Persistence In Soil Research Articles

Chlordecone-induced hepatotoxicity and fibrosis are mediated by the proteasomal degradation of septins

Chlordecone (CLD) is a pesticide persisting in soils and contaminating food webs. CLD is sequestered in the liver and poorly metabolized into chlordecol (CLDOH). In vitro liver cell models were used to investigate the fate and mechanistic effects of CLD and CLDOH using multiomics. A 3D-cell model was used to investigate whether CLD and CLDOH can affect susceptibility to the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Hepatocytes were more sensitive to CLD than CLDOH. CLDOH was intensively metabolized into a glucuronide conjugate, whereas CLD was sequestered. CLD but not CLDOH induced a depletion of Septin-2,− 7,− 9,− 10,− 11 due to proteasomal degradation. Septin binding with CLD and CLDOH was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance. CLD disrupted lipid droplet size and increased saturated long-chain dicarboxylic acid production by inhibiting stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) abundance. Neither CLD nor CLDOH induced steatosis, but CLD induced fibrosis in the 3D model of MASLD. To conclude, CLD hepatoxicity is specifically driven by the degradation of septins. CLDOH, was too rapidly metabolized to induce septin degradation. We show that the conversion of CLD to CLDOH reduced hepatotoxicity and fibrosis in liver organoids. This suggests that protective strategies could be explored to reduce the hepatotoxicity of CLD.

Seed germination requirements of the rare Helosciadium repens (aka Apium repens) determine persistence of seeds in the soil seed bank.

The rare and threatened Heliosciadium repens grows in moist grasslands and has a distinct life cycle. Plants reproduce both clonally, although ramets tend to be short-lived, and sexually, with seeds that can form a persistent soil seed bank. The germination requirements of H. repens were investigated, yielding important information for its habitat management and conservation. We examined the soil seed bank in three populations and carried out germination experiments and embryo growth measurements with fresh seeds in laboratory, greenhouse and outdoor conditions. We also investigated the effects of storage and burial of seeds. H. repens formed a long-term persistent (>6 years) soil seed bank with very pronounced primary dormancy, but no secondary dormancy or dormancy cycles. Seeds can germinate throughout the growing season when temperatures are sufficiently high. Embryo growth and seed germination are triggered by light and, to a lesser extent, daily temperature fluctuations. Seeds of H. repens seem to have developed a unique germination syndrome with several strategies to remain dormant in the soil until optimal conditions are present for seedling establishment and survival. Both sexual reproduction and seed bank formation are crucial for the long-term survival of the populations.

The influence of land use and management on the behaviour and persistence of soil organic carbon in a subtropical Ferralsol

Abstract. A substantial carbon (C) debt has been accrued due to long-term cropping for global food production emitting carbon dioxide from soil. However, the factors regulating the persistence of soil organic C (SOC) remain unclear, with this hindering our ability to develop effective land management strategies to sequester organic C in soil. Using a Ferralsol from semi-arid subtropical Australia, alteration of bulk C contents and fractions due to long-term land use change (up to 72 years) was examined with a focus on understanding whether SOC lost due to cropping could be restored by subsequent conversion back to pasture or plantation. It was found that use of soil from cropping for 72 years resulted in the loss of >70 % of both C and N contents. Although conversion of cropped soil to pasture or plantation for up to 39 years resulted in an increase in both C and N, the C contents of all soil fractions were not restored to the original values observed under remnant vegetation. The loss of C with cropping was most pronounced from the particulate organic matter fraction, whilst in contrast, the portion of the C that bound strongly to the soil mineral particles (i.e. the mineral-associated fraction) was most resilient. Indeed, aliphatic C was enriched in the fine fraction of mineral-associated organic matter (<53 µm). Our findings were further confirmed using Synchrotron-based micro-spectroscopic analyses of intact microaggregates, which highlighted that binding of C to soil mineral particles is critical to SOC persistence in disturbed soil. The results of the present study extend our conceptual understanding of C dynamics and behaviour at the fine scale where C is stabilized and accrued, but it is clear that restoring C in soils in semi-arid landscapes of subtropical regions poses a challenge.

