Trace elements and legacy and emerging organic contaminants concentrations datasets in sediments cores in L'Albufera Natural Park (Valencia, East of Spain): Association with "in-deep" sediment characteristics and risk assessment to the aquatic biota

The chronological information provided by sediment cores about the beginning and evolution of anthropogenic contaminants is crucial for understanding the influence of humans on the environment. The dataset provides information about the vertical distribution of heavy metals (HMs), metalloids and various organic contaminants (OCs) including contemporary contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and pesticides; as well as persistent organic contaminants (POPs) such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in sediment cores of two different sampling areas (North and South) of L'Albufera lake. Additional information about the 14C-data of the organic matter present in the different layers of the sediment cores, and the 14C-data of the seashells found in some of them are shown. The dataset includes physico-chemical analyses of sediment characteristics at the different selected depth levels such as Organic Carbon (Corg), Inorganic Carbon (IC), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Sulphur (TS) and texture. Furthermore, ecological risk assessment of these contaminants in surface sediment layers is performed to ascertain is potential toxicity. These data supplement the findings presented and considered in the research article "Exploring Organic and Inorganic Contaminant Histories in Sediment Cores Across the Anthropocene: Accounting for Site/Area Dependent Factors". Therefore, these data altogether are useful for researchers seeking to assess long-term impact of contamination.

Exploring organic and inorganic contaminant histories in sediment cores across the anthropocene: Accounting for site/area dependent factors

Sedimentary records help chronologically identify anthropogenic contamination in environmental systems. This study analysed dated sediment cores from L'Albufera Lake (Valencia, Spain), to assess the occurrence of heavy metals (HMs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), pesticides and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). The results evidence the continuing vertical presence of all types of contaminants in this location. The sediment age was difficult to establish. However, the presence of shells together with an historical estimation and the knowledge of sedimentary rates could help. HMs contents are higher in the upper layer reflecting the most recent increase of the industrial and agricultural practices in the area since the middle 20th century. Higher availability index of these HMs in the upper sediment layers is associated with point and diffuse contamination sources in the area. PAHs and OPFRs were homogeneous distributed through the sediments with few exceptions such as phenanthrene in the North and fluoranthene in the South. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) were detected throughout the sediment core while short-chain PFASs (except perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)) were detected only in the top layer. Pesticides and PPCPs showed appreciable down-core mobility. The vertical concentration profiles of organic contaminants did not exhibit a clear trend with depth, then, it is difficult to develop a direct relationship between sediment age and contaminant concentrations, and to elucidate the historical trend of contamination based on dated sediment core. Consequently, linking contaminant occurrence in sediments directly to their historical use is somewhat speculative at least in the conditions of L'Albufera Lake.

Pesticides and PPCPs in aquatic ecosystems of the andean central region: Occurrence and ecological risk assessment in the Uco valley

Uco valley (Mendoza, Argentina) suffers the concomitant effect of climate change, anthropic pressure and water scarcity. Moreover chemical pollution to aquatic ecosystems could be another pressuring factor, but it was not studied enough to the present. In this sense, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in aquatic ecosystems of the Uco Valley and to perform an ecological risk assessment (ERA). The presence of several insecticides (mainly neonicotinoids), herbicides (atrazine, diuron, metolachlor, terbutryn) and fungicides (strobilurins, triazolic and benzimidazolic compounds) in water samples in two seasons, related to crops like vineyards, garlic or fruit trees was associated to medium and high-risk probabilities for aquatic biota. Moreover, PPCPs of the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, parabens and bisphenol A were detected in all the samples and their calculated risk quotients also indicated a high risk. This is the first record of pesticides and PPCPs with an ERA in this growing agricultural oasis. Despite the importance of these findings in Uco Valley for decision makers in the region, this multilevel approach could bring a wide variety of tools for similar regions in with similar productive and environmental conditions, in order to afford actions to reach Sustainable Development Goals. SYNOPSIS: Aquatic ecosystems in arid mountain regions are threatened worldwide. This study reports relevant data about chemical pollution in Central Andes, which could be a useful tool to enhance SDGs' accomplishment.

Spatio-temporal variation and ecological risk assessment of microplastics along the touristic beaches of a mediterranean coast transect (Valencia province, East Spain)

Annually, the Mediterranean region attracts around one-third of the global coastal tourism, which is acknowledged as a substantial contributor to plastic pollution. Coastal municipalities mitigate this through periodic sand and shore cleaning. However, the efficacy of these measures remains uncertain. In this study, the occurrence of MPs (10 μm-5 mm) in sand from seven different, regularly cleaned, touristic beaches of the coastline of Valencia province (E Spain) was assessed. Two different sampling campaigns were performed in winter and in summer (2022) to compare the results and understand the influence of the high touristic activity, as well as, the efficiency of the measures taken against MPs pollution. The methodology used was designed specifically for the matrix and employed density separation using a Sediment Microplastic Isolation (SMI) Unit. In addition to conventional visual inspection and ATR-FTIR, automatic quantification and identification of the polymers of lower size was performed by μFTIR. The average MPs concentration in the summer (339 ± 92 MP kg-1 by stereomicroscopy and 339 ± 189 MP kg-1 by μFTIR) was significantly higher than in the winter (71 ± 92 MP kg-1 and 143 ± 85 MP kg-1) (p < 0.05). The combination of these analytical tools provides comprehensive information about the MPs present in beach sand. Fibers were the most abundant form of MPs, while most of the polymers analyzed were polyethylene (PE) and halogenated polystyrene (Cl-PS and Br-PS) with food packaging, swimming equipment and fishing nets being their most probable sources. Ecological risk assessment was performed through the Pollution Load Index (PLI), the Hazardous Index (HI) and the Risk Quotient (RQ), with the results indicating potential risk that ranges from moderate to high depending on the applied approach.

Pharmaceutical and pesticide mixtures in a Mediterranean coastal wetland: comparison of sampling methods, ecological risks, and removal by a constructed wetland

Pharmaceuticals and pesticides can be considered hazardous compounds for Mediterranean coastal wetland ecosystems. Although many of these compounds co-occur in environmental samples, only a few studies have been dedicated to assessing the ecotoxicological risks of complex contaminant mixtures. We evaluated the occurrence of 133 pharmaceuticals and pesticides in 12 sites in a protected Mediterranean wetland, the Albufera Natural Park (ANP), based on conventional grab sampling and polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS). We assessed acute and chronic ecological risks posed by these contaminant mixtures using the multi-substance Potentially Affected Fraction (msPAF) approach and investigated the capacity of a constructed wetland to reduce chemical exposure and risks. This study shows that pharmaceuticals and pesticides are widespread contaminants in the ANP, with samples containing up to 75 different compounds. POCIS samplers were found to be useful for the determination of less predictable exposure profiles of pesticides occurring at the end of the rice cultivation cycle, while POCIS and grab samples provide an accurate method to determine (semi-)continuous pharmaceutical exposure. Acute risks were identified in one sample, while chronic risks were determined in most of the collected samples, with 5-25% of aquatic species being potentially affected. The compounds that contributed to the chronic risks were azoxystrobin, ibuprofen, furosemide, caffeine, and some insecticides (diazinon, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid). The evaluated constructed wetland reduced contaminant loads by 45-73% and reduced the faction of species affected from 25 to 6%. Our study highlights the need of addressing contaminant mixture effects in Mediterranean wetlands and supports the use of constructed wetlands to reduce contaminant loads and risks in areas with high anthropogenic pressure.

