Global Environmental Monitoring System Research Articles

A data-driven approach for prioritising microbial and chemical hazards associated with dairy products using open-source databases

This study presents a data-driven approach for classifying food safety alerts related to chemical and microbial contaminants in dairy products using the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS) food contaminants databases. This research aimed to prioritise microbial and chemical hazards based on their presence and severity through exploratory data analysis and to classify the severity of chemical hazards using machine learning (ML) approaches. It identified Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium spp., and Cronobacter sakazakii as the microbial hazards of priority in dairy products. The study also prioritised the top ten chemical hazards based on their presence and severity. These hazards include nitrate, nitrite, ergocornine, 3-MCPD ester, lead, arsenic, ochratoxin A, cadmium, mercury, and aflatoxin (G1, B1, G2, B2, G5 and M1). Using ML techniques, the accuracy rate of classifying food safety alerts as either ‘serious' or ‘non-serious' was up to 98 %. Additionally, the study identified Reference dose (RfD), substance amount, notification type, product, and substance as the most important features affecting the ML models' performance. These ML models (decision trees, random forests, k-nearest neighbors, linear discriminant analysis, and support vector machines) were also validated on an external dataset of RASFF alerts related to chemical contaminants in dairy products. They achieved an accuracy of up to 95.1 %. The study's findings demonstrate the models' robustness and ability to classify food safety alerts related to chemical contaminants in dairy products, even on new data. These results can enhance the development of more effective machine-learning models for classifying food safety alerts related to chemical contaminants in dairy products, highlighting the importance of developing accurate and efficient classification models for timely intervention.

Does income inequality worsen pollution? The GEMS air pollution data revisited

Research on the effect of income inequality on pollution shows mixed results. This paper takes a new look at the urban air pollution data set of the U.N.‘s Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS). We investigate the impact of income inequality on urban air pollution and relate the results to a median-voter model. In this model, more income inequality decreases the median income, reduces pollution controls, and increases output and pollution when the median income is above a threshold. We find that income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, increases SO2 concentration in the rich democracies. The estimated effects are non-negligible in size. For the poor non-democracies, we find no evidence that the Gini coefficient impacts SO2 concentration. The Gini coefficient is estimated to increase the smoke concentration at the five- or ten-percent significance level in most specifications in a pooled sample. We find no evidence that the Gini coefficient impacts the concentration of particulates in a pooled sample. We conclude that the empirical results largely are consistent with the median-voter model.

The impact of agricultural transformation on water quality in a data-scarce, dryland landscape-a case study in the Bot River, South Africa.

Transformation of natural vegetation to cultivated fields has resulted in marked increases in water quality degradation and nutrient loading of rivers globally. In many developing countries, monitoring and evaluating the impacts of agriculture on water quality are limited by financial constraints and focus is given to large water bodies. This paper presents and discusses the results of a year-long monitoring of a typical river system in an agricultural setting, namely the Bot River, Western Cape, South Africa. Results show seasonal increases in N concentrations and SRP driven by surrounding agricultural activities. Water chemistry and changes to nutrient loads were found to be site specific, which demonstrates that monitoring programmes focussing on one or two sites are not representative of the entire catchment. Monitoring and reporting of small river systems are thus un(der)-represented in large databases such as the UN Global Environment Monitoring System for Freshwater (GEMS/Water) programme. The results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate and representative monitoring sites for these rivers when budgetary constraints limit the number of points that can be monitored sustainably. The findings should also be applicable to similar catchments in the Western Cape and beyond as they demonstrate the magnitude of seasonal nutrient fluxes in the system.

