Not Detected Research Articles

Effect of household culinary processes on organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs) in the seafood (Penaeus vannamei) and its associated human health risk assessment: Our vision and future scope

Food safety is crucial in today's competitive trading market, as it directly affects human health and promotes seafood exports. The effects of thermal processing (boiling, frying, grilling, and microwave cooking) on pesticide residues (PR) in P. vannamei were assessed. The PR in raw and processed shrimp ranged from 0.007 to 0.703 μg/kg for uncooked/raw, not detected (ND) to 0.917 μg/kg for boiled, ND to 0.506 μg/kg for fried, ND to 0.573 μg/kg for grilled and ND to 0.514 μg/kg for microwave cooked shrimps. The Endrin, endosulfan sulfate, and heptachlor were predominant PR found in the raw and processed shrimp. The PR content in raw and cooked shrimps were below the maximum residue limits (MRL) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (2021) and the European Commission (86/363/1986 and 57/2007). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of PR from raw and processed shrimps were below the ADI prescribed by CAC. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard ratio (HR) values were <1, indicating no non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic health implications through shrimp consumption. The estimated maximum allowable shrimp consumption rate (CRlim) suggests an adult can eat >100 shrimp meals/month, which is over the USEPA's (2000)recommendation of >16 meals/month without health issues. The Effect of thermal processing was detected in the following order: boiling < grilling < frying < microwave cooking. The processing factor (PF < 0.7), paired t-test (t < 0.05), Tukey post hoc (p < 0.05) test, Bray-Curtis similarity index, and matrix plot exhibited that all the four thermal processing methods have a considerable impact on pesticides in the processed shrimps. But frying (59.4%) and microwave cooking (60.3%) reduced PR far beyond boiling (48.8%) and grilling (51.3%). Hence, we recommend frying and microwave processing are better methods for minimizing PR in seafood than boiling or grilling.

Microplastic pollution in the surface seawater in Zhongsha Atoll, South China Sea

The prevalence of microplastics in the marine environment has attracted extensive attention. So far, no information is known regarding the temporal and spatial variations of microplastics in Zhongsha Atoll. This study, for the first time, comprehensively investigated the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the surface seawater in Zhongsha Atoll based on two ocean cruises. The abundances of microplastics measured in the surface seawater of Zhongsha Atoll were in the ranges of not detected (ND) to 67 items/m3, and ND to 160 items/m3 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. All microplastics detected in Zhongsha Atoll were fibers, most of which were transparent and less than 2 mm. Polyethylene terephthalate was the dominating composition of microplastics. These results suggested that sewage, surface runoff, atmospheric deposition by neighboring land, and fishing activities may be the primary pollution sources. This study provides critical information on microplastic pollution in Zhongsha Atoll for the first time, calling for more research in the management of marine plastic debris in the future.

Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) in Surface Water, Groundwater and Sediments of the Jin River Basin, Southeastern China

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels were determined in surface water, groundwater and sediments of the Jin River Basin, southeastern China. PFOA was detected in most of the samples, and its concentrations ranged from 0.53 to 8.77 ng/L, 0.26 to 15.1 ng/L and not detected (ND) to 23.9 ng/g in surface water, groundwater and sediments, respectively. Unlike PFOA, the detection frequency of PFOS was lower than 32%, and its concentrations ranged from ND to 2.56 ng/L, ND to 7.01 ng/L, ND to 11.1 ng/g in surface water, groundwater and sediments, respectively. The environmental risk assessment showed that PFOA could pose a high risk to surface water and groundwater, and both PFOA and PFOS posed a high risk to sediments. Moreover, the adults living in the Jin River Basin were at insignificant health risk to exposure to PFOA and PFOS through water consumption.

Determination of methanol and fusel oils in various types of wines distributed in Korea.

The contents of methanol and fusel oils in various types of wines were determined using headspace-gas chromatography (HS-GC). The HS-GC analysis method showed good linearity, high precision and accuracy, and low LOQ and LOD values. The methanol content in 289 types of wines ranged from not detected (ND) to 333.84mg/kg, and was higher in Korean grape wines than in imported grape wines. Among fusel oils, the contents of 1-propanol (23.61-84.23mg/kg) and isobutanol (34.98-111.39mg/kg) were slightly higher in Korean wild grape wines, whereas that of isobutanol (ND to 55.26mg/kg) was slightly lower in Korean black raspberry wine than in the other wines. The contents of amyl alcohol were lower in Korean plum wine and Korean black raspberry wine than in all of the wines included in the present study, and highest in imported grape wines.