Determination of organic contaminants in L'Albufera Natural Park using microporous polyethylene tube passive samplers: An environmental risk assessment

L'Albufera Natural Park (Valencia, Spain) is a protected wetland of international significance that provides critical habitats to endemic and threatened bird and plant species. This study aims to use multiple cross-validation techniques to generate an accurate estimation of the environmental risk of organic contaminants (OCs) in an internationally important coastal wetland, to identify compounds of concern and their potential sources and risk factors. Microporous polyethylene tube (MPT) passive samplers were deployed at 12 locations across L'Albufera Natural Park with concurrent grab samples collected. A subset of MPT samplers were also analysed by an additional laboratory in Australia to widen the range of contaminants and assess interlaboratory reproducibility of results. Forty-three pesticides, 20 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), 20 per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 4 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) were detected in the MPT samplers. The fungicides tebuconazole and difenoconazole were detected at the highest concentrations in passive samplers (maximum concentrations, 153 ng sampler-1 and 106 ng sampler-1, respectively). Several other pesticides were detected in all locations (mean concentrations >1 ng sampler-1). The compounds fenamiphos, propyzamide, difenoconazole, propiconazole, metsulfuron methyl, sodium bis (perfluorohexyl) phosphinate (6:6 PFPiA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB), 6:2 fluorotelomersulfonate (6:2 FTS), citalopram desmethyl and citalopram were reported in the wetland for the first time. Spatial distribution analysis revealed higher pesticide concentrations in the North of L'Albufera. A risk quotient (RQ) analysis showed that ibuprofen is of concern in the area. Overall, the MPT sampling approach is promising as a risk assessment tool for better understanding the transport and fate of OCs in protected areas.

An effective method for the simultaneous extraction of 173 contaminants of emerging concern in freshwater invasive species and its application

A robust and efficient extraction method was developed to detect a broad range of pollutants of emerging interest in three freshwater invasive species: American red crab (Prokambarus clarkii), Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), and pumpkinseed fish (Lepomis gibbosus). One native species, "petxinot" clam (Anodonta cygnea), was also evaluated. Invasive species are often more resistant to contamination and could be used in biomonitoring studies to assess the effect of contaminants of emerging concern on aquatic ecosystems while preserving potentially threatened native species. So far, most extraction methods developed for this purpose have focused on analyzing fish and generally focus on a limited number of compounds, especially analyzing compounds from the same family. In this sense, we set out to optimize a method that would allow the simultaneous extraction of 87 PhACs, 11 flame retardants, 21 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, and 54 pesticides. The optimized method is based on ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction. Two tests were performed during method development, one to choose the extraction solvent with the best recovery efficiencies and one to select the best clean-up. The analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. The method obtained recoveries between 40 and 120% and relative standard deviations of less than 25% for 85% of the analytes in the four validated matrices. Limits of quantification between 0.01 ng g-1 and 22 ng g-1 were obtained. Application of the method on real samples from the Albufera Natural Park of Valencia (Spain) confirmed the presence of contaminants of emerging concern in all samples, such as acetaminophen, hydrochlorothiazide, tramadol, PFOS, carbendazim, and fenthion. PFAS were the group of compounds with the highest mean concentrations. C. fluminea was the species with the highest detection frequency, and P. clarkii had the highest average concentrations, so its use is prioritized for biomonitoring studies.

Microplastics: Detection in human samples, cell line studies, and health impacts

Microplastics (MPs) are in all environmental compartments, including atmosphere, terrestrial, and aquatic environments as well as in marine organisms, foods, drinking water, and indoor and outdoor environments. MPs can enter the human body through the food chain and contaminated environment. Ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact are the routes of their entry into the human body. Recent studies reporting the detection of MPs within the human body have raised concern among the scientific community as the knowledge about human exposure is still very limited and their impact on health is not well-understood yet. In this review article, we briefly cover the reports evidencing MP detection within the human body, e.g., stool, placenta, lungs, liver, sputum, breast milk, and blood. A concise synopsis of sample preparation and analysis of such human matrices is also provided. This article also presents a summary of the effect of MPs on human cell lines and human health.

Microplastics and other emerging contaminants in the environment after COVID-19 pandemic: The need of global reconnaissance studies

Evidence of the increase of emerging contaminants in the environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, pharmaceuticals, etc., has enlarged. Here we explain the variety of pathways of these emerging contaminants to enter the environment, including wastewater treatment plants, improper disposal of PPE, and runoff from surfaces treated with disinfectants. We also discuss the current state-of-art of the toxicological implications of these emerging contaminants. Initial research suggests that they may have harmful effects on aquatic organisms and human health. Future directions are suggested as further research is needed to fully understand the impacts of these contaminants on the environment and humans, as well as to develop effective approaches to mitigate their potential negative effects.

Estimation of legal and illegal drugs consumption in Valencia City (Spain): 10 years of monitoring

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach provides objective, quantitative, near real-time profiles of illicit drug consumption by monitoring the concentration of unchanged parent drugs or their metabolites entering the municipal sewage system. Valencia is the third most populous city in Spain (an important country for the use and transit of several of these drugs). Estimations of consumption over long periods of time will help get better understanding of spatial and temporal trends in the use of licit and illicit drugs. Accordingly, applying the "best practice" protocol, 16 drugs of abuse and metabolites were monitored in this study, and 8 were daily measured during one-two weeks between 2011 and 2020 at the inlet of three wastewater treatment plants of Valencia City. Analysis of the selected compounds was performed by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, and the concentrations obtained were used to back-calculate the consumption data. Cannabis, tobacco, and cocaine were the most consumed drugs whereas opioids were less used. Cannabis and cocaine consumption are on average 2.7-23.4 and 1.1-2.3 g/day/1000inh, respectively, and their use tended to increase since 2018. Weekly profiles were characterized by higher consumption of cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin during weekends compared to weekdays. Similarly, during "Las Fallas" (main local festivity), increased use of cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants, mainly MDMA, was measured. WBE proved to be an objective and useful methodology to get more insight on temporal drugs of abuse consumption, and the changes derived from local festivities.

Wild and ruderal plants as bioindicators of global urban pollution by air, water and soil in Riyadh and Abha, Saudi Arabia

Recently, environment pollution around the globe has increased because of anthropogenic activities. As part of the biota, plants can assimilate the compounds present in air, water and soil and respond to changes in surround conditions, for that, they can be used as bioindicators of global pollution. However, urban plants' ability to monitor organic pollutants in air, soil, and water have not been profoundly studied yet. Anthropogenic contamination produced by five different types of pollutants [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), pesticides and organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs)] has been studied in Riyadh and Abha areas (Saudi Arabia). In addition to the points in both cities, a control point located in the Asir National Park (close to Abha), which is little affected by human activity, was used. The 5 groups of contaminants were found with different but high detection frequencies from 85 % to 100 % in wild and ruderal plants. PAHs were detected in all the analyzed samples at the highest average sum of concentrations (ΣPAHs) 1486 ng·g^-1 dry weight (d.w.). Statistically significant differences were obtained between Riyadh, Abha and the point located in the national park (p < 0.05). ΣPAHS in Riyadh >> ΣPAHs in Abha > ΣPAHs in the National Park. Values of the average sum of concentrations for the other groups of contaminants ΣPPCPs, ΣPFASs, Σpesticides and ΣOPFRs were 420.5, 171, 48 and 47 ng g^-1 d.w., respectively. High values of PPCPs are due to the presence of salicylic acid. Differences in the average sum of each type of contaminant concentrations between cities were not statistically significant. The results of this assessment of wild and ruderal plants as bioindicators for 5 types of organic contaminants suggest that they can be used to monitor anthropogenic contaminants in the terrestrial environment.

