Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with different sizes and characteristics were synthesized to be used as a QuEChERS sorbents for the determination of seven organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in strawberries by gas chromatography analysis with flame photometric and mass spectrometry detection. To achieve the optimum conditions of modified QuEChERS procedure several parameters affecting the cleanup efficiency including the amount of the sorbents and cleanup time were investigated. The results were compared with classical QuEChERS methodologies and the modified QuEChERS procedure using MNPs showed the better performance. Under the optimum conditions of the new methodology, three spiking levels (25, 50 and 100 μg kg-1) were evaluated in a strawberry sample. The results showed that the average recovery was 93% and the relative standard deviation was less than 12%. The enrichment factor ranged from 111 to 145%. The good linearity with coefficients of determination of 0.9904-0.9991 was obtained over the range of 25-250 μg kg-1 for 7 OPPs. It was determined that the MNPs have an excellent function as sorbent when purified even using less amount of sorbents and the magnetic properties allowed non-use of the centrifugation in cleanup step. The new methodology was applied in strawberry samples from conventional and organic farming. The new sorbents were successfully applied for extraction and determination of OPPs in strawberries.

Microplastics (MP) are spread into all ecosystems and represent a threat to the equilibrium of the environment and human health, not only due to their intrinsic characteristics but also to their action as effective carriers of contaminants, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The pesticide α-endosulfan is persistent and spread in the environment. The MP are another possible way of dissemination to be considered in the fate of this pesticide. The adsorption dynamics of α-endosulfan by six different MP (low-density polyethylene—LDPE, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, polyamide 6, polystyrene granule, polypropylene granule) with different sizes/shapes and chemical compositions were evaluated. The most critical situation was identified for the system LDPE (particle size < 300 μm). Equilibrium studies (48 h equilibrium time) were performed for distilled, tap and filtered river water. Based on the Langmuir model parameters, the highest maximum adsorption capacity was obtained for distilled water, followed by filtered river and tap waters (i.e., 366 ± 39, 247 ± 38, 157 ± 22 μg/g). The obtained results demonstrate the important role that microplastics may have in the fate and transport of pesticides and their potentially harmful effect on the environment, which requires further investigation

Plastics have been one of the most useful materials in the world, due to their distinguishing characteristics: light weight, strength, flexibility, and good durability. In recent years, the growing consumption of plastics in industries and domestic applications has revealed a serious problem in plastic waste treatments. Pollution by microplastics has been recognized as a serious threat since it may contaminate all ecosystems, including oceans, terrestrial compartments, and the atmosphere. This micropollutant is spread in all types of environments and is serving as a “minor but efficient” vector for carrier contaminants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The need to deeply study and update the evolution of microplastic sources, toxicology, extraction and analysis, and behavior is imperative. This review presents an actual state of microplastics, addressing their presence in the environment, the toxicological effects and the need to understand their extent, their interactions with toxic pollutants, the problems that arise in the definition of analytical methods, and the possible alternatives of treatments

Microplastics (MP) have been widely detected in a variety of food products1, and ingestion is one of the main pathways for human exposure to these contam-inants. Once ingested, MP might interact with the gastrointestinal (GI) environment, yet it remains un-clear whether digestive processes alter their chemical structure or mainly influence their surface properties, and possibly their interaction capacity3. This study in-vestigates digested-induced modifications in MP and establishes suitable conditions for intestinal in vitroassays. Simulated digestion of six polymers (PTFE; PMMA, PA6, uPVC, PET, and LDPE) followed the IN-FOGEST model2. Following digestion, particles were analysed using Fourier-transform infrared spectros-copy (FTIR) to assess structural and surface changes. Cell viability was evaluated, by MTT, in Caco-2 and HT29-MTX intestinal cell lines exposed to different dilutions (1:10, 1:20, and 1:40) of digestion fluids, with respective MP. FTIR results indicated that all polymers maintained their fundamental chemical structure after digestion. Instead, consistent surface-related alter-ations were observed, including reduced intensity of characteristic polymer bands and enhanced signals in regions associated with proteins and hydroxyl groups, suggesting biomolecules adsorption and increased hy-dration. Cell studies demonstrated that 1:20 dilution of digestive fluids with MP maintained the cell viability above 70%, representing the most suitable condition tested. Simulated GI digestion appears to preserve the intrinsic chemical identity of MP, while promoting surface modifications that may affect their biological interactions. The identification of 1:20 digestion fluid dilution supports its application in future studies using advanced intestinal models, including three-dimen-sional systems and assessment of cellular oxidative stress responses.