Essential descriptors for mycotoxin contamination data in food and feed

Mycotoxin food contamination data is scattered, isolated, and poorly described. Reporting mycotoxin contamination data in a standardized manner is essential for collaborative research and integrated large-scale data analysis. The present study aimed to complement the existing European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) mycotoxin contamination data descriptors for application in low- and middle-income countries in particular. A three-round Delphi process was followed to establish a consensus on the missing descriptors. An invitation letter was first sent to 34 mycotoxin experts of an international collaboration of MYTOX-SOUTH®, of which 12 finally participated in the study. The response rate was 29.4% (10/34) in the Delphi I, 75% (9/12) in the Delphi II, and 83.3% (10/12) in the Delphi III rounds. The majority of the Delphi study participants were professors from 6 universities. Twenty-two descriptors (17 study level, 1 sample level, and 4 assay level) were proposed and were mainly related to pre and post-harvest periods of a food/feed sample. The pre-defined (>70% in the Delphi II and > 80% in the Delphi III) agreement among participants was achieved for all the proposed descriptors. The existing descriptors from EFSA (33) and GEMS (25) with the new proposed MYTOX-SOUTH® (22) descriptors, in total 80 descriptors, were arranged as study, sample, and assay categories and organized as a data submission template. Pre-testing of the template on three mycotoxin researchers indicated that the average time to fill out the form for a sample was 42 min. The current format helps mycotoxin contamination data to become more informative, reusable, and applicable especially to data from low- and middle-income countries. The above-proposed descriptors will help GEMS to provide technical cooperation with countries wishing to initiate and strengthen food contaminant monitoring programs. Similarly, the descriptors from the current study will be useful for EFSA as it regularly updates the Standard Sample Description. A standardized global reporting format for mycotoxin contamination data will enable national authorities to perform mycotoxins exposure and risk assessments and share data for international benchmarking. Standardized reporting and sharing of mycotoxin contamination data should be further advocated in ongoing research and become common practice in authorities, companies, academia, and other entities working on mycotoxin in food and feed.

Remote estimates of total suspended matter in China’s main estuaries using Landsat images and a weight random forest model

Total suspended matter (TSM) is a key parameter for coastal waters, and its transport in estuaries can regulate erosion-accretion and biogeochemical processes. However, most existing models were built to estimate TSM concentration in specific rivers or regions, such as the Yangtze River or Yellow River estuaries in China. Here, we propose a stable hybrid model to estimate TSM concentrations of different estuaries in China using local regression and a TSM mapping method based on the weight random forest (WRF) model. Two hundred thirty-eight in situ TSM samples were collected in six river stations from northern to southern China by the United Nations Environment Programme Global Environment Monitoring System. The surface reflectance for each sample was extracted from Landsat images considering the date and location of each TSM value in Google Earth Engine. One-variable, multiple stepwise linear regression (MSLR), and RF models were built to predict TSM concentration in global regressions (single model) across all calibration samples and local regressions (hybrid model) with a TSM threshold of 100 mg/L. A WRF model was used to map TSM concentrations based on the classification probability of a decision tree model. Our study showed that: (1) the Red band, band ratio, and band difference indices using the Red band as input were sensitive to the estuaries with low TSM concentrations, while the NIR band, band ratio, and band difference indices using NIR band were sensitive to highly turbid estuaries with high TSM concentrations; (2) the band difference index predicted TSM concentrations better in less turbid estuaries than the band ratio index; (3) the predictions of the RF model were better than those of the one-variable and MSLR models both for global regressions and local regressions — the local RF model had the best result, i.e., a validation R2 of 0.90 and an RMSE of 0.56 mg/L; and (4) the WRF model was more reasonable than the original RF model. TSM concentrations were overestimated using the original RF model. Our results suggested that the local regression was suitable for different estuaries with large differences in TSM concentration. The WRF model provided an effective approach for water quality parameter mapping.

Legume Protein Consumption and the Prevalence of Legume Sensitization.

Sensitization and allergy to legumes can be influenced by different factors, such as exposure, geographical background, and food processing. Sensitization and the allergic response to legumes differs considerably, however, the reason behind this is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate if there is a correlation between legume protein consumption and the prevalence of legume sensitization. Furthermore, the association between sensitization to specific peanut allergens and their concentration in peanut is investigated. Legume sensitization data (peanut, soybean, lupin, lentil, and pea) from studies were analyzed in relation to consumption data obtained from national food consumption surveys using the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS), and What We Eat in America—Food Commodity Intake Database (WWEIA-FCID) databases. Data were stratified for children <4 years, children 4–18 years, and adults. Sufficient data were available for peanut to allow for statistical analysis. Analysis of all age groups together resulted in a low correlation between peanut sensitization and relative peanut consumption (r = 0.407), absolute peanut consumption (r = 0.468), and percentage of peanut consumers (r = 0.243). No correlation was found between relative concentrations of Ara h 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 in peanut and sensitization to these peanut allergens. The results indicate that the amount of consumption only plays a minor role in the prevalence of sensitization to peanut. Other factors, such as the intrinsic properties of the different proteins, processing, matrix, frequency, timing and route of exposure, and patient factors might play a more substantial role in the prevalence of peanut sensitization.