Effect of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet on Maternal Iron Related Biochemical Parameters during Pregnancy and Gestational Weight Gain

Gestation is a crucial life stage for both women and offspring, and outcomes are affected by many environmental factors, including diet. The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MD) is considered a healthy eating pattern that can provide the nutritional requirements of pregnancy. Meanwhile, iron deficiency anemia is one of the most frequent complications related to pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate how the level of adherence to the MD influences maternal gestational weight gain and specific iron-related maternal biochemical parameters during the pregnancy. Accordingly, an observational, population-based study using data from pregnant women conducted over the entire course of their pregnancy was carried out. Adherence to the MD was assessed once using the MEDAS score questionnaire. Of the 506 women studied, 116 (22.9%) were classified as demonstrating a high adherence, 277 (54.7%) a medium adherence, and 113 (22.3%) a low adherence to the MD. No differences were observed in gestational weight gain among the MD adherence groups but the adequacy of weight gain did vary among the groups, with the proportions of inadequate (insufficient or excessive) weight gain presenting the most notable differences. Total anemia prevalence was 5.3%, 15.6%, and 12.3%, respectively, during the first, second, and third trimesters. For iron-related biochemical parameters, no differences are observed among the adherence groups during pregnancy. With high adherence to the MD as the reference group, the crude odds of iron deficiency diagnosis are significant in the first trimester for both the medium [OR = 2.99 (1.55-5.75)] and low [OR = 4.39 (2.15-8.96)] adherence groups, with deficient adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern being responsible for 66.5% (35.5-82.6) and 77.2% (53.5-88.8) of the risk of iron deficiency diagnosis for medium and low adherence, respectively. However, adjusted odds ratios were not significant, possibly due to the small sample size. Our data suggest that MD adherence could be related to gestational weight gain adequacy and that optimal adherence could reduce iron deficiency and/or anemia during pregnancy in the studied population.

MCDA-DEA approach to construct a composite indicator for effluents from WWTPs considering the influence of PPCPs

Considering current water situation, reuse is an effective solution to meet water demand and reduce pressure on conventional water sources. However, pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) decrease their quality and suitability. With the aim of identifying and monitoring both the influence of PPCPs and the suitability of effluents to be reused, this study proposes the development of a composite indicator (CI) related to PPCP presence in WWTPs, through the common weight multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)-data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. Obtaining a CI for PPCPs is a novel approach in the published literature, showing a new perspective in PPCP management and their influence in wastewater treatment. Furthermore, this study proposes an improvement on MCDA-DEA model which maintains the initial hierarchy obtained for the units analyzed. The development of CI is based on information about the technological, environmental, social, and biological issues of WWTPs. Results show that 4 of the 33 WWTPs analysed had the best CI values, meaning that their effluents have lower environmental impact. The development of a CI related to PPCPs in WWTPs suggests that further steps are needed to manage the WWTP effluents. Hence, the need to implement preventive measures in WWTPs has been shown, even though the removal of PPCPs is not yet part of European law. This work highlights the importance of considering PPCPs as priority pollutants in wastewater management and reuse frameworks, to guarantee low environmental impact and adapt wastewater reuse based on a circular economy approach. HIGHLIGHTS: Emerging contaminants (PPCPs) are used as effluent quality indicators. A composite indicator for PPCPs performance has been developed through MCDA-DEA model. Indicator obtained allow decision makers implementing concrete actions to assess effluent quality. Results show the improvement capacity of the effluents quality through PPCPs removing.

Prediction Models Based on Soil Characteristics for Evaluation of the Accumulation Capacity of Nine Metals by Forage Sorghum Grown in Agricultural Soils Treated with Varying Amounts of Poultry Manure

Predictive models were generated to evaluate the degree to which nine metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were absorbed by the leaves, stems and roots of forage sorghum in growing media comprising soil admixed with poultry manure concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/kg. The data revealed that the greatest contents of the majority of the metals were evident in the roots rather than in the stems and leaves. A bioaccumulation factor (BAF) < 1 was calculated for Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn; BAF values for Co, Cu, Mn and Cd were 3.99, 2.33, 1.44 and 1.40, respectively, i.e., > 1. Translocation factor values were < 1 for all metals with the exception of Co, Cr and Ni, which displayed values of 1.20, 1.67 and 1.35 for the leaves, and 1.12, 1.23 and 1.24, respectively, for the stems. The soil pH had a negative association with metal tissues in plant parts. A positive relationship was observed with respect to plant metal contents, electrical conductivity and organic matter quantity. The designed models exhibited a high standard of data precision; any variations between the predicted and experimentally observed contents for the nine metals in the three plant tissue components were nonsignificant. Thus, it was concluded that the presented predictive models constitute a pragmatic tool to establish the safety from risk to human well-being with respect to growing forage sorghum when cultivating media fortified with poultry manure.

Assessing the colonization by Daphnia magna of pesticide-disturbed habitats (chlorpyrifos, terbuthylazine and their mixtures) and the behavioral and neurotoxic effects

The spread of pesticides in water bodies integrated into agricultural landscapes may prevent some areas from being colonized. In this study, the effects on the colonization responses of D. magna exerted by gradients of realistic environmental concentrations of the pesticides chlorpyrifos, terbuthylazine and their mixtures were tested in a novel multicompartment non-forced exposure system. Furthermore, the effects of both pesticides and their mixtures on the swimming behavior and the neurotransmission activity of D. magna were analyzed using a traditional forced exposure system. The synthesis and concentration of the main environmental metabolites of terbuthylazine were also analyzed. Results confirmed that D. magna exposed to mixture gradients were able to detect the pollutants and their colonization dynamics were drastically inhibited. The swimming behavior increased in D. magna exposed to the highest concentration of the mixture treatment. AChE activity was only significantly inhibited in the D. magna exposed to the highest concentration of chlorpyrifos. Changes in swimming behavior could not be directly related to the effects on AChE. Furthermore, the synthesis of the metabolite terbuthylazine 2-hydroxy during the course of the experiments was confirmed. These results demonstrate the importance of integrating pesticide mixtures in both non-forced and forced exposure systems during ecotoxicological assays.

Identification of biomarkers in wastewater-based epidemiology: Main approaches and analytical methods

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become popular to estimate the use of drugs of abuse and recently to establish the incidence of CoVID 19 in large cities. However, its possibilities have been expanded recently as a technique that allows to establish a fingerprint of the characteristics of a city, such as state of health/disease, healthy/unhealthy living habits, exposure to different types of contaminants, etc. with respect to other cities. This has been thanks to the identification of human biomarkers as well as to the fingerprinting and profiling of the characteristics of the wastewater catchment that determine these circumstances. The purpose of this review is to analyze the different methodological schemes that have been developed to perform this biomarker identification as well as the most characteristic analytical techniques in each scheme, their advantages and disadvantages and the knowledge gaps identified. We also discussed the future scope for development.