Occurrence of veterinary antibiotics in arable soil with different fertilisation modes: a field study

Context Antibiotics contained in animal manure can contaminate arable soils and even groundwater. Systematic studies on the presence of veterinary antibiotics (VAs) in soils under different fertilisation modes are urgently needed to provide ample evidence for preventing and controlling VAs pollution. Aims This study tried to illustrate the effect of different fertilisation modes on the occurrence of soil VAs in a long-term field experiment. Methods Soil samples were collected from a 30-year fertilisation experiment with four fertiliser application modes: (1) no fertiliser (CK); (2) chemical fertiliser (TR1); (3) cattle manure (TR2); and (4) combination of chemical fertiliser and cattle manure (TR3). Key results Results showed that tetracyclines and sulfonamides were ubiquitously detected in soil samples with the concentration from not detectable (ND) to 6.95 μg kg−1 and ND to 3.85 μg kg−1, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of cattle manure (5.13–1628 μg kg−1). In addition, the long-term fertilisation generally improved soil properties and increased levels of VAs. The combined application of chemical fertiliser and cattle manure could significantly improve contents of soil nutrients. The correlation coefficient showed that the concentration of antibiotics and soil properties, such as soil organic matter, total nitrogen and available phosphorus, had positive correlation (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions This study indicated that different fertilisation methods had significant effects on the occurrence of antibiotics in arable soil. Implications The combination of inorganic and organic fertiliser application was a reasonable fertilisation mode to improve the soil fertility and control antibiotics contamination.

Evaluation of the Total Mercury Weight Exposure Distribution Using Tree Bark Analysis in an Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Area, North Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia.

It is well known that atmospheric mercury (Hg) contaminates air, water, soil, and living organisms, including trees. Therefore, tree bark can be used for the environmental assessment of atmospheric contamination because it absorbs heavy metals. This study aimed to establish a new biomonitoring for the assessment of atmospheric Hg pollution. Reporting on atmospheric Hg contamination in an artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) area in North Gorontalo, Indonesia, we calculated the total weight of Hg (THg) and quantitatively measured the concentrations of Hg in the tree bark of Mangifera indica, Syzygium aromaticum, Terminalia catappa, and Lansium domesticum. The THg of Hg in the M. indica tree bark samples ranged from not detected (ND) to 74.6 μg dry weight (DW) per sample. The total Hg in the tree bark of S. aromaticum, T. catappa, and L. domesticum ranged from ND to 156.8, ND to 180, and ND to 63.4 μg DW, respectively. We concluded that topography significantly influences the accumulation of Hg together with local weather conditions. A mapped distribution of the THg suggested that the distribution of THg in the tree bark was not affected by the distance to the amalgamation site. Therefore, tree bark can be used as biomonitoring of atmospheric Hg contamination for the assessment of ASGM areas.

Natural Course of Fetal Hyaloid Artery: SlowflowHD Longitudinal Study.

To assess the natural course of the fetal hyaloid artery (FHA) using SlowflowHD during pregnancy. One-hundred and eighteen normal fetuses were studied longitudinally using SlowflowHD to assess the natural course of FHA at 18-21 + 6, 28-31 + 6, and after 35 weeks of gestation. Blood flow of FHA with/without its branches (BF) was evaluated using SlowflowHD, and the band of FHA without blood flow (Band) was identified in each gestational period. The natural course of FHA was classified into six types: Type A, not detected (ND) in each gestational period; Type B, Band at 18-21 + 6 weeks; Type C, Band at 18-21 + 6 and 28-31 + 6 weeks; Type D, BF at 18-21 + 6 weeks; Type E, BF at 18-21 + 6 weeks and Band at 28-31 + 6 weeks; Type F, BF at 18-21 + 6 and 28-31 + 6 weeks. BF, Band, and ND were 83.5, 15.5, and 1.0% at 18-21 + 6 weeks, 8.8, 15.5, and 75.7% at 28-31 + 6 weeks, and 0, 0, and 100% after 35 weeks, respectively. Type A was 1.0%, Type B was 13.6%, Type C was 1.9%, Type D was 61.2%, Type E was 13.6%, and Type F was 8.7%. The presence of FHA blood flow before 30 weeks of gestation should be regarded as a physiologic phenomenon in normal fetuses.

