Search Results (10,899)

Benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) is a pervasive freshwater pollutant, yet its toxicity to the fish gallbladder remains poorly understood. This study investigated the toxicological impacts of 2.5 and 25 μg/L B[a]P on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) using histological, transcriptomic, and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses. Results showed that the gallbladder is a primary site for B[a]P accumulation. High B[a]P concentrations caused vacuolar degeneration of mucosal epithelial cells and nuclear deformities. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that B[a]P stress triggered autoimmune homeostasis imbalance and overinhibited apoptosis. scRNA-seq identified cellular heterogeneity changes, specifically T-cell impairment and epithelial cell (EC) proliferation. Mechanistically, T-cell reduction was linked to the T-cell 2 subset, while EC proliferation involved EC 0 and EC 4 subsets, all participating in the apoptosis pathway. These findings demonstrate that the apoptosis pathway is a key target of B[a]P toxicity in the gallbladder. This work provides a cellular-level framework for assessing environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) risks in aquaculture. Full article

As core materials in pavement structures, asphalt mixtures are characterized by intensive energy consumption and significant carbon footprints throughout their construction cycle, making their construction a typical high-carbon process in road engineering. Warm-mix technology, leveraging its key advantages of reducing mixing temperatures and cutting energy consumption and emissions, has emerged as a green alternative to hot-mix mixtures. However, existing studies have lacked systematic environmental impact assessments of combinations of asphalt from different oil sources and warm-mix technologies. This study focuses on the additive type warm-mix technology (Evotherm M1) and uses three typical oil sources of 70# road petroleum asphalt. Using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS–GC–MS) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods, a systematic analysis was conducted across three dimensions: multi-component pollutant emissions, full life cycle stages, and multi-type warm-mix technologies. The analysis focused on the influence of warm-mix treatment on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, as well as energy consumption and carbon emission characteristics throughout the full life cycle of the construction phase. Results indicate that warm-mix treatment significantly inhibits VOC emissions from all three oil source asphalts. The largest reduction was observed in Asp-A (74.66%), followed by Asp-C (69.27%), and the smallest in Asp-B (46.47%). The VOC compositions shifted from being dominated by oxygenates to a coexistence of multi-components such as alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons. In the life cycle of the construction phase, compared with hot-mix mixtures, warm-mix technology reduced total energy consumption by 5.50%–5.56% and carbon emissions by 4.47%–4.52%. Raw material production and mixture mixing stages were identified as the core links for energy consumption and carbon emissions, accounting for over 80% of the totals. Differences among oil sources mainly stemmed from refinery power structure and the temperature–viscosity properties of asphalt. The research results provide theoretical support for material selection and process optimization of green construction of asphalt pavement using additive-based warm-mix technology. Full article

Realistic atomistic modeling of mineral and soil systems requires chemically meaningful representations of organic matter (OM). Bulk ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data have been proposed as compositional inputs for stochastic generation of OM structures, and prior studies using nonnegative multivariate curve resolution (MCR) suggested that bulk ¹³C NMR spectra of OM may be represented as mixtures of only a few components. However, these studies typically relied on single-block decompositions and did not explicitly assess decomposition uniqueness. The objective of this work was to examine whether a quantitative and chemically interpretable nonnegative MCR decomposition of OM can be obtained while explicitly evaluating (1) residual rotational ambiguity controlling the uniqueness of components, and (2) the variance captured by the decomposition. Using a dataset of International Humic Substances Society (IHSS) humic acids, fulvic acids, and aquatic OM, we applied single- and multi-block nonnegative MCR–alternating least squares (ALS) analyses integrating ¹³C NMR spectra, elemental composition (C, H, O, N, S), and titratable carboxylic and phenolic group contents. The multi-block approach effectively narrowed the feasible solution space and enriched the chemical characterization of the resulting MCR components. Across all analytical blocks, two chemically distinct components, an aromatic-rich and an aliphatic-rich motifs, consistently emerged, together explaining ~97–98% of the total variance and exhibiting near-zero residual rotational ambiguity. These findings support that diverse OM types can be represented quantitatively as mixtures of a small set of unique recurring compositional motifs. These motifs serve as ensemble-level averages whose underlying molecular diversity may vary substantially across materials. They provide quantitative, chemically justified inputs for molecular modeling of mineral–OM systems, which could contribute to chemical interpretability of modeling and provide better mechanistic insights into OM variation across diverse sample series. Full article

