Important Source Of Contamination Research Articles

Microbiological assessment of ready-to-eat foods and drinking water sources as a potential vehicle of bacterial pathogens in northern India.

Foodborne illnesses caused by the consumption of contaminated foods have frequent occurrences in developing countries. The incorporation of contaminated water in food processes, preparation, and serving is directly linked to several gastrointestinal infections. Keeping in view, this study was conducted to assess the microbial quality of both drinking water sources and commonly consumed fresh ready-to-eat (RTE) foods in the region. The drinking water samples from water sources and consumer points, as well as food samples from canteens, cafes, hotels, and restaurants, were collected for the microbiological analysis. Fifty-five percent (n = 286) of water samples were found to be positive for total coliforms with MPN counts ranging from 3 to 2600 (100 ml) -1. E. coli was detected in nearly 30% of the total water samples. Overall, 65% tap water samples were found unsatisfactory, followed by submersible (53%), filter (40%), and WTP (30%) sources. Furthermore, the examination of RTE foods (n = 80) found that 60% were of unsatisfactory microbial quality with high aerobic plate counts. The salads were the most contaminated category with highest mean APC 8.3 log CFU/g followed by pani puri, chats, and chutneys. Presence of coliforms and common enteropathogens was observed in both water and food samples. The detected isolates from the samples were identified as Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. Based on these findings, microbiological quality was found compromised and this may pose hazard to public health. This exploratory study in the Punjab region also suggests that poor microbiological quality of water sources can be an important source of contamination for fresh uncooked RTE foods, thus transferring pathogens to the food chain. Therefore, only safe potable drinking water post-treatment should be used at all stages.

Characterizing Spoilage of Coconut-based Creamers: A Multifaceted Approach to Identify Problematic Bacteria and Their Potential Sources in a New Product Category

Beverage innovation is a growing trend with a reliance on comanufacturing relationships to launch products quickly. A recent comanufacturing relationship is the utilization of dairy processing facilities to process plant-based beverages using high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization. While the shelflife of HTST bovine milk is well established at 21 days, retailers are expecting new refrigerated beverages to achieve a 60-day shelflife. Little is known about the microbial stability of these new beverages, particularly those with complex formulations. Our objective was to identify bacterial taxa leading to the spoilage of four coconut-based creamers and their potential sources (raw ingredients or packaging). We used a multifaceted approach including plate counting and 16S rRNA metabarcoding to monitor microbial growth in products throughout shelflife (60 d, 4 °C), and cold enrichment (7 °C, 11 d) of ingredients and packaging. Nearly all product units (25/26) had elevated microbial loads (>4.3 log CFU/mL) prior to the 60-d target, with early spoilage detected at 21 d. Key spoilage taxa included Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Aerococcus, Paenibacillus, Sphingomonas, and Oceanobacillus. Pseudomonas were responsible for “early” product spoilage (21–32 d), whereas Oceanobacillus were important in products with very “late” spoilage (60–62 d). All key spoilage taxa were identified in cold enrichments of multiple units of waxboard cartons. Paenibacillus was the dominant bacterium in 47% (10/21) of product units. In addition to carton samples, Paenibacillus was also identified in one raw ingredient (mushroom extract). Metabarcoding identified Listeria sensu stricto as a dominant taxon in three individual product units from three distinct production lots. Listeria was also found in 31% (5/16) of cold enrichments of individual cartons. Taxa responsible for spoilage of plant-based beverages were identified as well as demonstrating packaging as an important contamination source.

A Critical Review of Risk Assessment Models for Listeria monocytogenes in Produce.

A review of quantitative risk assessment (QRA) models of Listeria monocytogenes in produce was carried out, with the objective of appraising and contrasting the effectiveness of the control strategies placed along the food chains. Despite nine of the thirteen QRA models recovered being focused on fresh or RTE leafy greens, none of them represented important factors or sources of contamination in the primary production, such as the type of cultivation, water, fertilisers or irrigation method/practices. Cross-contamination at processing and during consumer's handling was modelled using transfer rates, which were shown to moderately drive the final risk of listeriosis, therefore highlighting the importance of accurately representing the transfer coefficient parameters. Many QRA models coincided in the fact that temperature fluctuations at retail or temperature abuse at home were key factors contributing to increasing the risk of listeriosis. In addition to a primary module that could help assess current on-farm practices and potential control measures, future QRA models for minimally processed produce should also contain a refined sanitisation module able to estimate the effectiveness of various sanitisers as a function of type, concentration and exposure time. Finally, L. monocytogenes growth in the products down the supply chain should be estimated by using realistic time-temperature trajectories, and validated microbial kinetic parameters, both of them currently available in the literature.

