Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We propose a Topic concerning the assessment of emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, as well as their ecotoxicological effects on aquatic species. This Topic includes scientific peer reviewed articles from MDPI journals such as Toxics, Waters, Journal of Xenobiotics, and Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. In this context, emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, nanoparticles, and (micro)plastics are not included in regular monitoring processes and represent an increasing global threat to the aquatic environment. For this reason, based on the pivotal approach in ecotoxicology named Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), which includes the monitoring and effects of pollutants, the proposed Topic has the following aims: (i) monitoring emerging contaminants in both marine and freshwater environments, with particular attention given to (micro)plastics, and (ii) the evaluation of adverse effects on aquatic species at different levels of biological organization (from molecular to population one) using the following approaches:

• Classical ecotoxicological tests; 
• Wide batteries of biomarkers; 
• “Omics” techniques.

Research papers, reviews, and short communications are welcome. For original articles, only studies concerning the evaluation of environmental concentrations or, in general, that have a high ecological impact will be considered. This Topic will collect articles that fill the knowledge gap on the ecotoxicology of emerging contaminants.

Dr. Valerio Matozzo
Prof. Dr. François Gagné
Dr. Stefano Magni
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Environments environments	4.3	5.7	2014	18.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering jmse	3.2	5.6	2013	15 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Journal of Xenobiotics jox	4.6	5.1	2011	14.9 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Limnological Review limnolrev	-	2.4	2001	19.1 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Pollutants pollutants	3.7	5.2	2021	28.3 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Toxics toxics	4.9	7.8	2013	17 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Water water	3.5	6.7	2009	17.7 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary platform offering a preprint service designed to facilitate the early sharing of your research. It supports and empowers your research journey from the very beginning.

MDPI Topics is collaborating with Preprints.org and has established a direct connection between MDPI journals and the platform. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by posting their preprints at Preprints.org prior to publication:

1. Share your research immediately: disseminate your ideas prior to publication and establish priority for your work.
2. Safeguard your intellectual contribution: Protect your ideas with a time-stamped preprint that serves as proof of your research timeline.
3. Boost visibility and impact: Increase the reach and influence of your research by making it accessible to a global audience.
4. Gain early feedback: Receive valuable input and insights from peers before submitting to a journal.
5. Ensure broad indexing: Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Related Topic

Published Papers (11 papers)

Order results

Content type Publication Date

Result details

Normal Extended Compact

Journals

All JMSE JoX Pollutants Toxics Water Environments Limnological Review

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 224 KB)

13 pages, 1326 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Occurrence, Bioaccumulation and Dietary Exposure Assessment of Legacy and Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Freshwater Fish from Zhejiang Markets: Implications for Human Health Risks

by Hexiang Zhang, Yibin Zheng, Xiaojuan Qi, Lili Chen, Jiang Chen, Jikai Wang, Yue He and Bing Zhu

Toxics 2026, 14(6), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14060524 - 17 Jun 2026

Viewed by 689

Abstract

This article assesses per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure levels, distribution, bioaccumulation characteristics, and health risks in freshwater fish from Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 240 market-sourced fish samples (covering carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous species) collected between 2022 and 2024 were analyzed [...] Read more.

This article assesses per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure levels, distribution, bioaccumulation characteristics, and health risks in freshwater fish from Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 240 market-sourced fish samples (covering carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous species) collected between 2022 and 2024 were analyzed for 24 PFAS congeners, including four emerging alternatives. The results revealed widespread PFAS contamination, with a detection frequency of 77.5% and median total PFAS (Σ₂₄PFAS) concentration of 2.95 ng/g. Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) were the most frequently detected congeners. PFOS exhibited the highest median concentrations in carnivorous and omnivorous fish, whereas PFUnDA was the dominant contaminant in filter-feeding and herbivorous fish. No significant difference in Σ₂₄PFAS concentrations was observed among fish with different feeding habits, but highly significant spatial variation was found. Long-chain PFAS concentrations were significantly higher than those of short-chain PFAS and emerging alternatives, with their proportion decreasing at lower trophic levels. The estimated daily intake of Σ₂₄PFAS and Σ₄PFAS for freshwater fish consumers averaged 0.14 and 0.042 ng/kg bw/day, respectively, with approximately 0.16% of the assessed individuals exceeding the recommended threshold. This study provides critical data to support food safety management and risk mitigation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 3582 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Presence of Emerging Contaminants Upstream and Downstream of an Urban Wastewater Treatment Plant

by Kyla Charlebois and Eva N. Nyutu

Toxics 2026, 14(5), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14050402 - 7 May 2026