This study aimed to obtain chamomile flower extracts (CFEs) using supercritical CO₂ (200 bar and 40 °C) and analyze their composition by GC-MS. A yield of 2.8 ± 0.3% of CFE was obtained after 122.4 min of extraction. The CFE contained several compounds, the most abundant of which were 4-(4-Hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethyl-7-oxabicyclo [4.1.0]hept-1-yl)butan-2-one (12.9%), (Z)-Tonghaosu (11.8%), 6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane (11.5%), pentacosane (8.1%), cyclohexanethiol, 2,5-dimethylacetate (5.6%), and tetracontane (5.3%). The SFE process for obtaining CFE compounds is a suitable alternative; however, further studies are needed to evaluate this process and the composition of the extract, especially its most volatile fraction. Full article

The cider industry generates substantial amounts of apple pomace (AP), a by-product rich in fermentable sugars, organic acids, and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of fermentable must from AP using a central composite design (CCD) and to evaluate its potential for producing non- or low-alcohol (NoLo) beverages through fermentation. The extraction process was optimized using a desirability function targeting maximum sugar (26.69 g/L), malic acid (1.30 g/L), and nitrogen content (29.60 mg/L). The model revealed that extraction time and agitation had significant effects on sugar and malic acid, while an enzyme was less influential. The selected optimal condition was 4.6 h of maceration without enzyme addition providing an efficient must composition. Must was then fermented using combinations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Pichia kluyveri. Physicochemical, microbiological, and volatile compound analyses were conducted throughout fermentation. Results showed that fermentation time and microbial composition significantly influenced sugar degradation, ethanol and lactic acid production and malic acid conversion, while mixed fermentation S. cerevisiae + L. plantarum and L. plantarum + P. kluyveri demonstrated the most promising aromatic profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed distinct fermentation trajectories based on microbial consortia, highlighting the potential of AP as a sustainable substrate for developing innovative NoLo beverages. Full article

To assess digestate’s efficacy as a fertilizer for basil development, a two-year pot experiment was established, comprising four fertilization treatments: namely, mineral fertilizer (F), digestate (D), combined mineral fertilizer and digestate (1:1, FD), and unfertilized control (C). Key metrics assessed included plant height, chlorophyll concentration index (CCI), total biomass (TB), leaf production (LP), essential oil yield, and composition. Post-harvest analysis evaluated nutrient and heavy metal content and pathogen contamination in the growing substrate and leaves. FD treatment produced the highest TB (68.2 g plant⁻¹) and LP (52.7 g plant⁻¹). Digestate application substantially enhanced substrate nutrient availability, increasing extractable phosphorus by 68.5%, potassium by 134.4%, and organic matter by 54.7%. The essential oil yield was significantly higher in the control plants. whereas different fertilization regimes altered secondary metabolite synthesis. Specifically, fertilization with digestate favored sesquiterpenes synthesis, inorganic fertilization enhanced methyleugenol and β-farnesene synthesis, and the control showed higher limonene, eugenol, and linalool. Heavy metal accumulation in the growing substrate was negligible, remaining well within regulatory limits. Salmonella spp., were not detected. Pathogen concentration in the growing substrate was low, while Enterococcus faecalis levels were marginally below EU safety limits (100 cfu g⁻¹) on the leaves. Continuous monitoring of soil chemical properties and plant products after digestate application is essential to ensure soil health and food safety. Full article

Intercellular communication is mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs), particles released by all cell types that transfer bioactive cargo (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids) to recipient cells, influencing their function. Furthermore, the human population is simultaneously exposed to mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), capable of altering hormonal homeostasis. Epidemiological and experimental evidence, in animal and cellular models, show that EDCs can contribute to the initiation, development, and progression of carcinogenesis. This review analyzes the EDC–EV–Cancer axis, connecting the biology of EVs to environmental toxicology and the processes that lead to tumor development. It has been examined how specific pollutants—arsenic, polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, bisphenol A, phthalates, particulate matter 2.5, and cigarette smoke—modify the secretion and content of EVs. These altered EVs may subsequently trigger critical oncogenic mechanisms in recipient cells, including proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, immunosuppression, and metastasis. Specific mechanisms, pathways, miRNAs, and proteins have been identified, following exposure to various EDCs that are capable of modulating cells and the tumor microenvironment to induce carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Therefore, EVs represent a promising platform for investigating the role of exposome in tumor development, serving as a real-time monitoring system that would allow tracking of combined and dynamic human environmental exposure and help in cancer prevention. Full article