Assessing earthworm exposure to a multi-pharmaceutical mixture in soil: unveiling insights through LC–MS and MALDI-MS analyses, and impact of biochar on pharmaceutical bioavailability

In the European circular economy, agricultural practices introduce pharmaceutical (PhAC) residues into the terrestrial environment, posing a potential risk to earthworms. This study aimed to assess earthworm bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), the ecotoxicological effects of PhACs, the impact of biochar on PhAC bioavailability to earthworms, and their persistence in soil and investigate earthworm uptake mechanisms along with the spatial distribution of PhACs. Therefore, earthworms were exposed to contaminated soil for 21 days. The results revealed that BAFs ranged from 0.0216 to 0.329, with no significant ecotoxicological effects on earthworm weight or mortality (p > 0.05). Biochar significantly influenced the uptake of 14 PhACs on the first day (p < 0.05), with diminishing effects over time, and affected significantly the soil-degradation kinetics of 16 PhACs. Moreover, MALDI-MS analysis revealed that PhAC uptake occurs through both the dermal and oral pathways, as pharmaceuticals were distributed throughout the entire earthworm tissue without specific localization. In conclusion, this study suggests ineffective PhAC accumulation in earthworms, highlights the influence of biochar on PhAC degradation rates in soil, and suggests that uptake can occur through both earthworm skin and oral ingestion.Graphical

Frontiers in bacterial-based green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs): A sustainable strategy for combating infectious plant pathogens

The excessive use and inappropriate application of synthetic pesticides on essential agricultural crops, intended to them from harmful pests, have resulted in severe environmental pollution. Additionally, the penetration of these toxic pesticide residues into the edible parts of plants has raised significant health concerns for humans and animals by developing respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and cancers. In response, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising alternative, enabling the development of highly reliable, minuscule nanoparticles (NPs) in size of 1–100 nm (nm) with diverse morphologies. These NPs offer an alternative approach to managing plant pathogens compared to traditional pesticides. Although various synthetic NPs have been produced using different elements, their persistence in plant tissues, soil, and water presents significant challenges. Conversely, the synthesis of biologically-derived green NPs, particularly those from bacteria, is considered a safer method for controlling plant pathogens. Bacteria-based green NPs are advantageous due to the rapid growth proliferation of bacteria and their resilience to extreme conditions. However, their synthesis and application remain limited, with scant research exploring against infectious plant pathogens. This study reviews recent literature on the synthesis of bacteria-based NPs, detailing their morphological, structural, chemical, optical, electronic, electrical, and magnetic properties, along with their thermal characteristics. By elucidating the mechanisms by which these NPs combat phytopathogens, this research provide crucial insight for future applications, enhancing our understanding of bacteria-based NPs research. The wealth of recent research on bacteria-based green NPs is anticipated to enrich future applications and deepen our understanding of this emerging field.

Land use intensity is a major driver of soil microbial and carbon cycling across an agricultural landscape

Soil carbon (C) storage is a critical ecosystem function that underpins human health and well-being. The acceleration of human-driven land use change, such as agricultural intensification, is a major driver of soil C loss globally. Developing sustainable land use practices that enhance agricultural productivity whilst protecting essential ecosystem functions such as soil C storage is vital. The soil microbiome has a critical role in regulating soil biogeochemical cycling processes, including soil C cycling. Examining the impacts of land use intensity on the soil microbiome enables us to assess the potential effects on long-term soil C stocks. Using metagenomic DNA sequencing and phospholipid fatty acid analysis, we investigated differences in the activity, diversity, and function of the soil microbiome associated with five contrasting land uses across an agricultural landscape. The land uses covered a gradient of disturbance intensities and included remnant native forest, regenerating native bush, exotic plantation forest, dryland pasture, and irrigated pasture. We identified pronounced differences in the soil microbiome associated with each land use, including the diversity and abundance of microbial C and nitrogen (N) cycling genes. Notably, intensive agricultural land uses had a significantly higher diversity and abundance of microbial C-degrading genes, whilst land uses of remnant native forest had the lowest diversity and abundance of microbial C-degrading genes. Our findings suggest that intensive agricultural land use may increase the functional potential of the soil microbiome to mineralize soil C, potentially resulting in a greater loss of soil C as respired CO2 into the atmosphere. This research may be used to support the development of sustainable management practices that promote the persistence of soil C across agricultural landscapes, such as the protection of remnant native forest fragments and greater incorporation of regenerating native vegetation.

