Chemical control of Aedes aegypti remains essential for reducing transmission of arboviruses in urban environments; however, intensive use of pesticides has increased the risk of metabolic and behavioral resistance. The aim of this study was to (1) examine the biological and biochemical responses of Aedes aegypti larvae exposed to a low-dose mixture of spinosad and pyriproxyfen, two larvicides with distinct modes of action and (2) determine whether reduced concentrations are able to maintain effective developmental inhibition. Semi-field trials and controlled lab assays were conducted using spinosad at 1.25 μg/L and pyriproxyfen at 0.63 μg/L, concentrations markedly lower than operational recommendations. Under semi-field conditions, this mixture suppressed more than 90% of adult emergence over 28 days and completely inhibited pupation. Lab observations noted rapid neurobehavioral disruption, including erratic swimming, tremors, lethargy, and immobility, followed by developmental arrest and mortality. Enzymatic analysis showed a transient metabolic response, characterized by early induction of mixed-function oxidases and intermediate activation of esterases, while glutathione S-transferases remained unchanged. These findings indicate short-lived detoxification activity rather than sustained resistance mechanisms. Overall, complementary neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting actions of spinosad and pyriproxyfen were effective even at markedly reduced concentrations. Data support the use of low-dose larvicide mixtures as an environmentally responsible strategy consistent with Integrated Vector Management, potentially decreasing chemical inputs while maintaining larvicidal efficacy.

Invasive alien species are increasingly replacing native species, with human habitat alterations often favoring invasive taxa. The Brazilian Rio Uberabinha, for instance, was found to harbor more invasive guppies (Poecilia reticulata) at polluted than non-polluted sites. Studies in other regions reported numeric frequencies of certain nuptial color ornaments of guppy males to either in- or decrease along pollution gradients, which has been interpreted to largely reflect population differences of (heritable) male ornamentation patterns. But could plasticity play an additional, or possibly even greater role in creating phenotypic variation of nuptial ornaments? Here, we examined male guppies along a gradient of diffuse water pollution of domestic and industrial origins in the Rio Uberabinha and quantified not only the number of ornaments (and percentage body cover), but also population differences in color intensity (total coloration, ΔE). The latter metric likely reflects plasticity during ornament development, e.g., through general challenges to physiological homeostasis or suppression of male ornamentation following xenestrogen exposure. We found numbers and % body cover of violet ornaments to increase as water pollution intensified. Black, orange, blue and violet ornaments responded to additional components of environmental variation that were not the focus of our present study (e.g., stream velocity, dissolved oxygen). Moreover, we found systematic variation of ΔE along the examined pollution gradient in the case of white/iridescent ornaments, with fish becoming more brightly colored at more polluted sites, possibly related to an alteration of uric acid and guanine biosynthesis and/or accumulation. White/iridescent and green ornaments also responded to additional components of environmental variation. Hence, it appears that both, plasticity and evolutionary changes, jointly create phenotypic diversification of different ornament types. Our study provides novel insights into the manifold ways by which man-made habitat alterations can alter evolutionary trajectories (here: components of sexual selection) of the populations exposed to them.

The global spread of Aedes aegypti poses increasing challenges for vector control programs, especially in the context of insecticide resistance and growing environmental concerns. Innovative control strategies include integrated vector management and use of biopesticides as sustainable alternatives to conventional insecticides. However, despite recent advances, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the efficacy, safety, and sustainability of integrated biopesticide-based strategies for environmentally friendly Aedes aegypti management. The aim of this review was to critically examine the ecotoxicological risks associated with isolated use of conventional pesticides and highlight the benefits and limitations of integrated vector management approaches. Publications from the last 10 years were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with inclusion criteria focusing on studies addressing ecotoxicological effects and sustainability of integrated biopesticide-based strategies. Recent evidence demonstrated that integrated strategies provide enhanced efficacy and reduced environmental impact compared to chemical-only interventions. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding long-term ecological safety, operational feasibility, and resistance development. Comprehensive toxicological assessments and further studies are crucial to ensure the safe, effective, and sustainable use of integrated vector control approaches, with a focus on minimizing adverse environmental impacts and delaying insecticidal resistance development.

