{"title":"Combined Effects of Metals, PCBs, Dioxins, and Furans on Cardiovascular Dysfunction.","authors":"Bolanle Akinyemi, Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi","doi":"10.3390/jox15030094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Environmental exposures to heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, yet their combined effects remain underexplored. This study examined the joint influence of these contaminants on cardiovascular risk indicators in a representative sample of U.S. adults from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Biomarkers of exposure included lead, cadmium, mercury, twelve PCB congeners, seven dioxins, and ten furans. Cardiovascular outcomes were assessed using blood pressure, Framingham Risk Score (FRS), and lipid profiles. Associations were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR), adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and income. The results demonstrated that metals, particularly mercury, were strongly associated with increased blood pressure and altered HDL cholesterol. PCBs were predominantly linked to elevated systolic blood pressure and FRS, with PCB156 and PCB126 identified as principal contributors. Furans exhibited the strongest associations with dyslipidemia, including elevated LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Combined exposure analysis revealed a complex pattern, with increasing pollutant burdens associated with rising blood pressure and risk scores but declining lipid levels. These findings underscore the outcome-specific effects of pollutant mixtures and suggest that chronic low-level exposure to multiple environmental contaminants may contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction in the general population. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these associations and guide risk reduction strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing Bioconcentration and Biotransformation of BDE-47 In Vitro: The Relevance of Bioavailable and Intracellular Concentrations.","authors":"Paloma De Oro-Carretero, Jon Sanz-Landaluze","doi":"10.3390/jox15030093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of alternative methods that link cellular and predictive toxicity to high-level toxicity is a key focus of current research within the framework of the 3Rs in animal experimentation. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the previously developed in vitro approach using the zebrafish liver cell line (ZFL) for assessing bioaccumulation and biotransformation of the compound BDE-47, which is more hydrophobic than phenanthrene, and is the compound used in the previous study. For this purpose, experimentally, the internal concentrations in the cells (C<sub>cell</sub>) and the exposure medium of both BDE-47 and its main metabolites were quantified at different exposure times by GC-MS. Additionally, the free bioavailable concentration (C<sub>free</sub>) was determined with a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) experiment. With the aim of refine models, C<sub>cell</sub> and C<sub>free</sub> were also estimated using a predictive chemical distribution model (MBM). Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were determined by relating all these values, as well as by toxicokinetic fitting and by in vitro-in vivo extrapolation modelling (IVIVE). The results showed a high concordance with the values obtained in vivo. Moreover, the study highlighted the importance of experimentally determining C<sub>free</sub> and C<sub>cell</sub>, as the predicted values can vary depending on the chemical, thereby influencing the BCF outcome. This variation occurs because models do not account for the absorption and biotransformation kinetics of the compounds. The data presented may contribute to refining predictive models.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Metals and Minerals in Seafood Using Bioaccessibility Correction.","authors":"Ștefania-Adelina Milea, Ira-Adeline Simionov, Nina-Nicoleta Lazăr, Cătălina Iticescu, Mihaela Timofti, Puiu-Lucian Georgescu, Caterina Faggio","doi":"10.3390/jox15030092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evaluating the bioaccessibility and health risks of seafood is extremely important because, although it is a significant source of vital minerals, it may also contain potentially toxic elements. This study aimed to determine the content of metals and minerals in different seafood species before and after thermal processing. Also, given the risk of overestimating the actual final concentration available in the body, a study was carried out to determine the bioaccessibility of these elements by simulating the digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract. Assessment of the potential toxic effects on consumer health in terms of exposure to heavy metals was carried out through risk analysis by Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Index, and Cancer Risk parameters. Three bivalve mollusks, one gastropod mollusk, four cephalopod mollusks, and one crustacean species were analyzed in terms of minerals (P, S, K, Ca, and