Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal primarily found as a by-product of zinc production. Cd was a proven carcinogen, and exposure to this metal has been linked to various adverse health effects, which were first reported in the mid-19th century and thoroughly investigated by the 20th century. The toxicokinetics and dynamics of Cd reveal its propensity for long biological retention and predominant storage in soft tissues. Until the 1950s, Cd pollution was caused by industrial activities, whereas nowadays, the main source is phosphate fertilizers, which strongly contaminate soil and water and affect human health and ecosystems. Cd enters the human body mainly through ingestion and inhalation, with food and tobacco smoke being the primary sources. It accumulates in various organs, particularly the kidney and liver, and is known to cause severe health problems, including renal dysfunction, bone diseases, cardiovascular problems, and many others. On a cellular level, Cd disrupts numerous biological processes, inducing oxidative stress generation and DNA damage. This comprehensive review explores Cd pollution, accumulation, distribution, and biological impacts on bacteria, fungi, edible mushrooms, plants, animals, and humans on a molecular level. Molecular aspects of carcinogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, specific gene expression, stress protein synthesis, and ROS formation caused by Cd were discussed as well. This paper also summarizes how Cd is removed from contaminated environments and the human body.

Space rockets are regularly launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The ecological impact of territories affected by the consequences of space rocket activities on the environment is a significant concern. On July 27, 2006, the Dnepr rocket was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, resulting in an abnormal situation and its emergency fall. The rocket fuel components, heptyl, and amyl, led to decontamination and reclamation activities. However, the self-restoration of soil and vegetation cover is currently in the earliest stages. Consequently, an assessment of the remote consequences of the accidental fall of the Dnepr launch vehicle for environmental objects was conducted. The study involved eco-toxicological characterization of habitat conditions, assessment of species diversity, determination of key morphophenetic indicators, and the genetic status of indicator species as the main parameters. The results revealed an increased level of genotoxicity in soils at the accident site. While there were deviations from the norm in some morphophenetic and cytogenetic parameters in indicator animals, they were not critical for their existence in this territory. Possibly, at the physiological level, they exhibit a high enough adaptation potential and compensatory mechanism.

The European hare ( Lepus europaeus), ), commonly known as the gray hare, belongs to the Leporidae family. Widely distributed throughout Poland, it exhibits higher population density in the eastern regions. However, Europe has witnessed a significant decline in hare populations over the past 50 years, a trend also observed in most Polish areas. Contributing factors include intensified agriculture, habitat loss, urbanization, pollution (water, air, and soil), and climate change, all impacting population dynamics, including reproduction. Increased predation by foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey, along with poaching and hunting-related damage, further affect hare populations. Infectious and parasitic diseases play a crucial role in hare health, often leading to mortality. These animals constantly interact with various pathogens and vectors due to their natural environment. The objective of this study was to assess the health of the European hare population in the Lublin Upland based on macroscopic findings during autopsies. The research involved 85 hares from two hunting districts in the western part of the Lublin Upland. These animals were necropsied, and material was collected for laboratory tests. Macroscopic examinations revealed the presence of several diseases, including brucellosis (6 cases), rodentiosis (11 cases), tularemia (3 cases), echinococcosis (5 cases), and cysticercosis (11 cases). Most of these diseases are classified as dangerous zoonotic infections. The detection of multiple diseases underscores the gray hare's role as a reservoir in the natural environment. These confirmed diseases pose significant risks, often proving fatal for both hares and their predators. As a game species, European hares also pose a threat to hunters who handle infected animals. Moreover, meat from sick hares jeopardizes consumer health and safety. This research holds substantial importance for veterinary medicine and public health, aiding in early diagnosis and effective disease prevention strategies.

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are currently the fastest-growing and most widely used insecticide class worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that long-term NEO residues in the environment have toxic effects on non-target soil animals. However, few studies have conducted surveys on the effects of NEOs on soil animals, and only few have focused on global systematic reviews or meta-analysis to quantify the effects of NEOs on soil animals. Here, we present a meta-analysis of 2940 observations from 113 field and laboratory studies that investigated the effects of NEOs (at concentrations of 0.001-78,600.000 mg/kg) on different soil animals across five indicators (i.e., survival, growth, behavior, reproduction, and biochemical biomarkers). Furthermore, we quantify the effects of NEOs on different species of soil animals. Results show that NEOs inhibit the survival, growth rate, behavior, and reproduction of soil animals, and alter biochemical biomarkers. Both the survival rate and longevity of individuals decreased by 100 % with NEO residues. The mean values of juvenile survival, cocoon number, and egg hatchability were reduced by 97 %, 100 %, and 84 %, respectively. Both individual and cocoon weights were reduced by 82 %, while the growth rate decreased by 88 % with NEO residues. Our meta-analysis confirms that NEOs pose significant negative impacts on soil animals.

Heavy metals are metals and non-metals with molecular weights exceeding 20 and specific gravity above 5. The heavy metal cycle in the environment is linked to the food chain: soil - plant - animal - human. The transfer of metals to the higher link results in a cumulative increase in their content. Pollution with heavy metals has become a severe threat to the environment and food safety due to the rapid development of agriculture and industry and disturbances in the natural ecosystem induced by the enormous growth of the global population. Major sources of heavy metals in soil are bedrock, industrial and transport emissions, municipal management, and agriculture. Three main reasons for the toxicity of metals were found to be: participation of metals in enhancing the production of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and modification of the activity of the antioxidant system, ability to react directly with proteins, resulting from the affinity between metals and thiol, histidine and carboxyl groups and leading to the attachment of metal ions to active sites of enzymes, structural elements of cells and proteins involved in cell transport, and replacement of elements necessary for metabolism, e.g. calcium in bones or iron in erythrocytes with metals, which leads to damage and changes in their structure and metabolism. The key solution towards decreasing the content of Cd and Pb in food is to limit or prevent their initial absorption by plants used for food or animal feed. However, due to the complexity of interactions between soil chemistry, varieties and species of plants and agronomic practices, additional research is needed.