Dietary intake of 4-nonylphenol and bisphenol A in Taiwanese population: Integrated risk assessment based on probabilistic and sensitive approach

Association between bisphenol A exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes: A longitudinal approach

Increased cardiometabolic risk is associated with abnormalities in blood biomarkers profile and adiposity measurements. Some substances found in the food matrix and the environment, called endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may impair cardiometabolic health in the early and later stages of life. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a food contaminant that migrates from food contact materials and may act as an endocrine disruptor, negatively affecting human health. The present work aims to longitudinally assess the association between BPA exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes, considering data from Portuguese population-based birth cohort Generation XXI. Blood insulin (0.06stdβ; 95 %CI:0.03,0.09) and insulin resistance (0.05stdβ; 95 %CI:0.02,0.08) presented a significant longitudinal association with BPA daily exposure after adjustment for important variables and energy. The same findings were observed for fat mass (0.03stdβ; 95 %CI 0.01,0.06) and waist circumference (0.06stdβ; 95 %CI:0.04,0.08). For z-BMI, a significant cross-sectional (0.03stdβ; 95 %CI:0.01,0.04) and longitudinal (0.02stdβ; 95 %CI:0.00,0.04) association was found. This was the first study assessing the association between BPA exposure and health outcomes from childhood to adolescence. We found an association between BPA exposure and increased blood insulin level, insulin resistance, fat mass percentage, waist circumference and z-BMI. Our results point to the need to reduce exposure to BPA in the early stages of life.

Association of phenol exposure during pregnancy and asthma development in children: The Japan Environment and Children's study

BACKGROUND

Alkylphenols can originate from numerous products containing alkylphenol ethoxylates, including cleaning products, household items, and cosmetics. Some phenols, such as nonylphenol, are known to be endocrine disruptors, and exposure to them is thought to have contributed to the recent increase in allergic diseases such as asthma. However, the impacts of prenatal phenol exposure on asthma development in children are still unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed the association between maternal urinary phenol concentrations during early pregnancy and the development of asthma in children at the age of 4, using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a large-scale nationwide birth cohort study.

RESULTS

We recruited 3,513 pairs of mothers and children participating in the Sub-Cohort Study of JECS. We measured 24 phenols, including nitrophenol, parabens, bisphenol, octylphenol, and nonylphenol, in urine samples taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. The urinary levels of these phenols differed markedly, and some showed a broad spectrum of distribution. Methylparaben was detected at high levels in almost every participant (267.7 ng/ml, standard deviation 433.78). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio of asthma onset for high exposure to butylparaben was 1.54 (95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.15). Additionally, logistic regression analysis by gender revealed an asthma development odds ratio of 2.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.20-3.65) for males and 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.25-1.70) for females born to mothers in whom 4-nonylphenol was detected, suggesting a gender difference.

CONCLUSION

Our current analysis using large cohort data suggests that high exposure to butylparaben and low exposure to 4-nonylphenol during pregnancy are risk factors for asthma development in children. These findings establish a valuable foundation for formulating recommendations about prenatal phenol exposure.

Assessing dietary bisphenol A exposure among Koreans: comprehensive database construction and analysis using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure primarily occurs through dietary intake. This study aimed to estimate the extent of dietary BPA exposure among Koreans. A thorough literature search was conducted to establish a BPA content database encompassing common foods consumed in Korea, including various food raw materials and processed food products. Dietary exposure levels were estimated by integrating the constructed BPA database with comprehensive nationwide 24 h-dietary recall datasets. The finding revealed that dietary BPA exposure was low for most Koreans, with a mean of 14.5 ng/kg bw/day, but was higher for preschool-age children (over 23 ng). Canned foods accounted for 9-36% of the total dietary exposure of the highest dietary exposure groups; while across all age groups, a considerable amount was derived from canned tuna, contribution of canned fruits and canned coffee (milk-containing) was high for preschool-age children and adults, respectively. Notably, for adults, a substantial proportion also stemmed from beer packaged in cans. While diet contributed over 80% of aggregate exposure for most age groups, preschool-age children experienced 60% exposure through diet due to additional exposure from indoor dust. Even at the high exposure scenario, aggregate BPA exposure levels remained lower than the current tolerable daily intake (TDI) set by the Korean agency (20 μg/kg bw/day). Nevertheless, most Koreans were exposed to BPA levels surpassing the strictest TDI (0.2 ng/kg bw/day) set by the European Food Safety Authority.

