Review
Environmental Sciences
Idris Olatunji Sanusi, Godwin Oladele Olutona, Ibrahim Garba Wawata, Hope Onohuean
Summary: In many nations and locations, the presence of pharmaceuticals in groundwater and surface waters is a growing concern due to their potential impact on aquatic ecosystems and public health. This review summarizes the research evidence regarding the occurrence, impact, and fate of pharmaceuticals in different water bodies. Various analytical techniques, such as LC-MS, HPLC, UPLC-MS/MS, and GC-MS, have been used to detect and analyze pharmaceuticals in water bodies, with LC-MS being the most commonly used instrument. Sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic, was found to be the most frequently detected drug in wastewater, while antibiotics, in general, were the most reported pharmaceutical group.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aris Ismanto, Tony Hadibarata, Risky Ayu Kristanti, Lilik Maslukah, Novia Safinatunnajah, Wulan Kusumastuti
Summary: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have adverse impacts on human and environmental well-being, being associated with diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular risk, behavioral disorders, autoimmune defects, and reproductive diseases. Conventional treatment methods are insufficient to fully remove EDCs from water, necessitating the use of advanced psychochemical and biological treatments. The lack of laws regarding acute concentration limits of EDCs in various water sources contributes to the intensified concerns about these mixed contaminants. Further data is needed to address the risks associated with the presence of EDCs in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nagihan E. Korkmaz, Basak Savun-Hekimoglu, Abdullah Aksu, Selmin Burak, Nuray Balkis Caglar
Summary: The occurrence and spatial distribution of selected pharmaceuticals in the Sea of Marmara, Turkey, were investigated. All target pharmaceutical compounds were detected at least once in the study area, with gemfibrozil being the most frequently detected compound at high concentrations. The presence of these compounds in April was higher than in October. Risk assessment results showed that some of these pharmaceuticals pose a high risk to aquatic organisms in the Sea of Marmara.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ashish Sengar, Arya Vijayanandan
Summary: Iodinated contrast media are difficult to remove in wastewater treatment plants and can produce disinfection byproducts that are more cytotoxic and genotoxic. Even highly efficient treatment systems fail to completely mineralize ICM, leading to the production of transformation products that are more toxic than the parent compounds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arzu Ulvi, Senar Aydin, Mehmet Emin Aydin
Summary: This study examined the concentrations and distribution of pharmaceuticals in the influent and effluent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant and hospital effluents. It found that beta-blockers and psychiatric drugs were detected in high concentrations in the wastewater samples, with hospitals contributing 2-4% of total pharmaceuticals in the plant. The removal of pharmaceuticals in the treatment plant ranged from 23% to 54%.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Joana P. Fernandes, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Maria A. Salgado, Maria F. Carvalho, Ana P. Mucha
Summary: Various contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) have been detected in different ecosystems, threatening living organisms and the environment. Pharmaceuticals are among these contaminants, entering the environment mainly through wastewater treatment plants, and bioremediation technologies based on natural degrading bacteria seem promising for clean-up in natural environments.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yan Wu, Ruihe Jin, Qiqing Chen, Xinyu Du, Jing Yang, Min Liu
Summary: This review outlines the current knowledge on the environmental occurrence and fate, as well as bioavailability, of nine classes of emerging organic contaminants (OCECs) in global estuaries. The data show that OCECs are prevalent in estuarine compartments around the world, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. Their distribution and bioaccumulation are influenced by anthropogenic impacts, hydrodynamics, meteorological conditions, and physiochemical properties.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaomeng Ji, Jiefeng Liang, Jiale Liu, Jie Shen, Yiling Li, Yingjun Wang, Chuanyong Jing, Scott A. Mabury, Runzeng Liu
Summary: Photoinitiators (PIs) are anthropogenic chemicals used in polymerization systems to initiate polymerization reactions. Their wide application in commercial products has led to environmental issues. This study reviews the occurrence, human exposure, and toxicity of PIs and suggests future research directions. PIs have been found in commercial products, water, sediment, sewage sludge, indoor dust, serum, and breast milk. Benzophenone is the most detected congener. PIs have toxic effects, such as carcinogenicity and endocrine disruption. Future research should focus on coexposure effects, metabolism/transformation pathways, and the development of greener PIs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Laura Canesi, Angelica Miglioli, Teresa Balbi, Elena Fabbri
Summary: Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) refer to chemicals that are not commonly monitored in aquatic ecosystems but have the potential to cause adverse effects on biota. This review focuses on the effects of CECs on the serotonergic system of bivalve molluscs, which is a sensitive target for neuroendocrine disruption in these animals.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yao Huang, Liangying Liu, Guoqiang Liu, Yanyan Gong