Attachment of Salmonella Typhimurium to Fish Surfaces from a Suspension in Seawater and the Effect of Subsequent Washing

ackground: Salmonella contamination of seafood is an important consumer health concern. Anthropogenic contamination of coastal-marine water is an important source of seafood contamination with Salmonella. In this study, we aimed to investigate the extent of Salmonella attachment when fish is exposed to contaminated seawater and also, the effect of washing on the removal of Salmonella attached to fish surface. Methods and Findings: Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) fish was dipped in seawater artificially contaminated with 5 log CFU/ ml Salmonella Typhimurium for 30, 45 and 60 seconds and the number of bacteria present on the fish surface was quantified by surface plating. Separately, the effect of rinsing Salmonella-contaminated fish for 30, 45 and 60 seconds on the removal of Salmonella from the fish surface was investigated. The results showed attachment of bacteria in significant numbers, in the range of 3.6 – 4.16 log CFU/g, within 60 seconds of exposure to Salmonella-contaminated seawater. However, no significant reduction in the Salmonella counts was observed after 30 to 60 seconds of rinsing of fish in freshwater. Conclusion: The results suggest that Salmonella Typhimurium can readily attach to the fish surface from a seawater medium and resist detachment by routine washing procedures.

Electromagnetic Fields (Including Microwaves) Can Lower the Immune Response and Even Change The DNA

Background: Salmonella contamination of seafood is an important consumer health concern. Anthropogenic contamination of coastal-marine water is an important source of seafood contamination with Salmonella. In this study, we aimed to investigate the extent of Salmonella attachment when fish is exposed to contaminated seawater and also, the effect of washing on the removal of Salmonella attached to fish surface. Methods and Findings: Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) fish was dipped in seawater artificially contaminated with 5 log CFU/ ml Salmonella Typhimurium for 30, 45 and 60 seconds and the number of bacteria present on the fish surface was quantified by surface plating. Separately, the effect of rinsing Salmonella-contaminated fish for 30, 45 and 60 seconds on the removal of Salmonella from the fish surface was investigated. The results showed attachment of bacteria in significant numbers, in the range of 3.6 – 4.16 log CFU/g, within 60 seconds of exposure to Salmonella-contaminated seawater. However, no significant reduction in the Salmonella counts was observed after 30 to 60 seconds of rinsing of fish in freshwater. Conclusion: The results suggest that Salmonella Typhimurium can readily attach to the fish surface from a seawater medium and resist detachment by routine washing procedures.

Air Microbial Contamination and Risk of Respiratory Exposure of Workers in Chicken Farms

Animal farms are important sources of microbial contamination in the air environment. However, there are few reports on the time-regularity characteristics of airborne microbial contamination in farms. In the context of this situation, a study was conducted for more than 80 weeks using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to characterize the bacterial distribution and respiratory exposure in the farm air and fecal environment, respectively, taking a layer farm as an example. The results showed that 16S rRNA concentrations in air and manure samples ranged from 6.08×105-4.90×106 copies·m-3 and 4.27×108-1.15×1010 copies·g-1, respectively. The mean values of airborne bacterial concentrations were significantly higher in winter than in summer, whereas the biodiversity showed the opposite trend. The dominant bacterial phylum in both air and manure in the layer farm was Firmicutes. During the investigated time, the top three dominant genera in the air were relatively stable, in the order of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium, whereas the dominant genera in feces fluctuated with the increase in breeding time. The correlation between the community structure of bacteria and pathogenic bacteria in both air and manure was not significant, but the concentrations of both target microorganisms in different media were significantly correlated. The bioaerosolization index of bacteria in manure showed an increasing trend with increasing breeding time, whereas the opposite trend was observed for pathogenic bacteria. In this case, [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium were the top three pathogenic genera that were the most prone to aerosolization. There were seasonal differences in bacterial respiratory exposures of chicken farm workers, with mean intake values of 2.54×107 copies·d-1 and 2.87×105 copies·d-1 for bacteria and pathogenic bacteria, respectively. The results of this study will provide a scientific basis for systematically assessing the contamination characteristics and potential health risks of airborne microorganisms on farms and for developing corresponding industry standards for occupational exposure and prevention and control measures.

