Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) is an essential enzyme that combats cellular oxidative stress caused by environmental contaminants. Freshwater diatoms are sensitive to such contaminants and are used in water quality assessment; however, research on oxidative stress genes of diatoms remains insufficient. Here, we determined the APX gene (FsAPX) sequence from the freshwater diatom Fragilaria saxoplanctonica and evaluated its molecular structures and transcriptional responses to contaminants. The FsAPX open reading frame was determined at 1,014 bp, encoding 338 amino acids with conserved heme-binding and potassium-binding residues. It was phylogenetically related to other diatoms, with APX domain architecture. The gene expression patterns varied considerably depending on the tested metals: As, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni. Exposures to As and Zn significantly increased FsAPX expressions, while the other metals showed little changes. Interestingly, the FsAPX expression levels increased with all tested pesticides, atrazine, chlorpyrifos, and metolachlor, and their patterns were similar. The contaminants that induced gene expression increased reactive oxygen species in cells, while they decreased chlorophyll autofluorescence. These suggest that FsAPX may play an important role in the diatom defense system against cellular stress and may serve as a candidate indicator for molecular toxicity to assess specific contaminants in freshwater environments.
Ensuring food security requires enhancing agricultural productivity while implementing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and conserve resources. Biostimulants have emerged as an effective means to promote plant growth and improve resilience to stress. This study aimed to evaluate whether combining two herbicides with a humic substance (HS) could reduce herbicide-induced phytotoxicity in wheat, compared to herbicide application alone. Field trials were conducted using wheat cv. TBIO Ponteiro® in two separate experiments: trial #1 with pyroxsulam and trial #2 with 2,4-D. Both trials included four treatments: an untreated control (T1), herbicide-only application (T2), herbicide plus HS applied three days later (T3), and herbicide plus HS applied on the same day (T4). Variables measured included the number of tillers (NT), spikelets (NS), fresh aboveground biomass (FAB), hectoliter weight (HW), and crop yield (CY). In trial #1, NT, NS, and HW were similar across treatments, but T2 showed significantly lower FAB and CY values compared to T4 and T1, suggesting that HS facilitated plant recovery. Trial #2 showed a similar pattern, with herbicide-only treatment reducing NT, NS, and CY relative to at least some HS-treated or untreated treatments, whereas FAB and HW remained unaffected. These findings suggest humic substances can mitigate the negative effects of herbicides like pyroxsulam and 2,4-D on wheat.
This preliminary study aimed to verify an analytical method for the detection and quantification of citrinin (CIT) in commercial rice samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Ten rice samples of various origins were extracted, purified by immunoaffinity column (IAC), and analyzed by HPLC-FLD. The method showed excellent linearity (r2 = 0.999), with a LOD of 0.031 µg/mL and a LOQ of 0.103 µg/mL. Satisfactory precision was achieved (CV: 1.59-8.65%). Standard solution recovery was approximately 97%. Chromatographic peaks corresponding to CIT, identified by retention-time matching with the analytical standard following IAC cleanup, were observed in all samples. Putative CIT concentrations ranged from 126 to 229 µg/kg, mean 192 ± 35 µg/kg. To our knowledge, this is the first report of potential CIT contamination in rice from Türkiye. However, given the limited sample size, non-representative sampling design, and identification based on HPLC-FLD retention-time matching without LC-MS/MS confirmation, these findings are preliminary and should not be generalized beyond the rice samples analyzed in this study. Although CIT is a globally recognized mycotoxin, no specific limits exist for conventional rice. These findings support the need for larger monitoring studies, confirmatory LC-MS/MS analysis, and regulatory consideration for CIT in rice.
