Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology最新文献

{"title":"Development of multifunctional Fe3O4@SiO₂@Ag@Ag2O nanocomposite for paraben detection and Pseudo-Fenton catalytic degradation","authors":"Fatemeh Behipour ,&nbsp;Maryam Abbasi Tarighat ,&nbsp;Gholamreza Abdi ,&nbsp;Charalampos Proestos","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.12.024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.12.024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Multifunctional Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Ag@Ag₂ONCs was synthesized for its dual ability as a colorimetric sensor for detection and Fenton-like catalytic degradation of parabens. The biosynthesis of Ag@Ag₂ONCs performed using algae extracts. The nanocomposite uses the synergistic advantage of the magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄ and the catalytic activity of Ag@Ag₂O, thereby increasing the efficiency of hydroxyl radicals. The Fenton-like mechanism employed in this work operates efficiently at an alkaline pH (pH 8), enhancing the oxidation of parabens using H₂O₂. Kinetic measurements were completed within 10 min, which showed the excellent catalytic properties of composite. The method provided 3.0–40.0, 4.0–100.0, 4.0–100.0 and 8.0–100.0 μM linear dynamic ranges with detection limits of 0.85, 1.02, 2.5, and 2.47 μM for methylparaben (MP), butylparaben (BP), propylparaben (PP) and benzyl paraben (BenzylP), respectively. The kinetic profiles well fit the pseudo-first-order model. The apparent rate constant value of 3.0 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ for BenzylP, PP, and BP and 4.0 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ for MP was obtained. Therefore, the method was also used for the quantification of parabens in (spiked) seawater and algae samples, and well recovery values were obtained. The results showed that the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Ag@Ag₂ONCs can efficiently degrade parabens in real samples, such as seawater and algae. Also, indirect confirmation experiments are used to investigate the production of OH<strong><img></strong>. Spectrophotometric degradation of MP using NaBH₄ and methylene blue (MB) using H₂O₂ were performed in the presence and absence of the composite. Both degradations occurred very rapidly in the presence of the composite also the MB spectral shape changed. These results, together with the kinetic data, confirm the generation of OH<strong><img></strong> in the proposed Fenton-like mechanism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 810-821"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polystyrene microplastics modulation of hexavalent chromium toxicity in quails: transcriptomic and toxicological insights","authors":"Dongfang Liu ,&nbsp;Kaiwei Song ,&nbsp;Miaomiao Li ,&nbsp;Biqi Han ,&nbsp;Zhanjun Lv ,&nbsp;Jiayi Li ,&nbsp;Siyu Li ,&nbsp;Jingjing Lu ,&nbsp;Shuke Ji ,&nbsp;Jiatong Ma ,&nbsp;Zhigang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.12.021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.12.021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a globally recognized carcinogen that can lead to kidney toxicity. Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a serious environmental problem. The presence of Cr(VI) and MPs in the environment not only affects the ecological environment, but also impacts the health of humans and animals. Renal fibrosis represents a frequent final manifestation across a spectrum of chronic kidney conditions. This study aims to investigate whether chronic exposure to Cr(VI) and/or polystyrene (PS) promotes renal injury by altering fatty acid metabolism and energy metabolism, and inducing fibrotic responses. This study established a chronic co-exposure model in quails by simultaneously exposing them to Cr(VI) via drinking water and PS via oral gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Experiments <em>in vivo</em> and transcriptome sequencing were performed to screen genes for analysis. The research results show that quails exposed to Cr(VI) and PS exhibited abnormal renal lipid and energy metabolism, leading to severe renal fibrosis. Overall, chronic exposure to PS exacerbates renal fibrosis process via promoting lipid dysregulation induced by Cr(VI) in quails. This study enriches the mechanism of nephrotoxicity induced by environmental PS-MPs and Cr(VI) contamination and contributes to the exploration of new preventive and therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 794-809"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of exposure route and surface coating on the bioaccumulation of CdTe quantum dots in fish. Considerations for testing nanomaterials following OECD Test guideline No. 305","authors":"Judit Kalman ,&nbsp;Rocío Fernández-Saavedra ,&nbsp;Carla Díaz-Tielas ,&nbsp;Mona Connolly ,&nbsp;Ana I. Cardona-García ,&nbsp;Nathaniel Clark ,&nbsp;Richard D. Handy ,&nbsp;Eric A.J. Bleeker ,&nbsp;Isabel Rucandio ,&nbsp;José María Navas ,&nbsp;María Luisa Fernández-Cruz","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.12.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.12.