Maximum Acceptable Limit Research Articles

Metal accumulation in fish species of a vast hydrographic network in the Moyen-Ogooué and Haut-Ogooué Provinces of Gabon: Implications for human health

With an obsolete livestock sector, Gabon relies on its huge hydrographic network rich in fish to supply its populations with animal proteins. This study aimed to conduct metal analyses in four fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Polydactylus quadrifilis) frequently consumed by human populations in the Moyen-Ogooué and Haut-Ogooué Provinces of Gabon and infer the potential human health risks for those populations who rely on these freshwater produces as a source of proteins. Fish were sampled from Ezanga, Oguemoué, Onangué, Nguenè (Moyen-Ogooué) and Grand Poubara (Haut-Ogooué) Lakes during the high flow period (HF) and low flow period (LF) from 2021 to 2022, and analysed for seven heavy metals (HMs) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) techniques. Throughout the flow periods, and regardless of the lake and fish species, Fe was found to have the highest concentration, followed by Al > Mn > Hg > Pb> As> Cd. The relatively high concentration of Hg was recorded in the muscle tissues of C. gariepinus (6.65mg. kg−1) sampled during the LF period at Grand Poubara. The concentrations of Hg found in the muscle of all fish species also exceeded the maximum acceptable limits set by the American Environmental Protection Agency. The concentrations of Fe in C. gariepinus (Grand Poubara, LF) and O. niloticus (Onangué, LF), and those of Al in O. niloticus (Nguenè, HF), P. quadrifilis (Onangué, HF) and C. nigrodigitatus (Oguemoué, LF) were amongst the highest concentrations ever reported on the African continent. Health risk assessments indicated a heightened risk of cancer for local populations consuming the fish species from all the lakes investigated. There is a need to implement an increased surveillance programme at national level in order to raise awareness and improve the management of fishery resources while preserving the environment and the health of local populations that rely upon these resources for their subsistence.

Toxic heavy metals content in different agrochemicals available in markets of Bangladesh and their loads to the agricultural lands.

A study was conducted to determine the concentration of toxic heavy metals in various agrochemicals available in Bangladesh and to assess the burden of these metals on agricultural soils. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to measure the content of 4 toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni) in the aqueous extract of various agrochemicals. There were significant differences in the amounts of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni in different brands of insecticides (mean < 0.01, 3.16, 17.32, and 47.33 µgg-1), fungicides (mean 12.42, 10.19, 9.63, and 243.34 µgg-1), phosphatic fertilizers (mean 25.43, < 0.01, 206.33, and 210.69 µgg-1), micronutrient fertilizers (mean 0.68, < 0.01, 43.43, and 65.79 µgg-1), and plant hormones (mean < 0.01, < 0.01, 9.90, and 43.08 µgg-1). The concentrations of Cd and Ni were on anaverage higher in phosphatic fertilizers, which exceeded the maximum acceptable limit of fertilizers in Bangladesh by 2.5 and 4.2 times, respectively. The study also revealed that the burden of toxic heavy metals from agrochemicals on farm soils was in the following order: phosphatic fertilizers > fungicides > micronutrient fertilizers > plant hormones > insecticides. Among the toxic heavy metals, Ni posed the highest burden on Bangladeshi farm soils due to a single application of different agrochemicals in a year. The average total burden of each metal in the soils of Bangladesh showed a decreasing trend in the order of Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb, resulting in a total metal burden of 22.88gyear-1ha-1. Finally, the study recommended that certification about the content of metals be made mandatory for agrochemical manufacturing firms to ensure that their products entering in Bangladeshi markets are free from toxic metals.

Assessment of metals and anions in tap, river, wastewater, and sludge: comparison of hotplate- and microwave-assisted digestion

In this study, the analysis of metals in tap, river, wastewater, and sludge samples was conducted using ICP−OES after hotplate- or microwave-assisted digestion. Both digestion methods produced a good degree of accuracy, indicating their suitability for the analysis of the studied metals in water samples. From method development studies, 100 mL of HNO3 was found to be the optimum sample volume and acid type for digestion. The average concentrations obtained ranged from 4.9–410.8 µg/L, 5.9–465.0 µg/L, 3.6–425.4 µg/L, 16.1–647 µg/L and 9.7–784 µg/L in tap water, river, influent, effluent, and sludge samples, respectively. All metals were below their maximum permissible limits, with the exception of Mn in all sludge samples and Pb in all tap water, Umhlathuzana River, and Northern Works influent samples. Comparable recoveries and metal concentrations were obtained by microwave and hotplate methods, suggesting that the cheaper hotplate method can be used as an effective digestion method for daily analysis. Common anion concentrations obtained ranged from 0.03–23.5 mg/L, 0.02–3 064.67 mg/L, and 0.32–175.67 mg/L for tap, river, and wastewater samples, respectively. The anion concentrations were found to be below the maximum acceptable limits indicating no negative health effect on human and aquatic life, with the exception of Cl− and SO42− in Amanzimtoti and Northern River water, respectively.