Brassica spp. (mustard) essential oils (EOs), rich in bioactive isothiocyanates, offer significant potential as natural herbicides for effective weed management. In this study, emulsions and nanoemulsions (NEms) of B. juncea I, B. nigra and B. juncea II EOs were formulated and evaluated for phytotoxic effects against major weeds associated with Triticum aestivum and Oryza sativa. EO emulsions exhibited concentration-dependent phytotoxicity, resulting in complete germination inhibition at 1.0% to 2.0%, 1.5% to 3.0% and 2.0% to 3.5% for B. juncea I, B. nigra and B. juncea II EOs, respectively, depending on the target species. The corresponding LC50 values ranged from 0.134% to 0.750%, 0.186% to 1.1801% and 0.460% to 3.626% for B. juncea I, B. nigra and B. juncea II EO, respectively, indicating the highest phytotoxic potency of B. juncea I EO across the tested weed species. Compared with conventional emulsions, NEm formulations achieved equivalent phytotoxic effects at substantially lower concentrations, demonstrating improved herbicidal efficacy. Although both formulations were nonselective, adverse effects on crop germination were mitigated through charcoal coating (3 g/15 g of seeds) and pre-plant application (4-8 days before planting). The short half-life (1.88-4.55 days) and transient dehydrogenase inhibition ensured effective weed control with minimal environmental impact-NEms of Brassica spp. EOs represent a promising eco-friendly strategy for sustainable weed management.
Mechanisms of amiodarone (AMD) toxicity are poorly understood and depend on genetic factors and environmental toxicants such as cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and heavy metals. AMD toxicity compromises its therapeutic use and could affect non-target species in the ecosystem. This study investigates ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-transporters involvement in the interaction of CSC and some of its inorganic components with AMD toxicity using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Wild‑type and mutant strains were exposed to AMD ± CSC, CdCl2, or HgCl2. Growth inhibition and interaction profiles were analyzed using median‑effect and combination index methods. AMD accumulation inside cells was assessed by HPLC-UV. AMD toxicity was enhanced in strains lacking Pdr5, Pdr12, or Yap1. CSC reduced AMD toxicity and decreased AMD amount inside cells. HgCl2-AMD interaction was additive in the wild-type but shifted to antagonistic or synergistic depending on the concentration and on the deleted gene. CdCl2-AMD interaction was synergistic in Pdr5 and Bpt1 mutants across all concentrations. In the wild-type and other mutants, interaction patterns shifted from antagonistic at lower concentrations to additive or synergistic at higher concentrations. We conclude that ABC transporters and oxidative stress regulator play important roles in the interaction of environmental toxicants with AMD toxicity, which is complex, dose-dependent involving multiple pathways.
The use of pesticides and their accumulation in soil have become a major global concern. One of the most effective ways to address this issue is through the use of microorganisms to break down pesticides directly in soil. This can be achieved by selecting specific microorganisms that are capable of utilizing the pesticide as quickly and completely as possible. During the work, we isolated 29 strains of microorganisms from agricultural soils that were regularly treated with herbicides containing the active ingredient imazamox. Of these, six strains of micromycetes and three strains of bacteria were selected, capable of degrading imazamox (the maximum reduction in imazamox concentration was 54-55%). It should be noted that the literature predominantly describes bacterial strains capable of degrading imidazolinone-class herbicides, while studies on fungal activity against these compounds are limited. However, this study has revealed the high potential of certain fungi, including those from the genera Trichoderma and Penicillium, for the remediation of soils contaminated with the herbicide imazamox.
Synthetic pyrethroid-based mosquito repellents are effective but can cause irritation and allergic effects. This study reveals the process of developing vaporizer formulations containing the natural compounds, linalool and methyl cinnamate, at a 5% concentration. The stability of the prepared formulation was confirmed using the methods of the Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council. Repellent and mortality activity were evaluated against Culex quinquefasciatus using formulations of methyl cinnamate (MCN05) and linalool (LNL05) and compared with a commercial Transfluthrin vaporizer (CMS) and a negative (Blank05). Formulation MCN05 showed promising repellency, lasting till 60 minutes, repelling 45% of mosquitoes. LNL05 and CMS were effective initially, but the activity declined after 30 minutes, with CMS showing rapid knockdown and hence reduced repellency. Blank05 lasted with the lowest effectiveness (28%) for 45 minutes. Repellency results demonstrated that MCN05 has a more sustained activity than CMS and Blank05 (negative). In the mortality study, the highest (99%) mortality was observed with CMS, followed by MCN05 (48%); LNL05 and Blank05 showed the least mortality.
