Safe Consumption Research Articles

Geochemical assessment of groundwater quality for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes: a tool for environmental monitoring and assessment in a semiarid region of eastern Maharashtra, India

The hydrochemistry of groundwater in the Mann River basin, situated in eastern Maharashtra, was investigated through laboratory analysis with the aim of determining its suitability for consumption, agriculture, and industry. A total of 43 groundwater samples were collected from bore wells and dug wells across the basin for evaluation. Parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), and various cations and anions were examined in comparison with established standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Piper diagram analysis revealed that a significant portion of the samples fell into the CaMgHCO3 hydrochemical facies, while the Gibbs diagram suggested rock dominance in most samples. The drinking water quality index was calculated based on 11 parameters, with 52% of the samples falling into the excellent water category. The irrigation suitability assessment was based on parameters like the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (%Na), and permeability index (PI), revealing that the majority of the samples were appropriate for irrigation. Moreover, assessments of industrial suitability rely on factors such as the Langelier saturation index (LSI) and Ryznar stability index (RSI) to estimate corrosion potential, with most samples showing a high propensity for corrosion and calcium carbonate deposition. Binary correlation effects were observed, suggesting that the presence of one physiochemical parameter could influence others. GIS-based maps were generated to precisely assess corrosion indices for effectively monitoring and managing water quality in the study area. This study is crucial as it evaluates the groundwater quality for its suitability for drinking, agriculture, and industry. It identifies groundwater’s chemical characteristics, irrigation potential, and corrosion risks, offering key insights for water management, ensuring safe consumption, and supporting agricultural and industrial applications.

A Review of the Nutritional Composition, Storage Challenges, Processing Technology and Widespread Use of Bamboo Shoots.

Bamboo shoots, as the young bamboo stems, are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as many bioactive substances beneficial to health, and are gaining in importance worldwide as a healthy food and dietary supplement. However, fresh bamboo shoots lignify rapidly after harvesting and contain cyanogenic glycosides, limiting the safe and healthy consumption of bamboo shoots. To this end, based on the changes in nutritional composition and the physiological properties of fresh and post-harvest bamboo shoots, factors affecting the preservation of post-harvest bamboo shoots are emphasized, including a series of physical and chemical regimes and various processing methods for post-harvest preservation. Furthermore, a systematic biorefinery approach for using bamboo shoot processing residue to prepare value-added products is also discussed. Finally, the article also discusses issues related to sustainable development, safeguarding food security, and addressing potential health impacts in order to provide a scientific basis for researchers to further develop and increase the added value of bamboo shoots.

An interrupted time series analysis of fentanyl, naloxone, and opioid-involved deaths in five counties in Eastern Missouri

IntroductionRates of opioid overdose deaths (OOD) have increased since the introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl in the U.S. drug supply. Though community-based naloxone distribution efforts have been found to effectively reduce OOD, no studies to date have examined their effects during the fentanyl era, nor in the epicenter of a state's overdose crisis. Thus, the current study assessed the impacts of both fentanyl and of subsequent grant-funded community-based naloxone distribution on OOD across Missouri's St. Louis region. MethodsMedical examiner data includes individuals who died within one of the five study counties (St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles counties [combined as “Collar Counties”]) between 2011 and 2022 due to an opioid overdose (N = 6,799). Naloxone distribution date and location data came from Missouri's university-based naloxone distribution team. We conducted a controlled interrupted time series using an autoregressive model via proc ARIMA to examine changes over time in the rate of OOD associated with the introduction of fentanyl (defined to be present in 25% of opioid overdose deaths; June 2015) and the start of naloxone distribution for each location (August 2017, October 2017, and January 2018, respectively). ResultsThe introduction of fentanyl into the drug supply of St. Louis City was associated with an increased rate of OOD over time (p < .001). Naloxone distribution in the City was associated with an immediate decrease in OOD (p < .001) followed by a slowed increase in OOD (p < .001). These findings were not replicated in St. Louis County nor the Collar Counties. ConclusionsThe effects of fentanyl and naloxone on OOD varied by region in Eastern Missouri. Specifically, fentanyl and naloxone effects were only found in a high-need urban area with existing harm reduction and street outreach programs, but not in surrounding suburban or rural areas. State-level naloxone distribution decision-makers should prioritize funding harm reduction services in both urban and non-urban settings to help increase targeted naloxone distribution to those actively using drugs. Additionally, interventions tailored for people who engage in solitary drug use - such as safe consumption spaces and overdose detection technologies - should receive increased investment and implementation, particularly in rural areas where harm reduction infrastructure is more scarce.

