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Toxics
Special Issues
Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment of Priority Substances
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Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment of Priority Substances

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Emerging Contaminants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 December 2025 | Viewed by 3671

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xin Zheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: ecotoxicology; water quality criteria; ecological risk assessment of POPs
Dr. Tianxu Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
Interests: toxicology; emerging pollutants; aquatic animal; adverse outcome pathways
Dr. Shuhui Men

E-Mail
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: environmental toxicology; water quality criteria; basin water ecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on environmental toxicology and the risk assessment of priority substances in order to address the growing concerns regarding chemical pollutants and their impact on ecosystems and human health. As the complexity of environmental contaminants increases, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches to the assessment and prediction of potential hazards. We welcome original research, reviews, and short communications that explore novel methodologies for identifying, quantifying, and evaluating the risks associated with priority substances. Topics include the development and application of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for toxicity prediction, in vitro and in silico models, advanced analytical techniques for detecting and monitoring emerging contaminants, and the integration of artificial intelligence into risk assessment. We welcome the submission of papers that investigate the toxic effects of priority substances at various biological levels, from molecular mechanisms to ecosystem-wide impacts. We also welcome research utilizing microcosm experiments to simulate complex environmental interactions. Additionally, we seek contributions on the interactions between priority substances and other environmental stressors, studies that associate laboratory findings with real-world scenarios, and papers that address the challenges related to the translation of scientific knowledge into regulatory frameworks. This multidisciplinary approach aims to contribute to more effective and sustainable strategies for managing priority substances, ultimately supporting the protection of environmental and human health.

Dr. Xin Zheng
Dr. Tianxu Zhang
Dr. Shuhui Men
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Environmental toxicology
  • Risk assessment
  • Priority substances
  • New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
  • Emerging contaminant monitoring
  • Toxicity effects
  • Microcosm experiments

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 7465 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW) Fine Residues on Landfill Environments: A Column Leaching Experiment
by Adane S. Molla, Waiching Tang, Willy Sher, Md Mezbaul Bahar and Dawit Nega Bekele
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050370 - 2 May 2025
Viewed by 788
Abstract
The rapid increase in construction and demolition waste (C&DW) has emerged as a significant environmental challenge, particularly due to the hazardous substances embodied within the fine residues destined into landfills. The disposal of C&DW in landfills has been widely recognized as a source [...] Read more.
The rapid increase in construction and demolition waste (C&DW) has emerged as a significant environmental challenge, particularly due to the hazardous substances embodied within the fine residues destined into landfills. The disposal of C&DW in landfills has been widely recognized as a source of leachate, containing toxic contaminants, which pose significant environmental risks. A controlled column leaching experiment was conducted using samples with varying proportions of C&DW, gypsum, and organic content to assess their impact on leachate chemistry. The results indicate that higher C&DW content leads to increased concentrations of heavy metals, such as Pb, Hg, As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Co, as well as other metals like Al and Fe, with peak contamination occurring within the first 13–15 weeks. Gypsum presence exacerbates heavy metal solubility by reducing pH, increasing sulfate levels, and promoting metal-sulfate complex formation. Despite remaining within regulatory thresholds, the cumulative concentration of toxic metals over time highlights potential environmental risks, particularly in landfill settings. This study underscores the need for improved C&DW management practices, enhanced waste segregation, and sustainable alternatives to gypsum to mitigate long-term ecological impacts. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of C&DW leachate dynamics and inform policy recommendations for sustainable waste management in the construction sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment of Priority Substances)
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17 pages, 15745 KiB  
Article
Overall Evaluation of Antibiotics Occurrence from Large-Scale Livestock Farms in Sichuan Basin, China: Spatial Distribution, Source Apportionment, and Risk Assessment
by Changmiao Lai, Zhikai Wang, Teng Gu, Lei Jian, Xiaoxia Meng, Qingjie Meng and Dongdong Gao
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030154 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 630
Abstract
The widespread application of antibiotics in intensive livestock production is increasingly contributing to antibiotic contamination, and their potential ecological risk to environmental media by resourceful utilization of livestock manure as fertilizers in China has been recognized. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation on [...] Read more.
The widespread application of antibiotics in intensive livestock production is increasingly contributing to antibiotic contamination, and their potential ecological risk to environmental media by resourceful utilization of livestock manure as fertilizers in China has been recognized. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation on 79 large-scale livestock farms and collected 86 livestock excrements and 20 soil and 20 surface water samples distributed in Sichuan Basin, where no similar studies were carried out before. In total, four tetracyclines (TCs), eight sulfonamides (SAs), and eight fluoroquinolones (QNs) were monitored by liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The findings revealed that antibiotics occurrence varied remarkably in excrement (feces or manure) among different livestock farms and different livestock species, following the descending order as QNs > TCs > SAs of detection rates and as TCs > QNs > SAs of detected concentrations, respectively. By source apportionment, livestock manure was demonstrated as a possible source for TCs and QNs detected in soil, while the detection of antibiotics in surface water was probably related to other sources. The central, south, and southwest of Sichuan Basin displayed a higher contamination of antibiotics from livestock manure. The ecological risk of antibiotics was obtained from a medium to heavy level, particularly TCs from swine farms to green algae, water flea, and inflated duckweed in aquatic water and QNs from all livestock farms to sensitive organisms in soil. Overall, the prioritized resource utilization of livestock manure would probably increase the contamination level and ecological risk to environment; hence, rational and effective measurement was highly recommended for antibiotics prevention in some regions of Sichuan Basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment of Priority Substances)
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Review