Optimizing Cr(VI) Reduction in Plastic Chromium Plating Wastewater: Particle Size, Irradiation, Titanium Dose

The preservation of the aquatic environment and water systems has been a fundamental objective that has led great scientists and researchers to seek new alternatives or techniques that allow the decontamination of water sources. The plastic chromium plating industries have been identified as important sources of contamination since their residues are characterized by having considerable amounts of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI), which alters the stability of water resources and can affect effluents on the surface and the subsoil. Given this problem, the need to improve the usual methods and techniques for wastewater treatment with more effective solutions, such as photocatalysis, which presents significant advantages over the inefficiency of traditional methods, is recognized. However, given the limited availability of research in the country that addresses the removal of hexavalent chromium from the wastewater of these industries, this work focuses on optimizing the process by varying conditions of variables such as particle size, catalyst dose, and irradiation time. The optimization of the photocatalysis process was evaluated using the Box-Behnken experimental design. The results show that contaminant removal occurred when the particle size was 0.177 mm. This particle size showed the highest photocatalytic activity, with 100% removal at 45 minutes. These findings represent a significant step towards solving the problem of contamination in this business sector by this pollutant and contribute to preserving our water resources. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-01-02 Full Text: PDF

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids in well water and blood serum from private well users residing by a fluorochemical facility near Fayetteville, North Carolina.

A fluorochemical facility near Fayetteville, North Carolina, emitted per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs), a subgroup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to air. Analyze PFAS in private wells near the facility and in blood from well users to assess relationships between PFEA levels in water and serum. In 2019, we recruited private well users into the GenX Exposure Study and collected well water and bloodsamples. We targeted 26 PFAS (11 PFEAs) in water and 27 PFAS (9 PFEAs) in serum using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We used regression modeling to explore relationships between water and serum PFAS. For the only PFEA detected frequently in water and serum, Nafion byproduct 2, we used generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to assess well water exposure metrics and then adjusted for covariates that may influence Nafion byproduct 2 serum concentrations. We enrolled 153 participants ages 6 and older (median = 56 years) using 84 private wells. Most wells (74%) had ≥6 detectable PFEAs; median ∑PFEAs was 842 ng/L (interquartile range = 197-1760 ng/L). Low molecular weight PFEAs (PMPA, HFPO-DA [GenX], PEPA, PFO2HxA) were frequently detected in well water, had the highest median concentrations, but were not detectable in serum. Nafion byproduct 2 was detected in 73% of wells (median = 14 ng/L) and 56% of serum samples (median = 0.2 ng/mL). Cumulative dose (well concentration × duration at address) was positively associated with Nafion byproduct 2 serum levels and explained the most variability (10%). In the adjusted model, cumulative dose was associated with higher Nafion byproduct 2 serum levels while time outside the home was associated with lower levels. PFAS are a large class of synthetic, fluorinated chemicals. Fluorochemical facilities are important sources of environmental PFAS contamination globally. The fluorochemical industry is producing derivatives of perfluoroalkyl acids, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs). PFEAs have been detected in various environmental samples but information on PFEA-exposed populations is limited. While serum biomonitoring is often used for PFAS exposure assessment, serum biomarkers werenot good measures of long-term exposure tolow molecular weight PFEAs in a private well community. Environmental measurements and other approaches besides serum monitoring will be needed to better characterize PFEA exposure.

