{"title":"Quantifying Crop Health Through Soil Moisture and Soil Quality Dynamics.","authors":"Adarsh Garg, Ankit Singh","doi":"10.2174/012772574X461759260530150948","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X461759260530150948","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Crop health enhancement plays a pivotal role in increasing crop growth and productivity. For sustained improvement in crop health, it is necessary to quantify crop health at successive stages of crop ontogeny. This study aims to quantify crop health across different stages of crop ontogeny using a mathematical model based on two main indicators: Soil moisture and soil quality.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A mathematical model, consisting of a composite generalized equation of soil moisture & soil quality, is developed. Data is collected from the digital platform for the evaluation and validation of the proposed model. Three iterations have been performed to obtain the optimal solution, and validation is carried out using the standard NDVI scale. The modelling framework enables the interpretation of crop health dynamics for the entire crop cycle.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results demonstrate that the proposed model can consistently quantify crop health. It provides timely, accurate insights into soil conditions. The calculated normalized value of the crop health in iteration 2 is 0.424, and in iteration 3 is 0.448, which fall within the third range (0.33-0.66) of the NDVI scale, reflecting moderate crop health.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The theoretical implication of the study explores the influence of soil moisture & soil quality on crop health through the proposed mathematical model. This model will help farmers make more accurate decisions about crop conditions.. These results attest to the model's potential for application by small- and medium-scale farmers seeking to embrace evidence-based practices. The proposed mathematical modeling should be implemented with real-time data.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The research contributes a novel composite mathematical modelling approach. It connects soil moisture and soil quality to a comprehensive quantification of crop health. It highlights a practical, scalable framework for advancing evidence-based agricultural practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148207124","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":"Neurobehavioral Consequences of Synthetic Food Colorants: A Critical Review of Evidence Linking Consumption to Mental Health Outcomes.","authors":"Dipesh Prajapati, Vishal Kumar Biswkarma, Prabhat Singh","doi":"10.2174/012772574X434194260516130309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X434194260516130309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Synthetic food colorants (SFCs) are commonly used additives that improve the appearance of food products rather than offering any nutritional value. Because of their durability, affordability, and potent coloring capacity, synthetic developments, especially azo dyes, remain more widely used than natural alternatives despite mounting safety concerns. International food safety frameworks are also covered, with special attention paid to the Codex Alimentarius, which offers guidelines for the safe evaluation and permissible use of food additives. The review examines the role of global regulatory authorities and toxicity studies in evaluating the safety of food colorants. A detailed tabular summary is included, listing commonly used SFCs and their International Numbering System (INS) codes, chemical formulas, acceptable daily intakes, applications, and reference data. SFCs cause neurotoxicity through several mechanisms, including impaired antioxidant enzyme cascades, increased oxidative stress, elevated pro-inflammatory biomarker levels, and reduced acetylcholine concentration, which may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and affect the neuronal apoptotic mechanism. For the literature review, several databases are used, such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Frontiers, Google Scholar, Embase, Medline, Academia.edu, MDPI, Elsevier, and Wiley. This work is significant because it explores new research that links artificial food coloring to psychological and neurobehavioral impacts, such as mood disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cognitive impairments, and neurodegenerative diseases. The findings of this review highlight the need for more stringent regulation, clearer labeling, and greater public awareness of the potential health risks associated with SFCs, based on the most recent research.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148140017","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":"Synergistic Interplay Between Probiotic-coated Nanoparticles and Antimicrobial Peptides in Food Biochemistry: Engineering Bioremediation Agents for Heavy Metal Detoxification.","authors":"Shikha Baghel Chauhan, Myeisha Anand, Chirag Jain, Indu Singh","doi":"10.2174/012772574X400421251118180609","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X400421251118180609","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heavy metal pollution in food items poses serious health hazards, demanding novel bioremediation technologies. This study looks at the synergistic interactions of probiotic-coated nanoparticles (PCNPs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential bioremediation agents for heavy metal detoxification in food systems. Probiotic-coated nanoparticles, engineered for greater stability and bioactivity, provide a targeted approach to sequestering and neutralizing toxic metal ions, whereas antimicrobial peptides, known for their selective binding affinity and biofilm-disrupting capabilities, provide complementary detoxification mechanisms. Recent breakthroughs in food biochemistry and