The presence of veterinary antibiotic pollutants (VAPs) in wastewater poses serious risks to aquatic ecosystems, microbial diversity, and public health. These contaminants result from the widespread use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine and exhibit significant challenges for removal through traditional wastewater treatment techniques. Nature-based solutions (NBS) like constructed wetlands, phytoremediation, phycoremediation, and biochar applications have surfaced as sustainable and environmentally friendly options for addressing pollutant treatment. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms, efficiencies, and applicability of NBS for VAPs removal. Constructed wetlands utilize natural processes to break down antibiotics, offering lower capital costs compared to traditional treatment systems and necessitating minimal operational effort. Phytoremediation utilizes particular plant species to take up, break down, or alter pollutants, whereas phycoremediation harnesses microalgae to effectively decompose antibiotics into various biotransformed products while generating valuable algal biomass as a by-product. Biochar improves the adsorption and degradation of pollutants, serving as an adaptable medium for the treatment of wastewater. The review also highlights key challenges in implementing NBS, including site-dependent variables, inconsistent removal performance, and limited data on long-term sustainability.
This review investigates the photolysis of neonicotinoids—nicotine-derived insecticides—focusing on their environmental fates and degradation mechanisms. Since their introduction in the mid-1980s, neonicotinoids have grown in usage due to their systemic mode of action, which protects plants by circulating through their tissues. However, their extensive application has led to widespread dispersion into various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, with only a small fraction being absorbed by crops. The review emphasizes photolysis, driven by solar irradiation, as a primary degradation pathway for neonicotinoids in aquatic environments. This process is significantly influenced by water chemistry parameters such as pH, dissolved organic matter, inorganic ions, and temperature. The presence of anions and cations can regulate the formation of reactive species during photolysis, which in turn impacts degradation rates and the ultimate fate of neonicotinoids in aquatic systems. The review further outlines photodegradation pathways and the resulting photoproducts, emphasizing the need for additional research to assess their persistence and bioaccumulation potential in aquatic ecosystems. Future studies should integrate laboratory experiments and field approaches to elucidate how multiple environmental factors collectively affect photolysis rates and degradation byproducts. Additionally, developing advanced oxidation processes tailored to boost neonicotinoid photodegradation in contaminated environments represents a promising direction for future work. This knowledge will be instrumental in guiding strategies to mitigate neonicotinoids contamination, thereby safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
As one of the most widely used antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine, fluoroquinolones (FQs) have been recognized as environmental contaminants. They promote the dissemination of resistant strains and cause the imbalance in microbial community structures, threatening ecosystem stability and public health. Biodegradation is a promising sustainable approach for FQs removal. Many publications have described their environmental distribution, biodegradation mechanisms, and potential applications under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Few reviews have comprehensively integrated recent progress. This review summarizes current research on FQs biodegradation, focusing on microbial degraders, biodegradation mechanisms, and critical influencing factors. Furthermore, we evaluate existing FQs removal technologies and propose ideas to address challenges in the practical application of FQs biodegradation. Overall, FQs biodegradation is primarily mediated by multiple enzyme systems especially CYP450, and is driven by representative degraders including Pseudomonas, Trametes versicolor, and Chlorella vulgaris. Integration with advanced treatment processes can markedly improve performance, achieving up to 94
The increasing anthropogenic release of non-biodegradable, bioaccumulative and ecotoxicological heavy metals into water bodies has instigated an imminent danger to the planet in the current century. Conventional cleanup methods still suffer secondary pollution, excessive energy consumption, and low trace and ultratrace selectivity. Thus, the eradication of these toxic heavy metals is one of the main problems that the researchers and scientists are trying to solve to provide clean water to domestic, industrial and agricultural use. To this extent, bio-nanocomposite-based adsorption processes have been found to be a radical green paradigm in purifying water in a more sustainable manner. This review is a critical synthesis of the current events and an in-depth analysis of a substantial body of research on nature-inspired bio-nanocomposites that have been developed to sequester toxic heavy metals in complex aqueous environments. These biopolymeric-based hybrid materials functionalized with functional nanofillers have synergistically enhanced physicochemical properties, such as high specific surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and hierarchical porosity. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanistic knowledge of adsorption processes (electrostatic interactions, ion exchange, surface complexation of coordination, and pore-diffusion-controlled entrapment) and the role of the functional moieties in defining the metal-binding affinity, structure–property–performance relationships, and selectivity. In addition, the review delineates a variety of synthesis approaches, new material innovations, regeneration efficacies, and lifecycle sustainability factors. The present work provides a platform for a holistic, mechanistically grounded approach to inform the rational design of next-generation bio-nanocomposites, along with a biodegradable polymeric framework, as a possible way forward for water remediation technologies that rely on the principles of a circular economy.