Thermogravimetric analysis of Persea americana seed powder (PASP) biomass was investigated at heating rates of 5, 10, 20, and 40 °C min-1 under an inert atmosphere to evaluate its thermo-chemical conversion behavior and pyrolysis kinetics. Two major mass-loss stages were observed between 300 and 1023 K, with the principal decomposition occurring between 450 and 600 K. The activation energies were determined using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), and Starink iso-conversional methods, yielding average values of 191.8, 202.7, and 202.2 kJ mol-1, respectively. The adsorption performance of PASP-biochar was evaluated for the simultaneous removal of Cd2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, and Co2+ from aqueous solution. The biochar exhibited good adsorption performance over a wide pH range, followed pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics, and retained high removal efficiency after regeneration, indicating good reusability. Furthermore, preliminary techno-economic analysis confirmed that PASP-biochar can be produced economically, highlighting its practical potential as a sustainable adsorbent. Overall, this study demonstrates an integrated approach that combines thermo-chemical conversion, kinetic evaluation, and environmental application of avocado seed-derived biochar, providing an effective strategy for agro-waste valorization and sustainable heavymetal remediation from contaminated water.
Environmental factors such as diet and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have individually been shown to affect lipid metabolism. However, whether DEHP exposure further aggravates metabolic disturbances under high-fat (HF) diet conditions remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated oxidative stress-related responses, lipogenesis- and adipogenesis-related alterations, and liver-adipose tissue changes in rats exposed to DEHP in this model. Metabolic alterations were evaluated by analyzing serum lipid levels, liver and adipose tissue morphology, mRNA expression, enzyme activities, antioxidative defense, and oxidative damage. DEHP-treated HF diet-fed rats showed histopathological alterations in rat liver and adipose tissues. Representative quantitative changes included a 2.64-fold increase in serum TG levels in the DEHP-0.5 group, a 16.64% increase in the liver/body weight ratio in the DEHP-100 group, and a 4.36-fold increase in hepatic MDA levels in the DEHP-100 group. In addition, DEHP exposure altered oxidative stress-related markers and the mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes, such as LDLR. These findings suggest that liver-adipose tissue crosstalk may be involved in metabolic disturbances associated with DEHP exposure in HF diet-fed rats. Further studies including DEHP-only groups under regular diet conditions are needed to clarify the independent effects of DEHP and its potential interactions with dietary fat.
Various advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) have been developed to remove disease-causing pathogens from the surface of fruits and vegetables. Few studies have investigated the effect of these AOPs on pesticide residues that may also be present on fruits and vegetables. This study validated methods using gas and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to measure two fungicides (azoxystrobin and boscalid) and one insecticide (chlorpyrifos) in strawberries that have been treated using a vapor-phase chlorine radical advanced oxidation process (AOP). These three pesticides were chosen as their residues have been detected in strawberries grown in North America. The validated limits of detection for the three pesticides were ≤ 0.3 µg/g of strawberry tissue. The AOP used in this study had been previously optimized for the elimination for the disease-causing pathogens (e.g., Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella) on fruits and vegetables. To examine the effect of this AOP on pesticide residues, strawberries were spiked with a known amount of each pesticide and exposed to vapor phase chlorine-radical AOP consisting of UV-C, ozone, and electrolyzed water containing free chlorine from 30 s to 30 min. The vapor-phase chlorine radical AOP was able to degrade the pesticides on the surface of strawberries, but the amount of degradation varied among the pesticides. Azoxystrobin and chlorpyrifos were degraded up to an average of 35 and 48%, respectively, while boscalid was degraded on average by 13%. The absorbance of pesticides into the strawberry could have limited the degradation by the vapor-phase chlorine radical AOP, which mainly acts at the surface of the fruit.