Evaluation of metal contents of selected red wines consumed in South-East Nigeria

ABSTRACT Some metals (aluminium, lead, zinc and cadmium) contents and their potential health risks in 36 different brands of red wines locally produced and imported to South-East Nigeria are reported. The metals were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry after digestion with HNO3 and HClO4 mixture. The results revealed their mean concentration ranges as: Al (0.14 ± 0.01–16.02 ± 0.04 mg/L); Cd (not detected (ND) to 0.012 ± 0.02 mg/L); Pb (nd to 0.65 ± 0.01 mg/L) and Zn (0.08 ± 0.10–12.10 ± 0.12 mg/L). The concentration values obtained for the metals in some of the wines studied were higher than the maximum allowable limits established by Office International de la Vigne et du Vin. The brands of wines (made in Nigeria and imported ones) popularly consumed in the region are contaminated by these metals especially Zn and Cd. This is a source of concern due to possible health risks associated with their ingestion.

Real World Experience: Blinatumomab in the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Mexico

Real World Experience: Blinatumomab in the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Mexico.IntroductionTreatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults can achieve complete hematologic remissions (CHR) of 80%, however, 50% of patients have relapse with a poor prognosis.Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) > 0.01% is the main independent prognostic factor after induction treatment in ALL, which is why it has become the cornerstone in decision-making.Blinatumomab is a CD19/CD3 bispecific antibody designed to redirect previously unstimulated T cells to malignant B cells and induce their destruction. The FDA approved it in 2014 in R/R ALL by demonstrating improvement in CHR and Overall Survival (OS) rates in the TOWER study. In 2018, it was approved for the treatment of ALL in CHR, with MRD + based on the BLAST study in which 78% of patients presented MRD ND at the end of the first treatment cycle.GoalsNumber of patients in CHR and MRD.Number of adverse events during administration.Number of patients in OS and Relapse-Free Survival (RFS).MethodsRetrospective, cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study. The records of patients who received blinatumomab from January 2018 to May 2021 were reviewed. Pre and post blinatumomab MRD was evaluated by flow cytometry, MRD response was defined as Not Detectable (ND) or less than 0.01%.Statistical analysisThe qualitative variables were studied in frequencies and proportions, the quantitative variables were grouped into medians and ranges. OS and RFS were determined using Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-Rank with a significant p <0.05 value. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 24.ResultsEighteen patients were included, 66.7% (12) men and 33.3% (6) women. The mean age was 30 years. By age group, 72.2% (13) were adolescent and young adult, 22.2% (4) were adults and only 5.6% (1) were older adults.The time in which adverse events occurred, 33.3% (6) were recorded in the first 24 h after blinatumomab, 38.9% (7) were at 24-72 h and 27.8% (5) after 72 h. Fever was the most frequent in patients 77.8% (14), neurological events 44.4% (8), such as distal tremor 38.9% (7), headache 27.8% (5), seizures 11.1% (2). Cytokine release syndrome were 27.8% (5) and infections 38.9% (7). Grade 3 adverse events were in 22.2% (4) of the patients.Due to toxicity, it was decided to suspend the blinatumomab infusion in 33.4% (6) of the patients and in 2 of them it was definitively.The response after blinatumomab: 77.8% (14) patients with MRD ND, 5.6% (1) presented MRD of 1x 10 -4 and only 16.8% (3) with 1x 10 -1. Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation (HSCT) was carried out in 27.8% (5) of the patients.The current status of the patients with 72.2% (13) with CHR and MRD ND, in relapse 11.1% (2), one was after HSCT and 16.7% (3) have refractory disease.The mean OS was 37.53 months and RFS was 14.13 months. The results that were statistically significant in OS compared by Kaplan Meier curves were: relapse (X 2 = 4.59, p = 0.032), blasts <50,000 x 10 3/mm 3 (X 2=11.98, p=0.001), MRD ND after infusion of blinatumomab (X 2 = 5.4, p = 0.02).DiscussionThe response after blinatumomab infusion was: 77.8% (14) patients with MRD ND, 5.6% (1) presented MRD of 1x 10 -4 and only 16.8% (3) presented values greater than 1x 10 -1. HSCT was carried out in 27.8% (5) of the patients. These results are similar to those reported by Gökbuget in the BLAST study in 2018 where he reported 78% of MRD ND with a RFS of 23.6 months in responding patients. The most frequent adverse events were Grade 1 and 2, similar to those reported in the literature.ConclusionsThis study represents the largest series of patients in Mexico to describe the clinical characteristics and responses with the use of blinatumomab in patients with ALL. Blinatumomab is a new drug for the treatment of ALL that has proven to be effective and well tolerated the greatest benefit is observed in the context of detectable MRD, being more effective and with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.The limitations of the study are the small number of patients and the limited access to blinatumomab. [Display omitted] DisclosuresCeniceros: Amgen: Speakers Bureau.

