The occurrence of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is influenced by intrauterine environmental factors, and maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy may affect the kidney development of offspring. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is a high-production volume chemical classified as an EDC, which has been detected in humans and has been found to increase mortality and malformation rates in zebrafish embryos. Its effects on mammalian development are still unknown. In this study, a maternal mouse model exposed to 2,4-DTBP throughout pregnancy was established by gavage. The overall conditions of the maternal mice and their offspring were observed, and the concentrations of 2,4-DTBP in maternal serum and offspring tissues were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Exposure to 2,4-DTBP of 75 µg/g·day during pregnancy markedly reduced the early pregnancy rate in mice to 41.75% (95% CI: 33.53-49.97%; = 139), compared to 82.29% (95% CI: 74.18-90.39%; = 85) in the controls ( < 0.0001), with a relative risk (RR) of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.41-0.63). 2,4-DTBP could accumulate in maternal mice and be transferred to embryos and internal organs of the offspring, and is associated with the elevated risk of CAKUT in the offspring, primarily manifesting as hydronephrosis/ureteral dilation. The CAKUT rate of DTBP-75 group is 33.59% (95% CI: 17.62-49.56%; N = 9, = 56), compared to 11.85% (95% CI: 2.43-21.28%; N = 9, = 67) in the controls ( = 0.02), RR = 2.53 (95% CI: 1.18-5.42). These findings enhance the understanding of the health risks posed by 2,4-DTBP and provide a theoretical basis for environmental monitoring in public health.

This study aimed to assess oxidative DNA damage products in healthcare workers who are directly exposed to or use ionizing radiation in their work. In the study, three groups were defined based on the probability of radiation exposure, ranging from the highest-risk group to the lowest, with the fourth group designated as the control group. First, a questionnaire was administered to the participants, and then their first morning urine samples were taken to detect oxidative DNA damage markers. According to the Kruskal-Wallis test results among the four groups in our study, statistically significant differences were found only in terms of age, height, and weight ( values = 0.011, 0.038, and 0.003, respectively). However, it was observed that there was no significant relationship between the oxidative DNA damage parameters 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), and 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosines (S- and R-cdA) in relation to radiation exposure, with -values of 0.132, 0.179, and 0.611, respectively. The study's results revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation did not cause a significant increase in urinary oxidative DNA damage markers. This outcome may be associated with the effective use of personal protective equipment and strict adherence to radiation safety protocols among healthcare workers.

The intestinal epithelium constitutes a critical barrier that protects the host from luminal toxins. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, are ubiquitous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands. However, their effects on intestinal barrier integrity remain poorly understood. We examined representative POPs in vitro (using human Caco-2 monolayers) and in vivo (using a mouse jejunal loop model). Measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran permeability, and cytotoxicity revealed that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo--dioxin (TCDD) impaired barrier function at non-cytotoxic concentrations. This effect was accompanied by increased ethoxyresorufin--deethylase activity and subsequently reversed by the AhR antagonist CH223191, indicating AhR dependence. Mechanistically, TCDD suppressed claudin-1, claudin-4, and zonula occludens-1 expression while upregulating the transcription factor Slug, consistent with junctional remodeling. In vivo, TCDD enhanced systemic dextran leakage and reduced claudin-4 expression in jejunal epithelia. These findings identify intestinal barrier disruption as a sensitive toxicological endpoint of POP exposure and provide mechanistic insight into the link between environmental pollutants and gastrointestinal dysfunction.

The increasing availability of colloidal silver dietary supplements raises important concerns regarding their safety when used for oral consumption. This study presents the physicochemical characterization of a commercial colloidal silver solution with a high concentration (1000 mg/L), stabilized with pectin in distilled water. The characterization was performed using UV-VIS, XRD, and TEM. The manufacturer did not provide information regarding nanoparticle size or recommended duration of use. The 1000 mg/L sample was also compared with a standard colloidal silver solution provided by Sigma Aldrich to validate nanoparticle size, stability, and spectral profiles. In addition, a comparative theoretical analysis was conducted on other commercially available products containing colloidal silver at concentrations of 15, 30, 55, 80, and 125 mg/L, based solely on the recommended daily intake and the oral reference dose of 0.005 mg/kg/day established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although no in vivo or in vitro toxicity tests were performed, the results indicate a potential toxicological risk due to estimated intake levels that may exceed safety thresholds, particularly in high-concentration products with insufficient labelling or unclear usage guidelines. These findings emphasize the need for stricter regulatory measures and greater public awareness regarding the internal use of colloidal silver supplements.