THE EFFECT OF DİFFERENT PROCESSİNG METHODS ON AMYGDALİN LEVELS AND SOME PHYSİCOCHEMİCAL PROPERTİES OF APRİCOT KERNELS

Apricot seeds, particularly bitter seeds, pose health risks due to their cyanogenic glycosides content. Therefore, determining the amount of amygdalin in seeds is important for the food industry. In this study, the amygdalin content of sweet apricot varieties Hacıhaliloğlu and Kabaaşı, as well as bitter apricot (zerdali), was determined using LS-MS/MS devices. Methods to reduce the amygdalin levels in raw apricot seeds to safe consumption limits were established. The treatments to remove bitterness included sodium bicarbonate alkalinization (4-10% NaHCO3 for 7-15 min), ultrasonic waves (30-50°C for 30-60 min), microwave (240W-560W for 2-5 min), and roasting (120-160°C for 10-20 min). After all treatments, samples were analyzed for fat content, protein, amygdalin content via HCN, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and color values (L, a*, b*, Chroma, Hue) using Soxhlet extraction. The fat content (42.99, 44.35, 40.75 ), protein content (34.14, 30.36, 29.27), and hydrocyanic acid content (mg/kg) (24.56, 30.31, 1630.66) of Hacıhaliloğlu, Kabaaşı, and zerdali varieties were found, respectively. Among the methods used to reduce or eliminate the amygdalin content of raw apricot seeds, roasting emerged as the most effective. For raw zerdali seeds, the amygdalin content was 27.64 mg/g, which decreased to 9.77 after 10 min of roasting at 160°C. In terms of total phenolic content, sweet and bitter seeds had similar values. The antioxidant activity (mg TE/100g) was 82.59 for raw zerdali seeds, with the lowest being for sodium bicarbonate (81.72), ultrasonic (57.5), microwave (52.65), and roasting (97.04) treatments.

Power consumption state evaluation of important power customers based on AHP‐TOPSIS algorithm

AbstractIn the construction of a new power system, the identification and evaluation of power consumption status of power customers will become an important basis for them to participate in the emerging businesses such as demand response and virtual power plants. In order to ensure the power safety of important power customers, a new evaluation of power consumption status of important power customers based on the AHP (analytic hierarchy process)‐TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution) algorithm is proposed by fully mining and applying the power big data. Firstly, a power consumption big data analysis platform based on the Hadoop architecture is built to provide a high‐performance platform support for big data analysis. Secondly, nine evaluation indexes are constructed from the three dimensions of voltage, load and synthesis, which objectively and scientifically describes the power consumption status of important power customers. Finally, the AHP‐TOPSIS algorithm is used to evaluate and analyse the voltage, load and comprehensive indicators respectively, thus, obtaining the evaluation values of three kinds of indicators. The power consumption status scores of important power customers are determined by the variable weight weighted summation. The rationality and feasibility of the method and algorithm are proved by example analysis and field verification. This method helps to promote the transformation from post fault emergency repair to warning beforehand. It has the multiple effects of ensuring safe power consumption, supporting accurate patrolling and active emergency repair serving.