nanotechnology have shown that combining PCNPs and AMPs can increase heavy metal bioavailability, adsorption effectiveness, and metabolic processing, hence lowering their bioaccumulation in the body. Furthermore, these bioremediation compounds are very resistant to gastrointestinal degradation, guaranteeing efficient metal chelation within the gut flora. The review focuses on essential molecular interactions that contribute to detoxification, such as metal-ion chelation, nanoparticle functionalization, and AMP-induced microbial regulation. Furthermore, prospective applications in food safety, functional food engineering, and environmental detoxification are thoroughly investigated, as are the regulatory obstacles and safety issues related to nanoparticle-based food treatments. This study shows the revolutionary potential of PCNP-AMP conjugates in reducing heavy metal contamination and improving food safety by combining interdisciplinary techniques from nanotechnology, microbiology, and biochemical engineering. Future research priorities include refining formulation parameters, assessing long-term safety profiles, and ramping up manufacturing for commercial use. This novel technique offers a viable option for next-generation food bioremediation technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148145719","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}
Ibtisam Al Abri, Abdallah Akintola, Mohammed Al Sadrani, Abdullah M Al-Sadi
{"title":"Interactive Effects of Climatic Variables on Occurrence and Severity of Witches' Broom Disease of Lime in Oman.","authors":"Ibtisam Al Abri, Abdallah Akintola, Mohammed Al Sadrani, Abdullah M Al-Sadi","doi":"10.2174/012772574X402241251203115254","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X402241251203115254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Witches' Broom Disease of Lime (WBDL) severely threatens citrus production in Oman and other subtropical regions. However, the influence of climatic factors on its spread and intensity remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the individual and interactive effects of temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind on WBDL occurrence and severity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Field data were collected from 1,745 lime trees across 15 orchards in North Al-Batinah, Oman, between April 2021 and April 2022. Probit and Tobit regression models were employed to estimate the probability of WBDL occurrence and the degree of severity, respectively. Interaction terms among climatic variables were introduced to capture synergistic or suppressive effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A 1°C rise in temperature increased disease severity by 2.7%, while rainfall heightened occurrence and severity by 12.9% and 6.6%, respectively. Conversely, a 1 km/h increase in wind speed reduced occurrence by 10.9% and severity by 5.3%. Interaction analysis showed that high temperature and humidity combinations intensified WBDL, whereas rainfall and humidity interactions suppressed both. Disease prevalence peaked during summer, highlighting strong seasonal effects.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Climatic variables significantly shape WBDL dynamics through nonlinear interactions. Wind mitigates transmission, while high temperature and humidity favor disease proliferation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Temperature, rainfall, and humidity are major climatic drivers of WBDL, whereas wind acts as a limiting factor. Understanding these effects supports adaptive management through resistant cultivars, optimized planting sites, and protected cultivation to sustain lime production in Oman and similar subtropical agroecosystems.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147984605","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}
Jane Tafadzwa Muchekeza, Komeine Kotokeni Mekondjo Nantanga, Mambo Moyo, Theopoline Omagano Itenge
{"title":"Consumer Sensory Evaluation of Fresh, Fermented, and Emulsion-type Sausages Formulated with Quinoa, Amaranth Starch, and Flours.","authors":"Jane Tafadzwa Muchekeza, Komeine Kotokeni Mekondjo Nantanga, Mambo Moyo, Theopoline Omagano Itenge","doi":"10.2174/012772574X458881260330095343","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X458881260330095343","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>Sausages are widely favored for their palatability, yet their highfat content and chemical additives raise health concerns. As consumers pivot toward healthier, plantbased diets, traditional binders, such as soya protein, non-fat dry milk, and corn starch, face limitations, including allergenicity, cost, and demand across food sectors. This study examined quinoa, amaranth, and their starches and flours as alternative binders in fresh, fermented, and emulsion beef sausages.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a 2×3×5 factorial design, formulations incorporated five binder types (Quinoa starch, amaranth starch, corn starch, quinoa flour, and amaranth flour) at 3% and 10% inclusion levels. Processing followed standardized methods, with fermented sausages undergoing controlled incubation and emulsion sausages baked under thermal regulation. The sensory evaluation by 75 consumers assessed aroma, flavor, color, texture, juiciness, and overall acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results showed that quinoa and amaranth starches, at 3% inclusion, enhanced sensory qualities comparable to or exceeding corn starch. Quinoa starch emerged as the top-performing binder, followed by amaranth starch. Whole-grain flour forms were less preferred. Fresh sausages outperformed fermented types, regardless of the binder. The statistical analysis confirmed significant effects of binder type, inclusion level, and processing method on consumer acceptance.