A critical review of presence, removal and potential impacts of endocrine disruptors bisphenol A

Intraspecific variations in oyster (Magallana gigas) ploidy does not affect physiological responses to microplastic pollution

Recent advances in genetic manipulation such as triploid breeding and artificial selection, have rapidly emerged as valuable hatchery methodologies for enhancing seafood stocks. The Pacific oyster Magallana gigas is a leading aquaculture species worldwide and key ecosystem engineer that has received particular attention in this field of science. In light of the growing recognition of the ecological effects of intraspecific variation, oyster polyploids provide a valuable opportunity to assess whether intraspecific diversity affects physiological responses to environmental stressors. While the responses of diploid and triploid oysters to climate change have been extensively investigated, research on their sensitivity to environmental pollution remains scarce. Here, we assess whether genotypic (i.e., ploidy) variation within Magallana gigas affects physiological responses to microplastic pollution. We show that diploid and triploid M. gigas have similar clearance rates and ingest similar amounts of microplastics under laboratory-controlled condition. In addition, they exhibited similar heart rates after prolonged exposure to microplastic leachates. Our findings suggest that intraspecific variations within M. gigas ploidy does not affect oyster responses to microplastic pollution. However, regardless of ploidy, our work highlights significant adverse effects of microplastic leachates on the heart rate of M. gigas and provides evidence of microplastic ingestion in the laboratory.

Parabens, bisphenols, and triclosan in coral polyps, algae, and sediments from sanya, China: Occurrence, profiles, and environmental implications

Parabens, bisphenols (BPs), and triclosan (TCS) are common environmental phenols widely applied in industrial products, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. They are endocrine disruptors and pervade the natural environment, causing significant detrimental impacts on ecosystems, including marine habitats. Therefore, in this study, 40 samples comprising coral polyps, algae, and sediments were collected from Sanya, Hainan Province, China, in which the presence and compositional profiles of parabens, BPs, and TCS were examined to identify their fate in the oceans. The results unveiled the ubiquitous occurrence of at least one paraben or bisphenol in all samples, with TCS detected in over 80% of cases. Notably, coral samples contained the most contaminants (median concentration: 9.42 ng/g dry weight-dw), followed by sediment samples (5.95 ng/g dw) and algal samples (3.58 ng/g dw). Attributed to their broadest application, methylparaben (MeP) and propylparaben (PrP) emerged as the primary paraben constituents. MeP displayed the highest median concentration in coral samples (4.42 ng/g dw), probably related to its high-water solubility and the filtration mechanism employed by the coral polyps during seawater intake. Intriguingly, bisphenol P (BPP) superseded bisphenol A (BPA) as the dominant bisphenol, especially in the algal samples, probably owing to the lipophilic character of BPP and the enhanced biodegradability of BPA within aquatic environments. The highest concentration of TCS (3.44 ng/g dw) was found in the sediment samples, associated with its long half-life in the sediments. Furthermore, the correlation between multiple parabens and TCS implies their co-use to augment antimicrobial efficacy. Future research should prioritize the examination of these phenols in diverse marine environmental media. Corresponding toxicological experiments should be conducted to visualize their transport dynamics, degradation byproducts, and toxicity to marine biota to gain insights into the risks they pose to the marine ecosystem.

BPA Exposure Affects Mouse Gastruloids Axial Elongation by Perturbing the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Mammalian embryos are very vulnerable to environmental toxicants (ETs) exposure. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the most diffused ETs, exerts endocrine-disrupting effects through estro-gen-mimicking and hormone-like properties, with detrimental health effects, including on reproduction. However, its impact during the peri-implantation stages is still unclear. This study, using gastruloids as a 3D stem cell-based in vitro model of embryonic development, showed that BPA exposure arrests their axial elongation when present during the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation period by β-catenin protein reduction. Gastruloid reshaping might have been impeded by the downregulation of Snail, Slug and Twist, known to suppress E-cadherin expression and to activate the N-cadherin gene, and by the low expression of the N-cadherin protein. Also, the lack of gastruloids elongation might be related to altered exit of BPA-exposed cells from the pluripotency condition and their following differentiation. In conclusion, here we show that the inhibition of gastruloids' axial elongation by BPA might be the result of the concomitant Wnt/β-catenin perturbation, reduced N-cadherin expression and Oct4, T/Bra and Cdx2 altered patter expression, which all together concur in the impaired development of mouse gastruloids.