To address the limitations of traditional groundwater quality assessment and prediction methods, this study integrates game theory and machine learning to investigate the drinking quality of groundwater in the southwestern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results showed that the groundwater in the study area is generally weakly alkaline (mean pH: 8.08) and dominated by freshwater (mean TDS: 302.58 mg/L), with hardness levels mostly ranging from soft to medium. Major cations follow the concentration order: Ca > Na > Mg > K; anions are in the sequence of HCO > SO > Cl. The hydrochemical type is mainly Ca-HCO. A few samples exceed the limit values specified in the Groundwater Quality Standard. Through multivariate statistical analysis, ion ratio analysis, and saturation index calculations, water-rock interaction is identified as the primary factor influencing groundwater chemistry. It consists of carbonate dissolution and silicate weathering, accompanied by cation exchange. The water quality index improved based on game theory, integrated subjective weights (from analytic hierarchy process) and objective weights (from entropy-weighted method), shows that the overall groundwater quality in the study area is good: 95.97% of the samples are high-quality water (WQI ≤ 50), more than 99% of the samples have a WQI < 150, which is suitable as drinking water sources; only 0.81% of the samples are of extremely poor quality, presumably related to local pollution. Linear regression achieved the best performance (R = 0.99, RMSE≈0.00) with strong stability, followed by support vector machines (test R = 0.98), while the extreme gradient boosting model showed overfitting. This study provides a scientific basis for groundwater management in river basins.

Bacteria such as spp. are primarily transmitted through contaminated eggs and infected poultry; however, other routes, including the movement of personnel, vehicles, and lapses in biosecurity protocols, also play a significant role in their dissemination within poultry systems. Control of a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, is often carried out using chemical agents, such as formaldehyde, applied in its solid, liquid, or gaseous forms. Reports on the use of formaldehyde in poultry production date back more than a century. However, it continues to attract research interest due to growing concerns about bacterial resistance, embryotoxicity, occupational exposure, the generation of toxic byproducts, and the search for safer alternatives in poultry production systems. It remains widely used worldwide, but comprehensive and updated evaluations of its efficacy, toxicity, and risks to both poultry and workers are still limited. This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge on the use of formaldehyde in poultry production. Overall, the synthesis shows that formaldehyde remains an effective but high-risk sanitizer whose continued use in poultry systems requires rigorous control and monitoring protocols, and that the development and adoption of efficient and safer alternatives is recommended.

Biochar has been demonstrated to be effective in the remediation of heavy metal contamination in soil. However, few studies have examined the impacts of varying proportions of biochar and microbial organic fertilizers on heavy metal adsorption and microbial abundance in soil. Therefore, we investigated the remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals (Cd and Cu) using different proportions of biochar and microbial organic fertilizer. The results revealed that the adsorption effect of different modifier combinations on heavy metals was notably different, and the metal speciation was significantly altered. Optimal biochar and microbial organic fertilizer combinations significantly reduced the bioavailability and ecological toxicity of heavy metals in the soil, which enhanced plant germination and growth. Furthermore, the addition of modifiers regulated soil pH, preventing root acidification; optimized microbial abundance; enhanced soil microbial environment; and reduced the inhibitory effect of heavy metals on microorganisms. These findings indicate that the addition of amendments may create a virtuous cycle of heavy metal pollutant adsorption, resulting in organic fertilizer efficiency, a better soil environment, and increased crop yield.

