Search Results (5,594)

Human fertility is declining across industrialised populations, while the incidence of hormone-dependent reproductive cancers rises. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and structurally related emerging pollutants are implicated in both. These two outcomes are generally reviewed as separate studies. This review argues that they are two latencies of a single molecular toxicology. The compounds concerned are structurally diverse: phthalates, bisphenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, brominated and organophosphate flame retardants, pharmaceuticals and personal-care products (PPCPs), and micro- and nanoplastics. They nonetheless converge on a limited repertoire of molecular lesions. These include the disruption of hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) signalling through kisspeptin/GnRH and gonadotropin gene expression and interference at nuclear and membrane hormone receptors (ERα/β, AR, GPER, thyroid receptors, AhR, PPARγ). They also include the inhibition of steroidogenesis at StAR and the CYP11A1–CYP17A1–CYP19A1/3β-HSD/17β-HSD cascade and reactive-oxygen-species generation with mitochondrial dysfunction and Keap1–Nrf2 disruption. Epigenetic reprogramming through DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNAs, together with crosstalk with metabolic and immune signalling, completes the set. These lesions produce measurable cytotoxic and genotoxic damage to gametes and the early embryo: sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxo-dG accumulation, blood–testis-barrier breakdown, oocyte meiotic-spindle defects, and granulosa-cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. The same receptor, oxidative and genotoxic hubs drive hormone-dependent reproductive carcinogenesis over longer latencies. The review makes three contributions. First, it traces these shared hubs continuously from fertility impairment to malignancy rather than treating them as separate fields. Second, it grades the certainty of the human evidence class by class, so that robust associations can be distinguished from provisional ones. Third, it integrates pseudo-persistent pollutants alongside the classical persistent compounds. These are micro- and nanoplastics, which act as both toxicants and vectors for adsorbed co-contaminants, and pharmaceutical and personal-care residues sustained by continuous wastewater input. Their inclusion demonstrates that chronic low-dose exposure does not require chemical persistence. We conclude with mitigation strategies and an explicit account of what the current evidence base cannot yet support. Full article

The use of biological control within an integrated pest management approach in stored food production is expected to increase, due to both the limitations of chemical methods and the rising focus on environmental sustainability. However, comprehensive biological control strategies for animal-derived products like meats, fish, and cheeses are still lacking. Dry-cured ham is an example of a preserved animal product that can be infested by various arthropods, such as Piophila casei (L.) (Diptera: Piophilidae), when stored. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of releasing the pupal parasitoids Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Muscidifurax raptor Girault and Sanders (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in controlling this dangerous fly in a ham production facility in Northern Italy. Data on total parasitism, emergence rates, sex ratio, and longevity were collected for M. raptor and P. vindemiae during the biological control experiments. It was found that both parasitoids could successfully parasitize pupae of P. casei in ham production, avoiding ham contamination. While the longevity and the sex ratio data did not show a significant difference between the two parasitoids, P. vindemiae demonstrated a significantly higher total parasitism and emergence rate, suggesting it as a more promising candidate under the conditions of this study. An assessment of the potential use of these parasitoids in a ham production facility is discussed. Full article

Rubus ulmifolius Schott is an invasive bramble whose recurrently removed biomass may contain nutritionally useful leaves and young shoots. This narrative and translational review evaluates whether that biomass can be investigated as a candidate sheep supplement without encouraging its spread. Species-specific evidence shows marked seasonal and fraction-dependent variation in crude protein, fiber, lignin and tannin activity, whereas controlled sheep-feeding data remain scarce. Goat browsing observations and general studies of tannin-rich feeds support only indirect hypotheses regarding intake, rumen nitrogen metabolism, methane, microbiome composition, oxidative status, product quality and parasite resilience. Key constraints include mature-cane lignification, thorns and selective refusal, uncertain dose–response, processing effects, contamination and propagule biosecurity. We therefore define functional browse as an unvalidated, outcome-dependent designation and propose a staged evidence pathway: local biomass mapping and no-spread harvest; fraction-specific chemical and phytochemical characterization; in vitro digestibility, polyethylene-glycol and methane screening; short-term sheep acceptability and safety; controlled dose–response trials; targeted mechanistic studies; and farm-scale techno-economic and ecological validation. Current evidence supports R. ulmifolius as a candidate for structured evaluation, not as a proven practical feed. Any future use should be local, traceable, fruit-free or seed-inactivated, and contingent on maintained intake, digestibility, welfare and performance. Full article