Exposure characteristics and cumulative risk assessment of bisphenol A and its substitutes: the Taiwan environmental survey for toxicants 2013

Introduction

Ever since the use of bisphenol A (BPA) has been restricted, concerns have been raised regarding the use of its substitutes, such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). Meanwhile, the EU European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued the new tolerable daily intake (TDI) after the latest re-risk assessment for BPA, which enforced the need for cumulative risk assessment in the population. This study was conducted to identify BPA and its substitute's exposure characteristics of the general Taiwanese population and estimate the cumulative risk of bisphenol exposure.

Methods

Urine samples (N = 366 [adult, 271; minor, 95]) were collected from individuals who participated in the Taiwan Environmental Survey for Toxicants 2013. The samples were analyzed for BPA, BPS, and BPF through ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Daily intake (DI) levels were calculated for each bisphenol. Hazard quotients (HQs) were calculated with the consideration of tolerable DI and a reference dose. Additionally, hazard index (HI; sum of HQs for each bisphenol) values were calculated.

Results

Our study found that the median level of BPA was significantly higher in adults (9.63 μg/g creatinine) than in minors (6.63 μg/g creatinine) (p < 0.001). The DI of BPS was higher in female (0.69 ng/kg/day) than in male (0.49 ng/kg/day); however, the DIs of BPF and BPS were higher in boys (1.15 and 0.26 ng/kg/day, respectively) than in girls (0.57 and 0.20 ng/kg/day, respectively). Most HI values exceeded 1 (99% of the participants) after EFSA re-establish the TDI of BPA.

Discussion

Our study revealed that the exposure profiles and risk of BPA and its substitute in Taiwanese varied by age and sex. Additionally, the exposure risk of BPA was deemed unacceptable in Taiwan according to new EFSA regulations, and food contamination could be the possible source of exposure. We suggest that the risk of exposure to BPA and its substitutes in most human biomonitoring studies should be reassessed based on new scientific evidence.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate degradation in detergents during shelf time, a new exposure pathway, and a perspective on their substitution

Detergents are highly produced pollutants with environmental problems like foam generation and toxic effects in biota. Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are efficient, economical, and versatile surfactants, used in detergents for more than 40 years due to their detergency capacity. In the environment, NPE biodegrades into the metabolite nonylphenol (NP), classified as an endocrine disruptor. The identification and quantification of 4-NP in a designed detergent and 30 commercially available detergents were performed to prove the degradation of NPE into 4-NP during storage time. This investigation introduces the first evidence of NPE degradation during storage in commercially available detergents, demonstrating a novel exposure pathway in humans that has not been explored before, representing potential human health risks. Therefore, simple, easy, low-cost, and available approaches to remove and substitute NP is paramount. Alkyl polyglucoside (APG) was assessed as a substitute, and the feasibility of this substitution was proven according to physical and chemical properties, cleaning performance, and antimicrobial properties. NPE substitution in detergents is demonstrated as a viable strategy to minimize exposure risks in humans and the environment.

Prenatal to preschool exposure of nonylphenol and bisphenol A exposure and neurodevelopment in young children

BACKGROUND

Nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) are produced in large quantities worldwide as multipurpose agents. However, studies on relations between NP and BPA exposure and childhood neurodevelopment are few, and the results are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate associations between prenatal and early childhood NP and BPA exposure and neurodevelopment in mother-child pairs.

METHODS

Pregnant women at 27-38 weeks' gestation were recruited, as were children 2-3 years of age (n = 94) and 4-6 years of age (n = 56) years. Urine was collected to assess NP and BPA exposure. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (3rd edition; Bayley-III), Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (4th edition), and the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (WPPSI-IV-FSIQ) were used to assess the neurodevelopment of the children.

RESULTS

The detection rate and concentration of NP and BPA in the urine of children 4-6 years old were higher than in those 2-3 years old. Children were divided into a high concentration group (3rd tertile) and a reference group (1st and 2nd tertiles) based on natural log-transformed urine concentration of NP and BPA. Girls' Bayley-III motor scores in the high concentration group were higher than those of the BPA reference group of urine of mothers (β = 6.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58-12.13). Boys' FSIQ in the higher concentration group were significantly lower than those in children 2-3 years old in the NP reference group (β = -11.29, 95% CI: -18.62 to -3.96) (all, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal and childhood exposure to NP and BPA may have different effects on the neurodevelopment of young children, and there are no consistent effects between boys and girls.

