Search Results (1,084)

The study of ecotoxicity induced by vanadium (V) represents an area of increasing interest due to the growing use of V in both the industrial and pharmaceutical areas. This leads to its introduction into water environments, marking a developing problem, especially since rising global temperatures appear to intensify its toxic properties. Cytotoxicological approaches carried out on whole marine embryos represent a valid research tool since they grow directly in contact with the pollutants and are equipped with highly responsive cells to stressors. Here, we discuss the detrimental impact on Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos resulting from the combination of V and higher temperatures, reflecting the effects of climate variation. The results demonstrate the remodeling of embryonic architecture at the morphometric level, revealing developmental delays and anomalies. These malformations involve variations in the total skeletal mass due to the almost total absence of the skeleton, with the exception of small calcareous aggregates. Furthermore, both a modulation in total tissue remodeling enzymatic activities and a variation in the amount of three MMP-like gelatinases (MMP-2, -9, and -14) were observed. This research demonstrates that climate change significantly increases the harmful effects of V, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive toxicity assessments in environmental evaluations. Full article

The soil environment has been considered capable of storing toxic substances without serious consequences for the inhabitants since plants are able to bioaccumulate pollutants without compromising their survival. The application of chemicals to increase soil productivity and the dumping of waste have worsened soil quality. Recently, following a greater awareness of the importance of monitoring the damage deriving from the consumption of contaminated crops for humans and of the protection of biodiversity, studies aimed at identifying the effects of soil contamination on terrestrial animals have increased considerably. Studies using field lizards as model organisms fit into this scenario; this research has shed light on the uptake, accumulation, and toxicity of soil pollutants on reptiles. This review summarizes data collected on lizards of the Podarcis genus, a group of resilient wild species capable of living in both pristine and anthropized areas; the data reveal that many of the effects recorded in lizard tissues at the molecular, biochemical, and histological levels are independent of the chemical composition of the contaminants and are mostly linked to the type of cellular response. Overall, these studies confirm Podarcis lizards as a good model system in ecotoxicological and cytotoxicological research, providing an accurate description of the effects of pollutants, clarifying the defense mechanisms activated in relation to different exposure routes and, finally, providing predictive information on the risks faced by other animals. Since the effects recorded in lizards have often also been observed in mammals, it can be concluded that the results obtained from studies on these animals can be translated to other terrestrial vertebrates, including mammals. Full article

Different pollutants often coexist in natural environments, making it crucial to monitor and study the ecotoxicological effects of composite pollutants in aquatic environments. Nanoplastics and heavy metals are emerging environmental pollutants that can affect the health of aquatic organisms and threaten human health via the food chain. In this study, zebrafish was employed as a model organism to explore the effects of short-term exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and heavy metal copper ions (Cu²⁺) either individually or in combination on fish behavior. First, the single and combined toxicity of Cu²⁺ and PS-NPs to adult zebrafish was investigated to obtain the LC₅₀ values of the two pollutants at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Then, the effects of sub-lethal concentrations of Cu²⁺ (0.06, 0.15, and 0.3 mg/L), PS-NPs (5, 10, and 15 mg/L) and binary mixtures containing Cu²⁺ and PS-NPs (0.06 mg/L + 10 mg/L, 0.15 mg/L + 10 mg/L, and 0.3 mg/L + 10 mg/L) on the swim speed and individual distance of zebrafish within 4 h were studied. The results show that the LC₅₀ value for single exposure of zebrafish to Cu²⁺ decreased with the increase in the exposure time, while PS-NPs showed no significant acute toxicity to zebrafish when the concentration was less than 20 mg/L and the exposure time was less than 96 h. The combined exposure of zebrafish to Cu²⁺ and PS-NPs resulted in a 3.1–32.2% reduction in the LC₅₀ value at different time points compared with Cu²⁺ alone. In the behavioral study, both single and combined exposure to Cu²⁺ and PS-NPs induced hyperactivity and aggregation phenomena in the zebrafish at different levels; the duration of these two phenomena was correlated with the concentration of the pollutants. The combined exposure to Cu²⁺ and PS-NPs exacerbated the behavioral changes in zebrafish compared with exposure to Cu²⁺ alone, reducing their hyperactivity time, average swim speed and aggregation time by 30.7–41.0%, 13.6–15.4%, and 28.3–28.8%, respectively. Therefore, this study indicates that the combined short-term exposure to PS-NPs and Cu²⁺ can exacerbate the toxicity of pollutants, and also proves the feasibility for early warning of combined NPs and heavy metals pollution based on adult zebrafish behavioral indicators. Full article