Transparent glazing systems are increasingly required to provide simultaneous control over light transmission, solar heat gain, thermal losses, surface contamination, and environmental durability, creating new challenges for the development of multifunctional coating technologies. This review critically examines advanced optical and self-cleaning coatings developed for transparent glass and polymeric substrates, with particular emphasis on the relationships between materials chemistry, surface/interface chemistry, microstructure, and functional performance. Dielectric multilayers, metal oxides, ceramic coatings, sol-gel-derived hybrid systems, and emerging chromogenic materials are discussed in terms of their chemical compositions, structural characteristics, and mechanisms governing optical, thermal, and surface properties. Particular attention is given to structure–property relationships associated with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmission, near-infrared (NIR) management, thermal emissivity, solar modulation, wettability, and self-cleaning behavior, together with their implications for energy-efficient transparent glazing and greenhouse environments. The influence of coating architecture, porosity, surface roughness, interfacial interactions, and deposition conditions on functional performance and long-term stability is critically evaluated. The advantages and limitations of representative deposition strategies are further compared, considering scalability, process compatibility, substrate sensitivity, and application to heat-sensitive polymeric films. Environmental degradation mechanisms induced by ultraviolet irradiation, moisture, thermal cycling, and mechanical stresses are analyzed to identify the key factors governing coating durability and sustainability. Finally, current knowledge gaps and emerging research directions are identified, highlighting the need for rational materials design, multifunctional integration, scalable fabrication, and improved structure-property-durability correlations for next-generation transparent glazing and greenhouse applications. Full article

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a ubiquitous and renewable agricultural waste, have emerged as a promising biosorbent for environmental remediation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the application of SCG-derived materials in wastewater treatment and gas purification. We systematically summarize their physicochemical characteristics, adsorption performance towards diverse contaminants, and underlying mechanisms. Specifically, modification strategies of raw SCGs are discussed in detail, including chemical modifications (e.g., degreasing/alkali/acid/organic solvent/metal oxide treatment), thermochemical conversions (e.g., pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, and activation), and the fabrication of composites with natural or synthetic materials such as chitosan, clay minerals, and agricultural/industrial wastes. These approaches effectively optimize pore structure, enrich surface functionalities, and enhance selectivity and adsorption capacity. Particular attention is devoted to SCG-derived activated carbon and composites for capturing gaseous pollutants (e.g., CO₂, H₂S, PH₃, and VOCs). Techno-economic analysis of SCG-derived materials production is discussed to evaluate their commercial viability and overall sustainability. Finally, critical research gaps are identified, and future perspectives are proposed, emphasizing the elucidation of adsorption mechanisms, rational material design, and rigorous techno-economic and life-cycle assessments. This review underscores the potential of SCG-based materials as low-cost, high-performance alternatives to conventional adsorbents, aligning with the principles of a circular economy and environmental sustainability. Full article

Acid mine drainage (AMD) generation in sulfide waste rock deposits involves complex hydrogeochemical processes that require controlled experimental approaches to improve our understanding of them. In this study, a laboratory-scale waste rock dam reactor was operated for 31 weeks using representative materials from the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Continuous monitoring of physicochemical parameters and weekly chemical analyses generated a big dataset that was evaluated using graphical and statistical approaches. The reactor successfully reproduced the principal hydrogeochemical processes characteristic of AMD environments, including sulfide oxidation, contaminant transport and attenuation. Graphical and statistical analyses consistently validated the proposed conceptual hydrogeochemical model. Sulfate concentrations were identified as the main control on electrical conductivity, while alternating wet and dry periods governed pH fluctuations through precipitation–dissolution and redissolution processes. The progressive decrease in dissolved metals and sulfate along the reactor reflected precipitation processes comparable to those observed in natural AMD systems. The reactor reproduced, at a small scale, both the temporal evolution and the three hydrological phases described for natural waste rock dams, demonstrating its reliability as a reproducible experimental platform for hydrogeochemical modeling and the investigation of AMD generation under controlled conditions. An effective diagnosis of contamination processes in mine waters is essential for future remediation interventions. Full article