Viewed by 1143

Abstract

Several issues about the quality of urban surface waters, such as the Detroit River, are becoming a concern due to the increasing detection of emerging contaminants. Although the emerging contaminants are present in low concentrations—ranging from nanograms per liter (ng/L) to micrograms per [...] Read more.

Several issues about the quality of urban surface waters, such as the Detroit River, are becoming a concern due to the increasing detection of emerging contaminants. Although the emerging contaminants are present in low concentrations—ranging from nanograms per liter (ng/L) to micrograms per liter (µg/L)—these raise serious concerns about long-term effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems, particularly when left unregulated. Municipal wastewater effluent has been reported as one of the major pathways for these emerging contaminants. Most treatment plants are not equipped to effectively remove many emerging contaminants, allowing them to enter surface waters. To assess the presence of these emerging contaminants, water samples were collected during the summer from sites near the upstream and downstream of the Detroit wastewater treatment plant. Among the sixteen emerging contaminants analyzed were pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides. Ten of these, such as sucralose, caffeine, acetaminophen, and bisphenol A, were detected at both locations, with concentrations ranging from 42 to 4100 ug/L. Elevated contaminant levels found downstream can come from various sources, such as agricultural runoff, leachate from landfills, overland flow, and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). Furthermore, local pharmaceutical usage patterns and the effectiveness of our treatment facilities play significant roles in the contaminant concentrations we see. Tracking emerging contaminants both upstream and downstream of treatment plants is crucial for pinpointing vulnerable watersheds. This vital information enables us to establish a solid baseline and craft effective strategies to lower contaminant levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 366 KB)

15 pages, 2333 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Survival and Developmental Responses of Acartia hudsonica Nauplii to Polystyrene Microplastics and Thermal Variation

by Yeji Lee, Wongyu Park and Hee-Jin Kim

Water 2026, 18(8), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18080932 - 13 Apr 2026

Viewed by 652

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous marine pollutants whose ecological impacts can be modulated by temperature. Temperature regulates copepod physiological responses in marine environments. Copepods can show stress responses at deviations from the optimal temperature range, particularly during early life stages. Naupliar stages are more [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous marine pollutants whose ecological impacts can be modulated by temperature. Temperature regulates copepod physiological responses in marine environments. Copepods can show stress responses at deviations from the optimal temperature range, particularly during early life stages. Naupliar stages are more sensitive to environmental stressors. This developmental stage can present population-level vulnerability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MPs, temperature, and their interaction on the survival and development of Acartia hudsonica nauplii. This study investigated survival and development under nine experimental conditions via combining three MP concentrations (0, 100, and 10,000 μg/L) with three temperatures (15, 20, and 25 °C). The survival rate differed significantly among temperature treatments. The differences between MP exposure treatments were significant in terms of survival rate only at 15 °C. Stage-specific and cumulative developmental times were shortest at 20 °C. The final naupliar stage (NVI) attainment rate was significantly affected by both temperature and MP concentration. These results indicate that temperature is the dominant stressor for the naupliar stages of A. hudsonica. The effect of MPs was modulated by temperature, as the effect decreased under high-temperature conditions. Therefore, the ecological effects of MPs should be evaluated in terms of considering their interactions with temperature in aquatic environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

36 pages, 9768 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption Isotherms of PP, PVC, PA6, LDPE, and HDPE Microplastic Particles, and Their Blend on a Hydrophobic Bio-Substrate at Three Temperatures and Two Environments

by Laura Romero-Zerón, Rheya Rajeev and Denis Rodrigue

Pollutants 2026, 6(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants6020020 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1396

Abstract

Micro- and nano-plastic pollution caused by the mismanagement of plastics waste is a significant problem worldwide, causing severe impacts in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adsorption capacity of a thermally stable and superhydrophobic bio-substrate to [...] Read more.

