A review of endocrine disrupting chemicals migration from food contact materials into beverages.

A significant and pressing issue revolves around the potential human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which pose a substantial risk primarily through contaminated beverages. However, a comprehensive review for comparison of the migration rates of EDCs into these matrixes is currently lacking. This study reviews the beverages contamination with EDCs, including phthalates (PAEs), bisphenol A (BPA), hormone-like compounds, elements, and other organic EDCs. Also, the EDCs migration into milk and other dairy products, coffee, tea, and cold beverages related to their release from contact materials, preparation components, and storage conditions are briefly summarized. The data illustrates that besides the contamination of raw materials, the presence of EDCs associated with the type of food contact materials (FCMs)and their migration rate is increased with acidity, temperature, and storage time. The highest concentration of PAEs was detected from plastic and synthetic polymer films, while BPA strongly leaches from epoxy resins and canned metal. Furthermore, the presence of elements with endocrine disrupting characteristics was confirmed in cold beverages, soft drinks, hot drink and milk. Moreover, hormone-like compounds have been found to be released from coffee preparation components. Despite the few data about the migration rate of other EDCs including UV-stabilizers, surfactants, and antibacterial compounds into beverages, their presence was reported into milk, coffee, and different beverages, especially in packed samples. Studies on the EDCs leaching have primarily focused on PAEs and BPA, while other compounds require further investigation. Regardless, the possible risk that EDCs pose to humans through beverage consumption cannot be overlooked.

Protective personal equipment on coastal environments: Identifying key drivers at a global scale.

The contamination of coastal ecosystems by personal protective equipment (PPE) emerged as a significant concern immediately following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hence, numerous studies have assessed PPE occurrence on beaches worldwide. However, no predictors on PPE contamination was so far pointed out. The present study investigated social and landscape drivers affecting the PPE density in coastal environments worldwide using a meta-analysis approach. Spatial variables such as urban modification levels, coastal vegetation coverage, population density (HPD), distance from rivers (DNR), and poverty degree (GGRDI) were derived from global satellite data. These variables, along with the time elapsed after WHO declared the pandemic, were included in generalized additive models as potential predictors of PPE density. HPD consistently emerged as the most influential predictor of PPE density (p < 0.00001), exhibiting a positive effect. Despite the presence of complex non-linear relationships, our findings indicate higher PPE density in areas with intermediate GGRDI levels, indicative of emerging economies. Additionally, elevated PPE density was observed in areas located further away from rivers (p < 0.001), and after the initial months of the pandemic. Despite the uncertainties associated with the varied sampling methods employed by the studies comprising our database, this study offers a solid baseline for tackling the global problem of PPE contamination on beachesguiding monitoring assessments in future pandemics.

Occurrence of microplastics in edible tissues of livestock (cow and sheep).

Plastic contamination is widely recognized as a major environmental concern due to the entry of small plastic particles into the food chain, thereby posing potential hazards to human health. However, the current understanding of microplastic (MP; < 5 mm) particles in livestock, which serve as an important food source, is limited. This study aims to investigate the concentration and characteristics of MPs in edible tissues of cow and sheep, namely liver, meat, and tripe, obtained from butcher shops in five areas of Bushehr port, Iran. The mean concentration of MPs in different tissues of cow and sheep were 0.14 and 0.13 items/g, respectively. Among the examined tissues, cow meat exhibited the highest concentration of MPs, with a concentration of 0.19 items/g. Nylon and fiber were identified as the predominant polymer types and shapes of MPs found in cow and sheep tissues, respectively. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was observed in MP concentration across different tissues of cow and sheep. Significantly, this study highlights the elevated hazards associated with exposure to MPs through the consumption of edible cow and sheep tissues, particularly for children who consume meat. The results underscore the potential transfer of MPs from the environment to livestock bodies through their food, contamination during meat processing, and subsequent health hazards for consumers.

Analysis of microplastics in ships ballast water and its ecological risk assessment studies from the Persian Gulf.

