Toxic Contaminants Research Articles

Chemical components analysis of handmade alcoholic beverages with special focus on psychoactive drugs as adulterants.

Chemical components analysis of handmade alcoholic beverages with special focus on psychoactive drugs as adulterants.

Functionalized membrane assembled by iron-based two-dimensional Fenton-like catalyst for ultra-efficient water decontamination: Mechanism and application insights.

Functionalized membrane assembled by iron-based two-dimensional Fenton-like catalyst for ultra-efficient water decontamination: Mechanism and application insights.

A baseline toxicity assessment of sediment geochemistry, potentially toxic elements contamination, and ecological risk in sediment profiles of the Bay of Bengal coast, Bangladesh

A baseline toxicity assessment of sediment geochemistry, potentially toxic elements contamination, and ecological risk in sediment profiles of the Bay of Bengal coast, Bangladesh

Integrating unsupervised machine learning, statistical analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation to assess toxic metal contamination and salinization in non-rechargeable aquifers

Integrating unsupervised machine learning, statistical analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation to assess toxic metal contamination and salinization in non-rechargeable aquifers

Monte Carlo simulation-based risk assessment of human exposure to multi-mycotoxins in Platycladi semen.

Monte Carlo simulation-based risk assessment of human exposure to multi-mycotoxins in Platycladi semen.

Are industrial footprints driving potentially toxic element contamination in the Karnaphuli River Estuary?

Are industrial footprints driving potentially toxic element contamination in the Karnaphuli River Estuary?

Assessment of toxic elements contamination in cigarettes sold in algeria and associated health risks

Assessment of toxic elements contamination in cigarettes sold in algeria and associated health risks

Effects of combined exposure to polyethylene and oxidized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on growth, development, and neurobehavior in Zebrafish.

Effects of combined exposure to polyethylene and oxidized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on growth, development, and neurobehavior in Zebrafish.

Phthalic acid esters as an ecological hazard to the coral reef ecosystems: A case study from the coral reef waters of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, Arabian Sea.

Phthalic acid esters as an ecological hazard to the coral reef ecosystems: A case study from the coral reef waters of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, Arabian Sea.

Fe(III) and Zr(IV) intercalated titanate nanotubes: A singular solution for efficient remediation of five toxic heavy metal ions from water

Fe(III) and Zr(IV) intercalated titanate nanotubes: A singular solution for efficient remediation of five toxic heavy metal ions from water

The Single and Combined Effects of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane and Mixed Microplastics on Male Mice Reproductive Toxicity

Abstract The expansive surface area of microplastics (MPs) allow them to retain pollutants, however, the combined toxicity of mixed MPs and organic contaminants remains poorly studied. The semen quality of men worldwide was observed to exhibit downward trends. This study investigates the reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms of male mice exposed to MPs and novel brominated flame retardants decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), individually or combined. Male mice were treated by oral gavage with corn oil, 5 or 50 mg/kg DBDPE, 10 mg/kg MPs (a mixture of PE (Polyethylene) and PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)), and DBDPE+MPs (50 mg/kg DBDPE mixed with 10 mg/kg MPs) for 7 weeks. Our results suggested DBDPE alone decreased the sex hormones levels and sperm count, whereas MPs alone had no significant effect. DBDPE and/or MPs impaired testicular morphology, sperm malformation rate, oxidative stress levels, and apoptosis. Our results of transcriptomics from GC-2 cells indicated that DBDPE and MPs lead to changes in oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, DBDPE and/or MPs exposure inhibited the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1- NF-E2-related factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) signaling pathway. Moreover, the combined treatment of MPs and DBDPE exerted an antagonistic effect on the reproductive system of mice. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of joint action in reproductive toxicity in mammals due to the combined exposure to MPs and DBDPE.

Combined effects of land use and geology on potentially toxic elements contamination in lacustrine sediments from the Araguaia River floodplain, Brazilian Savanna.

