Contamination Control Research Articles

Characterization of deoxynivalenol dehydrogenase from Pelagibacterium sp. SCN 63-126 and its application.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a type-B trichothecene mycotoxin, is primarily produced by Fusarium species and widely pollutes wheat and other grains. Enzymatic treatment of DON has been widely studied in recent years. Here, we present the biochemical identification of the DON dehydrogenase from Pelagibacterium sp. SCN 63-126 (Pe DDH). After removing the signal peptide, Pe DDH is effectively expressed in its soluble form. Biochemical identification indicates that the optimal temperature and pH of Pe DDH against DON is 35 ℃ and pH 8.5. Furthermore, Pe DDH is activated significantly in the presence of Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cu2+, and alternatively activated by pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), phenazine methosulfate (PMS), and 2, 6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP). When PQQ, PMS, and DCPIP are combined, Pe DDH (60µg/mL) effectively degrads DON (150 µM) in just 5min, suggesting a synergistic effect of three cofactors on DON degradation. All these results suggest a great potential of Pe DDH in the control of DON contamination.

Computational screening of single-cluster catalysts anchored on g-C3N4 for nitroreduction of 3-nitro-1,2,4-trizole-5-one (NTO)

3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO) is widely used as an insensitive explosive in high-safety weapon systems; however, it poses significant environmental risks due to its high solubility and anionic nature. Despite 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (ATO) has been identified as the key intermediate during NTO degradation, developing highly active and selective catalysts for the NTO to ATO process remains challenging. Using computational screening with density functional theory (DFT), ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, and enhanced sampling approach, this study presents a rational design among metal trimer (M3, where M = Ag, Au, Cu, Ir, Os, Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ru) cluster anchored on N-vacancy and perfect graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as robust single-cluster catalysts (SCCs) with promising efficiency for NTO nitroreduction. Through a three-step process involving structural optimization, AIMD simulation, and enhanced sampling calculation, we found that Ru shows remarkable activity and selectivity for NTO nitroreduction, particularly in a solvent environment with a higher concentration of H. Notably, the Ru3@1CN SCC demonstrates the ability to directly reduce NTO to ATO in the first two steps. This work opens new avenues for NTO nitroreduction in contamination control and production of functionalized chemicals, providing valuable guidance for selective hydrogenation of other nitro compounds as well.

Preparation, characterization and properties of chitosan-coated Epsilon-poly-lysine nanoliposomes in apple juice

Epsilon-poly-lysine (EPL) is widely used in food preservatives. However, EPL can react with components in food substrates, resulting in the formation of precipitates that reduce its antimicrobial properties. Nanoencapsulation is a promising technique and represents a novel approach to enhance EPL activity. In this study, EPL nanoliposomes (EPLLP) were prepared by the thin film hydration method, and chitosan-coated nanoliposomes (CS-EPLLP) were developed by modifying EPLLP with 0.5 mg/mL chitosan. The obtained CS-EPLLP exhibited a spherical morphology with a particle size range of 85.27–89.77 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.293–0.301, and an encapsulation efficiency of 83.01 ± 4.00 %. After 30 days of storage, no significant difference in particle size was observed and the PDI was <0.30. The release rate of EPLLP was up to 40 % in 1 h, while that of CS-EPLLP was <20 %. The physical and thermal stability of EPLLP could be effectively improved by chitosan. Moreover, CS-EPLLP could effectively eradicate A. acidocaldarius and A. acidoterrestris in apple juice at concentrations of 2.5 and 0.625 mg/L, respectively. The cytotoxicity test showed that CS-EPLLP exhibited excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, this study has developed a novel nanoliposome material that provides new insights into the control of bacterial contamination in fruit juices.

