This paper positions microbiomes as pivotal to advancing the One Health framework, emphasizing their role in linking human, animal, and environmental health. Despite widespread support, implementation faces hurdles due to insufficient metrics, standardized indicators, and limited cross-sector collaboration. An interdisciplinary team investigates how climate change, pollution, and microbial contamination influence microbiome dynamics. Microbiome indicators like stress, resilience, and stability are proposed as proxies for health to guide evidence-based interventions. Key domains for microbiome assessment include the human and animal gut, soil, groundwater, and built environments, with food safety and water quality data serving as vital connectors. The paper introduces the nanostructurome to uncover microbial communication pathways and enable precision microbiome modulation. Integration of microbiological databases, microbiome literacy, citizen science, and social science perspectives is advocated to foster coordinated action. Ultimately, the microbiome is proposed as a strategic nexus for conceptual alignment, health indicator development, and targeted interventions.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) liquids contain compounds deemed safe for ingestion (GRAS), yet lack inhalation safety data, posing risks, especially to adolescents. This study analyzed chemical discrepancies in ENDS via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and surveyed Slovenian secondary students on nicotine use. One-third used nicotine, two-thirds daily, mainly for stress relief. Surprisingly, 85% of physically active users also consumed nicotine. Most focused only on nicotine levels, ignoring other ingredients. Analysis revealed cytotoxic substances when inhaled and unlisted solvents, exposing a mismatch between labeled and actual content. Findings stress the need for toxicological evaluation, clearer labeling, stricter regulation, and targeted youth education.

The sustainability of resource recovery and agricultural practices can be enhanced by utilising microalgal biomass from a high-rate algal pond for wastewater treatment to improve soil quality and food yields. However, certain factors should be considered first. The addition of fertilisers and the presence of contaminants such as microplastics (MPs) can modify the behaviour of pesticides, applied to such fields. A sorption study of three model pesticides with different octanol–water partitioning coefficient (log Kow): acetamiprid (ACE, log Kow 0.80), chlorantraniliprole (CAP, log Kow 2.76), and flubendiamide (FLU, log Kow 4.20), was carried out in soils amended with microalgal biomass in the presence and absence of MPs. The surface of the sorbents in the study was characterised by attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle (CA), and point of zero charge (pHPZC). Overall, the sorption of model pesticides increased with their hydrophobicity: ACE > CAP > FLU. The addition of microalgal biomass to soil increased the sorption of ACE (0.72 ± 0.05 µg g−1), compared to soil only (0.08 ± 0.08 µg g−1). The greater sorption capacity of ACE can be attributed to electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions between ACE moieties and the negatively charged surface of microalgal biomass containing polar functional groups. The presence of MPs (3

Water resources are subject to an increasing number of different types of pollutants, chemical and physical, which can interact in different ways. Among these, microplastic particles (MPs) and pharmaceuticals often coexist, with MPs serving as potential carriers for them. This interaction poses dual risks, including physical harm and chemical intoxication upon ingestion, since MPs prolong their presence in aquatic ecosystems and organisms. Besides, both microplastics (MPs) and pharmaceuticals cannot be completely removed by current wastewater treatment technologies and are prone to cycle in the hydrosphere. To address these concerns, an inquiry-based laboratory module was implemented in a Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry course to engage preservice chemistry teachers in investigating the adsorption of pharmaceuticals onto MPs. A total of 21 students, working in groups of 2-3, participated in two iterations of the 3 h module, which aimed to address water pollution challenges. Students identified research questions, formulated hypotheses, and designed experimental plans to assess the adsorption of drospirenone and diclofenac on four MP types: polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and poly(butylene adipate) terephthalate (PBAT). The pharmaceuticals' concentrations were analyzed pre- and postexperiment using UV-vis spectrophotometry. Results indicated a higher adsorption of diclofenac compared with drospirenone, with PBAT showing superior adsorption capacity for both pharmaceuticals. One-way ANOVA identified significant differences in adsorption among MPs, particularly between PBAT and other types of MPs. Students' environmental competencies improved after the activity, as suggested by pre- and postquestionnaire comparisons.