Spatiotemporal distribution and risk assessment of short-chain chlorinated paraffins in 30 major rivers in Taiwan

Because of their highly persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) have become emerging contaminants and have been included in Annex A (elimination) of the Stockholm Convention since 2017. The contamination of SCCPs has been observed in the environment and biota worldwide but has not been detected in Taiwanese river ecosystems. Thus, this study aimed to determine the occurrence of SCCPs in sediments and fish from 30 major rivers in Taiwan and to evaluate the risk of SCCPs to river ecosystems and human health. The concentrations of SCCPs in sediments and fish ranged from ND (not detected) to 12.6 mg/kg dw and ND to 2.07 mg/kg ww, respectively. The concentrations of SCCPs in sediments were significantly correlated with some indicators of the discharge sources and water quality variables, indicating that SCCPs were released via human activities and various discharges into rivers and accumulated in sediments. The bioaccumulation of SCCPs in fish exhibited species-specific profiles and was related to environmental contamination levels and the living pattern and trophic level of the fish. The SCCP levels in sediments from 20 major rivers in Taiwan might pose a potential ecological risk to river ecosystems according to the criteria of the Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines in Canada, the biota–sediment accumulation factor and the risk quotient. Consumption of SCCP-contaminated river fish by different gender and age groups showed no significant health risk to residents in Taiwan evaluated by the estimated daily intake and hazard quotient. However, there was a health concern for the 0- to 3-year-old group due to the consumption of contaminated river fish at a bioaccessibility of 100% for SCCPs by the margin of exposure. Routine monitoring of SCCPs in river ecosystems is needed to protect aquatic organisms and human health.

Effect of Some Preliminary Processing Techniques on Nutrients, Anti-nutrients, Mineral and Vitamin Composition of Four Varieties of Nigerian Sweet Potato [Ipomoea Batatas L. (Lam.)

ABSTRACT Effects of preliminary processing techniques such as peeling, washing, cutting, slicing and drying on chemical composition of sweet potato were studied. Generally there were increases in protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, fiber and sugars. Calcium, potassium and magnesium contents were increased in all samples. Iron contents were increased as much as 37% to 88%, zinc 7% to 9%, copper 252% to 333%. Vitamin C contents were reduced by 46% and 52%. Thiamine contents increased by between 14% and 100%. Riboflavin and Niacin were greatly increased for all samples. β-carotene contents were increased between 17% and 72%. Tannin was the only anti-nutrient found. It was observed to have reduced in all samples between 66% and 70%. The results of this study may help in understanding changes in nutrition during preliminary processing and therefore preservation of food quality. Abbreviations: Orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP); Purple fleshed sweet potato (PFSP); Yellow fleshed sweet potato (YFSP); White fleshed sweet potato (WFSP); Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC); Trypsin Inhibition Activity (TIA); Analysis of Variance (ANOVA); Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS); Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT); International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFosT); United States Potato Board (USPB), ND (Not Detected).