Birds have played a crucial role as environmental monitors throughout history, ranging from the use of canaries to detect methane and carbon monoxide in mines to the decline of raptors and seabirds during the DDT era due to widespread organochlorine pesticide contamination. Owing to their high diversity and capacity for bioaccumulation, birds are widely recognized as effective indicators of environmental change and pollutant exposure. Cytogenetic techniques have been increasingly applied over the past two decades to assess micronuclei formation resulting from interactions with clastogenic and aneugenic chemical compounds. The main goals of this study were (a) to evaluate a subset of the bird community in the southeastern Brazilian Cerrado as potential environmental indicators of pesticide exposure using the erythrocyte micronucleus test and (b) to investigate possible associations between bird morphometric traits and micronuclei frequency. Birds were sampled from three groups of coffee farms in the Brazilian Cerrado. Blood samples were collected from 152 individuals (122 on farms and 30 at the reference site) via the metatarsal vein, followed by slide preparation for micronucleus analysis. Two slides were prepared per bird; each slide was scored for 10,000 erythrocytes, and MN frequency was reported as the mean across slides. The species Leptotila rufaxilla, Volatinia jacarina, Galbula ruficauda, Gnorimopsar chopi, Molothrus bonariensis, Passer domesticus, Turdus leucomelas, and Turdus rufiventris exhibited six or more micronuclei per 10,000 erythrocytes, indicating the highest potential as bioindicators of environmental contamination. Micronuclei frequency in erythrocytes was positively correlated with the use of mixed pesticides, with variation depending on the size of the coffee farms. Although a slight negative biological trend was observed between micronuclei frequency and certain morphometric traits, particularly bill length, no statistically significant correlations were found. Similarly, birds from large farms exhibited a slight reduction in certain morphometric features, though these differences were also not statistically significant. These results highlight the utility of selected bird species as early-warning bioindicators for pesticide exposure in tropical agroecosystems.

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is an essential approach for assessing exposure to environmental toxicants and for informing risk assessment frameworks. However, the global expansion of HBM has (1) outpaced efforts to harmonize methodologies, (2) addressed contextual inequalities, and (3) translated findings into public health interventions. This review examined literature regarding HBM across different contaminant categories including atmospheric pollutants, heavy metals, mycotoxins, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Drawing on recent studies, key trends, methodological inconsistencies, and systemic biases in research design and population coverage were identified. This review noted an overrepresentation of studies in high-income countries, limited data from vulnerable populations, and a persistent reliance on cross-sectional designs. There is significant heterogeneity in biomarker selection, analytical protocols, and interpretation of exposure-health relationships. Further, many investigations failed to control for confounding variables or explore toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic mechanisms, limiting causal inference. Further, exposure to complex chemical mixtures was routinely underexplored, despite evidence of potential interactive effects. The review presents critical gaps in current knowledge, particularly regarding long-term health effects and translation of biomonitoring data into risk management policies. This review emphasizes the need for standardized methodologies, expanded research in low- and middle-income settings, and integration of biomonitoring with community-based surveillance and environmental justice frameworks. Future research needs to prioritize longitudinal designs, interdisciplinary approaches, and greater inclusion of socially and geographically marginalized groups. By reconceptualizing HBM as both a scientific and socio-political endeavor, the field might more effectively contribute to global environmental health protection.

Biomonitoring using vegetation and epiphytic lichens has gained prominence as a low-cost and integrative approach to assess air quality impacts on ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the bioaccumulation and physiological responses of Mangifera indica leaves and epiphytic lichens across nine monitoring stations in southeastern Brazil, and to develop a predictive environmental risk index based on pollutant concentrations. Heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn) were quantified in soil, leaf, and lichen samples, and Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) was calculated using foliar biochemical parameters. Data from São Paulo State Environmental Agency (CETESB) air quality stations, including PM10, NO, NO2, and NOX, were integrated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA), and linear regression modeling. PCA revealed that Cr, Cu, and Zn in foliar and lichen tissues, along with APTI and fluoride, accounted for most of the biological variation. CCA identified nitrogen oxides (NO, NOx) as the primary environmental drivers of biological response. A robust regression model (based on CCA results) was developed to predict a composite biological risk score using air pollution data alone. This model was used to construct an Environmental Risk Index that accurately classified sites into high, moderate, or low-risk categories. The approach demonstrated here offers a transferable, biologically grounded framework for assessing environmental risk, particularly in urban-industrial contexts, and supports the integration of biomonitoring into environmental and public health policies.