Mass Spectrometry in Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for the Determination of Small and Large Molecules as Biomarkers of Exposure: Toward a Global View of Environment and Human Health under the COVID-19 Outbreak

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) estimates collective consumption or exposure to chemicals or pathogens by monitoring the substances excreted in the population's wastewater. Advances in mass spectrometry (MS) and the application of some clinical diagnostic tools and proteomics to wastewater fingerprinting have been linked to the discovery of new biomarkers and indicators of population health and are broadening the scope of WBE that nowadays cover not only small molecule biomarkers but also genetic biomarkers, large molecules, viruses, infection diseases, resistance, etc. This mini-review highlights recent WBE advances using MS and how this progress can create a fingerprint of a city's health hazards, habits, and lifestyle, which is gaining in public health emphasis.

Bioaccumulation of emerging contaminants in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Influence of microplastics

Coastal environments are heavily influenced by human activities. Chemical substances considered as emerging contaminants (ECs) are one of the most important indicators of the anthropic influence on the environment, and they have recently shown to interact with microplastics (MPs). Mussels are suitable for in-lab bioacumulation studies providing insight about the occurrence and fate of contaminants in the organisms. In this study, bioacummulation of 20 chemical substances catalogued as ECs, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), pesticides, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Mytilus galloprovincialis was assessed, with or without the influence of the presence of MPs. Mussels were distributed in three groups: control (B), exposed to ECs (C) and exposed to ECs and polyethylene MPs (C+M). The study was carried out for 58 days separated in two stages (i) exposure during days 0-28, and (ii) depuration during days 29-58. Visceral mass and haemolymph of the mussels were extracted separately, using QuEChERS and solid phase extraction (SPE), respectively. Then, extracts were analysed via UHPLC-MS/MS. Results showed that 3 PPCPs, 4 pesticides and 3 PFASs accumulated in visceral mass with bioconcentration factors (BCFs) ranging 6.7-15000 L/kg/d. In addition, 2 PPCPs, 2 pesticides and PFPeA were detected in haemolymph showing BCFs ranging 0.9-3.3 L/kg/d. When comparing C and C+M, MPs worked as a vector for the accumulation of the PFASs: PFOA, PFOS, PFDA and PFPeA; showing higher BCFs in the presence of MPs. Furthermore, the elimination of PFDA and PFOS was slower in the mussels exposed to MPs. On the other hand, the pesticides terbuthylazine and chlorpyrifos showed lower BCFs and more rapid elimination in the mussels exposed to MPs.

Postflood Monitoring in a Subtropical Estuary and Benchmarking with PFASs Allows Measurement of Chemical Persistence on the Scale of Months

Measurements of chemical persistence in natural environments can provide insight into behavior not easily replicated in laboratory studies. However, it is difficult to find environmental situations suitable for such measurements, particularly for substances with half-lives exceeding several weeks. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that a strategic postflood monitoring campaign can be used to quantify transformation half-lives on the scale of months in a real aquatic system. Water samples were collected in the upper Brisbane River estuary on 36 occasions over 37 weeks and analyzed for 127 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), pesticides, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). High quality time trend data were obtained for 41 substances. For many of these, data on the input of a wastewater treatment plant to the upper estuary were also obtained. A mass balance model of the estuary stretch was formulated and parametrized using PFASs as persistent benchmarking chemicals. Transformation half-life estimates were obtained for 10 PPCPs and 7 pesticides ranging from 18 to 260 days. Furthermore, insight was obtained into dominant transformation processes as well as the magnitude of chemical inputs to the estuary and their sources. The approach developed shows that under certain conditions, estuaries can be used to quantify the persistence of organic contaminants with half-lives of the order of several months.

Uptake prediction of nine heavy metals by Eichhornia crassipes grown in irrigation canals: A biomonitoring approach

The principal objective of this study is to generate mathematical regression equations that facilitate the estimation of the extent to which Eichhornia crassipes (C. Mart.) Solms, water hyacinth, absorbs heavy metals (HMs) into four plant organs (laminae, petioles, roots, and stolons). This study considers the absorption of nine HMs (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and the E. crassipes evaluated in this study were located in three irrigation canals in the North Nile Delta in Egypt, with sampling being conducted in both monospecific and homogenous E. crassipes. Samples of both E. crassipes and water were collected on a monthly basis during one growing season. Analysis of the water samples showed that the HM concentrations ranged from 1.1 μg/l for Cd to 2079.8 μg/l for Fe. All HMs were more concentrated in the E. crassipes roots than in any other organ. Typically, there was a significant correlation between the HM levels in the water and the HM levels in the E. crassipes organs. E. crassipes was documented by a bioconcentration factor > 1.0 for all HMs. The translocation factor in this study was <1.0 for all HMs. The t-values that referred to the discrepancies between the measured and predicted values of the HMs in the four E. crassipes organs were not significant. This finding can be considered to be an indication of the goodness of fit with respect to the ability of the equations to forecast HM uptake. Therefore, the developed equations will benefit the prediction of HM uptake by E. crassipes grown in irrigation canals in the Nile Delta. The efficacy of E. crassipes as a metric for gauging the aggregate impact of environmental pollution in water sources and its potential application in biomonitoring are confirmed in this study.

First evidence of microplastics occurrence in mixed surface and treated wastewater from two major Saudi Arabian cities and assessment of their ecological risk

In this study, water of the channels and ponds that conduct residual water in two most important cities of Saudi Arabia were assessed to ascertain the influence of the population on the occurrence and pollution characteristics of microplastics (MPs) (> 20 µm in size). Riyadh has 7.6 million inhabitants and is an urban city even though also have industry while Al-Jubail has only 0.78 and is the biggest industrial city. MPs showed an average of 3.2 items/L in Riyadh and 0.2 items/L in Al-Jubail showing a statistically significant difference between both cities. Sampling with a Turton Tow Net of 20 µm mesh, fibers were dominant in all sites (60%). MPs size was mainly distributed between 80 and 250 µm (60%), and their major colors were white (40%), red (25%) and blue (20%). Infrared spectral analysis revealed that most of the selected particles were identified as MPs of polypropylene and polyethylene (48.3%). The risk assessment was carried out using both the hazard index (HI) and the pollution load index (PLI). The results showed that, in this case, the decisive index is the PLI since the main difference in the MPs characteristics between the two cities is their concentration.