ARSENIC, CADMIUM AND MERCURY IN THE MACROLEPIOTA PROCERA (SCOP.) SINGER FRUITING BODIES

In this study, the content of As, Cd and Hg in fruiting bodies was determined. These three elements were determined in 94 Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer samples (separately for caps and stems) and their corresponding soils/substrates collected from 8 different localities in Slovakia. Arsenic and cadmium were analyzed by Optical Emission Spectrometry with Inductively Coupled Plasma (OES-ICP), and mercury by Advanced Mercury Analyzer (AMA-254). In the soil/substrate As content varied from ND (not detected) to 11.9, Cd from 0.66 to 22.9 and Hg from 0.02 to 0.28 mg kg-1 DW (dry weight), respectively. In fruiting body stems arsenic content varied from ND to 4.77, cadmium from ND to 5.96 and mercury from 0.03 to 2.83 mg kg-1 DW. In the caps, As content varied from ND to 13.0, Cd from ND to 19.8 and Hg from 0.04 to 4.00 mg kg-1 DW. After comparing obtained results with the EU limits, for As in mushrooms 6.6% (cap) of analyzed samples exceeded the limit value, while for Cd, 4.7% (cap), 2.0% (stem) of analyzed samples exceeded the limit value. Regarding the background values in the soils/substrates of selected elements in Slovakia only Cd exceeded the limits (though almost 82% of samples). Regarding Hg content, all analyzed samples (fruiting bodies and soils/substrates) did not exceed the limit value. The selected monitored localities in Slovakia have been contaminated with trace elements. Some of the analyzed mushroom samples exceeded EU limits, and as such, they can pose a risk to human health.

Determination of Heavy Metal Concentration in Herbal Medicines by GF-AAS and Automated Mercury Analyzer

This study was conducted to analyze and compare the concentrations of heavy metals in 430 different products of 20 types of herbal medicines available in the domestic market in Korea by Graphite Furnace– Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GF-AAS) and automated mercury analyzer. The accuracy for lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) was in the range 92.67-102.56%, and the precision was 0.21-6.00 relative standard deviation (RSD%), which was in compliance with the Codex acceptable range. Furthermore, the Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) quality control (QC) material showed a recovery range of 96.7- 102.0% and 0.33-4.93 RSD%. The average contents (μg/kg) of Pb, As, Cd, and Hg in herbal medicines were 254.9 (not detected (N.D.)-2,515.2), 171.0 (N.D.-2,465.2), 99.2 (N.D.-797.1), and 6.0 (N.D.-83.6), respectively. Based on the quantitative analysis results, the heavy metal contents of 20 types of herbal medicines distributed in Korea are within the acceptable range according to the standards issued by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). By using the manufacturer of herbal products as the standard for QC, the Pb, As, Cd, and Hg contents were investigated in the packaging process just before distribution to determine the actual conditions of residual heavy metals in herbal medicines. Thus, these result may contribute to monitoring the QC of herbal medicines distributed in Korea and could provide basic data for supplying safe herbal medicines to the public.

Phytochemicals, Heavy Metal and Proximate Analysis of Parkia biglobosa and Three Varieties of Bouillon Cubes (Purchased From Iyana Iba Market, Ojo Local Government Area in Lagos, Nigeria

Despite the huge nutritional values and availability of local seasonings such as Parkia biglobosa, knorr chicken as food seasonings, some developing countries like Nigeria require more information on the needs for increasing their utilization. Analysis was done using standard analytical methods, to compare the nutritional and heavy metal composition of P. biglobosa seed and bouillon cubes (Knorr chicken, magi star and Tasty cubes). The specific focus was to find out the proximate analysis (carbohydrate, fat, protein and vitamin), heavy metals, Minerals and phytochemicals composition of P. biglobosa and bouillon cubes. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used in the determination of the levels of (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn). Phytochemicals, including phytic acid, tannins, carotenoids, phenols, saponins and hydrocyanic acid were also determined using method of Ola and Oboh [19]. The result shows that the seeds of P. biglobosa had significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) Moisture (17.530±3.686) crude protein (25.722±3.524%), crude fat (27.536±2.273%) and Crude fiber (6.540±1.795%) contents compared to the bouillon cubes (Knorr chicken, Maggi Star, tasty cubes). The bouillon cubes had significantly higher (p&gt;0.05) contents of ash (22.188±0.950, 24.092±0.911, 22.880±0.736) which is found to be low in P. biglobosa seed. Carbohydrate level in bouillon cubes were also found to have higher means values of (28.87±1.581, 46.785±2.243, 38.035±12.574). The minerals content of the analyzed samples shows that the P. biglobosa seeds have higher means value in Ca (126.285±16.393), Na (150.820±25.075), and K (1454.432±199.575) and bouillon cubes were also found to be high in (Ca, Na , K , Fe), respectively. While the values of (Mn, Zn, Cr Cb, Pb pH) were found to have low mean value which were higher than WHO permissible limits. For the ANFs, P. biglobosa seeds recorded higher levels of Phytic acid (31.171±8.369 mg/100g), saponins (15.767±4.663 mg/100g) and tannins (55.772±6.655 mg/100g), Total carotenoids (41.561±2.632), Total phenols (65.689±14.439), Hydrocyanic acid (7.618±1.922mg/100g) and Ascorbic acid (101.025±11.670 mg/100g) while it was not detected (ND) in bouillon cubes on analysis. T he heavy metal contents in P. biglobosa was found to be high in copper with mean value of (2.478±2.077) while it was found to be insignificant in (Cr, Cb, and pb) and are not within the recommended value by WHO. The overall results are suggestive of higher nutritional quality of the Parkia biglobosa seeds than the bouillon cubes. It was therefore recommended that information concerning the use of local seasonings should be made available through public awareness campaign.

