Toxics最新文献

External causes account for over four million deaths globally each year, with psychoactive substance use being a major risk factor. However, the true impact and regional patterns of psychoactive substance use in these deaths remains undefined in Brazil. To address this critical knowledge gap, this pioneering four-city study sought to elucidate the prevalence of alcohol and drug use by external cause victims. We collected postmortem blood from 3577 victims of violent death across four distinct Brazilian cities (Belém, Recife, Vitória, and Curitiba), representing the North, Northeast, Southeast, and South regions, respectively, using a standardized protocol to identify alcohol, illicit drugs, and psychoactive medicines. Analysis revealed a predominantly male cohort (89.7%; 56.0% aged 30 years or more), with homicide as the primary manner of death (67.3%). Over half of the victims (53.0%) tested positive for at least one psychoactive substance prior to death; cocaine (29.6%) and alcohol (27.7%) were most common. Substance use was highest among homicide victims (55.7%), especially cocaine (36.0%), and among self-harm cases (54.6%), which showed elevated benzodiazepine prevalence (20.0%). Substance use patterns varied regionally: alcohol-related deaths were more common in Recife (Northeast), drug-only deaths concentrated in Vitória (Southeast) and Belém (North), and Curitiba (South) showed a higher prevalence of alcohol use versus drug use. This widespread, regionally heterogeneous prevalence underscores the urgent need for targeted, region-specific interventions. By critically linking psychoactive substance use to various modes of violent death, these data provide crucial forensic and public health insights to inform tailored preventive strategies.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a hazardous pollutant frequently found in industrial wastewater. Constructed wetlands (CWs) provide an alternative for Cr(VI) removal, but their effective removal is essentially governed by the extent of Cr accumulation in plants. This study evaluated the effects of pyrrhotite addition on a Cr-hyperaccumulator Leersia hexandra Swartz (L. hexandra) in CW microcosms with different substrates (pyrrhotite and gravel) and influent Cr(VI) concentrations (2 and 10 mg·L^-1). All microcosms achieved substantial Cr(VI) removal, while pyrrhotite significantly facilitated the removal of NO₃^--N, COD, and TP. Pyrrhotite alleviated Cr-induced oxidative stress and thus promoted photosynthesis in L. hexandra, reflected by 27.32-39.09% lower malondialdehyde levels, 1.67-8.37% higher total chlorophyll contents, and 17.36-39.61% higher net photosynthetic rates. Consequently, maximum aboveground Cr standing stock reached 164.50 mg·m^-2 in the P10 group, where L. hexandra contributed 6.63% to the total Cr removal. Microbial analysis showed reduced Cr-stress responses in pyrrhotite groups. Structural equation modeling indicated that pyrrhotite and its dissolution products promote Cr standing stock of L. hexandra through establishing in/ex planta defensive mechanisms. These findings provide new perspectives on phytoremediation coupled with CWs for the treatment of Cr(VI)-containing wastewater.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants with widespread global distribution, continuously accumulating in soils and posing risks of cross-media pollution. Current soil MP detection methods lack unified standards, suffering from high inter-laboratory variability and cost, which become key bottlenecks limiting data comparability and global microplastics pollution control. Here, we systematically reviewed soil MPs studies (2020-2024) and based on stepwise verification, we established a standardized, reproducible detection method: soil samples were dried at 80 °C for 12 h; density separation was performed in Erlenmeyer flasks with decantation, 10 s glass rod stirring, and 12 h settling, repeated five times; digestion was conducted using a 1:2 volume ratio of H₂O₂ to supernatant at 80 °C for 8 h; and MPs were quantified via stereo-microscopy combined with ImageJ. It should be noted that the use of NaCl limits the recovery of high-density polymers (e.g., PVC, PET), and the minimum detectable particle size is approximately 127 µm. The method was validated in sandy, loam, and clay soils, achieving an average recovery rate of 96.4%, with a processing time of 68 h and a cost of USD 9.77 per sample. In contrast to previous fragmented, non-standardized protocols, this workflow synergistically optimizes high recovery efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and broad applicability, offering a low-cost, efficient, and widely applicable approach for soil MPs monitoring, supporting data comparability across studies and contributing to global pollution assessment and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The widespread occurrence of fluoride pollution in water bodies and its toxic effects on aquatic organisms have raised significant environmental concerns; however, studies on water quality criteria for fluoride remain relatively limited. This study aimed to derive such criteria and assess the ecological risks of fluoride in China's surface waters, for the reference of readers. Acute and chronic toxicity data were collected globally, covering 34 species (14 families, 4 phyla) and 7 species (5 families, 3 phyla), respectively. Using species sensitivity distribution (SSD) methods, the short-term water quality criterion (SWQC) and long-term water quality criterion (LWQC) were derived as 17.47 mg/L and 3.334 mg/L. Ecological risk assessment based on the risk quotient (RQ) identified several high-risk areas among 32 major river and lake basins, with RQ values of 6.326 (Xihe River), 1.953 (Ebinur Lake), 1.368 (Chagan Lake), and 1.158 (Shahe River). At the provincial level, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region showed as no risk (RQ = 0.0001140), while other regions were classified as moderate or low risk. This study achieved its objectives of deriving water quality criteria for fluoride and conducting an ecological risk assessment for surface waters in China. It also highlights current limitations, including insufficient fluoride toxicity data and the frequent oversight of key indicators in existing assessments. Future research could focus on improving water quality criteria derivation and risk assessment methods through integrated predictive modeling and expanded toxicity datasets.