Pulse-processing plants generate large volumes of screenings, that is, undersized, broken and foreign-matter-contaminated grain that is removed before the material enters the human food chain. Their feeding value for ruminants is still poorly documented. This study characterised the chemical composition, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) nitrogen fractions, in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and rumen fermentation behaviour of screenings from five pulse species: soybean, dry bean, chickpea, green lentil and red lentil. Six independent batches per species (n = 30) were obtained from processing plants in different regions of Türkiye. Total digestible nutrients (TDNs) and energy values were estimated with NRC (2001) equations, gas production was recorded for 48 h in a semi-automatic modular system and fitted to a logistic model, IVDMD was measured in a Daisy^II incubator and volatile fatty acids (VFAs), pH and NH₃-N were determined after 24 h of incubation. Differences were declared at p < 0.05 throughout. Soybean screenings had the highest crude protein (35.99%), recalculated TDNs (75.26%) and 48 h gas production (65.16 mL per 460 mg of incubated sample), a ranking that largely disappears once gas is expressed per gram of incubated organic matter; chickpea screenings combined the highest starch (50.67%), IVDMD (71.27%) and fractional degradation rate. Dry bean screenings fermented most slowly, with a lag time of 10.46 h. Acetate, propionate and total VFAs did not differ among species. No parent grain was analysed alongside the screenings, so any comparison with clean pulse grain rests on published values for other samples and cultivars. Within that limit, the screenings carry enough protein, calculated energy and rumen-undegradable protein to warrant testing as partial replacements for conventional concentrates in feeding trials. Full article

Global plastic production is expected to continue rising in the next few decades, with packaging accounting for roughly one quarter of the total volume of plastic and intensifying interest in biodegradable alternatives such as polylactic acid (PLA). One approach towards bioplastic production is lactic acid fermentation. Lactic acid (LA) can be produced from waste and by-products, such as food and agricultural waste, and then polymerised into PLA. This review provides an overview of LA production from waste-derived feedstocks, covering substrate composition, pretreatment and hydrolysis strategies, fermentation modes, and downstream operations, and highlights key performance indicators (yield, final LA concentration, and volumetric productivity). This review examines technological bottlenecks associated with waste heterogeneity, mixed sugar utilisation, inhibitor formation, pH and temperature control, contamination risks, high cost, and complexity of LA recovery and purification. Recent advances in pre-treatment, robust or engineered microbial strains, mixed microbial cultures, process integration, and intensified downstream schemes are also discussed to increase productivity and purity while reducing energy and chemical inputs. Finally, techno-economic assessment studies on waste-based PLA are synthesised, showing that both economic and environmental performance depend on feedstock logistics, process configuration, and end-of-life options for PLA products. Full article

Chemical pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban activities represents a major threat to freshwater ecosystems and aquatic organisms. This study evaluated hepatic biomarker responses in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) maintained under chronic environmental exposure to water from the Iguaçu River, one of the most polluted urban rivers in Brazil. Juvenile fish were kept in cages at three sites along the river, and hepatic biomarkers were assessed after 15 and 22 months of environmental exposure. Fish showed severe histopathological liver lesions, activation of antioxidant defenses, and oxidative stress responses accompanied by increased DNA damage. Immunological responses, particularly melanomacrophage proliferation and granuloma formation, were also observed across the monitored exposure scenarios. Alterations in plasma biochemical parameters, including AST, ALT, LDH, albumin, and globulin, were consistent with changes in hepatic function. Overall, the integrated biomarker responses revealed distinct patterns of biological alteration among the monitored exposure scenarios and were consistent with chronic exposure to complex environmental contaminant mixtures. These findings are consistent with alterations in liver integrity in fish maintained under long-term environmental exposure in the Iguaçu River. The study highlights the sensitivity of Nile tilapia as a bioindicator species for aquatic biomonitoring and provides valuable information to support environmental monitoring, risk assessment, and conservation strategies for the Iguaçu River Basin. Full article

