Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B-pesticides Food Contaminants and Agricultural Wastes最新文献

Imidacloprid is the most widely used neonicotinoid insecticide worldwide, but it poses serious risks to non-target soil organisms. This study evaluated the toxicity of the commercial formulation Warrant^® (700 mg a.i. kg^-1) using three bioindicators. Lactuca sativa germination, root, and shoot growth were inhibited at concentrations between 0.1 and 2 mg L^-1. All earthworms (Eisenia andrei) died after exposure to filter paper contaminated with 0.1-2 mg L^-1 of imidacloprid, and soil concentrations of 1-2 mg kg^-1 induced morphological alterations that led to mortality. Sublethal concentrations (0.2-0.8 mg a.i. kg^-1) caused avoidance behavior and histopathological damage to the body wall (0.1-0.8 mg a.i. kg^-1) and intestine (0.4-0.8 mg a.i. kg^-1). Although imidacloprid was not lethal to millipedes (Rhinocricus padbergi), it caused histopathological alterations in the midgut at 0.5-2 mg a.i. kg^-1. The extent of sublethal effects increased with imidacloprid concentration. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating sublethal concentrations and natural soil assays to assess environmental toxicity. It also shows that soil physicochemical properties may influence imidacloprid bioavailability and, consequently, the magnitude of biological responses, underscoring the need for caution in imidacloprid applications to protect soil ecosystems.

Pesticides frequently occur as mixtures in aquatic ecosystems, yet their combined toxicological impacts remain unclear. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the acute toxicity of acetamiprid (ACE; 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/L) and dimethoate (DM; 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 150 mg/L), both individually and in combination at varying ratios (0:0, 5:10, 10:20, 15:30, 20:40, 25:50 mg/L), in adult banded gourami (Trichogaster fasciata). The 96-h LC₅₀ values were 17.14 mg/L for ACE and 43.54 mg/L for DM when tested alone, but declined to 5.87 mg/L (ACE) and 9.00 mg/L (DM) under combined exposure, indicating enhanced toxicity. Additive index (AI) analysis revealed synergistic effects (AI > 0.25) within lethal dose ranges, causing 10-50% mortality. Behavioral abnormalities, including hyperactivity and loss of balance, were evident within hours of exposure, suggesting neurotoxic effects. Histopathological analysis revealed severe gonadal alterations (ovarian adhesion, oocyte necrosis, empty lumina, and Sertoli cell damage) along with hepatic lesions characterized by leukocyte infiltration and autolysis. This study highlights the novel synergistic toxicity of a neonicotinoid-organophosphate mixture in a non-model fish species, emphasizing the ecological risks of pesticide mixtures and the need for mechanistic investigations to protect aquatic biodiversity.

Humic substances, formed through the decomposition of plant and animal matter, are prevalent world-wide. These substances primarily consist of humin, humic acid (HA), and fulvic acid (FA). There is existing evidence for antifungal properties of these humic constituents. This study aimed to isolate and determine the humic materials derived from organic materials and vermicompost produced using Perionyx excavatus, and to evaluate their antifungal activity against human fungal pathogens, specifically Candida species. Characterization of the humic and FAs was conducted using various techniques, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that HA possesses a honeycomb-like structure with fragments and flakes attached to its surface, along with a lumpy and close-grained physical appearance. SEM and XRD analyses further demonstrated the presence of specific crystalline forms in all humic and FA samples. The absorption peaks observed between 250 and 500 nm were indicative of the significant nature of HA. Additionally, the study identified the presence of hydroxyls, amines, alkyl groups, alcoholic contents, and acidic functional groups. Notably, the growth of Candida species was significantly inhibited by both humic and FAs, suggesting that these natural substances could potentially reduce the reliance on chemical antifungal drugs, which often have adverse side effects. Earthworms play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter to form humic substances, as evidenced in vermicompost, vermicast, and vermiwash. Thus, humic and FAs derived from vermiproducts demonstrate potential as alternative therapies for human fungal pathogens.