Arsenic (As) contamination threatens ecosystems and human health, and iron (hydr)oxides-mediated formation of Fe-As composites is a key strategy for arsenic immobilization, while the long-term stability of these composites under complex environmental conditions remains a critical concern. This study systematically investigated the interactive effects of environmental factors (temperature: 5-35 °C, pH: 4-8, competing ions: phosphate and citrate) and material intrinsic properties (ferrihydrite aging: 0-60 days, Fe/As molar ratio: 1.875 and 5.66, adsorption time) on Fe-As composite stability using multiscale characterization techniques and theoretical modeling. Results showed that temperature was the dominant controlling factor, with arsenic release increasing by 4.25% per 1 °C rise (178% higher at 35 °C vs. 20 °C) and an exponential relationship model established (R² = 0.96). Ferrihydrite aging enhanced stability, as 60-day aged composites (Fh_60d-As) exhibited minimal arsenic release (18.83%) at pH 4/20 °C, attributed to increase As(V)-O-Fe binding energy (1.2 eV) and -OH group enhancement (12.5%). Phosphate induced 2.4-fold higher arsenic release than citrate, and lower pH (4-6) reduced release via enhanced protonation. A stability prediction model was developed (R² = 0.91), and practical remediation strategies were proposed: maintaining temperatures below 25 °C in arsenic-containing waste repositories and using pre-aged iron-based materials. This work provides quantitative benchmarks and mechanistic insights for contaminated site rehabilitation.

Pesticides remain among the most significant threats to biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Non-invasive methods, such as the analysis of bird faeces, have shown great potential for detecting pesticide exposure. In this study with a new approach, we analysed faecal sacs from nestlings of Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) and Great tits (Parus major) to gain deeper insights into pesticide contamination during the breeding period. Samples were collected from three distinct sites near Münster, Germany. In total, we detected 65 substances from 57 different pesticides, as well as caffeine, with pesticides present in 16.07% of the 168 samples. Concentrations varied between species and sites and were higher for fungicides and insecticides in nests located closer to agricultural fields. While no direct effects on reproductive success were found, our results underscore the potential of faecal sac analysis as a valuable tool for spatially resolved pesticide monitoring. The novel, non-invasive approach to pesticide monitoring offers crucial exposure data on juvenile birds during their sensitive breeding period.

Bisphenol AF (BPAF), a prevalent bisphenol A (BPA) substitute, raises concerns due to its environmental persistence and endocrine-disrupting potency. While metabolic effects of direct exposure are documented, its intergenerational consequences remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that perinatal BPAF exposure induced persistent metabolic syndrome in offspring, including glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis, and adipose hypotrophy. Integrating multi-omics data, we observed that BPAF exposure shaped offspring's hepatic epigenome, as demonstrated by genome-wide alterations in H3K27ac-marked regulatory elements. This epigenetic rewiring indicated a dual regulatory effect on transcriptomes that suppressed interferon-γ responses while activating sterol biosynthesis, ultimately perturbating hepatic metabolome, including depleted pantothenate levels and accumulation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Our findings suggest that BPAF may act as a developmental toxicant capable of persistently disrupting the immune-metabolic axis through epigenomic mechanisms, highlighting the need for careful re-evaluation of its use as a BPA substitute in consumer products.

