The threat posed by microplastics has become one of the world’s most serious problems. Recent reports indicate that the presence of microplastics has been documented not only in coastal areas and beaches, but also in water reservoirs, from which they enter the bodies of aquatic animals and humans. Microplastics can also bioaccumulate contaminants that lead to serious damage to aquatic ecosystems. The lack of comprehensive data makes it challenging to ascertain the potential consequences of acute and chronic exposure, particularly for future generations. It is crucial to acknowledge that there is still a substantial need for rapid and effective techniques to identify microplastic particles for precise evaluation. Additionally, implementing legal regulations, limiting plastic production, and developing biodegradation methods are promising solutions, the implementation of which could limit the spread of toxic microplastics.

Among the various agents employed in both human and veterinary medicine, the presence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represents a novel environmental concern as a source of emerging contaminants. These compounds have been detected in various environmental matrices, including wastewater, surface water and drinking water, as well as in food of animal and aquatic origin, indicating potential secondary exposure pathways for consumers. NSAID residues are typically detected by chromatographic methods; however, these need to be optimized to ensure their detection at low environmental levels, when they can still be active. It is also extremely important to use a correct method of sample preparation which accounts for the matrix. Furthermore, conventional methods do not ensure effective removal from water and wastewater. Consequently, there is a need to identify novel removal strategies that are inexpensive and easy to implement, and selective for many pharmaceuticals. The aim of the article is to evaluate the magnitude of the problem presented by NSAID residues in the environment, and to highlight secondary sources of exposure. Its findings underline the need for new regulations, monitoring plans and more extensive methods for the determination and removal of NSAIDs to ensure food safety.

Coffee is a source of micronutrients, including iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. It may also contain toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium. The effects of coffee on the human body may vary depending on its composition. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of ground and instant coffee with regard to the content of selected trace elements. The concentrations of trace elements, including copper, iron, manganese, and zinc, were determined by ICP-AES, while the levels of lead and cadmium were quantified by GF-AAS methods. Furthermore, the degree of coverage of the recommended intake of elements and the risk assessment for human health (EDI, THQ, PTMI, and TWI) were determined. Our findings indicate that the consumption of a cup of coffee provides the body with only small amounts of these elements. A coffee prepared from 6.33 g of ground coffee beans provides 0.08–1.52% of the RDA value, while a coffee prepared from 6.33 g of instant coffee provides 0.46–13.01% of the RDA, depending on the microelement. The low transfer to the brew (Pb = 7.1%; Cd = 30.0%) of the analyzed ground coffees renders them safe for the consumer, even at a consumption of six cups per day. The percentage of benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL_0.1) in the case of lead did not exceed 0.9%. The estimated value did not exceed 0.2% of the provisional tolerable monthly intake of cadmium (PTMI). None of the analyzed coffees exhibited any risk regarding the trace elements.

Dairy products are an important source of macroelements in the human diet but may also contain lipophilic contaminants such as dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). This study investigated changes in the concentrations of PCB 126 and PCB 169 and selected macroelements (Ca, K, Na and Mg) during the production of butter, fat blend and cream (18% fat). Samples collected at intermediate and final stages of production were analysed. PCB congeners were determined by GC-MS, whereas macroelements were analysed by ICP-AES. Butter production increased PCB 126 and 169 concentrations on a wet weight basis, while their concentrations decreased on a lipid basis. The greatest reduction was observed during fat blend production due to the addition of sunflower oil, whereas the smallest reduction occurred during cream production. Changes in PCB 126 and 169 concentrations were accompanied by decreases in macroelement concentrations, particularly calcium. Strong negative correlations (p < 0.05) were found between PCB congeners and macroelements, whereas PCB 126 and PCB 169 showed strong positive correlations. These results indicate that dairy processing influences both PCB congener distribution and the macroelement composition of high-fat dairy products.