Micro- and nano-plastic pollution caused by the mismanagement of plastics waste is a significant problem worldwide, causing severe impacts in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adsorption capacity of a thermally stable and superhydrophobic bio-substrate to remove microplastic particles (MPPs) from aqueous systems. In this work, the adsorption efficiency of cattail fluff towards MPPs from pristine PP, PVC, PA6, LDPE, HDPE, and their blend was evaluated. The effect of temperature (30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C) and two binding environments (distilled water and industrial wastewater) on adsorption was determined. Non-linear regressions of seven adsorption isotherm models including Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R), Redlich–Peterson (R–P), Toth, and Sips were applied to fit the experimental data. Error function analysis confirmed that the D–R adsorption isotherm model offers the best fit of the experimental data. The results show that the bio-substrate is very effective in adsorbing MPPs from aqueous systems with adsorption capacities of q_e = 3597 mg/g and q_e = 2807 mg/g in distilled water and synthetic industrial water, respectively. The composition of the MPPs determines the effect of temperature and binding environment on the adsorption performance of the bio-substrate. Physisorption dynamics for the MPP/bio-substrate system are also provided and discussed. Overall, the hydrophobic bio-substrate is highly effective in removing MPPs from aqueous systems, with the added advantages of low cost, sustainability, and scalability for practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 360 KB)

32 pages, 2498 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Diclofenac Biodegradation by Bacterial Strains and a Microbial Consortium from Activated Sludge: Toxicity Assessment and Insights into Microbial Community Dynamics

by Alba Lara-Moreno, Belen Rodriguez-Morillo, Fernando Madrid, Pedro M. Martin-Sanchez, Jaime Villaverde, Carmen Mejías, Esteban Alonso, Juan Luis Santos and Esmeralda Morillo

J. Xenobiotics 2026, 16(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16010024 - 2 Feb 2026

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1705

Abstract

Diclofenac (DCF) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug whose presence in environmental matrices has led to its classification as an emerging contaminant. Developing effective and sustainable removal strategies is therefore essential. In this study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CSWD.1, Pseudomonas sp. CSWD.2, and a [...] Read more.

Diclofenac (DCF) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug whose presence in environmental matrices has led to its classification as an emerging contaminant. Developing effective and sustainable removal strategies is therefore essential. In this study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CSWD.1, Pseudomonas sp. CSWD.2, and a microbial consortium (MC) were isolated from activated sludge through enrichment cultures with DCF and employed as laboratory models to investigate DCF biodegradation capacity under a biosafety-aware framework. Biodegradation assays supplemented with glucose showed limited removal (45.5%) by CSWD.1, whereas CSWD.2 and the MC achieved complete elimination (100%) of 10 mg L⁻¹ DCF in 21 and 5 days, respectively. Three extracellular metabolites, 4’-hydroxy-diclofenac (4’-OH-DCF), 5-hydroxy-diclofenac (5-OH-DCF), and putative NO₂-DCF, were detected, with concentrations varying during degradation. Persistence of 4’-OH-DCF and tentatively identified NO₂-DCF after 28 days was potentially associated with increased toxicity relative to the abiotic control. Overall, the results suggest that evaluating metabolites and their toxicity is essential, requiring isolation of additional microorganisms able to degrade 4’-OH-DCF and NO₂-DCF to combine with the microorganisms isolated in this study. Metabarcoding analysis of the microbial consortium after bioremediation revealed the dominant bacterial population of Burkholderia (88.9% relative abundance) and a predominant fungal genus Talaromyces (80.1%), indicating that both bacteria and fungi may be associated with DCF transformation. These results provide insights into microbial community dynamics and their potential application in designing effective consortia for DCF bioremediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 323 KB)

12 pages, 894 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Pyruvate–Glyoxalate Pathway as a Toxicity Assessment Tool of Xenobiotics: Lessons from Prebiotic Chemistry

by François Gagné and Chantale André

J. Xenobiotics 2025, 15(6), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15060198 - 1 Dec 2025

Viewed by 895

Abstract

There is an urgent need to evaluate the toxicity of xenobiotics and environmental mixtures for preventing loss in water quality for the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. A simple prebiotic chemical pathway based on malate formation from pyruvate (pyr) and glyoxalate (glyox) is proposed [...] Read more.