Control of Microbial Contamination in Dental Unit Waterlines: Effectiveness of Neutral Electrolytic Water

Control of Microbial Contamination in Dental Unit Waterlines: Effectiveness of Neutral Electrolytic Water

The transcription factor FgSfp1 orchestrates mycotoxin deoxynivalenol biosynthesis in Fusarium graminearum

Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum) and its derivative mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) are highly concerned with food safety and sustainability worldwide. Although several transcription factors (TFs) had been elucidated, molecular mechanism participates in DON biosynthesis regulation remains largely unrevealed. Here, we first characterized a zinc finger-contained TF in F. graminearum, FgSfp1, which is indispensable for DON production since its depletion resulting in a 95.4% DON yielding reduction. Interestingly, contrast to previous knowledge, all TRI-cluster genes were abnormally upregulated in ΔFgSfp1 while Tri proteins abundance rationally decreased simultaneously. Further evidence show FgSfp1 could coordinate genetic translation pace by manipulating ribosomal biogenesis process. Specifically, FgSfp1-depletion leads to ribosome biogenesis assembly factor (RiBi) expression attenuation along with DON precursor acetyl-CoA synthase reduction since FgSfp1 actively interacts with RNA 2’-O-methylation enzyme FgNop1 revealed by Bi-FC. It subsequently influences mRNA translation pace. In conclusion, we elucidated that the FgSfp1 orchestrates DON biosynthesis via participating RNA posttranscriptional modification for ribosomal RNA maturation, offering insights into the DON biosynthesis regulation. Ultimately, this TF might be a key regulator for DON contamination control in the whole food chain.

Numerical analysis and experimental study for removal of copper and zinc from groundwater by dielectric barrier discharge

ABSTRACT Conventional methods of treating zinc and copper have the disadvantages of secondary contamination and complex control processes. This paper investigates the removal characteristics of gas–liquid mixed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in high-concentration copper–zinc groundwater. The study combines numerical simulation and experimentation to analyze the effects of discharge power, initial pH, gas flow rate, and liquid flow rate on copper and zinc removal rates. The results show that a better gas–liquid mixing distribution can be achieved when the inlet flow rate is 40 L/min and the inlet flow rate is below 200 mL/min. The removal of Cu can be up to 98.68% and Zn up to 96.28% when the discharge power is 56 W and the initial pH is 11. The optimum treatment time for Cu2+ is 3–6 min, while the best copper removal occurs at a gas flow rate of 20–30 L/min and a liquid flow rate of 100 mL/min. It was found that the optimum treatment time for Zn2+ was different for different process parameters, mainly in the range of 9–12 min, which needs to be noted in future production applications. Therefore, DBD can efficiently eliminate copper and zinc ions from groundwater to meet environmental discharge standards.

Rapid colonization of a space‐returned Ryugu sample by terrestrial microorganisms

AbstractThe presence of microorganisms within meteorites has been used as evidence for extraterrestrial life, however, the potential for terrestrial contamination makes their interpretation highly controversial. Here, we report the discovery of rods and filaments of organic matter, which are interpreted as filamentous microorganisms, on a space‐returned sample from 162173 Ryugu recovered by the Hayabusa 2 mission. The observed carbonaceous filaments have sizes and morphologies consistent with microorganisms and are spatially associated with indigenous organic matter. The abundance of filaments changed with time and suggests the growth and decline of a prokaryote population with a generation time of 5.2 days. The population statistics indicate an extant microbial community originating through terrestrial contamination. The discovery emphasizes that terrestrial biota can rapidly colonize extraterrestrial specimens even given contamination control precautions. The colonization of a space‐returned sample emphasizes that extraterrestrial organic matter can provide a suitable source of metabolic energy for heterotrophic organisms on Earth and other planets.

Electron microscopy method in assessing the quality of cell cryopreservation

During its existence, electron microscopy has become one of the reference methods for assessing the structural and functional state of cells, tissues and organs, and an extensive evidence base has been formed that allows its use in the creation and formation of a biobank. The selection of sources for the literature review was carried out using keywords based on publications over the past 20 years. The publications presented in the review were selected by searching the eLIBRARY.RU, PubMed and Scopus databases. Based on foreign and domestic experience in the work of biobanks, we can distinguish four areas that determine the effectiveness of the use of electron microscopy studies as a component of its work. Firstly, it is control of microbiological contamination of a biological sample. The effectiveness of electron microscopy in detecting contamination of a biological sample with bacteria, fungi and viruses is comparable to the effectiveness of classical microbiological techniques. Secondly, it is a diagnostic tool that allows you to identify or confirm the presence in a sample of a pathogenetic process that is of interest for biobanking: tumor growth, atherosclerotic vessel damage, etc. Thirdly, it is quality control for cryopreservation of samples. A wide range of morphological characteristics of the ultramicroscopic structure of cells and microanatomical formations makes it possible to characterize the quality of cryopreservation and quantify the degree of damage, which contributes to the unification and standardization of biobanking. Transmission electron microscopy is the most informative in this matter. Fourthly, this is the basis for digitalization of the results obtained and the formation of an interdisciplinary biobank repository, which allows the use of “big date” technologies for fundamental research. The compliance of the biobank profile with the economic, scientific and industrial characteristics of the infrastructure of the industry or region is of great importance. Electron microscopy data are successfully combined with the results of molecular studies, which allows the formation of interdisciplinary metadata databases suitable for interregional and interdisciplinary scientific integrations. The latter makes it possible to use electron microscopy data to solve a wide range of applied and interdisciplinary problems. The above allows us to consider scanning and transmission microscopy methods as one of the key methods in the development of biobanking in the region.