This study pioneers the evaluation of toxicity in the Coromandel stream, located in the southeastern region of Brazil, highlighting the essential role of ecotoxicology in informing environmental management decisions. We employed bioindicators to assess the water quality across multiple collection points along the stream, focusing on its physical, chemical, and ecotoxicological characteristics. The investigation utilized Allium cepa seeds and Dendrocephalus brasiliensis nauplii to conduct acute ecotoxicological tests, examining cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, including the mitotic index and micronuclei frequency for A. cepa and immobility rates for D. brasiliensis. Our findings reveal significant pollution impacts, particularly in areas affected by residential and industrial activities, where increased immobility in D. brasiliensis and heightened genotoxic potential were observed. These outcomes indicate deteriorating water quality and underscore the urgency for targeted environmental interventions. Real-time monitoring further identified critical alterations in water parameters, underscoring the stream sections with significant anthropogenic influence as hotspots for pollution and toxic risk. This research underscores the importance of integrated ecotoxicological assessments in detecting and addressing environmental threats in freshwater ecosystems.

Atmospheric pollution is a major public health issue and has become increasingly critical for human health. Urban atmospheric pollution is typically assessed through physicochemical indicators aligned with environmental legislation parameters, providing data on air quality levels. While the effects of pollution on sensitive organisms serve as a warning for public health decision-makers, there remains a need to explore the interpretation of environmental data on pollutants. The use of species adapted to urban environments as sentinels enables continuous and integrated monitoring of environmental pollution implications on biological systems. In this study, we investigated the use of the plant species Tradescantia pallida as a biomonitor to evaluate the genotoxic effects of atmospheric pollution under diverse vehicular traffic conditions. T. pallida was strategically planted at the leading urban intersections in Uberlândia, Brazil. During COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, we compared indicators such as physical, biological, and traffic data at different intersections in residential and commercial zones. The reduction in vehicular traffic highlighted the sensitivity of plant species to changes in air and soil pollutants. T. pallida showed bioaccumulation of heavy metals Cd and Cr in monitored areas with higher traffic levels. Additionally, we established a multiple linear regression model to estimate genotoxicity using the micronucleus test, with chromium concentration in the soil (X1) and particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere (X2) identified as the primary independent variables. Our findings provide a comprehensive portrait of the impact of vehicular traffic changes on PM and offer valuable insights for refining parameters and models of Environmental Health Surveillance.

The escalation of environmental issues demands a response towards sustainable development, and universities may contribute to a greener future by reducing their own environmental impacts. Brazil has a history of environmental policies and more than 2000 higher education institutions (HEIs). Although Brazilian universities have been implementing green practices and taking part in sustainability rankings, their performances in these platforms are poorly appreciated. We aimed to address this issue and investigated the participation of Brazilian HEIs in GreenMetrics (GM). We asked whether the number of universities in Brazil participating in GM increased over the years, and whether their overall and criteria performances have been improving. The number of Brazilian HEIs ranked by GM has increased by over 1000% since its first edition, and their overall scores have increased since 2014. Nonetheless, the greening strategies of universities in Brazil have changed since 2014, because “Education & Research” score largely increased in the period, while “Water” and “Waste” scores decreased. These results show that a growing number of universities in Brazil are implementing sustainability actions, reflecting the country’s commitment with sustainable development. However, they are approaching sustainability mainly through a traditional teaching and research approach. Therefore, there is a lot of potential for improvement of campus sustainability in Brazil, especially regarding different aspects of campus operations, and we suggest that creating institutional sustainability policies oriented by GM indicators is an opportunity to make Brazilian universities greener.