Highly efficient hydrophobic nanocomposite in the decontamination of micropollutants and bacteria from aqueous wastes: A sustainable approach

Micro-pollutants (specifically antibiotics and personal care products) and potential bacterial contamination pose a severe threat to human health and marine life. The study derives indigenous novel fibrous hydrophobic nanocomposite, efficient in decontaminating the micro-pollutants (tetracycline (TC) and bisphenol A (BPA)) and potential pathogens (S. pyogenes and E. coli) from aqueous wastes. A facile method synthesizes the fibrous attapulgite (ATP)- poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-styrene) (PVP) framework decorated in situ with the Ag0 nanoparticles (ATP@PVP/Ag0). A greener method using the Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract derives the Ag0(NPs). Various analytical methods extensively characterize the materials. A comprehensive study that includes pH, concentration, background electrolytes, and ionic strength reveals the sorptive removal insights of TC and BPA utilizing the ATP@PVP solid. The elimination of tetracycline (TC) and bisphenol A (BPA) agrees well with the pseudo-second-order kinetics. The pH 3.07 and 6.06 favor removing TC and BPA with the capacity of 10.86 mg/g and 17.36 mg/g at 25 °C. The hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions predominate the sorption mechanism, and the material shows remarkable stability and reusability in repeated sorption/desorption operations. Similarly, the natural water implications and flow-bed system show fair applicability of solid in decontaminating the TC and BPA in an aqueous medium. Further, the material ATP@PVP/Ag0 exhibits very high inhibition of potential pathogens S. pyogenes and E. coli and optimizes the solid dose and solution pH.

Deciphering Bisphenol A degradation by Coelastrella sp. M60: unravelling metabolic insights through metabolomics analysis

Microalgae, owing to their efficacy and eco-friendliness, have emerged as a promising solution for mitigating the toxicity of Bisphenol A (BPA), a hazardous environmental pollutant. This current study was focused on the degradation of BPA by Coelastrella sp. M60 at various concentrations (10-50 mg/L). Further, the metabolic profiling of Coelastrella sp. M60 was performed using GC-MS analysis, and the results were revealed that BPA exposure modulated the metabolites profile with the presence of intermediates of BPA. In addition, highest lipid (43%) and pigment content (40%) at 20 and 10 mg/L of BPA respectively exposed to Coelastrella sp. M60 was achieved and enhanced fatty acid methyl esters recovery was facilitated by Cuprous oxide nanoparticles synthesised using Spatoglossum asperum. Thus, this study persuades thepotential of Coelastrella sp. M60 for BPA degradation and suggesting new avenues to remove the emerging contaminants in polluted water bodies and targeted metabolite expression in microalgae.

Effects of salinity on behavior and reproductive toxicity of BPA in adult marine medaka

Salinity is an important environmental factor influencing the toxicity of chemicals. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine disruptor with adverse effects on aquatic organisms, such as fish. However, the influence of salinity on the biotoxicity of BPA and the underlying mechanism are unclear. In this study, we exposed marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) to BPA at different salinities (0 psμ, 15 psμ, and 30 psμ) for 70days to investigate the toxic effects. At 0 psμ salinity, BPA had an inhibitory effect on the swimming behavior of female medaka. At 15 psμ salinity, exposure to BPA resulted in necrotic cells in the ovaries but not on the spermatozoa. In addition, BPA exposure changed the transcript levels of genes related to the nervous system (gap43, elavl3, gfap, mbpa, and α-tubulin) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis (fshr, lhr, star, arα, cyp11a, cyp17a1, cyp19a, and erα); the expression changes differed among salinity levels. These results suggest that salinity influences the adverse effects of BPA on the nervous system and reproductive system of medaka. These results emphasize the importance of considering the impact of environmental factors when carrying out ecological risk assessment of pollutants.

Futuristic advancements in phytoremediation of endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A: A step towards sustainable pollutant degradation for rehabilitated environment

Bisphenol A (BPA) accumulates in the environment at lethal concentrations because of its high production rate and utilization. BPA, originating from industrial effluent, plastic production, and consumer products, poses serious risks to both the environment and human health. The widespread aggregation of BPA leads to endocrine disruption, reactive oxygen species-mediated DNA damage, epigenetic modifications and carcinogenicity, which can disturb the normal homeostasis of the body. The living being in a population is subjected to BPA exposure via air, water and food. Globally, urinary analysis reports have shown higher BPA concentrations in all age groups, with children being particularly susceptible due to its occurrence in items such as milk bottles. The conventional methods are costly with a low removal rate. Since there is no proper eco-friendly and cost-effective degradation of BPA reported so far. The phytoremediation, green-biotechnology based method which is a cost-effective and renewable resource can be used to sequestrate BPA. Phytoremediation is observed in numerous plant species with different mechanisms to remove harmful contaminants. Plants normally undergo several improvements in genetic and molecular levels to withstand stress and lower levels of toxicants. But such natural adaptation requires more time and also higher concentration of contaminants may disrupt the normal growth, survival and yield of the plants. Therefore, natural or synthetic amendments and genetic modifications can improve the xenobiotics removal rate by the plants. Also, constructed wetlands technique utilizes the plant's phytoremediation mechanisms to remove industrial effluents and medical residues. In this review, we have discussed the limitations and futuristic advancement strategies for degrading BPA using phytoremediation-associated mechanisms.