Se) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn, Co, Mn, and As) content. The lead (Pb) concentration recorded the strongest bioaccessibility increase, even reaching 100% in <i>P. vannamei</i>. Generally, the bioaccessibility of all metalloids dropped below 100%, which suggests that only a part of the amount of metal in the initially ingested sample can be absorbed by the human organism. Potassium and sulfur registered the greatest value, up to 23% for minerals' bioaccessibility in the same samples. The highest intake rate of metals occurred after the consumption of <i>M. gigas</i>, which registered the highest Estimated Daily Intake for Cr (chromium) (0.321 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> d<sup>-1</sup>), Cu (copper) (10.15 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> d<sup>-1</sup>), and Zn (zinc) (12.67 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> d<sup>-1</sup>). The Hazard Index values indicated no significant risk of poisoning. All calculated Cancer Risk scores remained below the acceptable threshold. Moreover, the Pearson coefficient revealed a positive correlation between the Hazard Index and the most abundant elements in the samples, Cr, Zn, and Cu. This study could provide a framework for evaluating both the nutritional benefits and toxicological concerns of seafood intake in public health applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luis O Viteri, Maria José González, Pedro B Silva, Jonatas M Gomes, Thiago Svacina, Lara T M Costa, Eduardo Valarezo, Javier G Mantilla-Afanador, Osmany M Herrera, Raimundo W S Aguiar, Gil R Santos, Eugênio E Oliveira
{"title":"GABA and Octopamine Receptors as Potential Targets for Fumigant Actions of <i>Bursera graveolens</i> Essential Oil Against <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> and <i>Callosobruchus chinensis</i>.","authors":"Luis O Viteri, Maria José González, Pedro B Silva, Jonatas M Gomes, Thiago Svacina, Lara T M Costa, Eduardo Valarezo, Javier G Mantilla-Afanador, Osmany M Herrera, Raimundo W S Aguiar, Gil R Santos, Eugênio E Oliveira","doi":"10.3390/jox15030091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cowpea, <i>Vigna</i> sp., is an important, low-cost protein source in subtropical and semi-arid regions, where seasonal rainfall makes storage necessary. However, the weevils <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> and <i>C. chinensis</i> cause significant grain losses during storage. While synthetic fumigants are commonly used to control these pests, their risks to mammals have prompted the search for safer alternatives. In this context, we tested palo santo, <i>Bursera graveolens</i>, essential oil with limonene, <i>α</i>-phellandrene, <i>o</i>-cymene and <i>β</i>-phellandrene, menthofuran, and germacrene-D as a sustainable approach. This plant is readily accessible, produces high fruit yields, and is used in households for various purposes. We evaluated the fumigant toxicity, repellency, and ovicidal effects of <i>B. graveolens</i> essential oil on both <i>Callosobruchus</i> species. Our results showed that <i>B. graveolens</i> oil was toxic to <i>C. maculatus</i> (LC<sub>50</sub> = 80.90 [76.91-85.10] µL) and <i>C. chinensis</i> (LC<sub>50</sub> = 63.9 [60.95-66.99] µL), with <i>C. chinensis</i> being more susceptible (SR = 1.27). Molecular docking analyses revealed that all the oil's compounds bind to both the GABA and octopamine receptors, exhibiting high energy affinities; however, germacrene shows the strongest affinity in these receptors. <i>C. chinensis</i> was strongly repelled at all concentrations, while <i>C. maculatus</i> was repelled only at lethal concentrations. No ovicidal effect was observed in either species. In conclusion, our findings suggest that <i>B. graveolens</i> essential oil is a promising and sustainable protectant for stored cowpeas in small-scale storage units.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Verónica Laura Lozano, Florencia Soledad Alvarez Dalinger, Liliana Beatriz Moraña
{"title":"The Insecticide Imidacloprid Promotes Algal Growth in Absence of Zooplankton.","authors":"Verónica Laura Lozano, Florencia Soledad Alvarez Dalinger, Liliana Beatriz Moraña","doi":"10.3390/jox15030090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Imidacloprid, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, exerts its neurotoxic effects by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined the effects of commercial imidacloprid formulations on the growth of <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> and other algal species, comparing these responses with those induced by plant hormones. Our results demonstrate that formulated imidacloprid stimulates <i>C. vulgaris</i> growth at concentrations as low as 7.82 μM, with a more pronounced effect than certain phytohormones. We observed similar growth-enhancing effects in other algal species exposed to imidacloprid. Notably, pure imidacloprid induced equivalent growth responses in <i>C. vulgaris</i>, confirming that the observed stimulation results from the active ingredient itself rather than formulation adjuvants. Given its insecticidal mode of action, potential worst-case aquatic contamination scenarios with imidacloprid may lead to significant increases in algal biomass through both direct (growth stimulation) and indirect (reduction of zooplankton grazing pressure) mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christina Emmanouil, Petros Samaras, Dorothea Kassiteropoulou
