Aflatoxin M1(AFM1), a major metabolite of Aflatoxin B1(AFB1), has been identified as a potential contaminant in dairy products. Because of its possible carcinogenicity, the legislation limits as set by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 are very strict, namely 0.050 μg kg⁻¹ in milk and 0.025 μg kg⁻¹ in infant formulas. To meet these requirements, a sensitive and accurate method was developed, employing liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Ιmmunoaffinity columns (R-Biopharm) were used for sample purification and preconcentration of the analyte of interest. The quantification of AFM1 was conducted using fortified milk samples, while Aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) was used as an internal standard (IS). The method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, trueness, limits of detection and quantification and uncertainty. The performance criteria for the method were evaluated based on European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006 and its most recent amendment, as well as the suggested criteria for revision by the EU Reference Laboratory for Mycotoxins and Plant Toxins. The recovery was in the range of 77.9–81.0% for all fortification levels (0.025–0.050–0.075 μg kg⁻¹), with RSD_R values (Relative Standard Deviation of intermediate precision) ranging from 6.1% to 12%. The method’s detection and quantification limits were 0.0027 μg kg⁻¹ and 0.0089 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. The occurrence of AFM1 was investigated in 40 samples of different animal origin (cow, goat and sheep milk) provided by Greek producers.

In the past, the application of TiO₂ slurry reactors has faced difficulties concerning the recovery and reusability of the catalyst. In response to these challenges, immobilized photocatalyst systems have been investigated, wherein the catalyst is fixed onto a solid support, frequently with reduced photocatalytic performance. In the present study, thin TiO₂ films were developed in the anatase phase by the sol-gel process and spin-cast on laser-microstructured silicon substrates, to form photocatalytic surfaces of increased activity. The TiO₂ films were thoroughly characterized using SEM-EDX, XRD, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of these surfaces was evaluated by the degradation of atrazine in aqueous solution under UV irradiation. Their photocatalytic activity was found to be significantly enhanced (mean k_obs 24.1 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹) when they are deposited on laser-microstructured silicon compared with flat silicon (mean k_obs 4.9 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹), approaching the photocatalytic activity of sol-gel TiO₂ fortified with Degussa P25, used as a reference material (mean k_obs 32.7 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹). During the photocatalytic process, several transformation products (TPs) of atrazine, namely 2-chloro-4-(isopropylamino)-6-amino-s-triazine (CIAT), 2-chloro-4-amino-6-(ethylamino)-s-triazine (CAET), and 2-chloro-4.6-diamino-s-triazine (CAAT), were identified with LC–MS/MS. The stability of the photocatalytic surfaces was also investigated and remained unchanged through multiple cycles of usage. The surfaces were further tested with two other pollutants, i.e., 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and bisphenol-a, showing similar photocatalytic activity as with atrazine.

This study investigates the sustainable management and utilization of water resources in the fruit processing industry, focusing on a case study from the EU-funded ULTIMATE project. Conducted in a juice factory in Nafplio, Greece, the primary objective is to explore the recovery of polyphenols from water by-product streams generated during orange juice production. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile wastewater treatment unit in selectively adsorbing polyphenols onto a polymeric resin. The following three extraction methods are compared: conventional solvent extraction, subcritical water extraction (SWE), and supercritical CO2 extraction (SFE). To determine the most efficient extraction method, the polyphenol profiles of the extracts were analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS, identifying flavonoids, terpenes, coumarins, and anthocyanins. SFE not only was the most efficient method but provided the most diverse and abundant profile. The research highlights the potential of converting industrial by-products that would otherwise be treated as wastewater, into valuable resources that generate revenue, promote circular economy practices, and enhance sustainability in the fruit and vegetable processing sector. The economic viability of polyphenol extraction is also discussed, emphasizing its significance and impact on various industries. The findings support integrating advanced extraction technologies to maximize resource recovery and minimize environmental impact.