Within a One Health perspective, stray dogs provide evidence of shared environmental contamination and emerge as sentinels of pollution-related infertility and carcinogenesis in exposed populations. Our work aimed to evaluate correlations between environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals (HMs), and testicular diseases in dogs. To this end, fifty male stray dogs from highly polluted areas in the Campania Region were enrolled. Testicular samples (n = 100) were processed for histological, cytological, molecular, and chemical analyses. Histopathological lesions were graded according to the Johnsen scoring system, using an EfficientNet-B4 deep learning model for automated assessment. Expression levels of 17-β-HSD and P450 aromatase were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB). Sperm chromatin was assessed by toluidine blue staining using an unsupervised k-means clustering algorithm to automatically classify chromatin status and reduce operator subjectivity. Finally, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was carried out to assess HM concentrations in testes. Based on histological examination, samples were divided into three groups: A) normal testes (37%); B) testes with moderate to severe degeneration (54%), and C) testicular neoplasm (9%). Groups B and C showed significant downregulation of 17-β-HSD and upregulation of P450 aromatase compared with Group A, alongside reduced sperm chromatin condensation. ICP-MS results showed higher levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and tin in Group C (100%) compared with Group B (67%) and Group A (27%). Notably, all neoplastic samples displayed aberrant uranium accumulation. Our findings suggest a possible correlation between higher HM accumulation and testicular diseases in dogs from polluted areas in the Campania Region, corroborating current scientific literature indicating that HMs may have negative effects on spermatogenesis. This highlights the important role of dogs as sentinels for human reproductive health, underscoring the need for One Health surveillance to assess the silent threat of HM toxicity in the exposed human population.

Introduction
The reclamation of marshland has significantly reshaped the landscape of many regions across the Italian peninsula. A paradigmatic example of this transformation is the Piana di Sibari (Calabria, Southern Italy), the largest plain in Calabria, extending over approximately 475 km² and including six municipalities with a total population of around 112,000 inhabitants.
As a critical interface between terrestrial and marine systems, the landscape of the Piana di Sibari represents an area of high ecological vulnerability and economic intensity, characterized by a mosaic of agricultural zones, wetlands, archaeological heritage sites, industrial areas, and urban expansion. This paper examines the evolution, status, and future perspectives of three case studies (a citrus rural area, Magna Graecia and Roman archaeological site, and wetland) in the context of ongoing climate change and the occurrence of increasingly intense and aggressive daily precipitation

Methodology
The NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 dataset of daily downscaled climate projections from CMIP6 models was used to evaluate future climate change impacts at the local scale by providing high-resolution climate scenarios for research. In particular, Walter–Lieth diagrams were applied to represent the climatic conditions observed in the recent past (1981–2020) and those projected for the near future (2026–2050) and distant future (2051–2076) in the Piana di Sibari. Moreover, to assess potential risks associated with extreme rainfall events, an analysis of daily precipitation concentration was performed.

Results
The analysis of Walter–Lieth climatic diagrams and precipitation concentration reveals clear evidence of ongoing and projected climatic shifts. Current trends suggest a rise in mean annual temperatures accompanied by a decline in mean precipitation in both the near and long term. At the same time, an increase in precipitation concentration has been detected. These alterations are likely to have significant implications for the management of the heterogeneous landscape of the Piana di Sibari.

This project investigates two strategies to improve the sustainability of aquaculture: replacing part of the fishmeal in goldfish diets with protein-rich brewing by-products (brewer’s spent grain and yeast, BSG and BSY) and assessing the ability of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) to bioremediate aquaculture wastewater while producing valuable biomass.

Fish were assigned to three dietary treatments: a control and two diets with 10% of fishmeal protein replaced by BSG or BSY. Growth performance, specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain ratio (WGR); feed conversion ratio (FCR), condition factor (CF), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were assessed. Fish In: Fish Out (FIFO) was calculated to quantify reliance on marine-derived ingredients.

The bioremediation capacity of A. platensis was evaluated using wastewater from the control fish tanks. Algal growth was tested under three conditions: Zarrouk medium (control, C); wastewater (WW); and bicarbonate added wastewater (WWB). Biomass production, biochemical composition, and nutrient removal efficiency were measured. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was also performed using ISO 14040 standards and the ReCiPe method.

Replacing fishmeal with BSG or BSY did not affect growth performance, SGR, or FCR compared with the control diet. Fish fed the BSG diet showed a significantly higher PER (p < 0.05). FIFO values decreased from 5.39 (control) to 2.90 (BSG) and 3.27 (BSY). Spirulina cultivated in WW and WWB achieved biomass yields and protein contents comparable to the control treatment, while phycocyanin levels increased significantly. Nutrient removal efficiencies exceeded 94% for nitrogen and 99% for phosphorus in WW-based systems. The LCA identified WW-based cultivation as the most sustainable scenario due to the elimination of synthetic fertilisers and the additional benefits associated with wastewater bioremediation.

Integrating brewery by-products into aquafeeds and growing Spirulina on aquaculture wastewater provides a circular-economy approach that reduces reliance on marine ingredients, recycles nutrients, and lowers environmental impacts, promoting sustainable aquaculture intensification.