GC-MS profiling of Pistachio vera L., and effect of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds of it's essential oil compared to chemical counterparts

All elements of the pistachio tree are considered raw pistachio by-products. The soft hull makes up the majority of these by-products. It contains proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, phenolics contents (TPC), and antioxidants. Early smiling pistachios are one of the most important sources of pistachio contamination with aflatoxin in the garden and processing stages. The present study aimed to evaluate pistachio hull essential oil (EO) composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties under in vitro conditions. TPC, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity were measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, and serial dilution titration method, respectively. A gas chromatography system with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was utilized to determine the chemical components of the EO. The findings revealed that the quantity of TPC and anti-radical activity in IC50 were 245.43 mg gallic acid/mL and 206.32 µL/L, respectively. The free radical absorption activity of DPPH (%) increased with EO content. The inhibitory activity of EO on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis was much lower than that of streptomycin and penicillin. Aspergillus flavus was effectively inhibited by pistachio hull EO, comparable to fluconazole. The results obtained from GC-MS showed that the major compounds in pistachio hull essential oil include α-pinene (47.36%), terpinolene (10.57%), limonene (9.13%), and L-bornyl acetate (8.57%). The findings indicated that pistachio hull EO has potent antibacterial and antioxidant components and can be employed as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant in food systems.

Micro and Nanoplastic Contamination and Its Effects on Freshwater Mussels Caged in an Urban Area.

Plastic-based contamination has become a major cause of concern as it pervades many environments such as air, water, sediments, and soils. This study sought to examine the presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in freshwater mussels placed at rainfall/street runoff overflows, downstream (15 km) of the city centre of Montréal, and 8 km downstream of a municipal effluent dispersion plume. MPs and NPs were determined using flow cytometry and size exclusion chromatography using fluorescence detection. Following 3 months of exposure during the summer season, mussels contained elevated amounts of both MPs and NPs. The rainfall overflow and downstream of the city centre were the most contaminated sites. Lipid peroxidation, metallothioneins, and protein aggregates (amyloids) were significantly increased at the most contaminated sites and were significantly correlated with NPs in tissues. Based on the levels of MPs and NPs in mussels exposed to municipal effluent, wastewater treatment plants appear to mitigate plastic contamination albeit not completely. In conclusion, the data support the hypothesis that mussels placed in urbanized areas are more contaminated by plastics, which are associated with oxidative damage. The highest responses observed at the overflow site suggest that tire wear and/or asphalt (road) erosion MPs/NPs represent important sources of contamination for the aquatic biota.

Occurrence, time trends, and human exposure of siloxanes and synthetic musk compounds in indoor dust from Korean homes

Siloxanes and synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) have been widely used as additives in household and personal care products. Humans are easily exposed to siloxanes and SMCs originating from these products through ingestion and dermal absorption of indoor dust. In the present study, indoor dust samples were analyzed for 19 siloxanes (cyclic and linear) and 12 SMCs (polycyclic, macrocyclic, and nitro musks) to assess their occurrence, time trends over time, source, and health risks. A total of 18 siloxanes and 10 SMCs were detected in all indoor dust samples obtained from 2011⎯2021, indicating widespread and long-term contamination. Higher detection frequencies and concentrations were associated with siloxanes and SMCs with higher use and strong resistance against degradation processes. Indoor dust samples were dominated by linear siloxanes (L11–L13), 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-(g)-2-benzopyran (HHCB), musk ketone (MK), and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN). The frequent use of household and personal care products is likely an important source of siloxane and SMC contamination in indoor environments. The concentrations of siloxanes and SMCs in indoor dust increased from 2011 to 2021, particularly, those of linear siloxanes, reflecting the impact of regulatory actions addressing cyclic siloxanes. The profiles of siloxanes remained stable throughout the study period, whereas those of SMCs shifted from nitro to polycyclic musks. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of siloxanes and SMCs arising from ingestion were greater than from dermal absorption of indoor dust. The EDIs of siloxanes and SMCs associated with indoor dust indicated that children are exposed to these pollutants.

Enterocin AS‐48 inhibits the growth of – and biofilm formation by – lactic acid bacteria responsible for the accumulation of biogenic amines in cheese

SummaryCheese is a fermented food in which toxic concentrations of biogenic amines (BAs) may accumulate, mainly as a result of the metabolism of certain lactic acid bacteria (LAB); the formation of these compounds needs to be limited. This work reports the antimicrobial potential of bacteriocin AS‐48 against the LAB largely responsible for the accumulation of the BA histamine, tyramine and putrescine in cheese. Most of the 50 analysed BA‐producing LAB strains were sensitive to AS‐48. The bacteriocin also prevented biofilm formation of 92% of the BA‐producing strains tested. This result is of great technological importance since, in cheese production, biofilms are an important source of contamination by BA‐producing LAB. This study supports the potential use of AS‐48 as a biopreservative for controlling BA‐producing LAB in fermented food.