Assessment of health risks from potassium bromate and trace metals in bread consumption in Ado Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria

IntroductionBread, a staple food consumed by a large portion of the population worldwide, including Nigeria, has emerged as one of the most popular quick meal options. The excessive intake of potassium bromate and trace metals in bread has been identified as detrimental to human health due to its heightened propensity to induce cancer in human. ObjectiveThe current study assessed the exposure to potassium bromate (KBrO3) and trace metals through bread consumption, as well as the associated risks to dietary habits among Ado Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria residents. Bread varieties commonly consumed in Ado Ekiti were randomly chosen from local bakeries. These bread samples were then analyzed in the laboratory using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to determine the levels of trace metals, including lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co), as well as potassium bromate concentrations. ResultsThe findings revealed that cobalt (Co) had the highest mean concentration (29.35±3.59 mg.kg−1), whereas lead (Pb) exhibited the lowest mean concentration (0.06±0.02 mg.kg−1). The sequence of trace metal levels was Co > Cd > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cr > Pb. All trace metal concentrations exceeded the standards set by FAO/WHO. Regarding potassium bromate content, it ranged from 0.01 mg.kg−1 to 0.06 mg.kg−1, surpassing the maximum permissible limits of 0.02 mg.kg−1 set by the Food and Drug Administration.Although the chronic hazard quotient among adults and children was low, the hazard ratio ranged from 11 to 9 among adults and from 14 to 9 among children, suggesting the potential for carcinogenic effects with repeated consumption. Based on the hazard ratios, the estimated chances of developing cancer from daily consumption of bread samples were approximately 14 in 1,000,000, 86 in 1,000,000, 71 in 1,000,000, and 40 in 1,000,000, respectively, for the adult population, and about 20 in 1,000,000, 11 in 1,000,000, 90 in 1,000,000, and 56 in 1,000,000 for the children population. ConclusionThe study showed that trace metals Pb, Mn, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd and Co concentrations were higher than the FAO/WHO permissible limits. The concentration of potassium bromate in all the sorted bread samples exceeded the maximum acceptable limits except one. Though chronic hazard quotient among adults and children was low, the hazard ratio among the adult and children population was high, signifying possible cancer risks when continually consumed. These findings underscore the importance of stringent oversight by Nigerian regulatory authorities over using potassium bromate as an ingredient in bakeries.

Mycotoxins in stored cereals from rural households in central northern Namibia

Cereal contamination by mycotoxins is a significant food safety concern globally. To date, the spectrum of mycotoxins in stored cereals in Namibia was not yet studied. Therefore, this study aimed to gather data on grain storage practices and mycotoxin awareness using validated questionnaires as well as determine by LC-MS/MS analysis the types and levels of mycotoxins present in 100 samples of stored cereal flour in rural households in two regions (Oshana and Oshikoto) of central northern Namibia. In both regions, cereal grains were predominantly stored in traditional silos and for longer periods of more than 12 months under poorly aerated conditions. One hundred and ninety-four metabolites of fungal, bacterial and plant origins, including 30 regulated and emerging mycotoxins, were positively identified in at least one sample. About 42% of all samples were contaminated with aflatoxins, and 14% and 9% samples exceeded the European Union's maximum acceptable limit of 2 μg/kg AFB1 and 4 μg/kg total aflatoxin limit, respectively. Only five emerging mycotoxins (moniliformin, alternariolmethylether, tenuazonic acid, 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) and enniatin B) contaminated at least 50% of all samples. 3-NPA had the highest concentration in all flour samples (max: 54,400 μg/kg; mean: 5420 μg/kg). In view of the consumption of the flour by children and adults, the extremely high levels of 3-NPA and evident co-contamination by different toxin classes, urgent mitigation interventions that include educational awareness campaigns and provision of better storage facilities are required to minimize mycotoxin contamination in the staple cereals in central northern Namibia.

