Arsenic (As) in soil, such as mining waste, is a concern for communities with legacy contamination. While the chronic health effects of As exposure through drinking water are well documented, the association between As in soil and population-wide health impacts is complex, involving factors like soil accessibility, soil properties, and exposure modes. This review summarizes evidence of associations between As in soil and human health, as well as biomarker and bioaccessibility evidence of exposure pathways. Fourteen studies were included in the final analysis. Reviewed studies reported associations between As in soil and birth outcomes, neurological effects, DNA damage, and cancer. Some of these health outcomes are not known to be linked to As in drinking water and were reported over a range of soil concentrations, indicating inconsistencies. Higher soil As concentrations are associated with higher As in human biospecimens, suggesting direct and indirect soil ingestion as primary exposure pathways. The subpopulations more likely to be exposed include younger children and those involved in soil-based activities. Future research should focus on standardized epidemiological studies, longitudinal studies, soil exposure and mitigating factors, combined exposure biomarker studies, the behavior of the different As species, soil dose related to bioavailability/bioaccessibility, and effects with other elements.

This study investigated the sub-lethal effects of four commercial fungicides-two foliar (Amistar (R) Xtra and Mirador (R)) and two ear fungicides (Prosaro (R) and Icarus (R))-applied alone and in combination to wheat crops on caged earthworms (Eisenia fetida). We measured biomarkers that included detoxification responses (glutathione S-transferase, GST), oxidative stress levels (lipid peroxidation, LPO, and catalase, CAT), DNA damage (comet assay), energy reserves (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH), and immune response (lysozyme activity, LYS). The absence of significant differences in catalase and lipid peroxidation levels suggested no oxidative stress due to fungicide exposure. However, the foliar fungicide Amistar (R) Xtra induced the highest GST activity and DNA fragmentation, suggesting synergistic effects between its active ingredients and undisclosed co-formulants. Similar effects observed with the Amistar (R) Xtra-Prosaro (R) mixture confirmed the greater toxicity of Amistar (R) Xtra. This study provides novel insights into the sub-lethal effects of single and combined commercial fungicides on a standard toxicity test organism, shedding light on the ecological implications of fungicide use in agroecosystems and reinforcing the need for pesticide reduction.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the study of extremophilic microorganisms, which include halophiles and halotolerants. These microorganisms, able to survive and thrive optimally in a wide range of environmental extremes, are polyextremophiles. In this context, one of the main reasons for studying them is to understand their adaptative mechanisms to stress caused by extreme living conditions. In this paper, a fungal strain Penicillium chrysogenum P13, isolated from saline soils around Pomorie Lake, Bulgaria, was used. The effect of elevated concentrations of sodium chloride on the growth and morphology as well as on the physiology of the model strain was investigated. P. chrysogenum P13 demonstrated high tolerance to NaCl, showing remarkable growth in liquid and agar media. In order to establish the relationship between salt- and oxidative stress, changes in the cell biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as oxidatively damaged proteins, lipid peroxidation, and levels of reserve carbohydrates of the studied strain were evaluated. The involvement of antioxidant enzyme defense in the adaptive strategy of the halotolerant strain against elevated NaCl concentrations was investigated.

Within an identical soil environment, various pesticides may be commonly identified, but their collective toxicological traits have not been thoroughly investigated. This research sought to elucidate the potential consequences of concurrent exposure to multiple pesticides on soil organisms, with a specific emphasis on examining alterations in transcript and enzyme levels induced by the co-presence of acetamiprid (ACE) and tetraconazole (TET) in earthworms (Eisenia fetida). The results indicated that the joint presence of ACE and TET exhibited an acute synergistic impact on the organisms. Notably, there was a significant elevation in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), coupled with a substantial suppression of caspase-9 and caspase-3 contents observed in the majority of both individual and combined groups. These findings suggested the occurrence of oxidative stress and cell death. Furthermore, the study revealed a substantial up-regulation of three genes (gst, sod, and crt) and down-regulation of one gene (mt) after exposure to individual pesticides and their mixtures. This pointed towards dysregulation of detoxification processes and oxidative damage. Collectively, the study underscored that the widespread application of these two pesticides might pose potential ecotoxicological risks to the soil ecosystem. In essence, these discoveries enriched our insights into the potential hazards linked to the simultaneous use of multiple pesticides in real-world settings. They underscored the significance of taking into account both synergistic effects and employing judicious pesticide management strategies to alleviate ecological impacts.

The sub-lethal ecotoxicity of field-contaminated soils toward small soil fauna, such as enchytraeids, remains understudied but holds paramount importance in soil pollution assessment. This study employed Enchytraeus crypticus to evaluate metal-contaminated soils from a mining area across various levels of biological organization, including individual level responses (survival, growth, reproduction, Cd/Pb/Zn accumulation), cellular level effects (peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA)) and genetic alterations (olive tail moment (OTM) and tail DNA%). The study revealed considerable Cd and Pb accumulation, exerting adverse impacts on the reproduction and growth of the enchytraeids after a 21-day exposure. Changes in cellular and genetic parameters occurred with increasing exposure concentration and duration, indicating heightened lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in enchytraeids. A noteworthy metal detoxification process, evident at a physical level, was identified in E. crypticus, , characterized by an initial escalation in toxicity followed by a subsequent decline. A distinctive complementary mechanism governing oxidative damage was detected in the enchytraeids, with an initial suppression of CAT activity, followed by inductions in SOD, POD, and GSH activity. Over the exposure duration, MDA content and DNA damage in the enchytraeids exhibited concentration-dependent shifts indicating their potential as efficient early-warning indicators for assessing the impact of Pb-Zn mining soils. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the toxicological implications of metal-contaminated soils within the soil-enchytraeid framework.