Diclosulam is widely used for pre-emergent weed control in soybean crops, but information on its effectiveness against Borreria spp. (Borreria spp., syn. Spermacoce) is limited, especially considering physicochemical attributes of soils. This study evaluated diclosulam efficacy in the pre-emergence control of Borreria spinosa and Borreria verticillata in three soils. Two experiments were conducted using a 9 × 3 + 3 factorial design, with nine diclosulam doses (0.27 to 35 g a.i. ha^-1), with a treatment without herbicide and three different types of soils (Oxisol, Inceptisol, and Sandy Oxisol), with four replications. Injury level (%) was assessed at 21, 35, and 55 days after application (DAA), enabling control calculation rate (C₅₀ and C₉₀) and growth reduction doses (GR₅₀ and GR₉₀) were calculated, representing 50% and 90% of control and reduction shoot dry mass, respectively. Diclosulam effectively controlled Borreria spp. in all soils evaluated. Estimated doses for B. spinosa control, ranged from 6.36 to 23.43 g a.i. ha^-1 (C₉₀) and 0.06 to 4.80 g a.i. ha^-1 (GR₉₀). For B. verticillata, C₉₀ ranged from 0.72 to 30.86 g a.i. ha^-1 and GR₉₀ from 1.06 to 5.30 g a.i. ha^-1. Both species were sensitive to diclosulam, supporting its use for pre-emergence control of Borreria spinosa and Borreria verticillata in soils with different physicochemical attributes.

Agricultural activity can contaminate natural resources, such as soil, surface water and groundwater, depending on the interaction between herbicides and soil physicochemical properties that govern retention and transport within the soil profile. This study evaluates the adsorption, desorption and vertical transport of atrazine in Haplustoll soils under two management systems: continuous soybean monoculture (T1) and intensified rotations with grasses and oilseeds (T2) in southwestern Chaco, Argentina. Results show moderate atrazine retention, dependent on the applied concentration, with no significant differences between treatments. Desorption exhibited positive hysteresis, indicating slow herbicide release in successive stages. However, preferential flow through macropores dominated atrazine transport in both systems, evidencing low retention in the soil profile, with high recovery in leachates. Atrazine displayed a high leaching potential in both systems, particularly in soils with low organic carbon content.

The study investigates the transfer of pesticides from crops to the beehive and its individual components. Two categories were examined: bee products (pollen pellets, beebread, and honey) and living biological materials (forager bees, nurse bees, and larvae). Pesticide residues were detected, with varying concentrations across different time points and sample types. Pollen pellets showed the highest initial contamination, rapidly declining thereafter. Beebread displayed gradual and persistent residue accumulation, whereas honey had a delayed contamination peak and slower degradation. In living biological materials, forager and nurse bees showed significant initial contamination, rapidly decreasing over time. Larvae consistently showed minimal residues, indicating effective colony protective mechanisms. Statistical analysis confirmed time as a key factor influencing residue dynamics, highlighting different metabolic and exposure pathways. The results highlight the complexity of pesticide dynamics within bee colonies, emphasizing the importance of continuous environmental monitoring to protect bee health.

Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) have been identified as substances with severe adverse effects, including carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from Hopelchén to provide evidence for policy recommendations on pesticide regulation. A total of 25 samples were collected and analyzed using the QuEChERS method with GC-MS/MS and LC-MS techniques. Of the 156 pesticides screened, 25 were detected, with tebuconazole, chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid and carbendazim among the most frequent. Approximately 20% of the pesticides identified qualified as HHPs based on WHO/FAO criteria, while 60% were categorized as HHPs according to the more comprehensive criteria outlined by Pesticide Action Network International. Many of these pesticides exhibited toxicity to bees and high environmental persistence. Furthermore, 33% of the samples exceeded the European Union's Maximum Residue Limits, particularly for pesticides in papayas and bell peppers. Our findings show the presence of HHPs in the region, which represent critical hazards to ecosystem, pollinator populations, and public health. This work may contribute to the development of specific HHPs classification criteria for Mexico, thus advancing the transition toward safer, with special emphasis on vulnerable regions such as the Mayan zone in southeastern Mexico.