As a major contaminant fungus in grains and by-products, Fusarium graminearum rapidly colonizes and proliferates, posing safety risks to feed commodities. In this study, artificial inoculation was adopted to simulate F. graminearum contamination in soybean meal. Dynamic changes in fungal population, protein secondary structure, microstructure and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were systematically monitored across a 54-day storage period. Soybean meal exhibited a three-phase deterioration pattern: latent infection (0–30 d), accelerated spoilage at day 36, and severe deterioration (42–54 d). Fungal conidia counts increased sharply before declining moderately with extended incubation. Ordered protein conformations (α-helix and β-sheet) underwent continuous degradation and converted into disordered β-turn and random coil structures, accompanied by gradual disruption of the compact microstructure of soybean meal. In total, 99 VOCs spanning 13 chemical classes were identified throughout the contamination timeline. Combining orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and Pearson correlation analysis, five volatile biomarkers tightly associated with F. graminearum spoilage were screened: four upregulated fungal metabolites and one downregulated endogenous flavor compound. This work characterizes the dynamic deterioration profiles and volatile fingerprint of F. graminearum-inoculated soybean meal under controlled laboratory conditions, delivering preliminary laboratory evidence to support the future development of potential spoilage monitoring approaches. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in soils, and their inherent toxicity and persistence pose serious threats to terrestrial animals and plants. This study reports the synthesis of a biochar-supported Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄ nanocomposite (Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄@BC) as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for the degradation of PAHs in contaminated soil. The one-step prepared Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄@BC exhibits abundant nanoporous structures, with a specific surface area of 158.34 m² g⁻¹ and average pore size of 2.84 nm. Compared with pristine biochar (BC), Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄@BC shows superior catalytic performance in activating PMS for the efficient degradation of seven kinds of 3–4 ring PAHs in soil. Based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis, electrochemical analysis and scavenger quenching experiments, the catalytic mechanism was elucidated, revealing that ^•OH, SO₄^•−, and electron transfer were primarily responsible for the degradation of phenanthrene (PHE) in soil. The presence of coexisting soil constituents, including Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻, NO₃⁻ and humic acid (HA), was found to inhibit PHE degradation. Furthermore, plant growth experiments revealed that the Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄@BC/PMS system effectively alleviated the ecotoxicity of PHE-contaminated soil. This work thus provides a promising nanocatalyst for PMS-mediated remediation of soil contaminated with refractory organic pollutants and offers a feasible strategy for the in situ chemical remediation of PAH-polluted soil. Full article

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pollution, highlighting the need for efficient and advanced water treatment technologies. Poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) copolymer (PVA-co-PVAc), a partially hydrolyzed copolymer derived from poly(vinyl acetate), has received limited attention for surface water remediation. To address this gap, PVA-co-PVAc was prepared and evaluated as an alternative material for surface water treatment. The polymer identity was inferred from the synthesis route and degree-of-hydrolysis measurements; comprehensive structural characterization was beyond the scope of the present application-focused study. Physico-chemical and microbiological characterization of water samples collected from six locations in Joumine Dam revealed the highest contamination levels at the dam inlet, indicating a substantial pollution load entering the reservoir. Consequently, water from this site was selected to evaluate the treatment performance of the copolymer. Among the tested copolymer concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% w/v), the best performance was achieved at 1% (w/v), resulting in a 93% reduction in total cell density determined by direct microscopic counting, together with significant decreases in turbidity and organic matter and an apparent decrease in fluoride concentration, requiring independent analytical confirmation. These findings demonstrate the potential of PVA-co-PVAc to improve selected surface-water quality parameters under laboratory treatment conditions and support further investigation of this material using natural water matrices. Full article