Determination of statistical sampling criteria for microbial contamination of cereal and Saeng-sik products

The aims of this study was to determine the actual levels of microbial contamination in cereal and Saeng-sik products and establish new microbial criteria for cereal and Saeng-sik products for the “Korea Food Code”. Monitoring microbial indicator organisms (i.e., total aerobic, coliform, and Escherichia coli counts) and food-borne pathogens (i.e., Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium perfringens) revealed that the total aerobic counts of cereal and Saeng-sik products were not detected (ND)–2.48 and 4.00–7.88 log10 CFU/g, respectively, whereas coliform bacteria were only detected in Saeng-sik (ND–5.24 log10 CFU/g). Cereals and Saeng-sik products were also contaminated with B. cereus (ND–2.95 log10 CFU/g and −0.40–3.30 log10 CFU/g, respectively). However, S. aureus, C. perfringens and E. coli were not detected in any of the cereal or Saeng-sik products. Based on this study, a revision was proposed for microbial criteria in cereal and Saeng-sik products.

Evaluation and risk assessment of heavy metals in surface water collected along the Isipingo River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACT In this study, the pollution levels, sources, and ecological risks associated with five selected heavy metals (chromium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc)were evaluated in surface water, soil, and sediment systems along the Isipingo River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The surface water, soil and sediment samples collected along the river, were preserved, transported, and stored followed the standard procedures. Soil and sediment samples were digested for heavy metal determination using a microwave digestion system. The digested samples were quantitatively analysed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results demonstrate that majority of the targeted heavy metals were found below the detection limits in surface water except for iron (Fe), which was found within the concentration range of 9.54 to 46.76 µg/L. Lead was found below the detection limit in water, soil, and sediment samples, while other heavy metals were within the range not detected(ND)to 0.222 µg/kg dry weight and 0.212 µg/kg dry weight in soil and sediment respectively. The ecological risk assessment of the studied metals in soil and sediment systems from this riversignified that water from this river had less probable potential adverse effects on both animals and humans as well as benthic organisms.

Perchlorate in shellfish from South China Sea and implications for human exposure

Shellfish can absorb and accumulate contaminants. The consumption of shellfish could expose humans to pollutants and increase related health risk. Perchlorate (ClO4−) is a ubiquitous pollutant and could affect thyroid functions, especially for children and pregnant women. However, knowledge on the contamination of perchlorate in aquatic food such as shellfish remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the abundances of perchlorate in shellfish from South China Sea and to assess human exposure risks. A total of 178 shellfish samples from eight species were collected from offshore aquaculture waters in South China Sea. Perchlorate was detected in 99.4% of them, suggesting widespread pollution in coastal waters. Concentrations of perchlorate ranged from not detected (N.D.) to 71.5 μg kg−1, with a median value of 4.33 μg kg−1. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) were used to assess human exposure dose and health risks, respectively. The HQ values were determined to be less than 1, indicating no significant health risks to local residents via shellfish consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate perchlorate contamination in South China shellfish and assess potential human risks.