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Quinoa and amaranth starches improved sensory qualities in fresh and emulsion sausages at 3% inclusion, due to their neutral flavor and functional properties. In fermented sausages, starches outperformed flours because flours had intensified sourness, possibly due to microbial activity. Taste showed the strongest correlation with overall liking, followed by texture and juiciness, confirming their importance in consumer preference. Therefore, quinoa and amaranth starches can be used as clean-label binders that enhance acceptability without compromising flavor integrity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Quinoa and amaranth starches demonstrated greater functionality as clean-label binders in beef sausages, where they enhanced sensory attributes and consumer acceptability compared with conventional corn starch. Their neutral and favorable textural contribution supported product quality in fresh and emulsion sausages, while flour forms were less effective due to intensified sourness in fermented types. Quinoa and amaranth starches represent a promising natural alternative for improving sausage quality and consumer preference without compromising flavor integrity.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724907","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}
Mamta Solra, Uddeshya Sharma, Geeta Jangra, Kamal Saroha
{"title":"Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Psoralea corylifolia Seed and Their Incorporation into an Herbal Topical Gel.","authors":"Mamta Solra, Uddeshya Sharma, Geeta Jangra, Kamal Saroha","doi":"10.2174/012772574X408266251121015631","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X408266251121015631","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study aimed to develop silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) seed extract and incorporate them into a topical herbal gel for antimicrobial and antioxidant applications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>AgNPs were synthesized via a green bottom-up method using P. corylifolia seed extract and silver nitrate, monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and XRD. Herbal gels containing AgNPs were prepared and evaluated for physicochemical parameters, drug release, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant potential.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The synthesized AgNPs were stable, spherical, and well-dispersed with an average size of ~100 nm. The developed gels showed uniform appearance, good spreadability, skincompatible pH (6.6-6.8), and high viscosity. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the AgNP-loaded gel followed first-order kinetics with sustained drug release. Antibacterial testing revealed significant inhibition against Propionibacterium acnes, while antioxidant assays confirmed enhanced radical-scavenging activity compared to control formulations.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings confirm that P. corylifolia phytochemicals acted as both reducing and stabilizing agents in AgNP synthesis, producing stable nanoparticles suitable for dermal formulations. The synergistic antibacterial and antioxidant properties indicate potential therapeutic advantages over conventional treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Green-synthesized AgNPs from P. corylifolia seeds were successfully incorporated into a stable topical gel with promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and sustained-release properties. These results highlight the potential of herbal nanogels as eco-friendly and effective alternatives for dermatological applications, though further in vivo and clinical studies are needed for validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724865","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":"Unravelling the Regulatory Paradox of Probiotics: Challenges in Standardization, Clinical Validation, and Global Acceptance.","authors":"Simran Nayan, Shikha Baghel Chauhan, Indu Singh, Chirag Jain","doi":"10.2174/012772574X441445251207215223","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X441445251207215223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Age-specific probiotic-drug hybrid formulations represent an emerging class of therapeutics that combine live microorganisms with pharmaceutical agents to enhance clinical efficacy, minimize adverse effects, and maintain gut microbiome homeostasis across different age groups. Despite their potential, these hybrids face significant regulatory challenges due to their dual identity as both biologics and drugs, creating ambiguity in classification, evaluation, and approval. Global regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), lack harmonized guidelines for such formulations, resulting in fragmented standards and delayed market entry. This study provides a comprehensive review of existing regulatory frameworks to identify gaps in safety assessment, clinical validation, manufacturing, and postmarket surveillance of probiotic-drug hybrids. A comparative decision matrix is developed to map and contrast the FDA, EMA, and CDSCO approval pathways, highlighting differences in evidentiary and procedural requirements. Building on this analysis, an age-stratified regulatory roadmap is proposed to account for physiological, metabolic, and microbiome-related variations among pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. The roadmap emphasizes adaptive trial designs, long-term safety monitoring, and age-appropriate dosage and labeling requirements. By integrating scientific, clinical, and regulatory perspectives, this paper provides a structured foundation for harmonizing international approval processes and guiding future policy development. The findings aim to support regulatory convergence, enhance safety assurance, and facilitate the ethical and efficient advancement of probiotic-drug hybrid formulations in global healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147679424","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":"Plant-based