This study aimed to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health hazards of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in vegetables (n = 165) from the agricultural fields across upstream tributaries of River Chenab, Punjab, Pakistan. A holistic approach, GIS Arc mapping (Kriging method) along with statistical tools (risk indices) was used for spatial interpolation of the carcinogenic risk zones and polluted zones, respectively. All vegetable samples (garlic, turnip, potato, radish and mustard) were analyzed using GCMS. The mean total concentration of organochlorine pesticides (ΣOCPs) in the investigated vegetables was 4.46 ± 0.20 ng/g (garlic) and 6.51 ± 0.36 ng/g (mustard). Across all investigated vegetables, DDT and HCH isomers were the predominant residues, with the highest mean concentrations of DDE (0.76 ng/g) and ΣHCH (1.29 ng/g) observed in mustard. The findings of the spatial interpolation of carcinogenic risk of investigated OCPs revealed that DDT and DDE exhibited spatially restricted tolerable carcinogenic risk across 15% of downstream zones near the Nullah Palkhu River Chenab confluence, whereas α-HCH and β-HCH showed pervasive tolerable risk across 100% of study areas. Consequently, the findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and strengthened regulatory measures to control the persistence and potential introduction of OCP residues in the study area, thereby reducing long-term human health risks and supporting sustainable agricultural practices and good health and wellbeing.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent lipophilic compounds that accumulate in adipose tissue and may contribute to long-term health risks. Human adipose tissue biomonitoring data remain limited in Türkiye. This study aimed to determine OCP residues in adipose tissue and examine their associations with demographic and lifestyle characteristics. This cross-sectional study included 50 individuals undergoing elective liposuction in southern Marmara, Türkiye. Abdominal adipose tissue samples were analyzed for 23 OCPs using a validated QuEChERS-GC-MS method. Smoking status, grilled food consumption, BMI category, and self-reported chronic disease status were evaluated. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods. At least one OCP residue was detected in 90% of participants. p,p'-DDE was the most frequently detected compound (90%), with a median concentration of 72.1 μg/kg (1.32-612.02). Smokers had higher p,p'-DDE concentrations than nonsmokers (102.8 vs. 45.6 μg/kg, p = 0.038) and a higher frequency of multiple pesticide detection (17.9% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.048). No significant differences were observed according to sex, BMI category, or grilled food consumption. OCP residues, particularly p,p'-DDE, were frequently detected in adipose tissue samples from this selected clinical population. Larger population-based studies are needed to better characterize OCP exposure patterns in Türkiye.
Aquaponics systems offer a sustainable method for the combined production of fish and plants, but they may lead to elevated nitrogenous compounds in water to satisfy plant nitrogen requirements. However, limited information is available on nitrate accumulation in fish flesh under increased nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) conditions. This study assessed the performance of rainbow trout reared in an aquaponics system exposed to NO3-N levels exceeding optimal thresholds. Although water NO3-N concentrations surpassed recommended values, nitrate levels in fish flesh remained low and within acceptable food safety limits. Muscle nitrate content peaked when water nitrate concentrations approached their highest levels (approximately 135 mg/L NO3-N) and subsequently declined. Rainbow trout survival remained high even at elevated NO3-N concentrations; however, growth performance was reduced, likely due to prolonged exposure to high nitrate levels. These findings indicate that rainbow trout cultured in aquaponics systems remained below established food safety limits, even under conditions of increased nitrate concentrations in the rearing water.