Abstract: Tobacco-free nicotine pouches, first introduced in Sweden, are made as a less hazardous product for cigarette consumers. Instead of tobacco leaves, they consist of nicotine-containing powder and other ingredients such as water, salts, natural aromatic oils and others, that will boost the flavor and effect and make it last longer. This research aimed to investigate the extraction efficiency of nicotine from poaches of different brands. The effects of alcohol and sugars present in saliva at different pHs and consumption times were investigated as well. We optimized a High performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection method (HPLC-DAD) for nicotine determination and its quantification. We used reversed-phase chromatography (RP-HPLC), and a mixture of sodium hydrogen carbonate and acetonitrile as a mobile phase (85:15, v/v). Different brands of nicotine pouches were used. Nicotine extraction rate showed positive linear dependence on time. The percentage of extraction was measured at different intervals, up to two hours, without getting a plateau. Nicotine extraction lowers with the increasing volume of saliva. The obtained results have shown that the increasing ethanol concentration in saliva (from 5-40 %) leads to a higher extraction rate, coming up to 85 %. In the case of sugar addition, the results were variable. Experiments with White fox pouches have shown that extraction of nicotine decreases with a higher concentration. On contrary, Siberia pouches do not exhibit that correlation. When it comes to pH, we used pH range that usually varies in saliva and the results have shown no significant differences. Keywords: Nicotine, Pouches, HPLC-DAD, Extraction

Bisphenol S (BPS) is a common, persistent, and mobile chemical found in everyday products such as thermal paper. BPS can easily enter the body by migrating from the paper to the fingers, disrupting the endocrine system by mimicking the oestrogen hormone, thus negatively influencing human health. Assessing BPS levels in daily life is of great importance. This study introduces a rapid and reliable approach for detecting BPS in thermal paper and tap water by developing an electrochemical analytical method. This method allows for in-situ, real-time measurements. We present a simple, low-cost electrochemical sensor for detecting BPS using screen-printed electrodes based on carbon (SPEC) and single-wall carbon-nanotube (SPE-SWCNT) working electrodes. BPS was detected over a wide linear range from 1 to 400 μM. The detection limits were 0.73 μM and 0.87 μM for the SPE-C and SPE-SWCNT electrodes, respectively. Good repeatability was observed for both sensors when using one electrode 16 times, which demonstrates its potential for real-time environmental monitoring. Additionally, traditional chromatographic methods, high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry triple quadrupole (LCMS), were incorporated to enhance analytical capabilities. HPLC-DAD achieved a detection limit of 3 nM after solid-phase extraction preconcentration, while LCMS triple quadrupole demonstrated a detection limit of 10 pM without preconcentration. Electrochemical screen-printed electrodes can be employed for on-site analysis and health-risk assessments in everyday settings, such as shops. However, for detecting very low concentrations where time is not a constraint, LCMS quadrupole remains the preferred technique.

Pears are abundant in bioactive compounds, which exert favorable effects on human health. The biophysical attributes of fruit cuticles are pivotal in determining fruit quality, storability, and susceptibility to mold growth. This study aimed to elucidate the biophysical properties of six pear cultivars, ‘Conference’, ‘Celina’, ‘Abate Fetel’, ‘Packham’s Triumph’, ‘Sweet Sensation’, and ‘Williams’. Two maturity stages, unripe and fully ripened, were investigated. Furthermore, the efficacy of trimethyl-chitosan-coated pear surfaces in preventing Penicillium expansum (P. expansum) growth was assessed. Basic maturity indices (CIE color, ethylene evolution, firmness, soluble solids), cuticle contact angle, roughness, and zeta potential were analyzed. Surface roughness was measured using an optical profilometer, hydrophobicity was measured via profilometry, and zeta potential was quantified using an electrokinetic analyzer. The ‘Celina’ cultivar exhibited the highest roughness, whereas ‘Williams’ had the lowest roughness. All the cultivars’ cuticles demonstrated hydrophilic characteristics, with contact angles ranging between 65° and 90°. For pH values exceeding 3.5, all pear surfaces exhibited a negative zeta potential. P. expansum growth was the slowest on the ‘Packham’s Triumph’ and ‘Conference’ cultivars. Treatment with trimethyl chitosan effectively inhibited P. expansum growth in the initial hours of incubation. In conclusion, diverse pear cultivars manifest distinct biophysical surface properties and varying susceptibility to P. expansum growth. The growth of P. expansum correlates positively with roughness, contact angle, and zeta potential. These differences can significantly impact shelf life potential and the overall postharvest quality of pears.