Generation of occurrence data on citrinin in food

Generation of occurrence data on citrinin in food

Bioaccumulation, oxidative stress and genotoxicity in fish (Channa punctatus) exposed to a thermal power plant effluent

Metal bioaccumulation and induction of biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and DNA damage are potential indicators of stress in Channa punctatus exposed to effluents. In canal water, receiving thermal power plant discharges, Fe and Ni concentrations exceeded the recommended guidelines set by the United Nations Environment Programme Global Environment Monitoring System (UNEPGEMS). Fe was highly bioavailable and accumulated in all organs (liver, kidney, muscle and integument). The highest metal pollution index (MPI) value of 41.2 was observed in kidney and the lowest 13.5 in muscle tissue. LPO, SOD, CAT and GST levels were significantly higher in liver and kidney, whereas GSH levels declined significantly compared to fish from the reference site. Concomitant damage to DNA was observed with significantly higher mean tail length in the exposed fish gill cells (26.5µm) and in liver (20.8µm) compared to reference fish. Therefore, it can be concluded that the thermal power plant effluent had the potential to cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in C. punctatus.

Revisiting the International Estimate of Short‐Term Intake (IESTI equations) used to estimate the acute exposure to pesticide residues via food

Revisiting the International Estimate of Short‐Term Intake (IESTI equations) used to estimate the acute exposure to pesticide residues via food

Outcome of the consultation with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for sodium hydrogen carbonate for use in plant protection as a fungicide for the control of mildews on a range of horticultural crops, apple scab and for post‐harvest control of storage diseases of various fruits

EFSA Supporting PublicationsVolume 12, Issue 1 719E Technical reportOpen Access Outcome of the consultation with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for sodium hydrogen carbonate for use in plant protection as a fungicide for the control of mildews on a range of horticultural crops, apple scab and for post-harvest control of storage diseases of various fruits European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)Search for more papers by this author European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)Search for more papers by this author First published: 06 January 2015 https://doi.org/10.2903/sp.efsa.2015.EN-719 Published date: 6 January 2015 Question number: EFSA-Q-2014-00722 AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat References EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), 2012. Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance potassium hydrogen carbonate. EFSA Journal 2012; 10(1):2524. [37 pp.] doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2524 EFSA CEF Panel (EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids), 2013. Scientific Opinion on the safety evaluation of the active substances citric acid (E330) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (E500ii), used as carbon dioxide generators, together with liquid absorbers cellulose and polyacrylic acid sodium salt crosslinked, in active food contact materials. EFSA Journal 2013; 11(4):3152. [10 pp.] doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3152 Ireland, 2006. Draft Assessment Report (DAR) on the active substance potassium hydrogen carbonate prepared by the rapporteur Member State Ireland in the framework of Directive 91/414/EEC, April 2006. Lippert, R., 1997. Cation exchange capacity and percent base saturation. Soil Testing. Clemson Extension. IL 67, December 1997. UNEP, 1995. Water quality of world river basins. Global environment monitoring system (GEMS). UNEP Environment Library No 14: 1– 37. Volume12, Issue1January 2015719E ReferencesRelatedInformation

Continuous monitoring of a long-span cable-stayed timber bridge

This paper presents the system structure and results of a continuous monitoring system that is applied on the longest span cable-stayed timber bridge in Scandinavia. We have installed a combined global navigation satellite and environmental monitoring system with temperature, wind speed, wind direction and humidity observations on the bridge and apply a holistic approach to investigate the environmental effects on the bridge. Our results show that temperature changes and total deformation of the timber bridge have strong relation to the thermal expansion coefficient of the steel cables. However, the measured total deformation of the timber bridge is still within the design limits according to European standards which validate the design criteria. The relations between transverse wind speed and transverse deformation of the bridge were experimentally investigated, but no direct relations were found that imperils the structural integrity.

Contamination of food samples from Malaysia with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and estimation of human intake

A total of 126 food samples, categorised into three groups (seafood and seafood products, meat and meat products, as well as milk and dairy products) from Malaysia were analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The concentration of PCDD/Fs that ranged from 0.16 to 0.25 pg WHO05-TEQ g−1 fw was found in these samples. According to the food consumption data from the Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) of the World Health Organization (WHO), the dietary exposures to PCDD/F from seafood and seafood products, meat and meat products, as well as milk and dairy products for the general population in Malaysia were 0.064, 0.183 and 0.736 pg WHO05-TEQ kg−1 bw day−1, respectively. However, the exposure was higher in seafood and seafood products (0.415 pg WHO05-TEQ kg−1 bw day−1) and meat and meat products (0.317 pg WHO05-TEQ kg−1 bw day−1) when the data were estimated using the Malaysian food consumption statistics. The lower exposure was observed in dairy products with an estimation of 0.365 pg WHO05-TEQ kg−1 bw day−1. Overall, these dietary exposure estimates were much lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) as recommended by WHO. Thus, it is suggested that the dietary exposure to PCDD/F does not represent a risk for human health in Malaysia.