Worldwide water quality has declined progressively due to continuous pollution of aquatic resources by agrochemicals in particular heavy metals. Fish genotoxicity biomarkers are vital to identify and complement chemical parameters for determining environmental risk of adverse effects. Therefore, it was of interest to examine the eco-genotoxicity attributed to water pollution over different stream sections of Brazilian rivers by using Cichlasoma paranaense (Teleostei: Cichlidae), a neotropical freshwater cichlid ?sh, as a biological model. Chemical analysis of water and sediments collected from different Brazilian rivers sites demonstrated contamination by metals. Cichlasoma paranaense were collected at a reference location (a permanent water preservation area), maintained in the lab under standard conditions (controlled temperature, lighting, daily feeding, and constant aeration) and exposed to environmental samples of water and sediments. Subsequently, micronucleus (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) frequencies were assessed in erythrocytes obtained from the caudal and gill regions. The highest concentrations of Cu were found in samples from river sites with forest fragmentation attributed to intensive agriculture practices. Similarly, exposure of fish to samples from agricultural areas induced significantly higher number of genotoxic effects. There was no marked difference between the tissues (tail and gill) regarding the observed frequencies of MN and NA. Thus C. paranaense fish served as a reliable model for detecting genotoxic effects, especially when water samples were collected near the discharge of agrochemicals. Evidence indicates that this method be considered for other global river sites which are also exposed to agrochemicals discharges containing Cu.

The physicochemical and biological parameters of aquatic ecosystems are directly affected by mining activities, increasing the ecotoxicological risk related to exposure to contaminants and pollutants. In this study, a native and adapted floating aquatic macrophyte was used in a gold mining area as a model organism to assess the environmental risk and its potential application in bioremediation of heavy metals. The physicochemical parameters of water and sediments were evaluated, as well as the phytoremediation parameters (bioconcentration and translocation factors) of Hydrocotyle ranunculoides L. The results showed a significant bioconcentration of Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the roots of the macrophyte (high BCF: As > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr), confirming its suitability for use in rhizofiltration. Regarding arsenic bioconcentration, H. ranunculoides demonstrated a high BCF and TF > 1, indicating its phytoextraction potential, an essential requirement for plants to be used in bioremediation programs.

Neste artigo foi realizada revisão historiográfica sobre o arcabouço normativo preceptor dos atuais instrumentos reguladores dos recursos hídricos e dos efluentes no Brasil, com foco especial no Estado de Minas Gerais e no Programa de Recebimento e Monitoramento dos Efluentes não Domésticos (PREMEND) de Uberlândia, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Considerando que os efluentes são a maior causa de contaminação dos recursos hídricos no planeta, a partir desta revisão, foi discutido o caso especial de Uberlândia como exemplo a contribuir com a detecção das formas e funções das normas e seu papel regulatório-protetor em ambientes estressantes, como é o caso das grandes cidades. O PREMEND exige dos usuários que produzem efluentes não domésticos no Município de Uberlândia um tratamento prévio dos seus resíduos para reduzir a carga orgânica, prevenindo riscos e assegurando a qualidade da água do Rio Uberabinha. Para a compreensão das articulações no campo teórico-normativo, foi pesquisada a história do surgimento do saneamento, o nascimento de normas sobre os recursos hídricos e os efluentes, bem como a evolução legislativa brasileira, no âmbito federal, estadual mineira e municipal que culminaram na origem do PREMEND.

Several studies have shown the issue of effluent discharges as a source of contamination into waterways. Still, the impact of chemical pollutants on sediment is less well understood, especially from an ecotoxicological perspective, even though it is known that chemicals from industrial processes are frequently released into river systems. Therefore, here we compared water-sediment samples collected in high-anthropogenic urban area and low-anthropogenic peri-urban area. We have used physicochemical parameters, genotoxicity assay, bioindication and acute and surviving chronic toxicity tests - in an integrated biological assessment. Results suggest no acute toxicity related to exposure to samples from both areas. Still, samples collected in the high-anthropogenic urban area were associated with chronic toxicity effects in D. magna. Heavy metals Pb, Cu, and Cr were found in all samples. Even having all averages below the allowed level as determined by CONAMA (Resolution 420-Class 2), the Water Quality Index (WQI) score showed us that samples from high-anthropogenic sites were identified as "Poor," and samples from low-anthropogenic sites were identified as "Good." Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Odonata, which are very sensitive organisms, were largely absent in high-anthropogenic areas, showing that it is likely to be associated with WQI. Therefore, careful consideration should be applied to monitoring effluent discharges using predictive tests, considering the environmental risks of sediment contamination and its consequences on the total environment.