Gardenia (Rubiaceae) seed conservation physiology with emphasis on rare Hawaiian species

Background and aims – Gardenia species are ecologically, culturally, and economically significant but the three native species of Gardenia in Hawai‘i are assessed as Critically Endangered. Seed banking is the most cost effective and efficient means of conserving plant material ex situ. To better understand the conservation physiology of Hawaiian and South Pacific Gardenia spp. and support their conservation, we asked 1) How do seeds respond to different temperatures and light and dark regimes? 2) What class of dormancy, if any, do seeds exhibit? 3) How does seed germinability respond over time in a seed bank? and 4) What is the conservation status and level of ex situ representation of Gardenia globally? Material and methods – To answer these questions, we used 19 accessions of fresh seeds and seeds stored for varying periods of time in the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Conservation Seed Bank and Laboratory of Hawaiian (G. brighamii, G. remyi), New Caledonian (G. aubryi, G. oudiepe), and Tahitian (G. taitensis) species. Seeds were incubated at varying temperatures and in light, and in dark. Key results – We found that (1) seeds of all species tested germinated slowly and only at higher temperatures in the light and dark, (2) seeds have non-deep physiological dormancy, (3) seeds of the Hawaiian species are short lived at conventional seed bank conditions, and (4) only 40% of Gardenia spp. are represented in ex situ facilities, and 66% of the species have not been evaluated for the IUCN Red List. Conclusion – Seeds of Hawaiian Gardenia spp. are short lived in storage. Since seeds germinate in darkness, they are unlikely to form a persistent soil seedbank. Although seeds of all species tested are physiologically dormant, they can be easily propagated from seed at warmer temperatures, giving some hope to the conservation and restoration of the Critically Endangered Hawaiian species. Since our dataset was limited by a lack of continuous viability monitoring, we emphasize the need for initial germination testing and ongoing viability tests to better understand seed longevity. Lastly, we discuss the ecological relevance of our results in the context of the Hawaiian archipelago.

Understanding the complexities in glyphosate and ametryn interactions: Soil retention and transformation as influenced by their applications alone and mixture

The use of herbicide mixtures is widely adopted by farmers in agriculture worldwide. Glyphosate and ametryn are herbicides commonly applied in tank mixtures, increasing the spectrum of weed control in sugarcane crops. After application, herbicides can reach the soil layer, which is susceptible to retention, transport, and degradation processes. Herbicide interactions in mixtures may affect their bioavailability and persistence in soil, leading to different behavior in the environment compared to when applied alone. This study evaluated the sorption-desorption and transformation of 14C-glyphosate and 14C-ametryn in soil when applied alone or in a tank mixture. The sorption of 14C-ametryn in soil was increased by 25% when mixed with glyphosate (14C-ametryn + glyphosate). This increase in sorption was not evident for 14C-glyphosate when mixed with ametryn (14C-glyphosate + ametryn). The amount desorbed of 14C-ametryn (20%) applied alone was higher than in a mixture (10%). Both herbicide's mineralization half-live time (MT50) was influenced when applied in mixtures. 14C-glyphosate applied alone showed lower MT50 (55 days) compared to 14C-glyphosate + ametryn (119 days). 14C-ametryn also showed lower MT50 when applied alone than when applied with glyphosate (>120 days in both cases). These results suggest that the presence of ametryn in mixture with glyphosate decreases the desorption and mineralization of both herbicides, potentially affecting their bioavailability for weed root absorption and degradation in environment.

