Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) as emerging contaminants have accumulated in the aquatic environment at concentration levels that have been determined to be significant to humans and animals. Several compounds belong to this family, from natural substances (hormones such as estrone, 17-estradiol, and estriol) to synthetic chemicals, especially pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and plastic-derived compounds (phthalates, bisphenol A). In this review, we discuss recent works regarding EDC occurrence in the aquatic compartment, strengths and limitations of current analytical methods used for their detection, treatment technologies for their removal from water, and the health issues that they can trigger in humans. Nowadays, many EDCs have been identified in significant amounts in different water matrices including drinking water, thus increasing the possibility of entering the food chain. Several studies correlate human exposure to high concentrations of EDCs with serious effects such as infertility, thyroid dysfunction, early puberty, endometriosis, diabetes, and obesity. Although our intention is not to explain all disorders related to EDCs exposure, this review aims to guide future research towards a deeper knowledge of EDCs’ contamination and accumulation in water, highlighting their toxicity and exposure risks to humans.

The impact of allergens emitted by urban green spaces on health is one of the main disservices of ecosystems. The objective of this work is to establish the potential allergenic value of some tree species in urban environments, so that the allergenicity of green spaces can be estimated through application of the Index of Urban Green Zones Allergenicity (I_UGZA). Multiple types of green spaces in Mediterranean cities were selected for the estimation of I_UGZ. The results show that some of the ornamental species native to the Mediterranean are among the main causative agents of allergy in the population; in particular, Oleaceae, Cupressaceae, Fagaceae, and Platanus hispanica. Variables of the strongest impact on I_UGZA were the bioclimatic characteristics of the territory and design aspects, such as the density of trees and the number of species. We concluded that the methodology to assess the allergenicity associated with urban trees and urban areas presented in this work opens new perspectives in the design and planning of urban green spaces, pointing out the need to consider the potential allergenicity of a species when selecting plant material to be used in cities. Only then can urban green areas be inclusive spaces, in terms of public health.

High levels of air pollution can contribute to high rate of the COVID-19 outbreaks. Air pollutants induce oxidative stress, inflammatory process, immune imbalance and coagulation at systemic level, making the organism susceptible to complications caused by various pathogens, including viruses, resulting in a possible important damage co-factor. Sperm cells are highly sensitive to the pro-oxidant effects of environmental pollutants, and may represent an important alarm bell indicating that the burden of environmental pressure in a certain area is causing damage to humans. A comparison of the maps of COVID-19 case fatality rates, male infertility rates and air pollution may suggest a way to understand the dynamics of the virus impact. Semen quality may be considered as an early and sensitive environmental marker, and also a potential susceptibility indicator to viral insults (including SARS-CoV-2 ) in heavily polluted areas. Therefore, assessing the burden of environmental exposure of a given population and its potential susceptibility to insults through early biological stress indicators may be helpful for predicting the risk of the adverse effects by the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic .

This paper presents a pilot project conducted by ISPRA and ARPA Campania to develop a monitoring protocol to detect the presence of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape (Brassica napus) plants resulting from accidental seed dispersal during transportation from entry points to storage and processing facilities; the project has been implemented in Italy’s Campania region. The unintentional dispersal of GM oilseed rape seeds and the potential establishment of feral populations have been identified as environmental concerns in various countries, even when GM oilseed rape is imported solely for processing and not for cultivation. The project activities were designed, taking into account the characteristics of the Italian environment and infrastructures. Multiple sampling campaigns were conducted in autumn 2018, spring 2019, and autumn 2019 to validate the selected transects and assess the presence of Brassicaceae species, with a particular focus on oilseed rape. These efforts involved direct monitoring and sample collection along transport routes from the port of Salerno to seed companies in the provinces of Benevento and Caserta. Field observations and import data revealed a decrease in oilseed rape movement at the port of Salerno in the years preceding the survey, while seed companies near Benevento remained active sites for white mustard (Sinapis alba). The presence of S. alba and the simultaneous occurrence of oilseed rape and Raphanus raphanistrum—a species with high hybridization potential—support the hypothesis that seed companies may act as hotspots for accidental seed dispersal and that potential interspecific gene flow can occur. The study also validated the adopted sampling and molecular analysis methods, including DNA extraction and PCR, for the detection of the Cruciferin A (CruA) gene in all Brassica species collected. These findings highlight the need to strengthen post-marketing monitoring plans, even when GM rapeseed is imported solely for processing, to mitigate the potential risks associated with unintended gene flow.

The aim of this study is to analyze the floristic changes occurred between 1991 and 2018 in the “Pineto Urban Regional Park” (Rome) as a result of a land-use change that in mid-90s led to the abandonment of traditional pasture practices and a shift to a more intense frequentation for recreational purposes. About 25 years after the change in management the area has a similar floristic richness, but it is characterized by a high turnover rate, a significant homogenization of the flora and a change in the community structure with a higher level of dominance. The removal of the pasture, which has favoured an increasing frequentation by people, seems to be the main driver of these changes. We suggest that a more active management, with the reintroduction of a sustainable grazing and a limitation of the fruition in marginal areas close to the urban matrix, could restore an higher diversity and reverse the homogenization processes detected in this study and at the same time ensure the citizen fruition.