Microplastics (MPs) possess unique surface properties that enable them to serve as vectors for viral transport in the environment. Such interactions can modulate viral activity, thereby posing substantial risks to both ecosystems and human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances regarding the adsorption mechanisms between MPs and viruses, key influencing factors, and the associated ecological and health risks. Using bibliometric analysis, we first identify current research hotspots and emerging trends. Available evidence indicates that electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic effects constitute the primary driving forces governing viral adsorption onto MPs. We then systematically summarize the critical environmental and physicochemical parameters that modulate this process. Particular attention is paid to the formation of MP—virus complexes and the mechanisms by which MPs enhance viral survival and infectivity. We also consolidate current understanding of the synergistic effects triggered by co-exposure to MPs and viruses in disrupting host immune responses. Finally, we outline priority research directions, emphasizing the need to quantify adsorption kinetics in complex environmental matrices and elucidate the molecular basis of their joint toxicity. These advances are essential for accurate risk assessment and the development of effective strategies to mitigate MP-mediated viral transmission.
Sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs), extensively utilized in the breeding industry, pharmaceutical industries, and human healthcare, enter the environment through wastewater discharge and surface runoff. Currently, SAs are widely detected across various environmental compartments, including water bodies (up to 17,400 ng/L), soils, and sediments (up to 2089 ng/g). The environmental persistence and potential ecological risks of SAs have attracted considerable attention. This review systematically summarizes the environmental occurrence, migration, and transformation behaviors of 12 representative SAs. Results show that the environmental transport of SAs is influenced by complex matrices and modulated by extreme environmental events, while their transformation is co-regulated by coupled physicochemical and biological processes. SAs can induce oxidative stress (e.g., EC50 for green algae reaching 5.53 mg/L), reproductive inhibition, and metabolic disorders in organisms, and may accumulate through the food chain (e.g., bioconcentration factor in shrimp as high as 5126 L/kg), thus posing threats to ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, environmental residues of SAs also promote the spread and horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs, e.g., sul1 and sul2 detected in 100
Hydrocarbon contamination of soil remains a major environmental challenge. However, many remediation strategies still lack a holistic framework that simultaneously considers environmental, technical, and economic dimensions. This review evaluates recent trends in the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils by critically analyzing biological, chemical, physical, and combined technologies within a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework. Drawing on more than one hundred peer-reviewed studies, we synthesize evidence on ecological impacts, technical performance, and economic outcomes, including greenhouse-gas emissions, energy demand, and long-term soil quality after treatment. In general, biological technologies impose lower environmental burdens but often require longer treatment times to meet remediation targets. Thermal technologies can achieve rapid contaminant removal, particularly for heavily polluted or time-sensitive sites, but are typically associated with high energy use and secondary emissions. Emerging treatment trains that couple an initial physical or chemical step with a subsequent biological polishing stage show promise for balancing remediation efficiency with environmental sustainability.
Marine sediments contaminated with hydrocarbons pose severe ecological risks, which need to be addressed with proper remediation approaches to mitigate their effects. Bioremediation includes promising approaches, but their effectiveness depends on the success of microbial colonization, i.e. the establishment of active pollutant-degrading microorganisms in sediments. Still, bioremediation is hindered by environmental, chemical, biological, and physical barriers. This review examines the limitations imposed by these barriers and explores the strategies to overcome them. The environmental barriers include extreme temperatures, salinity fluctuations, oxygen limitations, and pH imbalances, which can be addressed by selecting and adapting robust microbial strains to these conditions while strictly controlling or even modifying them. Chemical barriers, including toxic pollutants and nutrient imbalances, are addressed through resistant microbes, biosorption and biotransformation techniques, and innovative nutrient-delivery methods such as nanoparticle-assisted systems. Biological barriers, i.e., resistance to colonization, include competition with native microbial communities and predation, which can be addressed through bioaugmentation with compatible strains, microbial encapsulation for protection, and modulation of quorum sensing to foster cooperative interactions. Physical barriers arising from sediment properties and hydrodynamic conditions are addressed via mechanical mixing, the addition of permeable materials, and the use of carrier substrates to enhance microbial attachment. We also explore advanced technologies such as nanoparticle technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Nanoparticles play critical roles in pollutant removal, nutrient delivery, and microbial protection, while AI facilitates the design of effective microbial consortia and optimization of bioremediation processes. Despite these promising strategies, challenges remain in scaling up, ensuring environmental safety, and navigating regulatory frameworks. We emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation.