Water quality assessment at a global scale: a comparison between world regions

This paper examines the state of global drinking water quality using the Global Drinking Water Quality Index (GDWQI) for freshwater ecosystems. We compared the state of water quality in the five major world regions over 30 years by using a database provided by the GEMS/Water Programme of the United Nations Environment Program Global Environment Monitoring System. This global monitoring database is unique in the world and consists of raw, real data, not modelled data as is typical for many global water assessments. Our findings confirm the applicability of the GDWQI to better communicate changes in water quality trends and therefore help to improve decision-making processes worldwide.

A physically based model of global freshwater surface temperature

Temperature determines a range of physical properties of water and exerts a strong control on surface water biogeochemistry. Thus, in freshwater ecosystems the thermal regime directly affects the geographical distribution of aquatic species through their growth and metabolism and indirectly through their tolerance to parasites and diseases. Models used to predict surface water temperature range between physically based deterministic models and statistical approaches. Here we present the initial results of a physically based deterministic model of global freshwater surface temperature. The model adds a surface water energy balance to river discharge modeled by the global hydrological model PCR‐GLOBWB. In addition to advection of energy from direct precipitation, runoff, and lateral exchange along the drainage network, energy is exchanged between the water body and the atmosphere by shortwave and longwave radiation and sensible and latent heat fluxes. Also included are ice formation and its effect on heat storage and river hydraulics. We use the coupled surface water and energy balance model to simulate global freshwater surface temperature at daily time steps with a spatial resolution of 0.5° on a regular grid for the period 1976–2000. We opt to parameterize the model with globally available data and apply it without calibration in order to preserve its physical basis with the outlook of evaluating the effects of atmospheric warming on freshwater surface temperature. We validate our simulation results with daily temperature data from rivers and lakes (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), limited to the USA) and compare mean monthly temperatures with those recorded in the Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) data set. Results show that the model is able to capture the mean monthly surface temperature for the majority of the GEMS stations, while the interannual variability as derived from the USGS and NOAA data was captured reasonably well. Results are poorest for the Arctic rivers because the timing of ice breakup is predicted too late in the year due to the lack of including a mechanical breakup mechanism. Moreover, surface water temperatures for tropical rivers were overestimated, most likely due to an overestimation of rainfall temperature and incoming shortwave radiation. The spatiotemporal variation of water temperature reveals large temperature differences between water and atmosphere for the higher latitudes, while considerable lateral transport of heat can be observed for rivers crossing hydroclimatic zones, such as the Nile, the Mississippi, and the large rivers flowing to the Arctic. Overall, our model results show promise for future projection of global surface freshwater temperature under global change.

Comparison of the nutritional–toxicological conflict related to seafood consumption in different regions worldwide

This article discusses the seafood consumption worldwide as well as the related nutritional–toxicological conflict. An exposure assessment was performed using seafood consumption data from the Global Environment Monitoring System and nutrient and contaminant concentration data. The data indicated that the region of Japan, Korea, Madagascar and Philippines have the highest seafood consumption, followed by the Nordic–Baltic countries and South-East Asia. In Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Philippines and the Nordic–Baltic countries, pelagic marine fishes are highly consumed compared to fresh water fishes in South-East Asia. Because pelagic fishes are oily fishes, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Philippines and the Nordic–Baltic countries have high omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D intake. Iodine intake is influenced by the demersal fish consumption. The current intake of these nutrients via seafood consumption is still below the recommendations. From the toxicological side, the data indicate that none of the seafood groups had a median contaminant concentration above the EU maximum limits. Though, the results show that in some regions the contaminant intake exceeded the international health-based guidance values, mainly focussing on sensitive subpopulations. In contrast, when using less stringent guidance values relevant for non-sensitive subpopulations, the results show that the benefits of increased seafood consumption outweigh the risks.