PHENOMENON OF BACTERIAL RESISTANCE IN OIL PRODUCTION AND GATHERING SYSTEM

In this paper, the active substances of bactericides and the mechanisms of their action are considered. Information on the mechanism of bacterial adsorption to the metal surface, which forms the most corrosive form of bacterial colonies – the adhered one – is presented. Methods of biological contamination control, both physical and chemical, are also considered. The mechanism of bactericidal action of chemical compositions consisting of 3 stages (interaction with water, interaction of bactericide aqueous solutions with bacterial cell membranes, interaction of bactericide with cytoplasmic membrane) is also reviewed. The main types of bacterial resistance common in water circulation systems, reservoir pressure maintenance systems, oil production, transportation, gathering and storage systems are summarized. The mechanisms of occurrence of each type of manifestation and method of spreading resistance between colonies are considered. It is important to note that at the moment, methods to control each of the cases of resistance when using bactericides in oil production have been poorly studied, while constant and non-alternating dosing of reagents leads to bacteria mutation and a decrease in the effectiveness of bactericidal action, which, in turn, leads to significant technological problems and economic costs. Therefore, an important step in choosing bactericides, types and methods of treating an infected environment is to study bacterial resistance. The article accumulates and summarizes information on the methods currently used to prevent bacterial resistance.

Control of bacterial contamination in three types of fish selected from the coastal and inland regions of Tipaza (Algeria)

This study addresses the problem of microbiological contamination in fish sold in the region of Tipaza, where food safety is a growing concern. It aims to assess the contamination levels in three fish species: sardine, mackerel saurale, and bogue. To achieve this, samples were collected and analyzed for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. The results revealed that all samples contained total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and thermotolerant coliforms within acceptable limits. However, high levels of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus were detected in bogue and saurale samples, indicating unsatisfactory bacteriological quality, particularly in samples from the city of Tipaza. No Salmonella contamination was observed. These findings highlight significant hygiene issues during fish transport and sale, contributing to microbial contamination. The study concludes that improving handling practices is crucial to ensuring fish safety and reducing health risks to consumers.

Strategies to Overcome Erroneous Outcomes in Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Testing: Insights From the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, has been regarded as the diagnostic gold standard. However, the excessive sensitivity of RT-PCR may cause false-positive outcomes from contamination. Again, its technical complexity increases the chances of false-negatives due to pre-analytical and analytical errors. This narrative review explores the elements contributing to inaccurate results during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers strategies to minimize these errors. False-positive results may occur due to specimen contamination, non-specific primer binding, residual viral RNA, and false-negatives, which may arise from improper sampling, timing, labeling, storage, low viral loads, mutations, and faulty test kits. Proposed mitigation strategies to enhance the accuracy of RT-PCR testing include comprehensive staff training in specimen collection, optimizing the timing of tests, analyzing multiple gene targets, incorporating clinical findings, workflow automation, and implementing stringent contamination control measures. Identifying and rectifying sources of error in RT-PCR diagnosis through quality control and standardized protocols is imperative for ensuring quality patient care and effective epidemic control.