Determination and risk assessment of aflatoxin B1 in the kernel of imported raw hazelnuts from Eastern Azerbaijan Province of Iran

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is widespread and seriously threatens public health worldwide. This study aimed to investigate AFB1 in imported hazelnut samples in northwest of Iran (Eastern Azerbaijan Province) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescent Detector (HPLC-FLD). In all tested samples AFB1 was detected. The mean concentration of AFB1 was 4.20 μg/kg and ranged from 3.145 to 8.13 μg/kg. All samples contained AFB1 levels within the maximum acceptable limit except for one sample. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment of AFB1 from consuming imported hazelnuts by Iranian children and adults was evaluated based on the margin of exposure (MoE) and quantitative liver cancer risk approaches. The MoE mean for children was 2529.76, while for adults, it was 8854.16, indicating a public health concern. The present study found that the risk of developing liver cancer among Iranian children was 0.11100736 per 100,000 people, and in the Iranian adult population was 0.0314496 cancers per 100,000 people. Since environmental conditions potentially affect aflatoxin levels in nuts, countries are advised to monitor aflatoxin contents in imported nuts, especially from countries with a conducive climate for mold growth.

Persistent organic pollutants and trace metals in selected marine organisms from the Akanda National Park, Gabon (Central Africa)

Akanda National Park (ANP) is composed of mangrove ecosystems bordering Libreville, Gabon's capital. The contamination of aquatic resources from the ANP by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace metals (TMs) was never evaluated. To provide a basis for their monitoring in the ANP, five species (two fish, two mollusks, and one crustacean) were analyzed from three sampling sites in 2017. Contamination levels for POPs and TMs were below maximum acceptable limits for seafood, including Cd and Pb. No DDT was found in any sample. Inter-specific differences were more obvious than the differences among sites, although the results may be biased by an unbalanced sampling design. The oyster Crassostrea gasar was the most contaminated species, making this species a good candidate to assess environmental contamination in the area. The studied species also contained essential elements, such as Fe, Zn and Mn at interesting levels in a nutritional point of view.

Assessment of volatile organic compounds in indoor and outdoor environment – A study on air quality impact assessment

Objectives: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a type of pollutant that causes health risks and can be present in both indoor and outdoor environments. VOCs originate mainly from solvents and chemicals used at home or in offices and also from vehicle emissions. The current research work was aimed at the detection and quantification of VOCs indoor and outdoor at Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Pharmacy, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Material and Methods: Air was drawn through an adsorbent tube with a pump at a steady flow rate (100 mL min-1) for an hour to gather samples using the active sampling approach. Thermal desorption in combination with a gas chromatography (GC) analyzer was used to estimate the levels of hazardous VOCs, namely benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and o-xylene (BTEX) compounds. Results: VOCs were analyzed using the GC-mass spectroscopy technique. The finding shows the levels of BTEX as benzene (0.05–0.11 μg/m3), toluene (0.44–1.27 μg/m3), ethylbenzene (0.012–0.03 μg/m3), m-xylene (0.009–0.027 μg/m3), p-xylene (0.007–0.025 μg/m3), and o-xylene (0.003–0.019 μg/m3) compounds. Conclusion: The BTEX levels were observed to be well below the maximum acceptable limit. VOC emissions can be reduced by making process changes or by installing air pollution control equipment.

A prospective health risks analysis of regulatory limits for heavy metals in rice from representative organizations and countries worldwide: Are they protective?

Heavy metals contamination in rice has been one of the most public concerns globally; thus, many countries and organizations issued the maximum acceptable limits (MALs) of their concentrations in rice to regulate food safety and health risks. However, the applicability of these MALs has rarely been thoroughly evaluated. This study collected the MALs of heavy metals for rice from representative countries and organizations around the world. We assessed the critical health risks in the case of metal concentrations that reached the MALs for the first time. Results showed great variability of rice regulation limits owing to different processing methods (paddy, polished, and brown rice) and metal types (mainly focusing on inorganic As, Cd, and Pb). Risk analysis revealed that the inorganic As limits and part of Cd limits for polished rice generated relatively high health risks, indicating that their risks may be underestimated. Monte Carlo simulation further showed that the daily intake rate of rice (IRrice) is the largest contributor to total variances for the derivation of MALs, and regulation limits decreased with the augment of IRrice. Overall, we suggest a cautious reduction in the allowable limits of certain metals (such as inorganic As and part of Cd) in rice as their health risks and toxicity may be underestimated.