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Sample preparation is the key step in determining low concentrations of pollutants from food, biological, plant, industrial, and environmental matrices [...]

This work summarizes our research on synthesis, characterization and toxicity of selected UV-A filters and their antioxidant shield in commercial formulation - resveratrol. Benzophenone type of UV filters react under disinfection conditions with chlorine and form different mono- and dichlorinated products, while dibenzoylmethane derivatives, such as avobenzone, react with chlorine and form two main bridge chlorinated products followed by numerous chlorinated species at the advanced stages of the process. Resveratrol showed three main susceptible centers to chlorination, starting from the electrophilic addition to the double bond and continuing with the chlorination of the phenolic moieties. Several experiments conducted under different disinfection conditions (pool/sea water, addition of salts, irradiation) showed basically similar chlorination patters with some variations in terms of product formation. The results of toxicity assessment using different test organisms (Vibrio fischeri, microalgae, daphnids) have shown different sensitivity of testing organisms to the parent UV filters in comparison with chlorinated products as well as different toxicity for specific UV filter in comparison to the others. As the closing loop of all experiments in the laboratory, an up-scaling to the real human skin is presented.

Particles with the largest dimension of less than 5 mm, also termed as microplastics (MPs), gained a lot of scientific and media attention in the last decade. MPs in the environment are of importance because of their potential for further fragmentation, accumulation, and impact on biota in the terres-trial and water environments. MPs research is challenging due to their diversity in size, shape, and chemical structure. For research purposes, MP particles can be purchased, but in terms of chemical structure, they properties might not correspond to the ones of MPs, found in the environment. Com-pared to purchased MPs, plastic products in the environment can contain different additives, despite being the same polymer type as purchased MPs. Therefore, for environmental studies preparation of MP particles from plastic products is preferable. In this contribution two methods for laboratory preparation of MP particles, different sizes and polymer types, are presented. Method using ultra-sound probe was found to be suitable for obtaining polyester fibres from thin sewing thread, while cryogenic milling was found to be preferable method for MPs preparation from larger and thicker plastic particles. In this way, MPs of other types of plastic (polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene) were prepared from beforehand manually cut plastic particles, originating from everyday plastic products. Keywords: Miroplastics; Cryomilling; Separation; Challenges of preparation; Surface topology

Limonene (1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-cyclohexene) is one of the most widespread monocyclic terpenes, being both a natural and industrial compound. It is widely present in the environment, including in water supplies. Therefore, it may be subjected to aqueous chlorination at water treatment stations during drinking water preparation. Besides, being a component of numerous body care and cosmetic products, it may present at high levels in swimming pool waters and could also be subjected to aqueous chlorination. Laboratory experiments with aqueous chlorination of D-limonene demonstrated the prevalence of the conjugated electrophilic addition of HOCl molecule to the double bonds of the parent molecule as the primary reaction. The reaction obeys the Markovnikov rule, as the levels of the corresponding products were higher than those of the alternative ones. Fragmentation pattern in conditions of electron ionization enabled the assigning of the structures for four primary products. The major products of the chlorination are formed by the addition of two HOCl molecules to limonene. The reactions of electrophilic addition are usually accompanied by the reactions of elimination. Thus, the loss of water molecules from the products of various generations results in the reproduction of the double bond, which immediately reacts further. Thus, a cascade of addition-elimination reactions brings the most various isomeric polychlorinated species. At a ratio of limonene/active chlorine higher than 1:10, the final products of aqueous chlorination (haloforms) start forming, while brominated haloforms represent a notable portion of these products due to the presence of bromine impurities in the used NaOCl. It is worth mentioning that the bulk products of aqueous chlorination are less toxic in the bioluminescence test on V. fischeri than the parent limonene.

