Environmental & Analytical Toxicology

Urban runoff, often laden with a cocktail of pollutants, poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health. Among these contaminants, Endocrine Disruptors (EDs) have garnered increasing attention due to their potential to interfere with hormonal systems in both humans and wildlife.

Agricultural practices play a crucial role in determining the health of soil ecosystems and the fate of organic pollutants. The application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can introduce a variety of organic contaminants into the soil, leading to long-term ecological consequences. Understanding how different agricultural methods influence the persistence of these pollutants is vital for developing sustainable practices that minimize environmental impacts. This study aims to assess the relationship between agricultural practices and the degradation and persistence of organic pollutants in soil, highlighting the implications for soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger's disease, is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. It is characterized by the deposition of IgA in the glomeruli, triggering an immune-mediated inflammatory response that leads to renal injury, glomerular inflammation, and ultimately progressive kidney disease. IgAN typically presents with haematuria (blood in the urine), proteinuria (protein in the urine), and can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in some cases.

Waterborne contaminants pose significant threats to public health and environmental sustainability. Effective monitoring of these contaminants is crucial for ensuring safe water quality and timely responses to pollution events. Traditional methods of water quality assessment often rely on time-consuming laboratory analyses, which can delay critical decision-making processes. In contrast, innovative sensors designed for real-time monitoring offer a promising solution, enabling continuous detection of pollutants, including heavy metals, pathogens, and organic chemicals.

The presence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystems has emerged as a significant environmental concern due to their widespread usage and potential adverse effects on wildlife and ecosystem health. Pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, hormones, and anti-inflammatory drugs, often enter water bodies through wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal. Their persistence in the environment raises critical questions about their long-term ecological impacts, particularly on aquatic organisms.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a groundbreaking technology that harnesses the metabolic processes of microorganisms to generate electricity while simultaneously treating contaminated water. By using microbial activity to degrade organic and inorganic pollutants, MFCs provide a dual benefit: energy production and bioremediation. As environmental concerns over toxicant release into water bodies escalate, innovative solutions are required to address these challenges effectively.

The incorporation of nanomaterials into agricultural practices has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity, improve pest management, and optimize resource utilization. However, the increasing use of these advanced materials raises critical concerns regarding their potential environmental toxicity and long-term ecological impacts. Nanomaterials, defined by their size (1-100 nanometers), exhibit unique properties that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts, leading to unpredictable interactions with soil, water, and living organisms. [1] While their benefits in agriculture are widely recognized—such as targeted delivery of nutrients and pesticides—their behavior in the environment and effects on non-target species remain inadequately understood. This study aims to evaluate the environmental toxicology of nanomaterials used in agriculture, highlighting the need for thorough risk assessments to ensure safe implementation in agricultural systems. [2]

Nanoparticles, with their unique physical and chemical properties, have emerged as critical components in various industries, including medicine, electronics, and environmental applications. Their increasing use has raised concerns about potential environmental impacts, particularly on soil ecosystems where microbial communities play a vital role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health. These microorganisms are essential for maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience.

The increasing global demand for renewable energy has spurred significant interest in biofuels as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Biofuels, derived from organic materials such as plant biomass, agricultural residues, and waste products, are often touted for their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable energy sources. However, the rapid expansion of biofuel production and use raises important questions regarding their environmental implications and potential health risks. While biofuels are often promoted as a cleaner energy option, the processes involved in their cultivation, production, and utilization can lead to environmental challenges, including land use changes, water consumption, and contamination.

The rapid expansion of electronic technology has led to a surge in the production of electronic devices, such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. As these products become obsolete or break down, they contribute to a growing environmental crisis—electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste contains a variety of toxic metals and chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants, which pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. Improper disposal of e-waste, particularly in landfills or through informal recycling methods, leads to the leaching of hazardous substances into the soil and water systems. This contamination is particularly alarming as it affects ecosystems and potentially enters the food chain, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic life.