Methodological approaches for the assessment of bisphenol A exposure

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor used in food contact materials, by the application of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. The main objective of this study is to compare the estimate of daily BPA exposure at 13 years of age and in the adult Portuguese population, using different methodological approaches, and assess the associations between this exposure and sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODOLOGY

Cross-sectional data of 13-years follow-up from a population-based birth cohort Generation XXI (GXXI) (n = 2804) and from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015-2016) (n = 3845, ≥18 years old) was used. Dietary information was collected through three food diaries for adolescents and two non-consecutive 24-hour-recalls for adults. To estimate the daily exposure to BPA, three methodological approaches were used. "Food groups attribution" merged the food consumption data with the concentration of BPA in food groups. "Regression tree model" and "random forest" combined food consumption information with urinary BPA, measured in a subsample of 24-hour urine (in adolescents n = 216, and in adults n = 82), both used to predict BPA exposure in the remaining sample. The fit-index of the methodologies was assessed through the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ). Associations between BPA exposure and sociodemographic variables were tested by linear regression models, adjusted for sex, age groups (in adults) and educational level. Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.2 ng/kg body weight (bw), recently proposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), was used for the risk characterization of BPA exposure.

RESULTS

The "random forest" was found as the best methodology to estimate the daily BPA exposure (adolescents: RMSE = 0.989, MAE = 0.727, ρ = 0.168; adults: RMSE = 0.193, MAE = 0.147, ρ = 0.250). The median dietary BPA exposure, calculated by "food groups attribution", was 79.1 and 46.1 ng/kg bw/day for adolescents and adults, respectively, while "random forest" estimated a BPA exposure of 26.7 and 38.0 ng/kg bw/day. 99.9% of the Portuguese population presented a daily exposure above TDI. Male adolescents, females and higher educated adults, were those more exposed to BPA.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated daily BPA exposure strongly depends on the methodological approach. Food groups attribution may overestimate the exposure while the random forest appears to be a better methodological approach to estimate BPA exposure. Nevertheless, for all methods, the Portuguese population presented an unsafe BPA exposure by largely exceeding the safe levels proposed by EFSA.

Survey on the Environmental Risks of Bisphenol A and Its Relevant Regulations in Taiwan: An Environmental Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical of Increasing Concern

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been identified as one of the endocrine disruptors or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Due to its massive production (over 700,000 tons per year) and the extensive use of BPA-based plastics (i.e., polycarbonate and epoxy resin) in Taiwan, it was thus included as a toxic substance by the Ministry of Environment. This work surveyed the updated information about the production of BPA and its environmental distribution in Taiwan over the past decade. Furthermore, the regulatory strategies and countermeasures for managing the environmental risks of BPA by the Taiwan government were summarized to show the cross-ministerial efforts under the relevant acts, including the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (TCCSCA), the Food Sanitation Management Act (FSMA) and the Commodity Inspection Act (CIA). The findings showed that most monitoring data were far below the acceptable risks. However, people may pose an adverse threat to the aquatic environment and human health via ecological and food chains. In addition, some countermeasures were further recommended to echo the international actions on environmental endocrine disruptors in recent years.

Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to Bisphenol A in Polymeric Baby Bottles

In recent decades, paying attention to bisphenol A (BPA), as one of the endocrine disruptor compounds, has increased due to its harmful effects. Although, scattered studies have been conducted in order to measure BPA concentration migrated into polymeric baby bottles in different countries of the world, there are no review studies and evaluation with a global perspective in the field of BPA risk. Some of these studies indicated the potential risks and estrogenic effects associated with BPA in babies' daily intake. For this purpose, we reviewed the information on the migration levels of BPA into baby bottles has been reported in 10 countries. The potential risks associated with BPA through the daily intake as well as the estrogenic effect on 3 age groups of babies which include 0 to 6, 6 to 12, and 12 to 24 months were analyzed using the Monte Carlo simulation. Also, kinetic models were applied to predict the kinetics of the migration process of BPA. The median daily intake for 3 age groups was obtained as 191.1, 161.37, and 153.76 µg/kg/day, respectively; which indicated Hazard Index (HI) > 1. The median estrogenic effect for the 3 groups was estimated to be 0.021 ngE₂/L. The kinetics of contaminant transfer with Polynomial model at 2 temperatures of 24°C and 40°C showed a better fit with R ² = 0.99 and 0.91, respectively. Based on the risk assessment analysis conducted in the present study, the BPA migration in baby bottles appeared to be a health concern for babies. Therefore, it is needed to increase the safety level of bottles for babies as they are sensitive and vulnerable members of every society. Furthermore, in this study, only the investigation of the global situation of BPA in polymeric baby bottles was stated; therefore, more investigation about another potential sources of BPA in food chain is needed.

