boqian Zhang

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060431 - 14 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

Excessive cadmium (Cd) in rice is a global environmental problem. Therefore, reducing Cd content in rice is of great significance for ensuring food security and human health. A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of foliar application of citric acid (CA) [...] Read more.

Excessive cadmium (Cd) in rice is a global environmental problem. Therefore, reducing Cd content in rice is of great significance for ensuring food security and human health. A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of foliar application of citric acid (CA) on Cd absorption and transportation in rice under high Cd-contaminated soils (2.04 mg·kg⁻¹). This study revealed that there was a negative correlation between Cd content in vegetative organs and CA content, and that foliar spraying of CA (1 mM and 5 mM) significantly increased CA content and reduced Cd content in vegetative organs. The Cd reduction effect of 5 mM CA was better than that of 1 mM, and 5 mM CA reduced Cd content in grains and spikes by 52% and 37%, respectively. CA significantly increased Mn content in vegetative organs and increased Ca/Mn ratios in spikes, flag leaves, and roots. CA significantly reduced soluble Cd content in vegetative organs and promoted the transformation of Cd into insoluble Cd, thus inhibiting the transport of Cd from vegetative organs to grains. The foliar field application of 1 mM and 5 mM CA could inhibit Cd absorption and transportation by reducing Cd bioactivity and increasing the antagonistic of essential elements in rice vegetative organs. These results provide technical support and a theoretical basis for solving the problem of excessive Cd in rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformation Process and Toxic Effects of Pollutants in Agricultural Environment)

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26 pages, 5196 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Using the Multicomponent Aerosol FORmation Model (MAFOR) to Determine Improved VOC Emission Factors in Ship Plumes

by Lea Fink, Matthias Karl, Volker Matthias, Andreas Weigelt, Matti Irjala and Pauli Simonen

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060432 - 14 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1567

Abstract

International shipping’s particulate matter primary emissions have a share in global anthropogenic emissions of between 3% and 4%. Ship emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can play an important role in the formation of fine particulate matter. Using an aerosol box model for [...] Read more.

International shipping’s particulate matter primary emissions have a share in global anthropogenic emissions of between 3% and 4%. Ship emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can play an important role in the formation of fine particulate matter. Using an aerosol box model for the near-plume scale, this study investigated how the changing VOC emission factor (EF) for ship engines impacts the formation of secondary PM_2.5 in ship exhaust plumes that were detected during a measurement campaign. The agreement between measured and modeled particle number size distribution was improved by adjusting VOC emissions, in particular of intermediate-, low-, and extremely low-volatility compounds. The scaling of the VOC emission factor showed that the initial emission factor, based on literature data, had to be multiplied by 3.6 for all VOCs. Information obtained from the box model was integrated into a regional-scale chemistry transport model (CTM) to study the influence of changed VOC ship emissions over the Mediterranean Sea. The regional-scale CTM run with adjusted ship emissions indicated a change in PM_2.5 of up to 5% at the main shipping routes and harbor cities in summer. Nevertheless, overall changes due to a change in the VOC EF were rather small, indicating that the size of grid cells in CTMs leads to a fast dilution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air Pollution and Health)

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11 pages, 308 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biogas Digestate and Sewage Sludge as Suitable Feeds for Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae

by Jana Kofroňová, Abir Melliti and Radek Vurm

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060414 - 5 Jun 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

Hermetia illucens larvae can use organic wastes as a substrate, which makes them an interesting potential feed. However, waste may contain heavy metals, which are limited in feed. Here, we investigated the ability of H. illucens to grow on organic wastes and measured [...] Read more.