Transport of ballast water is considered a significant vector for dispersion of different pollutants, including microplastics (MPs), throughout the world's oceans. However, there is limited information on MPs in ballast water. Size distribution, polymer type, and ecological risks of MPs in ballast water were investigated for the first time in this study. The mean levels of MPs in ballast water and seawater samples were 12.53 and 11.80 items/L, respectively. MPs with a size category of 50-300 µm was the most abundant. Fiber, black, and polycarbonate (PC) were the predominant shape, color, and polymer type of identified MPs in ballast water and seawater, respectively. The pollution load index (PLI), hazard index (HI), and risk quotient (RQ) indicated high levels of MP pollution, potentially indicating an ecological risk. These findings increase our understanding of the major sources (such as ballast water), transportation routes, and related ecological risks of MPs to marine ecosystems.

Elucidating nicotine transfer into water environments via cigarette butt remaining parts.

Nicotine, the main alkaloid in tobacco, enters water environments through discarded cigarette butts (CBs), possibly causing detrimental effects. However, there is no comprehensive investigation on the long-term leaching of nicotine from the different CBs parts. Therefore, in the present study, the ecological risk and the leachate levels of nicotine from different CBs parts were investigated. Freshly smoked CBs, aged CBs collected from streets, remaining tobacco and ash of freshly smoked CBs, and filter plus paper of freshly smoked CBs were evaluated for the leachate experiments. The order of nicotine leachate from different types of CBs and parts investigated were as remaining tobacco plus ash of freshly smoked CBs > freshly smoked CBs > aged CBs > filter plus paper of freshly smoked CBs with the ranges of 5.73-17.34, 0.36-8.6, 0.31-4.12, and 0.17-2.79 mg of nicotine per g of CB or remaining parts (mg g-1), respectively. The ecological risk assessment revealed that nicotine leachates from all the CBs types or their remaining parts could be highly hazardous to fish, cladocerans, algae, and Daphnia magna. Based on the mean leachate levels of nicotine via freshly smoked CBs at exposure times of 1 min to 1 month and the estimated number of littered CBs every year on a worldwide scale, freshly smoked CBs may release 380-7065 tons of nicotine into water environments.

Microplastics and phthalate esters release from teabags into tea drink: occurrence, human exposure, and health risks.

Tea, the most common infusion worldwide, is usually sold in teabags due to the ease of usage. The increase in the use of plastic materials in the food packaging industry has led to an increase in released contaminants, such as microplastics (MPs) and phthalates (PAEs), in various food products including teabags. In this research, the abundance and features of MPs as well as PAEs concentration were investigated in 45 teabag samples of different Persian and German brands. The abundance of MPs in the Persian and German teabag samples was averagely 412.32 and 147.28 items/single teabag, respectively. Also, average PAEs levels in the Persian and German teabag samples were 2.87 and 2.37 mg/g, respectively. The predominant size category of MPs was related to 100-250 µm. Fibers and transparent were the dominant shape and color of detected MPs in teabags, respectively. Polyethylene (PE) and nylon were the most common MP polymer types. The most prominent PAEs congeners in teabag samples were diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP). Furthermore, MP exposure hazard through tea ingestion was analyzed for children and adults. DEHP showed the cancer risk (CR) for children and adults. The findings of this research indicated that high MPs and PAEs levels are released from teabags into tea drinks. Considering a daily drinking of a volume of 150 and 250 mL tea by children and adults, 486 and 810 MPs may enter their bodies, respectively. Thus, tea prepared with teabag-packed herbs may pose a significant health risk for consumers.