{"title":"Legacy and Emerging Pollutants and Their Effects Through the Lens of Environmental Management.","authors":"Christina Emmanouil, Petros Samaras, Dorothea Kassiteropoulou","doi":"10.3390/jox15030089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the quest for worldwide economic development, the principles of sustainable development that involve social justice and efficient environmental protection are sometimes forgotten [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Celine Vanhee, Eric Deconinck, Mark George, Andrew Hansen, Andreas Hackl, Uwe Wollein, Oliver El-Atma, Nico Beerbaum, Federica Aureli, Anna Borioni, Magdalena Poplawska, Agata Blazewicz, Karin Roschel, Claude Marson, Magnolia Mendoza Barrios, Birgit Hakkarainen, Andreas Blomgren, Ingrid Bakker-'t Hart, Marta Miquel
{"title":"The Occurrence of Illicit Smart Drugs or Nootropics in Europe and Australia and Their Associated Dangers: Results from a Market Surveillance Study by 12 Official Medicines Control Laboratories.","authors":"Celine Vanhee, Eric Deconinck, Mark George, Andrew Hansen, Andreas Hackl, Uwe Wollein, Oliver El-Atma, Nico Beerbaum, Federica Aureli, Anna Borioni, Magdalena Poplawska, Agata Blazewicz, Karin Roschel, Claude Marson, Magnolia Mendoza Barrios, Birgit Hakkarainen, Andreas Blomgren, Ingrid Bakker-'t Hart, Marta Miquel","doi":"10.3390/jox15030088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, an increasing number of case reports have mentioned the presence of illicit nootropics, smart drugs or mind doping products on the market. To better understand the extent of the problem, a market surveillance study was organised by the General European Official Medicines Control Laboratory Network and associated member Australia to detect substandard, falsified or illegal medicines or dietary supplements containing unauthorised nootropic molecules of natural or synthetic origin. From January 2020 to September 2024, 159 different samples were documented, which yielded a comprehensive dataset of 166 molecular identification entries. Within this dataset, 34 distinct molecules were identified. Most samples were sold or presented as dietary supplements (49%) or medicines (32%). The vast majority (69%) were collected from the illegal market. Prescription drugs and non-authorised drugs only available on prescription in Russia were found in pharmacological quantities; some of the latter (noopept, phenylpiracetam and phenibut) were intercepted as large bulk quantities of raw material. Unauthorised novel foods, prescription or higher amounts of melatonin, and clinically uncharacterised research molecules were also reported. This study highlights the need for more active monitoring and screening of such products, as consumption of some of the reported samples could have detrimental health effects. Furthermore, as a large number of the samples were presented as dietary supplements, consumers may not be aware of the possible dangers and side-effects of these products.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Caique Menezes de Abreu, Guilherme Henrique Fernandes Carneiro, Márcia Regina da Costa, Gabriela Madureira Barroso, Tayna Sousa Duque, Joice Mariana Santos Silva, José Barbosa Dos Santos
{"title":"<i>Avena sativa</i> as a Multifunctional Tool for Phytoremediation and Bioenergy Production in Sulfentrazone Contaminated Soils.","authors":"Caique Menezes de Abreu, Guilherme Henrique Fernandes Carneiro, Márcia Regina da Costa, Gabriela Madureira Barroso, Tayna Sousa Duque, Joice Mariana Santos Silva, José Barbosa Dos Santos","doi":"10.3390/jox15030087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Phytoremediation using <i>Avena sativa</i> offers a sustainable strategy for mitigating sulfentrazone contamination while integrating bioenergy production. This study proposes an analysis of the bioenergy potential and the microbial metagenomic profile associated with <i>Avena sativa</i> in the presence and absence of sulfentrazone, aiming at the synergistic bioprospecting of microbial communities capable of biodegradation and remediation of contaminated environments. Using a randomized block design, we evaluated the bioenergy potential and rhizospheric microbial dynamics of <i>A. sativa</i> in soils with and without sulfentrazone (600 g ha<sup>-1</sup>). Herbicide residues were quantified via UHPLC-MS/MS, and metagenomic profiles were obtained through 16S rRNA gene and ITS region sequencing to assess shifts in rhizospheric microbiota. Microbial diversity was analyzed using the Shannon and Gini-Simpson Indices, complemented by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Bioenergy yields (biogas and ethanol) were estimated based on plant biomass. Over 80 days, the cultivation of <i>A. sativa</i> promoted