Allowable Limits Research Articles

Accuracy of point-of-care testing devices for haemoglobin in the operating room: meta-analysis.

Point-of-care tests (POCT) for haemoglobin are increasingly used to guide intraoperative transfusion. However, their accuracy compared to central laboratory tests is unknown. The objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of method comparison studies assessing the accuracy of POCT versus central laboratory haemoglobin tests in patients undergoing surgery. Electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2020 (updated August 2023). Any methodological approach comparing haemoglobin measurements between POCT and central laboratory in patients undergoing surgery under anaesthesia in the operating room were included. Data abstraction was guided by PRISMA and risk of bias was assessed by QUADAS-2. Data were extracted independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. Outcomes included mean differences between POCT and central laboratory haemoglobin with associated standard deviations and 95% limits of agreement (LOA). Of 3057 citations, 34 studies were included (n = 2427, 6857 paired measurements). Several devices were compared (pulse co-oximetry, n = 25; HemoCue, n = 10; iSTAT, n = 6; blood gas analysers, n = 10; haematology analyser, n = 2). Median sample size was 41 patients, and 11 studies were funded by device manufacturers. Fifteen of 34 studies had low risk of bias. Pooled mean differences (95% LOA) were: pulse co-oximeters 2.3 g/l (-25.2-29.8), HemoCue -0.3 g/l (-11.1-10.5), iSTAT -0.3 g/l (-8.4-7.8) and blood gas analysers -2.6 g/l (-17.8-12.7). All POCT examining intraoperative haemoglobin measurement yielded pooled mean difference LOAs larger than the allowable limit difference of ±4 g/dl. Intraoperative haemoglobin measured by POCT should not be considered interchangeable with central laboratory values and caution is necessary when using these tests to guide intraoperative transfusion.

Human health risk exposure from suspected BTEX and HMs contamination of Manihot spp. from nearby remediated oil spill field in Niger Delta, Nigeria

BackgroundCrude oil related activities in the Niger Delta region has exposed the environment to various degrees of pollutants, including heavy metals (HMs) and BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, m, p-xylene, and o-xylene). The study assessed the human health risk exposure to BTEX and HMs (Lead, (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) from remediated oil spilled field. Soil and Cassava tubers were collected around the field and analysed through laboratory procedures using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Gas Chromatography Flame under ASTMD 4691 and USEPA 8260B for HMs and BTEX, respectively. ResultThe mean concentration of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe and Cu in the soil was 0.234 mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.299 mg/kg, 0.307 mg/kg, 1.552 mg/kg and 0.527 mg/kg respectively and the concentration exceeded the allowable limit of WHO. The mean concentration of BTEX in the soil and Cassava was 0.0419 mg/kg and 0.1603 mg/kg, respectively and trended as Toluene (0.016 mg/kg) > Xylene (0.011 mg/kg) > Benzene (0.007 mg/kg) > Ethylbenzene (0.007 mg/kg) in soil and Ethylbenzene (0.057 mg/kg) > Xylene (0.051 mg/kg) > Benzene (0.034 mg/kg) > Toluene (0.02 mg/kg). The human health risk based on the target hazard quotient (THQ) for non-carcinogenic parameters in soil and Cassava ranged from “No Significant Risk of Non-Carcinogenic-NSRNc (THQ x 10-6) to Moderate Significant Risk of Non-Carcinogenic- MSRNc (THQ × 10-3)” for adults and children. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) of the HMs and BTEX in soil and Cassava for adults and children was within the “Negligible Carcinogenic Risk for Human-ACRH (TCR × 10-6 to TCR × 10-9)”. ConclusionContinuous consumption and bioaccumulation of Cassava means the population are not entirely free from the risk of health exposure to BTEX and heavy metals; therefore, effective environmental sustainability practices must be encouraged.

