Safe Limits For Human Consumption Research Articles

Distribution, trophic magnification and risk of trace metals and perfluoroalkyl acids in marine organisms from Haizhou Bay

Haizhou Bay, a semi-enclosed key aquaculture area in East China, has had relatively limited research focused on trace metals and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in its biota. This study characterized the distribution, biomagnification and health risks of selected trace metals and PFAAs in various marine organisms from Haizhou Bay. Among the species examined, zinc (Zn) was the most prevalent metal, followed by copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr), whereas cadmium (Cd), total mercury (THg), and methylmercury (MeHg) contents were relatively low. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the most abundant PFAA, followed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The calculated trophic magnification factors (TMFs) were above one for Cr, THg, MeHg, and all PFAAs except perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA). Across animal groups, gastropods exhibited relatively low levels of THg, MeHg, and perfluorosulfonic acids (∑PFSAs). By comparison, fish generally had lower levels of Cd and Cu compared to other animal groups, and demersal fish had significantly higher MeHg compared to gastropods. Certain organisms, such as cephalopods and shrimps, were found to pose potential health risks due to elevated levels of Cd, while levels of other studied metals, PFOS and PFOA generally appeared to be within safe limits for human consumption. Further research is needed to assess the sources and impacts of these and other contaminants.

Comparison of nutritional compositions and heavy metals analysis between wild and farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and Asian Seabass (Lates sp.) in Sabah, Malaysia

In Sabah, Malaysia, Tilapia and Asian seabass are culturally and economically important seafood choices. Understanding their nutritional content and contaminants, both wild-caught and farmed, is crucial as demand increases. This study aimed to analyze the proximate composition and heavy metals concentrations in Tilapia and Asian Seabass fish flesh, and compare the wild-caught and farmed samples. The results revealed significant nutritional variations between the two groups. Wild-caught Tilapia exhibited higher protein content (16.90 ± 0.50 %), carbohydrate levels (0.7 ± 0.10 %), moisture (80.25 ± 0.58 %), and ash content (9.22 ± 1.27 %) while farmed Tilapia displayed elevated fat content (3.55 ± 0.05 %) and energy values (94.5 kcal per 100 g). Iron concentrations in both wild and farmed Tilapia remained within safe limits for human consumption and Zinc was detected in wild Tilapia only. Meanwhile, the farmed Asian Seabass demonstrated higher protein (18.45 ± 0.25 %), fat (0.9 ± 0.10 %), carbohydrate (0.8 ± 0.20 %), ash content (21.04 ± 2.1 %), and energy values (85.5 kcal per 100 g) compared to the wild. Further study can be conducted to study the benefits of these fish species to human health upon consumption.

AUTOMATION OF CHLORINE DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT CALCULATION IN DEEP TUBULAR WATER WELLS USING A JAVASCRIPT AND HTML SCRIPT

Background: Chlorine, in the form of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), is widely used in water treatment to make it safe for human consumption. There are three main forms of chlorine: chlorine gas (Cl2), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), and calcium hypochlorite. All are effective in water disinfection. Chlorine dosage is controlled to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms without exceeding safe limits for human consumption, aiming to avoid the use of excessive chlorine that can generate undesirable by-products. Measurement was carried out using DPD reagent to determine the concentration of free chlorine in the water. Aim: This work aims to facilitate the adjustment of chlorine dosage in water treatment, to reduce additional corrections. Methods: The Hach method 8021 was used to adjust chlorine dosage based on measurements of the interval between dosing pump pulsations and observed chlorine concentration. The concentration was adjusted from 1.68 mg/L to 1.20 mg/L. Additionally, the appropriate time for correct chlorine reading was determined, and the time needed for the corrected chlorine quantity to be observable in the system, adhering to the minimum limits set by legislation, was verified. Results: The adjustment of the initial chlorine concentration (1.66 mg/L) was carried out using the Hach method 8021, resulting in a stable concentration of approximately 1.19 mg/L. The desired dosage was 1.20 mg/L. The time required for correct chlorine measurement and observation of the corrected value was approximately 40 minutes. The use of the script allowed achieving a result 99.2% close to the planned value with just one adjustment. Discussion: The proper use of chlorine in water treatment is essential to ensure the safety and quality of supply. This research emphasized the need for careful monitoring of chlorine dosage, requiring time and accurate analysis of representative samples. The application of the developed script brought significant benefits, ensuring satisfactory disinfection and preventing overdosing issues. The results showed high efficacy and time savings, enhancing treatment efficiency and economic advantages. Moreover, the script reduced paper usage in calculations, promoting environmental sustainability. Conclusions: The script for adjusting the chlorine dosage used in water treatment made the operation more practical and efficient, with a user-friendly interface and accurate results achieved faster.

