The widespread reliance on bottled water has prompted increasing scrutiny regarding its chemical and particulate content, particularly under prolonged storage and variable environmental conditions. Recent investigations reveal that bottled water may contain hundreds of thousands of plastic particles per liter, predominantly in the nanometric range. These particles, often invisible to the naked eye, originate primarily from the degradation of common packaging materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate. Their small size and high surface-area-to-volume ratio make them difficult to detect, filter, and neutralize, posing a growing challenge to both scientific monitoring and public health protection. Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures—such as those encountered during transport or storage—can accelerate the leaching process, increasing the release of micro- and nanoplastics, along with hazardous chemical additives like bisphenol A (BPA), antimony, and phthalates. These substances are known endocrine disruptors with the potential to interfere with hormonal regulation, immune function, and developmental processes. An expanding body of toxicological evidence associates chronic exposure to these contaminants with a range of health problems, including hormonal imbalances, neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic disturbances, and increased cancer risk. Alarming recent findings report the presence of nanoplastics in human blood, placenta, and other biological tissues, raising urgent concerns about their bioaccumulation and long-term systemic effects. In response, emerging regulatory frameworks—such as new European Union directives and WHO guidelines—aim to limit exposure and enhance transparency. This abstract advocates for a comprehensive approach involving safer packaging alternatives, advancement in detection and filtration technologies, and heightened consumer education as pillars of an effective public health strategy to reduce the potential risks associated with bottled water consumption.

Introduction:
The increasing availability of pharmaceuticals, illicit substances, and alcohol has made the monitoring of poisonings a critical priority for guiding clinical and preventive interventions. In Portugal, especially in the interior regions, the reduction of public health services and the closure of local health centres have resulted in limited geographic access to healthcare. This study aims to characterize poisonings attended in the emergency departments of Local Health Units (LHUs) in Portugal's interior during 2022.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted of poisoning cases recorded in emergency departments across Local Health Units (LHUs) in the interior districts of Portugal—specifically Castelo Branco, Guarda, and Viseu—during the year 2022. Data on patient demographics, the type of toxic agent, the route of exposure, and intentionality were collected and analyzed. Descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 28.
Results:
Poisonings were more frequently observed in adult females. Alcohol was the most common toxic agent overall, especially among males, whereas pharmaceuticals—particularly benzodiazepines and analogues—were more prevalent among females. Other medications acting on the central nervous system (CNS), including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants, also played a significant role. Illicit substances were identified less frequently. The oral route was the main mode of exposure, and most cases were of voluntary origin.
Conclusions:
Although poisonings account for a small proportion of emergency department admissions, they constitute a significant public health issue in Portugal's interior. The high prevalence of voluntary poisonings highlights the need for effective preventive measures, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and the rational use of medications.

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread environmental contaminants that are increasingly detected in food chains and human tissues. While traditionally considered chemically inert, recent studies suggest that MPs may undergo surface and chemical transformations upon exposure to physiological environments. The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract presents dynamic conditions, including enzymatic activity, pH shifts, bile salts, and microbial interactions, which can modify the structure and behavior of MPs. These digestion-related transformations may influence MPs' bioavailability, toxicity, and ability to interact with biological systems.

This study investigated the surface-level transformations and chemical composition of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a polymer commonly found in food packaging, during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. LDPE samples were subjected to a standardized in vitro digestion protocol that mimicked oral, gastric, and intestinal phases. Samples were collected at each stage and analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess the surface chemical changes.

The FTIR spectra revealed consistent differences between the virgin and digested LDPE samples. The digested samples exhibited lower overall transmittance, suggesting surface alterations. The reduction in the intensity of the CH₂ rocking peak (~719 cm⁻¹) indicated a potential decrease in crystallinity. The methyl group peak (~1379 cm⁻¹) was absent, and the CH₂ bending region (~1460 cm⁻¹) showed slight shifts and intensity changes, possibly linked to the degradation or structural rearrangement of the polymer chain. Additionally, a new band appeared at approximately 2070 cm⁻¹ in the oral and gastric phases, which may be associated with degradation products or contaminant residues.

These findings demonstrate that gastrointestinal conditions can alter the physicochemical properties of LDPE microplastics, particularly at the surface level. Such modifications could enhance their ability to adsorb or transport toxic substances, potentially increasing biological interactions and health risks. Understanding these transformations is critical for the accurate toxicological risk assessment of ingested MPs.