A reconnaissance study of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, perfluoroalkyl substances and organophosphorus flame retardants in the aquatic environment, wild plants and vegetables of two Saudi Arabia urban areas: Environmental and human health risk assessment

In this study, the occurrence of 12 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), 64 pesticides, 21 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and 34 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in surface water, sediments and vegetation collected from seven locations along the South Riyadh and six locations along the Al-Jubail industrial city (Saudi Arabia) were reported. The median of the concentrations of ƩOPFRs, ƩPesticides, ƩPFASs and ƩPPCPs in water was 297, 231, 29.7 and 3794 ng L^-1, respectively, in sediments 56.2, 40.4, 5.66 and 419 ng g^-1 d.w., in crops for human consumption of 45.6, 42.0, 0.46 and 42.0 ng g^-1, in farm crops of 13.4, 57.5, 3.2 and 637 ng g^-1, and in natural vegetation of 51.7, 10.3, 1.88 and 1580 ng g^-1. Predominant compounds in all matrices were tris-(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TClPP), acetamiprid, imidacloprid, caffeine, bisphenol A (BPA), diclofenac and ibuprofen. Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), tris-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TPhP), perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoroalkyl sulfonate (PFOS) and paracetamol were also in many samples but at low concentrations. The contaminants' levels showed similar values in both cities. However, pesticide levels were significantly higher in surface water (p < 0.05) and lower in natural vegetation (p < 0.05) of Riyadh than those of Al-Jubail. The risk assessment for the aquatic biota showed that abamectin, diazinon (pesticides), bisphenol A and caffeine (PPCPs) had the highest risk levels. The cumulative risk assessment showed that the contaminant mixture in all water samples is of concern. As far as the risk to human health is concerned, individual contaminants did not show a significant hazard for the population. However, OPFRs and pesticide requires a closed monitoring since % of admissible daily intakes (ADIs) or reference doses (RfD) are high. This is one of the most comprehensive study covering environmental and human risk assessment of emerging contaminants carried out in Saudi Arabia.

Non-Occupational Exposure to Pesticides: Experimental Approaches and Analytical Techniques (from 2019)

BACKGROUND

Pesticide residues are a threat to the health of the global population, not only to farmers, applicators, and other pesticide professionals. Humans are exposed through various routes such as food, skin, and inhalation. This study summarizes the different methods to assess and/or estimate human exposure to pesticide residues of the global population.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out on Scopus and web of science databases of studies on human exposure to pesticide residues since 2019.

RESULTS

The methods to estimate human health risk can be categorized as direct (determining the exposure through specific biomarkers in human matrices) or indirect (determining the levels in the environment and food and estimating the occurrence). The role that analytical techniques play was analyzed. In both cases, the application of generic solvent extraction and solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up, followed by liquid or gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, is decisive. Advances within the analytical techniques have played an unquestionable role.

CONCLUSIONS

All these studies have contributed to an important advance in the knowledge of analytical techniques for the detection of pesticide levels and the subsequent assessment of nonoccupational human exposure.

The embodiment of wastewater data for the estimation of illicit drug consumption in Spain

Data obtained from wastewater analysis can provide rapid and complementary insights in illicit drug consumption at community level. Within Europe, Spain is an important country of transit of both cocaine and cannabis. The quantity of seized drugs and prevalence of their use rank Spain at the top of Europe. Hence, the implementation of a wastewater monitoring program at national level would help to get better understanding of spatial differences and trends in use of illicit drugs. In this study, a national wastewater campaign was performed for the first time to get more insight on the consumption of illicit drugs within Spain. The 13 Spanish cities monitored cover approximately 6 million inhabitants (12.8% of the Spanish population). Untreated wastewater samples were analyzed for urinary biomarkers of amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and cannabis. In addition, weekend samples were monitored for 17 new psychoactive substances. Cannabis and cocaine are the most consumed drugs in Spain, but geographical variations showed, for instance, comparatively higher levels of methamphetamine in Barcelona and amphetamine in Bilbao, with about 1-fold higher consumption of these two substances in such metropolitan areas. For amphetamine, an enantiomeric profiling was performed in order to assure the results were due to consumption and not to illegal dumping of production residues. Furthermore, different correction factors for the excretion of cannabis were used to compare consumption estimations. All wastewater results were compared with previously reported data, national seizure data and general population survey data, were a reasonable agreement was found. Daily and yearly drug consumption were extrapolated to the entire Spanish population with due precautions because of the uncertainty associated. These data was further used to estimate the retail drug market, where for instance cocaine illicit consumption alone was calculated to contribute to 0.2-0.5% of the Spanish gross domestic product (ca. 3000-6000 million Euro/year).

Development of multi-residue extraction procedures using QuEChERS and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of different types of organic pollutants in mussel

This study aimed to develop multi-residue methods for the extraction of organic pollutants in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), including 11 pharmaceuticals, 5 pesticides, 5 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and 2 illicit drugs. The combination of 4 different QuEChERS methods and 12 clean-ups (a total of 44 combinations) was tested. QuEChERS included acidified (AQ), non-acidified (SQ) and their miniaturized versions. The clean-ups included 6 different conventional dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) plus 2 enhanced matrix removal (EMR-Lipid) and 4 SPE procedures (including sorbents focused on phospholipid removal and polymer-based). After sample analysis via HPLC-MS/MS, the three methods that provided the best results were validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and matrix effect. The methods selected were the combination of (i) SQ and EMR-Lipid, (ii) AQ and Z-sep+ bulk-based dSPE and (iii) AQ and graphitized carbon black (GCB)-based dSPE. Recoveries at two concentration levels (50 and 500 ng/g) ranged 54-124%, 59-124% and 60-127%, respectively, and limits of quantification (LOQs) were < 30 ng/g for most analytes using any of the methods. The three methods were tested in non-spiked mussel samples purchased in local markets, but organic pollutants were not detected in any sample. However, the methods probed to successfully extract a wide range of organic pollutants families in mussel samples from the market and from bioaccumulation trials.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products in a Mediterranean coastal wetland: Impact of anthropogenic and spatial factors and environmental risk assessment

The present study focused on the occurrence, distribution and risk assessment of 32 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water and sediment, as well as the surrounding soil of the irrigation channels and lake of a Mediterranean coastal wetland, the Albufera Natural Park (Valencia, Spain). Moreover, the influent and effluent of ten wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that treat wastewater from Valencia and the surrounding areas were also studied. BPA, caffeine, diclofenac, ethyl paraben, methyl paraben, metformin, tramadol and salicylic acid were the predominant PPCPs detected in the channels and the lake, and are in good agreement with those detected in the effluent. Furthermore, 22 PPCPs were detected in >47% of the sediment samples. Of them, BPA, ethyl paraben, furosemide, ibuprofen and salicylic acid were at higher concentrations. In contrast, only seven PPCPs were detected in >44% of the soil samples. Spatial variation showed that the concentration of many PPCPs was higher in the northern area of the park, whereas the ibuprofen concentrations were higher in the south. Differences were also observed according to the type of water used for irrigation and the land uses of the area. A risk assessment based on the hazardous quotient (HQ) indicated that caffeine is a compound of concern, and tramadol at the highest concentration showed a moderate risk for the organisms assessed. Considering the mixture of the PPCPs found at each sampling point, the green algae are at risk, particularly in those points located near the city of Valencia (the most important nearby human settlement). These results indicate the need for further studies.