Spatial analysis of mercury and stable isotopes in the vulnerable Dusky Grouper Epinephelus marginatus along the Brazilian coast

Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of global concern due to its damaging toxicological effects on organisms. For the vulnerable Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) off the coast of Brazil, we investigated: i) spatial patterns in muscle tissue total mercury (THg) contamination; ii) the relationship between muscle THg concentrations and total length iii) the relationship between muscle THg and stable isotopes; and iv) THg concentrations among muscle, liver, and ovary tissues. Out of 134 fish sampled, 21.8 % were higher than 0.5 mg/kg wet weight (above the safe limit for human consumption). THg concentrations increased toward lower latitudes, but an opposite pattern was observed for δ13C and δ15N with decreased values toward lower latitudes. There were significant differences in THg concentration among the three tissues. Results of Hg concentrations are useful for understanding the potential adverse effects on the health of this vulnerable species and to serve as a guide to human consumers.

Nitrogen and boron nutrition in grafted watermelon II: Impact on nutrient accumulation in fruit rind and flesh.

Turkey ranks second in watermelon (Citrullus lunatus L.) production globally and the highest production is witnessed for Çukurova plains the country. Although watermelon is extensively cultivated in the Çukurova region, studies on optimum nitrogen (N) and boron (B) doses for watermelon cultivation are quite limited. This study, evaluated the impact of increasing N (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg ha-1) and B (0 and 2 kg ha-1 B) doses on nutrient uptake in rind (exocarp) and flesh (endocarp) of watermelon fruit. Grafted watermelon variety ‘Starburst’, widely cultivated in the region was used as experimental material. The concentrations of different macro and micronutrients were analyzed from fruit rind and flesh. Individual and interactive effect of N and B doses significantly altered macro and micronutrients’ uptake in rind and flesh. Higher amounts of macro and micronutrients were accumulated in rind than flesh. Nutrients’ uptake was increased with increasing N doses, whereas B had limited impact. The accumulated nutrients were within the safe limits for human consumption. The N concentrations of rind and flesh increased with increasing N dose. Similarly, B concentration in rind and flesh and N concentration in rind significantly increased, while N concentration in flesh decreased with B application. It was concluded that 270 kg ha-1 N and 2 kg ha-1 B are optimum for better nutrient uptake in watermelon fruit. Thus, these doses must be used for watermelon cultivation in Çukurova plains of the country.

Cadmium, Chromium, and Lead Uptake Associated Health Risk Assessment of Alternanthera sessilis: A Commonly Consumed Green Leafy Vegetable.

Green leafy vegetables are becoming increasingly popular in the developing countries due to their high nutritious value, common availability, and low cost. However, no studies have assessed the health risks associated with consumption of fresh green leafy vegetables. The present study assessed Cd, Cr, and Pb associated health risks in a commonly consumed green leafy vegetable in developing countries, Alternanthera sessilis. The Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations in roots, leaves, and root zone soil of Alternanthera sessilis harvested from organic and non-organic cultivations were measured. The results indicated that Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations in roots and leaves of Alternanthera sessilis exceeded the WHO/FAO safe limits for human consumption. Further, bioconcentration factor, soil to root, and root to leaf translocation factors indicated a potential of hyperaccumulating Cd in roots and leaves of Alternanthera sessilis. However, the target hazard quotients for Cd, Cr, and Pb were less than 1 indicating negligible health hazard associated with long time consumption of Alternanthera sessilis.