Chlorides in Concrete: Science-Based Exposure Classifications and Allowable Limits

Chlorides in Concrete: Science-Based Exposure Classifications and Allowable Limits

Nitrogen-doped biomass-derived carbon dots for fluorescence determination of sunset yellow.

Sunset Yellow (SY) is a widely used food coloring in the food industry. However, exceeding the allowable limit of this dye poses a significant threat to human health. To address this issue, we developed Lycium ruthenicum-derived nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with a stable blue fluorescence through hydrothermal treatment for SY determination. The quantum yield (QY) of these N-CDs was found to be up to 10.63%. Physical characterization of N-CDs was performed using various spectroscopic techniques to confirm their excellent photostability and non-toxic properties. Furthermore, the presence of SY had a substantial quenching effect on the fluorescence intensity (F0/F) of the N-CDs. Leveraging this observation, we developed a fluorescent sensor for the determination of SY in the concentration range of 0.05 to 35.0 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD, 3σ/K) of 17 nM. The excellent fluorescent sensor also showed satisfactory results in the practical drink samples. Moreover, the stability and cytotoxicity of N-CDs as a fluorescent probe were studied. Finally, the N-CDs were applied to cell imaging using A549 cells.

Assessment of Noise Levels of Churches in the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly in Ghana.

Different sound levels are encountered by pastors, ministers, and the whole congregation during church services, which may extend for hours, and also by people living close to these churches. This can have an adverse effect on their health. The maximum allowable noise level in worship places is 65 dB (A), according to the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). The aim of the study was to quantify the noise pollution levels of the churches in Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA) and assess the equivalent noise levels of the churches' indoor and outdoor spaces. This investigation is being conducted due to the high number of churches and the noise emanating from these churches in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality and the possible impact on human health. Thirty churches were chosen at random for the study; on Sundays between the hours of 7.30 and 12.0 pm, sound levels in churches were measured using a portable General Class 1 Meter type DSM403SD with a data logging system. MS Excel was used to evaluate the data and determine characteristics including noise exposure levels (NEL), background noise level (L 90), severe noise level (L 10), and equivalent noise level (L eq). The indoor equivalent noise level ranges from 74.5 dB (A) to 104.1 dB (A), and the outdoor equivalent noise level ranges from 52.6 dB (A) to 85.3 dB (A). All of the noise levels found indoors of the churches were greater than the 65 dB (A) safe allowable limit, putting the congregants and residents at risk for a variety of physiological and psychological problems.

Ecotoxicological status, source apportionment and human health risk assessment of potential toxic element in surface water and sediments of creeks along Bonny River, Nigeria

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are naturally available in the environment; however, anthropogenic activities encourage their high concentration, posing environmental and human health risks. The ecotoxicological status, source apportionment and health risk assessment of PTEs (Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Copper (Cu)) in creeks (Fibiri and Iwoama) along Bonny River were examined through laboratory analysis (American Public Health Association standard), indicators and statistical techniques. The PTEs concentration of surface water and sediment for both creeks exceeded the WHO allowable limit, and the surface water trended as Cr > Pb > Fe > Ni > Cd > Zn > Cu > Se for Fibiri creeks, Fe > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Zn > Cu > Se for Iwoama creek while the sediment trended as Fe > Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn > Cd > Cu > Se for both creeks. The contamination factor (CF) of the creek’s sediment showed low CF (Zn and Cu), moderate CF (Ni, Pb and Cr) and very high CF (Fe and Cd), while risk index status ranged from low risk (Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cu), moderate risk (Fe) and significantly high risk (Cd). The human health risk revealed that children could be exposed to potential non-carcinogenic effect (HI > 1) with Zn (1.64 and 2.03), and the Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) for children indicated high carcinogenic risk (TCR > 1 × 10−4) for Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd of the creeks’ environmental mediums. The similarity in the trend and status of the creeks suggested that both environments are exposed to similar anthropogenic activities impact.