Purpose and justification of the research: Selenium is an essential trace element for dogs, affecting the proper functioning of the body. Both its deficiency and excess carry the risk of serious health problems. The presentation presents the results of the presence of selenium in the bodies of dogs by analyzing the results of tests in the dog's fur and the effect of this element on the organisms of this species. The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of the presence of selenium in the fur of dogs collected for testing from one hundred individuals living in the Warmian–Masurian Voivodeship.
Materials and methods: Hair samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hair samples were collected in April 2022 from 100 adult dogs of both sexes, different breeds, ages, and body conditions. All animals were domestic dogs that went for walks with their owners three to six times a day and had a similar diet. All dogs lived in the Iława and Nowe Miasto districts of the Warmian–Masurian Voivodeship. Hair samples were collected from the abdomen, as close to the skin as possible.
Results and conclusions: The results indicate the presence of selenium in the fur of all dogs tested, significantly exceeding the detection limit, with the lowest result being 0.20 µg/g and the highest 1.37 µg/g. The average content of this chemical element in the fur of the dogs tested was 0.58 µg/g.
The results obtained show that selenium is present in all dogs' bodies, and its level may depend on both its supply in the diet as well as its presence in the dogs' environment. In addition, this study indicates that the analysis of dog hair samples is useful for examining the level of selenium in the bodies of these animals.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their oxygenated derivatives (OPAHs), collectively termed Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs), are hazardous air pollutants with documented carcinogenicity. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a representative PAH, has an established European annual target concentration of 1 ng m⁻³ due to its toxicity. These compounds primarily originate from incomplete combustion processes, including biomass and fossil fuel burning, and undergo further atmospheric transformation. Systematic monitoring of PACs in urban settings is essential for understanding their sources and evaluating public exposure risks. A total of 160 24-hour aerosol samples were collected on quartz filters over a three-year period (2022–2024) in Heraklion, Crete—a Mediterranean city with a significant seasonal population increase due to tourism. Samples were analyzed for PACs, Organic and Elemental Carbon (OC/EC), ions, metals, and traffic-related organic markers using the methods of Tsiodra et. al., 2025 and Paraskevopoulou et. al., 2019. Source attribution and carcinogenic risk assessments were conducted using chemical speciation data and toxic equivalent factors (BaPeq). PAC concentrations exhibited strong seasonal variation, with winter levels significantly exceeding summer values. Total PAHs were nine times higher in winter, and OPAHs and B[a]P showed 18-fold increases, largely due to residential biomass burning. Summer samples indicated a greater presence of low molecular weight PAHs (e.g., phenanthrene), suggesting a dominant influence from traffic and marine emissions. Carcinogenic risk, as measured by BaPeq, was markedly elevated in winter (17.9 ng m⁻³) compared to summer (0.5 ng m⁻³). This study provides the first long-term dataset on PAC exposure in this region of Greece and highlights the seasonal impact of combustion sources on urban air quality and health risk.

Background: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are vital for various physiological processes in marine organisms. While traditionally associated with health benefits in higher trophic levels, recent studies suggest that their presence in toxic harmful algal bloom (HAB) species may be linked to toxicity.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential role of LC-PUFAs as proxies for toxin production in the benthic dinoflagellates Prorocentrum lima and Amphidinium carterae, both known for producing bioactive secondary metabolites such as okadaic acid and amphidinols, respectively.

Methods: The toxicity of these dinoflagellate species was assessed through lethal concentration (LC50) tests on marine microinvertebrates (Artemia and amphipods). Additionally, the levels of specific fatty acids were quantified and correlated with the concentrations of common toxins in both species. Cultures were maintained at varying temperatures (15°C, 19°C, and 24°C) until the end of their exponential growth phase.

Results: Strong positive correlations were observed between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and toxin concentrations in both dinoflagellate species. Conversely, negative correlations were found between saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) acids, and toxin levels.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that LC-PUFAs, particularly EPA and DHA, may serve as biochemical precursors or modulators in the biosynthetic pathways of algal toxins. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for predicting the ecological impacts of HABs and developing strategies to mitigate their effects on marine food webs.

With the eminent threat of pollution rising as a result of human actions, many pollutants highlighted as emerging contaminants are appearing in the environment. Parabens are preservatives which are more frequently found to be present in food preservatives and personal care products. These compounds are frequently detected in freshwater ecosystems at concentrations ranging from ng/L to mg/L, and as such they are recognized as emerging contaminants posing ecological risks. In this study, we investigated the effects of methyl and propyl parabens, individually and in combination, on the physiology of daphnids. Using mortality and ingestion rate as phenotypic endpoints and key enzyme activities, we identified different responses to parabens. Feeding rate is crucial for the assessment of environmental impacts as it directly influences growth, reproduction, and survival in aquatic populations. Our findings showed that environmentally relevant concentrations of parabens have significant impacts on the ingestion rate of daphnids, potentially impairing population dynamics. Additionally, assays revealed complex biochemical responses to parabens and dose-dependent alterations in enzyme activity. These results suggest that exposure to parabens impacts the physiology of daphnids through distinct and potentially long-lasting mechanisms. We highlighted the need for further investigation into the effects of mixture of parabens in freshwater ecosystems, providing insights into their ecological risks.