Potential Impacts of Okpuno Egbu Dumpsite on Groundwater Resources in Parts of Nnewi, Southeastern Nigeria

The study area, Nnewi is one of the most populated, commercial and industrialized cities in Anambra State. Geophysical data were collected from 15 vertical electrical sounding (VES) points and hydrogeochemical analysis of 15 groundwater samples collected from 15 locations were analyzed for their chemical composition and used to assess the impact of the dumpsite at Okpunoegbu on groundwater in the study area. The results of the vertical electrical sounding indicate that most of the aquiferous units fall within the fourth layer at most of the Relocations with an average resistivity of 1340.25Ωm, an average thickness of 41.75m and average depth of 51.25m. The range of the regional water table is from 25.41m to 99.42m. The Dar-Zarrouk parameters; longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance, s and t were determined from the geophysical data to be 0.007mho and 55966.9Ω respectively. The results of s indicate that the protective capacity of the overburden layers to underlying aquifer is low. which implies easy transmission of pollutants to the aquifers making them vulnerable to pollution. The results of water analysis show that the range of pH in the samples is between 5.73 to 6.95 indicating that 20% of the water samples are slightly acidic and 80% to alkaline. TDS, TSS and EC were found to be within the permissible limits of WHO and NSDWQ standard guidelines. COD and BOD were above the permissible limits indicating the water samples to be severely polluted. DO1 and DO5 range between 22.78 - 65.40 mg/L and 48-358.96 mg/L respectively. The major cations and anions were within the permissible limits.. However, the heavy metals range in samples were cadmium (0.04-0.37mg/L), chromium (0.01-0.10mg/L), mercury (0-0-07mg/L) and lead (0.1-0.93mg/L), exceed the permissible limits in some samples. The geospatial distribution maps of the heavy metals implicate the dumpsite and other sources as contributors of the increased concentrations of cadmium and lead. while indicating the dump as a major contributor of chromium and mercury to groundwater in the study area. The calculated quality indices, WQI and HMPI rate the groundwater as highly polluted and unsuitable for drinking, and the CD and HMEI as moderately to highly polluted, respectively. The identified hydrochemical facies classify the water as Ca-Cl and Ca-Mg –Cl – SO4 water type. The Cl – SO4 facie indicate end water usually with increased age found in the discharge areas. The Okpunoegbu dumpsite is an important source of groundwater contaminants and pollutants especially the heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, chromium and lead. The protective capacity of the overburden is enhancing the vulnerability of the aquifers to pollution as they are rated as low. It is recommended that some remediation measures be carried out to restore the groundwater quality and prevent further pollution being initiated and appropriate water treatment be carried before use for drinking purposes.

Removal Efficiency and Fate of Chlorinated Paraffins (CPs) in a Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant near a Typical Petrochemical Park

Water resources play an important role in industrial, agricultural, and public activities. Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in wastewater generated by these activities provide an important source of CP contamination. In this study, the occurrences of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) were simultaneously studied in a typical sewage treatment plant (STP) near China’s second-largest oil production base over a 1-year period. High levels of SCCPs and MCCPs (3809 ± 670 and 4803 ± 478 ng/L) were found in the influent due to receiving 75% of industrial wastewater. C14-CPs was the predominant congener group, accounting for 37% of the total CP concentrations. The dissolved removal efficiency of CPs was 83.5%. Mass balance results demonstrated that 3.2% of the initial CPs was found in the final effluent, and 66.3% of the initial CPs was found in the dehydrated sludge, while 30.4% of the initial CPs was lost due to the biodegradation and volatilization. This indicated that sorption onto sludge was the main fate of CPs in wastewater treatment. High mass fractions of CPs were found in the final effluent and dewatered sludge in the winter season due to the low biodegradation, biotransformation, and volatilization.

Biochar Promotes Arsenopyrite Weathering in Simulated Alkaline Soils: Electrochemical Mechanism and Environmental Implications.