Summary: The study investigated the presence and distribution of LABs in Baihaimian River, finding that environmental factors, river flux, and sediment properties may affect the spatial distribution of LABs. Significant correlations were observed between total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and LABs in river water, indicating a common domestic wastewater source. Additionally, the positive correlation between total organic carbon and LABs in sediments suggests that total organic carbon serves as a controlling factor for the redistribution of LABs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bruce Petrie, Colin F. Moffat
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence and fate of chiral drugs in the Clyde Estuary in Scotland and found considerable enantiomer enrichment for some compounds. Enantioselective degradation of certain drugs in estuarine waters and the presence of drug enantiomers in fish tissues were observed. The results highlight the need for enantiospecific effect-driven studies on marine organisms to better understand their impact in estuarine environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hudda Khaleeq Khan, Muhammad Yasir Abdur Rehman, Muhammad Junaid, Ming Lv, Linxia Yue, Ihsan-ul Haq, Nan Xu, Riffat Naseem Malik
Summary: This study provides the first evidence of PPCPs occurrence in groundwater in Pakistan, detecting 8 out of 11 selected PPCPs with ibuprofen posing a moderate risk to P. subcapitata and D. magna. Comprehensive monitoring programs are necessary to further investigate contamination of emerging contaminants in groundwater and their associated risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Nurul Amalina Khairul Hasni, Zurahanim Fasha Anual, Siti Aishah Rashid, Syahidiah Syed Abu Thahir, Yuvaneswary Veloo, Khor Sok Fang, Mohamad Iqbal Mazeli
Summary: Contamination of water systems in Malaysia with endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a significant public health concern due to their toxic and widespread nature. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence and locations of EDCs in water systems, based on a literature search of 41 peer-reviewed articles. Most studies focused on pharmaceuticals, pesticides, hormones, mixed compounds, and plasticisers. The majority of research was conducted in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the central region and Selangor State. The Langat River, Klang River, and Selangor River were frequently studied for EDC contamination in surface waters. Risk assessments generally indicated negligible health risks, except for certain compounds in the Selangor River and combined pharmaceuticals in Putrajaya tap water.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nishanthi Ellepola, Talysa Viera, Praveen L. Patidar, Gayan Rubasinghege
Summary: This study investigates the impact of minerals on the degradation of diclofenac and its photo-degradation products, as well as their potential health effects. The results show that kaolinite enhances the degradation of diclofenac, while anatase diminishes its degradation. Some photo-degraded compounds are more cytotoxic than diclofenac itself.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yaqian Gao, Yuhui Ge, Yunfeng Ma, Hailun Zhao, Guixing Xiao, Pau Loke Show, Jianqiu Chen, Ruixin Guo, Yanhua Liu
Summary: Black carbon, a residue of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or biomass, is widely present in the natural environment and has negative impacts on human health and climate. Research has shown its positive role in pollutant removal, but further studies are needed on defining standards, accurate quantification methods, structural characteristics, ecological effects, and physical and chemical properties of black carbon in order to improve environmental remediation and pollutant removal efficiency.
REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Miguel Basilio, Liliana J. G. Silva, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Angelina Pena, Celeste M. Lino
FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS PART A-CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS CONTROL EXPOSURE & RISK ASSESSMENT
(2020)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sofia C. Duarte, Nadia Salvador, Filipa Machado, Eduardo Costa, Anabela Almeida, Liliana J. G. Silva, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Celeste Lino, Angelina Pena
Review
Food Science & Technology
Liliana J. G. Silva, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Angelina Pena, Celeste M. Lino
Summary: Citrinin's widespread presence in foods and supplements has raised concerns. This review discusses various analytical and detection techniques used to evaluate citrinin. Additionally, it addresses the scientific literature on the presence of citrinin in foods of either vegetable or animal origin, as well as in supplements.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catarina Ferreira, Sofia C. Duarte, Eduardo Costa, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Liliana J. G. Silva, Anabela Almeida, Celeste Lino, Angelina Pena
Summary: Glyphosate was detected in 95.1% of urine samples from Portuguese children, with some children being exposed to higher concentrations. Glyphosate levels in children's urine were associated with factors such as age, residential proximity to agricultural areas, consumption of homeproduced foods, and parental herbicide application.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Liliana J. G. Silva, Adriana R. S. Pereira, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Angelina Pena, Celeste M. Lino
Summary: Carmine, a natural food coloring agent of animal origin known for causing allergic reactions, was found in yoghurts in Portugal within safe limits. The risk of carmine ingestion through yoghurt consumption to Portuguese consumers is low, with children being the most vulnerable group.
FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS PART A-CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS CONTROL EXPOSURE & RISK ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rui R. Martins, Vanessa S. Azevedo, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Liliana J. G. Silva, Sofia C. Duarte, Angelina Pena
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate residues of nine ionophore and synthetic coccidiostats in poultry muscle samples from different production types in Portugal. The results showed that 20.8% of the samples contained detectable levels of residues, with a higher frequency in home raised samples. Risk assessment indicated that exposure to these residues through consumption of poultry meat does not pose a risk to consumers.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alexandra Silva, Andre Pereira, Liliana Silva, Angelina Pena
Summary: This study evaluated the inorganic arsenic content of Portuguese rice samples and found that some samples exceeded the maximum residue limit for infant consumption. The estimated arsenic intake for children may exceed the safe threshold, but other sources of arsenic exposure should also be considered.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sofia Duarte, Liliana J. G. Silva, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Marta Gimbi, Cristiane Cesar, Vanessa Vidal, Rita Basilio, Anabela Almeida, Celeste Lino, Angelina Pena
Summary: This pilot survey assessed the exposure of breastfed infants to mycotoxins in Angola and found that all breast milk samples analyzed were contaminated with mycotoxins. The contamination levels were lower for aflatoxin M1 and higher for ochratoxin A compared to previous studies. The study also identified a significant association between the consumption of cookies by lactating mothers and the levels of mycotoxin in breast milk.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Rui R. Martins, Liliana J. G. Silva, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Alexandra Esteves, Sofia C. Duarte, Angelina Pena
Summary: Coccidiosis is a major problem in the poultry industry, and coccidiostats are extensively used to prevent and control this disease. However, there is a concern about the residues of these coccidiostats and their potential impact on public health, highlighting the need for research and surveillance.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ines Garcia, Diana Valente, Nuno Carolino, Helder Dinis, Rui Sousa, Sofia C. Duarte, Liliana J. G. Silva, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Angelina Pena
Summary: The Azorean dairy industry is affected by the proliferation of fungi and mycotoxin contamination in the feed. This can result in reduced reproductive performance and decreased productivity and quality of milk produced. It is important to implement strategies to reduce mycotoxin concentration and monitor their levels in food.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Liliana J. G. Silva, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Sofia Duarte, Ines Pedro, Catarina Perdigao, Alexandra Silva, Celeste M. Lino, Anabela Almeida, Angelina Pena
Summary: Rice is a crucial staple crop for billions of people, but its consumption can lead to exposure to chemical contaminants such as mycotoxins and metalloids. This study evaluated the presence and human exposure to AFB1, OTA, ZEN, and InAs in Portuguese rice samples. AFB1 was found in 4.8% of the samples, exceeding the European MPL, while ZEN was present in 88.89% of the samples. InAs was detected in all samples, but none exceeded the MPL. There was no correlation between mycotoxin and InAs contamination. AFB1 exceeded the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake, with children being the most vulnerable group.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andre Pereira, Etiele Greque de Morais, Liliana Silva, Angelina Pena, Andreia Freitas, Margarida Ribau Teixeira, Joao Varela, Luisa Barreira
Summary: Urban wastewaters contain pharmaceuticals that are not effectively removed in conventional treatments, limiting water reuse. This study assessed pharmaceutical removal in a pilot-scale microalgal tertiary treatment under real conditions. Even after secondary treatment, the water still had measurable amounts of pharmaceuticals (average of 218.4 ng/L) that significantly decreased to 39.83 ng/L at the exit of the microalgal system. Antibiotics and antipsychotics showed better removal rates (88.8% and 86.4%, respectively) compared to antihypertensives (75.3%) and others (Bezafibrate and Diclofenac; 64.0%). Physical and chemical characteristics of the wastewater influenced pharmaceutical removal.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Rui R. Martins, Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Liliana J. G. Silva, Alexandra Esteves, Sofia C. Duarte, Andreia Freitas, Angelina Pena
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of nine coccidiostats in 62 egg samples using UHPLC-MS/MS. The results showed that only diclazuril and nicarbazin were detected, with nicarbazin being more frequently detected. Home-raised eggs had higher levels of nicarbazin compared to diclazuril. Overall, consumers' health should not be adversely affected by egg consumption.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andre M. P. T. Pereira, Andreia Freitas, Angelina Pena, Liliana J. G. Silva
Summary: The presence of pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics, in aquatic ecosystems can have significant negative impacts on natural ecosystems. Bivalves are ideal sentinel species for biomonitoring environmental health hazards in coastal and estuarine ecosystems due to their ability to filter water and bioconcentrate chemicals. An analytical strategy was developed to assess the occurrence of antibiotics as emerging pollutants in aquatic environments, and the method was validated for 43 antibiotics according to European regulations.