Comparative Analysis of the Physico-Chemical Properties and Trace Metal Content of Palm Oil, from Selected Markets in Jos South and Jos North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria.

The quality of palm oil samples collected from three different markets in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were analyzed and evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The relative ranges of the physicochemical values obtained were as follows; Moisture Content (MC): 0.56 - 1.89, Iodine value (IV); 51.88 - 55.57 g I2/100g, Peroxide Value (PV): 0.98 - 4.16 mEq02/kg, Saponification Values (SV): 198.46 - 201.54 mgKOH/g, Acid Value (AV): 9.93 - 57.65, and Refractive Index (RI), 1.4576 - 1.4580. The moisture content, iodin value, pH values and acid values were found to exceed the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) permissible limits of moisture content (0.29 mgKOH/g), iodine value (45 - 53 mg I2/100g), pH (5 - 7 mg/L), and acid value (0.7 max mg/L) for edible oils respectively while the refractive index, saponification values, peroxide values falls within the SON allowable limits of refractive index (1.4612-1.4707 mg/L), saponification value (195-205 mgKOH/g) and peroxide value (10 mEq02/kg) respectively . The amounts of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd) determined in the palm oil using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer ranged from Cu(0.34 - 0.52 mg/l), Zn(1.58 - 2.33 mg/l), Fe(19.18 - 26.74 mg/l), Pb(2.87 - 4.06 mg/l) and Cd(1.58 - 2.24 mg/l). However, the levels of Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd exceeded the WHO/FAO recommended values of (1.50, 1.00, 0.05 and 0.02 mg/L) respectively while only Cu concentration was below the WHO/FAO limits of 2.00 mg/L for trace metals in edible palm oil. Consequently, the results of this study shows that the palm oil consumed from these selected markets does not meet the standard quality specification for edible palm oils and hence can post significant health threat to consumers. Therefore, food regulatory agencies should strengthen their surveillance to promote food and health safety of the populace.

Comparative analysis of deviation in high buildings based on earthquake load SNI 1726:2012 and SNI 1726:2019

In 2019 the National Standardization Agency (BSN) issued the latest Indonesian National Standard (SNI), namely SNI 1726:2019 concerning Procedures for Planning Earthquake Resistance for Building Structures and No Buildings. SNI 1726:2019 is a revision of SNI 1726:2012. The purpose of this study was to determine the percentage of displacement ratio in tall buildings between using SNI for Planning Procedures for Earthquake Resistance for Building Structures and Building Structures SNI 1726:2012 and SNI 1726:2019. The method used in this research is data analysis using numerical methods. Data analysis by analyzing steel building structures and modeling steel building designs using SAP2000. The results of the analysis show that the comparison of drift between floors in buildings using SNI 2012 and SNI 2019 is not very significant and is still within the allowable deviation limits.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Water Quality and Mass Balance of the Bhairab River, Khulna