Effect of the phosphate and mineralogical composition on the movement and mineralization of glyphosate in clay soils

Glyphosate is one of the most used herbicides worldwide. In rice paddy fields, it is usually applied for weed control during the pre-planting stage. Phosphate fertilizers may enhance herbicide displacement in the soil matrix. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of monoamoniun phosphate and the mineralogical composition on the movement and mineralization of glyphosate in clay soils (CS1; CS2 and CS3) in Colombia. Glyphosate miscible displacement experiments were performed in disturbed soil columns, with and without the addition of phosphate after the application of a pulse of N-(phosphonomethyl-14C) glycine. Simultaneously, 14C-glyphosate mineralization was measured indirectly by quantifying the amount 14C–CO2 released daily. At the end of the experiment, the columns were divided into six horizontal sections and glyphosate-bound residues were determined in the soil. The addition of phosphate decreased glyphosate retention time (in CS1 and CS2) and increased the total leached amount only in CS1 soil. Overall, more than 95% of the applied glyphosate was retained in the soil columns. Glyphosate mineralization half-life adjusted to a bi-exponential model, implying that one fraction degrades rapidly due to being more bioavailable, and the other fraction presents a slow rate of degradation and, that although high contents of kaolinite clays are important in the adsorption and translocation of the herbicide, the presence of calcites and divalent cations modify this process, favoring the persistence of the molecule in the soil. Glyphosate partitions into an easily degradable fraction and a more recalcitrant fraction adsorbed to kaolinite clays, calcites, and divalent cations. This fraction is less available for biodegradation thus favoring glyphosate persistence in soil.

Microbial fuel cells with polychlorinated biphenyls contaminated soil as electrolyte: energy performance and decontamination potential in presence of compost

The electrical performance of Terrestrial Microbial Fuel Cells (TMFCs) with soil as the electrolyte was tested with two concentrations (150 or 250 ng/g soil) of PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenlys) and compost (3 % w/w) in an experiment lasting 60–80 days. Energy output levels were recorded daily by varying the external resistance for detecting the best operating conditions. PCB concentrations and microbiological analyses (total microbial abundance and activity) were performed at the start and end of the experiment. The highest power generation (207 ± 80 mW/m2 at 112.5 Ω) was recorded in the presence of compost with the lowest PCB concentration, when compared to TMFCs without compost (1.5 ± 0.2 mW/m2 at 300.8 Ω). The results demonstrated that the power generation was correlated with a lower internal resistance and a higher microbial activity. Moreover, chemical results indicated a possible threshold of PCB concentration for the concurrently electricity production and PCB degradation. In fact, PCB removal was obtained only in the cells with high PCB concentration, achieving a reduction of 21 % and 16 % with and without compost, respectively. The microbiological results showed that an additional organic carbon source (methanol or compost) promoted microbial activity and abundance. A positive correlation was found between microbial activity and TMFC electrical output only in the case of PCB low concentration, in the presence of compost. No previous studies addressed the performance of TMFCs with different levels of PCBs in terms of soil decontamination and electricity production. Although a longer experiment is needed, considering PCB persistence in soils, this experiment provided useful information and a new insight on the TMFC effectiveness for soil decontamination and electricity production. The results presented here support considerations about soil resilience through microbial communities and orient further research on contaminant degradation by TMFCs.