The objective of the present study was to revise the recently described order Entrophosporales of the Glomeromycetes. The single family Entrophosporaceae had been divided into three genera, Entrophospora, Claroideoglomus and Albahypha, due to molecular phylogenetic or morphological analyses, but recently these three genera were combined within the type genus of the family, Entrophospora. Our new studies now suggest once more three genera, but Entrophospora and Claroideoglomus were not separated again. In the present study, we resurrected Albahypha with A. drummondii and A. furrazolae comb. nov. and established Alborhynchus gen. nov. with A. walkeri comb. nov. Morphologically, all glomoid morphs of the three genera have hyaline to white subtending hyphae with one spore wall continuous with the subtending hyphal wall. However, the genera can easily be differentiated from each other and from other glomoid species of the Glomeromycetes by the combination of the characteristics of the subtending hyphae, the staining reaction of the spore wall layers in Melzer’s reagent and phylogeny. In conclusion, the three AMF genera, currently recognized in the Entrophosporales, can unequivocally be identified by molecular phylogeny or by morphological characteristics of their spores and their subtending hyphae. An identification key distinguishes all AMF species currently attributed to Entrophosporales. Full article

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are two prominent pests of maize and its stored grains, respectively. Botanical pesticides have been proposed as an alternative for their management. This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of Salvia connivens (Lamiaceae) methanolic extract and rosmarinic acid against S. frugiperda and T. molitor by adding them to an artificial diet, as well as their ecotoxicological effects on Poecilia reticulata (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) and Danio rerio (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) through acute toxicity tests. The methanolic extract showed higher mortality activity against S. frugiperda (LC₅₀ = 874.28 ppm) than against T. molitor (LC₅₀ = 1856.94 ppm) and was non-toxic to fish. Rosmarinic acid, the most abundant compound in the extract (80.45 mg g⁻¹), showed higher activity against S. frugiperda (LC₅₀ = 176.81 ppm). This compound did not cause a toxic effect on adult P. reticulata at the tested concentrations. However, in P. reticulata fingerlings and D. rerio adults, it was non-toxic, except in D. rerio embryos, where it was slightly toxic. These findings suggest that S. connivens methanolic extract has potential as a botanical product for the management of S. frugiperda and T. molitor with low ecotoxicological impact, while rosmarinic acid may be a useful compound for the management of S. frugiperda. Full article

The widespread use of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in industrial and household products has raised concerns about their potential soil contamination and its ecological consequences. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the microbial activity and biochemical properties of differently textured soils. A mesocosm experiment was conducted using three soil types–clay loam (CL), sandy clay loam (SCL), and sandy loam (SL) amended with farmyard manure (FYM), ZnONPs and/or FeONPs. The results revealed significant differences in microbial colony-forming units (CFUs) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the order of SL > SCL > CL. Compared with those from the unfertilized control, the CO₂ emissions from the FYM increased by 112%, 184% and 221% for CL, SCL and SL, respectively. The addition of ZnONPs and FeONPs notably increased the microbial biomass Zn/Fe, which reflected their consumption by the soil microbes. As a result, microbial CFUs were considerably reduced, which led to a 24%, 8% and 12% reduction in cumulative CO₂ emissions after the addition of ZnONPs to the CL, SCL and SL soils, respectively. The respective decrements in the case of FeONPs were 19%, 2% and 12%. The temporal dynamics of CO₂ emissions revealed that the CO₂ emissions from CL with or without FYM/NPs did not differ much during the first few days and later became pronounced with time. Almost all the studied chemical characteristics of the soils were not strongly affected by the ZnONPs/FeONPs, except EC, which decreased with the addition of these nanomaterials to the manure-amended soils. Principal component analysis revealed that the ZnONPs and FeONPs are negatively corelated with microbial CFUs, and CO₂ emission, with ZnONPs being more toxic to soil microbes than FeONPs, though their toxicity is strongly influenced by soil texture. Hence, these findings suggest that while both these NPs have the potential to impair microbial activity, their effects are mediated by soil texture. Full article