Foliar-Supplied Molybdenum Improves Phyto-Nutritional Composition of Leaves and Fruits of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

This study was conducted to analyze the effect of molybdenum (Mo) on the level of macronutrients (Mg, K, Ca), micronutrients (Na, Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) and toxic elements (Cd, Sn, As, Cr, Hg, Pb) in leaves and fruit tissues (peel, pulp & seed) of loquat using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fruits were obtained from a loquat orchard located in Fujian (Yun Xiao/Zhangzhou). Loquat leaves showed 3.99, 23.90, 57.68 and 9.79-fold increase in the concentrations of Mg, K, Ca and B as affected by exogenously applied Mo, while a significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction was observed in Na, Mo, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Sn, As, Cr, Hg, and Pb contents. In fruit peel, Mo induced 1.05, 1.56, 2.26, 1.15, 1.39, 1.30 and 1.89-fold increase in Mg, K, Na, Zn, B, Co and Ni, respectively, and Mo, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb contents were reduced. Fruit pulp showed elevated contents of Na, B, Co, Ni, and Sn by 25.65, 26.57, 70.09, 12.33 and 0.99%, respectively, and decreased concentrations of Mg, K, Ca, Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Cr. Similarly, in loquat seeds, under the influence of Mo application, levels of K, Na, Zn, Fe, and Cr were uplifted by 14.75, 41.54, 12.71, 536.47 and 656.27%, respectively, while Mg, Ca, Mn, Co, Cu, Sn, and Hg were reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, mineral concentrations detected in the leaves and fruit tissues of loquat were greatly influenced by the application of Mo. Although the concentration of Sn in fruit pulp was increased by the foliar application of Mo, the fruits were under safe limits for human consumption.

Potential Health Risks of Macro- and Microelements in Commercial Medicinal Plants Used to Treatment of Diabetes.

Information on the content of medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes is scarce in the literature. The objectives of this study were to determine the levels of macroelements and microelements in three different medicinal plant species including the dry samples and teas from Bauhinia forficata, Eleusine Indica, and Orthosiphon stamineus and assess the human health risks of ingestion of the tea. The content of the dry samples and teas was obtained using the technique of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after microwave digestion procedure. The hazard quotient (HQ) method was used to access the human health risks posed by heavy metal through tea consumption. The results revealed the presence of K, Mg, Na, P, Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Se in dry samples and plant teas. The dry plants have high concentration of K and P. All dry plants contain Mg, Na, Al, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cu above the limit permissible level set by the World Health Organization (WHO). All the hazard index (HI) values in plant teas were found to be within safe limits for human consumption (HI < 1). The plants may have possible action benefits when used in popular medicine. However, the ingestion through capsules prepared by enclosing a plant powder or teas can be harmful to the health of diabetics. The prescription of this plant for the treatment of diabetes should be treated with caution.

Nanotechnology in Detection of Food Toxins – Focus on the Dairy Products

Nanotechnology is the field of science which has been recently applied in different field of biomedical sciences, targeted drug delivery, imaging, theranostics, etc. The vast surface area to volume ratio of engineered nanostructures is utilized for designing many biosensors. Food production, processing, packaging, storage, and transport engage many kinds of chemicals and materials that may contribute some harmful effects on human health. These altogether are named as food toxins if their amount exceeds the safe limits for human consumption. We have searched the relevant articles in PubMed and Google scholar to write this review and selected the appropriate articles to prepare the manuscript. The detection of such food toxins can be done using conventional methods, but their sensitivity, time, and limit of detection and cost cost-effectiveness are a matter of concern. Nanotechnology has been used for designing different kinds of biosensors to overcome the barriers of low sensitivity. In this review, we will discuss nanotechnology's application in the detection of different kinds of food toxins, especially dairy products.

Exogenous Application of Mg, Zn and B Influences Phyto-Nutritional Composition of Leaves and Fruits of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

This study was conducted to analyze the effect of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the level of macronutrients (Na, Mg, K, Ca), micronutrients (Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu), and heavy metals (Cd, As, Hg, Pb) in loquat leaves and fruit tissues (peel, pulp, and seed) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fruits were obtained from a loquat orchard located in Fujian (Yun Xiao/Zhangzhou). The results revealed that the foliar application of Mg increased the concentrations of Mg, K, Ca, Zn, B, Mn, Ni, and Cu in leaves; Mg, Ca, Zn, B, Mo, and Mn in fruit pulp; and Na, K, B, Mo, Co, Ni, and Cu in seeds. Zinc increased Mg, K, Ca, Zn, B, Ni, and Cu in leaves; Fe, Co and Ni in fruit peel; K, B, Mn, Fe, and Co in fruit pulp; and Na and K in seeds. Similarly, B application increased the concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, and B in leaves; Ca and Ni in fruit peel; Na, Mg, Ca, Zn, B, Mn, Fe, and Co in fruit pulp; and Na, K, Ca, Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Co, and Ni in loquat seeds. Overall, mineral concentrations detected in the leaves and fruit tissues of loquats were greatly influenced by the application of Mg, Zn and B. Although heavy metal concentrations in fruit pulp were increased by the foliar application of B, the fruits were under safe limits for human consumption.

