The Environmental Pollutants research group at EEZA-CSIC is headed by Prof. Dr María Dolores Hernando. The group focuses on elucidating the complex interactions among contaminants, agricultural systems, and food safety. The research group develops and validates advanced analytical techniques, often coupling gas or liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, to detect trace levels of pesticides, veterinary drug residues, transformation products, emerging pollutants, and microplastics across various matrices, including soil, water, crops, food, packaging, and biota. The research group investigates the fate, mobility, transformation, and bioavailability of these substances under realistic environmental and agronomic conditions. A special emphasis lies on how micro- and nano-plastics may adsorb or transport chemical pollutants and affect uptake in plants or movement through the soil–water–plant continuum. Complementary lines of work include designing decontamination and remediation strategies (e.g. advanced oxidation, water reuse, waste valorisation), assessing risks posed to pollinators (especially honeybees) from multiple chemical stressors, and monitoring pollutants in bee products.