The antioxidant effects of coenzyme Q10 on albino rat testicular toxicity and apoptosis triggered by bisphenol A

Polycarbonate plastics for packaging and epoxy resins are both made with the industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA). This investigation looked at the histological structure, antioxidant enzymes, and albino rats' testis to determine how coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) impacts BPA toxicity. For the experiments, three sets of 18 male adult rats were created: group 1 received no therapy, group 2 acquired BPA, and group 3 got the daily BPA treatment accompanied by coenzyme Q10, 1 h apart. The experimental period ran for 14 days. The biochemical biomarkers catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were altered as a result of BPA exposure. The testicular histological architecture, which is made up of apoptosis, was also exaggerated. Furthermore, rats given BPA and CoQ10 treatment may experience a diminution in these negative BPA effects. These protective properties of CoQ10 may be correlated with the ability to eliminate oxidizing substances that can harm living species. The outcomes might support the hypothesis that CoQ10 prevented oxidative damage and boosted rats' stress responses when BPA was introduced. Thus, by shielding mammals from oxidative stress, CoQ10 aids in the growth and development of the animals. BPA is extremely hazardous to humans and can persist in tissues. Human reproductive functions are a worry due to human exposure to BPA, especially for occupational workers who are typically exposed to higher doses of BPA. As a result, in order to reduce the health risks, BPA usage must be minimized across a diverse range of industries, and improper plastic container handling must be prohibited. By giving CoQ10 to patients, BPA's harmful effects on reproductive structures and functions may be avoided.

Temporal trends in risk of bisphenol A, benzophenone-3 and triclosan exposure among U.S. children and adolescents aged 6-19 years: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016

BACKGROUND

Phenolic compounds with potential adverse health effects are gradually being replaced. Little is known about the potential health risks of BPA, BP3, and TCS exposure in children and adolescents aged 6-19 years in the United States.

OBJECTIVES

To determine trends and rates of change in hazard indices (HI) for three phenolics in U.S. children and adolescents for BPA, BP3, TCS, and to assess changes in gender, race/ethnicity, age, and potential health risks.

METHODS

Metabolic biomonitoring data from field-collected urine samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized. Daily intake of three phenols (bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, and triclosan) between 2005 and 2016 in children and adolescents were obtained. Cumulative risk indicators, including hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and maximum cumulative ratio (MCR), were used for the health risk assessment of the three phenols.

RESULTS

During this period, the change in LSGM HI was -2.9% per cycle [95% Cl: (-3.7%, -2.2%)], and the percentage of participants with HI > 0.1 decreased from 15.6% to 10.5%. Children (6-11 years) had higher mean HI values than adolescents (12-19 years), while female had higher LSGM HI values than male. MCR values were generally low and negatively correlated with HI. However, the average value of MCR increased from 1.722 to 2.107 during this period.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to phenolics among U.S. children and adolescents has changed in recent decades. However, gaps in data limit the interpretation of trends but legislative activity and advocacy campaigns by nongovernmental organizations may play a role in changing trends. Moreover, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with exposure to multiple phenols in children and adolescents.

LncRNA PVT1 mediates the progression of liver necroptosis via ZBP1 promoter methylation under nonylphenol exposure

Nonylphenol (NP) is one of the most toxic and ubiquitously present endocrine disrupting compounds. Numerous studies have shown that NP exposure induces liver injury, but the interactions between epigenetic factors and necroptosis in this context have not been examined. In this study, rats received daily NP administration (15, 45, and 135 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage over a 28-day period. The upregulation of lncRNA PVT1 was associated with the elevated expression of necroptosis-related proteins (ZBP1, RIPK3, MLKL, and p-MLKL). Moreover, similar effects were also observed after NP exposure in BRL-3A cells. LncRNA PVT1 was predominantly expressed in the nucleus, and ASO was chosen to knock down lncRNA PVT1 in BRL-3A cells. Experimental techniques such as RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and co-immunoprecipitation were used to verify direct binding interactions among lncRNA PVT1, EZH2, DNMT1, and ZBP1. The evidence obtained indicated that lncRNA PVT1 could bind to DNMT1 via EZH2 and increase methylation at the ZBP1 promoter, thereby promoting necroptosis. Meanwhile, the demethylation of the highly expressed gene TET1 also promoted ZBP1 upregulation, inducing necroptosis. Taken together, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying liver injury in response to NP exposure. Hence, they lay a mechanistic foundation for the evaluation of NP biosafety.