A new production activity developing in coastal areas and located in the MPAs are sub-cellars for wine ageing, which combine the results of wine refinement with beautiful bottles decorated with organic concretions. Assessing the associated environmental risks is crucial as wine is a complex mixture of chemical substances that are toxic to marine species if released into the environment. We have assessed the risks associated with the granting of a license to store 2000 bottles in a sunken wine cellar in the Whale Sanctuary (Tuscany). Local risks that could influence the occurrence of offences were assessed to calculate the potential dose of wine released from the cellar. Furthermore, based on the ecotoxicological approach, the effect thresholds (ECx, NOEC, LOEC) were quantified for species from different trophic levels to define the tolerance of the marine ecosystem using the PNEC approach. The results showed that wines with different physicochemical properties developed differently during maturation (0–8 months) and exhibited different ecotoxicity. This led to different PNEC values and, consequently, to different risks of bottle breakage. The main suggestion of our results is that the release of licenses should be based on a case-by-case risk assessment that focuses on both the environmental characteristics of the ecosystem that maintains the cellar and the chemical properties of the wines stored in glass bottles. Full article

Protected areas are crucial for the conservation of West Africa’s increasingly imperiled wildlife, but are under unprecedented pressure associated with exponential human population growth in the region. Using birds as biodiversity indicators, we investigated the conservation status of Togo’s Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, which was managed by a private foundation from 1990 to 2015, and since 2015 has been managed by the state. Between 2022 and 2024, we conducted 90 days of bird surveys in the park and documented a total of 240 bird species. Our findings include 34 species new to the park, including the first record of Emin’s Shrike (Lanius gubernator) in Togo, the first sightings of the Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) since 1990, and first observations of the Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus) since 2019. Many such species survive in Togo only in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, but its exceptional biodiversity has come under increasing assault from illegal activities, including poaching, logging, road construction, charcoal production, cattle grazing, and land clearance to establish agricultural plantations. We were unable to document 91 bird species previously reported for the park during our surveys, suggesting a possible ~31% decline in avian species richness in the park compared to historical records. Apparent extirpations of globally-threatened raptors such as the Critically Endangered White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) and Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus), and declines of the Endangered Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) and Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) further indicate that current conservation strategies are failing to adequately protect wildlife in the park. Togo’s two other historical national parks have already been almost entirely destroyed by human activities, and unless urgent conservation action is taken, there is a high risk that Fazao-Malfakassa National Park will share the same fate. We urgently recommend improving support for law enforcement capacity and park staff, conducting community conservation outreach, and ongoing monitoring of wildlife in the park to assess its conservation success. Full article

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenolic composition and the efficacy of an innovative formulation based on Mg, Vitamin B6, and water extracts from Vitex agnus-castus, Crocus sativus, Melissa officinalis, Betula pendula, and Betula pubescens developed as an effective tool to face neuroinflammation and depression symptoms occurring in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The formulation was analyzed through colorimetric and liquid chromatography methods for determining the content in phenols and flavonoids. Additionally, scavenging/reducing properties were investigated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH,) 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and horseradish peroxidase assays. The biocompatible limits were determined via allelopathy, the brine shrimp lethality test, and Daphnia magna cardiotoxicity assay. The formulation was then assayed in an experimental model constituted by isolated mouse cortex specimens exposed to K⁺ 60 mM Krebs–Ringer buffer, a toxic depolarizing stimulus able to reproduce the burden of inflammation/oxidative stress and the increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) impoverishment occurring in different neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that the formulation is rich in benzoic acids, namely gentisic acid (155.31 µg/mL) and phenylethanoid compounds, namely hydroxytyrosol (39.79 µg/mL) that support the antioxidant effects measured via DPPH (IC₅₀: 1.48 mg/mL), ABTS (IC₅₀: 0.42 mg/mL), and horseradish peroxidase (IC₅₀: 2.02 mg/mL) assays. The ecotoxicological models indicated the formulation as non-toxic, permitting the identification of a biocompatible concentration (1000 µg/mL) to be used in isolated mouse cortex exposed to K⁺ 60 mM Krebs–Ringer buffer. In this model, the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), estrogen receptor-1 (ESR1), prolactin receptor (PRLR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and serotonin transporter (SERT) was determined by real-time PCR. In the isolated mouse cortex, the formula reduced COX-2, IL-6, SERT, ESR1, and PRLR gene expression and increased BDNF and IL-10 gene expression. Overall, the study corroborated the use of the formulation as an innovative tool to contrast inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter impairment associated with PMS. Full article