Abstract: Water is a vital component for all organisms on Earth. Water is essential for the survival of all living organisms on Earth. Water is vital for life, much like oxygen, since no kind of life can survive without it. Water often includes several physical, chemical, and biological contaminants. Surface water sources mostly consist of rivers, lakes, ponds, glaciers, and precipitation. The sources are becoming degraded due to contemporary urbanization, escalating population, domestic trash, and industry. The Bhairab River is not far from the sick worry. The water quality of the area is rapidly deteriorating due to the significant influx of contaminants it gets. This research focuses on evaluating the water quality and mass balance of the Bhairab River. In order to achieve the current objective of the research, a stretch of 22.9 kilometers from Jailkhana Ferighat to Shuvorada Kheya Ghat, Fultola, was split into 10 sample sites. The water samples were collected monthly from each monitoring site during the year of 2021 for laboratory analysis. A total of nine water quality indicators, including Fecal Coliform, Temperature, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), pH, Turbidity, Total Solids (TS), Phosphate, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Nitrate, and Chloride, were analyzed using standardized methods. The water quality evaluation was conducted by calculating the WQI using the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) technique. The mass balance has been determined by means of analysis. The current study is being undertaken using both primary and secondary data sources. The investigation reveals that the primary parameters exhibit varying degrees of correlation with each other. In December, the temperature reached a minimum of 16.8 °C, while in May, it peaked at 37.5°C. The pH reached its peak at 8.80 in August, while it had its lowest point at 7.94 in January. The pH variation is minimal and similar throughout the board. The measured turbidity level was 564 NTU, which is the average value. The maximum total solids (TS) concentration recorded was 3346 mg/L, while the minimum concentration was 2460 mg/L. The phosphate content reached its peak at 8.12 mg/L in S5, while it was at its lowest at 4.26 mg/L in S4. The maximum nitrate concentration measured was 26.4 mg/L, while the minimum concentration was 12.80 mg/L. The maximum biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) recorded was 1.80 mg/L at location S6, whereas the minimum BOD was 0.60 mg/L at location S3. The concentration of BOD was consistently low during each month. The highest fecal coliform (FC) concentration observed in November was 1024 N/100ml, while the lowest concentration was 572 N/100ml. The drinking water quality standard for fecal coliform (FC) in Bangladesh is zero per 100 milliliters. The greatest, average, and lowest values surpass the allowable limit set by BDS. The water quality index determined for the year 2021 for Ten Stations has an average value of 43, indicating a similar level of water quality throughout the stations. According to the range of NSF water quality index, the Bhairab River has a poor quality rating. Therefore, this water is not safe for drinking without undergoing treatment. The Bhairab River has a Mass Balance value of 362349.09 gallons per day

Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater in and around the Peenya Industrial Area in Bengaluru City

The present study aims to use the Water Quality Index (WQI) modeling method to know about groundwater hydrochemistry and drinking suitability in and around (5 km) the Peenya industrial area/estate in Bengaluru city. For this research study, 116 bore well samples were collected and examined for the pre (dry) and post (wet) monsoon seasons in 2021, following APHA standard procedures. According to the BIS standard, the TH, Ca, Mg, NO3, and TDS exceed the desirable limits in both seasons. The water quality examination data shows that TDS concentration is found to be higher above the desired limit (500 mg/l) during the pre- (63%) and post- (45%) monsoon seasons. Furthermore, 55% (pre-monsoon) and 15% (post-monsoon) of the groundwater samples exceed the BIS’s nitrate allowable limit (45 mg/l). Among the analyzed samples, the calcium content in 19% and 20% of samples exceeded the desirable limit (75 mg/l), and magnesium content in 87% and 83% exceeded the desirable limit (30 mg/l) in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. In 95% of samples, TH content exceeded the desirable limit (200 mg/l) in both pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Piper diagram plots were utilized to determine sources of dissolved constituents, rock-water interaction, and other factors that influenced the region’s groundwater composition. Based on hydro-chemical facies the Ca-Mg-HCO3 type of water predominates in the study area during pre (dry) and post (wet)-monsoon seasons of the year 2021. The chemistry of groundwater has deteriorated significantly because of several industrial and anthropogenic activities. The WQI spatial distribution map shows that groundwater quality has the greatest impact in the west and a few places in the north and south regions of the research area. This study was conducted in Bangalore’s Peenya industrial area to determine whether groundwater is suitable for drinking, identify the mechanisms governing groundwater’s geochemistry, and evaluate the effects of an industrial area on groundwater quality. The primary focus of this study is the major ion chemistry in this field.