The Development of a Learning Unit to Promote Biodiversity Utilization in Agricultural Ecosystems

The objectives of this research were to 1) develop a learning unit to promote biodiversity use in agricultural ecosystems, 2) assess student learning outcomes related to their knowledge of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems and to their skills of knowledge management, and 3) evaluate the impacts of learning to manage biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems on cultivators. Agriculture is a major occupation in Thailand. Knowledge about utilizing biodiversity in an agricultural ecosystem is essential for safe food consumption. Teachers play a vital role in developing and managing learning opportunities for cultivators, leading to participatory learning. Important components of learning management are teachers, learning sources in the local community, learning units about managing agricultural ecosystem biodiversity, and collaborative learning assessments for developing the learning units. This study develops learning outcomes at secondary schools to address the use of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems along with agricultural methods and teaching skills related to sustainable agricultural learning management. Teaching skills have been improved through the guideline Encouraging Learning Outcomes for Biodiversity in Agricultural Ecosystems, in accordance with the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Residue dissipation and dietary risk of cyprodinil and fludioxonil residues in green onions: ensuring safe consumption in Egypt

ABSTRACT As a vegetable commodity, onions are of considerable economic significance. They are a significant source of foreign exchange revenues in the fruit and vegetables sector, in addition to being essential for domestic consumption. However, green onions are frequently treated with multiple fungicides. As a result, there is currently a significant focus on the potential health hazards of consuming green onions, due to dietary risks and the presence of various fungicide residues. The pre-mixture fungicide cyprodinil and fludioxonil are widely used to control fungal disease in green onions. To assure consumer safety, residues in the final product must be investigated. Following Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), field studies were carried out to investigate cyprodinil and fludioxonil dissipation and terminal residues on green onions. The concentrations of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in green onions decreased with time by a first-order kinetic model, with considerable degradation of 95.6% and 83.5%, respectively, after 14 days of single treatment at the recommended rate. According to the terminal results, it is advisable to wait for 7 days after applying the recommended dose of Switch fungicide before harvesting. The findings indicated that the presence of cyprodinil and fludioxonil residues in green onions did not pose a significant dietary risk for consumers. This study is intended to ensure the safe and proper use of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in green onions in Egypt.

Food Safety and Food Hygiene Knowledge of Hungarian University Students.

(1) Background: Foodborne diseases continue to affect millions of people around the world today, posing a huge challenge to public health. Our aim was to focus on the food safety knowledge and food hygiene knowledge of students at the University of Pécs, Hungary. (2) Methods: A quantitative, online, cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 February 2024 and 10 May 2024. Non-probability, convenience sampling was used. The target group consisted of first- and second-year BSc level degree students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pécs (N = 214). The questions of the self-designed questionnaire include sociodemographic data, questions focusing on food safety knowledge, and questions to assess food hygiene knowledge. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and mathematical statistical analysis (p < 0.05). (3) Results: Participants were aware of foods that pose a food safety risk and were familiar with both the pathogens in food and the groups at risk of food contamination. In terms of knowledge, a higher proportion of second-year students answered correctly (p = 0.021; r = 0.657). A significant relationship was found between hygiene habits and age (p = 0.035) and place of residence, with most of the students living in dormitories not paying attention to food hygiene (r = 0.094; p = 0.046). (4) Conclusions: The level of knowledge of the students was not always satisfactory, so further research and education on this topic is essential to promote safe food consumption.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards poultry handling and Salmonella risk among households in Beirut, Lebanon

Food-Borne Disease (FBD) is defined as an illness resulting from consuming foods contaminated with bacteria, their toxins, viruses, or parasites. Food poisoning due to improper food handling is a major global public health problem. In Lebanon, numerous challenges affect safe food consumption, with poultry being a common vehicle for many pathogens, such as Salmonella spp. This bacterium can cause serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis, characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. This study aimed to examine the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAPs) towards poultry handling among households in Beirut, Lebanon, and identify factors influencing KAP levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 125 households in different areas of Beirut. The interview was divided into four main parts: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The results showed that consumers' knowledge and practices were inadequate, though their attitude was positive. Participants aged 43–55 had higher odds of having a good knowledge level than those aged 18–29 (OR = 3.889, p = 0.02). Additionally, those with a college education were 7.442 times more likely to have a positive attitude towards food safety compared to those with no formal education (p = 0.005). Most participants (91.2 %) do not regularly check their refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Furthermore, significant associations (p < 0.001) existed between the different KAP levels. This study aimed to raise public awareness regarding the handling of chicken to minimize food-borne illnesses by evaluating food handlers’ knowledge and behaviors. Insights from this study can used in campaigns to raise awareness about Salmonella and transmission risks among households. Moreover, findings may guide policymakers to create regulations for safe handling of poultry.