The popularity of small-scale and local fruit and vegetable production has increased in recent years due to perceived economic, environmental, and social benefits. However, these operations face contamination risks that both consumers and small-scale producers may underestimate. The present study aimed to assess the microbiological and chemical hazards on fruit, vegetables, soil, and water samples from small-scale farms in north-western Portugal during pre-harvest activities. Additionally, the study investigated farmers’ non-compliance with food safety regulations and good agricultural practices (GAPs), exploring how their behaviour might contribute to the identified hazards. A before-and-after analysis of non-compliant behaviours was conducted to determine the impact of training on improving food safety practices. The analysis identified the presence of pathogenic bacteria, pesticides, flame retardant residues, nitrates, and heavy metals. Lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded EU limits in organic carrots from one producer (0.156 ± 0.043 mg/kg) and in chard from another (0.450 ± 0.126 mg/kg). Cadmium (Cd) levels were also above regulatory thresholds in bell peppers (0.023 ± 0.009 mg/kg) and organic tomatoes (0.026 ± 0.015 mg/kg) from two different producers. Elevated levels of heavy metals were detected in irrigation water from two sites, with zinc (Zn) at 0.2503 ± 0.0075 mg/L and Pb at 0.0218 ± 0.0073 mg/L. Among food samples, the most prevalent microorganisms were Pseudomonas spp. (88.2%), Bacillus cereus (76.5%), and aerobic mesophilic bacteria (100%). Phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), particularly tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), were detected in all food and soil samples. Some EU-banned pesticides were detected in food and soil samples, but at levels below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Chlorpyrifos (35.3%) and p,p’-DDD (23.5%) were the most detected pesticides in food samples. After the training, GAP behaviour improved, particularly that related to hygiene. However, issues related to record-keeping and soil and water analyses persisted, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving full compliance.

The organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), due the wide use in agriculture until about 30 years (except the most recent bans by the EU for lindane, methoxychlor and endosulfan) and their chemical stability and slow biodegradation became ubiquitous pollutants. Most OCPs are persistent organic pollutants that have long life cycles in the environment and being transported for long distances. The residues of pesticides in soil can be absorbed by plants, entering the food chain, leading to bioaccumulation. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of 14 OCPs (HCH (α, β, ζ), HCB, lindane, aldrin, α-endosulfan, dieldrin, p, p'-DDE, endrin, endosulfan β-p-p' -DDD, o-p'-DDT and methoxychlor) in soils of 5 Portuguese regions. The extraction was performed with QuEChERS, analysis by GC-ECD and confirmation by GC-MS/MS. One sample showed a residue above the LOQ, revealing contamination by dieldrin at a concentration of 45.36 µg .kg-1.

The organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), due the wide use in agriculture until about 30 years (except the most recent bans by the EU for lindane, methoxychlor and endosulfan) and their chemical stability and slow biodegradation became ubiquitous pollutants. Most OCPs are persistent organic pollutants that have long life cycles in the environment and being transported for long distances. The residues of pesticides in soil can be absorbed by plants, entering the food chain, leading to bioaccumulation. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of 14 OCPs (HCH (α, β, ζ), HCB, lindane, aldrin, α-endosulfan, dieldrin, p, p'-DDE, endrin, endosulfan β-p-p' -DDD, o-p'-DDT and methoxychlor) in soils of 5 Portuguese regions. The extraction was performed with QuEChERS, analysis by GC-ECD and confirmation by GC-MS/MS. One sample showed a residue above the LOQ, revealing contamination by dieldrin at a concentration of 45.36 µg .kg-1.