Leguminous green manure promotes N accrual in labile and persistent soil organic matter pools

Leguminous green manure promotes N accrual in labile and persistent soil organic matter pools

Biodegradation of monocrotophos by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and its potential in vitro plant growth promoting activities

Extensive field application of monocrotophos (MCP), an organophosphate pesticide to protect agricultural crops and yields, imposes severe environmental issues due to its long-term persistence in soil and water. Indigenous bacterial strain CAB5 was isolated from a severely monocrotophos-contaminated agricultural field in Mysuru, Karnataka. The strain was assessed for its ability to biodegrade monocrotophos and plant-growth promoting factors. CAB5, identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (OQ861256). It exhibited monocrotophos tolerance up to 1000 ppm by utilizing it as sole carbon source for metabolism and growth. S. maltophilia can produce several plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, including ammonia, cellulase, IAA, catalase, and phosphate solubilization. The optimal condition for CAB5 growth observed as pH 8, 37 ℃ temperature, and 96 h of incubation time, respectively. Biodegradation was analyzed by combining hyphenated techniques like UV spectroscopy and TLC, and the intermediate metabolites were analyzed by FT-IR and LC-MS. Dimethyl-phosphate, Trimethyl phosphate, and Cyclohexanone, 2-cyclohexylidene were the intermediate metabolites formed from biodegradation. It is concluded that S. maltophilia CAB5 could be an advantageous with the consortium-based formulated prototype for the refinement of polluted sites for toxic pollutants along with plant growth promotion.

Utilization of qPCR to Determine Duration and Environmental Drivers Contributing to the Persistence of Human DNA in Soil.

Little is known about the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the persistence and degradation of DNA within soil. The goals of this study are to determine the duration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nuDNA) persistence in soils enriched by surface-level human decomposition and to better understand the contribution of environmental factors. The surface-level decomposition of three human cadavers was documented over 11 weeks. Based on quantitative PCR results, we found nuDNA to persist in soils six weeks post-placement, while mtDNA was recoverable for the entire 11-week decomposition period. Principle components analyses and Spearman's rank correlations revealed that (1) time, (2) total body score, and (3) weekly average air temperature were significantly correlated with concentrations of nuDNA and mtDNA in soil, suggesting these factors play a role in the degradation of DNA in soils.

Biochemical and nanotechnological approaches to combat phytoparasitic nematodes.

The foundation of most food production systems underpinning global food security is the careful management of soil resources. Embedded in the concept of soil health is the impact of diverse soil-borne pests and pathogens, and phytoparasitic nematodes represent a particular challenge. Root-knot nematodes and cyst nematodes are severe threats to agriculture, accounting for annual yield losses of US$157 billion. The control of soil-borne phytoparasitic nematodes conventionally relies on the use of chemical nematicides, which can have adverse effects on the environment and human health due to their persistence in soil, plants, and water. Nematode-resistant plants offer a promising alternative, but genetic resistance is species-dependent, limited to a few crops, and breeding and deploying resistant cultivars often takes years. Novel approaches for the control of phytoparasitic nematodes are therefore required, those that specifically target these parasites in the ground whilst minimizing the impact on the environment, agricultural ecosystems, and human health. In addition to the development of next-generation, environmentally safer nematicides, promising biochemical strategies include the combination of RNA interference (RNAi) with nanomaterials that ensure the targeted delivery and controlled release of double-stranded RNA. Genome sequencing has identified more than 75 genes in root knot and cyst nematodes that have been targeted with RNAi so far. But despite encouraging results, the delivery of dsRNA to nematodes in the soil remains inefficient. In this review article, we describe the state-of-the-art RNAi approaches targeting phytoparasitic nematodes and consider the potential benefits of nanotechnology to improve dsRNA delivery.