Sludge drying and dewatering processes influence the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as high-load receptors of microplastics (MPs) from different sources. However, the influence of specific treatment stanges requires further research. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the abundance and chemical characteristics of MPs in the sludge of two major wastewater treatment plants in the Agadir metropolis (Central Atlantic of Morocco). The Aourir plant receives urban influents and the inputs of the M'zar facility were urban and industrial. Samples were collected from the sludge matrices after primary settling, clarifying, dewatering, and drying systems. In addition, the effect of seasonality on MP load was assessed. The results showed that a higher abundance was noticed in raw sludge than in dewatered one in Aourir WWTP, while in M'zar WWTP, a very low decrease is noticed in dried sludge compared to raw sludge. The concentration of MPs in the summer season was significantly higher compared to other seasons for Aourir WWTP, while the winter season was higher for M'zar WWTP. Moreover, the most abundant shapes were fibers and the fraction 100-500 µm was the most preponderant. Eleven polymers were identified by ATR-FTIR, being polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene the most abundant ones. Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray revealed the visible degradation and fragmentation of MPs from sewage sludge and their ability to adsorb inorganic elements. It was estimated that between 2.2 × 107 and 7.4 × 108 MPs were evacuated with the sludge per day. The obtained findings confirmed that WWTP sludge acts as a vector of MPs with a high level of hazard to various matrices, such as landfills, agricultural soils, and groundwater. Overall, consideration must be given to the regulatory system managing the fate of sewage sludge to mitigate the collateral effects and provide solutions.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in consumable species and food products.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of thousands of manmade chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial processes. Toxicological studies have suggested that exposure to PFASs may lead to several adverse effects, including infertility and cancer development. In light of their widespread use, the contamination of food products has created health concerns in sites directly influenced by industrial and anthropogenic activity. In the present contribution, the current knowledge of PFAS contamination was systematically reviewed in order to provide with the knowledge gaps and main sources of contamination, as well as critically evaluate estimated dietary intake and relative risk values of the consulted studies. Legacy PFASs remain the most abundant despite their production restrictions. Edible species from freshwater bodies exhibit higher PFAS concentrations than marine species, probably due to low hydrodynamics and dilution in lentic ecosystems. Studies in food products from multiple sources, including aquatic, livestock, and agricultural, agree that the proximity to factories and fluorochemical industries rendered significantly higher and potentially hazardous PFAS contamination. Short-chain PFAS are suggested as chemicals of emerging concern to food security. However, the environmental and toxicological implications of short-chain congeners are not fully understood and, thus, much research is needed in this sense.

Occurrence and ecological risks of microplastics and phthalate esters in organic solid wastes: In a landfill located nearby the Persian Gulf.

Landfill sites are the main source of plastic waste. Thus, municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills may act as a reservior of microplastics (MPs) and related pollutants such as phthalate esters (PAEs) into surrounding environment. However, there is limited information on MPs and PAEs in landfill sites. Levels of MPs and PAEs in organic solid waste disposed in a landfill of Bushehr port were investigated for the first time in this study. The mean MPs and PAEs levels in organic MSW samples were 12.3 items/g and 7.99 µg/g, respectively, and the mean PAEs concentration in MPs was 87.5 µg/g. The highest number of MPs was related to the size classes of >1000 µm and <25 µm. The highest dominant type, color, and shape of MPs in organic MSW were nylon, white/transparent, and fragments, respectively. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) were the dominant compounds of PAEs in organic MSW. Based on the finding of present study, MPs showed a high hazard index (HI). DEHP, dioctyl phthalate (DOP), and DiBP demonstrated high-level hazards for sensitive organisms in water. This work illustrated considerable MPs and PAEs levels from an uncontrolled landfill without adequate protection, possibly contributing to their release into the environment. The sites of landfill located near marine environments, such as Bushehr port landfill adjacent to the Persian Gulf, may indicate critical threats to marine organisms and the food chain. Continuous landfills control and monitoring, especially the ones near the coastal area, is highly recommended to prevent further environmental pollution.

Toxic effect of cigarette butts leachates on blood markers of Periophthalmus waltoni species from the Persian Gulf region.