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive contaminants found across ecosystems, food chains, and human tissues [l]. Although often considered chemically inert, MPs can undergo surface and physicochemical transformations [2] when exposed to the human gastrointestinal (GJ) tract conditions - characterized by elynamic pH shifts, enzymatic activity, bile salts, and complex microbiota. These digestion-induced modifications may influence the bioavailability, toxicity, and health risks [3] associated with MPs, emphasizing the importance of stuying their behavior under simulated GI conditions. Understanding the changes that MPs undergo in the gastrointestinal tract is essential for assessing their potential health risks to humans. As MPs move through the digestive system, they may interact with biological fluicls, enzymes, and microorganisms, potentially altering their physical and chemical properties. These transformations can affect surface characteristics, size, shape, and chemical composition, ultimately influencing their toxicity and capacity to adsorb or release harmful substances. Therefore, this preliminary work intends to characterize superficial changes of the low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a common polymer used in food packaging [4]. This was subjected to a stanelarelized in vitro digestion protocol simulating the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases of the human Gl tract. Samples were collected at each stage for comparative analysis. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified subtle, but consistent, spectral changes between virgin and digested LDPE samples. Digested samples showed lower transmittance overall. The peak at 719 cm I was less intense. The methyl group peak was absent, anel the CH2 bending peak showed slight shifts and intensity changes. A new peak appeared at -2070 cm 1 in the oral and gastric samples, possibly indicating degradation products or contaminants. These findings demonstrate that simulated digestion can, in fact, induce physicochemical changes in LDPE microplastics, particularly at the surface level. Such transformations may enhance their potential to interact with biological systems or transport harmful substances. Understanding these changes is crucial for evaluating the risks MPs may pose to human health following ingestion.

Microplastics (MPs) are present in every corner of the environment [1], from oceans and soil to food chains and even human tissues. The detection of MPs in animals, foods, and human samples highlights human widespread exposure. Yet, despite increasing awareness, the MPs' distribution and potential health consequences remain poorly understood.This work aims to review the existent literature on the presence of MPs in human samples and explore their potential role as emerging indicators of environmental exposure and associated health risks. PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science databases were used to retrieve all published studies up to February 2025. A total of 57 publications, which characterized MPs present in human biological samples, were selected based on the PRISMA guidelines.Findings reveal a concerning pattern: MPs can enter the human body, circulate through biological systems, and lodge in various tissues (e.g., brain, lung, kiclney, liver and colon). Strikingly, available studies reported differences between healthy and diseased tissues, suggesting a possible association between MP accumulation and some pathological conditions, such as endometriosis, cirhotic liver, and inflammatory bowel disease. Evidence suggests that MPs may play a more active role in human health than previously assumed. These findings underscore an urgent need to explore MPs interaction with human biology. Clarifying the processes by which MPs accumulate and affect human health could mark a turning point in our understanding of human exposure to MPs', major sources, and associated health risks.

The popularity of small-scale and local fruit and vegetable production has increased in recent years due to perceived economic, environmental, and social benefits. However, these operations face contamination risks that both consumers and small-scale producers may underestimate. The present study aimed to assess the microbiological and chemical hazards on fruit, vegetables, soil, and water samples from small-scale farms in north-western Portugal during pre-harvest activities. Additionally, the study investigated farmers’ non-compliance with food safety regulations and good agricultural practices (GAPs), exploring how their behaviour might contribute to the identified hazards. A before-and-after analysis of non-compliant behaviours was conducted to determine the impact of training on improving food safety practices. The analysis identified the presence of pathogenic bacteria, pesticides, flame retardant residues, nitrates, and heavy metals. Lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded EU limits in organic carrots from one producer (0.156 ± 0.043 mg/kg) and in chard from another (0.450 ± 0.126 mg/kg). Cadmium (Cd) levels were also above regulatory thresholds in bell peppers (0.023 ± 0.009 mg/kg) and organic tomatoes (0.026 ± 0.015 mg/kg) from two different producers. Elevated levels of heavy metals were detected in irrigation water from two sites, with zinc (Zn) at 0.2503 ± 0.0075 mg/L and Pb at 0.0218 ± 0.0073 mg/L. Among food samples, the most prevalent microorganisms were Pseudomonas spp. (88.2%), Bacillus cereus (76.5%), and aerobic mesophilic bacteria (100%). Phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), particularly tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), were detected in all food and soil samples. Some EU-banned pesticides were detected in food and soil samples, but at levels below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Chlorpyrifos (35.3%) and p,p’-DDD (23.5%) were the most detected pesticides in food samples. After the training, GAP behaviour improved, particularly that related to hygiene. However, issues related to record-keeping and soil and water analyses persisted, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving full compliance.