a 19.7% dissipation of sulfentrazone, associated with rhizospheric enrichment of plant growth-promoting taxa (<i>Bradyrhizobium</i>, <i>Rhodococcus</i>, and <i>Trichoderma</i>), which increased by 68% compared to uncontaminated soils. Contaminated soils exhibited reduced microbial diversity (Gini-Simpson Index = 0.7), with a predominance of <i>Actinobacteria</i> and <i>Ascomycota</i>, suggesting adaptive specialization. Despite herbicide-induced stress (39.3% reduction in plant height and 60% reduction in grain yield), the biomass demonstrated considerable bioenergy potential: 340.6 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup> of biogas and 284.4 L ha<sup>-1</sup> of ethanol. The findings highlight the dual role of <i>A. sativa</i> in soil rehabilitation and renewable energy systems, supported by plant-microbe synergies. Scalability challenges and regulatory gaps in ecotoxicological assessments were identified, reinforcing the need to optimize microbial consortia and implement region-specific management strategies. These results support the integration of phytoremediation into circular bioeconomy models, balancing ecological recovery with agricultural productivity. Future research should focus on microbial genetic pathways, field-scale validation, and the development of regulatory frameworks to advance this green technology in global soil remediation efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Caffeine on Aquatic Ecosystems: Assessing Trophic-Level Biological Responses.","authors":"Sara Rodrigues, Rita S Alves, Sara C Antunes","doi":"10.3390/jox15030086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluates the effects of caffeine (CAF) on the bacteria <i>Aliivibrio fischeri</i>, the microalga <i>Raphidocelis subcapitata</i>, the macrophyte <i>Lemna minor</i>, and the larvae of <i>Chironomus riparius</i>, aiming to understand its environmental impact and contribution to ecological risk assessment. Bioluminescence inhibition in <i>A. fischeri</i> (EC<sub>50</sub> = 998.5 mg/L) and growth inhibition in <i>R. subcapitata</i> and <i>L. minor</i> (EC<sub>50</sub> = 60.1 mg/L and EC<sub>50</sub> = 649.2 mg/L, respectively) were observed. For <i>L. minor</i>, reduced catalase (CAT) activity and non-linear responses in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) were recorded. No significant changes were observed in proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and pigment contents. In <i>C. riparius</i>, acute mortality (LC<sub>50</sub> = 644.5 mg/L) was observed, and growth was significantly affected after 10 days of CAF exposure (EC<sub>50</sub> = 81.62 mg/L for fresh biomass). After 10 days of exposure, there was an increase in CAT activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, with TBARS levels both at concentrations ≥82.64 mg/L, and a decrease in GSTs (92.18 mg/L) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (≤62.09 mg/L) activities of <i>C. riparius</i>. The results show that CAF exposure affects organisms' metabolic and physiological functions, with varying sensitivities among species, potentially leading to ecological disturbances in aquatic ecosystems. The hazardous concentration for 5% of species was 4.42 mg/L. Long-term studies are necessary to understand the risk of caffeine under more realistic scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Micro- and Nano-Plastics in Drinking Water: Threat or Hype? Critical State-of-the-Art Analysis of Risks and Approaches.","authors":"Andrea G Capodaglio","doi":"10.3390/jox15030085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15030085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microplastic (MP) contamination affects all environmental media, even in remote, unpopulated regions of the globe. Many studies have addressed this issue under various aspects; however, actual and definitive evidence that MPs are a cause of human health risk in actual environmental conditions has not been provided. MP decomposition generates smaller nanoplastics (NPs) with different properties, closer to engineered nanoparticles than to MP. Their detection is more complex and laborious than MP's, and, as such, their fate and effects are still poorly studied. Advanced technologies to remove MP/NPs from supply water are being investigated, but current evidence indicates that conventional drinking water treatment facilities efficiently remove a major part of MPs, at least as far as sizes greater than 20 µm. Notwithstanding recent developments in MP/NP classification and detection techniques, at the moment, very few studies specifically address NPs, which, therefore, deserve more targeted investigation. This paper addresses MPs and NPs in drinking water, examining recent current literature on their presence and state-of-the-art in risk assessment and toxicology. The paper also critically overviews treatment technologies for their removal and discusses the present knowledge gap and possible approaches to this widespread issue.</p>","PeriodicalId":42356,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Xenobiotics","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}