Cigarette butts (CBs) are one of the most common, long-lasting, and toxic forms of marine and coastal area debris. Although the significance of CBs and the toxic contents of this waste items are well recognized, but there is still a lack of information about the effects of this waste on the aquatic organisms. Therefore in this study, the in-vivo toxic effects of various CBs leachates (smoked cigarette butts with tobacco [SCBs], smoked CBs without tobacco [SFs], and unsmoked filters [USFs]) on cellular and chemical hematologic markers in fish (Periophthalmus waltoni) were evaluated. In three acute, sub-acute, and sub-chronic exposure measurements, P. waltoni exposed to different CBs leachates showed a significant increase in white blood cells, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase, as well as a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) levels. The mean ± SD values of Hb in P. waltoni species exposed to different CBs leachates (control, SCBs, SFs and USFs) in acute (1 day) phase were 7.15 ± 0.34, 6.02 ± 0.29, 6.25 ± 0.25 and 6.89 ± 0.1 g/dl respectively. These values in subacute (28 days) phase were 6.70 ± 0.15, 5.19 ± 0.24, 5.67 ± 0.30 and 6.10 ± 0.24 g/dl and in sub chronic exposure (42 days) phase were 7.20 ± 0.40, 5.16 ± 0.30, 5.88 ± 0.34 and 6.60 ± 0.33 g/dl respectively. Our results showed that CBs leachates act as a stressor, leading to changes in some hematologic markers in P. waltoni species. Because of the continued deposition of CBs waste into global aquatic environments, policies to mitigate this waste in coastal areas are needed to prevent potentially negative effects on fish and other aquatic organisms.

Binational survey using Mytilus galloprovincialis as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution: Insights into chemical analysis and potential risk on humans.

Microplastic (MP) contamination in edible mussels has raised concerns due to their potential risk to human health. Aiming to provide valuable insights regarding the occurrence, physicochemical characteristics, and human health implications of MP contamination, in the present study, two nationwide surveys of MP contamination in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were conducted in Morocco and Tunisia. The results indicated that MP frequency ranged from 79 % to 100 % in all the analyzed samples. The highest MP density was detected in mussels from Morocco (gills "GI": 1.88 MPs/g ww-1; digestive glands "DG": 0.92 MPs/g ww-1) compared to mussels of Tunisia (GI: 1.47 MPs g- 1; DG: 0.79 MPs g- 1). No significant differences in MP density were found between the two organs (GI and DG) for both countries. MPs were predominantly blue and black fibers, and smaller than 1000 µm. Seven polymeric types were identified, of which PET, PP, and PE were the most abundant, accounting for >87 % of all samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed that most MPs have noticeable signs of weathering and inorganic components on their surface. The highest MP daily intake was found in children, while the lowest was estimated in women and men. Moreover, the annual dietary exposure of MPs through mussel consumption was estimated to be 1262.17 MPs/year in Morocco and 78.18 MPs/year in Tunisia. The potential risk assessment of MPs in mussels based on the polymer hazard index (PHI) was estimated in the high-risk levels, implying that MPs may pose health risks to humans. Overall, this research suggests that the consumption of mussels represents a considerable MP exposure route for the Moroccan and Tunisian populations.