The widespread use of pesticides has significantly increased agricultural productivity but has also created major challenges for the management of contaminated plastic packaging. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), the material most commonly used for pesticide containers, can retain pesticide residues, posing environmental and occupational risks during recycling and disposal. This narrative review critically evaluates the effectiveness of current decontamination strategies, with particular emphasis on the widely adopted triple-rinse protocol, using the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as an illustrative case study. The review highlights how formulation properties, particularly viscosity, together with container characteristics such as size and cap geometry, substantially influence residue removal efficiency. Experimental evidence demonstrates that measurable 2,4-D residues may persist after triple rinsing, particularly in small HDPE containers and with more viscous formulations, indicating that standardized rinsing procedures do not always ensure complete decontamination. A synthesis of previous studies further confirms that rinsing efficiency varies according to pesticide formulation, container design, and operational practices. These findings emphasize the need for improved decontamination technologies, enhanced verification protocols, and container designs that facilitate cleaning, thereby supporting safer recycling practices and strengthening the circular economy for agricultural plastics.
Mercury contamination severely threatens maize growth and development, creating gap for effective mitigation practices. The experiment assesses the ameliorative effect of Glutamate-stabilized Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles (Glu-ZVFeNPs) and Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP), applied individually and in combination, on physiological and biochemical responses of maize exposed to 20 and 40 ppm mercuric chloride (HgCl2) stress. Results showed that HgCl2 significantly reduce growth, biomass accumulation photosynthetic pigment and biochemical traits, particularly under 40 ppm HgCl2, though stress indicators increased. Covertly, BAP and Glu-ZVFeNPs application improved plant performance under stress levels. Their combine application at 20 ppm (T4) resulted maximum shoot fresh weight (5.48 g) shoot dry weight (0.6 g), root fresh weight (1.05 g), root moisture (80.6%), leaf fresh and dry weight (1.74 and 0.23 g), leaf area (76.21 cm2) and SVI (2338). Similar treatments also increased total chlorophyll (0.051 mg/g), carotenoids (5.57 mg/g), sugar (6.55 mg/g) and protein (190.7 mg/g), while reduce proline accumulation compared with stressed plants. Combine application more improved root length, shoot length, germination, leaf dry biomass and moisture content across stress levels. These results concludes that combined BAP and Glu-ZVFeNPs synergistically mitigate HgCl2 toxicity and enhanced maize tolerance through different physiological and biochemical protection mechanisms.
This study aimed to identify personal, occupational, and health-related factors associated with lung function among farmers. A total of 102 farmers were recruited. Participants were assessed for personal characteristics (sex, age, height, weight, body mass index; BMI), occupational characteristics (pesticide use and duration of pesticide use), and health-related information, including exercise habits, underlying medical conditions, history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection (timing and duration), and COVID-19 vaccination history. Lung function outcomes included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio. For FVC (% predicted), increasing age was associated with lower FVC (B = -0.302, p = 0.033). For FEV1 (% predicted), female sex was associated with lower FEV1 compared with male sex (B = -6.167, p = 0.037), and a history of COVID-19 infection was associated with reduced FEV1 (B = -8.573, p = 0.002). For FEV1/FVC (% predicted), a history of COVID-19 infection was associated with a lower ratio (B = -7.320, p = 0.026). A history of COVID-19 infection is associated with reduced lung function, reflected in both lung volume (FVC) and airflow (FEV1), and it may also be related to a lower FEV1/FVC ratio. In addition, age and BMI were contributors to lower.