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals from beverage packaging materials and risk assessment for consumers

This study investigated the influence of beverage packaging materials on the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastic, glass, carton, aluminium, and tin canned non-alcoholic beverages. Results showed that 63 EDCs including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenols, parabens, benzophenone-type UV-filters, biocides, nitrophenols, and alkylphenols, were detected in 144/162 screened products. Detected ∑63EDC concentrations ranged from 1.3 to 19,600 ng/L. EDC concentrations were higher in beverages packaged in metal cans while lower or no levels were detected in glass, plastic, and carton packaged drinks. Bisphenol levels were higher on average in canned beverages compared to glass (p < 0.01) and plastic products (p < 0.05) produced by the same brand and manufacturer. Two structural isomers of bisphenol A (BPA) were identified in 19 beverages, constituting the first detection in foodstuffs. The calculated daily intake of detected EDCs showed that exposure to BPA from per capita beverage consumption of 364 mL/day are up to 2000-fold higher than the newly revised safety guideline for BPA recommended by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Overall, these findings suggest that BPA exposure poses a potential health hazard for individuals who regularly consume non-alcoholic beverages packaged in aluminium or tin cans, particularly young children.

Nanocomposite from tannery sludge-derived biochar and Zinc oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of Bisphenol A toward dual environmental benefits

The growing concern over the presence of pollutants like Bisphenol A (BPA) in water sources has led to the growth of novel treatment technologies for its removal. This research work investigates the development of a novel biochar-metal oxide nanocomposite derived from tannery sludge and Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for the photodegradation of BPA. The biochar was obtained by pyrolysis process, followed by impregnation of ZnO nanoparticles using a hydrothermal technique. The critical properties of as-prepared nanocomposite were evaluated by FT-IR, BET surface area, XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XPS, PL, EPR, and Raman Spectroscopy. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites was evaluated by measuring the degradation of BPA in visible light irradiation. The outcomes revealed that ZnO-loaded chemically activated biochar exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of BPA than the pristine and non-chemically activated biochar. At pH 5, 0.2 g/L of photocatalyst dosage, 20 ppm of initial pollutant concentration, and 150 min of contact time, the maximum degradation efficiency of BPA was observed as 94.50 %. Also, nanocomposites showed good stability and reusability, with only a slight decrease in photocatalytic activity after multiple cycles of use. More importantly, the degradation mechanisms of BPA using as-prepared nanocomposites were analyzed in detail, indicating that the observed photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the synergistic effect between the biochar and ZnO, which provided a large surface area for the adsorption of BPA and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species for its degradation. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of using nanocomposites from tannery sludge-derived biochar and ZnO nanoparticles for the degradation of BPA from polluted water sources using a photocatalytic process toward the dual environmental benefits.

Effect of bisphenol A on the neurological system: a review update

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) and one of the most produced synthetic compounds worldwide. BPA can be found in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, which are frequently used in food storage and baby bottles. However, BPA can bind mainly to estrogen receptors, interfering with various neurologic functions, its use is a topic of significant concern. Nonetheless, the neurotoxicity of BPA has not been fully understood despite numerous investigations on its disruptive effects. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the most recent studies on the implications of BPA on the neurologic system. Our findings suggest that BPA exposure impairs various structural and molecular brain changes, promoting oxidative stress, changing expression levels of several crucial genes and proteins, destructive effects on neurotransmitters, excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation, damaged blood-brain barrier function, neuronal damage, apoptosis effects, disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, increase in reactive oxygen species, promoted apoptosis and intracellular lactate dehydrogenase release, a decrease of axon length, microglial DNA damage, astrogliosis, and significantly reduced myelination. Moreover, BPA exposure increases the risk of developing neurologic diseases, including neurovascular (e.g. stroke) and neurodegenerative (e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) diseases. Furthermore, epidemiological studies showed that the adverse effects of BPA on neurodevelopment in children contributed to the emergence of serious neurological diseases like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, emotional problems, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. In summary, BPA exposure compromises human health, promoting the development and progression of neurologic disorders. More research is required to fully understand how BPA-induced neurotoxicity affects human health.

