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The increasing use of rare earth elements (REEs) in diverse technological applications has augmented the demand and exploitation of these worldwide, leading to a higher input of REEs + Yttrium (Y) in the marine environment. The present study investigated the ecotoxicity of Lanthanum (La) and Y to Mytilus galloprovincialis developing embryos and juveniles. This was achieved by quantifying the embryogenesis success after 48 h, and survival of juveniles after 96 h of exposure to different concentrations of La and Y. Results show that both La and Y are more toxic to developing embryos and larvae than to juveniles of M. galloprovincialis. Predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) values were also derived for the embryo development as a preliminary approach to assess the environmental risk for these compounds to marine organisms. Results revealed that La is more toxic than Y. The high sensitivity of the early developmental stages to these compounds highlight the relevance of including these stages when evaluating the toxicity of chemicals where little information is available. Although older life stages may be more tolerant to toxicants, the population survival will be compromised if new recruits are not viable, with implications to the whole ecosystem health and functioning of the impacted area. Information on the ecotoxicity of chemicals with expanded technological use and that may be released during deep-sea mining activities is urgent in order to help estimate environmental impacts.

BP-3 is one of the most used organic UV filters. However, its widespread use and release into aquatic environment can induce ecotoxicological impact on aquatic organisms. Thus, the aim of the current study is to evaluate the gills and liver of freshwater fish Poecilia reticulata subjected to acute exposure (96 h) to BP-3 at environmentally relevant concentrations (10–1000 ng L −1 ). The study was based on adopting qualitative and semi-quantitative approach to assess histopathological changes and integrated the biomarker response in order to investigate organ-specific responses to BP-3 exposure. BP-3 has induced high histopathological index associated with circulatory disturbances, as well as with regressive and immunological changes in gills, whereas the hepatic histopathological index was associated with circulatory disturbances. Moreover, lower BP-3 concentrations were mostly associated with changes in gills, whereas higher BP-3 concentration was mostly linked to hepatic changes. In conclusion, acute exposure to BP-3 at environmentally relevant concentrations had stronger impact on gills than on the liver of P. reticulata , which confirmed organ-specific responses to UV filters.

Quantum dots (QDs) are a class of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) with several biomedical, industrial and commercial applications. However, their metabolism and detoxification process in aquatic invertebrates and environmental health hazards remain unclear. This study investigate the transcriptional changes of metallothioneins (MTs) isoforms (mt10IIIa and mt20IV) induced by CdTe QDs, in comparison with its dissolved counterpart, in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to CdTe QDs and to the same Cd concentration (10 µg Cd L−1) of dissolved Cd for 14 days and mt transcription levels were measured by real time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Tissue specific mt transcription patterns were observed in mussels exposed to both Cd forms, wherein the gills were a more sensitive organ compared to the digestive gland. No significant changes were observed in mt10IIIa transcription levels in mussels exposed to both Cd forms. In contrast, transcription of mt20IV was tissue and exposure time dependent, with higher mt20IV mRNA levels in mussels exposed to QDs and dissolved Cd when compared to unexposed mussels. Multivariate analysis indicates particle-specific effects after 14 days of exposure and a dual role of MTs in the QD metabolism and in the protection against oxidative stress in mussels exposed to Cd-based ENPs.

Although the toxic effects of tannery effluent (TE) on tanning-industry workers have been reported in many studies, its effects on females’ reproductive system are unknown. We aimed at evaluating the effects of direct contact with TE on the “emotional” status, estrous cycle (during 15 consecutive exposure days), and ovarian follicular dynamics of female Swiss mice at the end of the experiment to broaden the knowledge about the toxicity of this pollutant. The herein adopted exposure protocol simulated tanning-industry workers’ exposure to TE. The test animals were subjected to 45 exposure days, for 1 h a day, 5 days a week (from Monday to Friday). Based on the collected data, female mice exposed to TE recorded high anxiety index in the elevated plus maze test, although we did not observe changes in their estrous cycle. The smaller total and specific number of ovarian follicles (types 1 to 6) and the higher frequency of degenerating follicles (atresic) in female mice exposed to TE marked the folliculogenesis reduction in them. Therefore, our study was the first to provide evidences that the exposure to TE can cause reproduction issues in female mice, as well as the first experimental insight about the impact of unhealthy work activities in tanning industries on women’s reproductive system.

Emerging contaminants (ECs), also known as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), are defined as synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals or biological agents that are not commonly monitored in the environment but have the potential to enter the environment and cause known or supposed adverse ecological and human health effects [...]

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is frequently found in water samples. This knowledge has prompted studies on its effects on non-target organisms, revealing significant alterations to liver structure and function. In this review, we evaluated the literature on the hepatotoxicity of 2,4-D, focusing on morphological damages, toxicity biomarkers and affected liver functions. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and 83 articles were selected after curation. Among these studies, 72% used in vivo models and 30% used in vitro models. Additionally, 48% used the active ingredient, and 35% used commercial formulations in exposure experiments. The most affected biomarkers were related to a decrease in antioxidant capacity through alterations in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde. Changes in energy metabolism, lipids, liver function, and xenobiotic metabolism were also identified. Furthermore, studies about the effects of 2,4-D in mixtures with other pesticides were found, as well as hepatoprotection trials. The reviewed data indicate the essential role of reduction in antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in 2,4-D-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of action of the herbicide is still not fully understood and further research in this area is necessary.

