Eco-friendly cleaning agent applied for ex situ remediation of beach sand contaminated with crude oil.

Coastal oil spills cause significant adverse effects, and removing weathered crude oil mixed with sand remains a considerable challenge. To address this, an environmentally friendly cleaning agent was formulated using a vegetable oil-based microemulsion for sediment cleaning. The relationship between microemulsion composition and its efficiency in cleaning oil-contaminated sediments in coastal environments was investigated.

Improving Farmed Juvenile Gilthead Seabream () Stress Response to Marine Heatwaves and Vibriosis Through Seaweed-Based Dietary Modulation.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are an emerging challenge for aquaculture, increasing the frequency and severity of disease outbreaks in farmed fish, weakening immunocompetence and compromising overall health and survival. As climate change stressors intensify, there is an urgent need for cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategies to enhance fish resilience. This study investigated the efficacy of , a brown macroalga, included in aquafeeds as powder (0.

Environmental and Food Safety Assessment of Pre-Harvest Activities in Local Small-Scale Fruit and Vegetable Farms in Northwest Portugal: Hazard Identification and Compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs).

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.

Occurrence of 97 Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater and Receiving Waters: Analytical Validation and Treatment Influence.

This study analyzed 97 pharmaceuticals in samples of surface water, as well as influent and effluent from various wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), during winter 2022 and spring 2023. Approximately 40% of the tested compounds were detected, at amounts ranging from below the methods' detection limits to 5623 ng/L (2-hydroxyibuprofen in surface water) and 12,664 ng/L (caffeine in wastewater). Twelve compounds (acetaminophen, ampicillin, azithromycin, caffeine, fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, 2-hydroxyibuprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, mazindol, naproxen, and salicylic acid) were detected with a 100% frequency in both surface water and wastewater samples.

Bisphenol A sensing using carbon fibre transducers with and without metal-organic frameworks modification: towards greener tools for fish safety and surveil ecosystems.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in plastic production; however, it has raised concerns about its human health implications and presence in aquatic ecosystems, as it is also known as an endocrine-disrupting compound. Given the urgency of developing eco-friendly monitoring tools, this study proposes and compares two novel green sensing platforms based on carbon paper (CP) for the determination of BPA in fish samples. One consists in the modification with a leaf-like shape zeolitic imidazolate framework (CP/ZIF-L), by a simple and water-based synthesis at room temperature, and the other uses a bare CP electrochemically pre-treated with sulfuric acid (CPP).

Erratum: Author correction to "The neuroprotective effect of traditional Chinese medicinal plants-A critical review" [Acta Pharm Sin B 13 (2023) 3208-3237].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.

Unraveling the nutraceutical potential of Salicornia ramosissima by-product - impact of gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal permeability on in vitro bioactivity.

Salicornia ramosissima by-product (SP) is an underexploited antioxidant-rich by-product. This study explored the phytochemical profile, bioaccessibility, and biological activity of SP before and after extraction (SBE and SAE, respectively) upon gastrointestinal simulated digestion and intestinal permeability. The phenolic and flavonoid concentrations increased during digestion, reaching bioaccessibility rates above 95 % for both SBE and SAE.

Optimization of Nanoencapsulation of Extract and Its Potential Application in Yogurt Fortification.

Marine macroalgae are excellent sources of bioactive compounds recognized by their pharmaceutical and biomedical potential. A subcritical water extraction (SWE) was applied to the macroalga , and the extract was used to prepare phytosomes. A Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize the entrapment efficiency.

Exploring the Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Honey from the Portuguese Protected Area of Montesinho Natural Park.

The main objective of this study was to provide an overview of the potential health-promoting properties of honeys collected at specific apiary locations from the protected area of Montesinho Natural Park (MNP), by analyzing their amino acid and polyphenolic profiles, and their biological properties, and comparing them with the renowned Manuka honey. The results revealed differences in total phenolic content among the samples examined and between sampling campaigns, with values ranging from 55.6 to 225 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 g of honey, compared to 57.

Moderate to high-severity wildfires: Main restoration strategies applied in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Since the 1960s, the ever-increasing frequency and severity of forest fires has become a growing concern, particularly in Mediterranean ecosystems. High-severity wildfires have devastating effects on the ecosystems, such as the almost depletion of biomass and disrupting soil health. Given the critical role of healthy forests in global environmental stability, accelerating the post-fire recovery of ecosystems is becoming increasingly important.

Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during structure fires: Concentrations outside and inside self-contained breathing apparatus and in vitro respiratory toxicity.

Structure fires release several health-hazardous compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is mandatory to protect firefighters' airways. The characterization of PAHs released during structure fires is scarce, principally in European countries. This work elucidates the mechanisms of toxic effects associated with human exposure to PAHs released during structure fires, by assessing for the first time, the levels in the breathable air of sapper firefighters with and without the use of SCBA.

Eco-Friendly Biocomposites from Chestnut Waste: Production, Optimization, Characterization, and Application.

This study explores the valorization of non-commercial chestnut waste from the Portuguese chestnut industry to develop biocomposites. The composites were obtained by hot compression molding, and a Box-Behnken Design model was employed to optimize the mechanical, thermal, and water resistance properties of the chestnut-based composite, using fruit and shell fibers, respectively, as the polymeric matrix and reinforcement agent. The optimal formulation, comprising 70% chestnut, no glycerol, a molding temperature of 120 °C, and applying a pressure of 2.