An Overview to Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used extensively in plastics and resins. However, its endocrine-disrupting properties pose risks to human health and the environment. Thus, accurate and rapid detection of BPA is crucial for exposure monitoring and risk mitigation. Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MIES) have emerged as a promising tool for BPA detection due to their high selectivity, sensitivity, affordability, and portability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in MIES for BPA detection. We discuss the operating principles, fabrication strategies, materials, and methods used in MIES. Key findings show that MIES demonstrate detection limits comparable or superior to conventional methods like HPLC and GC-MS. Selectivity studies reveal excellent discrimination between BPA and structural analogs. Recent innovations in nanomaterials, novel monomers, and fabrication techniques have enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. However, limitations exist in reproducibility, selectivity, and stability. While challenges remain, MIES provide a low-cost portable detection method suitable for on-site BPA monitoring in diverse sectors. Further optimization of sensor fabrication and characterization will enable the immense potential of MIES for field-based BPA detection.

Concentrations of bisphenols and phthalate esters in the muscle of Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba)

Bisphenols (BPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs) are important compounds for the plastics industry, also called "everywhere chemicals" due to their ubiquity in daily use products. Both chemical groups are well-known environmental contaminants, whose presence has been reported in all environmental compartments, and whose effects, mainly associated to endocrine disruption, are detrimental to living organisms. Cetaceans, due to their long life-span, low reproduction rate and high position in the trophic web, are especially vulnerable to the effects of contaminants. However, little is known about BP and PAE concentrations in cetacean tissues, their potential relation to individual biological variables, or their trends over time. Here, the concentration of 10 BPs and 13 PAEs was assessed in the muscle of 30 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Spanish Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean) between 1990 and 2018. Six BP and 6 PAE compounds were detected, of which only 4,4'-(cyclohexane-1,1-diyl)diphenol (BPZ) was detected in all the samples, at the highest concentration (mean 16.06 μg g-1 lipid weight). Sex or reproductive condition were largely uninfluential on concentrations: only dimethylphthalate (DMP) concentrations were significantly higher in immature individuals than in adults, and the overall PAE concentrations were significantly higher in males than in females. Temporal variations were only detected in bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane (BPE), diethylphthalate (DEP) and dimethylphthalate (DMP), whose concentrations were lower, and 9,9-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene (BPFL), which were higher, respectively, in samples taken between 2014 and 2018, probably reflecting shifts in the production and use of these chemicals. These results provide the first assessment of concentrations of several BP and PAE compounds in the muscle of an odontocete cetacean.

A microgel of CdSe quantum dots for fluorescent bisphenol A detection

A fluorescent microgel for BPA detection has been successfully prepared by cross-linking linear poly(styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (poly (STY-co-GMA)) with L-cysteine-capped CdSe quantum dots (Lcys-caped CdSe QDs). The microgel contained specific binding sites created by the covalent grafting of the copolymer onto the QDs via the GMA units, allowing for selective trapping of BPA molecules through π-π and hydrogen bond interactions with phenyl, carboxylic, and amine groups. After binding, electron transfer from the QDs to the analyte quenched the fluorescence at a wavelength of 547 nm when excited at 400 nm. The rational compositional and structural design allows the microgel to accurately detect BPA concentrations over a wide dynamic range of 1.0×10^-1 to 1.0×10⁵ μg/L with a low detection limit (7.0×10^-2 to 8.0×10^-2 μg/L) in deionized, drinking, and tap waters within just 2.0 min. On top of that, the sensitivity for BPA detection was 2.0-4.6 times higher than that of the other 3 structural analogues, even molecular imprinting was not involved. The influence of the STY/GMA compositions in the copolymers and environmental conditions, including pH and ionic strength, on the sensing performance was determined. Moreover, the sensing mechanism and the selectivity with respect to the molecular features were elucidated.

Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) Does Not Ameliorate the Toxic Effect of Bisphenol S on the Metabolic Analytes and Pancreas Histoarchitecture of Diabetic Rats

This study investigated whether the coadministration of vitamin E (VitE) diminishes the harmful effects provoked by plasticizer bisphenol S (BPS) in the serum metabolites related to hepatic and renal metabolism, as well as the endocrine pancreatic function in diabetic male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into five groups (n = 5-6); the first group was healthy rats (Ctrl group). The other four groups were diabetic rats induced with 45 mg/kg bw of streptozotocin: Ctrl-D (diabetic control); VitE-D (100 mg/kg bw/d of VitE); BPS-D (100 mg/kg bw/d of BPS); The animals from the VitE + BPS-D group were administered 100 mg/kg bw/d of VitE + 100 mg/kg bw/d of BPS. All compounds were administered orally for 30 days. Body weight, biochemical assays, urinalysis, glucose tolerance test, pancreas histopathology, proximate chemical analysis in feces, and the activity of antioxidants in rat serum were assessed. The coadministration of VitE + BPS produced weight losses, increases in 14 serum analytes, and degeneration in the pancreas. Therefore, the VitE + BPS coadministration did not have a protective effect versus the harmful impact of BPS or the diabetic metabolic state; on the contrary, it partially aggravated the damage produced by the BPS. VitE is likely to have an additive effect on the toxicity of BPS.

Degradation and toxicity of bisphenol A and S during cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment

Bisphenols are widely recognised as toxic compounds that potentially threaten the environment and public health. Here we report the use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) to remove bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) from aqueous systems. Additionally, methanol was added as a radical scavenger to simulate environmental conditions. After 480 s of plasma treatment, 15-25 % of BPA remained, compared to > 80 % of BPS, with BPA being removed faster (-k_t = 3.4 ms^-1, half-life = 210 s) than BPS (-k_t = 0.15 ms^-1, half-life 4700 s). The characterisation of plasma species showed that adding a radical scavenger affects the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, resulting in a lower amount of ˙OH, H₂O₂, and NO₂^- but a similar amount of NO₃^-. In addition, a non-target approach enabled the elucidation of 11 BPA and five BPS transformation products. From this data, transformation pathways were proposed for both compounds, indicating nitrification with further cleavage, demethylation, and carboxylation, and the coupling of smaller bisphenol intermediates. The toxicological characterisation of the in vitro HepG2 cell model has shown that the mixture of transformation products formed during CAP is less toxic than BPA and BPS, indicating that CAP is effective in safely degrading bisphenols.

Toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives in divers biological models with the assessment of molecular mechanisms of toxicity

The aim of the study was to determine totoxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives (bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)) due to its high accumulation in environment. The performed analysis revealed the toxicity of the BPA, BPF, and BPS against Kurthia gibsoni, Microbacterium sp., and Brevundimonas diminuta as the most sensitive, reaching microbial toxic concentrations in the range of 0.018-0.031 mg ∙ L^-1. Moreover, the genotoxicity assay shows the ability of all tested compounds to increase in the β-galactosidase level at the concentration range 7.81-500 µM (in Escherichia coli, PQ37). In turn, the matbolic activation of tested bishpenols has caused the enhacement of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effect. Interestingely, the highest phytotoxicity effect was pointed for BPA and TBBPA at the concentrations of 10 mg ∙ L^-1 and 50 mg ∙ L^-1, which cause the inhibition of root growth by 58% and 45%, respectively (especially for S. alba and S. saccharatum). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity analyses show the ability of BPA, BPS, and TBBPA to significantly decrease the metabolic activity of human keratynoctes in vitro after 24 h of treatment at the micromolar concentrations. Simialry, the impact of the certain bisphenols on proliferation-, apoptosis-, and inflammation-related mRNA expression was shown in tested cell line. Summarizing, the presented results have proved that BPA and its derrivatives are able to show high negative effect on certain living orgnisms such as bacteria, plants, and human cells, which is strict related to pro-apoptotic and genotoxic mechanism of action.

Challenges in the Analytical Preparation of a Biological Matrix in Analyses of Endocrine-Disrupting Bisphenols

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are xenobiotics presented in a variety of everyday products that may disrupt the normal activity of hormones. Exposure to bisphenol A as EDC at trace and ultra-trace levels is associated with adverse health effects, and children are recognized as the most vulnerable group to EDCs exposure. In this review, a summary is presented of up-to-date sample preparation methods and instrumental techniques applied for the detection and quantification of bisphenol A and its structural analogues in various biological matrices. Biological matrices such as blood, cell-free blood products, urine, saliva, breast milk, cordial blood, amniotic and semen fluids, as well as sweat and hair, are very complex; therefore, the detection and later quantification of bisphenols at low levels present a real analytical challenge. The most popular analytical approaches include gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and their enhanced reliability and sensitivity finally allow the separation and detection of bisphenols in biological samples, even as ultra-traces. Liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) are still the most common methods for their extraction from biological matrices. However, many modern and environmentally safe microextraction techniques are currently under development. The complexity of biological matrices and low concentrations of analytes are the main issues for the limited identification, as well as understanding the adverse health effects caused by chronical and ubiquitous exposure to bisphenols and its analogues.