Analysis of the hard rennet cheese microbiota at different stages of the technological process

The purpose of the research was microbiological screening using MALDI-TOF technology starting from bulk raw milk to the finished dairy product and analyzing microorganisms that were being detected during the technological process of production of Ukrainskyi hard rennet cheese and which were clinically significant for human and animal health. Methods. Microbial detection was performed by accumulation and inoculation using the sector inoculation method on differential media for aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms with further MALDI-TOF identification. Sampling was carried out at 7 stages of cheese production: starting from bulk raw milk to bactofugation, after bactofugation to a mixture normalized in fat content, a pasteurized mixture, a mixture prepared for coagulation, cheese after pressing, and cheese after maturation. Microflora studies were repeated three times, with 405 samples examined. Microbiological studies of Ukrainskyi hard rennet cheese using Maldi TOF technology starting from raw materials to finished dairy products showed the presence of microorganisms at all stages of production – from bulk milk to the finished product. During the entire period of experiments, 43 species of various microorganisms have been isolated and identified. However, the number and individual types of microorganisms differed at different stages of production. Some microorganisms that have been isolated in raw milk are also found in the final product, such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli. In total, 18 types of microorganisms have been isolated and identified in the final product – hard rennet cheese, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, which are of particular concern in the context of safe consumption of this cheese.

Rancang Bangun Sistem Pengontrol PH Air Minum dari Water Treatment Kapal Menggunakan Micro Controller ESP 32

In order for life to exist on Earth, water is required and is particularly important on ships. Concerns about water scarcity arise because water resources cannot always meet demand. pH has an impact on the quality of drinking water, with an ideal range between 6.5-8.5. Alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 has health benefits, including helping to lower stomach acid and improve body oxygenation. The pH of drinking water recommended by the EPA is between 6.5-8.5 to ensure safe consumption. pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of water, on a scale of 0-14, where 7 is considered neutral. The research plans to make a drinking water pH control system using an ESP 32 microcontroller. This research aims to control also monitor the pH of drinking water efficiently using ESP 32 microcontroller. This research uses the Research and Development (R&amp;D) method to design pH control in drinking water solutions. The phases of the research include using a pH sensor to detect pH values, using an ESP 32 microcontroller to control pH, and validating and improving the product model. Overall system testing in the design of a drinking water pH controller system from water treatment is an important stage to ensure successful integration between all components and desired functionality. This testing process includes several main stages, Hardware Integration Testing: All hardware is physically connected and integrated, including ESP32, relays, solenoid valves, and pH sensors. This test is taken to ensure that all components are properly installed and interact with each other correctly. Software Integration Testing: This type of testing verifies that all features and functions of the system function as intended by the software program responsible for it. This includes testing Wi-Fi connections, integration with the Blynk platform, and programming logic as an automatic water controller. Testing System Functionality: to ensure that the intended features can be run properly, the system is tested in various usage scenarios. This includes testing the water controller automatically. the designed system can function normally and adjust appropriately to the designed controller system. From the data obtained regarding the performance results of the system built, it was found that the pH controller system can be run automatically based on the water that has been set as the set point of the system created. The monitoring system with IoT is also able to run well. The time needed will be more to control the pH in the range of 6.5-8.5.

Phytochemical Screening and Safety Assessment of a Polyherbal Tea Formulation of Lippia Multiflora, Zinger Officinale and Mentha Piperita