This study explores the physicochemical properties and microbiological community structure of oil-contaminated soils from Midrand and Roodepoort, South Africa. Due to sample pooling, the analysis provides a composite profile for investigating site-specific microbial adaptations rather than replicated ecological inference. The soils of Midrand exhibited acidity (pH around 5.5–5.9), elevated levels of heavy metals (e.g., Zn exceeding 1000 mg/kg), and the presence of 5–6 ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The soils in Roodepoort exhibited a near-neutral pH (about 6.2–7.2), characterized by specific metal concentrations (e.g., Cr exceeding 150 mg/kg) and an elevated presence of four-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Metagenomic analysis indicated distinct microbial communities: Pseudomonas spp. were prevalent in Midrand, while Bacillus spp. were dominant in Roodepoort. Correlation analysis suggested connections between pollutants and microbial taxa; however, these findings are tentative. Recovered metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) indicated genetic potential for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation in Midrand and for metal resistance in Roodepoort. The findings suggest that localised pollution profiles are associated with unique microbial community structures and genetic potentials, providing a genomic basis for proposing site-specific bioremediation strategies. The research underscores the necessity for measures that take into account pollutant composition, soil pH, and microbial adaptation. Full article

Background: Geraniaceae species are widely used in traditional medicine. Pelargonium radula and Geranium macrorrhizum are aromatic medicinal plants traditionally used in Bulgaria for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Comparative phytochemical data on Pelargonium radula and Geranium macrorrhizum cultivated in Bulgaria, however, remain limited. The present work aimed to characterize and compare the chemical composition of essential oils and main phenols, in support of future pharmacological evaluation. Methods: Essential oils from aerial parts of both species were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Through HPLC-UV, ethanol extracts were evaluated to quantify the major phenolic acids and flavonoids. Results: The yield of essential oils was 0.10% for P. radula and 0.03% for G. macrorrhizum, dominated by oxidized monoterpenes, mainly citronellol and geraniol-type compounds. HPLC analysis revealed marked differences in their phenolic profiles. P. radula showed a composition with six phenolic acids—primary protocatechuic and ferulic acids, and very low levels of flavonoids, with rutin being the only quantifiable glycoside. In contrast, G. macrorrhizum contained nine phenolic acids and four flavonoids, with remarkably high levels of salicylic, rosmarinic, and p-coumaric acids, as well as catechins, absent in P. radula. Conclusions: The two species showed different phytochemical characteristics in both their volatile and non-volatile fractions. P. radula is characterized by a citronellol/geraniol-rich essential oil and a moderate phenolic profile, while G. macrorrhizum exhibits significantly higher phenolic diversity and abundance. These findings expand the current phytochemical knowledge of both taxa and provide a solid basis for future chemotaxonomic and pharmacological studies. The obtained results suggest that Geranium macrorrhizum may be more promising for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications, while Pelargonium radula may be preferentially explored for ant-microbial purposes. Full article

Asphaltenes are the most polar and refractory fraction of crude oil, and are typically isolated using petroleum-derived precipitants (e.g., n-hexane, n-heptane) and then dissolved in aromatic solvents such as toluene, which raises safety and sustainability concerns. Here we evaluate D-limonene, a renewable terpene, as a green, room-temperature precipitant for asphaltene fractionation and benchmark it against n-alkanes and the ASTM D-6560 workflow. Multi-technique characterization (ATR-FTIR/NIR, TGA, CHN, EDS, LDI(+) FT-ICR MS, and ¹H/¹³C NMR) shows that D-limonene yields a lower mass of precipitate yet a fraction with reduced thermal refractoriness (lowest TGA residue, broader/attenuated DTG peak). Molecular readouts indicate lower aromatic condensation/cross-linking in the precipitated subpopulation—narrower DBE envelopes by FT-ICR MS and lower aromatic carbon indices (Car_tot, Car-b, Car-j) by ¹³C NMR—consistent with a mechanism in which π–π/dispersion interactions retain highly condensed multi-ring aggregates in solution under cold, static conditions. These results establish D-limonene as a selective green precipitant for asphaltenes, offering immediate analytical benefits (cleaner, safer fractionation for molecular studies) and a sustainable basis for pretreatments of heavy fractions. Full article

A robust analytical method based on Captiva EMR-Lipid solid-phase extraction and HPLC-MS/MS was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 19 aromatic amine antioxidants (AAs) and two p-phenylenediamine-derived quinones (PPD-Qs) in human plasma. The optimized protocol effectively removed phospholipid interferences from complex blood matrix, significantly mitigating ion suppression and improving the recovery of hydrophobic AAs compared to conventional liquid–liquid extraction. Method validation demonstrated good accuracy (spike recoveries: 73.0–96.8%), precision (RSD < 11%), and sensitivity with method detection limits ranging from 0.81 to 21 pg/mL. The method was successfully applied to plasma samples from 20 adults, in which 11 AAs were detected at total concentrations of 240–710 pg/mL. Diphenylamine derivatives, particularly bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)amine (DBDPA) and diphenylamine (DPA), were identified as the predominant compounds, contributing over 69% of the total AA burden. No PPDs or PPD-Qs were detected, which may be attributed to their biotransformation and urinary excretion, as well as the limited sample size. This study provides a comprehensive biomonitoring tool for assessing combined human exposure to multiple AAs and establishes a foundation for further investigation into their health implications. Full article