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have emerged as critical pollutants in aquatic environments, posing significant risks to public health and ecosystems. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are key contributors to the dissemination of ARGs due to the incomplete removal of antibiotics and associated contaminants. Despite growing concerns, limited research has specifically focused on how WWTP discharges influence ARG profiles in receiving waters. This bibliometric analysis of 176 papers (1990-01-01 to 2023-10-31) reveals that the documented impact of WWTP effluents on receiving waters primarily involves the elevated abundance of specific ARGs (e.g., blaNDM, sul1), their facilitation of horizontal gene transfer, and the limited removal efficacy of conventional treatment processes. The field has seen a substantial increase in publications, with China leading global contributions (43 papers), followed by the USA (20) and South Africa (17). Prominent institutions, such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tsinghua University, have demonstrated strong collaborative networks. Key research hotspots include mechanisms of ARG dissemination, the environmental and public health impacts of WWTP effluents, mitigation strategies, and advancements in treatment technologies. Current challenges include the lack of standardized monitoring protocols, the high cost of advanced treatment technologies, and the limited understanding of ARG transfer dynamics. Future research should focus on cost-effective sampling and sequencing methods, enhanced bioinformatics tools, interdisciplinary approaches that integrate the “One Health” framework, and the development of innovative treatment technologies to mitigate ARG contamination. By addressing these challenges and outlining potential pathways for progress, this study provides a comprehensive foundation for guiding future research and supporting the development of sustainable wastewater management practices and effective ARG mitigation strategies. These approaches align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (UNSDG-Clean Water), reinforcing the need for globally coordinated action.
Global plastic production exceeded 400.3 billion tons from 1950 to 2022, with only 10
Circadian rhythm reflects the existence of intrinsic biological clock that temporally coordinates physiological function and life activities to adapt the variations of external cues. Therefore, changes in external stimuli, such as long-term light exposure, viral infection, chemical pollution, and so on, may disturb biological clock outputs. Among them, exposure to exogenous chemical substances is identified as one of the important causes of circadian disruption. Furthermore, an abundance of evidence suggests that circadian dysregulation can affect various physiological processes at different biological levels, and in severe cases, even lead to diseases. In this review, we focus on and summarize 45 environmental pollutants that might interfere with the circadian rhythm systems, which can be divided into ten major categories: long-term light, high temperature, noise, and radioactive substances exposure, bacterial infection, parasitic infection, and viral infection, steroid hormones, phenolic compounds, polyhalogenated compounds, dioxin, perfluorooctane sulfonates, herbicide, pesticide, and fungicide, air pollutants, and metals. We also characterize many physiological processes that are affected by environmental pollutant induced-circadian disruption, and discuss implications of circadian misalignment in pathologies. Our review makes supplements for evaluating the toxicity of different environmental pollutants from the perspective of disrupted circadian networks, and emphasize the correlation between circadian rhythm disorders and physiological process misalignment and the origin/development of diseases. Although most studies focus on transcriptional and behavioral alterations, additional effects and adverse health consequences are preliminarily explored. Based on this theory, some chronotherapies have emerged as great progress in the clinical field and the circadian rhythm feature parameters obtained by combining machine learning and wearable technology have also been widely applied to real-time symptom assessment, hopefully establishing corresponding circadian rhythm precision medicine in the future.
As a new material for remediating emerging contaminants (ECs) such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), antibiotics, and microplastics (MNPs), modified biochar provides two main benefits: carbon storage/emission reduction and soil quality improvement. Nevertheless, bottlenecks for its large-scale application include low regeneration efficiency and unclear competitive adsorption mechanisms in multi-contaminant systems. This study examines the removal of four types of ECs through various biochar modifications. It demonstrates how adsorption-catalysis and microbial activation work in tandem. The study also identifies key influencing factors, including interference from soil organic matter, interfacial electron transfer kinetics, and pH dependence. Bridging laboratory-field efficacy gaps, we propose a three-stage optimisation pathway: (1) developing targeted modifications for complex matrices; (2) establishing in situ regeneration and cross-media risk monitoring systems; (3) advancing research on EC-modified biochar-microbe interactions. Finally, we stress the need to combine methods from environmental chemistry, soil ecology, and materials science. This will help develop affordable technologies and clean ecosystems on a large scale. These efforts provide both theoretical models and technical support for managing ECs.