Não podemos mais aceitar a polarização binária entre os campos do desenvolvimento social e do desenvolvimento econômico. Também, temos que pensar em como temos entendido o desafio da Sustentabilidade. Nesse caminho, um referencial importante para nortear o deslocamento, rumo a um modelo mais sustentável de vida e produção, passa pela ressignificação dos conceitos e dos papeis atribuídos à Ciência e à Tecnologia. Assim, a Academia e as instituições públicas precisam reconhecer a necessidade de uma agenda não utilitária e imediatista do conhecimento. Ciência e Tecnologia constituem um arcabouço que, para ser a base do desenvolvimento sustentável, requer a promoção de mecanismos de financiamento também sustentáveis. É importante, portanto, reconhecer a importância da Pesquisa Básica e ampliar o acesso à transferência tecnológica que advém da Pesquisa Aplicada, com favorecimento à inovação de grande impacto socioeconômico, alta viabilidade, ampla difusão e baixo custo. Nesse sentido, as iniciativas de produção de conhecimento, divulgação pública da Ciência e o compartilhamento de informações confiáveis devem ter prioridade para, assim, subsidiar políticas públicas mais eficientes, inclusivas e participativas. Na presente obra, intitulada ‘Ciência, Tecnologia e Sustentabilidade’ foram reunidos estudos que representam o engajamento de diferentes pesquisadores em apresentar resultados de pesquisas que vão, desde a reflexão sobre os próprios processos de construção do conhecimento, até diferentes aplicações do saber científico, em experimentos voltados para atender a diferentes necessidades e demandas socioambientais.

Arsenic (As) occurs naturally in geologic conditions, but groundwater contamination might also be found due to the consequences of mining, agricultural and industrial processes. Human exposure to As after drinking contaminated water is commonly associated with acute toxicity outcomes and chronic effects ranging from skin lesions to cancer. Integrated actions from environmental and health authorities are needed to reduce exposure, monitoring outcomes, and promotion of actions to offer sustainable As-safe water alternatives. Considering recent research trends, the present review summarizes and discusses current issues associated with the process and effects of contamination and decontamination in an environmental health perspective. Recent findings reinforce the harmful effects of the consumption of As-contaminated water and broaden the scope of related diseases including intestinal maladies, type 2 diabetes, cancers of bladder, kidneys, lung, and liver. Among the main strategies to diminish or remove As from water, the following are highlighted (1) ion exchange system and membrane filtration (micro, ultra, and nanofiltration) as physicochemical treatment systems; (2) use of cyanobacteria and algae in bioremediation programs and (3) application of nanotechnology for water treatment.

ABSTRACT Arsenic (As) occurs naturally in geologic conditions, but groundwater contamination might also be found due to the consequences of mining, agricultural and industrial processes. Human exposure to As after drinking contaminated water is commonly associated with acute toxicity outcomes and chronic effects ranging from skin lesions to cancer. Integrated actions from environmental and health authorities are needed to reduce exposure, monitoring outcomes, and promotion of actions to offer sustainable As-safe water alternatives. Considering recent research trends, the present review summarizes and discusses current issues associated with the process and effects of contamination and decontamination in an environmental health perspective. Recent findings reinforce the harmful effects of the consumption of As-contaminated water and broaden the scope of related diseases including intestinal maladies, type 2 diabetes, cancers of bladder, kidneys, lung, and liver. Among the main strategies to diminish or remove As from water, the following are highlighted (1) ion exchange system and membrane filtration (micro, ultra, and nanofiltration) as physicochemical treatment systems; (2) use of cyanobacteria and algae in bioremediation programs and (3) application of nanotechnology for water treatment.