Ag2CO3-Based Photocatalyst with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Degradation: A Review

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the aquatic environment have garnered a lot of attention during the past few years. Due to their toxic behavior, which interferes with endocrine functions in both humans and aquatic species, these types of compounds have been recognized as major polluting agents in wastewater effluents. Therefore, the development of efficient and sustainable removal methods for these emerging contaminants is essential. Photocatalytic removal of emerging contaminants using silver carbonate (Ag2CO3)-based photocatalyst is a promising process due to the unique characteristics of this catalyst, such as absorption of a larger fraction of the solar spectrum, wide band gap, non-toxicity, and low cost. The photocatalytic performance of Ag2CO3 has recently been improved through the doping of elements and optimization variation of operational parameters resulting in decreasing the rate of electron–hole pair recombination and an increase in the semiconductor’s excitation state efficiency, which enables the degradation of contaminants under UV or visible light exposure. This review summarized some of the relevant investigations related to Ag2CO3-based photocatalytic materials for EDC removal from water. The inclusion of Ag2CO3-based photocatalytic materials in the water recovery procedure suggests that the creation of a cutting-edge protocol is essential for successfully eliminating EDCs from the ecosystem.

Interactions of Bisphenol A with Artemia franciscana and the ameliorative effect of probiotics

In the present study, the bidirectional interactions of Artemia franciscana with BPA, administered either alone or following treatment with the probiotics Bacillus subtilis, Lactococcus lactis or Lactobacillus plantarum, were evaluated. A 24 h exposure to BPA below LC₅₀ induced oxidative stress to Artemia, indicated by diminished activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione transferase and phenoloxidase, increased lipid peroxidation and decreased survival. Probiotic treatment prior to BPA exposure, led to increased survival, reduced lipid peroxidation and increased enzyme activities. BPA quantification in Artemia and its culture medium, showed a time dependent reduction in its levels, more evident in probiotic series, indicating its biotransformation. ESI-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the tentative BPA metabolites hydroquinone and BPA-sulfate, while BPA-disulfate formation was confirmed in only in the probiotic series. Our results provide evidence that probiotics alleviate the oxidative stress response induced by BPA, by enhancing the BPA biotransformation ability of Artemia.

Bisphenol A and its substitutes in the aquatic environment: Occurrence and toxicity assessment

Bisphenol A is classified as a high production volume chemical commonly used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and thermal paper. The endocrine disrupting properties of this xenobiotic have led to the restriction and prohibition of its use in many consumer products. To date, many chemical compounds with a chemical structure similar to bisphenol A have been used in consumer products as its replacement. The ubiquitous occurrence of bisphenol A and its substitutes in the environment and their endocrine activity as well as adverse effects on aquatic organisms is a global concern, especially because many available literature reports show that many substitutes (e.g. bisphenol AF, bisphenol AP, bisphenol B, bisphenol C, bisphenol F, bisphenol G, bisphenol FL, tetrabromobisphenol A) exert adverse effects on aquatic organisms, similar to, or even stronger than bisphenol A. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the production, sources, occurrence and associated toxicity, as well as the endocrine activity of bisphenol A and its substitutes on aquatic species. The environmental levels and ecotoxicological data presented in this review allowed for a preliminary assessment and prediction of the risk of bisphenol A and its substitutes for aquatic organisms. Furthermore, the data collected in this paper highlight that several compounds applied in bisphenol A-free products are not safe alternatives and regulations regarding their use should be introduced.

Preparation and mechanical behavior of the acellular porcine common bile duct and its immunogenicity in vivo

The current clinical treatments for complications caused by hepatobiliary surgery still have some inevitable weaknesses. This study aimed to prepare the acellular porcine common bile duct (APCBD) for repairing biliary defects and damage. The porcine common bile duct was decellularized by the freeze-thaw method combined with nuclease treatment, and the efficacy of acellularization was confirmed by the DNA quantification and histological structure. The results showed that the residual DNA content was reduced from 854.67 ± 9.71 ng/mg to 5.43 ± 0.85 ng/mg, and the natural structure and shape of the bile duct were well preserved. The biomechanical properties such as the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation-at-break of the APCBD in the transverse and longitudinal direction indicated that the APCBD meets the requirements of the biomechanical strength in replacement. In addition, the results of the immunotoxicity test showed there was no significant difference in the body weights, organ coefficient, hematology, and immune histology between the experimental groups (three subgroups) and the negative control group, which demonstrated the prepared APCBD had no obvious toxicity to the immune system in vivo and might be a suitable biomaterial for the bile duct repairing.

