Environmental Toxicology

Environmental toxicology is a relatively new field that studies the impact of pollutants (physical, chemical, and biological) on the ecosystem. Besides, it deals with the transport mechanisms, distribution, interaction, and ultimate fate of pollutants in different regions of the environment. Organisms in an ecosystem respond to pollutants primarily through behavioral, physiological, and biochemical changes. The application of electron microscopy (EM) can assist researchers in assessing the damage caused to the multiple levels of biological organization of the ecosystem. At the iEM Platform, Creative Biostructure uses advanced microscopy technologies that can help analyze multiple pollutants and evaluate toxicity such as cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of contaminants, contributing to a better understanding of contamination issues in the environment.

Overview of Environmental Toxicants

Environmental toxins are molecules that are released into the environment and have adverse effects on human health. They pose threats to living organisms, especially with long-term exposure. In general, environmental toxicants can be divided into the following major groups, including,

• Natural toxins

Natural toxins such as mycotoxins and phytoestrogens are toxic compounds that are naturally produced by living organisms. As the most commonly found natural toxins, both mycotoxins and phytoestrogens can pose a risk to human health. For example, humans with chronic exposure to mycotoxins may develop cancer and immune deficiency.

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

Widely used in pesticides, packaging industry and food ingredients, EDCs are found everywhere in our environment. These toxins mainly target human organ systems, involving reproductive, neural, and cardiovascular systems, and are therefore a significant risk to the human body. A variety of EDCs are present in the environment, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), the insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and so on.

• Heavy metals

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are common heavy metals found in our environment. Due to human and industrial activities, these metals are increasing in groundwater, food, and air. Heavy metals also pose a significant risk to the human body, not only in terms of their carcinogenic effects on certain tissues or organs but also disrupting the endocrine and reproductive systems.

• Nanomaterials

With the development of science and society, nanomaterials have been widely used. Nowadays, these materials can be found in pharmaceuticals, clothing, cosmetics, and other products. Therefore, the impact of these particles on the environment must be closely monitored. It is reported that nanomaterials have side effects on human development and the immune systems. As a drug delivery system, nanoparticles are ingested and can accumulate in the liver and other organs of the reticuloendothelial system. There are different types of existing nanomaterials in the environment, such as silver and carbon nanotubes.

What Can We Help You?

Increasing concern about the effects of environmental pollutants is reasonable, not only because pollution is ubiquitous, but also because little is known about its effects on living organisms. EM is a valuable tool for measuring parameters of toxicity and helps to develop measures aimed at preventing or eliminating environmental pollution. Our platform consists of a series of advanced microscopy technologies, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and corresponding accessories and software. Whether you are analyzing multiple contaminants or assessing the toxicity of contaminants to biological tissues in an ecosystem, Creative Biostructure is a professional and reliable partner in your research. Our services include the following, but are not limited to them.

• Detection of heavy metals in the environment.
• Nanomaterials analysis and characterization from different sample types.
• Assist in assessing the effects of toxins on biological organization, including cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of contaminants.

If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us.