Phytosanitary seed treatment is widely used to protect soybean seeds and seedlings during critical establishment phase. This study evaluated the physiological quality of seeds, as well as retention and absorption of active ingredients when treatments were applied alone or combined with polymers. Experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design under laboratory, seedbed, and field conditions at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, using the cultivar NEO 590 I2X. Seeds were treated with a commercial product (Standak® Top UBS: fipronil, thiophanate-methyl, and pyraclostrobin), along with four commercial polymers. Analyses included germination, seedling growth, biomass accumulation, and active ingredient leaching and absorption at the VC stage using UHPLC-MS/MS. Results showed that the effects of seed treatments on physiological quality varied depending on the treatment and evaluated variables. Polymer effects on active ingredient retention and leaching depended on treatment combinations. Leaching of active ingredients was minimal, and seedling absorption did not exceed 3.78% of the applied dose per seed, indicating limited uptake under the evaluated conditions. Overall, active ingredient behavior varied according to compound characteristics and environmental conditions, with limited uptake and mobility in the soil-plant system under evaluation. These results should be interpreted considering the cultivar and experimental conditions.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are recognized for their ability to enhance root system development and improve nutrient uptake in crops, representing a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of single PGPR strains and consortia on the root development of upland rice seedlings. A completely randomized design with 29 treatments (7 single inoculants, 21 consortia, and 1 uninoculated control), each with five replications, was established. The strains included M01 (Leclercia adecarboxylata), M02 (Priestia megaterium BRM69509), M03 (Pseudomonas sp. BRM69536), M04 (Pseudomonas sp. BRM69515), M05 (Enterobacter hormaechei BRM69541), M06 (Bacillus toyonensis BRM32110), and M07 (Serratia marcescens BRM65920). Seeds were pre-germinated and maintained in a germination chamber at 28 °C with a 12-h photoperiod. After 12 days, seedling roots were imaged and analyzed for length, surface area, diameter, and volume. The consortium of P. megaterium BRM69509 and B. toyonensis BRM32110 increased root length by 42.52% relative to the control and formed a distinct superior group according to the Scott-Knott test (P < 0.05). For root surface area, consortium M24 (B. toyonensis + Pseudomonas sp. BRM69515) showed the highest numerical value, although grouped with other top-performing treatments. Root diameter was significantly enhanced by multiple treatments, particularly those involving L. adecarboxylata and E. hormaechei, with L. adecarboxylata + P. megaterium are presenting the highest numerical values within the top statistical group. Similarly, root volume was maximized in treatments grouped in the highest cluster, with L. adecarboxylata + B. toyonensis BRM32110 showing the highest numerical value. In conclusion, specific PGPR consortia demonstrated superior performance compared to single inoculants, substantially improving root architecture and thereby enhancing nutrient and water uptake. These findings highlight the potential of PGPR consortia as effective bioinoculants for sustainable upland rice production.
Dinotefuran is a third-generation furanicotinyl neonicotinoid with broad-spectrum systemic insecticidal activity. Allium cepa L. is widely used in genetic and cytogenetic investigations. The Allium-comet assay is a valuable genotoxicological tool that enables early detection of single-cell-level DNA damage, providing critical insight into the genotoxic potential of a wide range of substances. This research was conducted to evaluate the genotoxic potential of dinotefuran on A. cepa plants. Allium bulbs were germinated, and then after seven days they were directly embedded in negative control (NC), positive control (PC, 10 mM H2O2) and dinotefuran (0, 0.5, and 10 mg L-1). The emerging roots were subjected to assess DNA damage using the comet assay, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was analyzed in order to determine the lipid peroxidation. In addition, total chlorophyll content was analyzed in leaf tissues. Total chlorophyll content significantly decreased in 10 mg L-1 of dinotefuran and PC treatments. MDA levels in A. cepa roots indicated possible oxidative damage to cellular membranes due to dinotefuran. DNA damage assessed via the Comet assay showed a clear concentration-dependent increase, highlighting genotoxic effects of dinotefuran exposure. Our findings reveal the concentration-dependent phytotoxicity and genotoxicity of dinotefuran, underscoring its potential risks to plant systems and the importance of regulating its application.
The degradation dynamics of deltamethrin 25% wettable dispersible granules (WDG) insecticide were studied in different pH water under laboratory-controlled conditions using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based analytical method. The analytical method used for the analysis was validated to quantify the deltamethrin residues in the samples. The study found that dissipation of deltamethrin followed a first-order kinetics and the half-life depends upon the pH conditions. More specifically we observed that the half-life values ranges from 0.62 to 0.84 days depending upon the pH conditions and the number of treatments. Furthermore, the degradation was slower at pH 4.0 in comparison to pH 7.0 and pH 9.2, with notable persistence of deltamethrin residues up to the fifth day, suggesting that acidic conditions may prolong its stability in aquatic environments.