There is an urgent need to evaluate the toxicity of xenobiotics and environmental mixtures for preventing loss in water quality for the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. A simple prebiotic chemical pathway based on malate formation from pyruvate (pyr) and glyoxalate (glyox) is proposed as a quick and cheap screening tool for toxicity assessment. The assay is based on the pyr and glyox (aldol) condensation reactions, leading to biologically relevant precursors such as oxaloacetate and malate. Incubation of pyr and glyox at 40–70 °C in the presence of reduced iron Fe(II) led to malate formation following the first 3 h of incubation. The addition of various xenobiotics/contaminants (silver, copper, zinc, cerium IV, samarium III, dibutylphthalate, 1,3-diphenylguanidine, carbon-walled nanotube, nanoFe₂O₃ and polystyrene nanoparticles) led to inhibitions in malate synthesis at various degrees. Based on the concentration inhibiting malate concentrations by 20% (IC20), the following potencies were observed: silver < copper ~ 1.3-diphenylguanidine ~ carbon-walled nanotube < zinc ~ samarium < dibutylphthalate ~ samarium < Ce(IV) < nFeO₃ < polystyrene nanoplastics. The IC20 values were also significantly correlated with the reported trout acute lethality data, suggesting its potential as an alternative toxicity test. The pyr-glyox pathway was also tested on surface water extracts (C18), identifying the most contaminated sites from large cities and municipal wastewater effluents dispersion plume. The inhibition potencies of the selected test compounds revealed that not only pro-oxidants but also chemicals hindering enolate formation, nucleophilic attack of carbonyls and dehydration involved in aldol-condensation reactions were associated with toxicity. The pyr-glyox pathway is based on prebiotic chemical reactions during the emergence of life and represents a unique tool for identifying toxic compounds individually and in complex mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 136 KB)

25 pages, 1241 KB  

Open AccessReview

A Double Challenge for Fish: The Combined Stress of Warming and Pharmaceuticals in Aquatic Systems

by Tiago Lourenço, Maria João Rocha, Eduardo Rocha and Tânia Vieira Madureira

J. Xenobiotics 2025, 15(6), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15060190 - 8 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2197

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors, notably climate change and pollution by pharmaceuticals. Global warming is predicted to raise water temperatures by 2–5 °C by the end of the century. As ectotherms, fish are particularly vulnerable due to limited thermal [...] Read more.

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors, notably climate change and pollution by pharmaceuticals. Global warming is predicted to raise water temperatures by 2–5 °C by the end of the century. As ectotherms, fish are particularly vulnerable due to limited thermal tolerance and temperature-dependent physiology. Pharmaceuticals are introduced into aquatic systems at concentrations ranging from ng·L⁻¹ to µg·L⁻¹, including widely prescribed classes such as antibiotics, hormones, analgesics, antifungals, and neuropsychiatric drugs. This narrative review synthesizes experimental evidence on the interactive effects of warming and pharmaceutical exposure in fish. Thirty-nine peer-reviewed studies published since 2005 were analyzed. The findings indicate that higher temperatures often exacerbate pharmaceutical-induced toxicity, altering oxidative stress, metabolism, reproduction, and behavior. Antibiotic-focused studies showed temperature-dependent acceleration of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, with shorter half-lives and reduced tissue persistence at higher temperatures. Estrogenic hormones and antifungals have been shown to interact with thermal regimes, disrupting reproductive physiology and skewing sex ratios, particularly in species exhibiting temperature-dependent sex determination. Neuropsychiatric drugs exhibited altered uptake and metabolism under warming conditions, resulting in increased brain bioaccumulation and behavioral alterations affecting ecological fitness. Analgesics and anti-inflammatories remain understudied despite their widespread use, with evidence suggesting synergistic effects on oxidative stress at elevated temperatures. Significant research gaps persist regarding chronic exposures, early developmental stages, ecologically relevant temperature scenarios, and underrepresented or absent drug classes, such as hypolipidemic drugs. Ultimately, broader and integrated approaches are needed to better understand and predict the ecological risks of pharmaceutical pollution in a warming world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 1832 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Monitoring of Water Quality, Metal Ions, and Antibiotic Residues, with Isolation and Optimization of Enrofloxacin-Degrading Bacteria in American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) Aquaculture Systems