Human health risk assessment of bisphenol A (BPA) through meat products

Meat and meat products are often consumed in our daily diet, providing essential nutrients. Contamination by chemical hazards, including bisphenol A (BPA) in meat products, is a concern and is continuously monitored. BPA is well-known for its endocrine-disrupting properties, which may cause potential toxicological effects on reproductive, nervous, and immune systems. Dietary consumption is the main route of BPA exposure, and meat products are a major contributor. BPA exposure from meat consumption is the focus of this review. This review found that BPA has been widely detected in canned and non-canned meat products. BPA in canned meat is assumed to be predominantly from migration from can coatings. Relatively low levels are observed in non-canned products, and the source of contamination in these products has yet to be definitively identified. A recent European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) draft opinion has proposed to lower the tolerable daily intake of BPA from 4 μg kg body weight (bw)^-1 day^-1 to 0.04 ng kg body weight (bw)^-1 day^-1, therefore potential health risks need to be addressed. This review has investigated potential contamination at the farm, industrial processes, and retail levels. Data gaps in the literature are also identified to improve future food safety in the meat industry. Also, a unified risk assessment strategy has been proposed. Further understanding of BPA migration in meat products is needed as a part of the exposure assessment to reduce potential risk, and more data on the dose-response relationship will help comprehend potential adverse health effects of BPA on humans. This research will inform the public, meat producers and processing industry, and policymakers on potential exposure to BPA and risk reduction measures, thus, ensuring food safety.

Biomarker-Determined Nonylphenol Exposure and Associated Risks in Children of Thailand, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia

Nonylphenol (NP) is an endocrine disruptor and environmental contaminant. Yet, data on individual body burdens and potential health risks in humans, especially among children, are scarce. We analyzed two specific urinary NP metabolites, hydroxy-NP (OH-NP) and oxo-NP. In contrast to parent NP, OH-NP has a much higher urinary excretion fraction (F_ue), and both are insusceptible to external contamination. We investigated spot urine samples from school children of Thailand (n = 104), Indonesia (n = 89), and Saudi Arabia (n = 108) and could quantify OH-NP in 100% of Indonesian and Saudi children (median concentrations: 8.12 and 8.57 μg/L) and in 76% of Thai children (1.07 μg/L). Median oxo-NP concentrations were 0.95, 1.10, and <0.25 μg/L, respectively, in line with its lower F_ue. Median daily NP intakes (DIs), back-calculated from urinary OH-NP concentrations, were significantly higher in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia [0.47 and 0.36 μg/(kg bw·d), respectively] than in Thailand [0.06 μg/(kg bw·d)]. Maximum DIs were close to the preliminary tolerable DI of 5 μg/(kg bw·d) from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. Dominant sources of exposure or relevant exposure pathways could not be readily identified by questionnaire analyses and also potentially varied by region. The novel biomarkers provide long-needed support to the quantitative exposure and risk assessment of NP.

Determination of bisphenols and parabens in cow urine distillate from India: implication of human exposure and risk assessment

The exposures of a wide range of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to cows have been linked to diseases and are a major concern. In Indian scripts, cow urine is believed to be a treatment for many diseases. Nonetheless, exposure of bisphenols and parabens to cow urine distillates is unknown. Hence, in this study, we determined the concentration of bisphenols and parabens in commercially available cow urine distillate collected from India. The mean concentration of total bisphenols and parabens ranges from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 149.3 ng/mL and 1479.88 ng/mL, respectively. Predominant bisphenol-F and bisphenol-A were accounted for 88.6% and 6% of total bisphenol concentration, respectively, in marketed cow urine distillate, whereas methyl and propyl parabens were dominant and accounted for 33% and 65%, respectively. The estimated mean daily intake (EDI) of bisphenol for males and females were 45.94 ng/kg-bw/day and 54.29 ng/kg-bw/day, respectively, while for parabens EDI was 455.35ng/kg-bw/day and 538.14 ng/kg-bw/day for males and females, respectively. Hazard quotient, to evaluate the potential risk of exposure, showed no risk in the studied samples. Even though the EDI results from the Monte-Carlo risk assessment analysis did not exceed the acceptable daily intake, their estrogenic actions cannot be ignored in general populations. The estrogenic activities contributed by parabens and bisphenol A measured by estradiol equivalency quotient (EEQ) ranged from 0.00033-42 pg/mL and 2.3 pg/mL, respectively. Our results revealed higher concentrations of bisphenols and parabens in cow urine distillates; hence, special attention should be given to the quality and safety of cow urine distillates. Moreover, strict guidelines should be enforced for the quality of cow urine distillates.