Microplastics (MPs) (< 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs) (< 100 nm) are emerging contaminants in agroecosystems, introduced primarily through irrigation, atmospheric deposition, and soil amendments. These particles compromise plant health and soil function by interfering with nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and redox balance. MPs can induce root shortening, oxidative stress, and cytogenetic abnormalities, while NPs, due to their small size and high surface reactivity, cause more pronounced genotoxic and biochemical disturbances. Growing concern also surrounds biodegradable microplastics (BMPs), which degrade into micro- and nanoplastics with comparable toxicity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the uptake, translocation, and physiological effects of MPs, NPs, and BMPs in plants, focusing on oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, and nutrient disruption. It further evaluates emerging remediation strategies, including microbial degradation, phytoremediation, and photocatalysis for mitigating plastic-induced stress. Key knowledge gaps regarding the accumulation of plastic particles in crops and their implications for food safety and ecosystem integrity are also highlighted. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) disrupt plant health, affecting growth, nutrient uptake, and metabolism. MPs and NPs cause oxidative stress, alter enzymes, and degrade soil properties via absorption. Biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) derived from bioplastics pose risks similar to those of traditional microplastics. Extensive research is crucial for understanding the effects of MPs, NPs, and BMPs on soil and plants.
Tri (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), a halogenated organophosphorus compound, is extensively utilized as an additive flame retardant (FR) in numerous consumer products, including furniture, electronics, and textiles. Notably, TDCIPP exhibits exceptional persistence in environmental matrices such as indoor dust and aquatic systems, where it resists degradation and accumulates over time, posing long-term ecological and health risks. Given its widespread application, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate the risks associated with TDCIPP and its metabolites, particularly their effects on biological systems and human health. This article comprehensively summarizes the relevant research on TDCIPP, encompassing its environmental occurrence, fate, and toxicity in both organisms and humans. TDCIPP is frequently detected in various environmental media and has been shown to pose significant risks to animals, including neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and adverse effects on development, reproduction, liver function, genotoxicity, and gastrointestinal health. Furthermore, human epidemiological studies have associated TDCIPP exposure with cancer, reproductive disorders, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to deepen our understanding of TDCIPP’s environmental behavior and to offer critical insights into its effects on both animal and human health.
The widespread contamination of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in global ecosystems poses severe environmental and public health risks due to their trophic transfer potential and multifaceted bio-effects. This review provides an inclusive synthesis of MNP-induced biological effects across the entire biological hierarchy—from microbial communities, plants, and aquatic/terrestrial fauna to humans—focusing on recent advances (2017–2024). Its innovation lies in three aspects: cross-hierarchy integration connecting cellular/molecular effects (e.g., oxidative stress) to ecosystem impacts (e.g., nutrient cycling disturbance); clarification of mechanistic links between conserved responses and taxon-specific effects; and comprehensive synthesis of physicochemical properties’ (type, size, aging) regulatory role in bio-effects. Studies on model organisms show MNPs trigger biological responses (e.g., oxidative stress (ROS overproduction), cell membrane damage, and shifts in microbial community structure) via conserved and taxon-specific mechanisms. These responses further lead to toxicity (e.g., cellular abnormalities, tissue/organ damage) in organisms, and the cumulative bio-effects of MNPs cascade from impaired individual fitness to disrupted population dynamics and ecosystem functions (e.g., nutrient cycling disturbance). Critically, MNPs bioaccumulate through food chains, with human exposure linked to inflammatory disorders and potential carcinogenic risks. Smaller NPs generally exert more severe impacts due to enhanced bioavailability. Future research should prioritize: (1) long-term toxicity under environmentally relevant concentrations; (2) synergistic interactions with co-pollutants; (3) validation of pivotal biomarkers linking cellular responses to ecosystem impacts. Addressing these will enable targeted risk mitigation strategies for plastic pollution-related health and ecological issues. Overview of the biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics on organisms at different levels
Tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, are formed through the degradation of larger plastics and have become ubiquitous in the environment as solid waste, affecting aquatic life. Aquatic organisms, especially fish, ingest these microplastics, which have a negative impact on fish health. This comprehensive review article identified seven continents and their aquatic fish populations affected by microplastic contamination, examining the effects on fish physiology and toxicosis, as well as the nature, size, and types of microplastics. Increasing evidence suggests that microplastics trigger undesirable and hazardous interactions with fish tissue, generating hazardous intermediate metabolites and molecules, including reactive oxygen species. Biotransformation followed by bioaccumulation (and vice versa) may be an essential phenomenon for the toxic response of these emerging microplastic particles. This review summarises the current knowledge on the physicochemical nature of microplastics worldwide and their varying levels of toxicity in aquatic fish, including numerous biochemical pathway alterations in a natural environment in the presence of microplastics. This review identified that benthopelagic fish were used maximally in experiments worldwide to determine the presence of microplastics in their bodies, and marine fish were investigated 2.6 times more than freshwater fish. This article also outlines a future direction, highlighting gaps in advanced microplastic toxicity research, including the omics approach and computational studies, and suggests a few recommendations for monitoring and modifying global microplastic and plastic waste management policies.