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To identify nanomaterials of potential environmental concern and to support risk assessment for regulatory purposes bioaccumulation testing is required. However, further guidance is needed when applying the fish bioaccumulation OECD test guideline (TG) No. 305 to nanomaterials. Also questions remain surrounding the most appropriate exposure route and if subtle modifications to these materials (e.g. different coatings) will influence bioaccumulation potential. Therefore in this study OECD TG 305 was applied to assess the bioaccumulation potential of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with additional considerations for testing nanomaterials. CdTe QDs were selected for our studies because of their increasing use, possible release to water and limited information on their bioaccumulation potential in fish. To specifically address the influence of exposure route and surface coating on bioaccumulation, the uptake and depuration kinetics of two differently coated (carboxylate and polyethylene glycol coatings) CdTe QDs were investigated in rainbow trout (<em>Oncorhynchus mykiss</em>) following either aqueous or dietary exposure. In the dietary exposure bioaccumulation assays, fish were exposed to CdTe QDs at concentrations of 10 or 100 mg/kg for 28 days, followed by a 28-day depuration period to derive biomagnification factors (BMFs). In the aqueous exposure bioaccumulation tests, fish were exposed to 4 or 40 μg CdTe QDs /L for 28 days, followed by a 14-day depuration period to derive bioconcentration factors (BCFs). Both materials showed a low bioaccumulation potential and while a higher uptake was seen for the PEG coated materials, overall biodistribution, uptake and depuration kinetics were similar. The dietary exposure route allowed good and consistent estimations of BMF following both sequential and simultaneous methods. Aqueous exposures showed CdTe QDs dissolution in aquarium water and a steady state was not reached within 28 days, which challenged derivation of BCF values.</div><div>This study provides important information on two differently coated CdTe QDs bioaccumulation, on OECD TG 305 applicability to metallic nanomaterials and on the reporting of accurate regulatory acceptable indicators of nanomaterial bioaccumulation potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 618-630"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human dermal exposure to tetrabromobisphenol A and hexabromocyclododecanes in hand wipes: Effects of population, gender, and haze pollution","authors":"Chunyou Zhu ,&nbsp;Xiang He ,&nbsp;Zhiguo Cao ,&nbsp;Yuxin Sun ,&nbsp;Beibei Hu ,&nbsp;Yu Liu ,&nbsp;Jiawen Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaojun Luo ,&nbsp;Liangzhong Li ,&nbsp;Haoran Yuan","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.01.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.01.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dermal exposure to tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) in humans remains insufficiently characterized. To address this gap, hand wipe samples were collected from individuals in four occupational groups, and the concentrations of TBBPA and HBCDDs were analyzed to estimate both skin absorption and oral intake risks. The median TBBPA concentrations in hand wipes from office employees, undergraduates, taxi chauffeurs, and security guards were 30,700, 11,200, 22,800, and 21,400 ng/m², respectively. These levels were significantly higher (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) than those of ∑HBCDDs, which measured 1723, 919, 1710, and 1020 ng/m², respectively. Undergraduates exhibited the lowest levels, likely due to their non-professional characteristics, relatively cleaner living environment, and low exposure frequency with contaminated particles. A negative linear correlation was found between the natural logarithm of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) concentrations (LnC_BFRs) and atmospheric PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and AQI levels, although no significant difference emerged between light and heavy haze conditions. The median dermal absorption doses of TBBPA and ∑HBCDDs were 80.6 and 6.03 ng/kg bw/day, respectively, which were several to dozen times higher than the corresponding oral intake via hand-to-mouth contact (13.4 and 1.05 ng/kg bw/day). These results underscore hand skin as a major exposure pathway for TBBPA and HBCDDs and provide critical insights into their potential health risks in diverse populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 1102-1110"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From molecules to outcome: A network toxicology analysis and adverse outcome pathway for 6-PPDQ-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease","authors":"Xin Wan ,&nbsp;Yifei Fang ,&nbsp;Huan Liu ,&nbsp;Dayu Hu ,&nbsp;Jie Li ,&nbsp;Tianyi Zhang ,&nbsp;Yiru Niu ,&nbsp;Sheng Yang ,&nbsp;Dayong Wang ,&nbsp;Geyu Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.01.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.01.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>6-PPDQ readily accumulates in the liver, disrupting hepatic glucose and lipid homeostasis and precipitating liver injury. Whether it can also trigger the chronic metabolic disease metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unknown. Here we integrate network toxicology with molecular docking to explore the possibility that 6-PPDQ induces MAFLD and the underlying toxicity targets and molecular mechanisms. By mining public toxicological and disease databases we identified 45 target genes associated with 6-PPDQ and MAFLD. STRING and Cytoscape analyses pinpointed four hub genes—<em>TNF</em>, <em>IL1B</em>, <em>IL6</em> and <em>TP53</em>. In addition, GEO datasets <span><span>GSE63067</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> and <span><span>GSE89632</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> were used to define the key phenotypes involved. Construction of a 6-PPDQ-genes-phenotypes-MAFLD network revealed the potential core targets, biological processes and pathways. Single gene GSEA indicated that these hubs modulate downstream hypoxia, inflammation, apoptosis and fatty acid metabolism, thereby influencing MAFLD progression, while molecular docking confirmed