Water pollution associated with antibiotic residues and colored organic pollutants leads to various potential risks to human health and the environment. This work develops an economical method that is suitable for removing both antibiotic residues and colored organic pollutants from water. The oxidation process based on a noble metal (Ag)-doped zinc oxide photocatalyst (Ag-ZnO) was selected as a potential strategy for investigation. Besides, tetracycline antibiotic residues (A-Tc) and methylene blue-colored organic pollutants (D-Mb) were selected as target contaminants. With light assistance, Ag-ZnO showed significantly improved degradation efficiency for A-Tc and D-Mb at 90.6 and 97.3%, respectively. The advantages of Ag-ZnO are also confirmed by the faster degradation rate constants, which are more than twice as fast as those of the undoped sample. The mineralization process shows that 93.5% and 98.7% of organic carbon were removed from the A-Tc and D-Mb solutions, respectively. The result suggests that antibiotic residues and colored organic pollutants are being converted into inorganic substances. In addition, the benefits of using Ag-ZnO to enhance human health safety, reduce the negative effects on the environment, and decrease treatment costs are discussed.

This study evaluates the heavy metal and nutritional element content in the reproductive organs of medicinal plants (Helianthus annuus, Matricaria chamomilla, Tilia argentea, Sambucus nigra, Calendula officinalis, Crataegus monogyna, Juniperus communis, Malus sylvestris, and Rosa canina) collected from the "Agroproduct" collection point in Kosovo. The main purpose of this study is to make an elemental analysis of above-mentioned plant species belonging to the Kosovo region and to clearly reveal whether these plants are consumable or safe for human health. Therefore, the parameters specified in the literature were evaluated to determine this, including metal and mineral concentration, correlation studies, and risk assessments using RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance), EDI (Estimated Daily Intake), THQ (Target Hazard Quotient), and HI (Hazard Index). Results showed that C. monogyna had the highest calcium (4863.32 mg/kg) and lead (3.53 mg/kg) levels, M. chamomilla had the highest potassium (15747.64 mg/kg), S. nigra fruits had the highest magnesium (2951.42 mg/kg), and C. officinalis had the highest sodium (1751.34 mg/kg), copper (12.51 mg/kg), and zinc (34.48 mg/kg). T. argentea had elevated manganese (127.30 mg/kg), and H. annuus had the highest iron (134.68 mg/kg) and nickel (9.37 mg/kg). R. canina, J. communis, and M. sylvestris did not exhibit the highest values for any evaluated elements. Comparisons with WHO/FAO allowable limits revealed that S. nigra fruits, T. argentea, H. annuus, C. monogyna, and M. chamomilla had concentrations of chromium, lead, and manganese exceeding permissible levels. Although certain elements exceeded WHO/FAO limits, risk assessment metrics (THQ, HI) suggest that the exposure levels remain within acceptable safety margins. This study addressing a critical gap in regional phytochemical data and evaluating their safety for human consumption through nutritional profiling and toxicological risk assessment.

Antibacterial agents have been used in livestock and aquaculture systems; however, residues in the environment and foodstuffs are of great concern to human health. In this study, the levels of 45 antibacterial agents in 1154 animal and fishery products collected in Tokyo (Japan) from 2020 to 2024 were assessed. Microbiological screening was performed, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Residues were detected in 22 samples. A total of 27 residues were detected in the positive samples, and six antibacterial agents (cefazoline, chlortetracycline, doxycycline, lincomycin, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline) were quantified. The findings indicated that 99% of the samples contained residues at regulation-approved levels, and one violation was detected. Dietary exposure was evaluated using the estimated daily intake of the violation and benchmarked against the corresponding acceptable daily intake (ADI). The %ADI value was 0.81, indicating a low health risk. Thus, monitoring residual antibacterial agents is beneficial for assessing their risks and preventing their accumulation in urban environments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of robust monitoring supported by a continuous performance evaluation using a microbiological screening method. Future monitoring should focus on managing the abuse of antibacterial agents, enhancing food safety, and safeguarding public health.