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17 pages, 1103 KiB  
Review
Health Hazards Associated with Exposure to Endosulfan: A Mini-Review
by Agnieszka Berdowska and Katarzyna Bandurska
Toxics 2025, 13(6), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13060455 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Endosulfan, a persistent organochlorine pesticide, has raised global concern due to its toxicological effects on human health and the environment. The popularity of endosulfan was driven by its effectiveness and low cost compared to alternative insecticides. The compound’s environmental persistence and bioaccumulative properties [...] Read more.
Endosulfan, a persistent organochlorine pesticide, has raised global concern due to its toxicological effects on human health and the environment. The popularity of endosulfan was driven by its effectiveness and low cost compared to alternative insecticides. The compound’s environmental persistence and bioaccumulative properties also contributed to its sustained use over several decades. Despite regulatory bans in many countries, residues of endosulfan continue to be detected in soil, water, and food sources, posing a threat through chronic exposure. Although endosulfan has been listed in the Stockholm Convention as a persistent organic pollutant targeted for global elimination, it is still used illegally in some countries. This mini-review synthesizes current knowledge on its toxicological profile, including neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, potential carcinogenicity, and acute poisoning, based on the latest scientific literature. The paper also highlights current regulatory frameworks, historical usage trends, global distribution and alternatives to endosulfan in agriculture. Understanding the scope of its health impacts and ongoing risks is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and public health authorities seeking to protect populations from legacy pollutants. In addition, recognizing the long-term impacts of endosulfan is essential for effective health risk assessment, environmental monitoring, and the promotion of safer alternatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment of Priority Substances)
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29 pages, 3514 KiB  
Review
Mesoplastics: A Review of Contamination Status, Analytical Methods, Pollution Sources, Potential Risks, and Future Perspectives of an Emerging Global Environmental Pollutant
by Dioniela Mae C. Ellos, Mei-Fang Chien, Chihiro Inoue, Haruka Nakano, Atsuhiko Isobe, Deo Florence L. Onda, Kozo Watanabe and Hernando P. Bacosa
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030227 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1315
Abstract
Mesoplastics are emerging environmental pollutants that can pose a threat to the environment. Researching mesoplastics is crucial as they bridge the gap between macroplastics and microplastics by determining their role in plastic fragmentation and pathways, as well as their ecological impact. Investigating mesoplastic [...] Read more.
Mesoplastics are emerging environmental pollutants that can pose a threat to the environment. Researching mesoplastics is crucial as they bridge the gap between macroplastics and microplastics by determining their role in plastic fragmentation and pathways, as well as their ecological impact. Investigating mesoplastic sources will help develop targeted policies and mitigation strategies to address plastic pollution. These pollutants are found across aquatic, terrestrial, and agricultural ecosystems. Unlike microplastics, mesoplastics are reviewed in the scientific literature. This paper focuses on existing published research on mesoplastics, determining the trends and synthesizing key findings related to mesoplastic pollution. Research primarily focused on marine and freshwater ecosystems, with surface water and beach sediments being the most studied compartments. Mesoplastics research often offers baseline data, with increased publications from 2014 to 2024, particularly in East Asia. However, certain ecosystems and regions remain underrepresented. Also, mesoplastics can disrupt ecosystems by degrading biodiversity, contaminating soils and waters, and affecting food chains. Mesoplastics can also become vectors for additives and pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting their environmental risks. Various factors influence mesoplastics’ prevalence, including anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic activities. With this, future research should expand into less-studied ecosystems and regions, explore mesoplastic interactions with pollutants and organisms, and promote public awareness, education, and policy measures to reduce plastic use and mitigate pollution globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment of Priority Substances)
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