Constraints and Drivers of Dissolved Fluxes of Pyrogenic Carbon in Soil and Freshwater Systems: A Global Review and Meta‐Analysis

AbstractPyrogenic carbon (PyC) is a significant component of the global soil carbon pool due to its longer environmental persistence than other soil organic matter components. Despite PyC's persistence in soil, recent work has indicated that it is susceptible to loss processes such as mineralization and leaching, with the significance and magnitude of these largely unknown at the hillslope and watershed scales. We present a review of the work concerning dissolved PyC transport in soil and freshwater. Our analysis found that the primary environmental controls on dissolved PyC (dPyC) transport are the formation conditions and quality of the PyC itself, with longer and higher temperature charring conditions leading to less transport of dPyC. While correlations between dPyC and dissolved organic carbon in rivers and other pools are frequently reported, the slope of these correlations was pool‐dependent (i.e., soil‐water, precipitation, lakes, streams, rivers), suggesting site‐specific environmental controls. However, the lack of consistency in analytical techniques and sample preparation remains a major challenge to quantifying environmental controls on dPyC fluxes. We propose that future research should focus on the following: (a) consistency in methodological approaches, (b) more quantitative measures of dPyC in pools and fluxes from soils to streams, (c) turnover times of dPyC in soils and aquatic systems, and (d) improved understanding of how mechanisms controlling the fate of dPyC in dynamic post‐fire landscapes interact. With more refined quantitative information about the controls on dPyC transport at the hillslope and landscape scale, we can increase the accuracy and utility of global carbon models.

Large and non-spherical seeds are less likely to form a persistent soil seed bank.

There is some evidence that seed traits can affect the long-term persistence of seeds in the soil. However, findings on this topic have differed between systems. Here, we brought together a worldwide database of seed persistence data for 1474 species to test the generality of seed mass-shape-persistence relationships. We found a significant trend for low seed persistence to be associated with larger and less spherical seeds. However, the relationship varied across different clades, growth forms and species ecological preferences. Specifically, relationships of seed mass-shape-persistence were more pronounced in Poales than in other order clades. Herbaceous species that tend to be found in sites with low soil sand content and precipitation have stronger relationships between seed shape and persistence than in sites with higher soil sand content and precipitation. For the woody plants, the relationship between persistence and seed morphology was stronger in sites with high soil sand content and low precipitation than in sites with low soil sand content and higher precipitation. Improving the ability to predict the soil seed bank formation process, including burial and persistence, could benefit the utilization of seed morphology-persistence relationships in management strategies for vegetation restoration and controlling species invasion across diverse vegetation types and environments.

Synthesis of polyaniline-doped magnetic iron foam photo catalyst (PANI@mIF) for integrated adsorptive photocatalytic degradation of nicosulfuron

ABSTRACT Nicosulfuron have low volatility and slow biodegradation rate, leading to its long persistency in soil and crops, which further upraised the risk of contamination of nearby water and severe damage to the crop rotation as may be its precursors are more harmful than nicosulfuron itself. In the present work, we performed a degradation study for the efficient removal of nicosulfuron from soil and water using Polyaniline-doped magnetic iron foam (PANI@mIF). The Photo catalyst was synthesised by doping of polyaniline on magnetic iron foam at 70°C and applied for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of nicosulfuron. PANI@mIF was then characterised through FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD. The degradation of nicosulfuron was investigated under UV radiations and the resulted data were examined by fitting isotherms models. The Langmair model is well fitted to the adsorption data with R2 of 0.925, which demonstrates monolayer adsorption of nicosulfuron on the surface of PANI@mIF. The maximum adsorption capacity and percent degradation of 87% was achieved with PANI@mIF. Comparatively, good adsorption capacity of PANI@mIF is attributed to a large number of H bonding and electrostatic interactions. Kinetic study indicates the adsorption of nicosulfuron by PANI@mIF followed 2nd order kinetics with R2 of 0.958.The negative values of Gibbs free energy (−18294.3, 19543.1,-7530.4, −7307.7 and −7969.8), enthalpy (−1.97 × 10−4) and entropy (−3.54 × 10−3) indicate spontaneous and exothermic nature of the process. The reusable nature of PANI@mIF with 5 batches reflected its inventive photo catalytic behaviour for real sample applications and waste water treatment.

Different effects of polyethylene microplastics on bioaccumulation of three fungicides in maize (Zea mays L.)