Assessing population exposure to phthalate plasticizers in thirteen Spanish cities through the analysis of wastewater

Phthalates are widely used plasticizers that produce endocrine-disrupting disorders. Quantifying exposure is crucial to perform risk assessments and to develop proper health measures. Herein, a wastewater-based epidemiology approach has been applied to estimate human exposure to six of the mostly used phthalates within the Spanish population. Wastewater samples were collected over four weekdays from seventeen wastewater treatment plants serving thirteen cities and ca. 6 million people (12.8 % of the Spanish population). Phthalate metabolite loads in wastewater were transformed into metabolite concentrations in urine and into daily exposure levels to the parent phthalates. Considering all the sampled sites, population-weighted overall means of the estimated concentrations in urine varied between 0.7 ng/mL and 520 ng/mL. Very high levels, compared to human biomonitoring data, were estimated for monomethyl phthalate, metabolite of dimethyl phthalate. This, together with literature data pointing to other sources of this metabolite in sewage led to its exclusion for exposure assessments. For the remaining metabolites, estimated concentrations were closer to those found in urine. Their 4-days average exposure levels ranged from 2 to 1347 μg/(day∙inh), exceeding in some sites the daily exposure thresholds set for di-i-butyl phthalate and di-n-buthyl phthalate by the European Food Safety Authority.

IPM-recommended insecticides harm beneficial insects through contaminated honeydew

The use of some systemic insecticides has been banned in Europe because they are toxic to beneficial insects when these feed on nectar. A recent study shows that systemic insecticides can also kill beneficial insects when they feed on honeydew. Honeydew is the sugar-rich excretion of hemipterans and is the most abundant carbohydrate source for beneficial insects such as pollinators and biological control agents in agroecosystems. Here, we investigated whether the toxicity of contaminated honeydew depends on i) the hemipteran species that excretes the honeydew; ii) the active ingredient, and iii) the beneficial insect that feeds on it. HPLC-MS/MS analyses demonstrated that the systemic insecticides pymetrozine and flonicamid, which are commonly used in Integrated Pest Management programs, were present in honeydew excreted by the mealybug Planococcus citri. However, only pymetrozine was detected in honeydew excreted by the whitefly Aleurothixus floccosus. Toxicological studies demonstrated that honeydew excreted by mealybugs feeding on trees treated either with flonicamid or pymetrozine increased the mortality of the hoverfly Sphaerophoria rueppellii, but did not affect the parasitic wasp Anagyrusvladimiri. Honeydew contaminated with flonicamid was more toxic for the hoverfly than that contaminated with pymetrozine. Collectively, our data demonstrate that systemic insecticides commonly used in IPM programs can contaminate honeydew and kill beneficial insects that feed on it, with their toxicity being dependent on the active ingredient and hemipteran species that excretes the honeydew.

Carbamazepine exposure in the sea anemones Anemonia sulcata and Actinia equina: Metabolite identification and physiological responses

Pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants (EC) have been increasingly detected and measured in coastal waters and large effort has been devoted to knowing the effects these substances have in coastal ecosystems. Anthozoa class is underrepresented in ecotoxicology studies despite some of their species being endangered. Anemonia sulcata and Actinia equina are species widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea. The objectives of this work have been to evaluate the ability of these species to accumulate carbamazepine (CBZ) from water, to determine the effects of this pharmaceutical on some physiological and biochemical endpoints and to characterize the degradation routes followed by this compound in Anthozoa tissues (biotransformation) and water. Sea anemones were exposed to 1 μg L^-1 and 100 μg L^-1 of CBZ in artificial sea water in a semi-static system for 8 days. At several times small portions of the tentacles and whole organisms were taken. Ion transport (measured as NKATPase activity), energetic metabolism (measured as glucose and lactate levels) and nitrogen excretion (measured as ammonia concentration in tissues) were determined. CBZ-exposed individuals of A. sulcata and A. equina were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) on a quadrupole-time-of-flight (QqTOF). The structures of nine metabolites have been tentatively identified using HRMS and HRMS/MS data with the aid of the free available Medline database. The current work constitutes the first study on the identification of Cnidarian metabolites of CBZ in species of the Anthozoa class.

Sample Preparation to Determine Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in an All-Water Matrix: Solid Phase Extraction

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are abundantly used by people, and some of them are excreted unaltered or as metabolites through urine, with the sewage being the most important source to their release to the environment. These compounds are in almost all types of water (wastewater, surface water, groundwater, etc.) at concentrations ranging from ng/L to µg/L. The isolation and concentration of the PPCPs from water achieves the appropriate sensitivity. This step is mostly based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) but also includes other approaches (dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), buckypaper, SPE using multicartridges, etc.). In this review article, we aim to discuss the procedures employed to extract PPCPs from any type of water sample prior to their determination via an instrumental analytical technique. Furthermore, we put forward not only the merits of the different methods available but also a number of inconsistencies, divergences, weaknesses and disadvantages of the procedures found in literature, as well as the systems proposed to overcome them and to improve the methodology. Environmental applications of the developed techniques are also discussed. The pressing need for new analytical innovations, emerging trends and future prospects was also considered.

First nation-wide estimation of tobacco consumption in Spain using wastewater-based epidemiology

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become a very useful tool to monitor a population's drug consumption or exposure to environmental and food contaminants. In this work, WBE has been applied to estimate tobacco consumption in seven Spanish regions. To this end, 24 h composite wastewater samples were taken daily for one week in 17 wastewater treatment plants, covering altogether a population of ca. 6 million inhabitants. The samples were treated by enzymatic deconjugation and the wastewater content of two human-specific nicotine metabolites (namely, cotinine and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine) was measured to estimate the daily consumption of nicotine. The population-weighted average nicotine consumption in the seven analyzed regions was 2.2 g/(day∙1000 inh.), without any daily pattern. This average estimated nicotine consumption value agreed with the value derived from official tobacco sales data. Differences in consumption among the seven studied regions were found, being Galicia, the region with the lowest rate, and the Basque Country and Catalonia those with the highest rates. However, no conclusive correlation was found between those values and the prevalence data taken from two different national surveys, nor sociodemographic and health data. This study demonstrates that this tool can complement other indicators in order to accurately assess tobacco consumption rates at regional and national levels and provides the most extensive application of the approach in the Spanish territory.

Dataset of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products occurrence in wetlands of Saudi Arabia

The data set presents the occurrence of 59 currently used pesticides (CUPs) and 33 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), from wetland areas, in Saudi Arabia, impacted by wastewater discharge. Wetlands are valuable ecosystems, but are very fragile and easily affected by anthropogenic pressure [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]. The occurrence of organic contaminants provides understanding about their fate and possible risk for humans and environment. Up to our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of the mentioned organic pollutants in shallow lakes in Saudi Arabia, and the first time these compounds are analyzed in wild flora. Samples of water, sediment, soil and plants were extracted via ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and solid phase extraction (SPE). The compounds determination was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Interpretation and discussion of the present dataset can be found in the article entitled “Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, personal care products and microplastics contamination assessment of Al-Hassa irrigation network (Saudi Arabia) and its shallow lakes”[1].

Biomonitoring potential of the native aquatic plant Typha domingensis by predicting trace metals accumulation in the Egyptian Lake Burullus

The ability of the native emergent macrophytes Typha domingensis for monitoring pollution with trace metals in Egyptian Lake Burullus was investigated through developing regression models for predicting their concentrations in the plant tissues. Plant samples (above-ground shoot and below-ground root and rhizome) as well as sediment samples were collected monthly during one growing season and analyzed. The association of trace metals concentration with several sediment characteristics (pH, organic matter, clay and silt) was also studied using the simple linear correlation coefficient (r). The concentration of some trace metals was significantly proportional to its values in the sediment such as Cd in the shoot, rhizome and root, Fe in the rhizome, and Ag in the root. There was positive relationship between the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of Ag, Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn and sediment pH, organic matter and clay content. The developed regression models were significantly valid with high model efficiency and coefficient of determination, and low mean normalized average error. Trace metals were accumulated in the below-ground root and rhizome rather than in the shoot. Only Ag, Co and Ni provided bioaccumulation factor (BAF) < 1, while Ag was the only trace metal that could be transferred to some extend from the root to the rhizome and from there to the shoot [translocation factor (TF) 2.55 and 1.15, respectively]. Typha domingensis in Lake Burullus could be regarded as a bioindicator of trace metals pollution, and a good candidate as phytoremediator for Ag. The information on the phytoremediation capacity of T. domingensis certainly helps to solve contamination problems at Egyptian Lake Burullus region using this native plant.

Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, personal care products and microplastics contamination assessment of Al-Hassa irrigation network (Saudi Arabia) and its shallow lakes

This study assess the presence of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and pesticides in different environmental compartments and microplastics in water of a characteristic lagoon wetland in Saudi Arabia to establish the transport, accumulation and fate of these pollutants in a water-stressed area under high anthropogenic pressure. In water, diazinon (up to 1016 ng L^-1), caffeine (up to 20,663 ng L^-1), diclofenac (up to 1390 ng L^-1) and paracetamol (up to 3069 ng L^-1) were at the highest concentrations. The substances with the highest frequency of detection were carbendazim, atorvastatin, caffeine, etoricoxib, lorazepam, metformin, ofloxacin, paracetamol, salicylic acid and tramadol. Considerably less pesticides and PPCPs at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 126 ng g^-1 dry weight (d.w.) were detected in the other matrices (sediment ≫ soil > plants). The concentration of microplastics in water ranged from 0.7 to 7.8 items/L in the Al-Asfar lake and from 1.1 to 9.0 items/L in the Al-Hubail lake. Risk assessment [using hazards quotients (HQ)] was used to highlight pesticides and PPCPs of major ecological concern that should be closely monitored to avoid adverse effects.

Determination of Aldicarb, Aldicarb Sulfoxide, and Aldicarb Sulfone in Oranges by Simple Gas–Liquid Chromatography with Nitrogen–Phosphorus Detection

A reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method, using an acetonitrile–water gradient mobile phase, and a gas-liquid chromatographic method with nitrogen–phosphorus and flame photometric detection were compared for simultaneous and separate determinations of trace quantities of aldicarb and its metabolites aldicarb sulfone and aldicarb sulfoxide. One hundred gram samples of fortified oranges were extracted with water–acetone, water-acetonitrile, or water–methanol, and the extracts were partitioned with methylene chloride. Partitioning with other organic solvents such as chloroform, ethyl acetate, or methyl isobutyl ketone was also investigated. When performed under optimal conditions, the procedure has detection limits of 0.4, 0.8, and 0.4 ppb for aldicarb, aldicarb sulfoxide, and aldicarb sulfone, respectively. Recoveries at fortification levels of 4,20, and 80 ppb ranged from 75 to 90%. Coefficients of variation ranged from 8 to 10%.

Evaluation of Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Citrus Fruits from the Valencian Community (Spain)

Approximately 200 citrus samples from markets of the Valencian Community (Spain) were analyzed to establish their residue levels in 12 organophosphorus pesticide residues during the 1994-1995 campaign. The organophosphorus pesticides carbophenothion, chlorpyriphos, chlorfenvinphos, diazinon, ethion, fenitrothion, malathion, methidation, methylparathion, phosmet, quinalphos, and tetradifon were simultaneously extracted by matrix solidphase dispersion and determined by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry using selected ion monitoring mode. A total of 32.25% contained pesticide residues and 6.9% exceeded the European Union Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). The pesticides found in the samples with residues above MRLs were carbophenothion, ethion, methidathion, and methyl parathion. Lower level residues of these and the other pesticides studied (except diazinon) were frequently found. The estimated daily intake of the 12 organophosphorus pesticide residues during the studied period was 4.87 x 10−4 mg/kg body weight/day. This value is lower than the provisional tolerances dairy intakes proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization.

Spatio-temporal assessment of illicit drug use at large scale: evidence from 7 years of international wastewater monitoring

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Wastewater-based epidemiology is an additional indicator of drug use that is gaining reliability to complement the current established panel of indicators. The aims of this study were to: (i) assess spatial and temporal trends of population-normalized mass loads of benzoylecgonine, amphetamine, methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in raw wastewater over 7 years (2011-17); (ii) address overall drug use by estimating the average number of combined doses consumed per day in each city; and (iii) compare these with existing prevalence and seizure data.

DESIGN

Analysis of daily raw wastewater composite samples collected over 1 week per year from 2011 to 2017.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Catchment areas of 143 wastewater treatment plants in 120 cities in 37 countries.

MEASUREMENTS

Parent substances (amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA) and the metabolites of cocaine (benzoylecgonine) and of Δ⁹ -tetrahydrocannabinol (11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹ -tetrahydrocannabinol) were measured in wastewater using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Daily mass loads (mg/day) were normalized to catchment population (mg/1000 people/day) and converted to the number of combined doses consumed per day. Spatial differences were assessed world-wide, and temporal trends were discerned at European level by comparing 2011-13 drug loads versus 2014-17 loads.

FINDINGS

Benzoylecgonine was the stimulant metabolite detected at higher loads in southern and western Europe, and amphetamine, MDMA and methamphetamine in East and North-Central Europe. In other continents, methamphetamine showed the highest levels in the United States and Australia and benzoylecgonine in South America. During the reporting period, benzoylecgonine loads increased in general across Europe, amphetamine and methamphetamine levels fluctuated and MDMA underwent an intermittent upsurge.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of wastewater to quantify drug loads provides near real-time drug use estimates that globally correspond to prevalence and seizure data.

Analytical Utility of Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of Pesticide Residues in Comparison with an Optimized Column High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method

A multiresidue method for the analysis of 30 pesticides with different physicochemical properties in fruits and vegetables was developed. The method involves a rapid and small-scale extraction procedure based on matrix solid-phase dispersion using octadecylsilyl (C18) as the dispersant and dichloromethane as the eluent. The target pesticides were determined using column high-performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/QqQ-MS/MS). The method was validated for sensitivity, linearity, reproducibility, and accuracy. A recovery study was conducted at 3 different levels, and the average ranged from 74 to 99 for all of the studied compounds, with relative standard deviations lower than 19. The proposed method achieved limits of quantitation between 0.5 and 10 g/kg, well below the maximum residue limits. The capability of the extraction procedure to extract pesticide residues other than those selected as target analytes has been checked by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/QqTOF-MS). Four incurred pesticides, not covered in the method as target analytes, were identified and unequivocally confirmed. Both systems were demonstrated to be complementary. LC/QqQ-MS/MS has the advantage that its detection limits are somewhat lower, and UPLC/QqTOF-MS offers the possibility to identify pesticides and transformation products not included as targets of the study.