Occurrence, characteristics, and removal of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants located on the Moroccan Atlantic: The case of Agadir metropolis.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are some of the main sources of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. However, studies on the occurrence and removal efficiency of MPs in WWTPs are still scarce, especially in African countries. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the abundance of MPs in the influent and effluent of two WWTPs (Aourir and M'zar) from the Agadir metropolis (Moroccan Atlantic). The two WWTPs receive different wastewater inputs (domestic and industrial). In addition, the impacts of seasonality on the fate and removal efficiency were investigated. The results showed that the MPs abundance in the wastewater decreased from 188 MPs/L in the influent to 50 MPs/L in the effluent for Aourir WWTP (domestic inputs); while the abundance was greater in the M'zar WWTP (urban and industrial inputs) recording a mean value of 519 MPs/L and 86 MPs/L in the influent and effluent, respectively. MPs collected in the Aourir WWTP ranged from 290 to 3200 µm, while MPs from the M'zar WWTP, ranged from 330 to 4200 µm. Overall, the size range of 100-500 µm was the most abundant for both WWTPs. Fibers were the highest MPs morphotype found, followed by fragments. MP colors were mainly red, black, blue, and transparent for both treatment plants. Additionally, FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of eight different polymers, mainly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Seasonal variation analysis showed that MPs abundance in summer was significantly higher compared to other seasons. However, the comparison of the removal efficiency (RE) between the different seasons indicated that the winter season (74 %) recorded the highest RE for Aourir WWTP. Conversely, spring (87 %) recorded the highest RE for M'zar WWTP. SEM/EDX micrographs showed different degrees of weathering and chemical elements adhering to the surface of the MPs. The findings of the current study will serve as a baseline for future considerations about management strategies, wastewater reuse, as well as the understanding of the occurrence of microplastic pollution along the marine ecosystems of Morocco.

Abundance and characterization of personal protective equipment (PPE) polluting Kish Island, Persian Gulf.

Plastic pollution is one of the major environmental threats the world is facing nowadays, which was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, multiple reports of single-use plastics driven by the pandemic, namely personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., face masks and gloves), contaminating coastal areas have been published. However, most studies focused solely on counting and visually characterizing this type of litter. In the present study, we complement conventional reports by characterizing this type of litter through chemical-analytical techniques. Standardized sampling procedures were carried out in Kish Island, The Persian Gulf, resulting in an average density of 2.34 × 10-4 PPE/m2. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy confirmed the polymeric composition of weathered face masks and showed the occurrence of additional absorption bands associated with the photooxidation of the polymer backbone. On the other hand, the three layers of typical surgical face masks showed different non-woven structures, as well as signs of physical degradation (ruptures, cracks, rough surfaces), possibly leading to the release of microplastics. Furthermore, elemental mapping through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that the middle layer of the masks allocated more elements of external origin (e.g., Na, Cl, Ca, Mg) than the outer and inner layers. This is likely to the overall higher surface area of the middle layer. Furthermore, our evidence indicates that improperly disposed PPE is already having an impact on a number of organisms in the study area.

Chemical contents and toxicity of cigarette butts leachates in aquatic environment: A case study from the Persian Gulf region.

Cigarette butts (CBs) are one of the most commonly found types of litter contaminating the aquatic environment. However, the environmental risks posed by CBs need further investigation. In this study, the in-vivo toxic effects of various concentrations of CB leachates on juvenile (5.45 ± 1.36 gr and 7.08 ± 1.12 cm) fish (Periophthalmus waltoni) were evaluated. The LC50 values of CB leachate from smoked cigarette butts with tobacco (SCB) were 3.75, 3.0, 1.94, and 1.37 CBs/L in 24, 48, 72, and 96 h exposure times, respectively. The LC50 values for leachate of smoked CBs without tobacco (SF) were 7.58, 6.22, 4.73, and 2.9 CBs/L at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h exposure times, respectively. In the case of leachate from unsmoked filters (USF), LC50 values were 14.68, 12.44, 10.19, and 7.46 CBs/L in 24, 48, 72, and 96 h exposure time, respectively. The mean concentrations of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in SCBs leachates were higher than in SF and USF leachates. Our findings report that even low concentrations of CBs leachates can led to lethality of P. waltoni and may pose a threat to their population density.

Aromatic amines leachate from cigarette butts into aquatic environments: Is there risk for water organisms?

