The use of synthetic molecules to achieve specific goals is steadily increasing in the environment, and these molecules adversely impact human health and ecosystem services. Considering the adverse effects, a better understanding of how these molecules behave in the environment and their associated risks is necessary to keep their use acceptably limited. To meet the demands of farmers and combat weed problems, woodlands and farmlands are sprayed with agrochemicals, primarily glyphosate-based herbicides. Farmers increasingly embrace these herbicides containing glyphosate. Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), a key metabolite of glyphosate, have been reported as toxicological concerns when they become more prevalent in the food chain. The chemical glyphosate has been linked to various health issues in humans and other living organisms, including endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, tumours, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and liver, heart, and blood problems. Therefore, the current review aims to compile data on glyphosate-based herbicide use in the environment, potential risks to human and ecological health, and various maximum residual limits for crops as suggested by international organizations. As a result, regulatory agencies can advise glyphosate users on safe usage practices and synthesize herbicides more efficiently.

This review examines the potential of using cellulose materials for overcoming environmental issues such as pollution, microplastics, and ecological toxicity as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Unlike plastics, which persist in the environment and break down into microplastics, cellulose materials readily degrade into non-toxic organic compounds, thus reducing pollutants in soil and water. The review outlines the relatively low environmental impact of cellulose production from renewable materials such as timber, agricultural waste, and non-timber flora. Cellulose, unlike petroleum-based polymers, is produced with lower energy inputs, greenhouse gas emissions, and greater carbon capture during plant growth. Sustainably harvested and farmed cellulose strengthens its circular economy relationship, clocking in with boastful compostability, and in some instances, recyclability. The described processes, including the manufacture of nanocellulose, chemically and mechanically treat the cellulose, improving its strength, flexibility, moisture resistance, and expanding its application in packaging, biocomposites, textiles, and medical devices. There are still some disadvantages, such as high costs, lack of industrial composting, and absence of enabling legislation. The review calls for greater advocacy of policy change, technological improvements, and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting the use of cellulose. Most importantly, it demonstrates why these materials are needed to reduce pollution inflicted by plastics, protect biodiversity, enhance sustainability, and manage waste through responsible consumption.

Ecological stoichiometry aids in the understanding of nutrient imbalance in consumers and food resources, particularly in wood‐feeding systems, where the food source (plant tissues) is dominated by high levels of carbon and low levels of other critical elements. Nevertheless, the stoichiometric data for tropical terrestrial systems are underexplored, particularly for elements other than the classical C:N:P. This research investigated the stoichiometry of two wood‐feeding insects ( Apate terebrans and Analeptes trifasciata ), their host trees ( Terminalia mantaly and Spondias mombin ), and the adjacent soils of a tropical urban area. Trophic imbalances among insects, host tissues, and soils were evaluated by analysing elements N, P, Ca, Mg, Na, and C, and expressing them in stoichiometric ratios. There were notable differences in stoichiometry between the wood‐feeding insects and the host wood, particularly regarding N and P, affirming that the nutrient content of the woody substrate is low in comparison to the insects' elemental needs. A. trifasciata was more aligned with the host ratio of Ca and Mg than A. terebrans . The soil stoichiometry was associated with host plants, suggesting an indirect effect on insect nutrient dynamics via plant nutrient composition. These findings offer a starting point for the multi‐element stoichiometry of a tropical wood‐feeder–host–soil system and add to knowledge of nutrient limitations and trophic relationships in terrestrial ecosystems. The research provides a basis for subsequent experimental studies on the nutritional control and ecosystem nutrient cycling in wood‐feeding insect systems.

Chewing gum is a frequently neglected polymer-containing consumer product that can be considered a source of microplastic exposure during chewing, and, upon disposal, a cause of surface contamination. This narrative review summarises the composition of the gum base, particle release during mastication, environmental fate, and the emergence of circular upcycling. Modern gum bases can be characterised by water-insoluble elastomeric and resinous phases designed for mechanical durability, as demonstrated by established evidence. Furthermore, a recent experiment has demonstrated the release of detectable microplastic-sized particles into the saliva after chewing. However, quantitative estimates, such as the apparent highest value of 637 MPs g⁻¹, and the observation that the majority of particles detected are released during the first 8 min, remain tentative, given the limited range of products offered and the lack of replication across different brands, formulations, chewing schedules, and analytical tools. Another proof point that samples of natural and synthetic gums have comparable particle discharge indicates that no amount of natural or plastic-free labelling should mean no particle exposure. The adhesive and hydrophobic nature of gum residues, along with observations of microbial colonisation and surface interaction, is also a key factor for their persistence post disposal. Since no standardised gum disintegration protocols exist, outdoor residence times are unknown. Other under-characterisations occur in nano- and ultra-small plastic fractions, as standard spectrometric analyses have size limits. Emerging materials engineering work indicates that sanitised, chewed gum can be reprocessed with conductive nanofillers to serve as flexible sensing agents. These circular paths are proof-of-concept paths at this point, as we must confirm oxidation stability, cleanliness, scalability, logistics, collection, and lifecycles. This study clearly distinguishes well-known polymer and litter issues from new exposure, degradation, and upcycling proposals.