Bioaccumulation of Some Heavy Metals in the Muscle of Cyprinus carpio from Three Locations in Dukan Lake

Because of their toxicity, when present in concentrations beyond the allowable limit, heavy metals in our environment have been a source of great concern. These metals are released into the environment in a variety of ways that favor consumption, such as through industrial processes. Fish are the most popular type of seafood. This study's purpose was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Co) in the muscles of Cyprinus carpio from three distinct areas of Dukan Lake (the center of Dukan Lake, Ranya, and Qaladze) of Sulaimani province. The mean values of the elements examined in fish muscles were measured in the descending sequence of Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni > Co. All the discovered heavy metals were within the permitted FAO levels, except for cadmium, whose value (0.136 ppm) was higher than the 0.05 ppm threshold set by the European Union and government (EC, 2006). In conclusion, consuming such fish poses no dangers to humans based on detected amounts of targeted heavy metals except cadmium. The concentration of Co is affected by the location, sex, and season of fish captured, while the concentration of Cu and Ni are affected by fish sex.

A thiophene-linked terpyridine based phenanthridine chemoreceptor for Cd2+ and Cr3+ selective ratiometric fluorescence detection in environmental water and rice samples

BackgroundThe studied materials, Cadmium (Cd2+) and Chromium (Cr3+) are highly toxic, and it focuses on investigating various environmental sources, such as industrial processes and waste water. When quantities of Cr3+ and Cd2+ exceed the allowable limit, biological toxicity and hazardous environmental pollution are unavoidable. In order to address this problem, we introduce 5-(5-(4-([2,2':6′,2″-terpyridin]-4′-yl) phenyl) thiophen-2-yl)-7,8,13,14-tetrahydrodibenzo [a,i] phenanthridine (TPTP), a dual-emission response chemosensor that employs a colorimetric and fluorescence turn-on approach for the rapid, sensitive, and discriminate detection of Cr3+ and Cd2+ ions. ResultsWe created a newly designed luminous TPTP sensor based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). TPTP sensor probe specifically determined Cr3+ and Cd2+ ions with an immediate colour shift from cyan to green and orange in CH3CN: H2O (6:4) solvent solution. The permissible level set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States for the presence of Cr3+ and Cd2+ ions in drinking water was higher than the detection level of 3.5 and 9.7 nM, by this sensor respectively. NMR titrations, HRMS, and theoretical calculation methods were employed to examine the accurate sensing processes of TPTP and complexes. SignificanceThis is an effective method of detecting Cr3+ and Cd2+ ions in an environmental system using a ratiometric methodology. In addition, TPTP was used to determine the concentration of Cr3+ and Cd2+ ions in natural water and food samples. Fluorescent bio-imaging studies revealed that the present sensor TPTP could identify Cr3+ and Cd2+ ions inside living HeLa cells. A paper kit analysis has been done on TPTP, which has a time-to-result of less than 1 s and offers a cost-effective assay. As a result, the platform offers portability.

Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Tissues of Binni Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi and Water in Al-Dalmaj Marsh/Iraq