Determination of pesticide residues in varieties of pepper sold at different periods and provinces in Turkey and investigation of their adverse effects on human health and the environment

ABSTRACT Pesticides are dangerous chemicals that can harm to people and the environment when applied inappropriately or in excess. In this research, various pesticide residues were investigated in 48 pepper samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All samples were collected randomly in two periods of time (September and December) from markets and greengrocers in four provinces (Siirt, Mardin, Diyarbakir, and Batman). Considering the means of the first and second periods, diclofop-methyl had the highest concentration of 29.4 ± 7.7 µg kg−1, and diazinon had the lowest of 21.1 ± 4.6 µg kg−1. Based on the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of pesticides specified in the Turkish Food Codex, pyrimethanil, bupirimate, and diclofop-methyl were found to be below the maximum acceptable residue limit, while pyridaphention, dinoseb, diazinon, and pirimiphos-methyl were found to be above the limit. Thus, the current study demonstrated the potential of LC-MS/MS as a crucial technique for accurate measurements and confirmations of pesticides in different pepper varieties.

Quantification of Bioactive Metabolites Derived from Cell-Free Supernatant of Pediococcus acidilactici and Screening their Protective Properties in Frankfurters.

The specific aims of the current study were to determine and quantify the bioactive compounds derived from the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Pediococcus acidilactici and screen their protective effect in frankfurters by applying an edible coating. This was achieved by immersing the peeled frankfurters in the CFS (CFS: 50% and 100%) alone or in combination with chitosan (CH: 0.5% and 1%) solutions for 3min. Untreated frankfurter samples (control) exceeded the maximum acceptable total viable count limit (7.0 log10) on the 14th day, whereas samples treated with 100% CFS + 1% chitosan reached the limit on day 28 during refrigerated storage (P < 0.05). This treatment provided a 14-day extension to the shelf life of frankfurters without causing any significant changes in color and sensory attributes (P > 0.05). Additionally, this treatment inhibited oxidation in the frankfurters, leading to no significant changes in TBA and TVB-N within this group during storage (P > 0.05). This protective effect was mainly attributed to the wide variety of bioactive compounds identified in the CFS, including a total of 5 organic acids, 20 free amino acids, 11 free fatty acids, 77 volatiles, and 10 polyphenols. Due to these bioactive compounds, CFS exhibited a strong radical scavenging capacity (DPPH: 435.08 TEAC/L, ABTS: 75.01 ± 0.14mg TEAC/L; FRAP: 1.30 ± 0.03mM FE/L) and antimicrobial activity against microorganisms primarily responsible for the spoilage of frankfurters. In conclusion, the results indicate that the CFS contains high levels of bioactive metabolites, and an edible chitosan coating impregnated with CFS can be utilized to extend the shelf life of frankfurters through its antimicrobial effects and oxidation stabilization.

A lime-augmented electro-coagulation (LATEC) process for treatment of sulfate-bearing wastewater with simultaneous recovery of commercially relevant end-product

Treatment of industrial effluents bearing high dissolved sulfate concentration presents a major environmental challenge. A resource recovery-based approach was adopted in the present study. A two-stage electro-coagulation process developed using aluminum anode and stainless-steel cathode to treat a real industrial wastewater containing about 18,000 mg/L dissolved sulfate. EC process operating parameters like electrode arrangement, electrode-spacing, current density, and lime dosing were optimized. The treatment resulted in nearly 99 % overall sulfate removal efficiency with a final concentration of 191 mg/L meeting the maximum acceptable limit of 200 mg/L prevalent in India. Advanced analysis techniques like Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, X-Ray Diffraction Analysis, thermal analysis, and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy were applied to characterize the end product to ascertain the presence and purity of ettringite. Further, setting time analysis, compressive strength test, and heat of hydration analysis were performed to evaluate the performance of the EC residue in ordinary portlandite cement as a seed-based hardening accelerator. A dose of 10 % ECEP by weight of concrete reduced the setting time significantly. The heat of hydration test showed that ECEP was rich in ettringite which reduced the induction period for the setting of concrete. Addition of the ECEP to concrete showed about 15 % and 5 % higher strength than the normal concrete after 1 and 3 days, respectively. Therefore, the process provides an EC-based treatment scheme with end product valorization potential in the precast concrete industry as a seed-based hardening accelerator for the early setting of concrete.