The use of sewage sludge as a soil improver has been promoted in agroecosystems. However, sludges can contain toxic trace elements because of suboptimal wastewater treatment. Nonetheless, field studies investigating the negative effects of these practices on pollinators are lacking. We collected honeybees from an area where sewage sludge use is widespread, and one where it is precluded. Trace elements in soils and bees were quantified. Cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and nickel were investigated because they were the least correlated elements to each other and are known to be toxic. Their levels were related to oxidative stress and energy biomarkers, midgut epithelial health, body size and wing asymmetry of honeybees. We found increased carbohydrate content in sites with higher cadmium levels, increased histological damage to the midgut epithelium in the sewage sludge area, and the presence of dark spherites in the epithelium of bees collected from the sites with the highest lead levels. Finally, we found that honeybees with the highest lead content were smaller, and that wing fluctuating asymmetry increased in sites with increasing levels of mercury. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of the concentration and effects on honeybees of trace elements potentially deriving from soil amendment practices.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic potential of mining residues by 1) evaluating the concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic in soil and earthworm's samples from impacted and reference sites in Charcas and Villa de la Paz, San Luis Potos & iacute;, M & eacute;xico; and 2) evaluating effects by laboratory bioassays and the comet assay in the earthworm Eisenia andrei. Methods The quantification of metals in soils was carried out by the Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t Gold Serie 500 environmental analyzer for X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and in the earthworm tissue through ICP-MS. The evaluation of the genotoxic potential of soils was assessed through movility and exposure bioassays with earthworms, determining DNA damage using the comet assay at the end of the bioassays. Results In Charcas, the concentrations in soils of heavy metals from highest to lowest were: Pb > Cu > Mn > Cd (Impacted); and Mn > Pb (Reference). In Villa de la Paz, the concentrations were: As > Mn > Cu > Pb (Impacted) and Mn > Pb > As (Reference). The exposure pattern to heavy metals in earthworms in Charcas was: Pb > As (Impacted and Reference); and in Villa de la Paz it was: As > Mn > Pb > Cu > Cd (Impacted), y Pb > As (Reference). In both mining districts, the magnitude of DNA damage in earthworms was: Impacted > Reference > Control. Conclusion The results indicate that the impacted soils of both sites represent a significant source of exposure to edaphic organisms, with a notable genotoxic potential.

Nowadays, animal manure composting constitutes a sustainable alternative for farmers to enhance the level of nutrients within soils and achieve a good productivity. However, pollutants may be present in manures. This study focuses on the detection of environmental microplastics (EMPs) into composts, as well as on the assessment of their potential toxicity on the earthworm Eisenia andrei . To these aims, animals were exposed to two types of compost, namely bovine (cow) and ovine (sheep) manure, besides to their mixture, for 7 and 14 days. The presence and characterization of EMPs was evaluated in all the tested composts, as well as in tissues of the exposed earthworms. The impact of the tested composts was assessed by a multi -biomarker approach including cytotoxic (lysosomal membrane stability, LMS), genotoxic (micronuclei frequency, MNi), biochemical (activity of catalase, CAT, and glutathione- S -transferase, GST; content of malondialdehyde, MDA), and neurotoxic (activity of acetylcholinesterase, AChE) responses in earthworms. Results indicated the presence of high levels of EMPs in all the tested composts, especially in the sheep manure (2273.14 +/- 200.89 items/kg) in comparison to the cow manure (1628.82 +/- 175.23 items/kg), with the size <1.22 mu m as the most abundant EMPs. A time -dependent decrease in LMS and AChE was noted in exposed earthworms, as well as a concomitant increase in DNA damages (MNi) after 7 and 14 days of exposure. Also, a severe oxidative stress was recorded in animals treated with the different types of compost through an increase in CAT and GST activities, and LPO levels, especially after 14 days of exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider these findings for agricultural good practices in terms of plastic mitigation in compost usage, in order to prevent any risk for environment health.

Atrazine (ATZ) is the third most sold herbicide in Brazil, occupying the seventh position between most widely used pesticides. Due to its easy outflow, low reactivity and solubility, moderate adsorption to organic matter and clay, and long soil persistence, residual herbicide can be identified after long periods following application, and its usage has been prohibited in diverse countries. Amphibians are important bioindicators to assess impact of pesticide like atrazine, due to having a partial aquatic life cycle. This study had as objective to assess the response of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) tadpoles when exposed to this herbicide. Animals were exposed for a total of 168h to following concentrations: negative control, 40 mu g/L, 200 mu g/L, 2000 mu g/L, 20000 mu g/L of ATZ. Analysis of swimming activity was performed, and biochemical profile was assessed by analysis of blood and plasma glucose levels, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), calcium, total proteins, phenol, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity. Results exhibited malnutrition, anemia, likely muscle mass loss, and hepatic damage, indicating that ATZ can lead to an increase in energy to maintain homeostasis for animal survival.

Antibiotic contamination has become a global environmental issue of widespread concern, among which oxytetracycline contamination is very severe. In this study, earthworm (Eisenia fetida) was exposed to oxytetracycline to study its impact on the soil environment. The total protein (TP), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) oxidative stress indicators in earthworms were measured, and the integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach was used to evaluate the toxic effect of oxytetracycline on earthworms. A Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and a path analysis model were used to explore the physiological and metabolic processes of earthworms after stress occurs. The results showed that SOD, GPX, and GST play important roles in resisting oxytetracycline stress. In addition, stress injury showed a good dose-effect relationship, and long-term stress from pollutants resulted in the most serious damage to the head tissue of earthworms. These results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the toxic effect of oxytetracycline on soil animals, monitoring the pollution status of oxytetracycline in soil, and conducting ecological security risk assessment.