Oxidation dissolution of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) is one of the important sources of arsenic contamination in soil and groundwater. Biochar, a commonly used soil amendment and environmental remediation agent, is widespread in ecosystems, where it participates in and influences the redox-active geochemical processes of sulfide minerals associated with arsenic and iron. This study investigated the critical role of biochar on the oxidation process of arsenopyrite in simulated alkaline soil solutions by a combination of electrochemical techniques, immersion tests, and solid characterizations. Polarization curves indicated that the elevated temperature (5-45 °C) and biochar concentration (0-1.2 g·L-1) accelerated arsenopyrite oxidation. This is further confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which showed that biochar substantially reduced the charge transfer resistance in the double layer, resulting in smaller activation energy (Ea = 37.38-29.56 kJ·mol-1) and activation enthalpy (ΔH* = 34.91-27.09 kJ·mol-1). These observations are likely attributed to the abundance of aromatic and quinoid groups in biochar, which could reduce Fe(III) and As(V) as well as adsorb or complex with Fe(III). This hinders the formation of passivation films consisting of iron arsenate and iron (oxyhydr)oxide. Further observation found that the presence of biochar exacerbates acidic drainage and arsenic contamination in areas containing arsenopyrite. This study highlighted the possible negative impact of biochar on soil and water, suggesting that the different physicochemical properties of biochar produced from different feedstock and under different pyrolysis conditions should be taken into account before large-scale applications to prevent potential risks to ecology and agriculture.

Imprints of wastewater discharge on trace element dynamics in the Grand River, Ontario.

Discharge of treated wastewater effluent can be an important source of contaminants to downstream environments, but only a handful of specific effluent parameters are regulated and monitored in Canada. Consequently, the importance of effluent discharge for the surface water budgets of trace elements remains poorly understood. Here, we report concentrations of > 50 major and trace elements in > 30 riverine and effluent samples collected in the Grand River catchment, Ontario, in an attempt to assess imprints of effluent discharge on riverine trace element loads. We find that effluent-derived loads of major and trace elements generally outweigh those of tributaries when contrasted to their hydraulic contribution at the point of confluence. In particular, effluent-derived loads of conservative elements (> 30-fold the receiving riverine load), but also those of heavy metals and rare earth elements (> tenfold and twofold their receiving riverine loads, respectively) exerted important controls on trace element dynamics in the Grand River. Yet, multiple elemental tracers suggest that detectable imprints of these trace element inputs remain spatially restricted and limited to the catchment's upper reaches, urban areas, and confluences and effluent inputs with low mixing ratios. This study presents important baseline data for trace elements in this complex river system and highlights the need for expanded surface water quality monitoring to disentangle anthropogenic from natural factors affecting trace element budgets.

Water quality information for farmer decision making in the Nguturoa catchment, Manawatu

In 2021 a group of farmers and landowners along the Nguturoa Stream in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region began a study into water quality. The farmers felt that they needed precise information to establish their farming priorities for improving the waterway, and for monitoring the effects of making management changes. Monthly sampling and laboratory testing were carried out across the catchment and field tests werealso undertaken at the time of sampling. The results were compared to those in the Manawatū River, the ultimate receiving environment for the catchment. The results highlighted that throughout the year the water in the Nguturoa Stream had lower dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations than the Manawatū River, but it had higher organic nitrogen concentrations in most months. Almost all the phosphorus results were above those measured in the Manawatū River as were the turbidity results. On seven occasions the Nguturoa Stream had E.coli results above the standard in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020. Compared to the laboratory test results, the fieldtests that were used were found to be inconsistent and unreliable for catchment and farm management decision making. The results highlighted for the farmers that overland flow was a more important source of instream contamination than they expected, for nitrogen,phosphorus and E.coli as well as sediment.

Assessment of trace element content throughout the white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming cycle