Herbicides are synthetic chemicals that are extensively employed in agricultural practices with the objective of enhancing crop yield and quality. Despite their selectivity for plant systems and being generally regarded as non-toxic to animals, there is a paucity of understanding surrounding the sublethal effects on non-target organisms, including animals. This gap underscores the necessity for ecotoxicological research that prioritizes the identification of suitable models and develops reliable biomarkers for the early assessment of environmental impact. In this context, hemocytes—circulating immune cells found in invertebrates—have been identified as a crucial system for assessing sublethal toxicological effects, given their role in immune defense and overall organism health. Tenebrio molitor, a beetle pest of stored grain, was used as a model for the assessment of the effects of a metribuzin-based herbicide (MTB, Feinzin DF 70, 70% metribuzin, 0.25 kg ha⁻¹). Following a 96 h exposure to MTB, the males (7–10 days post-eclosion) were examined for multiple biomarkers in their hemocytes, including cell density, phagocytic activity, lysosomal membrane stability, and cytological changes. Although no mortality was observed, exposure to MTB resulted in a reduction in the phagocytic index and an increase in blast-like cells, indicating the potential for immunotoxicity. Lysosomal membrane stability was reduced, though no significant changes in hemocyte density or nuclear morphology were observed. These responses indicate potential immune system impairment, which could affect the beetle’s fitness and reproductive potential. This study highlights the potential of hemocytes for assessing sublethal herbicide effects, raising concerns about the ecological impact of herbicides in agroecosystems and their potential risks to both wildlife and human health. Full article

Two different produced and packaged commercial typologies of pomegranate juice were analyzed for their physicochemical, nutritional, and biological properties. The effects of classical pasteurization (PJ) and high-pressure processing (HP), applied during the productive cycle, were evaluated through several advanced analytical methods, such as CIEL*a*b* colorimetry, HPLC-DAD, DI-ESI-MS and MS/MS, and NMR analyses. Moreover, the exerted biological activity of the two pomegranate juices was monitored through Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Contents, antiradical, antioxidant and chelating activity. The potential inhibition of key enzymes of degenerative processes (cholinesterases, tyrosinase) and diabetes (amylase, glucosidase), the allelopathy toward Cichorium intybus, Dicondra repens, and Diplotaxis tenuifolia, and the in vivo toxicity on brine shrimp were also evaluated. The two different applied processing techniques analyzed impacted the bioactive compound’s preservation differently, modifying the phytocomplex profile. HP significantly degrades punicalins and punicalagins, better preserving anthocyanins, if compared to PJ’s impact. Sensory qualities, antioxidant activity, enzymatic inhibition, and ecotoxicological potential were differently impacted by the two applied processes. The obtained results can be beneficial for finding the optimal processing conditions that balance microbial safety with nutritional value preservation, contributing to the development of healthy pomegranate juice products. Full article