Although olefin aromatization reactions offer a potential route for the high-value utilization of Fischer–Tropsch naphtha, their industrial implementation is hindered by challenges such as coke-induced deactivation and the formation of large amounts of low-value alkane by-products. In this work, a series of Ga(x%)-EATP-550 catalysts were prepared via equal-volume impregnation of Ga onto an acid-etched attapulgite (EATP) support, followed by calcination at 550 °C. The catalysts were evaluated for the aromatization of olefins. The results show that the reaction proceeds mainly through direct dehydrogenative aromatization, yielding approximately 65% aromatics, while generating short-chain olefins (about 20% yield) as the main by-products. This system effectively suppresses the formation of long-chain aromatics and low-value alkanes, presenting a promising technical pathway for upgrading Fischer–Tropsch naphtha. Full article

Elastane is ubiquitous in polyester-based textiles and complicates depolymerization-based recycling because it can undergo thermal degradation and chemical bond cleavage, consuming reagents and forming low-molecular by-products that may compromise monomer quality. Here, we investigate alkaline PET depolymerization of PET/elastane blends under an intentional base-competition scenario in a laboratory kneader. Pure PET (100/0) and PET/EL blends (95/5 and 85/15, wt/wt) were processed under quasi-solid-state conditions at 140 °C for 5 min using solid NaOH dosed at 2.1 mol per mol PET repeat unit and pelletized feedstocks to ensure scale-relevant mixing and reproducible chamber filling. Torque and bulk-temperature profiles were similar across compositions, and isolated terephthalic acid yields remained in a narrow corridor (68–71%), indicating that PET depolymerization is not measurably impaired by 5–15 wt% elastane within this reaction window. Differential scanning calorimetry of water-insoluble residues revealed pronounced changes in elastane-related thermal transitions, evidencing elastane modification during treatment. Targeted ¹H NMR screening of recovered TA against a 4,4′-methylenedianiline spiked reference showed no detectable co-isolated aromatic diamines. Overall, the study demonstrates robust monomer recovery from mixed PET/EL textiles under solid-NaOH, short-residence, solvent-lean processing, while identifying residue analytics as the key bottleneck for quantifying elastane fate and closing component balances. Full article

Chlorogenic acid from Eucommia ulmoides leaves is a promising natural antioxidant for food applications, yet its extraction and purification require optimization to improve yield and purity. This study employed ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction on fresh leaves, evaluating the effects of ethanol concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, and temperature on CGA yield. Optimal extraction parameters were determined using response surface methodology. Purification with NKA-II macroporous resin increased CGA purity to 82.72%. SEM analysis revealed wrinkled and porous surface structures, while FTIR confirmed the presence of characteristic hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups. Under optimized conditions (70% ethanol, solid-to-liquid ratio 1:20 g/mL, 58 °C, 61 min), the extraction yield reached 6.96%. In vitro assays demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 96.01% for DPPH, 89.69% for hydroxyl, and 99.82% for ABTS radicals at 5 mg/mL. These findings provide an efficient method for obtaining chlorogenic acid from Eucommia ulmoides leaves and support its potential as a functional food ingredient. Full article

In addition to the true cedars (Cedrus species), there are several genera of trees commonly called “cedar”, including species of Callitropsis, Calocedrus, Cedrela, Chamaecyparis, Cryptomeria, Cupressus, Juniperus, Thuja, and Widdringtonia. The wood essential oils (cedarwood oils) of these trees have been used as flavor and fragrance materials, as well as in medicinal applications. In this study, we present summaries of the wood essential oils from trees known as “cedar”. A literature search was carried out on cedarwood oils and, when available, compared with commercial wood essential oils from the Aromatic Plant Research Center (APRC) collection. Cedrus wood oils are generally dominated by the himachalenes and atlantones. Sesquiterpenoids are abundant in other cedarwood oils, including cedrenes, cedrol, and thujopsene in Cupressus funebris, Juniperus ashei, and Juniperus virginiana. Cadinane sesquiterpenoids are generally abundant in Cedrela odorata and Cryptomeria japonica, while nootkatane sesquiterpenoids are found in Callitropsis nootkatensis and eudesmane sesquiterpenoids are found in Thuja occidentalis. Sesquiterpenoids are generally responsible for the woody fragrances of cedarwood oils, but monoterpenoids can also be dominant (e.g., Calocedrus species). Full article