Aims: Lippia multiflora, Zingiber officinale, and Mentha piperita are aromatic plants known for their health benefits. This study the phytochemical composition and evaluate the safety of a tea made from them for safe human consumption. Methodology: For tea formulations, powder of each plant was prepared and weighed in specific proportions to formulate five different polyherbal tea. A hedonic test was then conducted on each formulation to evaluate consumer apprecation. Phytochemical composition was carried out by coloration and precipitation tests. This was followed by acute and subacute toxicity tests. Results: Among the five formulations, formulation 4 consisting of “55% L. multiflora, 30% Z. officinale and 15% M. piperita" was the most appreciated tea with a value of 8.01. Regarding safety of the formulation 4, no deaths or signs of intoxication were observed. Subacute toxicity tests showed that the polyherbal tea 4 has no adverse effects on biochemical parameters. Apart from white blood cells for which there was an increasing number from 14.40 ± 0.50 103/uL to 19.30 ± 0.40 103/uL in comprarison to the control group (10.60 ± 0.90 103/uL), the haematological parameters were not significantly modified. This Tea formulation ²was rich in compounds such as alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponosides, sterols and polyterpenes, leucoanthocyanins, and mucilages, which made its consumption more attractive. Conclusion: The polyherbal tea 4 which was the most appreciated, was rich in secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponosides, sterols and polyterpenes, leucoanthocyanins, and mucilages, and was not toxic to wistar rats.

Safety and security of household water purifiers against pathogenic microbial contamination and bio-risk evaluation of their microbial community structures

Household water filters, particularly point-of-use systems, are crucial to ensure safe drinking water consumption by eliminating microbial contaminants. This study evaluated the efficacy of three types of water purifiers (ultrafiltration [UF], nanofiltration [NF], and reverse osmosis [RO]) against microbial contamination. In our experiments, Escherichia coli and bacteriophage MS2 were used as two microbial indicators in daily household settings to track the spatial and temporal profiles of their behavior from the filter inlets to in-UF, NF, and RO water purifiers, and then to effluents. The results showed that both NF and RO water purifiers removed 100 % of the indicator organisms. The UF water purifier achieved 100 % removal of E. coli, but the removal of MS2 phage was poor. The presence of coexisting ions and natural organic matter in tap water can significantly affect the behavior of MS2 phages during the water treatment process. Their presence reduces the charge repulsion effect of the UF membrane on the MS2 phage as well as promotes the migration of the MS2 phage on the post-activated carbon cartridge that was placed in the last unit of the water purifier system, which could increase the pathogen transmission risks in drinking water supplies. The bacterial community structures of the cartridge materials and cartridge effluents from each unit were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which revealed distinct microbial profiles of the different purifiers. Environmental conditions such as pH, nutrient availability, materials, and operational parameters can affect the composition of bacterial communities. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was used to examine the surface morphology of the membranes after they were exposed to water contaminants, which demonstrated that the inherent differences in the membrane structure influenced the retention of pollutants and microorganisms on the surfaces. In summary, this study demonstrates that both NF and RO water purifiers can significantly reduce the presence of various enteric and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in drinking water, leading to safer potable water, whereas UF water purifiers may have certain risks owing to their UF membranes and post-activated carbon. In addition, secondary microbial contamination may be introduced by the post-activated carbon units of water purifiers, especially after long-term usage. Therefore, we concluded that addressing the secondary microbial pollution caused by post-activated carbon after prolonged use and long-term shutdown is essential for maintaining the safety and quality of drinking water.

Investigation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and evaluation of the microbiological quality of raw vegetable sal-ads

Foodborne diseases (FBD) are a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people annually. Symptoms of FBD range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe conditions, which in some cases can lead to death. Raw vegetables, especially those consumed in ready-to-eat (RTE) salads, are particularly susceptible to microbial contamination. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and to evaluate the microbiological quality of 77 RTE raw vegetable salads from 20 restaurants in Niterói, RJ, Brazil. None samples presented STEC, nor the safety indicators (SI) Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. However, 89.6% of the samples were considered unfit for human consumption, since they presented at least one hygiene indicator (HI) outside the established standards. The majority of samples (95.5%) were unsatisfactory for Enterobacteriaceae (EB), followed by total aerobic bacteria (TAB) (76.6%), thermotolerant coliforms (C45) (32.5%) and Escherichia coli (EC) (1.3%). The difference between the occurrences of hygiene indicators was not significant. Given the high percentage of inadequate samples found in the study, it is clear that there is a need for stricter surveillance and adequate hygiene practices in restaurants. To reduce the risks of microbial contamination in RTE raw vegetable salads, several approaches can be implemented. These include continuous training of food handlers, implementation of food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and regular inspections. In addition, consumers also play an important role by demanding safe food and following safe food handling and consumption practices at home.