Analysis of Microplastics in Industrial Processes—Systematic Analysis of Digestion Efficiency of Samples from Forestry, Wastewater Treatment Plants and Biogas Industries

Microplastics (MPs) are persistent, globally relevant pollutants that have thus far been rigorously studied in natural waters but have not been as extensively studied in industrial wastewaters. Samples were collected from the forestry industry, wastewater treatment plants and the biogas industry. An enzymatic treatment protocol for MPs’ detection was applied to an assortment of industrial samples ranging from wastewaters, effluents and condensates to sludges and digestates. The effects of selected enzymes were studied systematically to develop a basis for digestion protocols on industrial samples. Further, different methods of detection (micro FTIR and Raman) were compared to each other, and the samples were visually examined using SEM. The developed protocols in this study were then compared with blank samples, contamination controls and samples spiked with artificial microplastics. This research aimed to fill some of the gap in the knowledge regarding the analysis methods and especially in the type of samples screened for microplastics thus far and presents a systematic approach to MPs’ detection in industrial wastewaters. It highlights the issues with the used analytical methods (such as misidentification) and validates the analysis results with milled, random shape and wide-size-range reference MPs that represent real samples better than standardized, ideal round beads. This study provides the first-ever suggestion for an enzymatic digestion protocol for industrial sample analysis.

Nanopore sequencing in surveillance of fungicide resistance

By detecting plant pathogens as early as possible, swift action can be taken to mitigate the spread of disease. Monitoring fungicide is another key part of effective disease control as pathogens can develop resistance to fungicides, rendering them ineffective. The area of plant disease management is advancing apace thanks to innovative research incorporating technical advances in detection and monitoring. For example, Dr Semcheddine Cherrad, Research and Development Manager at Conidia Coniphy, is conducting innovative studies on microbiological assessment and contamination control. The research team at Conidia Coniphy has been working on the detection of plant pathogens and monitoring of fungicide resistance for over 15 years and the teamâ–™s collective efforts in bioassay and molecular analysis, combined with the adoption of new technologies and processes is overcoming challenges in the field. For example, the researchers are utilising new generation sequencing (NGS) with long-read sequencing to generate huge datasets on DNA molecules of genes coding for proteins targeted by fungicides. The team has developed a tool for mould identification called ID-Fungi Plates (IDFP). It is a user-friendly medium that accelerates the identification of fungal pathogens by Maldi-tof. They have also developed a software called FUNGI MESURE, which can quantify fungal spores in samples, providing an accurate overview of fungal measures and facilitating lab routine tasks of methods with fungi. In addition, a database established by the team called FUNGI DNA supports the identification and study of fungal strains through DNA analysis.

Single-use technologies in bio manufacturing: benefits and implementation challenges

Single-use technologies (SUT) have revolutionized the bio manufacturing industry by offering flexibility, cost efficiency, and improved contamination control. Initially adopted for simpler processes, SUT has expanded to complex bioprocessing operations, driven by the growing demand for biologics, vaccines, and personalized medicines. This review explores the benefits of SUT, including reduced capital and operational expenditures, faster setup and turnaround times, and enhanced product safety. The scalability of SUT allows for rapid adaptation to market demands, significantly accelerating the time-to-market for critical therapies. However, the implementation of SUT is not without challenges. Material compatibility, leachables, waste management, and supply chain reliability pose significant hurdles. Moreover, regulatory and validation challenges complicate the adoption of these technologies in large-scale production. Case studies, including the rapid deployment of COVID-19 vaccines and the production of monoclonal antibodies, illustrate SUT's practical applications and benefits. The review also examines future trends, highlighting advances in materials, automation, and digital integration, as well as the expanding applications of SUT in cell and gene therapy manufacturing. As the bio manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, SUT will play a crucial role in meeting the industry's growing needs, provided the challenges associated with its implementation are effectively managed.

Development of an Effective Sterilization Protocol for Plant Tissue Culture Studies in Superfruit Aronia [Aronia melanocarpa (Michaux) Elliot

