This study analyzed 16 bisphenols (BPs) in wastewater and sludge samples collected from different stages at a municipal wastewater treatment plant based on sequencing batch reactor technology. It also describes developing an analytical method for determining BPs in the solid phase of activated sludge based on solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Obtained concentrations are converted into mass flows, and the biodegradation of BPs and adsorption to primary and secondary sludge are determined. Ten of the sixteen BPs were present in the influent with concentrations up to 434 ng L⁻¹ (BPS). Only five BPs with concentrations up to 79 ng L⁻¹ (BPA) were determined in the plant effluent, accounting for 8 % of the total BPs determined in the influent. Eleven per cent of the total BPs were adsorbed on primary and secondary sludge. Overall, BPs biodegradation efficiency was 81%. The highest daily emissions via effluent release (1.48 g day⁻¹) and sludge disposal (4.63 g day⁻¹) were for BPA, while total emissions reached 2 g day⁻¹ via effluent and 6 g day⁻¹ via sludge disposal. The data show that the concentrations of BPs in sludge are not negligible, and their environmental emissions should be monitored and further studied.

Reusing treated wastewater (TWW) for agricultural irrigation offers a sustainable option to reduce water scarcity; however, it also raises concerns about potential contamination of the food chain. This study evaluated the uptake and translocation of 27 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in tomatoes grown under field conditions. The experiment consisted of four drip irrigation regimes: (1) potable water (PW), (2) TWW, (3) PW with addition of CECs (1 mg/L), and (4) TWW with addition of CECs (1 mg/L). Results show that CECs were less stable in TWW than in PW, influencing their uptake. Tomato fruits also showed minimal bioaccumulation under non-spiked conditions, with only carbamazepine above LOQ when irrigated with TWW (22 ng/g). In spiked media, acetamiprid, azithromycin, bisphenol S, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, and dimethomorph were above LOQ in tomato fruits, while up to 17 CECs were quantified in roots > leaves > stems. Fruit yield also remained unaffected. Dietary exposure estimates were below the risk threshold for tomatoes irrigated with TWW. Soil analysis revealed CECs (azithromycin, triclocarban) exceeding safety thresholds up to 30 months after irrigation. In summary, while targeted CECs in tomato fruits pose no immediate health risk, their accumulation in soil highlights the need for long-term monitoring.

Despite growing evidence linking diet to neurodegenerative diseases, the connection remains unclear. Tomatoes, a widely consumed food, have been proposed as potential sources of neuroactive compounds. Using LC-MS/MS, we profiled organic and conventional “datterini,” plump, and processed tomatoes. Six carotenoids were quantified, with phytoene and lycopene being the most abundant. Multivariate analysis revealed that processing and variety, rather than organic vs. conventional methods, drove dataset variability. Seventy neuroactive compounds were identified, some distinguishing tomato variety, processing, and/or production methods. Processed tomatoes generally showed higher abundance of neuroactive compounds than fresh tomatoes, and “datterini” tomatoes contained more neuroprotective compounds than plump tomatoes. Organic “datterini” did not have higher neuroprotective compound levels than conventional ones. These findings suggest thermal processing may alter the compositional quality of tomatoes, potentially enhancing the levels of certain bioactive constituents, while organic cultivation does not inherently increase the abundance of neuroprotective compounds. Overall, tomatoes represent a complex source of both neuroprotective and neuro-disrupting compounds, warranting further research on their bioaccessibility and physiological relevance.

Neurodegenerative diseases are hard to treat, and their progression is linked to diet and the gut microbiota. Tomatoes contain potentially neuroactive compounds, but their fate during digestion and colonic fermentation remains unclear. This study tracked neuroactive compounds and fecal fatty acids (50%, 24 h) or increased, whereas others (e.g., caffeic acid, rutin) degraded rapidly (80%, 24 h). Digested tomato enhanced acetic and propionic acid production, though attenuated by neuro-disruptors. The study clarifies colonic bioaccessibility of neuroactive compounds and their potential influence on the gut-brain axis.