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a significant environmental challenge impacting agricultural production, food safety, and ecosystem sustainability. This study seeks to identify and characterise the concentration and spatial distribution of heavy metals in agricultural soils across several industrially affected regions in Albania, as well as to evaluate their transfer to agricultural products and their ramifications for human health and soil quality. The research technique encompassed the systematic sampling and monitoring of soils at depths of 0–30 cm, 30–60 cm, and 60–90 cm, in addition to the analysis of agricultural products from polluted locations. Laboratory investigations aimed to ascertain the amounts of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As), compared to European Union (EU) soil quality requirements. Supplementary evaluations encompassed marine goods in regions with verified industrial contamination. The findings demonstrate that heavy metal levels at the former Elbasan Metallurgical Complex substantially surpass EU legal thresholds. Chromium contents vary from 1041 to 1090 mg/kg, whereas nickel averages 473 mg/kg—significantly exceeding acceptable limits. Increased concentrations of mercury were identified in soils, marine waterways, and human biomarkers next to the defunct PVC facility in Vlora. Analogously, elevated levels of arsenic and lead were detected in regions next to historic nitrogen fertiliser and battery production sites. A robust positive association was identified between metal concentrations in agricultural crops, validating the bio-transfer along the food chain. The study indicates that prompt remedial efforts are necessary, encompassing the application of biological (phytoremediation), chemical, and physical treatment methods. It is advisable to use tolerant plant species and implement adaptive cultivation practices to rehabilitate contaminated soils and improve agricultural and environmental resilience.

Inefficient waste management across Sub-Saharan Africa contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, disrupting ecological nutrient cycles and accelerating environmental degradation in rapidly expanding urban peripheries. This study investigates spatial patterns, regional trends, and convergence in waste-sector CO₂-equivalent emissions, adjusted for organic waste fractions, across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, and Nigeria from 2014 to 2023. The analysis highlights the interlinkages between waste management practices, emission intensities, and transitions toward a circular economy. Spatial dependence was examined using Moran’s I statistics and spatial lag regressions, while convergence was assessed through σ-variation, unconditional β-regression, and the Phillips–Sul (2007) club convergence approach. A life-cycle assessment conducted in OpenLCA with the ReCiPe 2016 method simulated the potential emission reductions from anaerobic co-digestion of organic wastes. Ecological network mapping was performed using the enaR package in R. Spatial analysis indicated significant clustering of waste-sector emissions (Moran’s I = 0.42, p < 0.01), highlighting emission hotspots in East Africa. Mean emission intensity was 0.97 t CO₂-eq per tonne of waste, with σ-dispersion declining from 0.26 in 2014 to 0.23 in 2023. Convergence was strongest among West African countries, particularly Ghana and Nigeria. The findings demonstrate that anaerobic digestion can accelerate the convergence of emissions and restore nutrient cycles, thereby reducing soil erosion and biodiversity loss. Coordinated regional policies promoting shared infrastructure for digestion can reshape emission clusters and strengthen nature-based resilience in African urban ecosystems.

Cocaine (COC) is among the most widely used substances of abuse worldwide, with a global production estimated at approximately 1,982 tons in 2020 (UNODC). Its extensive consumption has led to its detection in both drinking and non-drinking water, suggesting risks of unintentional exposure and confirming its emerging role as an environmental contaminant. The impact of COC on public health is therefore significant, as it acts on the central nervous system (CNS) by inhibiting the dopamine transporter (DAT) and increasing extracellular dopamine levels, generating potent psychostimulant effects. Recent evidence also indicates that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system modulates many behavioral and physiological responses induced by cocaine. In particular, the type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1), predominantly expressed in the CNS but also present in several peripheral districts, plays a crucial role. However, while the interaction between COC and CB1 in the CNS is well documented, the peripheral regulation of this receptor remains poorly understood. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where CB1 is involved in motility, secretion, and modulation of inflammation, represents a potential gut–brain axis node relevant to cocaine responses. In light of this, the present study investigated whether COC influences CB1 expression in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). Exposure to COC concentrations consistent with environmental levels (0–330 nM) revealed a non-monotonic response: 1 nM increased cellular metabolic activity, measured via MTT assay. Western blot analysis further showed that 24 hours of treatment reduced CB1 expression and altered the regulation of junctional proteins (E-cadherin and Claudin-5), results confirmed by immunofluorescence. These preliminary data suggest that COC may modulate both CB1 and metabolic and junctional parameters in Caco-2 cells, indicating a potential contribution to increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), a phenomenon associated with various gastrointestinal disorders.

