Letícia May Fukushima , Juliana da Silva Fonseca , Thales Jean Vidal , Kely Paula Salvi , Carlos Henrique Figueiredo Lacerda , Patrícia Gomes Costa , Miguel Mies , Adalto Bianchini
{"title":"Impact of iron exposure on Brazilian coral reefs: Acute vs. chronic stress responses","authors":"Letícia May Fukushima , Juliana da Silva Fonseca , Thales Jean Vidal , Kely Paula Salvi , Carlos Henrique Figueiredo Lacerda , Patrícia Gomes Costa , Miguel Mies , Adalto Bianchini","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prior research has shown that exposure to metals increases corals vulnerability to bleaching by heightened oxidative stress. Understanding the impact of metal contamination on coral health in their natural environmental is crucial. This study investigate the effects of iron (Fe) exposure on Brazilian coral reef species. We evaluated the response of <em>Mussismilia harttii</em>, <em>Millepora alcicornis</em>, and <em>Siderastrea sp</em>. to acute (4 days) and chronic (28 days) Fe exposure under environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 100, 300 and 900 μg L<sup>−1</sup>). Experiments were conducted in laboratory and in a marine mesocosm Biomarkers including Fe bioaccumulation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonylation (PCN), and DNA damage were measured. The correlation between chronic exposure results and environmental factors were also analyzed. The hypotheses were: a) Fe exposure would increase ROS production in corals, leading to biomolecule damage; b) acute and chronic Fe exposure would affect ROS production and biomolecule damage differently; c) Fe bioaccumulation would vary between species and concentrations; and d) environmental factors might influence coral responses to Fe. Results indicated that all species exhibited increased Fe bioaccumulation as metal concentrations increased, suggesting a common ability to absorb and accumulate Fe. The oxidative damage response vired between acute and chronic exposure, with acute exposure causing more damage while chronic exposure showed a temporal reduction in damage. Environmental factors (e.g. temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen) also influenced the coral responses, either exacerbating or mitigating oxidative stress effects. These findings highlight the importance of understanding Fe contamination impacts for the conservation of Brazilian coral reefs<em>.</em></div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118309"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144069604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sheng Li , Jian Pang , Yuchao Liu , Xinxin He , Yingzi Wang , Shang Wang , Jingfeng Wang
{"title":"Baicalin inhibits conjugative transfer of multidrug-resistant plasmid RP4 by regulating autoinducer-2 transporter protein LsrB","authors":"Sheng Li , Jian Pang , Yuchao Liu , Xinxin He , Yingzi Wang , Shang Wang , Jingfeng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118334","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118334","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) significantly contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Quorum sensing (QS) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of this process. However, the control of conjugative transfer through quorum quenching (QQ) remains largely unexplored. In this study, a conjugative transfer model using the RP4 plasmid was constructed to investigate the effect of baicalin on conjugative transfer. The results showed that baicalin (12.5–100 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the conjugative transfer rate of the RP4 plasmid, reducing it to 1.3 × 10<sup>−4</sup>, which was only 25.8 % of the control rate. Molecular docking analyses indicated that baicalin could strongly bind to the AI-2 transporter protein LsrB, exhibiting a binding energy of −6.65 kcal/mol. An AI-2 reporter strain confirmed that baicalin interfered with the recognition process of AI-2 and blocked the QS system. Furthermore, baicalin demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on aggregates associated with RP4 conjugative transfer. Eleven key genes related to QS, bacterial aggregation, and conjugative transfer were identified, of which nine were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). Consequently, baicalin affected QS system activity by binding to LsrB, thereby inhibiting conjugative transfer of the RP4 plasmid. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms involved in conjugative transfer of ARGs, and provides a novel strategy for the prevention and control of antibiotic resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118334"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143947225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Combined effects and potential mechanisms of volatile organic compounds on thyroid disease in the US population: An integrated epidemiological and computational toxicology study","authors":"Qun Lu , Zhilei Mao , Yanling Chen , Kun Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118337","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Our study aims to investigate the association between blood VOCs and thyroid diseases in US population and reveal the underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>NHANES 2011–2016 data were used to explore the association between blood VOC levels and thyroid disease through Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression, logistic regression, and smooth curve fitting. Dibromochloromethane-related and thyroid disease targets were obtained from TargetNet, SuperPred, GeneCards, and GEO. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING, and GO/KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID. Molecular docking and core target validation were carried out with Autodock Vina 1.1.2, GEPIA, and HPA databases.