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) has been widely used because of its excellent flame-retardant properties and ability. On the one hand, many studies have shown that the presence of BDE209 can potentially threaten human health and the environment. The production and processing of products containing BDE209 is prohibited except for special applications in China. On the other hand, the study of BDE209 on respiratory cells is not yet fully understood. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the mechanisms of toxic damage and oxidative stress induced by BDE209 exposure in lung epithelial Beas-2B cells. The proliferation of Beas-2B cells under BDE209 exposure was first analyzed by using a real-time label-free cell analyzer (RTCA). Then the cells' morphological changes were observed using laser confocal microscopy. Subsequently, the effects of BDE209 exposure alone, combined exposure to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and BDE209, on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and antioxidant defense-related factors in Beas-2B cells were analyzed separately. The results show that BDE209 exposure induces the proliferation of Beas-2B cells with a dose-dependent increase in inhibition. Microscopic observation of Beas-2B cells reveals significant damage and death. The levels of ROS are significantly increased ( < 0.01), the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) are increased, the contents of catalase (CAT) are decreased, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) are first decreased and then increased. However, under the co-exposure of NAC and BDE209, ROS levels are significantly reduced ( < 0.01), MDA contents decrease, and SOD activities increase. In summary, BDE209 exposure leads to inhibition of Beas-2B cell proliferation, cellular morphology damage, increased ROS levels, and disturbances in antioxidant defense-related factors. The cells showed toxic damage and oxidative stress. In contrast, NAC can suppress ROS levels, enhance SOD activity, and inhibit GPX activity, thereby alleviating BDE209-induced cellular damage.

Baclofen intoxication, once rare, is now increasingly observed in clinical and forensic settings due to its expanding medical and off-label use. However, baclofen is not routinely included in standard postmortem toxicological panels and is usually tested only when explicitly requested. This selective approach, together with the lack of validated cut-offs and standardized interpretative protocols, complicates both clinical management and postmortem evaluation. A systematic review of the literature published between July 2005 and July 2025 was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, including fatal and non-fatal baclofen intoxications with quantitative toxicological data. Analytical methods, biological matrices, concentration ranges, and clinical outcomes were compared to identify recurring patterns and interpretative gaps. A fatal intrathecal overdose case was also analyzed as a paradigmatic example of diagnostic and methodological challenges. In thirteen studies meeting inclusion criteria and comprising over 300 cases, reported blood concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 110 mg/L, with overlapping values between survivors and fatalities. The analysis revealed marked heterogeneity in matrices and methods, and a poor correlation between concentration and clinical severity, limiting the reliability of toxicological interpretation in both clinical and postmortem settings. Baclofen intoxication illustrates the challenges of interpreting toxicological data without harmonized analytical criteria and highlights the need for standardized procedures and shared reference databases to improve diagnostic and medico-legal accuracy.

Mining activities in the study area have led to the formation of irregular depressions where rainwater accumulates, creating acidic mine ponds. The water in these ponds becomes contaminated through contact with mine wastes and bottom sediments, leading to the dispersion of toxic metals and metalloids into the surrounding environment and food chain. This study investigates electrokinetic remediation (EKR) of highly contaminated acidic mine pond sediments and evaluates the role of citric acid (CA) as a biodegradable and environmentally friendly chelating agent. The sediment was highly acidic (pH 3.35) and contained elevated concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, and As. Laboratory-scale EKR experiments were conducted for 27 days under a constant potential gradient of 1 V/cm, using 0.1 M CA as the electrolyte. The results obtained from this study were compared with those obtained using deionised water (DIW) as the electrolyte. The results demonstrated that CA significantly enhanced metal mobility, leading to higher removal efficiencies for Al (82.4%), As (51.1%), Mn (32.9%), and Fe (29.5%) compared to DIW. The pH near the cathode remained more balanced, and metal precipitation was minimised. Furthermore, total energy consumption decreased by about 53% (from 551 to 262 kWh/m), indicating improved process efficiency. These results reveal that CA-assisted EKR can be an effective and sustainable method for the remediation of highly acidic mine pond sediments.