Despite the ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) and pesticides in agricultural soils, the effects of MPs on the behavior and bioavailability of pesticides in soil–plant systems remain largely unknown. This study comparatively investigated the adsorption and dissipation of three commonly used fungicides (metalaxyl, azoxystrobin and tebuconazole) in soil as well as their accumulation and distribution in maize Zea mays L. with and without the amendment of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs). The results showed that the adsorption of the fungicides to both MPs and soil was strongly dependent on their octanol/water partition coefficients (logKow). The addition of 5% PE-MPs significantly increased the adsorption of the hydrophobic fungicides azoxystrobin and tebuconazole to soil due to their greater adsorption affinity to PE-MPs than to soil, while the effect was negligible in the case of the hydrophilic fungicide metalaxyl. The enhanced adsorption of azoxystrobin and tebuconazole to soil with the amendment of PE-MPs decreased their bioavailable fractions in soil, especially the concentration in in situ pore water, resulting in prolonged persistence in soil and reduced accumulation in maize plants. PE-MPs caused a greater reduction in the dissipation and bioaccumulation of tebuconazole than azoxystrobin, presumably because PE-MPs were more effective in promoting the adsorption of tebuconazole (with a higher logKow) in soil. Comparatively, PE-MPs had little effect on the dissipation and bioaccumulation of metalaxyl since its bioavailability was almost unaffected. Our work provides effective information for the risk assessment of co-contamination of MPs and pesticides.

Comparison of in vitro toxicity in HepG2 cells: Toxicological role of Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy in exposure to the fungicide Tebuconazole

Fungicides are often used prophylactically, to control fungal diseases. Although fungicides have been designed to control pests/fungi, they frequently share molecular targets with non-target species, including humans. Tebuconazole, a fungicide belonging to the class of triazoles, is widely employed, has moderate to high persistence in soil, and can be found in different environmental levels. This fungicide is metabolized to the main hydroxy-derived metabolite, Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy (or hydroxytebuconazole). This study aims to unveil the action mechanism of Tebuconazole and the role played by its metabolite, Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy (5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-pentanediol), within the expected spectrum of toxicity. In silico and in vitro analyses (MTT assay, cell cycle evaluation, annexin/PI assay, ROS accumulation assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential determination) were performed in HepG2 cells for 24 h and 48 h. Although in silico analysis suggested that both Tebuconazole and Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy are potentially hepatotoxic, only Tebuconazole affected the tested cell line. Reduced MTT metabolism, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were the main findings. In conclusion, the action mechanism of Tebuconazole may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the findings of this study pointed out that Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy does not play an important role in Tebuconazol toxicity. The study has generated new data that will help to understand how fungicides behave in the environment.

Simultaneous determination of eight neonicotinoid insecticides and five metabolites in water samples by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry unveils an overlooked risk

AbstractNeonicotinoids (NEOs), highly selective toward insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, are extensively used due to their effectiveness against pests and relative non‐toxicity to vertebrates. However, their prolonged persistence in soil and water has led to frequent detection in food and environmental samples, posing significant environmental and health concerns. Recent research indicates these pesticides infiltrate aquatic ecosystems, threatening aquatic life and human health. Here, we improved the ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method for detecting NEOs in water samples, increasing its sensitivity to fulfill forthcoming detection needs. This approach enables the simultaneous quantification of eight NEOs and five NEO metabolites in diverse water sources, including tap, surface, groundwater, sewage, and seawater. Our method achieves remarkably low detection limits for direct injection (0.78–1.7 ng/L) and solid‐phase extraction methods (0.13–0.25 ng/L). Critically, our findings reveal that boiling domestic drinking water doesn't degrade NEOs; instead, it increases their concentration due to water evaporation. A 6‐min boiling period can amplify pesticide concentration by 4–5 times, presenting a significant hazard in culinary practices of specific regions where prolonged cooking could lead to alarmingly high levels of these insecticides. This research underscores the importance of monitoring and mitigating NEO contamination in water sources to safeguard environmental and public health.