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After adjusting for covariates, higher levels of blood Dibromochloromethane and Chloroform were associated with higher risks of thyroid disease (<em>p</em> < 0.05). We also found nonlinear associations of Dibromochloromethane and Chloroform levels with risk of thyroid disease at lower concentrations (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Ten proteins were identified as core targets for the effects of Dibromochloromethane on thyroid disease, and mainly enriched the Apelin, HIF-1, and Thyroid hormone signaling pathways. External validation revealed upregulation of CTSB, PLAT, and MTOR, and downregulation of SERPINE1, NOS3, with SLC9A1 and XDH being associated with thyroid carcinoma stage.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Positive associations between blood Dibromochloromethane and Chloroform levels and thyroid disease were observed. Dibromochloromethane interacts with core targets such as MTOR, NOS3, and SLC9A1, influencing thyroid disease progression. With the widespread exposure to VOCs worldwide, this will deepen and enrich our understanding of the potential mechanism of Dibromochloromethane in thyroid disease and provide a theoretical basis for subsequent studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118337"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144070346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mi-Kyung Song , Jiwon Choi , Jiyoung Park , Dong Im Kim , Yong-Wook Baek , Kyuhong Lee
{"title":"Strain and sex differences in chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone-induced lung injury in mice","authors":"Mi-Kyung Song , Jiwon Choi , Jiyoung Park , Dong Im Kim , Yong-Wook Baek , Kyuhong Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118284","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118284","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mouse strain and sex variability may provide a better understanding of the isothiazolinone-associated respiratory toxicity profile; however, this remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated and compared the respiratory effects of repeated exposure to a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (CMIT/MIT) in two commonly used mouse strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6, including both males and females. CMIT/MIT-induced lung injury was analyzed after six times intratracheal instillation of CMIT/MIT using differential cell counts and cytokine measurements in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), histological analysis, and gene expression profiling of lung tissue. In both female and male C57BL/6 mice, CMIT/MIT exposure led to increased infiltration of inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils, and elevated levels of Type 2 helper T cell (Th2)-associated cytokines in BALF. Histopathological findings revealed granulomatous inflammation, mucinous cell hyperplasia, eosinophilic cell infiltration, and lung fibrosis in these mice. Female BALB/c mice exhibited similar but less severe pathological changes. In contrast, male BALB/c mice showed a predominance of macrophages and neutrophils, with no notable histopathological alterations. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of genes associated with inflammatory and fibrotic lung injury and Th2 signaling in female and male C57BL/6 mice and female BALB/c mice, but not in male BALB/c mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that C57BL/6 mice are more susceptible to CMIT/MIT-induced lung injury than BALB/c mice, which is closely associated with the genetic characteristics of increased eosinophil and Th2-mediated responses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118284"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144069598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qi Liang , Zidi Huang , Di Wang , Fei Xin , Jiaqi Xu , Jiajia He , Runnan Luo , Yuan Zeng , Yu Ma
{"title":"Study on the role of miR-10b–3p as SASP in exosomes of premature senescent hepatocytes induced by hexavalent chromium","authors":"Qi Liang , Zidi Huang , Di Wang , Fei Xin , Jiaqi Xu , Jiajia He , Runnan Luo , Yuan Zeng , Yu Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118333","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118333","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The exact mechanisms through which chronic, low-concentration exposure to Cr(VI) facilitates the development of related pathological conditions remain to be fully elucidated. Senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) exhibits a bidirectional regulatory function in biological processes. Consequently, it is essential to identify the formulation and functional characteristics of the SASP released by Cr(VI)-triggered senescent L02 hepatocytes (S-L02). In this study, exosomes were extracted from the conditioned media of both normal L02 cells and their senescent counterparts (Senescent L02, S-L02 cells). Among the miRNAs identified in the exosomes, miR-10b-3p was found to be the most abundantly expressed in the exosomes derived from S-L02 cells. As part of the SASP, miR-10b-3p was shown to suppress the proliferation of both L02 and S-L02 cells. Simultaneously, it promoted the growth, migration, and invasive capabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The next mechanistic analysis showed that miR-10b-3p reduces the regulatory influence of the protein PHLPP2 on Akt by downregulating its target gene, PHLPP2. This suppression led to lower levels of p27, FOXO3a and p21, thereby enhancing the proliferation of HCC cells by relieving the negative regulatory mechanisms of the cell cycle. This research offers significant understanding into the oncogenic pathways induced by Cr(VI), and provides laboratory evidence for mechanistic studies targeting hepatic carcinoma associated with Cr(VI) exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118333"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143947224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guoxin Li , Min Lv , Heng Zhang , Dandan Zhang , Haitao Yu , Qingsong Li , Lei Wang