Microplastics (MPs) have gained significant attention in the last two decades and have been widely researched in the marine environment. There are, however, less studies on their presence, routes of entry, and impacts on the biota in the soil environment. One of the main issues in the study of MPs is a lack of standardized methods for their identification in environmental samples. Currently the most commonly used techniques are thermal desorption gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) methods and pyrolysis followed by GC–MS. In this study, headspace-solid phase microextraction followed by GC–MS is proposed as a simple and widely applicable method for the determination of commonly present polymer MPs (polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polypropylene) in environmental samples, for analytical laboratories with basic equipment worldwide. The proposed method is based on the identification of compounds, which are formed during the well-controlled melting process of specific coarse (1–5 mm) and fine fraction (1 mm–100 μm) MPs. The method was upgraded for the identification of individual polymer type in blends and in complex environmental matrices (soil and algae biomass). The successful application of the method in complex matrices makes it especially suitable for widescale use.

With everyday advances in the field of pharmaceuticals, medicinal plants have high priority regarding the introduction of novel synthetic compounds by the usage of environmentally friendly extraction technologies. Herein, a supercritical CO2 extraction method was implemented in the analysis of four plants (chamomile, St. John’s wort, yarrow, and curry plant) after which the non-targeted analysis of the chemical composition, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity was evaluated. The extraction yield was the highest for the chamomile (5%), while moderate yields were obtained for the other three plants. The chemical composition analyzed by gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) demonstrated extraction of diverse compounds including terpenes and terpenoids, fatty acids, flavonoids and coumarins, functionalized phytosterols, and polyphenols. Voltammetry of microfilm immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode using square-wave voltammetry (SWV) was applied in the analysis of extracts. It was found that antioxidant activity obtained by SWV correlates well to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazine (DPPH) radical assay (R2 = 0.818) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (R2 = 0.640), but not to the total phenolic content (R2 = 0.092). Effective results were obtained in terms of activity showing the potential usage of supercritical CO2 extraction to acquire bioactive compounds of interest.

Sunscreens ensure thorough protection against sunburn. The delivery of UV filters into the stratum corneum and viable epidermis could be reduced by the use of antioxidants (such as β-carotene and trans-resveratrol, alone or combined). The presence/absence of antioxidants (trans-resveratrol and β-carotene) in formulations containing benzophenone-3 (UV-filter) and their efficiency under disinfection and neutral conditions are studied and compared. The trial was conducted on 38 people. The prepared ointments were applied to the participants' forearms, irradiated and monitored by reflectance colorimetry after 0, 4, 6, and 8 min. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the skin color's main characteristics and the F-ratio was used to test overall differences. The ointments containing antioxidants and benzophenone-3 were the most efficient, followed by those with benzophenone-3 alone. It was proven that photoprotection with benzophenone-3 is still effective, despite the formation of its chlorinated products. Due to the short time of exposure to disinfecting conditions, it could be assumed that benzophenone-3 was only partially chlorinated. This clinical study demonstrated that formulations containing antioxidants are likely to be more suitable for protecting skin against UVB irradiation than a UV filter alone.