Confronted with severe global challenges, including water scarcity, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and heavy metal contamination in soils, conventional agricultural technologies exhibit marked limitations in integrated water–fertilizer management and non-point source pollution control. Leveraging their excellent water retention capacity, intelligent sustained-release properties, and environmental responsiveness, hydrogels offer innovative solutions to advance sustainable agricultural development. This review comprehensively outlines the fundamental types, crosslinking mechanisms, and key functional properties of hydrogels, with a focused discussion on their agricultural deployment as high-efficiency soil conditioners, fertilizer vectors, and pesticide carriers; it deciphers the microscopic water-holding mechanisms under the tristate water model, delineates the divergent water-uptake and retention behaviors between ionic and non-ionic hydrogels, and clarifies the cyclic water-holding and release mechanisms of hydrogels during soil amelioration. Thise paper further synthesizes hydrogel-enabled environmental remediation applications, in which heavy metals and pesticide residues in soils and aquatic systems are removed via functional-group coordination adsorption or photocatalytic degradation; concurrently, hydrogels have been shown to activate plant systemic immunity through calcium-signaling pathways, thereby inducing broad-spectrum antiviral defense responses. Moreover, hydrogels can be integrated into precision agriculture frameworks to enable real-time monitoring of crop physiological status and to support targeted irrigation and fertilization management. This work also evaluates the role of hydrogels in promoting seed germination, root system development, crop metabolic regulation, and stress resilience, while introducing tailored application strategies across distinct plant growth stages. Their documented economic advantages include water conservation, enhanced crop yields, reduced dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and lower labor costs. Nevertheless, the large-scale implementation of hydrogels continues to face multifaceted challenges—particularly poor degradability and latent ecological risks, as conventional polyacrylamide (PAM)-based gels resist soil mineralization and retain potentially neurotoxic monomers, leaving a critical gap in multi-annual field data concerning their non-target interference with native soil aggregate evolution, pore distribution, and rhizospheric carbon–nitrogen footprints. Mechanistically, many hydrogels with tensile strengths below 1 MPa are highly susceptible to three-dimensional network collapse under high-salinity osmotic shock and tillage mechanical stress, exhibiting a precipitous drop in water retention after more than three wet–dry cycles due to deficient long-term structural stability. Compounding these technical gaps are elevated production costs and low farmer adoption, driven by the absence of texture-specific performance thresholds—such as an available water increment ≥ 40% for sandy soils—and the lack of established life-cycle cost models and farmer incentive mechanisms for bio-based hydrogels. Moving forward, hydrogel technology should pivot toward materials innovation and cost-reduction engineering to broaden its applicability, employ ≥3-year, multi-habitat regional trials to delineate ecological benefit–risk boundaries, and ultimately position hydrogels as pivotal enablers of sustainable, green agricultural paradigms. Full article

Routine monitoring of cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice is essential for public health protection and agricultural trade security. Conventional chemical detection methods are environmentally unfriendly, labor-intensive, and slow. This study presents a rapid, accurate classification approach based on near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for discriminating Cd-contaminated rice from uncontaminated rice. Five spectral preprocessing methods and three variable selection algorithms were systematically evaluated for their influence on model performance. Classification models were developed using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and support vector machines (SVM). Second derivative (2D) preprocessing yielded the greatest performance gains, raising KNN and SVM test-set accuracy from 73% and 88% to 93% and 91%, respectively. Among the variable selection strategies, the successive projections algorithm (SPA) proved most effective. Under optimized conditions, PLS-DA achieved the best overall performance, attaining 92% accuracy, 89% specificity, and 95% sensitivity on the test set. These results demonstrate the strong potential of NIRS coupled with machine learning for rapid, large-scale Cd surveillance in rice, providing robust technical support for grain quality monitoring and low-cadmium variety breeding programs. Full article

The U.S. FSMA Intentional Adulteration (IA) Rule and GFSI-recognized certification schemes such as IFS Food and BRCGS Food include requirements for establishing and maintaining a written food defense plan, including vulnerability assessment. This study evaluates the suitability and policy relevance of two established food defense risk assessment methodologies, TACCP and CARVER+SHOCK, when applied to the processing of whole oranges with edible coatings. A structured case study was conducted at a medium-sized citrus processing facility certified under IFS Food and BRCGS Food standards. Food defense threats were systematically identified along the entire production line using the FDA Food Defense Self-Assessment Tool. The identified threats were subsequently assessed using TACCP, which is based on likelihood and impact, and CARVER+SHOCK, a multidimensional quantitative approach integrating operational, economic, and psychological impact factors. Twenty-four potential intentional contamination threats were identified. Both methodologies consistently identified critical vulnerabilities at key control points, particularly in washing systems, chemical handling areas, and stages with unrestricted access. TACCP proved to be rapid, intuitive, and easily integrated into existing food safety management systems. In contrast, CARVER+SHOCK provided a more differentiated ranking of the identified threats because of its multidimensional scoring structure, thereby supporting the development of a structured and economically rational mitigation plan and offering value for policymakers and certification bodies seeking to harmonize risk-assessment practices. Full article