Quality Valuation of Direct Harvested Rainwater Near Nekede Landfill in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Quality assessment of direct harvested rainwater at Nekede landfill in Owerri west Local Government, Imo State, Nigeria was examined. Some physicochemical and bacteriological parameters were analyzed. The WHO (2006) domestic, irrigation and rules for consumption standards was used to assess if the harvested rainwater is impure or infected. The water samples were collected from four sampling locations at a distance of 20 m away from each other. EP samples (March-April 2019) shows, turbidity ranged 5.0-5.20 NTU, Cl (3.40-3.90), Mn (0.05-0.09), NO3-N (8.40-9.90), PO43- (0.03-0.05) mg l-1 falls within the limit, Cu 1.0-1.10 mg l-1, Zn 3.00-3.10 mg l-1 falls within WHO standards only. Cd, Al and Co2 were above the standards, SAR and Na was Not detected (ND). PP (June - July 2019) shows turbidity, Cu, Cl, Mn, Ca, NO3- N, Na, and PO43- falls within the recommended standards. Cd (0.02), Al (0.02-0.06), CO2 (5.00-5.10) mg l-1 was above the standards, while SAR and Zn has (4.63-47.27) (3.00-3.20) mg l-1 falls within WHO standard and Mg (0.43-0.60) mg l-1 falls within FAO. E-Coli results on EP 20-32, PP 10-35 and Coliform count EP (ND), peak precipitation (1-10) falls within FAO standards, Salmonella EP and PP was above WHO and FAO standards. The bacteriological parameters indicates that the water is not fit for drinking, thus the water has been seriously contaminated with dangerous pollutants.

Trifluralin residues in soils from main cotton fields of China and associated ecological risk

Trifluralin is a widely used dinitroaniline herbicide in cotton fields of China but is highly persistent in the environment and can act as a biotoxin and cause genotoxicity to terrestrial organisms, including humans. In this study, the concentrations and distribution of trifluralin residues in 139 soil samples from the major cotton-producing areas of China were investigated. The trifluralin concentrations ranged from ND (not detected) to 66.39 μg/kg dry weight (dw), with a geometric mean of 4.13 μg/kg dw. The detection frequency of trifluralin in Hebei (75%) was higher than that in Xinjiang (66%) and Shandong (40%), but the mean trifluralin concentration was highest in Xinjiang (5.98 μg/kg dw), followed by Hebei (5.06 μg/kg dw) and Shandong (3.19 μg/kg dw). No trifluralin residues were detected in cotton soil in Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan. The residual amount of trifluralin in soil was significantly correlated with the soil organic matter content. The risk quotient method was used to evaluate the ecological risks associated with trifluralin. Results indicated that trifluralin in all the samples had a low risk to earthworms, but trifluralin in same cotton soils showed high risks to wheat, barley and lucerne. Overall, our work is helpful to understand the residual situation of trifluralin in Chinese cotton soil, to assess the environmental risk of trifluralin, and to control the use and safety of trifluralin in cotton field cultivation.

Development and Evaluation of Low Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Improved Fish Smoking Kiln

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic pollutants which get into foods during smoking. This research was used to develop an improved smoking kiln and to determine its effects of the methods of smoking in reducing the level of PAHs of a locally consumed fish in Nigeria. The fish specie clarias gariepenus (catfish) was smoked with different methods. They are the firewood in open-fire fish smoking drum (FOSD), charcoal using improved fish smoking kiln (CISK) and gas using improved fish smoking kiln (GISK). The PAHs was determined using the Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled with flame ionization detector (FID). Comparison of the concentration of PAHs in smoked fish samples were investigated with the aim of determining the process that has reduced the concentration of the PAHs in the fish samples. The total values of PAHs have shown that the methods FOSD, CISK and GISK have PAHs level of 80.01μg/g, 20.95μg/g and 14.69μg/g respectively. Benzo(a)pyrene, which is highly carcinogenic and posses health risk was found only in FOSD to be 9.20μg/g, while it was not detected in CISK and GISK respectively. As for other PAHs, they were all detected in FOSD, while fluoranthene was exceptionally high in all the methods used as 22.08μg/g, 10.23μg/g and 5.04μg/g respectively. However, naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthrene, benzo(k)fluoranthrene, benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(g,h)perylene were not detected (ND) in the developed improved fish smoking kiln. The developed improved fish smoking kiln has been able to reduce the level of PAHs considerably and is therefore recommended. Keywords: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Benzo(a)pyrene, smoking kiln, smoked fish, Gas Chromatography DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-12-04 Publication date: June 30 th 2021