by Yao Zheng, Jiajia Li, Ampeire Yona, Xiaofei Wang, Xue Li, Julin Yuan and Gangchun Xu

J. Xenobiotics 2025, 15(6), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15060174 - 22 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1312

Abstract

This study investigated water quality, metal ion concentrations, and antibiotic residues specifically enrofloxacin (ENR) and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CIP), across six American shad (Alosa sapidissima) aquaculture sites over a one-year period. Water and sediment samples were analyzed to determine contamination levels, [...] Read more.

This study investigated water quality, metal ion concentrations, and antibiotic residues specifically enrofloxacin (ENR) and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CIP), across six American shad (Alosa sapidissima) aquaculture sites over a one-year period. Water and sediment samples were analyzed to determine contamination levels, and ENR-degrading bacteria were isolated from the culture environment to explore their potential use in bioremediation. Findings showed that NH₃-N and total suspended solids (TSS) exceeded recommended standards at all sampling sites. Elevated levels of Li, Na (except S1), Fe, Ni (except S2 and S4), Sr, and Cu were found at site S3. Site S5 recorded the highest concentrations of Al, As, and Pb, while Cd was most abundant at S6. In sediments, S5 showed higher levels of Mg, K (except S3), Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, As, Pb, Cu, and Zn (except S3). ENR and CIP were detected in all water and sediment samples, with a 100% detection rate. The highest ENR (16.68–3215.95 mg·kg⁻¹) and CIP (3.90–459.60 mg·kg⁻¹) concentrations in water occurred at site S6, following a seasonal pattern of autumn > winter > summer > spring. In sediments, the maximum ENR (41.43–133.67 mg·kg⁻¹) and CIP (12.36–23.71 mg·kg⁻¹) levels were observed in spring. Two ENR-degrading bacterial strains were successfully isolated and identified as Enterococcus and Bacillus. Optimal degradation was achieved at 30 °C, pH 8.0, 6% inoculum, and 3000 Lux, resulting in a 64.2% reduction in ENR after 72 h. Under slightly different conditions (25 °C, pH 10), degradation reached 58.5%. This study provides an efficient strain resource for the bioremediation of ENR pollution in the aquaculture water of American shad. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 23186 KB)

13 pages, 2253 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Damage to Human Lymphocytes Induced by Contaminated Water in Populations Surrounding Lake Chapala and the Santiago River, Jalisco, México

by Mónica Reynoso-Silva, Carlos Alvarez-Moya, Fernando Manuel Guzmán-Rubio, Daniela Guadalupe Velázquez-Cruz, Daniel Moreno-Del Río, Blanca Catalina Ramírez-Hernández, Lucía Barrientos-Ramírez, José de Jesús Vargas-Radillo, Paulina Beatriz Gutiérrez-Martínez and Mario Alberto Ruíz-López

Toxics 2025, 13(10), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13100887 - 17 Oct 2025

Viewed by 2101

Abstract

Polluted water in the Chapala–Santiago basin (CSB) contains several genotoxic substances that present risks to human health, particularly among residents of communities surrounding Lake Chapala and the Santiago River, where a high prevalence of cancer has been documented. For this reason, it is [...] Read more.