Bioactive Compounds for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders - A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Harshita Sahdev, Akansha Singh, Vishal Kumar Biswkarma, Lubhan Singh, Sachin Kumar","doi":"10.2174/012772574X429641260215151928","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X429641260215151928","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anxiety is a common disorder characterized by excessive fear, tension, and physical symptoms, such as sweating and palpitations. There are approximately 16.6 % of patients worldwide affected by anxiety disorders, which have been classified as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessivecompulsive disorder, and phobias. The amygdala plays a central role in regulating fear, anxiety, and aggression, particularly when influenced by trauma or heredity, which can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Another contributing factor is oxidative stress, characterized by reduced antioxidant levels and increased cellular damage. Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, are critical in controlling anxiety. Anxiety also usually involves imbalances, in particular, low levels of serotonin and high norepinephrine. N-Methyl-D-aspartate and Cholecystokinin brain receptors are involved in long-term fear memory encoding, suggesting potential new targets for treating this condition. Although conventional pharmacological treatments such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective, they are often associated with side effects, dependency, and limited long-term efficacy. In recent years, plant-based bioactive compounds have gained attention as potential alternatives or adjunct therapies for managing anxiety disorders, and they act in Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid modulation and monoamine regulation. Anxiety can be treated through herbal medicine using ethnopharmacology.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147616825","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":"Post-Processing Stability of Fruit Juices: Influence of Plastic Packaging on Physicochemical and Functional Quality.","authors":"Deeksha Thakur, Purvi Gupta, Aditi Rikhari, Mayuri Rastogi","doi":"10.2174/012772574X450991260128111327","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X450991260128111327","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fruit juices are widely consumed due to their high nutritional and sensory properties, cost efficiency, and prolonged shelf life. The different types of plastic packaging are dominantly used for easy transportation and light weight. Even though plastic offers essential protection against environmental factors such as microbial contamination, light, and oxygen, it is still unable to prevent quality degradation during prolonged storage, particularly when temperatures are not regulated. Therefore, the current review highlights the impact of plastic packaging on quality attributes of fruit juices with special reference to vitamin C, acidity, microbial contamination, soluble solids, and sensory parameters. Additionally, the present review also focuses on progressive innovations in packaging technologies such as smart packaging, nanotechnology, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), to improve product integrity and shelf life. By improving barrier qualities and lowering microbial growth, these innovations extend the limits of traditional plastics while maintaining fruit juices' sensory and nutritional qualities. These innovations satisfy the consumer demands for more refreshing and sustainable fruit juice products.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147625004","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 Major Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) on Soil and Associated Health Issues.","authors":"Alok Bhardwaj, Anamika Singh, Shipra Shukla, Nitin Wahi","doi":"10.2174/012772574X394831251126101042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X394831251126101042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Land directly affects people's health and well-being. Soil is essential for social and economic growth. It is impossible to overstate the urgency of conserving soil, as it is crucial for fostering the development of an ecological civilization and maintaining household stability. A new significant threat to soil health and fertility has emerged in the form of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Unlike other pollutants, these CECs (e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, PFAS, and microplastics) are resistant to microbial degradation; therefore, they persist in soil and can enter the food chain or pollute groundwater supplies. Several researchers worldwide have shown that CECs destroy soil microflora, impair ecological balance, and reduce soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Recent experimental studies have confirmed their presence in cell culture and experimental animal models at concentrations ranging from nanomolar (nM) to millimolar (mM) levels. The unrestricted use of these CECs has resulted in their bioaccumulation at higher levels in the food chain, ultimately reaching human beings. Despite their hazardous nature, no definite environmental laws or FDA regulations exist, adding fuel to the fire. Therefore, we aim to highlight the environmental implications of these CECs and the steps needed to prevent them from transforming into an environmental catastrophe. This review focuses on five key CECs, including nanoparticles, cosmetic additives (phthalates and biphenyls), flame retardants, and microplastics, along with their environmental implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":74644,"journal":{"name":"Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204065","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}