There are many toxics, such as aromatic amines (AAs), in cigarette butts (CBs). As CBs are the most abundant litter worldwide, these chemicals may leach into water bodies. In the present work, for the first time, the levels of AAs leachates from CBs in distilled water (DW) and river water (RW) samples were evaluated at different exposure times ranging from 15 min to 30 days. The mean leachate levels of AAs in DW and RW samples were in the range of 0.2-566 and 0.2-596 ng L-1, respectively, with overall mean values of 569 and 556 ng L-1. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the total AAs levels as well as the level of each examined AA in DW and RW samples. Aniline (ANL) had the highest leaching rate from CBs into water. The mean leachates of AAs from CBs into water were ranked as: ANL> 1-naphthylamine (1-NA)> 2-naphthylamine (2-NA) > 2,6-dimethylaniline (2, 6-DMA)> ∑toluidine (∑TOL)> o-anisidine (o-ASD)> ∑aminobiphenyl (∑ABP). Ecological risk assessment showed that ∑7AAs, ANL, p-TOL, o-TOL, 2-NA, and ∑ABP had medium risks to sensitive crustaceans and fish. As AAs are not the only hazardous chemicals which may leach from CBs into aquatic environments, restrictions on littering CBs into the environment are required due to the release of different toxics ultimately causing adverse effects on aquatic organisms.

Floating microplastics pollution in the Central Atlantic Ocean of Morocco: Insights into the occurrence, characterization, and fate.

This work presents preliminary results about abundance, distribution, characteristics, sources, and fate of microplastics (MPs) in the Central Atlantic Ocean (CAO) of Morocco. The investigation was conducted into three subsections, each characterized by different types of human activities and covering rural, village, and urban areas. MPs were detected in 100 % of the sampling sites. The abundances varied from 0.048 to 3.305 items/m3, with a mean abundance of 0.987 ± 1.081 items/m3. MPs abundance was higher in surface seawater linked to urban areas compared to village and rural areas. The dominant polymer type was polyester (PET-53.8 %) followed by polypropylene (PP-24.36 %), polyamide (PA-7.56 %), polystyrene (PS-6.88 %), polyvinyl chloride (PVC-2.64 %), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA-2.60 %), polyetherurethane (PUR-1.36 %), and acrylic (AC-0.8 %). Fibers were the most dominant shapes accounting for over 50 %. MPs were mainly smaller than 2 mm in size (71 %) and characterized by colorful aspects. These findings suggested that wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and anthropogenic activities (industry, tourism, sanitation, and fishing) are the major pollution sources of MPs in the study area. SEM/EDX micrographs showed different weathering degrees and chemical elements adhered to the MPs surface.

Mercury pollution in Peru: geographic distribution, health hazards, and sustainable removal technologies.

Peru is one of the great gold producers worldwide. However, a significant portion of the gold produced in Peru derives from artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Andes and Amazon. In ASGM, gold amalgamation with mercury (Hg) is a critical procedure to refine gold through the formation of Au-Hg alloys. Due to the rudimentary and improvised techniques conducted by small-scale and informal miners, Hg contamination has become of great concern and is strictly associated with ASGM. Multiple studies have evidenced notably high concentrations of Hg in consumable fish species, rivers, sediments, and air in locations where ASGM is one of the main sources of income to local communities and is carried out aggressively. In the present review, we have conducted a systematic search for national and international literature reporting the concentration and distribution of Hg pollution across environmental compartments, biota, and human samples in Peru. The results and data retrieved from the articles were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed, and the distribution of Hg across environmental compartments was visualized through a geographic information system. Additionally, we reviewed the use of adsorption techniques as alternatives to treat Hg0 vapor from the gold shop and smelter flues, one of the main sources of hazardous levels of Hg exposure.