Reduction of soybean globulin antigen by soybean protein isolate/γ-aminobutyric acid complexes: Effect of the different concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid on the protein modification, antigen levels, and foaming properties

Soybean flour has received increasing attention because of its unique nutritional properties. However, potential allergies to soy protein limit its application. This study aims to investigate the impact of various concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the secondary structure, foaming properties, and antigenicity of soybean protein obtained from soybean flour under thermal sterilisation. GABA increased the content of α-helix, reduced β-turn and random coil in soybean protein. The results indicated that after heating treatment, the concentration of GABA significantly affects the spatial conformation of soybean protein isolates (SPI). When the concentration of GABA was 0.40% (w/v), the particle size, zeta potential, and surface hydrophobicity of the SPI were the lowest, whereas the disulfide bond content was the highest. Multi-spectral technologies indicated that adding 0.40% GABA could assemble the system in a relatively stable manner. Moreover, the rigid structure of the protein was destroyed. This structural change significantly reduced the foaming and allergy of the protein. Adding 0.40% GABA could reduce the β-conglycinin antigen concentration from 24.26 mg/mL to 4.43 mg/mL. This study provides new insights into the production of new low-allergenic soybean flour. Additionally, it offers an assurance for the safe consumption of soybeans by individuals with allergies.

New Insight into Mercury Removal from Fish Meat Using a Single-Component Solution Containing cysteine.

A novel approach for reducing mercury content in fish meat during post-packaging storage is developed to extend the margin of their safe consumption. It involves employing a single-component aqueous medium containing cysteine, as the active agent responsible for displacing mercury from fish proteins and its stabilization in the medium without the need for pH adjustments. The mercury removal efficiency depends on the cysteine concentration and its ratio to fish muscle. Using 1.2wt% cysteine enables a reduction of mercury in canned Albacore tuna by 25-35%, depending on the fish product type and the exposure time of up to 2 weeks. The potential for the successful application of the developed method in active food packaging solutions is studied for the simultaneous or subsequent purification of the extraction solution through adsorption. Using thiolated silica could potentially enable the extraction process but it is shown that the presence of cysteine significantly hinders the adsorption.

Assessement of the physico-chemical quality of Groundwater in the Zagora area, Morocco

Abstract The Zagora region heavily relies on groundwater as a crucial water resource for a range of human activities. Mining activities can have significant impacts on groundwater quality in the areas surrounding mining sites. The primary objective of this study is to analyze and evaluate the effects of pollution on the quality of groundwater in the Zagora area, with a particular focus on mapping and identifying its sources. It is based on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the spatial variation of the physico-chemical parameters of the studied water sources. Assessing the physico-chemical quality of groundwater in Zagora, involves evaluating several parameters that can affect its quality. These parameters include temperature (T°C), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (O2), chlorides (Cl−), sulfates (SO4 2−), nitrates (NO3 −), nitrites (NO2 −), ammonium (NH4 +), and orthophosphates (PO4 3−). The results of the physico-chemical analysis have shown that, the electrical conductivity ranged from 501.59 to 3173.92 μs/cm, while sulfate concentrations ranged from 91.87 to 363.02 mg/L. The spatial distribution of the results indicates that the water samples were collected from different locations, and there are variations in the levels of parameters analyzed. Some of the parameters, such as electrical conductivity, and sulfate, have higher levels in some locations compared to others, indicating potential sources of pollution or natural variability in the water composition. The GIS analysis also revealed that the areas with poor water quality were clustered around specific locations, indicating potential sources of contamination. Therefore, further investigation and monitoring of the water sources may be necessary to ensure safe and healthy water consumption.