Procedures for Antibiotic Residues in Bovine Muscle Tissues

Acetonitrile extraction followed by primary-secondary amine dispersive SPE cleanup QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), was compared to pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) using water at 70°C for 10 min at 1500 psi for the determination of 16 veterinary drugs in bovine muscle tissues by LC/MS/MS. PLE was significantly more effective for the extraction of veterinary drugs (ranging from 69 to 103% with RSD ≤ 18%) than QuEChERS (ranging from 19 to 89% with RSD ≤ 19%). Linearity of the calibration curves was obtained over the range considered (from 10 μg/kg or LOQ to 1000, μg/kg) with r2 ≥ 0.99 for all the analytes by both methods. Although an internal standard was used, matrix effects were corrected using matrix- matched standards. LODs were from 5 to 30 μg/kg for PLE and from 10 to 100 μg/kg for QuEChERS. To establish and assess the most efficient conditions for each extraction method, statistical parametric and nonparametric tests were used. PLE with water almost eliminates the use or generation of hazardous wastes. The two methods were applied successfully in a routine analysis during surveys in 2008.

Monitoring of Five Postharvest Fungicides in Fruit and Vegetables by Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

A method was developed for monitoring dichloran, flutriafol, o-phenylphenol, prochloraz, and tolclofos-methyl in fruits and vegetables, using matrix solid-phase dispersion and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. The method was used to determine fungicide content in 200 samples of chards, onions, peppers, bananas, lemons, and oranges. Of the samples examined, 54% contained o-phenylphenol with concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 3.34 mg/kg and 35% showed prochloraz in the range of 0.06–1.95 mg/kg. Dichloran, flutriafol, and tolclofos-methyl were detected only occasionally. Only 4% of the samples exceeded the European Union maximum residue limits. The pesticides involved were tolclofos-methyl in 3 samples, o-phenylphenol and flutriafol in 2, and dichloran in one. The calculation of estimated daily intake from these monitoring data showed that dietary intakes were much lower than the acceptable daily intakes established by international agencies.

Determination of Five Pesticide Residues in Oranges by Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion and Liquid Chromatography to Estimate Daily Intake of Consumers

Residues of benzoylphenylurea insecticides (diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, and flufenuxuron), carboxamide acaricides (hexythiazox), and carbamate insecticides (benfuracarb) were determined in 150 orange fruit samples from September 1998 to June 1999, to estimate exposure of the Valencian population to oranges contaminated with these newly developed pesticides. The method for monitoring these residues is based on matrix solid-phase dispersion and liquid chromatography with UV or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometry (APCI/MS) detection. Orange samples representing 11 varieties were collected from an agricultural cooperative and examined for the 5 pesticides. In 74.6% of all analyzed samples, the pesticide residues were below detection limits, which ranged from 0.002 to 0.05 mg/kg. Residues were detected in 25.4% of the samples, with higher incidences of diflubenzuron, flufenuxuron, hexythiazox, and benfuracarb; hexaflumuron residues were detected only occasionally. Two different pesticides exceeded maximum residue limits (MRLs) in 4 (2.7%) of the orange samples. Diflubenzuron surpassed 1 mg/kg MRL in 3 samples and flufenuxuron exceeded the 0.3 mg/kg MRL in 3 samples. The estimated daily intake of the 5 pesticide residues during the period was 0.077 μg/kg body weight per day. This value is much lower than the total admissible daily intake proposed by the Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization.

Actigraphic Sleep and Dietary Macronutrient Intake in Children Aged 6-9 Years Old: A Pilot Study

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between different sleep parameters and energy and macronutrient intake in school-aged children. A total of 203 children 6 to 9 years of age participated in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements were taken first. Diet was assessed with 3-day food logs and sleep was measured with a questionnaire on sleep quality and a wrist actigraph worn for at least 7 days. A decrease of 165.45 kcal was observed per each additional hour of sleep during the week (β (95% CI) = −165.45 (−274.01, −56.88); p = 0.003). This relationship was also observed for fat (β (95% CI) = −11.14 (−18.44, −3.84); p = 0.003) and protein (β (95% CI) = −13.27 (−22.52, −4.02); p = 0.005). An increase in weekend sleep efficiencies for those under the recommended threshold of 85% also had a similar association with energy (β (95% CI) = −847.43 (−1566.77, 128.09); p = 0.021) and carbohydrate (β (95% CI) = −83.96 (−161.76, −6.15); p = 0.035)) intake. An increase in habitual sleep variability was related with a slight increase in protein intake (β (95% CI) = 0.32 (0.031, 0.62); p = 0.031). Children who slept less had a higher energy intake, especially from fat and protein and those who presented inefficient sleep had a higher carbohydrate intake. Strategies to enhance sleep quality and quantity combined with dietary recommendations could help to improve energy and macronutrient intake levels in children.

A two-year monitoring of pesticide hazard in-hive: High honey bee mortality rates during insecticide poisoning episodes in apiaries located near agricultural settings

Pesticide residues in beebread, live and dead honey bees, together with honey bee death rate were monitored from June 2016 to June 2018 in three apiaries, located near agricultural settings and in wildlands. Dead honey bees were only collected and analyzed when significant mortality episodes occurred and pesticide content in beeswax of each experimental apiary was evaluated at the beginning of the study. Samples were extracted by a modified QuEChERS procedure and screened for pesticides residues by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Pesticide hazard in the samples was evaluated through the hazard quotient approach (HQ). Beebread was widely contaminated with coumaphos and amitraz degradate 2, 4-dimethylphenylformamide (DMF), miticides detected in 94 and 97% of samples respectively. However, insecticides sprayed during citrus bloom like chlorpyrifos (up to 167 ng g ^-1) and dimethoate (up to 34 ng g ^-1) were the main responsible of the relevant pesticide hazard in this matrix. Pesticide levels in live bees were mostly residual, and pesticide hazard was low. Beeswax of the apiaries, contaminated by miticides, revealed a low pesticide hazard to honey bee colonies. Acute mortality episodes occurred only in the two apiaries located near agricultural settings. Dead bees collected during these episodes revealed high levels (up to 2700 ng g ^-1) of chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, omethoate and imidacloprid. HQ calculated in dead bees exceeded up to 37 times the threshold value considered as elevated hazard to honey bee health.

Effect of the conversion of mangroves into shrimp farms on carbon stock in the sediment along the southern Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia

The conservation of coastal ecosystems and specially mangroves ''blue carbon'' is receiving more attention as consequence of their recognition as high ecosystem carbon stocks and for the fact that these areas are undergoing land conversion. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of land use changes due to conversion of mangroves to shrimp farms on the bulk density (SBD), organic carbon (SOC) concentration, and SOC stock in the sediments along the southern Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast. Shrimp farms and mangrove locations showed significant (P < 0.001) differences in SBD with high mean values in the sediments of shrimp farms. Shrimp farms and mangrove locations showed significant (P < 0.001) SOC concentration differences with high mean values in the sediments of mangroves. Considering the whole depth of sediment interval (0-100 cm), the highest value of SOC stock was recorded at mangroves (29.2 kg C m^-2) and the lowest was identified at the locations of shrimp farms (19.9 kg C m^-2). The results show that SOC stock of mangroves is 147% higher than that of shrimp farms confirming the fact that anthropogenic factors contributed significantly to SOC stock decrease. The mean cumulative potential carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission due to loss soil carbon stock from mangrove conversion to the shrimp ponds was 34.9 kg CO₂ m^-2. In conclusion, the conversion of mangroves into shrimp farms contributed to the loss of SOC stock, therefore, the preservation of mangrove areas has an important value especially in arid areas such as Saudi Arabia.