The integration of harmful-substance biodegradation with the synthesis of value-added biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) offers a promising strategy to reduce production costs and address environmental challenges. As interest grows in CO₂ capture, storage, and utilization, captured CO₂ is increasingly recognized as an economical carbon source for producing biocompatible plastics. In this study, Cupriavidus sp. CY-1 was investigated for its ability to degrade trichloroethene (TCE) and cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE) while simultaneously producing biodegradable polymers. CY-1 showed robust growth when supplied with TCE and co-substrates such as phenol or Tween 80, achieving a maximum cell dry mass of 0.68 g L⁻¹. The highest poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation, 350 mg g⁻¹ CDM, was observed with cDCE, phenol, and Tween 80. The strain degraded up to 100 mg L⁻¹ TCE. To further enhance detoxification efficiency, an electrochemical dehalogenation approach is being developed to reduce the toxicity of chlorinated compounds under mild, environmentally benign conditions. To assess PHB production from CO₂, cultures were incubated under various gas mixtures, including H₂/O₂/CO₂ and combinations with N₂ or CO. CY-1 was pre-cultured in nutrient broth, washed, and reinoculated into mineral medium before gas replacement. Under H₂/O₂/CO₂ conditions, the strain achieved a maximum PHB content of 90%, demonstrating effective CO₂ conversion. Although non-combustible gas mixtures yielded lower PHB levels, CY-1 consistently utilized CO₂ as a carbon source. These findings highlight the potential of CY-1 as a dual-function bacterium capable of degrading pollutants and synthesizing CO₂-based bioplastics. Continued development of CO₂-driven PHA production could provide low-cost substrates and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.

Accurate assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) is fundamental to evaluating risks of land degradation, soil fertility decline, and climate-related vulnerabilities in rapidly transforming urban–agricultural landscapes. This study presents a remote-sensing-driven SOC estimation framework that integrates Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), and Google Earth Engine (GEE) to produce high-resolution SOC maps for the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) region of New Delhi, India. Ground-measured soil fertility parameters were paired with Sentinel-2 surface reflectance spectra to train a GPR model, which achieved strong predictive performance (R² = 0.67, RMSE = 0.099, MAE = 0.075) across 78 soil samples. The trained model was then migrated into GEE to enable scalable, cloud-based SOC prediction. A cloud-free Sentinel-2 image acquired on 25 May 2018 was used, and a multi-index soil mask (NDVI, NDWI, NBAI) was applied to remove vegetation, water bodies, and impervious surfaces, thereby ensuring SOC mapping was limited to exposed soil. The resulting SOC map demonstrates clear spatial variability influenced by land use, irrigation patterns, and management practices, highlighting zones of lower carbon content that may be at higher risk of degradation. By combining machine learning with openly accessible satellite data and cloud computation, this framework provides a rapid, transferable method for soil-quality risk assessment. The approach supports evidence-based planning, monitoring of anthropogenic impacts on soil health, and identification of priority zones for carbon-enhancing interventions, contributing to broader goals of sustainable land management and climate-impact mitigation.

Post-harvest losses, dwindling biodiversity, and the extensive use of synthetic pesticides in grain storage systems pose a growing threat to global food security. There is an urgent need for natural solutions that protect terrestrial ecosystems and guarantee safe and efficient food preservation. Bioactive native plants are an underutilized resource, particularly in areas where local species and traditional ecological knowledge have not been thoroughly studied. This study assessed the Mediterranean native plant Inula viscosa's biopesticidal potential for protecting stored grains. Shade-dried leaf powder and essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and diluted in 70% ethanol were the two formulations that were tested. Three replicates of each treatment, each containing ten adult insects, were used to apply three dose levels in a hierarchical design. A 70% ethanol solvent control and an untreated control were used to compare the treatments. Repellency was evaluated using two-choice preference tests, and mortality was measured after 24, 84, and 5 days. Within the first 24 hours, the essential oil treatments caused rapid toxicity, which increased by 84 hours and five days. Later on, the powder performed well, achieving extremely high mortality values. These findings align with published research on the insecticidal and repellent properties of essential oils and extracts from Inula viscosa.Overall, Inula viscosa shows great promise as a sustainable botanical agent for lowering post-harvest losses. Its combined effects of repellency and mortality offer an eco-friendly substitute for synthetic pesticides.

Introduction
Thallium is considered one of the most dangerous heavy metals, and even very small amounts can pose a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. To properly assess the environmental risks associated with its presence, reliable analytical methods are needed. In practice, however, measuring thallium at trace levels is demanding due to its low concentration and the complexity of environmental samples. This has created a need for improved, mercury-free detection tools that can support accurate environmental monitoring.

Methods
In this work, glassy carbon electrodes were modified with starch-stabilized silver nanostructures to increase their sensitivity toward thallium. The nanostructures were obtained through a controlled reduction process to ensure good stability and surface coverage. The modified electrodes were characterized electrochemically and used for anodic stripping voltammetric measurements in both model electrolyte solutions and real environmental samples.

Results
The applied surface modification markedly enhanced the analytical performance of the electrodes. Higher sensitivity, good repeatability, and a clearly improved detection limit enabled the reliable determination of thallium at concentrations relevant to environmental risk evaluation. The electrodes showed stable behavior over repeated measurements and performed well even in more complex sample matrices.

Conclusions
The proposed electrode system offers a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mercury-based sensors. Its analytical capabilities make it a useful tool for monitoring thallium contamination and supporting environmental impact and risk assessments.