Integrated background monitoring of environmental pollution in Russia

The main purpose of this article is to present a description of the Integrated Background Monitoring Network (IBMoN) organized in the former USSR as a subsystem of the State Service of Observation and Monitoring of Environmental Pollution. The IBMoN stations are referred to as part of the UNEP Global Environmental Monitoring System. The main objective of the IBMoN is to determine the influence of anthropogenic activity on the environmental state at the regional and global levels and to detect trends of background pollution of different environments in areas remote from large emission sources. Correspondingly, the IBMoN stations in Russia are located in biosphere reserves. The program of measurements at the IBMoN stations is described in detail; it includes observations of background pollution of the air, precipitation, snow cover, soil, bottom sediments, and vegetation; procedures for taking and analyzing the air samples; and principles of collection and use of observational data. The results of observations are transmitted to the Institute of Global Climate and Ecology, where they are stored in a special computerized database and are used to prepare official publications and research studies. The background observations are shown to be important if the anthropogenic loading on the unique natural complexes of the Caucasus biosphere reserve increases in the course of preparation for the 22nd Winter Olympic Games of 2014.

Dietary risk assessment of spinosad in China

Spinosad is an insect control agent that is derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium, and is effective on several classes of insects, especially Lepidoptera larvae. Spinosad consists mainly of a mixture of spinosyns A and D and is registered for uses on a variety of crops in many countries including China. In order to understand the residue behavior of spinosad and to evaluate the dietary risk of spinosad residue in food in China, a number of residue studies were conducted on cotton, Chinese cabbage and eggplant. Residue detection methods using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection have been validated for the detection of spinosad and its metabolites in cotton, Chinese cabbage and eggplant. The proposed definition of the residue for the estimation of spinosad dietary intake is the sum of spinosyns A and D. According to existing Chinese residue studies, the Supervised Trials Median Residues (STMRs) for cotton seed, Chinese cabbage and eggplant were less than 0.010, 0.103 and 0.045 mg/kg, respectively. Daily intake of spinosad residue in food was calculated by multiplying the pertinent Chinese food consumption data with the STMRs. Establishment of spinosad acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–0.02 mg/kg bw was based on a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 2.4 mg/kg bw per day and a 100-fold safety factor. Therefore, only 2% of the spinosad ADI is occupied by spinosad dietary daily intake in the Chinese population. The proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for spinosad on cotton seed, Chinese cabbage and eggplant are 0.01, 2 and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. Although the STMRs for cotton and Chinese cabbage are lower or equal to STMRs used by Codex, no STMR for eggplant was used by Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) when dietary risk assessment was carried out for spinosad. If these Chinese residue studies were considered during the Codex risk assessment process, the International Estimate Daily Intakes (IEDIs) of spinosad in the five Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) regional diets would be 2–30% of the ADI (0–0.02 mg/kg bw). In conclusion, spinosad is unlikely to pose any public health issues not only in China but also in global community, if it is applied according to the good agriculture practices (GAPs) established by each countries.

Can Cities Sustain Life in the Greenhouse?

Data from the Global Environmental Monitoring System indicate that pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and total suspended particulate routinely appear in the lower atmosphere of major cities at concentrations well above health guidelines set by the World Health Organization. As well, cities are major contributors to the build-up of greenhouse gases which now threaten climate change. These findings underscore the detrimental relation that has evolved between urban industrial society and the atmosphere. If this peculiar civilization is to be changed, three principles—equity, sustainability and peaceful development—must guide the reevolution of urban life. The paradigm of commodification needs to be replaced with a model of a commons of life. The article provides a theoretical framework and strategy for reforming global climate policy and urban sustainability planning in a manner consistent with life in the commons.

Is the vision of the Earth Observation Summit realizable?

Abstract At the Earth Observation Summit in 2003 at the US Department of State, environmental ministers from more than 30 countries joined three US cabinet secretaries to plan the creation of a system for international sharing of data about the atmosphere, the oceans and the land. The meeting grew in part out of commitments by leaders at a G-8 summit meeting in France to build an integrated global earth environmental monitoring system. Opportunities and problems both figure prominently in implementation of the Summit's vision. The challenges include who pays for infrastructure, training, and administration; whether to control data access; how to include the private sector; and whether problems of collective action will plague the effort.

Does Trade Promote Environmental Coordination?: Pollution in International Rivers

Abstract This paper examines whether trade relationships facilitate resolution of international environmental spillovers. Trade might promote cooperation by providing opportunities for implicit side payments, allowing linkage between environmental and trade concessions, providing direct leverage over other countries' production, or instilling a perception of shared goals. Using data from the UN's Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS) on water quality in international rivers, the paper examines the influence of bilateral trade on pollution in rivers that cross international borders. It reports evidence of lower water pollution in rivers shared between countries with more extensive trade. Improved coordination from expanded trade may thus represent a benefit to weigh against the environmental costs of the pollution havens effect.