Fat replacers based on oleogelation of beeswax/shellac wax and healthy vegetable oils

Oleogels based on the combination of oleogelators and vegetable oils are a fat substitute alternative to obtain commercial fats (CF) with reduced saturated fatty acids (SFA), high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and without trans fats (TFA). This study evaluated oleogelation to develop beeswax/shellac wax (BW/SW) with linseed (LO) and canola (CO) oil-based oleogels with a solid gel-like texture and high PUFA. The oleogelation conditions were optimized, and then oleogels were characterized. The optimal conditions were: oleogelator percentage of 10% (w/w), BW/SW ratio of 70/30 (%w/w), heating time of 30min, and heating temperature of 92 and 100 °C for BW/SW-LO and BW/SW-CO oleogels, respectively. The BW/SW-LO and BW/SW-CO oleogels presented firmness values of 423.6 ± 2.81 and 288 ± 2.99g, respectively, with a solid-like rheological behavior comparable to gel. Also, oleogels showed a lower SFA content (12.5 and 9.35%, respectively) than CF (35.9%), and no TFA was produced during oleogelation. The BW/SW-LO oleogel presented a higher PUFA content (68.4%) than the BW/SW-CO oleogel (29.1%). In addition, the oleogels showed peroxide values during storage below the maximum acceptable limit for edible fats and oils. Therefore, oleogels with a healthy fatty acid profile and low lipid oxidation are excellent alternatives to replace CF, offering promising food applications.

Prevalence of aflatoxin along processing points of locally made complementary food formulae in northern Uganda: Safety and children's exposure across seasons

Aflatoxin contamination along the processing points of locally made complementary food composite needs to be ascertained and minimized to reduce exposure to weaning children. The study established the concentrations of total aflatoxin (TAF) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) along the processing points of locally made malted millet sesame soybean composite (MMSSC) across season one (wet) and season two (dry) and determined children's exposure to them. A total of 363 samples were collected in 2019. TAF and AFB1 concentrations were determined quantitatively using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Consequently, exposure of individual children was assessed as Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), (ng kg−1 bw day−1). All the samples along the processing points had detectable concentrations of TAF and AFB1 ranging from 0.578 μg kg−1 to 1.187 μg kg−1 and 0.221 μg kg−1 to 0.649 μg kg−1 respectively. Contamination was highest in raw materials; soybean (Glycine max) > sesame (Sesamum indicum), followed by stored composite, freshly prepared composite, and least in millet (Eleusine coracana). Contamination varied significantly across seasons with the wet season having higher contamination than the dry season at P = 0.05. All samples (100%) were within the European Commission (EC) acceptable maximum tolerable level for TAF and AFB1 (4 μg kg−1 and 2 μg kg−1) respectively for processed foods for general consumption. But were below the EU acceptable maximum tolerable level for TAF and AFB1 (0.4 μg kg−1 and 0.1 μg kg−1) respectively for processed baby foods cereals. However, all were within the United States- Food and Drug Authority (US-FDA) and East African Community (EAC) set maximum acceptable limit of 20 μg kg−1 for TAFs, 10 μg kg−1 and 5 μg kg−1 for TAF and AFB1 respectively. Conversely, exposure to these toxins was much higher than the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Dietary Intake (PMTDI) of 0.4 ng kg−1 bw day−1 to 1.0 ng kg−1 bw day−1. A significant difference in exposure to both toxins was observed with the weight. The age of 5 months was the most exposed. A concerted effort is needed to reduce children's exposure to MMSSC to TAF and AFB1, taking sesame and soybean as priority ingredients and proper storage based on season to control contamination.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals detected in dried fish species consumed in Benin City, Edo State, Southern Nigeria