The study was conducted in Al-Dalmaj marsh, considered one of the most important wetlands at the national and regional level and represents the most critical environment to form a good stock of Binni Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi in Iraq. The study assessed heavy metals in water and M. sharpeyi by detecting accumulation of (Nickel, Cadmium and Lead) in the tissues of gills, liver, and small intestines during the summer and winter seasons 2022-2023. The study results showed a high concentration of heavy metals in the water during summer compared to winter. Nickel levels ranged (0.19 ±0.627, 0.20 ±0.531) in water for both stations. The highest concentration was (1.339 mg/L) in suspended phase during summer, and ND in dissolved phase in winter, while Cadmium rates were (0.25±0.948, 0.17±0.478) in both stations respectively, the highest concentration was (1.827 mg/L) in suspended phase of station 1 during summer. Both stations ' lead rates were (0.39±1.455, 0.09±1.117). (3.176 mg/L) was the highest concentration in the suspended phase of station 1 during summer, while (0.121 mg/L) was the lowest in the suspended phase in winter. The results showed a sequence of concentrations of heavy metals in M. sharpeyi organs: Gills > Liver ≥ Small Intestines. The highest concentration rate of Nickel (4.109 & 3.692 mg/g) was recorded in small intestines and liver, respectively, during winter, the lowest rate (3.057 mg/g) was recorded in the gills during summer, the total of sedimentation rate of Ni in the liver and intestines was (3.726 mg/g), whereas (3.114 mg/g) in gills. Cadmium recorded an equal value of (0.957 mg/g) representing the highest percentage in the small intestines for both seasons. The highest concentrations (0.906 mg/g) in liver during summer. The total sedimentation rate of Cd in liver and small intestines was (0.852 mg/g), while (0.738 mg/g) was in gills. Lead recorded a high significant rate reaching to (8.501 mg/g) in gills during summer, followed by (6.115 mg/g) and (5.891 mg/g) in the liver and small intestines, respectively. Generally, lead reached the highest value for all elements assessed in fish at (8.501 mg/g) in the gills during summer, while (5.027 mg/g) was the highest rate in the liver during winter, and (3.709 mg/g) was the lowest rate in small intestines during winter. The total sedimentation rate of Pb in liver and small intestines was (5.185 mg/g), and (6.41 mg/g) was in the gills. Cadmium was recorded above the permissible (0.05 mg/g) limit by FAO [25] in the small intestine and liver, whereas lead exceeded the allowable limits (5 mg/g) by FAO/WHO [26]. Accordingly, the intake of these organs is unsafe for humans, and the registration of these high values poses a risk to the survival of this species as it can cause the death of fish in their environment under certain conditions.

Spatial and variety distributions, risk assessment, and prediction model for heavy metals in rice grains in China.

In this study, 6229 brown rice grains from three major rice-producing regions were collected to investigate the spatial and variety distributions of heavy metals in rice grains in China. The potential sources of heavy metals in rice grains were identified using the Pearson correlation matrix and principal component analysis, and the health risks of dietary exposure to heavy metals via rice consumption were assessed using the hazard index (HI) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) method, respectively. Moreover, 48 paired soil and rice samples from 11 cities were collected to construct a predicting model for Cd accumulation in rice grains using the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis. The results indicated that Cd and Ni were the main heavy metal pollutants in rice grains in China, with approximately 10% of samples exceeding their corresponding maximum allowable limits. The Yangtze River basin had heavier pollution of heavy metals than the Southeast Coastal Region and Northeast Plain, and the indica rice varieties had higher heavy metal accumulation abilities compared with the japonica rice. The Cu, Pb, and Cd mainly originated from anthropogenic sources, while As, Hg, Cr, and Ni originated from both natural and anthropogenic sources. The mean HI and TCR values of dietary exposure to heavy metals via rice consumption ranged from 2.92 to 4.31 and 9.74 × 10-3 to 1.44 × 10-2, respectively, much higher than the acceptable range, and As and Ni were the main contributor to the HI and TCR for Chinese adults and children, respectively. The available Si (ASi), total Cd (TCd), available Mo (AMo), and available S (AS) were the main soil factors determining grain Cd accumulation. A multiple linear stepwise regression model was constructed based on ASi, TCd, AMo, and AS in soils with good accuracy and precision, which could be applied to predict Cd accumulation in rice grains and guide safe rice production in contaminated paddy fields.

MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES FOR DETECTION OF AFLATOXIGENIC ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS AND DETERMINE THEIR AFLATOXIN IN PISTACHIOS.