Synthetic cathinones (SCs), commonly referred to as "bath salts", are a class of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) that elicit amphetamine-like effects and severe cardiovascular outcomes, including myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Despite these risks, the mechanisms underlying SC-induced cardiotoxicity remain poorly studied. This study investigated the in vitro cardiotoxicity of two prevalent SCs-methylone and 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC)-in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts, focusing on oxidative stress and the potential protective role of antioxidants. Cells were exposed to methylone (0.01-4.0 mM) or 3,4-DMMC (0.0005-0.8 mM) for 24 and 48 h, and cytotoxicity was assessed by an MTT assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) were quantified by fluorescence, and antioxidant effects were evaluated using ascorbic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and Trolox. Both SCs caused concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, with 3,4-DMMC showing higher potency than methylone (IC: 0.28 vs. 0.98 mM, = 0.0013). ROS/RNS levels increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner for both compounds, reflecting early and sustained redox imbalance. Of the antioxidants, only ascorbic acid significantly improved cell viability. Taken together, these findings demonstrate for the first time that methylone and 3,4-DMMC exert cardiotoxic effects in vitro, with oxidative stress as a key contributor. The protective effect of ascorbic acid highlights its potential as a therapeutic candidate against SC-induced cardiac injury.

Biocides, including fungicides and paraben preservatives, are widely used in medicine, agriculture and food industries, and are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, which will have adverse impacts on aquatic organisms. This study investigated the occurrence, distribution, ecological risks, and human health risks of 7 target biocides in Chao Lake, a large eutrophic urban lake, and its tributaries. Four biocides were detected, with total concentrations ranging from 186 ng/L to 853 ng/L. Carbendazim (CBD), fluconazole (FCZ), and methylparaben (MP) had detection frequencies of 100%, with mean concentrations of 234 ng/L, 35.3 ng/L, and 26.8 ng/L, respectively. Significant spatial heterogeneity was observed, with obviously elevated levels in the western region compared with the central and eastern regions. Strong correlations ( ≤ 0.01) were found between these three biocides, CBD, FCZ, and climbazole (CLI), and the following two environmental factors: total nitrogen and dissolved total nitrogen. Based on the risk quotient (RQ) evaluation, CBD was identified as a high-risk compound for aquatic organisms, particularly , with RQ values exceeding 1 and reaching up to 7.42. CLI showed moderate risks at some sampling sites, while FCZ and MP posed no risk. Human health risk quotient (RQ) analysis revealed no significant health risks to different age groups, with the RQ values of biocides at all sampling sites in Chao Lake below 0.1. The ecological risks of CBD warrant even greater attention.

The present ecological study endeavours to evaluate the variability of life expectancy (MLE) and mortality rate (MR) on a micro scale, specifically between populations of neighbouring villages in the Silesia Province. This endeavour is of particular significance due to the chronic exposure to halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in one of the villages under study. The present study is innovative in comparison with previous research in this field, as it considers the impact of the most toxic dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), and utilises a village-level reference area. A thorough investigation was undertaken to determine the possible consequences of inhalation exposure within the local community to polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). A robust correlation was evidenced between chronic exposure of case study residents to 2,3,7,8-TCDD and their mortality. Furthermore, an investigation revealed a strong correlation between the concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in the air and actual MLE. An increase in the concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD by 10 fg I-TEQ/m has the potential to result in a reduction in the mean MLE of the exposed inhabitants of Silesia by 1 year and 9 months. In addition, the results of this study indicate that the female population exhibits a lifespan that is 7 years and 10 months longer than that of the male population. However, given the substantial differences in the mean MLE observed also in low-polluted areas of this region, it is probable that not only environmental factors, including exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs, but also various socio-economic factors may be involved.

Methylmercury (MeHg), a pervasive environmental contaminant, poses significant human health risks due to its bioaccumulation in food chain, particularly through rice, a dietary staple for billions of people. Although extensive research has been conducted on the environmental cycling and health impacts of MeHg on rice, limited attention has been given to understanding the molecular and physiological responses to MeHg stress, which is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of detoxification and adaptation. Herein, we conducted pot experiments of rice with varying MeHg concentrations of soil, followed by high-throughput sequencing and assessment of physiological and biochemical responses in order to evaluate the impacts of MeHg exposure on rice growth, stress tolerance, and underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that significant increases in root-to-stem translocation of MeHg occurred, further inducing oxidative stress, as evidenced by alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, POD, and SOD), proline (PRO) content, and chlorophyll levels, resulting in cellular damage and stunted plant growth. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in rice roots associated with metabolic regulation, signal transduction, biosynthesis, and plant-pathogen interactions. Notably, genes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathways, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were found to be key in rice's response to MeHg toxicity. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and miRNA-target gene analyses further highlighted genes encoding jasmonic acid-amido synthetase and FERONIA-like receptors as potential candidates for detoxification mechanisms. This study contributes to building the molecular regulation network and physiological underpinnings of rice's response to MeHg stress, providing insights into potential targets for genetic improvement to enhance rice's resilience to MeHg toxicity.