With the acceleration of urbanization and intensified human activities, emerging contaminants characterized by persistence and adverse health effects are increasingly detected in municipal solid waste compost, posing significant challenges to environmental and public health. This review focuses on four typical contaminants in compost: microplastics (MPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Key findings reveal substantial contamination levels: sewage sludge compost shows the highest MPs abundance (8730–32,070 items/kg), food packaging waste compost contains elevated PFASs concentrations (31–75 μg/kg), livestock manure compost exhibits prominent ARGs levels (1.01 × 1010 copies/kg), and sludge compost retains notable PPCPs residues (e.g., ibuprofen at 6224 ng/g). These contaminants enter soil ecosystems through compost application, disrupting soil ecological structures and microbial diversity. Growing awareness of their environmental prevalence underscores the urgent need for systematic understanding. Compared to previous studies, this review uniquely quantifies contaminant levels across diverse compost types and analyzes their cumulative impacts on soil systems. While progress has been made in identifying these pollutants, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding their environmental behavior and fate, necessitating targeted research to develop effective mitigation strategies.
Wastewater poses a significant environmental risk due to its diverse contaminants, necessitating effective treatment to mitigate its hazardous effects on ecosystems. Although various wastewater treatment methods exist, they often have significant drawbacks. The use of bioalgal membranes and microalgae in wastewater treatment offers a revolutionary approach to removing pollutants and nutrients from wastewater. This innovative technology utilizes microalgae, tiny photosynthetic organisms, to absorb contaminants, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. Sustainable control of nutrients and wastewater is made possible by the use of microalgal membrane photobioreactors (MPBRs), allowing for efficient nutrient recovery. This method excels in removing nutrients, reducing eutrophication risks, and producing valuable byproducts like biofuels and animal feed. Unlike traditional methods, bioalgal membranes and microalgae offer improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and versatility in treating wastewater. As a renewable energy source, this technology contributes to a circular economy and mitigates environmental impacts. With vast potential applications, bioalgal membranes and microalgae are poised to transform the wastewater treatment landscape, fostering a more sustainable future.
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, with an estimated 1.7 million tonnes of plastic waste entering the oceans annually and microplastic concentrations reaching up to 4.34 particles per liter in drinking water. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microplastic sources, degradation mechanisms, analytical methodologies, and mitigation strategies. The pathways through which microplastics enter aquatic and terrestrial environments are examined, emphasizing their persistence and bioaccumulation risks. The review details key degradation processes including physical fragmentation, photodegradation, chemical oxidation, and microbial biodegradation, with a comparative evaluation of their effectiveness and environmental significance. Additionally, we assess state-of-the-art detection techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, which are capable of identifying microplastics down to 100 nm. Current mitigation efforts, including advanced wastewater treatment technologies (membrane bioreactors, electrocoagulation), bio-based sorbents for microplastic removal, and global regulatory measures such as the EU Microplastics Restriction Proposal (2023), are discussed. By synthesizing recent developments and identifying critical research gaps, this review provides a roadmap for future innovations in microplastic pollution management, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary solutions to minimize environmental and human health risks.
In 2002, ten different polymeric antioxidant by-products (ABP) were discovered in Danish drinking water. ABPs, also known as Arvin substances, are breakdown products from antioxidants when exposed to for example heat and pressure. At the time of discovery, ABPs were poorly studied and thus lacked toxicological and exposure data. This review aims to assess publicly available toxicological and exposure data to highlight potential human health concerns and data gaps of these ten different ABPs. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) databases up to August 1, 2025 focusing on publications related to toxicity, ecotoxicity, or exposure data. Besides drinking water, ABPs have been detected in food, plastic kitchenware and in humans at various concentrations. Toxicological data were identified for ABP 1 (4-ethylphenol), ABP 2 (4-tert-butylphenol), ABP 4 (2,4-di-tert-butylphenol) and ABP 9 (methyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate). Oral exposure of rats to ABPs resulted in systemic effects, specifically in liver and stomach, while in zebrafish mainly developmental and systemic effects were observed. Limited to no toxicological and/or ecotoxicological data were available for ABP 3 (2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone), ABP 5 (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxystyrene), ABP 6 (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde), ABP 7 (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyacetophenone), ABP 8 (7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione), and ABP 10 (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid) and limited exposure or no data were available for ABP 5, 7, 8 and 9. The review highlights significant data gaps, precluding a comprehensive risk assessment, although human health concerns appear warranted given the available toxicological findings and ongoing exposure.