The better approach to control the contamination of food by aflatoxin (AF), is identifying the fungal strains responsible for producing that toxin. To estimate the presence of aflatoxigenic fungi growth and AFs in pistachios, thirty two pistachios samples (8 fresh and 24 salt roasted) were collected from Sulaimani markets (Iraq).Rapid screening method for AFs production were utilized initially based on culture methods, the positive samples confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that were applied using DNA extracted from the isolates of A. flavus targeting the genes (afR, aflP, aflD, and aflQ). For determination of AF production of those isolates, ELISA technique was applied. The results show, contamination of 20 (62.5%) samples of pistachios with fungi, among them A. flavus was the predominant. Ten (71.4% (of the A. flavus isolates were amplified the target genes by applying PCR, indicating their ability to produce AFs. Application of ELISA technique revealed AFs detection in 21(65.6%) samples of pistachios. The mean levels of AFs determined were 6.06 and 12.08 μg/kg in fresh and salt roasted samples respectively. 19 (59.4%) of pistachio samples were exceed the maximum allowable limit set by the European union of total AFs concentration .Strong correlation obtained between AFs gene expression with AFs production. However, to avoid false negative and false positive results, applying more than one diagnostic molecular technique were suggested.

A Dynamic Multiple Reaction Monitoring Analytical Method for the Determination of Fungicide Residues in Drinking Water

The extensive use of fungicides causes their continuous release into the environment through spraying, soil seepage, leaching, and runoff. It has been observed that their residues can be found in foods and a variety of environmental compartments, such as wastewater, lakes, rivers, sediments, drinking water sources (groundwater and surface water), treated water, and drinking water. A sensitive GC-MS/MS, using dynamic multiple reaction monitoring, an analytical method was developed to determine 10 fungicides (azoxystrobin, boscalid, captan, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, hexaconazole, metalaxyl, myclobutanil, paclobutrazol, and prochloraz) in drinking water. A solid-phase extraction method for sample preparations and validations was performed according to SANTE 2019 guidelines. All fungicides demonstrated mild or medium matrix effects (ME) ranging from 40.1% to 11.2%. Their recoveries ranged between 60% and 110%. The limits of detection were equal to or higher than 0.01 μg/L. The method was employed on 18 drinking water samples collected from public taps in Northern Evros, Greece, distributed in six sampling sites. Azoxystrobin, boscalid, cyproconazole, cypronidil, metalaxyl, and paclobutrazol mean concentrations did not surpass the allowable limit of 0.1 μg/L set by EU in any sampling site. Hexaconazole mean concentrations were higher than 0.1 μg/L in one sampling site, while prochloraz mean concentration showed limit exceedances in all sampling sites. Captan was not detected in any sampling site, and myclobutanil mean concentrations demonstrated exceedances of the permissible limit in four sampling sites. The presence of fungicide residues in the studied area is mainly due to the occasional point-sources pollution and preferential flow. Additionally, through the use of water, the risk of pesticides to human health was assessed for two different age groups. The sum of the hazard quotient values in each of the studied drinking water was less than unity. Consequently, the acute risk assessment procedure regards the examined drinking water as safe. Nevertheless, as prochloraz carcinogenic risk values were higher than the safe limit suggested by USEPA for both age groups, the existence of prochloraz residues raises concerns about chronic toxicity.

The Status Quo of Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant at Khulna and Its Future Prospec-tive About Biomass Energy (Briquette)

As many developing countries are moving towards increased sanitation coverage, Bangladesh has been striding successfully towards full sanitation coverage with the proper management of fecal sludge city-wide. Following the situation, Khulna City Corporation built a Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) with six units of CW (constructed wetlands) and six units of drying beds in 2017. The main objective of this study is to discuss the current situation of Khulna FSTP based on treatment efficiency and its future perspective on biomass energy (briquette). In Khulna FSTP, the collected fecal sludge from septic tanks and pits is treated, and finally, its effluent is discharged into the environment, satisfying the disposal standards. The removal efficiency of final effluent for Biochemical Oxygen Demands (BOD5) and Total Solids was found to vary between 97.8% - 97% and 98% - 93% in the previous year to the present, respectively. Total Suspended Solis and Fecal Coliform never exceeded the allowable limit 100gm/L and 1000 N/100ml in final effluent. Furthermore, dried sludge is used as handmade processing biomass energy (briquette) without further treatment, which has some procedural problems such as loose compaction and pathogenic contamination.