The intensification of eutrophication in global water bodies has exacerbated the occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms, whose secondary metabolites can have detrimental effects on animals, humans, and ecosystems. This study analyzed and statistically evaluated the species composition and distribution of phytoplankton, assessed the concentration of anatoxin-a (ATX-a) in environmental and biological samples (n = 261), and explored the spatial distribution and bioaccumulation of ATX-a in Hulun Lake (Inner Mongolia, China). In late July 2024, the cyanobacteria spp. comprised 85.5% of the total phytoplankton density. ATX-a levels were vertically distributed with higher concentrations in deeper water (3 m; 146.69 ± 11.84 ng·L) and sediments (3.28 ± 0.45 ng·g dry weight) as compared to surface layers (0.5 m; 132.46 ± 8.19 ng·L). In fish, bioaccumulation of ATX-a was greatest in the liver (2.37 ± 1.85 ng·g), followed by intestinal contents (1.83 ± 0.74 ng·g), with minimal accumulation in muscle tissues (1.74 ± 0.77 ng·g). ATX-a levels were higher in smaller fish (minnows) than larger fish (Predatory carp, Gibel carp, and European carp). Additionally, all fish tissue samples contained ATX-a, suggesting that aquatic organisms were continuously exposed to ATX-a throughout the summer. A biodilution of ATX-a was observed from phytoplankton (384.82 ± 176.82 ng·L) to zooplankton (1.27 ± 0.12 ng·g), followed by biomagnification from zooplankton to fish.

Ethylenebisdithiocarbamates, widely used in floriculture, degrade into ethylenethiourea (ETU), a teratogen. The SEMILLA study investigates prenatal ETU exposure and infant health in Ecuador's flower-growing region. This analysis examines whether prenatal ETU metabolite levels differ by work sector and whether maternal urinary ETU increases with longer work hours.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are ubiquitously present in aquatic environments, garnering considerable research attention. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), the most extensively utilized FQ antibiotic, features high aqueous residual levels and ranks among the most frequently detected antibiotics in environmental matrices. It also acts as a precursor of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). In recent years, ultraviolet-based combined disinfection has been widely used. This study investigated the removal efficiency of CIP and the identification of DBPs under four disinfection systems: UV irradiation, UV/PS, UV/CaO, and UV/HO. (), a dominant algal species in eutrophic freshwater ecosystems, was selected as the test organism to investigate the toxicity of DBPs generated via distinct disinfection approaches. The results demonstrated significant variations in CIP removal efficiency among the four disinfection methods. The removal rates reached 93-99% under UV/HO, UV/CaO, and UV/PS, while single UV irradiation achieved only 87%. Sixteen DBPs were identified during the process. The DBPs produced under different disinfection methods exhibited varying inhibitory effects on growth. DBPs formed under the UV/HO and UV/CaO systems displayed the strongest inhibition, with maximum inhibition rates of 42.1% and 36.2% within 12 days, respectively. In contrast, DBPs formed under the UV/PS and UV systems showed weaker inhibition (25.3% and 22.1%, respectively), and their inhibitory effects decreased at higher disinfection byproduct (DBP) concentrations. The results indicate that while combined UV disinfection enhances CIP removal, it may also increase the toxicity of the resulting DBPs to aquatic organisms. Overall, the UV/PS process demonstrated the highest degradation efficiency for CIP and produced disinfection byproducts (DBPs) with lower toxicity, making it the most effective and environmentally friendly method for treating water contaminated with ciprofloxacin.