Clinical reports have shown that administration of Nauclea officinalis (Danmu in Chinese, DM) preparations may cause significant gastrointestinal discomfort. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the adverse effects of DM and its primary active constituent, strictosamide, on gastrointestinal motility, intestinal barrier integrity, and gut microbiota homeostasis. Furthermore, we sought to investigate the potential role of the bitter taste receptor (T2R) signaling pathway in mediating these effects. In vitro cell cultures and ex vivo intestinal tissues were employed to assess cell viability and molecular alterations. In vivo studies involved short-term (2 weeks) gavage of DM (0.54 and 1.08 g/kg) and long-term (16 weeks) intervention (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 g/kg) in rodents. Evaluations included histopathological examination, serum levels of cytokines and oxidative stress markers (ELISA), expression of tight junction proteins (Western blot and qPCR), and 16S rDNA sequencing of cecal microbiota. Mechanistic analyses focused on α-defensin secretion and T2R-associated gene and protein expression. Administration of DM resulted in significant gastrointestinal dysfunction, characterized by delayed intestinal propulsion and increased gastric retention. Dose-dependent histopathological damage, disruption of the intestinal barrier (reduced occludin and claudin-1 expression), and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β), oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px), and immune mediators (IFN-γ) were observed. Gut microbiota analysis revealed dysbiosis, marked by a decline in beneficial genera (e.g., Mucispirillum, Butyricicoccus, Roseburia) and an increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Citrobacter, Helicobacter). Mechanistically, DM suppressed α-defensin secretion and downregulated the expression of TAS2R108, TAS2R138, and Gα-gustducin both in vitro and in vivo. DM and strictosamide disrupt gut microbiota composition and compromise intestinal barrier function, likely through inhibition of the T2R/α-defensin pathway. These findings provide important mechanistic insights into drug-induced gastrointestinal toxicity and underscore the potential risks associated with prolonged use of DM-containing preparations.

This study systematically analyzed the pollution levels, distribution characteristics, and associated health risks of 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 9 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Oviductus Ranae (Rana dybowskii) from major production areas in Heilongjiang Province, China. OCPs and PCBs were detected in all samples. The total concentration of OCPs ranged from 11.7 to 67.9 ng/g (dry weight), while that of total PCBs ranged from 4.43 to 8.06 ng/g. Endosulfans constituted the predominant OCP group, accounting for 54.5% of ∑OCPs, with an α/β-endosulfan ratio (~2:1) indicative of recent agricultural input. Among DDTs, the dominance of p,p'-DDE and the absence of parent DDT suggested aerobic degradation of historical residues. For HCHs, the isomer profile (β-HCH predominance, α/γ-HCH = 0.27) pointed to weathered lindane sources. The PCB profile was uniquely dominated by lower-chlorinated congeners (PCB1 and PCB29), implying influences from atmospheric transport and/or in situ microbial dechlorination of legacy PCBs. The persistent organic pollutants (POPs) contamination profile in Oviductus Ranae reflects a combined influence of recent pesticide application, weathered historical residues, and long-range transport. Although the concentrations are below current regulatory limits, the cumulative and persistent nature of these POPs, coupled with the product's medicinal use, justifies a precautionary stance regarding long-term consumption. The distinct congener patterns underscore the necessity for future research to prioritize the environmental behavior and toxicology of dominant transformation products within such specific agro-ecosystems.

Background: Prostate cancer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is shaped by a complex interplay of behavioral and environmental risk factors, yet comprehensive estimates of preventable cases remain scarce. To address this gap, we estimated population-attributable fractions (PAFs) for a range of modifiable exposures among men aged 50 years and older and assessed potential reductions in incidence under feasible intervention scenarios.

Methods: Regional prevalence data were combined with relative risks from meta-analyses to compute closed-form PAFs for tobacco smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, high dairy and calcium intake, heavy alcohol use, drinking water nitrates, trihalomethanes, arsenic, lead, selenium status, ambient PM_2.5 and NO₂, and occupational diesel exhaust, covering an estimated 47 million men. Estimates were validated using a synthetic cohort simulation of 100,000 individuals, with uncertainty quantified through Monte Carlo sampling.

Results: Results showed that drinking water nitrate exposure accounted for the largest single fraction (17.4%), followed by tobacco smoking (9.5%), physical inactivity (6.7%), and trihalomethane exposure (5.0%), while other exposures contributed smaller but meaningful shares. Joint elimination of all exposures projected a 45.5% reduction in incidence, and simultaneous feasible reductions in four targeted exposures yielded a combined potential impact fraction of 12.1%.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that integrated water quality management, tobacco control, lifestyle interventions, and targeted environmental surveillance should be prioritized to reduce prostate cancer burden in the MENA region. However, estimates of drinking-water nitrate exposure rely on limited evidence from a single case-control study with a relatively small sample size, and should therefore be considered exploratory and primarily hypothesis-generating.