(1) Background: Nanoplastics are emerging environmental pollutants with potential toxic effects on aquatic organisms. This study investigates the toxicity of NPs in Biomphalaria glabrata, a freshwater snail species widely used as a bioindicator species in ecotoxicology studies.; (2) Methods: We exposed three generations (F0–F2) of B. glabrata snail embryos to different sizes of polystyrene nanoparticles and assessed responses.; (3) Results: We observed severe effects on F0 to F2 B. glabrata embryos, including size-dependent (30 to 500 nm) increases in mortality rates, size and dosage-dependent (1 to 100 ppm) effects on hatching rates with concentration-dependent toxicity in the 30 nm exposure group. The F2 generation embryos appear to be most responsive to detoxification (CYP450) and pollutant metabolism (HSP70) at 48-h-post-treatment (HPT), while our developmental marker (MATN1) was highly upregulated at 96-HPT. We also report a particle-size-dependent correlation in HSP70 and CYP450 mRNA expression, as well as enhanced upregulation in the offspring of exposed snails. We also observed significant reductions in hatching rates for F2.; (4) Conclusions: These findings indicate that F2 generation embryos appear to exhibit increased stress from toxic substances inherited from their parents and grandparents (F1 and F0). This study provides valuable insights into the impact of plastic particulate pollution on multiple generations and highlights the importance of monitoring and mitigating plastic waste. Full article

There will be a significant increase in anthropogenic load on the soils of the Prinevskaya lowland in the nearest decade due to the fact that a significant territory is occupied by St. Petersburg. The main objective is a study of the sanitary-hygienic state and soil diversity of the Prinevskaya lowland in case of a high degree of agricultural soil development there and the significant role of the lithological factor. Soils were studied at the following land use and land cover: agricultural and fallow soils of agrolandscapes; forest soils; and soils of industrial areas. Studies were carried out using morphological descriptions and analyses of chemical, physical, and biological properties. The most vulnerable land use are forest and agricultural and fallow zones, where active accumulation of priority toxicants of anthropogenic origin can occur. Geochemical peculiarities of studied soils are deficit of Mn, Cu, Mo, and Zn in soil-forming rock materials and accumulation of strontium and lead in arable horizons. The soils examined show minimal contamination with trace elements, as verified by a range of individual and combined ecotoxicological indicators. Urban development planning, particularly in St. Petersburg, should prioritize the preservation of biodiversity and soil resources. Full article

Marine nematodes possess all the prerequisites to serve as “simpler models” for investigating biological phenomena and are gaining attention as emerging model organisms. This review evaluates their potential to address diverse biological questions regarding ecosystem functioning, climate change adaptation, host–microbe interactions, ecotoxicology, and biotechnological applications. Among the reviewed taxa, Litoditis marina and select Monhysteridae species, such as Diplolaimella dievengatensis, Halomonhystera disjuncta, and Diplolaimelloides spp., emerge as leading candidates due to their manageable life cycles, adaptability to laboratory conditions, and available genomic resources. These tiny organisms provide valuable insights into phenomena such as developmental plasticity, epigenetic regulation, and adaptive responses to environmental stress. Symbiotic relationships in Stilbonematinae and Astomonematinae, alongside the antimicrobial properties of the Oncholaimidae species, offer unique opportunities to explore mutualistic evolution and resilience in extreme environments. Despite challenges in culturing these species, recent advances in culturing other meiofaunal organisms with chemosynthetic symbionts have opened up promising opportunities. The roles of marine nematodes as ethical and versatile models position them to address pressing challenges in biological and biomedical research, highlighting their significant potential for future studies. Full article

Accelerated photooxidation of salicylic acid (SA) was performed using UV radiation and hydrogen peroxide. HPLC-MS analysis showed that the primary intermediates are 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, pyrocatechol, and phenol. Deeper oxidation leads to low molecular weight aliphatic acids, such as maleic, fumaric, and glyoxylic. The photooxidation of the main intermediates was carried out in the same conditions. The degradation of SA and its main intermediates follows first-order reaction kinetics. In the case of UV irradiation alone, photodegradation of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid is slightly faster (reaction rate constant is 0.007 min⁻¹) compared to SA (0.0052 min⁻¹). Other products degrade more slowly than SA. Hydrogen peroxide, in concentrations of 1.8–8.8 mM, accelerates the photodegradation of salicylic acid and intermediate products. An ecotoxicological evaluation of SA and the main products was performed using the EPI Suite^TM software. The overall persistence (P_OV) and long-range transport potential (LRTP) of all transformation products were assessed using OECD P_OV and the LRTP screening tool. Salicylic acid and its transformation products have low toxicity. Due to their high solubility, these contaminants can travel considerable distances in the aquatic environment. SA and phenol have LRTP values of 156–190 km. Other products can travel shorter distances (less than 100 km). Full article