Heavy metal content and its associated hazard risk to human health were assessed in dried fish species commonly consumed in Benin city metropolis. In this study, three commercially available dried fish species Elops lacerta (ten pounder), Clarias gariepinus (catfish) and Cynoglossus senegalensis (sole fish) were purchased from selected markets in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. Result indicates that the heavy metal content was higher in Elops lacerta fish than the other fish species. On average, levels of Cd (0.23±0.03 mg/kg), Cu (10.50±2.87 mg/kg), Pb (0.14±0.03 mg/kg) and Zn (24.97±2.41 mg/kg) in all three fish species were below the maximum acceptable limits except for Fe (44.44 ±3.18 mg/kg). The metal pollution index (MPI) in fish species was below 100. Estimated daily intake (EDI) for the metals was lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI). Target hazard quotient (THQ) of all metals was below 1, but the total THQ values for associated metals were above 1 for children, suggesting a non-carcinogenic health risk to children. Target carcinogenic risk (TR) was within the acceptable limits of 10 –4 to 10 –6 indicating low carcinogenic risk to the consumer. We recommend that the dried fish species in the studied areas should be closely monitored to protect consumer health, especially in children.

Assessment of Metal Contamination in Oreochromis niloticus from Ekiti State’s Major Dams, Southwest, Nigeria and its Human Health Implications

Agricultural and domestic activities around dams in Nigeria involve the use of agrochemicals and insecticides to boost production and combat insect pests respectively. The study aimed to ascertain metals contents and assess the hazards associated with heavy metals in Oreochromis niloticus in three major dams in Ekiti State. Fish samples were collected for 24 months. Metal concentrations in fish samples were determined using spectrometry. The metals concentrations in the tissues were at lower concentrations compared to the maximum acceptable limits in food by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). Metals accumulation pattern revealed that the accumulation of the essential metals were higher than those of the non-essential metals in the fish tissues. There were significant seasonal variations in the concentrations of metal in fish tissues within the dam and among the dams. Significant relationships existed at P &lt; 0.05 or P &lt; 0.01 between some of the metals and the fish body weight and body length in the different dams while in others the relationships were not significant. Human health risk assessment showed no significant non-carcinogenic adverse health risk. Carcinogenic health assessment indicates that the utilization of the species as a protein source does not currently pose public health risk to consumers. However, the discovery of cadmium and lead in fish muscle is of great concern because of their toxic effects on human. Therefore, there is a need for close monitoring of these toxic metals contamination to prevent their excessive accumulation in the human food chain.

Bacteriological quality and safety of bottle food and associated factors among bottle-fed babies attending pediatric outpatient clinics of Government Health Institutions in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundMicrobial contamination of baby bottle food has been identified as a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries, but it remains overlooked. Therefore, this study aimed to determine microbiological hazards, compliance with hygiene practices, and critical control points of contamination in baby bottle food in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo evaluate the bacteriological quality and prevalence of foodborne pathogens in baby bottle food and to identify associated factors among bottle-fed babies attending three government health institutions in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between February 24 and March 30, 2022. A total of 220 food samples, comprising four types prepared with different sources of materials, were collected from systematically selected bottle-fed babies attending health facilities. The data on sociodemographic characteristics, food hygiene, and handling practices were solicited by face-to-face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire. Food samples (10 mL) were quantitatively analyzed for total viable counts (TVC) and total coliform count (TCC) and qualitatively for the presence of common foodborne bacterial pathogens. Data were analyzed using SPSS; ANOVA and multiple linear regression analyses were done to identify factors influencing microbial counts.ResultsResults revealed that the means and standard deviations of TVC and TCC were 5.3 ± 2.3 log10 colony forming units (CFU)/mL and 4.1 ± 2.6 log10 CFU/mL, respectively. Of the various food samples analyzed, 57.3 and 60.5% had a TVC and TCC above the maximum acceptable limits, respectively. The result of the ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in the mean score of TCV and TCC among the four types of food samples (p < 0.001). Enterobacteriaceae were found in the majority of positive food samples (79.13%), followed by Gram-positive cocci (20.8%). Salmonella spp., diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were the common foodborne pathogens detected in 8.6% of tested foods. The regression result revealed that the type of baby food, hand washing practices of mothers or caregivers, and sterilizing and disinfecting procedures of feeding bottles are independent determinants of bacterial contamination (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe high microbial load and the presence of potential foodborne bacterial pathogens in the bottle food samples analyzed indicate unsanitary practices and the potential risk of exposure to foodborne pathogens in bottle-fed babies. Thus, interventions such as educating parents about proper hygiene practices, sterilizing feeding bottles and limiting bottle feeding practices are critical to reducing the risk of foodborne to bottle-fed infants.