Levels of Phthalates, Bisphenol-A, Nonylphenol, and Microplastics in Fish in the Estuaries of Northern Taiwan and the Impact on Human Health

Due to the sparsity in knowledge, we investigated the presence of various estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EEDCs), including phthalates (PAEs), bisphenol-A (BPA), and nonylphenol (NP), as well as microplastics (MPs) in samples of the most widely consumed fish collected from different estuaries in northern Taiwan. We then proceeded to determine the likely contribution that this exposure has on the potential for health impacts in humans following consumption of the fish. Six hundred fish caught from five river estuaries (producing 130 pooled samples) were analyzed to determine how different factors (such as the river, benthic, pelagic, and migratory species) influence EEDCs’ contamination and the possible impacts on human health following typical consumption patterns. The predominant EEDCs was diethyl phthalates (DEP), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalates (DEHP), and di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP) in fish, present at 52.9 ± 77.3, 45.3 ± 79.8, and 42.5 ± 79.3 ng/g dry weight (d.w.), respectively. Residual levels of NP, BPA, and MPs in the fish were 17.4 ± 29.1 and 1.50 ± 2.20 ng/g d.w. and 0.185 ± 0.338 mg/g d.w., respectively. EEDCs and MPs levels varied widely among the five river estuaries sampled due, in part, to differences in habitat types and the associated diversity of fish species sampled. For DEP, the Lao-Jie River and pelagic environments produced the most severely contaminated fish species, respectively. DEP residues were also associated with the burden of MPs in the fish. Based on our analysis, we predict no substantial direct human health risk by EEDCs based on typical consumption rates of estuarine fish by the Taiwanese people. However, other sources of EEDC exposure cannot be ignored.

Health risk assessment of endocrine disruptor bisphenol A leaching from plastic bottles of milk and soft drinks

Bisphenol A (BPA) is of major concern to public health due to its toxic potential and xenoestrogenic endocrine-disrupting effect. One of the major sources of BPA comes from the plastic bottles used to pack milk and soft drinks. The purpose of the present study was to assess and compare the risk associated with BPA transfer from plastic bottles to milk and soft drinks being stored in summer and winter conditions. A sensitive and reliable method of solid phase extraction cartridge packed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was employed. In milk samples (supplied in plastic bottles) of winter season, BPA levels were 0.17-0.32 mg/ kg. In milk samples of summer season, BPA levels were 0.77-1.59 mg/ kg. In soft drink samples of winter, BPA levels were between 0.14 and 0.3 mg/kg. While in 4-month-aged summer soft drink samples, BPA levels were 0.7-1.02 mg/kg of food. The daily exposure dose (DED) of BPA in milk samples of winter season was 1.42-2.67 μg/kg which was below the standard tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 50 μg of BPA/kg of body weight as per USEPA. The DED of BPA in milk samples of summer season was 5.58-10 μg/kg of body weight which was also less than TDI. For soft drink samples, BPA from winter samples was ranged from 1.17 to 1.67 μg/kg of body weight while for summer 4-month-aged samples was 2.5-7.08 μg/kg of body weight. Both types of samples were still less than TDI of BPA.

The development of isomer-specific analysis of branched 4-nonylphenol in food for dietary exposure - a critical review of analytical methods and occurrence in foodstuffs

4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) is a para-substituted phenolic compound comprising a straight or branched carbon chain group while branched 4-NP consists of 211 possible structural isomers. NP is recognised as an environmental pollutant and exists ubiquitously in both the environment and in food. 4-NP, especially branched 4-NP, has been shown to have the potential role of endocrine disruptor and xeno-oestrogen. Moreover, different NP isomers also exhibit different oestrogen-like activities. Recently, it was reported that the isomer-specific profile of 4-NP in foodstuffs varies greatly between and within food groups. Hence, risk assessment based on total branched 4-NP cannot reflect dietary risk. This study reviews the analytical methods applicable to conduct an isomer-specific analysis of 4-NP and its occurrence in foodstuffs. Lastly, research gaps are identified for future research.