{"title":"Toxic effects of co-exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and arsenic in zebrafish (Danio rerio): Oxidative stress, physiological and biochemical responses","authors":"Guoxin Li , Min Lv , Heng Zhang , Dandan Zhang , Haitao Yu , Qingsong Li , Lei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118286","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118286","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The issue of nanoplastics (NPs) in the aquatic environment has recently received considerable attention. Arsenic (As) is a relatively abundant and toxic metalloid element in aquatic environments. However, the potential toxic effects of As on aquatic organisms under the influence of NPs remain uncertain. In this study, zebrafish were divided into five different groups: a control group, a single As(V) (10 μg/L) treatment group and three As (10 μg/L) + polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) treatment groups (NPs at concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 mg/L, respectively) for a period of seven days using a semi-static method. The findings demonstrated that the presence of PS-NPs facilitated the accumulation of As in zebrafish liver, gill and intestine with the following promoting efficiency: liver > gill > intestine. The presence of PS-NPs enhanced the oxidative stress effects of As on the aforementioned tissues. Furthermore, the activities of glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver and intestine were found to be instrumental in mitigating oxidative stress during co-exposure. Furthermore, the presence of PS-NPs led to a further reduction in As-induced acetylcholinesterase activity in the liver and intestine of zebrafish. The combined exposure of zebrafish to PS-NPs and As resulted in an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity in the liver, intestine and gills. This subsequently led to a reduction in the activity of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in the aforementioned tissues, thus affecting immune dysfunction in zebrafish. The integrated biomarker response indexes indicate that combined exposures result in greater toxic effects compared to single As exposures. The findings provide a fundamental basis for the assessment of the toxic effects of combined nanoscale plastic and As pollution on aquatic organisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118286"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143947229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qi Yu , Ying Li , Ze Yang , Mengyuan Liu , Qiaochu Zhou , Wangda Xu , Li Xu , Fengyuan Tian
{"title":"Network toxicological and single-cell sequencing reveals the potential mechanisms of psoriatic toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers","authors":"Qi Yu , Ying Li , Ze Yang , Mengyuan Liu , Qiaochu Zhou , Wangda Xu , Li Xu , Fengyuan Tian","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118307","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118307","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), major brominated flame retardants, have been implicated in various health issues due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. PBDEs preferentially accumulate in the skin due to their low hydrophobicity and may contribute to the onset of psoriasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of PBDE-induced psoriatic toxicity by utilizing network toxicology at single-cell resolution. Initially, 139 overlapping targets between PBDEs and psoriasis were identified, and their protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were mapped. Enrichment analysis indicated that PBDEs-targeted genes might worsen psoriatic lesions through an overactive immune response. Single-cell sequencing revealed a comprehensive immune cell activation, predominantly through the IL-24 signaling pathway, in response to PBDE enrichment. Moreover, the molecular docking analysis revealed that PBDEs exhibited specific binding interactions with hub targets such as <em>HSP90AA1</em>, <em>MAPK3</em>, <em>MMP9</em>, <em>TP53</em>, and <em>CASP3</em>, which are crucial for psoriasis pathogenesis. In conclusion, our findings establish a solid theoretical basis for understanding the potential molecular mechanisms underlying PBDE-induced cutaneous toxicity. Integrating network toxicology with single-cell sequencing refines the prediction accuracy of pollutant exposure across pathogenic mechanisms. This study presents an interdisciplinary strategy with untapped potential for mitigating pollutant exposure, thereby aiding in the prevention and treatment of related diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118307"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143950443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Minqi Liao , Siqi Zhang , Cheng He , Susanne Breitner , Josef Cyrys , Markus Naumann , Lino Braadt , Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann , Gertrud Hammel , Annette Peters , Michael Ertl , Alexandra Schneider
{"title":"Air pollution and stroke: Short-term exposure's varying effects on stroke subtypes","authors":"Minqi Liao , Siqi Zhang , Cheng He , Susanne Breitner , Josef Cyrys , Markus Naumann , Lino Braadt , Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann , Gertrud Hammel , Annette Peters , Michael Ertl , Alexandra Schneider","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Few studies have examined how air pollutants affect various stroke subtypes and how these effects differ with stroke severity, especially among European populations living in less polluted areas.