Fungi play vital roles in ecosystems through parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism. Additionally, they are widely used in industry as bioactive compound producers and biological control agents. Biomphalaria glabrata is a freshwater snail often controlled with chemical molluscicides. However, developing effective alternatives to these chemical treatments is essential. This study evaluated the molluscicidal potential of culture supernatant from Hypocreales fungi isolated from a cave in the Brazilian Cerrado against the B. glabrata. The isolates were identified based on morphological features and ITS rDNA sequences. Fifteen filtrates of Hypocreales fungi were obtained and tested both pure and in different dilutions (10% and 50%) against newly hatched snails during 96 h of exposure. The fungal isolates were identified as belonging to the genera of Clonostachys (1), Cylindrocladiella (1), Fusarium (1), Gliocladiopsis (1), Keithomyces (1), Marquandomyces (1), Ovicillium (1), Pochonia (1), Purpureocillium (1), Sarcopodium (1), Sarocladium (1), Trichoderma (3), and Volutella (1). The results showed 93.33% (14) of the fungal filtrates induced significant mortality, indicating their molluscicidal activity, with Pochonia chlamydosporia FCCUFG 100 and Volutella aeria FCCUFG 107 causing 100% mortality in all dilutions. These results reveal the potential of Hypocreales fungi from a Brazilian Cerrado cave as a promising approach for snail control.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are metal oxide nanomaterials, which are important for several applications: antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiprotozoal and antitumoral, among others. These applications are mainly related to the ability to spontaneously produce and induce the production of reactive oxygen species that are important components for the destruction of pathogens and tumor cells. While trying to potentiate ZnO NPs, studies have associated these NPs with silver oxide (AgO) or silver (Ag) NPs. It has already been reported that this combination (Ag-ZnO/AgO NPs) is able to enhance the microbicidal potential. Although possessing much potential for several purposes, it is important to evaluate whether this association also poses the risk of toxicity to cells and experimental models. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the toxicity of various Ag-ZnO/AgO NP nanocomposites, in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, ZnO nanocrystals and nanocomposites with various concentrations of AgO (ZnO:5Ag, ZnO:9Ag or ZnO:11Ag) were used in different cytotoxicity models: Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella), cell lines (VERO and RAW 264.7) and C57BL/6 mice. In the G. mellonella model, four concentrations were used in a single dose, with subsequent evaluation of mortality. In the case of cells, serial concentrations starting at 125 µg/mL were used, with subsequent cytotoxicity assessment. Based on the safe doses obtained in G. mellonella and cell models, the best doses were used in mice, with subsequent evaluations of weight, biochemistry as also renal and liver histopathology. It was observed that the toxicity, although low, of the nanocomposites was dependent upon the concentration of AgO used in association with ZnO NPs, both in vitro and in vivo.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in industry and commercial products. Thus, their potential risks to the environment and human health must be evaluated. Doping NPs with certain ions makes it possible to mix properties or generate new ones. Thus, in order to track TiO2 NPs in biological assays, doping with europium (Eu3+) ions was performed, which luminesce in red. Here, we synthesized TiO2 and Eu3+-doped TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs) in anatase phase to verify the toxicity at different concentrations in Drosophila melanogaster and track the distribution of these NCs in vivo. We verified that the incorporation of europium improved the biocompatibility in relation to the pure samples. The presence of Eu3+-doped TiO2 NCs in the gut, brain, and fat body of larvae and intestinal cells of adult animals was detected. Eu3+-doped TiO2 NCs caused significant larval and pupal mortality rates, in addition to leading to the formation of reactive species, especially at high concentrations. Therefore, our data demonstrated it was possible to trace the Eu3+-doped TiO2 NCs, but TiO2 and Eu3+-doped TiO2 NCs in anatase phase were toxic to fruit flies at the tested concentrations, and should be used with caution to minimize health risks.

The environmental health impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) is of emerging concern, but their effects and ecotoxicity resulting from the interaction between TiO2 NPs and metals, such as cadmium (Cd), on aquatic organisms remain limited. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the ecotoxic effects of TiO2 NPs and Cd (alone or in co-exposure) on zebrafish embryos and larvae, based on using multiple biomarkers. Embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant TiO2 NPs (0.1, 1.0, and 10 µg L−1) and Cd (10 µg L−1) concentrations, either alone or in a mix, for 168 h, whereas the control group was kept in reconstituted water. Results showed that the isolated TiO2 NPs have low toxicity to zebrafish embryos and larvae. However, Cd — alone or in co-exposure with TiO2 NPs — induced toxic effects in zebrafish, such as cardiotoxicity, as well as morphological and morphometric changes. The present study has shown TiO2 NPs/Cd interactive effects, including decreased toxicity, on the assessed models. Results have evidenced the potential environmental risk of the nanoparticle and metal mixtures, mainly at early vertebrate developmental stages.