Exposure and health risk assessment of transition metals in rice found on the Ghanaian market

This study investigates the concentration of transition metals in imported and local rice brands on sale in some Ghanaian markets and the biochemical influences on the health of the Ghanaian population. A comparative analysis with previous studies in Ghana reveals that levels of Fe (3.64-4.44mg/kg), Cd (0.03mg/kg) and Cu (14.07-38.13mg/kg) in the current study are much lower than the 13.67-21.35, 1.67-3.01, and 14.07-38.13mg/kg recorded for Fe, Cd, and Cu, respectively. Rice sold in the Ghanaian markets contained different transition metals of which some are essential (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe). The levels of transition metals, such as Mn, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Fe are in moderate concentrations, which are well within the maximum acceptable limit of the World Health Organization. This study has revealed that R5 and R9 from the USA and India, respectively, recorded hazard indices above the safe limit of 1 and can therefore have the potential to pose detrimental health complications to consumers in the long term.

Geoelectrical, Hydrogeological and Hydrochemical Investigations of the University of Calabar Campus (SE Nigeria): Implications for sustainable groundwater development

The rapid increase in population and infrastructural development has triggered unplanned groundwater development leading to severe stress on groundwater couple with several unsuccessful boreholes or failure of existing in the University of Calabar, Calabar (Nigeria). Hence, an integrated hydrogeological study was undertaken in the university using vertical electrical sounding (VES), to delineate and characterise aquifers and assess the groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation uses, in addition to evolution and human health risk assessment. The results reveal two water bearing units. The first is composed of medium-coarse-gravelly sand with thickness and resistivity in the range 3.6–118.8 m and 540–3500 Ω m, while the second underlying the first aquifer is composed of clayey, fine-medium sand with resistivity and thickness values in the range 44–2200 Ω m and 50 - α. Aquifer parameters from VES and pumping tests showed average hydraulic conductivity (K) and transmissivity (T) of 180 m/day and 25,740 m2/day for the first aquifer and 180 m/day and 21,384 m2/day for the second aquifer. Regionally, the groundwater flow in the university occurs toward the south. Hydrochemical data show that all the physical parameters, major and minor ions, trace and rare earth elements are within the maximum acceptable limits for drinking and agricultural uses. The dominant hydrochemical facies are Na+-Ca2+-Cl--SO42-, Mg2+-Ca2+-HCO3--Cl- and Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3--Cl- with silicate weathering, ion exchange and reverse ion exchange as the major processess controlling the groundwater chemistry. Health risk of water through oral (drinking) and dermal (bathing) pathways showed that values of hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard index (HI) of all the trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) were less than one. This suggests that these elements does not pose any adverse risks to the local people through drinking and bathing, but children are more sensitive than adults. This study will serve as a guide for future sustainable development and management of groundwater resource in the university and its environs.

Potassium bromate in bread, health risks to bread consumers and toxicity symptoms amongst bakers in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon

This study evaluated the occurrence of potassium bromate in bread, its overall health risks to bread consumers, and its toxicity symptoms amongst bakers in Bamenda. Thirteen bakeries were included in a cross-sectional survey to gather information about the quantities of bread produced and the symptoms of potassium-bromated toxicity experienced by bakers during baking. The concentration of potassium bromate in the most consumed bread types was determined using a spectrophotometric method. The hazard quotient and hazard ratio were computed for each bread type to determine its chemical and carcinogenic risks. Results showed that all bakers had experienced symptoms of potassium bromate toxicity, and painful eyes, cough, diarrhea, and sore throat were the most recurrent symptoms of toxicity. The concentration of potassium bromate in all bread samples (100%) ranged from 48.50 mg/kg to 10148.50 mg/kg, exceeding the maximum acceptable limits by 9–203 times the dose (50 mg/kg) recommended by Food and Drug Administration. There was no significant difference (p = 0.109) in potassium bromate concentration between bread types, and simple bread, milk bread, and French bread had the highest concentration of potassium bromate. The chronic hazard quotient ranged from 277.93 to 2459.36, and the hazard ratio ranged from 251434.30 to 32862.86, indicative of possible chemical and carcinogenic risks after prolonged regular consumption. From the hazard ratios, the chances of having cancer from an average daily consumption of either simple bread or milk bread, or French bread are approximately 290,000 in 1,000,000 or 220,000 in 1,000,000 or 190,000 in 1,000,000. Thus regulatory authorities need to monitor, control or prohibit the use of potassium bromate as a flour additive.