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study using 15 years of hospital-based stroke data from the University Hospital Augsburg in Southern Germany. Daily average air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter < 10μm (PM<sub>10</sub>), coarse particles (PM<sub>coarse</sub>), fine particles (PM<sub>2.5</sub>), ozone (O<sub>3</sub>), nitrogen oxides (NO<sub>2</sub>, NO), and meteorological data were obtained from local fixed urban background monitoring sites from 2006 to 2020. Conditional logistic regression was utilized to estimate the relationship between pollutants and daily stroke events, with modification effects being examined through stratified and interaction analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Based on 19,518 included stroke cases, each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM<sub>2.5</sub>, PM<sub>10</sub>, PM<sub>coarse,</sub> and NO<sub>2</sub> was associated with a 2.11 %, 2.55 %, 2.50 %, and 3.48 % rise in overall stroke events 5–6 days later. Positive associations were seen mostly for transient ischemic attacks and hemorrhagic strokes. Notably, people with severe stroke-induced disabilities were disproportionately affected by PM and NO<sub>2</sub>, while those with mild disabilities were more affected by O<sub>3</sub> and NO. Moreover, damaging effects were amplified during warm seasons and the 2016–2020 five-year period.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Short-term air pollution exposure may trigger stroke events, with differential impacts depending on stroke subtype and severity of pre-existing disability. A coordinated effort is needed for stroke prevention in response to specific air pollutants, especially in the context of global warming.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118296"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143950478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laurie Bedouet , Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis , Stéphanie Borel , Caroline Amiot , Eve Afonso , Michael Coeurdassier
{"title":"Evaluating trace elements as a conservation concern for Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Switzerland","authors":"Laurie Bedouet , Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis , Stéphanie Borel , Caroline Amiot , Eve Afonso , Michael Coeurdassier","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Eurasian lynx, an endangered species in Switzerland, faces major threats including traffic collisions, illegal killing, and low genetic diversity. However, the impact of trace element (TE) exposure on its conservation remains poorly understood. As a top predator primarily feeding on game species, this felid can be exposed to non-essential TEs, including lead and mercury, which can be toxic even at low concentrations. In addition, overexposure to or deficiency of essential TEs such as copper or zinc can cause adverse health effects. To address this gap, we analysed liver samples from 122 individuals archived in the Swiss national health surveillance program by measuring the concentrations of eight TEs: four non-essential TEs (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) and four essential TEs (copper, iron, selenium, and zinc). Concentrations were consistent with those reported in other free-ranging <em>Lynx</em> populations and remained below toxicity thresholds reported for mammals, while also being above deficiency levels for essential TEs. They varied with age for some TEs, but not with sex, time or environmental variables. Additionally, we used a body condition score to examine the relationship between TE concentrations and Eurasian lynx health. Lower body condition scores were associated with higher concentrations of both non-essential and essential TEs, likely reflecting poor health affecting TE accumulation rather than a direct toxic effect. Overall, our study suggests that the current TE exposure does not significantly threaten Eurasian lynx populations in Switzerland, providing new insights for conservation efforts and long-term health monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118300"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143947226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Meng Kou , Zirui Wang , Mingxia Wang , Marc F. Benedetti , Marcelo J. Avena , Linchuan Fang , Wenfeng Tan
{"title":"Cadmium and lead ions interaction: A model for assessing combined heavy metal contamination in soils for food safety risk evaluation","authors":"Meng Kou , Zirui Wang , Mingxia Wang , Marc F. Benedetti , Marcelo J. Avena , Linchuan Fang , Wenfeng Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118324","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118324","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extensive research has delved into the toxicity and risks associated with individual heavy metals. While some studies have explored the combined toxicity of various heavy metals, there remains a pressing necessity to establish protocols for evaluating the combined contamination of heavy metal mixtures in relation to agricultural food safety risks. Here, we investigated the combined toxicity of cadmium (Cd(II)) and lead (Pb(II)) to <em>Triticum aestivum</em> L. roots by hydroponic culture, and determined dose-dependent interaction behaviors in 20 Cd(II)-Pb(II) combined intervals. The results showed that when Cd(II) concentration was < 0.002 or 0.021–0.061 mg/L, the main interaction between Cd(II) and Pb(II) was additive; and when Cd(II) was 0.002–0.021 or > 0.061 mg/L, the interaction was a significant antagonistic effect. We further established a Cd(II) bioaccumulation model (BCF<sub>Cd</sub> model) of wheat under the Cd(II)-Pb(II) combined pollution based on plant physiological characteristics. The effect of Pb(II) stress on wheat BCF<sub>Cd</sub> was quantitatively analyzed by the maximum and minimum enrichment coefficients (K<sub>max</sub> and K<sub>min</sub>). Application of the model to three distinct soil types demonstrated its robust performance in quantifying wheat root uptake (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.84) and grain uptake (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.87) of Cd(II). These results affirm the suitability of the BCF<sub>Cd</sub> model for application within the context of the soil-wheat system. This robust predictive tool shows considerable promise in establishing a comprehensive framework for evaluating food safety risk thresholds in the context of concurrent heavy metal contamination in soil environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 118324"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143947256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}