New combination of pulsed light and iron (II) for carbonate radical production to enhanced degradation of bisphenol A: Parameter optimization and degradation pathway

Bisphenol A(BPA) is a common industrial chemical with significant adverse impacts on Environment and human health. The present work evaluates the efficacy of pulsed light (PL) and Fe²⁺ ions in activation of sodium percarbonate (SPC) to produce hydroxyl (OH^•) and carbonate (CO₃^•-) radicals for efficient degradation of BPA. The effects of operational parameters such as solution pH, SPC and Fe²⁺ dose as well as the mixture composition were analyzed and the decomposition pathway of BPA proposed. The BPA was successfully degraded at the initial concentration of 15.0 mg/L and optimized conditions by the PL/Fe²⁺/SPC process (99.67 ± 0.29%). A rapid reduction in the degradation of BPA was observed with increasing pH due to OH^• radicals quenching and also the precipitation of Fe²⁺. Under the optimized conditions, degradation of BPA by PL/Fe²⁺/SPC process was five-times faster than the individual process. The quenching experiments revealed that radical and non-radical pathways on BPA degradation was accomplished with OH^•, CO₃^•-, O₂^•-, and ¹O_2, while OH^• and CO₃^•- radicals (as a dominant radicals) have the contributions of 80.23% and 8.30%, respectively. Based on the detected byproducts, ring cleavage can be considered as the main transformation mechanism of BPA by the PL/Fe²⁺/SPC process.

An insight into bisphenol A, food exposure and its adverse effects on health: A review

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical widely employed to synthesize epoxy resins, polymer materials, and polycarbonate plastics. BPA is abundant in the environment, i.e., in food containers, water bottles, thermal papers, toys, medical devices, etc., and is incorporated into soil/water through leaching. Being a potent endocrine disrupter, and has the potential to alter several body mechanisms. Studies confirmed its anti-androgen action and estrogen-like effects, which impart many negative health impacts, especially on the immune system, neuroendocrine process, and reproductive mechanism. Moreover, it can also induce mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, as per recent scientific research. This review focuses on BPA's presence and concentrations in different environments, food sources and the basic mechanisms of BPA-induced toxicity and health disruptions. It is a unique review of its type because it focuses on the association of cancer, hormonal disruption, immunosuppression, and infertility with BPA. These issues are widespread today, and BPA significantly contributes to their incidence because of its wide usage in daily life utensils and other accessories. The review also discusses researched-based measures to cope with the toxic chemical.

55 xenobiotic organic compounds in Tripoli landfill-Lebanon leachate and their fluxes to the Abou Ali River and Mediterranean Sea

Pollution generated from landfill solid wastes constitute one of the major threat to the environment. The landfill leachate contains various toxic pollutants, making it the most dangerous issue of the landfills. Monitoring the xenobiotic organic concentrations in landfill leachate is an important step to evaluate the environmental impacts. This work aims to characterize the seasonal variation of 55 xenobiotic organic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and bisphenols (BPs) in the leachate from municipal solid waste landfill of Tripoli, Lebanon. And also, the quantity of the pollutant's flux to the Abou Ali River and the Mediterranean Sea nearby has been estimated. The organic pollutants were extracted by using the solid-phase extraction and quantified by using GC-MS/MS. The results showed high level of PAEs, BPs, PCBs, and PAHs in the leachate samples. The fluxes of pollutants to the Abou Ali River and Mediterranean Sea have been detected at 0.23 kg, 0.01 kg, 116.85 kg, 15.93 kg, and 7.58 kg for Σ₁₆PAHs, Σ₂₈PCBs, Σ₆PAEs, Σ₄BPs, and 4-NP respectively.

Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Bisphenol A on the Cardiovascular System: A Review

Currently, the plastic monomer and plasticizer bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used chemicals. BPA is present in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, commonly used in food storage and industrial or medical products. However, the use of this synthetic compound is a growing concern, as BPA is an endocrine-disrupting compound and can bind mainly to estrogen receptors, interfering with different functions at the cardiovascular level. Several studies have investigated the disruptive effects of BPA; however, its cardiotoxicity remains unclear. Therefore, this review’s purpose is to address the most recent studies on the implications of BPA on the cardiovascular system. Our findings suggest that BPA impairs cardiac excitability through intracellular mechanisms, involving the inhibition of the main ion channels, changes in Ca²⁺ handling, the induction of oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications. Our data support that BPA exposure increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including atherosclerosis and its risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Furthermore, BPA exposure is also particularly harmful in pregnancy, promoting the development of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In summary, BPA exposure compromises human health, promoting the development and progression of CVDs and risk factors. Further studies are needed to clarify the human health effects of BPA-induced cardiotoxicity.