Freshwater ecosystems play a fundamental role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting human societies; however, the mobilization of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) poses a significant threat to their integrity. Here, we characterized the elemental composition of the bottom sediments of 72 lakes in the Araguaia River floodplain, a region that has been undergoing large-scale environmental degradation due to the advance of anthropogenic activities. The objectives of this study were to assess the degree of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn contamination in bottom sediments, identify critically contaminated areas, and evaluate the contribution of anthropogenic and natural factors to the distribution of PTEs in the floodplain. The contamination and enrichment factors followed the order of Ni > Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn. Notably, Ni and Cr showed the highest proportions of samples with moderate and significant enrichment, respectively, with a considerable and very high degree of contamination. Critical areas of PTE contamination have been identified in lakes with intense anthropogenic land use and igneous and metamorphic rocks derived from mafic parent materials. All PTEs were strongly correlated with the Mg concentrations in the sediments, which were used here as a proxy for regional geology characterization. Land-use intensity was positively associated with higher Cr and Ni concentrations in sediments. Organic matter content significantly influenced the accumulation of PTEs in sediments (except for Cr). This study offers valuable insights into the sources, distribution, and control of PTE contamination in floodplain lakes, underscoring the importance of sustainable land use management in mitigating contamination risks.

Selective separation of aromatics from alkanes with a green mixture MA/TeEG

AbstractLiquid–liquid extraction separation of aromatics from alkanes facilitates their conversion into high‐value chemicals. Utilizing solvents composed only of C, H, and O elements can mitigate toxicity and environmental contamination from conventional solvents in liquid–liquid extraction separation of aromatics from alkanes. This study evaluated several C‐, H‐, and O‐based solvents mixed with maleic anhydride (MA), which tetraethylene glycol (TeEG) had the best effect. Through assessment of thermal stability and separation performance, the optimal extractant MA:TeEG (4:1) was identified. The selectivity for tetralin over n‐dodecane using MA:TeEG (4:1) could reach 97.92 with a distribution coefficient of 0.1877, while the selectivity for toluene over n‐heptane was 38.60 with a distribution coefficient of 0.2323, demonstrating its high selective separation efficiency. Multistage extraction experiments and reusability texts were further conducted. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the selective extraction mechanism was due to variations in van der Waals forces between the solvent and target components.

Nano-selenium mitigates arsenate toxicity in soybean roots by modulating phenylalanine and salicylic acid pathways

BackgroundSoybean (Glycine max L. Merrill), a vital source of edible oil and protein, ranks seventh in global agricultural production, yet its productivity is significantly hindered by potential toxic metal/liods (PTM) stress. Arsenic (As), a highly toxic soil contaminant, poses substantial risks to both plants and humans, even at trace concentrations, particularly in China.ResultsThis research endeavor delves into the combined effect of arsenate (AsV), a common form of As in soil, and nano-selenium (nSe), on the transcriptional regulation of key genes and the modulation of signaling and metabolic cascades in young soybean seedlings. Our findings indicate that nSe mitigates AsV toxicity by modulating hormonal signaling cascades, particularly the phenylalanine and salicylic acid pathways, thereby augmenting antioxidant defenses and mitigating the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on soybean roots.ConclusionThis study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying metalloid tolerance in soybean, opening avenues for the development of strategies to bolster As resistance in contaminated soils. Nevertheless, further investigation is imperative to elucidate the intricate interplay of hormonal signaling in soybean roots during nSe supplementation under As stress conditions.

Thermophilic remediation of iron using Bacillus thermophilus: effect of variables and microbiological characteristics

In industrial effluent water, heavy metal ions are considered as common toxic contaminants. Using thermophilic bacterial strains, the present study offers a pilot study for eliminating excess iron elements from the wastewater and environment. The iron bioremediation potential of metal resistant bacterial isolate (GA6), which originated from the Gauri Kund hot spring in Uttarakhand, India, was examined. With a 98.14% similarity, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that this isolate was Bacillus thermophilus HS-BTL2. Based on the findings, the Bacillus thermophilus HS-BTL2 bacterium successfully removed iron from its solutions after 48 h incubation period at a temperature of 55 °C and pH 7.0. A considerably greater 91.79% iron was removed from the metal-contaminated solution by the dead biomass of Bacillus thermophilus HS-BTL2. Compared to the dead biomass of the bacterial strain, the live Bacillus thermophilus HS-BTL2 bacterial cell can only biosorb 86.17% iron from the metal-containing solution. Following its inoculation into the industrial effluent water, the Bacillus thermophilus HS-BTL2 strain was able to biosorb 63.94% of the iron metal elements present in the effluent.