Simultaneous adsorption and determination of bisphenol compounds in water medium with a Zr(IV)-based metal-organic framework

A chemically stable Zr(IV)-based metal-organic framework (BUT-17) has been explored for simultaneous adsorption and determination of bisphenol compounds (BPs) in aqueous medium. The prepared BUT-17 possesses a large surface area (2936 m² g^-1) and excellent fluorescent performance. An adsorption capacity of 111 mg g^-1 for bisphenol A (BPA) with a rapid adsorption rate (1.76 g mg^-1 min^-1) is achieved by BUT-17. The excellent adsorption performance could be attributed to the hydrogen bond interaction between BPs and BUT-17. Furthermore, the fluorescent intensity of BUT-17 was quenched up to 92% due to the formation of complexes between BPs and BUT-17. Thus, a BUT-17-based fluorescent sensing method for the rapid determination of BPs has been established with the limit of detection of 10.0 ng mL^-1 for BPA and a linear range from 2.0 to 23.0 μg mL^-1. These results indicate that as an outstanding multifunctional platform, BUT-17 is promising for the simultaneous removal and determination of BPs in water medium. Simultaneous removal and detection of BPs with BUT-17.

Occurrences of eight common-used pesticide adjuvants in ten vegetable species and implications for dietary intake in North China

Pesticide adjuvants (PAs) are important components of pesticide products. However, limited information is available regarding their occurrences in foodstuffs. Herein, eight common-used PAs were investigated in vegetables in North China in 2014-2016. The residue levels of total PAs in vegetables from markets and farms were 500 and 661 μg/kg, respectively. The highest residues of total PAs were found in cauliflowers (average: 1.53 × 10³ μg/kg, market vegetables) and spinaches (average: 3.72 × 10³ μg/kg, farm vegetables), respectively. In addition, Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates (TPE) dominated the total 8 PAs concentrations in most vegetable species. Moreover, the risk assessment showed that the human health risks associated with TPE and nonylphenol (NP) exposure via vegetables for adults were acceptable, and the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of other six PAs were in the range of <0.010-0.89 μg/kg bw/day, which were less likely to pose a threat to human health.

Bisphenol A and Its Analogues in Chinese Total Diets: Contaminated Levels and Risk Assessment

Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues (BPs) are suspected posing potential endocrine disrupting properties. They might migrate into foodstuffs through food packaging materials or contaminated water and soil. Dietary exposure is of paramount importance way for human health. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) lowered the value of tolerable daily intake (TDI) from 50 μg/kg bw/day (d) to a temporary (t) TDI (t-TDI) of 4 μg/kg bw/d. In this study, the Chinese total dietary samples were analyzed for assessing the exposure risk of BPs by diets. BPA, bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol AF (BPAF) were found in 12 kinds of food samples except for bisphenol B (BPB). A deterministic approach was used to calculate the dietary intakes of 4 kinds of compounds. For different age and gender groups, the exposure levels of BPA (178.440-403.672 ng/kg bw/d) was the highest, followed by BPS (21.372-52.112 ng/kg bw/d), BPF (20.641-50.507 ng/kg bw/d), and BPAF (0.434-1.210 ng/kg bw/d). Based on the t-TDI set by EFSA (4 μg/kg bw/d for BPA), the BPs through dietary intake pose low risks on the Chinese general population even summarization exposure levels of different BPs. However, human can be exposed to multiple endocrine disrupting chemicals rather than BPs alone; combined exposure risks should be further considered.