Effective sterilization protocols are crucial for a successful tissue culture study in Aronia. These protocols directly influence contamination rates, shoot health, and root development. In this context, the aim of the study is to develop an effective sterilization protocol for plant tissue culture studies in Aronia [Aronia melanocarpa (Michaux) Elliot], commonly known as the "superfruit." In study, shoot tips of the Nero Aronia variety were used as material. The sterilized shoot tips were transferred to the respective plant tissue culture media in a randomized parcels trial pattern with three replicates, each containing three explants per replicate. Various concentrations and combinations of sterilizing agents, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), mercuric chloride (HgCl2), and ethanol (C2H5OH), were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in maintaining tissue health and reducing contamination. A total of twelve protocols were developed, incorporating different concentrations of these chemicals. The results showed that the combination of 5% NaOCl and 3% H2O2 provided the lowest average contamination rate (5%) and the highest average number of healthy (uncontaminated) explants (9.00 piece), demonstrating the sterilization efficiency of this combination. On the other hand, protocols containing HgCl2, especially at higher concentrations, resulted in impaired root development. High ethanol concentrations also contributed to effective sterilization, with the combination of 7% NaOCl and 80% ethanol yielding a low contamination rate (8%) and preserving tissue health. This study emphasizes the need to balance sterilization protocols between effective contamination control and tissue viability. The findings are expected to benefit the improvement and development of tissue culture techniques for Aronia and similar species, providing a basis for further research on effective sterilization practices, which are currently limited in Aronia tissue culture.

Fluorescence sensor enabled control of contaminants of emerging concern in reclaimed wastewater using ozone-based treatment processes

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) pose significant challenges to environmental and human health. The development of the wastewater reuse sector, coupled with progressively stringent regulations, needs innovative systems that integrate advanced treatment processes with in-situ and real-time monitoring of CEC. This study investigates the use of a tryptophan-like fluorescence sensor for real-time and online monitoring of CEC within a pilot plant employing O3-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Two tertiary wastewater effluents (WW-1 and WW-2) were tested, placing the pilot system downstream of two different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Priority substances and micropollutants detected in the investigated water matrixes such as pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were selected as targeted compounds in this study. Fluorescence degradation was detected in real-time by the sensor, showing a high capability to detect fast changes in water quality induced by oxidation. Furthermore, the real-time fluorescence showed better sensitivity than lab-scale fluorescence in detecting the fast action of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) during the O3/H2O2 process, highlighting the importance of online monitoring. Selected CEC were degraded by AOPs with different percentages of removal efficiency (RE) (0%<RE<100% in WW-1 and 15%<RE<90% in WW-2) depending on oxidant doses and the reactivity of compounds with O3 and ·OH. Fluorescence data by online sensor enabled accurate prediction of the removal of a wide spectrum of CEC during O3 and O3/H2O2 processes (R2≥0.93). Furthermore, real-time fluorescence data were successfully used to predict observed pseudo-first-order rate constants of CEC with O3 or O3/H2O2. Obtained results suggest that real-time fluorescence monitoring is an excellent tool to control CEC removal during O3-based AOPs and monitor the transferred ozone in wastewater (R2≥0.94), contributing to the optimization of reagent dose, energy and costs.

Development on Surrogate Models for Predicting Plume Evolution Features of Groundwater Contamination with Natural Attenuation

Predicting the key plume evolution features of groundwater contamination are crucial for assessing uncertainty in contamination control and remediation, while implementing detailed complex numerical models for a large number of scenario simulations is time-consuming and sometimes even impossible. This work develops surrogate models with an effective and practicable pathway for predicting the key plume evolution features, such as the distance of maximum plume spreading, of groundwater contamination with natural attenuation. The representative various scenarios of the input parameter combinations were effectively generated by the orthogonal experiment method and the corresponding numerical simulations were performed by the reliable Groundwater Modeling System. The PSO-SVM surrogate models were first developed, and the accuracy was gradually enhanced from 0.5 to 0.9 under a multi-objective condition by effectively increasing the sample data size from 54 sets to 78 sets and decreasing the input variables from 25 of all the considered parameters to a smaller number of the key controlling factors. The statistical surrogate models were also constructed with the fitting degree all above 0.85. The achieved findings provide effective generic surrogate models along with a scientific basis and investigation approach reference for the environmental risk management and remediation of groundwater contamination, particularly with limited data.

Green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential regulator of callus growth, plant physiology, antioxidative and microbial contamination in Oryza sativa L.