Microplastic pollution is globally widespread; however, the presence of microplastics in soil systems is poorly understood, due to the complexity of soils and a lack of standardised extraction methods. Two commonly used extraction methods were optimised and compared for the extraction of low-density (polyethylene (PE)) and high-density microplastics (polyethylene (PET)), olive-oil-based extraction, and density separation with zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Comparable recoveries in a low-organic-matter matrix (soil; most >98%) were observed, but in a high-organic-matter matrix (compost), density separation yielded higher recoveries (98 ± 4% vs. 80 ± 11%). Density separation was further tested for the extraction of five microplastic polymers spiked at different concentrations. Recoveries were >93% for both soil and compost, with no differences between matrices and individual polymers. Reduction in levels of organic matter in compost was tested before and after extraction, as well as combined. Double oxidation (Fenton’s reagent and 1 M NaOH) exhibited the highest reduction in organic matter. Extracted microplastic polymers were further identified via headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS). This method has shown the potential for descriptive quantification of microplastic polymers. A linear relationship between the number of particles and the signal response was demonstrated for PET, polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PE (R2 > 0.98 in alluvial soil, and R2 > 0.80 in compost). The extraction and identification methods were demonstrated on an environmental sample of municipal biowaste compost, with the recovery of 36 ± 9 microplastic particles per 10 g of compost, and the detection of PS and PP.

Trans-resveratrol becomes more and more popular all over the world as a powerful antioxidant. Since its positive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor are indisputable, nowadays trans-resveratrol is used as a component of various products from nutriceutics to body care formulations, where it is supposed to behave as natural antioxidant and anti-aging compound. It is also added to food packaging materials to increase their stability or/and prevent oxidation. Nevertheless, being released to the environment resveratrol easily forms various transformation products with potentially negative environmental and health effects. The present paper deals with transformation of pure resveratrol and its formulation used as UV-protectors in conditions of aquatic chlorination. Over 80 transformation products were tentatively identified using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) and ultra pressure liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). Chlorinated phenols and biphenyls are the most relevant among them. Estimation of toxicity of resveratrol products was carried out using luminescent bacteria V. fischeri tests.

The increased use of sunscreens and other cosmetics containing UV filters causes human and environmental burden. Avobenzone is a widely used UV filter. In its pure form it is known to undergo several transformations including photo-isomerisation, photodegradation, and halogenation. Over 60 disinfection by-products were identified as transformation products of avobenzone in different disinfection reactions of chlorination and bromination in fresh and seawater. Two occasional samples of swimming pool water demonstrated the presence of some of these by-products at noticeable levels as judged by GC-MS peak areas. Although the toxicity of the majority of these products remain unknown, chlorinated phenols and acetophenones are known to be rather toxic. Aquatic bromination of avobenzone resulted in the identification of 33 disinfection by-products (DBPs). Many of them contain bromine in the molecular structure. Addition of copper salt slightly decreases conversion rate simultaneously increasing the levels of major brominated products. Photostability of 3 commercial sunscreen products (solar protection factor 30) containing avobenzone was studied under different experimental conditions including UVA/UVB, UVC photostimulation and chlorination. The commercial sunscreen products have completely different enhancing and inhibitory effect on avobenzone degradation under UVC light. The complex composition of commercial products caused also a protective shield in case of chlorinated solutions of commercial formulations exposed to chlorine and UVA/UVB light at the same time.

Doxazosin (DOX), a selective alpha blocker, is widely used in medical therapy as an effective antihypertensive agent. It is a frequently prescribed drug and for this reason, environmental and ecotoxicological research is of great importance in terms of exposure and risk for both aquatic species and humans. In this study we focused on photolytic and TiO2 photocatalytic degradation processes of doxazosin under different simulated conditions, with the emphasis on identification of degradation products. Photolytic (without TiO2) experiments were performed in the presence and absence of oxygen, while photocatalytic degradation of doxazosin aqueous solution has been carried out under constant oxygen flow. DOX degradation was more efficient in the TiO2/UVA photocatalytic experiment than during photolytic processes (UVA and UVC, UVC-N2). LC-HRMS analyses with electrospray ionization allowed observing the formation of several major degradation products depending on the reaction conditions (presence or absence of oxygen, photocatalysis). The transformation products were identified based on exact mass measurements, isotopic distribution, and fragmentation pattern. Among them, dominated C17H21N5O3 and C17H23N5O4 (cleavage of the dioxane cycle), and C23H25N5O7 (hydroxylation). The detailed degradation pathway has been proposed. Toxicity testing with V. fischeri luminescent bacteria revealed higher toxicity of samples in photolytic rather than photocatalytic experiments which might be attributed to the formation of different products.