The Risk of Water Quality Deterioration with Urban Flood Control—A Case in Wuxi

There is a demand for flood control in densely populated river network areas. Therefore, small floodgates are used for long-term and rapid water flow regulation in such contexts. However, people often disregard these floodgates’ potential interference with the natural water environment. This study focused on an urban floodgate-controlled reach and monitored the monthly data of four main pollutant indicators (TN, TP, CODMn, and NH3-N) from 2016 to 2018 at six fixed sampling points (S1–S6). The difference analysis and cluster analysis results indicated that floodgate adjustments were the dominant driving factor of water quality changes in the reach, with pollutant concentration differences observed between the floodgate opening and closing periods. The results of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index evaluation showed that the water quality of the floodgate-controlled reach was categorized as “marginal” or “poor”. It is particularly important to note that the concentration of nitrogen compounds exceeded the allowable limits. The results of the Mann–Kendall trend and time series analyses revealed an overall upward trend in NH3-N concentration and a localized upward trend in TP concentration and presented periodic concentration fluctuations of four pollutants (TN, TP, CODMn, and NH3-N). This study highlights that flood control management using small floodgates can pose a risk of deteriorating water quality. Therefore, it is necessary to develop scientific water quality management methods.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Selected Fishes from Ojo, Lagos Nigeria

This study was embarked on to investigate the status of heavy metal contaminants in tissues of five fish species from Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Adult Sarotherodon melanotheron, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Liza Falcipinnis, Eleotris vittata and Psettia sebae were obtained from fishermen in jetty and a local market in Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. The cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe) presence in the tissues of S. melanotheron, C. nigrodigitatus, L. falcipinnis, E. vittata and P. sebae were examined and the trace metals levels were quantified plying Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The heavy metal levels found in the tissues were compared to the limits permitted of some global guidelines. The concentration of cadmium in the fish species samples span from 0.40-0.85 mg/kg. The Pb concentration in the fish samples range from 1.25-2.50 mg/kg. The Fe concentration in the fish species range from 20.16-42.50 mg/kg. The Cu concentration in the fish species samples range from 2.17-4.77 mg/kg. The Zn concentration in the fish samples range from 176.02-262.60 mg/kg. The Zn level in every fish specimen was higher than the allowable limit, while the Cu level in all the fish samples were below the allowable limit. Chromium was not found in the fish samples. All the five species of fish showed the potential to accumulate high level of heavy metals (Cd, Zn and Pb) in their tissues which could be unsafe for human consumption in the long term.

Measurement of ambient particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10) in Khulna City of Bangladesh and their implications for human health

Atmospheric particles have been significantly affecting urban air quality and urban-oriented living in an increasing share of the population in Bangladesh. This study assessed the concentration of PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 in Khulna, one of the largest cities in Bangladesh located near the Bay of Bengal. The maximum average concentrations were recorded 415 ± 184.01 µg/m3 for PM10, 302 ± 109.89 µg/m3 for PM2.5, and 143 ± 45.05 µg/m3 for PM1.0. These values are several times higher than the World Health Organization air quality standard and Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standard. According to the size and fractional distribution of PM, most of the monitoring locations were dominated by fine particles. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to exposure to ambient PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 were also quantified to illustrate the relevant potential human health risks. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values of PM1.0 ranged from 8.6E0–4 to 6.0E–07 and PM2.5 varied between 8.6E–04 and 6.0E–07 exceeded the allowable limit at every location indicating the potential cancer-developing risk to the urban population. The health quotient (HQ) values also crossed the least permissible value at most of the locations depicting strong non-carcinogenic risks. Average HQ values of PM2.5 varied from 1.07 to 20.13 while PM10 ranged from 0.44 to 8.3. This research revealed children and elderly people as the most vulnerable age groups with the highest carcinogenic risks through exposure to atmospheric PM in Khulna city. Therefore, air pollution reduction plans and risk mitigation strategies should be developed and implemented by the government authorities.Graphical