In tissue culture, efficient nutrient availability and effective control of callus contamination are crucial for successful plantlet regeneration. This study was aimed to enhance callogenesis, callus regeneration, control callus contamination, and substitute iron (Fe) source with FeO-NPs in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media. Nanogreen iron oxide (FeO-NPs) were synthesized and well characterized with sizes ranging from 2 to 7.5 nm. FeO-NPs as a supplement in MS media at 15 ppm, significantly controlled callus contamination by (80%). Results indicated that FeCl3-based FeO-NPs induced fast callus induction (72%) and regeneration (43%), in contrast FeSO4-based FeO-NPs resulted in increased callus weight (516%), diameter (300%), number of shoots (200%), and roots (114%). Modified media with FeO-NPs as the Fe source induced fast callogenesis and regeneration compared to normal MS media. FeO-NPs, when applied foliar spray, increased Plant fresh biomass by 133% and spike weight by 350%. Plant height increased by 54% and 33%, the number of spikes by 50% and 265%, and Chlorophyll content by 51% and 34% in IRRI-6 and Kissan Basmati, respectively. Additionally, APX (Ascorbate peroxidase), SOD (Superoxide dismutase), POD (peroxidase), and CAT (catalase) increased in IRRI-6 by 27%, 29%, 283%, 62%, while in Kissan Basmati, APX increased by 70%, SOD decreased by 28%, and POD and CAT increased by 89% and 98%, respectively. Finally, FeO-NPs effectively substituted Fe source in MS media, shorten the plant life cycle, and increase chlorophyll content as well as APX, SOD, POD, and CAT activities. This protocol is applicable for tissue culture in other cereal crops as well.

Comprehensive Analysis of Needle Bearing Failures in Fuel Transfer Pumps: Insights from Testing and Finite Element Analysis

&lt;div&gt;This study investigates the failure mechanisms of needle bearings within fuel transfer pump assemblies through a comprehensive approach combining endurance testing, detailed inspection, the Dykem blue method, proximity sensors, and finite element analysis (FEA). The findings reveal critical insights into the causes of failure, highlighting significant axial displacement, with a maximum of 0.37 mm measured by proximity sensors. The Dykem technique identified distinct wear patterns across various components, pinpointing areas of high stress and potential failure. Detailed bearing inspections uncovered trunnion damage and abrasive wear, corroborated by FEA, which quantified displacements of 0.144 mm in the x-direction, 0.030 mm in the y-direction, and 0.015 mm in the z-direction. The primary operational factors contributing to bearing failure were contamination and inadequate axial control. These insights are pivotal, as they align with and expand upon established literature on bearing failures, providing a deeper understanding of the interplay between mechanical wear and operational conditions. Despite the robustness of the methodology, challenges included ensuring the accuracy of axial displacement measurements and replicating real-world operational stresses in a controlled environment. The study proposes several recommendations to enhance axial support and optimize system design to mitigate the identified issues. The societal impact of this research is significant, offering potential improvements in machinery reliability, which can lead to enhanced industrial efficiency and safety standards. This work advances the current knowledge in the field and provides practical solutions for extending the lifespan and performance of critical mechanical components in fuel transfer systems.&lt;/div&gt;

Potentially Toxic Elements in Urban-Grown Lettuce: Effectiveness of Washing Procedures, Risk Assessment, and Isotopic Fingerprint

This study investigates the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in urban gardens in a highly industrialized city in Brazil and evaluates the effectiveness of different washing methods in reducing contamination. Ten elements (arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn)) were analyzed for their concentration, and a health risk assessment was performed. The results showed that Pb concentrations in lettuce from gardens near the Capuava Petrochemical Complex reached 0.77 mg kg−1, exceeding both national and international safety limits. The most effective washing procedure involved the use of sodium hypochlorite, which reduced As by 46%, Pb by 48%, and V by 52%. However, elements such as Ba, Cd, Cr, and Ni showed limited reductions of less than 10% across all washing methods. Health risk assessments revealed a particular concern for children, with the total cancer risk (TCR) exceeding acceptable limits in some gardens. Isotopic analysis of Pb revealed that atmospheric pollution from gasoline emissions and industrial activities were the primary sources of contamination. The elevated levels of Pb, Cr, and As highlight the need for targeted health education in local communities, especially regarding the importance of proper washing techniques. Risk management strategies, including improved contamination control and public awareness, are crucial to minimize exposure to these harmful elements, particularly in vulnerable populations like children.