Hermetia illucens larvae can use organic wastes as a substrate, which makes them an interesting potential feed. However, waste may contain heavy metals, which are limited in feed. Here, we investigated the ability of H. illucens to grow on organic wastes and measured their heavy metal bioaccumulation. The larvae were fed with food waste, biogas digestates, and sewage sludge. When the first adult fly was visible, the tests were stopped and the larvae immediately processed. The samples (wastes before use, larvae after feeding) were analysed for mineral nutrient and heavy metal content using AAS and ICP-OES, respectively. The results show that the weight of the larvae fed with food waste increased sevenfold, which was broadly in line with expectations. Those fed with sewage sludge and digestate from biogas station increased threefold. While the larvae fed with sewage sludge exceeded the limits for heavy metals, particularly Cd and Pb, in feedstock, those fed with biogas digestate and food waste did not. These findings add to the literature showing the suitability of different wastes as H. illucens feed, and the importance of excluding waste contaminated with heavy metals from larvae intended for use as animal feed, or else diverting these larvae to non-feed uses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioremediation of Pollutants in Sewage Sludge)

29 pages, 1627 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Aquatic Environment and Bivalves: The State of the Art

by Pedro Pires, André M. P. T. Pereira, Angelina Pena and Liliana J. G. Silva

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060415 - 5 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

In recent years, contaminants of emerging concern have been reported in several environmental matrices due to advances in analytical methodologies. These anthropogenic micropollutants are detected at residual levels, representing an ecotoxicological threat to aquatic ecosystems. In particular, the pharmacotherapeutic group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories [...] Read more.

In recent years, contaminants of emerging concern have been reported in several environmental matrices due to advances in analytical methodologies. These anthropogenic micropollutants are detected at residual levels, representing an ecotoxicological threat to aquatic ecosystems. In particular, the pharmacotherapeutic group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) is one of the most prescribed and used, as well as one of the most frequently detected in the aquatic environment. Bivalves have several benefits as a foodstuff, and also as an environment bioindicator species. Therefore, they are regarded as an ideal tool to assess this issue from both ecotoxicological and food safety perspectives. Thus, the control of these residues in bivalves is extremely important to safeguard environmental health, also ensuring food safety and public health. This paper aims to review NSAIDs in bivalves, observing their consumption, physicochemical characteristics, and mechanisms of action; their environmental occurrence in the aquatic environment and aquatic biota; and their effects on the ecosystem and the existent legal framework. A review of the analytical methodologies for the determination of NSAIDs in bivalves is also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmaceuticals in the Aquatic Environment: Monitoring, Impacts and Ecological Risk)

16 pages, 20893 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Degradation of Sodium Acetate by Catalytic Ozonation Coupled with MnOx/NiOOH-Modified Fly Ash

by Ruifu Chen, Hao Zhang, Shengyu Shao, Huajun Xu, Kaicheng Zhou, Yinzhi Jiang and Pengfei Sun

Toxics 2024, 12(6), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060412 - 4 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1181

Abstract

Fly ash, a type of solid waste generated in power plants, can be utilized as a catalyst carrier to enhance its value-added potential. Common methods often involve using a large amount of alkali for preprocessing, resulting in stable quartz and mullite forming silicate [...] Read more.

Fly ash, a type of solid waste generated in power plants, can be utilized as a catalyst carrier to enhance its value-added potential. Common methods often involve using a large amount of alkali for preprocessing, resulting in stable quartz and mullite forming silicate dissolution. This leads to an increased specific surface area and pore structure. In this study, we produced a catalyst composed of MnO_x/NiOOH supported on fly ash by directly employing nickel hydroxide and potassium permanganate to generate metal active sites over the fly ash surface while simultaneously creating a larger specific surface area and pore structure. The ozone catalytic oxidation performance of this catalyst was evaluated using sodium acetate as the target organic matter. The experimental results demonstrated that an optimal removal efficiency of 57.5% for sodium acetate was achieved, surpassing even that of MnO_x/NiOOH supported catalyst by using γ-Al₂O₃. After loading of MnO_x/NiOOH, an oxygen vacancy is formed on the surface of fly ash, which plays an indirect oxidation effect on sodium acetate due to the transformation of ozone to •O₂⁻ and •OH over this oxygen vacancy. The reaction process parameters, including varying concentrations of ozone, sodium acetate, and catalyst dosage, as well as pH value and the quantitative analysis of formed free radicals, were examined in detail. This work demonstrated that fly ash could be used as a viable catalytic material for wastewater treatment and provided a new solution to the added value of fly ash. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effective Catalytic Processes for Water and Wastewater Treatment)

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