Polluted water in the Chapala–Santiago basin (CSB) contains several genotoxic substances that present risks to human health, particularly among residents of communities surrounding Lake Chapala and the Santiago River, where a high prevalence of cancer has been documented. For this reason, it is necessary to study the genotoxic activity of these waters and the genetic damage in inhabitants of the surrounding populations. This study assessed the genotoxicity of water in various communities in the CSB and evaluated DNA damage to lymphocytes in residents of nearby locations. The alkaline comet assay was employed to evaluate water genotoxicity and DNA damage to lymphocytes in residents living near these waters. A standardized questionnaire was distributed to participants of this study to evaluate their exposure to polluted water. Significant genotoxic activity (p < 0.05) was observed in the lymphocytes of individuals exposed to contaminated water (tail length in Puente Grande 27.88 ± 5.4 compared to 3.77 ± 1.64 of negative control), along with notable DNA damage (p ≤ 0.05) to the lymphocytes of residents living in proximity to these waters (tail length in Juanacatlán 12.3 ± 3.4 compared to 1.4 ± 0.74 of negative control). The waters of the CSB possess the capacity to cause DNA damage; meanwhile, genotoxicity increases from Chapala to El Salto due to the additional input of genotoxic contaminants, thereby elevating the cancer risk for the exposed population. The comet test proved to be a useful tool that allowed data to be obtained quickly and reliably. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 1321 KB)

18 pages, 3600 KB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatial Distribution, Key Influencing Factors, and Ecological Risk of Microplastics in Pearl River Estuary Water and Sediments

by Jiyuan Hu, Chengliang Li, Lichi Deng, Ziyan Yan and Xing Gong

Water 2025, 17(17), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172572 - 31 Aug 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2373

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic ecosystems poses significant ecological and public health risks. A comprehensive understanding of estuarine MP pollution, influenced by multiple anthropogenic and environmental factors, remains elusive in current research. This study investigated the spatial distribution patterns and dominant factors influencing [...] Read more.

Microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic ecosystems poses significant ecological and public health risks. A comprehensive understanding of estuarine MP pollution, influenced by multiple anthropogenic and environmental factors, remains elusive in current research. This study investigated the spatial distribution patterns and dominant factors influencing MP abundance (MPA) and physicochemical diversity in the river water and sediments of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), while also assessing the associated ecological risks. The dominant MP categories in river water and sediments were fibers, clear in color, <1 mm in length, and composed of polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Whereas inland regions showed higher MPA, nearshore regions exhibited marginally greater physicochemical diversity. Multivariate statistical analysis identified population density as the primary driver of both MPA in river water and MP physicochemical diversity in sediments. MP physicochemical diversity in river water was predominantly governed by the synergistic effect of salinity and the vegetation land. MPA in sediments depended on the synergistic effect of flow rate and watershed area. Ecological risk assessment identified elevated risks in the eastern study area driven by the presence of polymethyl methacrylate. This study establishes a scientific basis for PRE region MP management and provides global comparative data for estuarine MP research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2615 KB  

Open AccessCommunication

The Insecticide Imidacloprid Promotes Algal Growth in Absence of Zooplankton

by Verónica Laura Lozano, Florencia Soledad Alvarez Dalinger and Liliana Beatriz Moraña

J. Xenobiotics 2025, 15(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030090 - 10 Jun 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1698

Abstract

Imidacloprid, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, exerts its neurotoxic effects by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined the effects of commercial imidacloprid formulations on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and other algal species, comparing these [...] Read more.

Imidacloprid, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, exerts its neurotoxic effects by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined the effects of commercial imidacloprid formulations on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and other algal species, comparing these responses with those induced by plant hormones. Our results demonstrate that formulated imidacloprid stimulates C. vulgaris growth at concentrations as low as 7.82 μM, with a more pronounced effect than certain phytohormones. We observed similar growth-enhancing effects in other algal species exposed to imidacloprid. Notably, pure imidacloprid induced equivalent growth responses in C. vulgaris, confirming that the observed stimulation results from the active ingredient itself rather than formulation adjuvants. Given its insecticidal mode of action, potential worst-case aquatic contamination scenarios with imidacloprid may lead to significant increases in algal biomass through both direct (growth stimulation) and indirect (reduction of zooplankton grazing pressure) mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Aquatic Emerging Contaminants and Their Ecotoxicological Consequences, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

 

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

Displaying articles 1-11