stable binding between the hubs and 6-PPDQ. Finally, we assembled an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework from 6-PPDQ to MAFLD. Our findings not only deepen understanding of 6-PPDQ toxicity but also provide a methodological template for assessing adverse health outcomes of emerging environmental pollutants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 1033-1042"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emission, bioaccumulation, and risk assessment of ultrashort- to short-chain and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the receiving environment of municipal wastewater treatment plants: A Chinese case study","authors":"Kaiwei Wen ,&nbsp;Aiping Tang ,&nbsp;Nannan Wan ,&nbsp;Mingqi Li ,&nbsp;Zhaoyang Liu ,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Sun ,&nbsp;Yu Liu ,&nbsp;Bixian Mai","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.02.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.02.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the primary point sources of legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), however, the environmental fate and health risks of ultrashort-chain, short-chain, and emerging PFASs in effluent-receiving systems remain poorly quantified. Based on a specific WWTP in Nanchang, China, this study systematically detected thirty-five PFASs in WWTP-receiving waters, aquatic plants, fish, and nearby vegetables, analysed bioaccumulation, and assessed ecological and health risks. Median concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) in surface water were 110 and 130 ng/L, respectively, and one to two orders of magnitude higher than those of the other PFASs. The investigated WWTPs discharged approximately 54 ± 1.8 kg of PFASs annually, dominated by TFA and TFMS. In addition, PFASs accumulated differentially across plant species: ultrashort−/short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were highest in aquatic plants and leafy vegetables, while <em>p</em>-perfluorous nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) accumulated in fruit vegetables, and long-chain PFAAs and chlorinated perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs) in tuber vegetables. The values of bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for ultrashort- and short-chain PFAAs in aquatic plants were significantly higher than those in fish (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), and the BAFs of PFCAs in aquatic plants showed a U-shaped pattern with increasing fluorocarbon chain lengths. Ecological risk assessment indicated potential risks from PFOA and 6:2 Cl-PFESA. Dietary exposure was dominated by ultrashort-chain PFAAs, followed by OBS, Cl-PFESAs, and fluorotelomer sulfonates, with higher intake from vegetables than from fish. This study indicates that WWTPs have become a significant emission source of ultrashort-chain PFAAs and emerging PFASs, which may pose ecological and health risks to the receiving environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 1232-1242"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deciphering the TLR-mediated immunotoxic adverse outcome pathway of pentachlorophenol in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)","authors":"Yu Zhang ,&nbsp;Jizhuang Chu ,&nbsp;Shixuan Cui ,&nbsp;Qiang Kong ,&nbsp;Lihua Cui ,&nbsp;Yumiao Zhou ,&nbsp;Shudi Yao ,&nbsp;Youru Zhang ,&nbsp;Huanxin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.11.039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.11.039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a persistent organic pollutant commonly detected in marine environments, and recent studies have confirmed its adverse effects on the immune systems of aquatic organisms. However, the potential molecular mechanisms of action and subsequent downstream damage caused by PCP remain unclear. This study employed transcriptomics, metabolomics, biochemical and histopathological analyses, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the immunotoxic effects and associated downstream damage induced by PCP in marine medaka (<em>Oryzias melastigma</em>). The results indicated that PCP at environmentally relevant concentrations (1 and 10 μg/L) activates the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, significantly upregulating the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and triggering inflammatory responses. Using the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) analysis framework, the binding of PCP to TLR5 was identified as the molecular initiating event. This event triggers a series of key events, activation of the TLR signaling pathway, an enhanced inflammatory response, increased oxidative stress levels, disrupted amino acid metabolism, and liver injury, ultimately leading to impaired immune system function (adverse outcome). This study establishes the mechanistic linkage between TLR5 and metabolic dysfunction in PCP immunotoxicity, providing novel toxicological insights and theoretical support for the ecological risk assessment of PCP and related marine pollutants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 486-496"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Critical evaluation of heavy metal exposure biological models: An insight from the current cadmium exposure toxicological research","authors":"Yigong Chen ,&nbsp;Jie Liang ,&nbsp;Jie Su ,&nbsp;Fanxiang Jin ,&nbsp;Lan Xu ,&nbsp;Lei Peng ,&nbsp;Alicja Wawszczak ,&nbsp;Dorota Kołodyńska ,&nbsp;Guiyuan Lv ,&nbsp;Suhong Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The industrial development of modern society has unleashed Pandora's box of heavy-metal pollution. Shocking public pollution incidents, such as Minamata and cadmium-induced Itai-itai diseases, have