Mercury content and consumption risk of the invasive Arapaima gigas (paiche) in Bolivia

Mercury is a global pollutant present in the environment. The most frequent non-occupational human exposure pathway is fish consumption. Generally, fish species of large size and with carnivorous or omnivorous feeding habits have higher mercury concentrations. The invasive fish Arapaima (popularly known as paiche), an omnivorous large-sized species introduced in northern Bolivian Amazon about 50 years ago after escape from aquaculture in Peru, has successfully colonized this region and is now the main commercial fish species. Consumption of this species in Bolivia is increasing, and an evaluation of the risk of mercury exposure for human health is warranted. Muscle samples from 86 fish were taken from four different sub-basins (Orthon, Madre de Dios, Beni and Yata). 8.1% of the samples showed mercury content above the safe consumption recommendation of the World Health Organization (0.5 mg kg-1). Samples from the Madidi and Yata rivers scored the highest mean concentrations (0.367 and 0.306 mg kg-1, respectively), whereas individuals from the lower Beni subbasin showed the lowest (0.105 mg kg-1). According to our results, the maximum recommended paiche meat consumption is 316 g per week, divided into two meals, which is in agreement with international recommendations for fish consumption (227 g to 340 g per week), although this can vary according the place of origin of the meat. Following these recommendations, mercury exposure through paiche consumption should not represent a risk for human health.

Efficiency comparison of DNA extraction kits for analysing the cockle gut bacteriome

Cockles play a vital ecological role and provide valuable ecosystem services globally. However, the performance, production, and safe consumption of cockles are significantly influenced by their gut-associated bacteriome. Accurate understanding of gut-bacteriome interactions, and surveillance of pathogenic bacteria loads in cockles, rely on efficient DNA extraction methods that yield high-quality and representative bacterial DNA. Despite this importance, reliable extraction methods for cockles are currently overlooked. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of five DNA extraction kits (E.Z.N.A.® Soil DNA; FastDNA® Spin; DNeasy PowerSoil Pro; QIAamp PowerFecal DNA; ZymoBIOMICS™DNA Miniprep) in terms of DNA quality, yield, bacterial community structure (analysed by using denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis; DGGE), and bacteriome composition (analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing) in Cerastoderma edule gut. The DNeasy kit provided the highest purity and quantity of bacterial DNA, while the PowerFecal and Zymo kits exhibited reduced extraction efficiency. DGGE profiles revealed significant variability between the tested kits (R = 0.512; mean P = 0.011), but the FastDNA kit under-represented the bacterial community in cockles’ gut. Based on alpha diversity, the DNeasy kit outperformed the others and successfully detected all abundant genera found with the alternative kits. Our findings indicate that the DNeasy kit is an efficient DNA extraction method, enabling a molecular representation of the gut-associated bacteriome in C. edule. These results contribute to the development of effective techniques for studying the cockle gut bacteriome and its ecological implications.

The Bioaccumulations of Metal(loid)s in the Tissues of Invasive Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) Fish from the Kızılırmak River (Türkiye) and Health Risk Assessment.

The present research was an examination of the concentration levels of 10 metal(loid)s that had accumulated in the muscle, gills, and liver tissues of Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp) fish. The fish species, used as samples in the study, were obtained from the part of the river in Gülşehir (Türkiye). Besides, possible health risks to consumers were specified based on the daily estimated intake (EDI) of metal(loid)s in adults. Additionally, considering the inhabitants' frequency of fish consumption in the area, target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), carcinogenic risk (CR), and maximum safe consumption quantity (MSCQ) values were assessed. All of the examined metal(loid)s in the research were determined in all of the tissues of the fish. Also, Fe and Zn had the highest levels in the tissues, and Pb had the lowest level. There were statistically significant differences of Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb among the tissues (p < 0.05). It was determined that the gender of the fish did not affect the accumulation of the metal(loid)s in the tissues. According to the research results, no significant statistical difference was found between the accumulation of the metal(loid)s (except Ni) and the size of the fish (length and weight) (p > 0.05). The estimated daily intake levels of the metal(loid)s accumulating in the eatable muscle of the samples were calculated to be lower than the reference dose limit. Besides, the THQ and the HI values lower than 1 were found. Carcinogenic risk values related to inorganic As were below 10-6. This result specifies that consumption of the fish poses no carcinogenic risks to consumers' health. It was concluded that less than 70g of C. gibelio daily consumption would not harm consumers' health.