Monitoring of bacterial and potentially toxic elements contamination in the Rawal Lake tributaries and filtration plant.

This study examines bacterial and potentially toxic elements pollution in Jinnah Stream, Nurpur Stream, and Rawal Lake filtration plant during dry and wet seasons; Rawal Lake serves as a key source of water supply for the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Three growth media (Salmonella-Shigella agar, Brilliant Green agar, and Chromo-select agar) were used for microbial plating targeting Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Citrobacter freundii spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae spp. qPCR Taqman Probe-based assay was used for detection of E. coli (uidA), Salmonella (invA), Campylobacter (glyA), and Shigella (ipaH). Potentially toxic elements concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, Zn and Pb were not detected in any of the sites for either season whereas concentrations of Cd and Cr exceeded the WHO drinking water guidelines (Cd: 0.003 mg/L; Cr: 0.05 mg/L), posing chronic health risk. Shapiro-Wilk test was employed to assess the distribution of data. Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test predicted the significance between seasons. Bacterial analysis revealed significant seasonal variability, with higher concentrations of Salmonella spp. and E. coli in the Nurpur Stream during the wet season, while others exhibited spatial variations. No statistically significant differences were observed in concentrations of potentially toxic elements across seasons. qPCR confirmed E. coli detection in both seasons except filtration plant. Interpolation techniques were employed to highlight their spatial distribution. Pollution risk classification maps showed various levels of toxicity at all sampling sites. This study stressed the significance of monitoring and highlighting quality of water for ensuring public health.

Whole Cells of Microorganisms-A Powerful Bioanalytical Tool for Measuring Integral Parameters of Pollution: A Review.

Microbial biosensors are bioanalytical devices that can measure the toxicity of pollutants or detect specific substances. This is the greatest advantage of microbial biosensors which use whole cells of microorganisms as powerful tools for measuring integral parameters of environmental pollution. This review explores the core principles of microbial biosensors including biofuel devices, emphasizing their capacity to evaluate biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), toxicity, heavy metals, surfactants, phenols, pesticides, inorganic pollutants, and microbiological contamination. However, practical challenges, such as sensitivity to environmental factors like pH, salinity, and the presence of competing substances, continue to hinder their broader application and long-term stability. The performance of these biosensors is closely tied to both technological advancement and the scientific understanding of biological systems, which influence data interpretation and device optimization. The review further examines cutting-edge developments, including the integration of electroactive biofilms with nanomaterials, molecular biology techniques, and artificial intelligence, all of which significantly enhance biosensor functionality and analytical accuracy. Commercial implementations and improvement strategies are also discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in this field. Overall, this work consolidates recent progress and identifies both the potential and limitations of microbial biosensors, offering valuable insights into their future development for environmental monitoring.

The Effects of Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW) Fine Residues on Landfill Environments: A Column Leaching Experiment.

The rapid increase in construction and demolition waste (C&DW) has emerged as a significant environmental challenge, particularly due to the hazardous substances embodied within the fine residues destined into landfills. The disposal of C&DW in landfills has been widely recognized as a source of leachate, containing toxic contaminants, which pose significant environmental risks. A controlled column leaching experiment was conducted using samples with varying proportions of C&DW, gypsum, and organic content to assess their impact on leachate chemistry. The results indicate that higher C&DW content leads to increased concentrations of heavy metals, such as Pb, Hg, As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Co, as well as other metals like Al and Fe, with peak contamination occurring within the first 13-15 weeks. Gypsum presence exacerbates heavy metal solubility by reducing pH, increasing sulfate levels, and promoting metal-sulfate complex formation. Despite remaining within regulatory thresholds, the cumulative concentration of toxic metals over time highlights potential environmental risks, particularly in landfill settings. This study underscores the need for improved C&DW management practices, enhanced waste segregation, and sustainable alternatives to gypsum to mitigate long-term ecological impacts. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of C&DW leachate dynamics and inform policy recommendations for sustainable waste management in the construction sector.

Development of a response spectrum model for bifenthrin in juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

Development of a response spectrum model for bifenthrin in juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

Self-replenishing neutral Fenton-like treatment for emerging contaminants through single Fe atom electron configuration regulation.

Self-replenishing neutral Fenton-like treatment for emerging contaminants through single Fe atom electron configuration regulation.