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) was previously used as a rocket propellant in launch vehicles. During the operation and accidents of launch vehicles, hundreds of tons of UDMH were released. While these launch vehicles are gradually being phased out, UDMH continues to be used in space technology and other industries. When released into the environment, UDMH forms numerous transformation products. Several dozen have been reliably identified, and hundreds are believed to exist, many of which are highly toxic and quite persistent in the environment. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is one of the primary methods for identifying these compounds. Library searches using mass spectra and retention indices are often used. However, UDMH transformation products are highly specific-they are organic compounds, typically aromatic heterocycles, with unusually high nitrogen content. Such compounds are poorly represented in GC-MS databases, while existing data are often of poor quality and were obtained back in the 1980s. A database of such compounds was presented, containing information on retention indices for non-polar (5%-phenylpolydimethylsiloxane) and polar (polyethylene glycol) stationary phases, as well as electron ionization mass spectra (70 eV) for 104 nitrogen-containing compounds: derivatives of triazoles, pyrazoles, imidazoles, pyridines, diazines, and triazines, as well as amides and other compounds. Many of the compounds presented in the database are proven UDMH transformation products, while many of the other compounds are probable. Derivatives of triazoles and triazines are also used as pesticides, and our database can be useful in detecting their derivatives. The database is free and available online.

In response to the growing concerns of environmental pollution and its ecological impacts, this collection of research focuses on the monitoring, behavior, and remediation of various contaminants in aquatic systems [...].

This research investigated the characteristics and risks associated with heavy metal contamination in farmland soils surrounding an industrial aggregation area in Yuncheng City, southern Shanxi Province. It analyzed the concentrations and spatial accumulation patterns of eight heavy metal elements, employed principal component analysis (PCA) to identify sources, and assessed both the ecological and health risks. The results revealed the following: (1) The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Cr, Zn, Cu, and Ni in the study area were 26.1, 0.29, 13.4, 0.05, 61.4, 72.94, 27.15, and 32.33 mg·kg, respectively. These concentrations were elevated above local background levels but remained within Chinese regulatory thresholds for agricultural soil. According to the geoaccumulation index, only Cd was classified as slightly polluted, while the other elements were essentially uncontaminated. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index indicated light pollution. The potential ecological risk index identified Cd and Hg as the primary contributors to ecological risk, indicating moderate contamination. (2) Source apportionment results revealed that As, Cr, and Ni originated from industrial-natural sources; Cd, Zn, and Cu were linked to industrial production; and Pb and Hg were attributed to mining and traffic sources. (3) Health risk assessments suggested that non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children (0.28 and 0.51, respectively) were within safe limits. However, the carcinogenic risk for children (1.02 × 10) exceeded the acceptable threshold, while the level for adults (4.67 × 10) remained acceptable. This study provides a scientific basis for preventing, controlling and remediating local heavy metal contamination in soil.

Excessive antibiotic use and their release into soils leads to alterations in soil processes, adversely affecting terrestrial organisms and presenting a serious threat to crop growth and productivity. Herein, the spatial patterns and prevalence of 22 typical antibiotics in agricultural soils throughout the Pearl River Delta area of China. In addition, the contamination characteristics and health risks were evaluated by integrating ArcGIS 10.7 spatial analysis, spearman correlation, and Risk Quotient (RQ) modeling. Antibiotics were detected in all the 240 soil samples with the total concentrations ranging from ND to 897 μg·kg dry weight. The concentrations of seven antibiotic classes followed the order: quinolones (21.0 μg/kg) > β-lactams (15.1 μg/kg) > tetracyclines (9.65 μg/kg) > sulfonamides (3.91 μg/kg) > macrolides (0.26 μg/kg) > chloramphenicol (0.18 μg/kg) > lincosamides (0.03 μg/kg). Among the 240 sampling sites, quinolone antibiotics had the highest average contribution rate (41.89%), followed by β-lactams (30.09%), tetracyclines (19.28%), sulfonamides (7.81%), macrolides (0.52%), and chloramphenicol (0.36%), while lincomycin had the lowest contribution rate (0.06%). Spatial distribution demonstrated a significant positive correlation with per capita livestock/poultry product consumption, while 82.5% of sampling sites exhibited medium-high ecological risk primarily linked to livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Quinolones, β-lactams, and tetracyclines were identified as the dominant ecological risk drivers in current regions. Mitigation requires synergistic measures including regulated veterinary drug use in aquaculture, enhanced manure treatment, and pollution remediation systems. These findings provide a scientific basis for supervising antibiotic pollution in agriculture soil and improving the sustainability and health of soil in the Pearl River Delta.