Evaluation of occurrence of organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants in bottled drinking water and comparison with international guidelines: a worldwide review.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of inorganic and organic substances as well as microbial contaminants in bottled drinking water on a global scale. The findings were compared to WHO guidelines, EPA standards, European Union (EU) directive, and standards drafted by International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). Our review showed that 46% of studies focused on the organic contaminants, 25% on physicochemical parameters, 12% on trace elements, 7% on the microbial quality, and 10% on microplastics (MPs) and radionuclides elements. Overall, from the 54 studies focusing on organic contaminants (OCs) compounds, 11% of studies had higher OCs concentrations than the standard permissible limit. According to the obtained results from this review, several OCs, inorganic contaminants (IOCs), including CHCl3, CHBrCl2, DEHP, benzene, styrene, Ba, As, Hg, pb, Ag, F, NO3, and SO4 in bottled drinking water of some countries were higher than the international guidelines values that may cause risks for human health in a long period of time. Furthermore, some problematic contaminants with known or unknown health effects such as EDCs, DBP, AA, MPs, and some radionuclides (40K and 222Rn) lack maximum permissible values in bottled drinking water as stipulated by international guidelines. The risk index (HI) for OCs and IOCs (CHBrCl2, Ba, As, and Hg) was higher than 1 in adults and children, and the value of HI for CHCl3 in children was more than 1. Thus, further studies are required to have a better understanding of all contaminants levels in bottled drinking water.

Aromatic amines contents of cigarette butts: Fresh and aged cigarette butts vs unsmoked cigarette.

Cigarette butts (CBs) are some of the most abundant waste items in the environment and may contain high levels of different toxic chemicals, such as aromatic amines (AAs). However, to this date, there is no comprehensive study on the role of CBs in the emission of AAs into the environment. The present study investigated for the first time the concentration levels of 10 primary aromatic amines (PAAs), including ANL, p-TOL, m-TOL, o-TOL, 2,6-DMA, o-ASD, 2-NA, 1-NA, 3-ABP, and 4-ABP that were measured and compared in unsmoked cigarette, freshly smoked CBs, and CBs collected from urban streets (named here aged CBs). The mean levels of ∑PAAs in different sample categories were statistically significantly different and the mean level order was as freshly smoked CBs > aged CBs > unsmoked cigarette with the values of 3.43, 2.12 µg g-1, and 0.28 µg g-1, respectively. The levels of ∑PAAs, ANL, o-ASD, 2,6-DMA, 2-NA, and ∑TOL dramatically increased by 12.26, 4.05, 8.46, 10.41, 4.78, and 28.84 times, respectively, right after smoking comparing the freshly smoked CBs samples and unsmoked cigarette. The results also showed a substantial decrease in the levels of PAAs (except o-ASD) in the aged CBs samples compared to freshly smoked CBs. The levels of ∑PAAs, o-ASD, 2,6-DMA, ∑TOL, ANL, 2-NA, 1-NA, and ∑ABP decreased 1.62, 1.09, 1.91, 3.20, 3.42, 2.63, 2.00, and 1.88 times, respectively. Considering the average PAAS content and estimated CBs littered worldwide every year, freshly smoked CBs can theoretically emit 2.9 tons of ∑PAAs into the environment annually. Considering other chemicals that may also be released into the environment via CBs (beside PAAs), we can consider CBs as a critical source of toxic compounds into the environment and water bodies.

The wedge clam Donax trunculus L., 1758 as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution.

This study describes the use of D. trunculus as a bioindicator of microplastic (MPs) pollution due to beach urbanization related to the development of the Taghazout Bay tourist resort in Morocco. In six sites located on the coast, MPs densities ranged from 1.75 to 5.93 items per gram of D. trunculus wet weight. MPs contamination was significantly influenced spatiotemporally by the urbanization degree in the area. The shapes found were fibers (90.5%) and fragments (9.5%). The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis reported two polymers: polyethylene (65%) and polypropylene (35%). MPs colors were dark and light, with a predominance of light blue (23.8%). The species ingested different sizes of MPs, mainly the 0.1 and 0.5 mm fractions. Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM/EDX) revealed weathered MPs with chemical elements adhered to their surface (Cu, Fe, Mg, S, Cl, etc.). The results of this study recommend the use of D. trunculus as a new bioindicator of MPs pollution following an urban change in the coastal scenery. Also, a sustainable coastal management must be implemented in the study area.