Optimized Extraction Protocols for Bioactive Antioxidants from Commercial Seaweeds in Portugal: A Comparative Study of Techniques.

This study aimed to optimize the extraction conditions for a valuable source of antioxidants: seaweed. Therefore, ten seaweed samples were subjected to a solid-liquid extraction (SLE), where the extraction conditions (biomass (g): solvent (mL) ratio, temperature, and time) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The seaweeds were also subjected to subcritical water extraction (SWE) (140 and 190 °C) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (10 and 20 min).

Mineral profile of cow milk and plant-based milk alternatives.

Some consumers are replacing cow milk by plant-based milk alternatives (PBMA); however, the current knowledge regarding the mineral profile of PBMA is limited. This study aimed to characterize the mineral profile of commercial milk (n = 80) and PBMA types (n = 60; soya, rice, oat, almond, coconut, and hazelnut) by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, along with a modification of the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction (iodine determination). A single fixed-effect statistical model considering the type of beverage as an independent variable was applied.

Biological and Health-Promoting Potential of Fruits from Three Cold-Hardy Actinidia Species.

Fruits are essential components of the human diet, valued for their diverse bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. This study focuses on three cold-hardy species, namely , , and , examining their polyphenolic content, antioxidant/antiradical activities, scavenging capacity and effects on intestinal cell viability (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX). A comprehensive profile of their phenolic compounds was identified, in descending order of total polyphenol content: > > .

Sustainable Carotenoid Extraction from Macroalgae: Optimizing Microwave-Assisted Extraction Using Response Surface Methodology.

This study aimed at optimizing carotenoid extraction using the macroalga (L.) S.F.

Electrochemical Magnetic Immunoassay for the Determination of the Fish Allergen β-Parvalbumin.

β-parvalbumin (β-PV) is the primary fish allergen responsible for most allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to fish. To ensure food safety, a sandwich-based magnetic immunoassay was developed using maleimide-functionalized magnetic beads (NH-MBs). Specific anti-β-PV antibodies were immobilized on these MBs, and a screen-printed carbon electrode was employed as the electrochemical transducer.

Quantifying the Impact of High-Pressure Processing on the Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Activity, and Pollen Morphology in Honey.

Honey can benefit from non-thermal processing techniques such as high-pressure processing (HPP) to improve its quality and bioactivity. This study investigated the impact of HPP (600 MPa for 5, 10, and 15 min) on honey's quality, including the levels of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and phenolic profile. HPP treatment did not significantly affect HMF or TPC levels but led to selective changes in the phenolic profile.

Screening for microplastics in agricultural soils: Applying green chemistry principles in extraction and analysis.

In recent years, microplastic (MP) pollution has garnered significant attention owing to its ability to permeate various ecosystems, including soil. These particles can infiltrate the environment, either directly or through the degradation of larger plastic items. Despite growing concerns, standardized methods for quantification are still lacking.

Tracing Pharmaceuticals in Water Systems: Focus on Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Treatments.

Pharmaceutical residues in aquatic ecosystems pose significant environmental and public health challenges. Identifying the presence and levels of these pharmaceuticals is crucial. This study developed an analytical method to detect pharmaceuticals used for Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) disease, including psychiatric drugs and the stimulant caffeine, targeting 30 compounds.

Optimization and Bioactive Evaluation of Antioxidant-Rich Extracts for Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Applications.

In recent years, consumers have been increasingly interested in natural, healthier, functional foods, with a focus on sea-based products such as algae. (BB) is a macroalga that belongs to the Phaeophyceae class. These brown algae are recognized as the source of bioactive molecules of great interest to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Valorization of Strawberry Tree Berries and Beeswax from Montesinho Natural Park for Cosmetic Industry-A Case Study Formulation.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about cosmetic ingredients' origin, looking more than ever to sustainable and greener formulations. The Natural Park of Montesinho, located in Portugal, is characterized by an enormous fauna and flora diversity. Among them, beeswax and strawberry trees () have attracted the cosmetic researchers' interest due to their bioactive compounds' richness, particularly fatty acids and phenolic compounds.

Antidepressants and COVID-19: Increased use, occurrence in water and effects and consequences on aquatic environment. A review.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the consumption of many drugs, among which antidepressants stand out. This review evaluated the frequency of antidepressant use before and after COVID-19. Once the most consumed antidepressants were identified, detecting a variation in the frequency of consumption on the different continents, an overview of their life cycle was carried out, specifying which antidepressants are mostly detected and the places where there is a greater concentration.

Exploring acylated anthocyanin-based extracts as a natural alternative to synthetic food dyes: Stability and application insights.

This work explores the potential of anthocyanin-based extracts (hibiscus calyxes - HC, red cabbage - RC, and butterfly pea flower - BPF) as natural alternatives to synthetic dyes in the food industry. Analyses in a pH range for food applications revealed higher color stability for the BPF extract, keeping vibrant colors over the 7 days at room temperature. At pH 3 and 100 °C, the BPF was more stable, losing half of its anthocyanin concentration after 14 h, while RC and HC lost half of their color after 7 and 2 h, respectively.