Environmental context Intensive aquaculture is the main source of fisheries products. Thus, investigating the food safety of these products and the environmental impacts of the farms on mangroves is necessary. A shrimp productive cycle was evaluated with a focus on trace element accumulation in shrimps and effluent. The results revealed secure levels of elements in the final product; however, the effluent produced in farms is an important source of contamination to mangrove environment. Rationale Aquaculture systems have increased in the last years due to the high demand for seafood consumption, this could impact the environment and subject fisheries to accumulation of toxic elements. To understand some parameters of food safety and environmental impact, the present study evaluated the concentration of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se, V and Zn) throughout the production cycle of shrimp. Methodology About 50 shrimps per cycle were collected in a shrimp farm in Brazil and their trace element contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma–tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) and microwave-induced plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (MIP-OES). Results At their final lifecycle stage, shrimp samples present a content (mg g−1) of elements following the trend: Cu (102 ± 12) > Al (20.06 ± 4.24) > Zn (14.82 ± 2.46) > Mn (6.24 ± 0.94) > As (2.65 ± 0.42) > Se (0.932 ± 0.140) > Co (0.380 ± 0.05) > Mo (0.254 ± 0.03) > V (0.204 ± 0.02). Discussion The content of Cd and Pb are in allowance with Brazil and USA legislation for crustaceans, however, the content of As is 3–4-fold higher than that allowed by guidelines in all stages of the growth of the shrimp. The final effluent of the shrimp’s pond into the mangroves shows a high mass fraction of Zn and Mn that could be a source of contamination. Some correlations between some elements in the shrimp samples were found, such as As–Se, Se–Co and Se–V. This study was a scoping experiment to study the content of trace elements throughout the farming cycle of shrimps, encouraging the researcher to undergo a wide survey to evaluate the environmental impact of aquaculture shrimp farming.

Geographical distribution of Aspergillus flavus in peanut harvest period in China

In order to grasp the distribution of Aspergillus flavus in the soil of peanut production areas in China, A. flavus biomarkers were tested on 555 soil samples from 37 sampling points in 17 provinces, peanut fields in four agroecological zones (Southern area, Yangtze River Basin, Northern area, Northeast area). The results showed that (1) the cultivation amount of A. flavus per gram of soil in the Yangtze River Basin is 1.30 times that of the southern area, 1.56 times that of the northern area, and 6.20 times that of the northeast area, with obvious regional characteristics. (2) In the Yangtze River basin, the change of longitude in the east-west direction has no direct impact on the cultivation amount of A. flavus per gram of soil. (3) In the east coast, the A. flavus cultivated per gram of soil increased first and then decreased with the increase of latitude from south to north. (4) A. flavus can be isolated in the soil samples above 1000 ​m. Field pollution is an important source of aflatoxin contamination in peanut. The study on the distribution of A. flavus in soil in China could provide theoretical support for the early warning and prevention and control measures of aflatoxin contamination in peanut.

Cadmium concentrations in hair in the population of the subjects of the Russian Federation: a systematic review

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic trace elements. The most important sources of Cd contamination by burning fossil fuels as coal or oil and incineration of urban waste, including plastics and nickel-cadmium batteries. In all countries these sources make Cd contamination an important health issue worldwide. Cd can enter the body through smoking tobacco, eating and drinking food and water polluted with Cd, and breathong. Cd concentration in human hair, nails and blood is considered as an indicator of environmental pollution. However, there is little systemized information on Cd concentration in human tissues in Russia. This is a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We performed a systematic search and qualitative synthesis of scientific literature on Cd concentrations in hair across Russia between 2011 and 2021. PubMed and e-library were the main sources of scientific information in English and Russian, respectively. Initial search returned 1202 matches. Twenty-nine papers remained for qualitative synthesis after screening and eligibility analysis. Studies on Cd concentrations were performed in only 19 of 85 federal subjects (22.4%). No heterogeneity was observed in sample preparation while methods of laboratory analysis varied between the settings and included inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, and inversion voltammetry. The sample sizes ranged from 12 to 5908 individuals. The average Cd concentrations varied from 0.010 mg/kg to 0.164 mg/kg. The greatest concentrations of Cd were reported from Sibai in the Orenburg Region (0.164 mg/kg), in indigenous people of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (0.15 mg/kg) and in residents of the Arctic part of the Sakha Republic (0.14 mg/kg); The maximum values on the abovementioned regions were 7.02 mg/kg, 0.52 mg/kg, and 0.51 mg/kg. High maximum concentrations were also found in the Republic of Bashkortostan (0,9 mg/kg) and in Yaroslavl (0,37 mg/kg). Conclusion. Data on Cd concentrations in human hair from 66 federal subjects are still needed for mapping of Cd concentration in Russia. Further data collection should be performed using representative and sufficient sample samples while presentation of the results should contain detailed information on methods of data collection and analysis to ensure reproducibility and comparability of the findings.