drawn public attention to the importance of preventing and controlling heavy metal pollution. To clarify the circumstances, pathways and mechanisms of heavy metal effects on organisms, scientists have undertaken a series of multidimensional explorations. These investigations have significantly advanced our knowledge of the hazards associated with heavy metal exposure and the development of potential mitigation strategies. However, many scientific experiments have employed biologically unrealistic modeling methods, which can amplify certain safety risks to some extent, even affecting safety-related decision making and leading to the spread of anxiety and panic. Taking cadmium as a representative example, heavy metal exposure involves variations in their types, individual biological variability, and variations in ‘dose-response relationship’ which makes it inherently complex; thus, it is destined to be an incredibly intricate scientific issue.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 894-910"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acetochlor alters hunger adaptation in lizards (Eremias argus): Metabolic strategy shifts under energy crisis","authors":"Yue Zhang ,&nbsp;Simin Yu ,&nbsp;Yufan Nie ,&nbsp;Yuping Liu ,&nbsp;Zikang Wang ,&nbsp;Ning Zhang ,&nbsp;Dier Song ,&nbsp;Wentao Zhu ,&nbsp;Zhiqiang Zhou ,&nbsp;Jinling Diao","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2026.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The application of the herbicide exerts detrimental effects on wild reptiles through direct toxicological impacts and indirect food scarcity mediated via the food chain. This study investigated the effects of acetochlor on the physiological ability of lizards (<em>Eremias argus</em>) to cope with food restrictions. To explore, a 70-day crossover experiment was designed involving exposure to different concentrations of acetochlor (0, 2.0, 10.0 mg·kg⁻¹) combined with different feeding regimes (food restriction/food unrestriction treatments). The growth performance, behavior, physiological and biochemical indicators, and energy metabolism related endpoints of lizards were evaluated. Lizards usually adopt conservative strategies when dealing with food restrictions, manifested by converting energy metabolism into lipid metabolism, generating a large amount of ketone bodies to supply energy to the body, thereby reducing physiological investment and unnecessary behavior. Acetochlor disrupts lipid metabolism in lizards. Acetochlor and food restrictions lead to increased immune, detoxification, and oxidative stress responses inputs in lizards. However, the lack of energy-rich substances resulted in poor adaptation among the lizards, leading to a significant increase in mortality rates. Our work emphasises that herbicides not only threaten wildlife through direct toxicity but also undermine their ability to withstand natural environmental challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 911-923"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rethinking plastics through microbial biodegradation and circular economy innovation – A review","authors":"Haixin Jiao ,&nbsp;Min Xiong ,&nbsp;Rania Al-Tohamy ,&nbsp;Michael Schagerl ,&nbsp;Michael Kornaros ,&nbsp;Sameh S. Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.11.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enceco.2025.11.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global plastic crisis has evolved into a complex socio-environmental emergency, driven by unsustainable production patterns, weak waste management infrastructure, and the ecological persistence of synthetic polymers. Microplastics and nanoplastics now permeate terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, posing chemical and biological risks across trophic levels. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of emerging biotechnological and circular strategies for plastic sustainability, with a particular focus on microbial ecosystems and enzymatic innovation. Abiotic and biotic degradation pathways are examined, detailing how environmental factors such as photodegradation, thermo-oxidation, and hydrolysis facilitate microbial colonization and polymer fragmentation. Key microbial taxa—including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and algae—are evaluated for their roles in enzymatic depolymerization, while consortia-based models demonstrate synergistic potential in degrading complex plastic mixtures. Enzymes such as polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase, mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate hydrolase, laccases, and peroxidases are discussed alongside computational and synthetic biology approaches for enhancing their catalytic performance. The review further integrates these biological innovations into broader systems-based frameworks, exploring hybrid degradation technologies, bio-based valorization, and alignment with circular economy principles. Policy landscapes and public engagement mechanisms are assessed, along with international efforts to harmonize action through multilateral frameworks and sustainable development goals. Critical gaps in scalability, regulatory coherence, and lifecycle optimization are identified, and a roadmap is proposed for transitioning from linear to bio-integrated plastic economies. Through interdisciplinary synthesis, this review positions microbial and enzymatic biodegradation not as isolated tools, but as keystones in a globally coordinated response to plastic pollution and environmental resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100480,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology","volume":"8 ","pages":"Pages 195-224"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}