α-Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is highly lipophilic, allowing it to accumulate in fatty tissues, the liver, and the brain, and potentially cross the placental barrier. Although α-cypermethrin primarily acts by disrupting neuronal sodium channel function, its potential to induce oxidative stress highlights an additional pathway of toxicity. Pyrethroids are nowadays recognized as potential endocrine disruptors, with oxidative stress suggested as a mechanism linking exposure to adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of α-cypermethrin exposure on oxidative stress induction by analyzing relevant biomarkers (malondialdehyde, MDA; reactive oxygen species, ROS; reduced glutathione, GSH; and activities of catalase, CAT, superoxide dismutase, SOD, and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) in the placentas of pregnant rats exposed to 1, 10, or 19 mg/kg/day throughout gestation. A dose-dependent increase in ROS production and lipid peroxidation, as indicated by elevated MDA levels, was observed. These elevated MDA concentrations likely resulted from the lipophilic nature of α-cypermethrin, which facilitates its penetration into cell membranes, promoting lipid peroxidation. GSH levels remained unchanged across all exposure groups. Although CAT and GPx activities decreased, SOD activity was consistently elevated in all samples, indicating compensatory activation of the antioxidant defense system. The most pronounced disruption of oxidative--antioxidant balance occurred at the lowest tested dose (1 mg/kg). These findings suggest that α-cypermethrin induces oxidative stress in sensitive tissues such as the placenta, potentially contributing to disruption of the endocrine system.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are widespread environmental contaminants known to bioaccumulate in marine organisms. On São Tomé Island, where five of the seven sea turtle species occur, green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are known to nest regularly. This study assessed POP levels (PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs) in nesting females and in their eggs to evaluate maternal transference and explore associations with egg morphology, composition, and quality, as well as reproductive success (e.g., hatching rate and emergence rate). Blood samples from nesting females and yolk samples from their freshly laid eggs were analysed, with POPs detected in both, confirming maternal transfer. Transfer rates varied across compounds, influenced by lipophilicity and specific congener properties, indicating distinct transfer efficiencies and pathways. ΣPCBs showed the highest concentrations, followed by ΣOCPs and ΣPBDEs. The yolk of sea turtle eggs, rich in lipids, is the primary energy and nutrient source for developing embryos. Fatty acids (FAs)—the functional components of these lipids—play key roles in membrane structure, metabolism, and embryonic growth. POPs detected in maternal blood were associated with changes in yolk FA profiles, especially within the polar lipid fraction, crucial for metabolic and structural functions. OCPs in maternal blood strongly influenced phospholipid-associated FAs in the yolk, potentially affecting key processes like phospholipid synthesis and eicosanoid production. Maternal blood PCBs levels were associated with reduced egg diameter and yolk weight. Additionally, PBDE-47 levels in egg yolks were linked to lower hatching success, suggesting that contaminant-driven disruption of lipid metabolism may impair embryonic development. This study provides novel data on POP contamination in green turtles from São Tomé, highlighting how maternal exposure can influence egg quality and reproductive output. The findings emphasise the need for continued monitoring and informed conservation strategies for the endangered species.

Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is increasingly recognized as a public health concern due to evidence linking environmental exposures to neurodevelopmental disorders. Traditional in vivo approaches are resource-intensive, highlighting the need for alternative in vitro models. In this context, 3D neurosphere cultures derived from neural stem cells (NSCs) provide a promising platform to evaluate key neurodevelopmental processes and their disruption by toxicants. This study aimed to develop and characterize a 3D neurosphere model of cortical differentiation and assess its response to chronic exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and a representative mixture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). After 21 days of spontaneous differentiation, the model expressed genes corresponding to multiple neurodevelopmental endpoints—neurogenesis, gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuronal signaling—as confirmed by means of qPCR and flow cytometry. Additional phenotypic endpoints included cell proliferation, neurosphere size, radial migration, and cytotoxicity (XTT assay). To assess the model’s sensitivity to environmental toxicants, neurospheres were chronically exposed from Day 0 of differentiation, targeting a critical developmental window. The toxicants tested were CPF (125 μM and 250 μM) and a PFAS mixture at concentrations relevant to human serum exposure. CPF significantly reduced cell viability, inhibited sphere growth and radial migration, and disrupted gene expression across neurodevelopmental pathways, including the downregulation of genes involved in neuronal and glial differentiation and synaptogenesis, while upregulating early neurogenesis and signaling markers, particularly NTRK1. Furthermore, cytometry revealed CPF-induced alterations in the cell cycle profile and increased expression of proliferation markers. PFAS exposure, though not overtly cytotoxic, caused significant transcriptional disturbances in glial and neuronal genes, suggesting early interference with developmental programming even at non-cytotoxic, environmentally relevant levels. This neurosphere model recapitulates key stages of brain development and enables integrated molecular and functional DNT analysis. Its responsiveness to CPF and PFAS supports its relevance as an in vitro platform for chemical safety assessment.