A chronic exposure to bisphenol A reduces sperm quality in goldfish associated with increases in kiss2, gpr54, and gnrh3 mRNA and circulatory LH levels at environmentally relevant concentrations

The bisphenol A (BPA)-disrupted reproductive functions have been demonstrated in male animals. In fish, it has been shown that environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA decrease sperm quality associated with inhibition of androgen biosynthesis. However, BPA effects on neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction to affect testicular functions are largely unknown. In the present study, reproductive functions of hypothalamus and pituitary were studied in mature male goldfish exposed to nominal 0.2, 2.0 and 20.0 μg/L BPA. At 90 d of exposure, sperm volume, velocity, and density and motility were decreased in goldfish exposed to 0.2, 2.0, and 20.0 μg/L BPA, respectively (p < 0.05). At 30 d of exposure, there were no significant changes in circulatory LH levels and mRNA transcripts of kiss1, Kiss2, gpr54, and gnrh3. At 90 d of exposure, circulatory LH levels showed trends toward increases in BPA exposed goldfish, which was significant in those exposed to 2.0 μg/L (P < 0.05). At this time, Kiss2, gpr54, and gnrh3 mRNA levels were increased in goldfish exposed to any concentrations of BPA (p < 0.05). This study shows that BPA-diminished sperm quality was accompanied by an increase in circulatory LH levels associated with increases in mRNA transcripts of upstream neuroendocrine regulators of reproduction in goldfish. Further, this is the first study to report circulatory levels of LH in fish exposed to BPA.

Chitosan/Gold Nanoparticles Nanocomposite Film for Bisphenol A Electrochemical Sensing

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered an endocrine-disrupting compound and can cause toxicological effects, even at low doses. The development of sensitive and reliable sensors that would allow the detection of such contaminant is highly pursued. Herein, we report an electrochemical sensing strategy based on a simple and low-cost nanocomposite film sensor platform for BPA detection. The platform was developed by modifying a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode with layer-by-layer (LbL) films of chitosan (Chi) and gold nanoparticles functionalized with a polythiophene derivative (AuNPs:PTS). The growth of the Chi/AuNPs:PTS LbL films was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Electrochemical characterization revealed that the three-bilayer film exhibited the highest electrocatalytic performance and differential-pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements demonstrated that the modified electrode was suitable for BPA detection through a quasi-reversible and adsorption-controlled electrochemical oxidation and reduction process. The developed sensor exhibited a linear response range from 0.4 to 20 μmol L−1, with a detection limit of 0.32 μmol L−1. The sensor showed good reproducibility with relative standard deviations of 2.12% and 3.73% to intra- and inter-electrode, respectively. Furthermore, the platform demonstrated to be suitable to detect BPA in real water samples, as well as selective for BPA detection in solutions with 100-fold excess of common interfering compounds.

Potential Role of Agrimonia eupatoria L. Extract in Cell Protection Against Toxicity Induced by Bisphenol A

The aim of this study is to reveal the potentially protective role of ethanolic extract of agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria L.) against the cytotoxic effect of bisphenol A (BPA) in vitro, using an intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-1). The cells were exposed to different concentrations of BPA: 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg.ml–1 alone and in combination with agrimony extract (250 µg.ml–1). The proliferative cell response was monitored for 72 h by a xCELLigence system or real-time cell analyser (RTCA), recorded as the cell index (CI) and expressed as a proliferative activity (% PA) compared to the control cells without treatment. The metabolic activity was measured by a MTS colorimetric test, performed after 48 h of treatment with the tested substances. The cytotoxic effect on cells exposed to BPA alone, in comparison to the control cells without treatment, was observed in both assays (P < 0.0001). It was confirmed that BPA reduces both the metabolic activity and the proliferation of cells. After the cell treatment with agrimony, the metabolic activity had increased to reach over the control (101.52 %), while reducing the proliferation of the cells. The protective role of agrimony against cytotoxicity caused by BPA was observed after cell treatment with agrimony in combination with lower concentrations of BPA (12.5; 25 and 50 µg.ml–1). The slight improvement in the adherence was observed in cells treated with these combinations, in comparison to the cells treated with BPA alone. On the other hand, the metabolic activity was slightly improved in cells treated with a combination of agrimony and BPA at higher concentrations (50 a 100 µg.ml–1). This supported our assumption that agrimony can protect a model organism against cytotoxicity caused by BPA.