Biochar derived from red algae for efficient remediation of 4-nonylphenol from marine sediments

4-Nonylphenol (4-NP), a phenolic endocrine disruptor chemical (EDC), is known to have high toxicity to aquatic organisms and humans. The remediation of 4-NP-contaminated marine sediments was studied using red algae-based biochar (RAB) thermochemically synthesized from Agardhiella subulata with simple pyrolysis process under different temperatures of 300-900 °C in CO₂ atmosphere. The RAB was characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. The calcium in RAB efficiently activated sodium percarbonate (SPC) to generate reactive radicals for the catalytic degradation of 4-NP at pH 9.0. The oxygen-containing functional groups reacted with H₂O₂, which increased the generation of reactive radicals under alkaline pH condition. Ca²⁺ ion was the active species responsible for 4-NP degradation. CaO/CaCO₃ on RAB surface enhanced direct electron transfer, increased HO production, and 4-NP degradation in marine sediments. Langmuir‒Hinshelwood type kinetics well described the 4-NP degradation process. Remediation of contaminated sediments using RAB could be a sustainable approach toward closed-loop biomass cycling in the degradation of 4-NP contaminants.

Emerging pollutants (EPs) in Latin América: A critical review of under-studied EPs, case of study -Nonylphenol

Emerging contaminants (EPs) represent a significant risk to human, ecological and environmental health. Although progress has been made in establishing monitoring in environmental matrices, health effects, legislation and control, there are still problems associated with regional bias and the types of EPs commonly assessed, which may underestimate the risk to health. In Latin America there are limited reports on environmental monitoring of EPs and it is generally focused on wastewater. This review identifies the current research deficiencies for emerging contaminants in the Latin American region, and we address the case of nonylphenol as an under-studied EP in the region. Nonylphenol is a degradation product of nonylphenol ethoxylate, which is a surfactant widely used in the manufacture of detergents in Latin America, environmental concentrations have been reported, predominantly in water, and the possible effects on species in this region have been also described. The importance of the review of this compound in the region lies in the fact that the Rotterdam Convention has catalogued nonylphenol as a severely restricted compound, so it is necessary to establish measures for its restriction and change to a sustainable technology. Finally, the example of NP presented in this review highlights the lack of regulation in Latin America regarding to EPs, resulting in the contamination of wastewater, effluents, rivers and drinking water. It is imperative to determine the potential effects, occurrence and concentration levels to improve the regulation of these pollutants in a timely manner.

Oxidative Stress and BPA Toxicity: An Antioxidant Approach for Male and Female Reproductive Dysfunction

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a non-persistent anthropic and environmentally ubiquitous compound widely employed and detected in many consumer products and food items; thus, human exposure is prolonged. Over the last ten years, many studies have examined the underlying molecular mechanisms of BPA toxicity and revealed links among BPA-induced oxidative stress, male and female reproductive defects, and human disease. Because of its hormone-like feature, BPA shows tissue effects on specific hormone receptors in target cells, triggering noxious cellular responses associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. As a metabolic and endocrine disruptor, BPA impairs redox homeostasis via the increase of oxidative mediators and the reduction of antioxidant enzymes, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, alteration in cell signaling pathways, and induction of apoptosis. This review aims to examine the scenery of the current BPA literature on understanding how the induction of oxidative stress can be considered the "fil rouge" of BPA's toxic mechanisms of action with pleiotropic outcomes on reproduction. Here, we focus on the protective effects of five classes of antioxidants-vitamins and co-factors, natural products (herbals and phytochemicals), melatonin, selenium, and methyl donors (used alone or in combination)-that have been found useful to counteract BPA toxicity in male and female reproductive functions.

Bayesian inference of nonylphenol exposure for assessing human dietary risk

Nonylphenols (NPs) are endocrine-disrupting compounds commonly found in the environment and a number of food products. In this study, we constructed a probabilistic risk framework incorporating a Bayesian inference of exposure level in foodstuffs in conjunction with effect analysis of reproduction and renal disease. Our objective was to contrast the risk of dietary exposure to NPs among individuals in various age groups, with a particular focus on fertile females. In this study, seafood presented relatively high NP concentrations; however, seafood accounts for only a small proportion of the total food intake of most individuals. Rice was shown to make the largest contribution to NP daily intake among males and females in most age groups. Chicken made the largest contribution in the 12-16 and 16-18 year age groups. The mean average daily dose of NPs tended to decrease with age, regardless of gender. The estimated distribution of hazard quotients of <1 in all groups means that the risk of reproductive or renal abnormalities due to dietary exposure to NPs is negligible within most of the Taiwanese population. Nonetheless, preschoolers (3-6-year-olds) appear to be more vulnerable to NPs than do individuals in other age groups. There has been growing concern among researchers concerning the neurotoxic effects of NPs on offspring via maternal exposure. We recommend conducting a comprehensive assessment of exposure to NPs via multiple exposure routes, particularly among fertile women and preschoolers.