Comparative Mineral Profiles and Yields of Food Grade Ash from Cow, Goat and Pig Femur Bones

Bones are by-products of abattoir and home consumption of carcases which constitute environmental pollution that attracts houseflies and birds especially vultures in large numbers. Bone dumping is of public health concern because of the health implications but can be harnessed into food grade ash for food fortification because of their high mineral content. This work quantified and compared the mineral content of food grade ash from cow, goat and pig femur bones for uses. The bone samples were procured, sun-dried cleaned, incinerated, dry ashed and analysed for their micro and macro mineral contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) method. The results showed that the femur bones of cow yielded 38.02% raw ash and 10.60% dry ash, goat yielded 40.57% raw ash and 5.86% dry ash while pig yielded 35.60% raw ash and 8.99% dry ash. Results of macro minerals revealed that calcium content range of 610.63-723.16 mg/100g, sodium 2.15-4.07mg/100g, magnesium 7.18-11.23mg/100g, phosphorus 93.11-280.62 mg/100g, while potassium ranged from 2.26 to 3.47 mg/100g. Micro mineral composition showed that copper ranged from 0.001-0.004 mg/kg, iron from 0.022 -1.93 mg/kg, zinc from 0.016-0.144 mg/kg, manganese from 0.007-0.108 mg/kg and sulphur from0.078-0.311 mg/kg. All the none essential heavy metals (toxic minerals) content of the femur bone samples were lower than and recommended safe limit for human consumption and therefore safe. Cow femur bone had the best mineral composition followed by goat and pig femur bones.

Comparative analysis of chemical composition of some commercially important fishes with an emphasis on various Malaysian diets

AbstractThis study compares the chemical composition of cockle (Anadara granosa) and some commercially important marine (Asian seabass Lates calcarifer, grouper Epinephelus bleekeri, hardtail scad Megalaspis cordyla, longtail tuna Thunnus tonggol and Indian mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta) and freshwater (sutchi catfish Pangasius hypophthalmus, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and eel Monopterus albus) fishes in Peninsular Malaysia. The results show that the proximate composition and trace metal content were significantly different (P &lt; 0.05) among species investigated. The mean protein content was the highest in eel (19.1%) and the lowest in sutchi catfish (13.0%) and cockle (13.0%). The mean lipid content of Indian mackerel (3.9%) was higher than cockle (2.0%), followed by eel (1.3%) and longtail tuna (0.8%). The mean ash content was the highest in Indian mackerel (1.4%) and the lowest in cockle (0.9%). Zinc and manganese contents in cockle (Zn: 61.2 mg kg−1, Mn: 22.7 mg kg−1) were very high compared to other species investigated. The copper content was minimum in sutchi catfish (1.0 mg kg−1) and a maximum in the hardtail scad (11.7 mg kg−1). Trace metal content in sutchi catfish, Nile tilapia, grouper, longtail tuna, eel and cockle followed an order Zn &gt; Mn &gt; Cu, whereas Asian seabass, hardtail scad and Indian mackerel followed a different order Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Mn. Trace metal content in the tissue of the fishes examined was within safe limits for human consumption except Mn content in the cockle and Cu content in the hardtail scad, which is a matter of concern. When considering the daily fish fat, mineral and trace metal intake, marine fishes and shellfish are better than freshwater fishes.

Glyphosate: quantities a hundred times above the safe limit for human consumption in Brazil

Abstract Brazil is experiencing a situation never before seen in terms of environmental destruction. The expansion of monocultures has increasingly destroyed nature and this also has an impact on the increase in land concentration, rural exodus, poverty and hunger in the countryside. Transgenics allowed the expansion of areas to regions previously not suitable for monoculture production, requiring less labor and more pesticides. Just to produce 68.1 million tons of soybeans, exported last year, it required a quantity of water that could supply 2.03 billion people worldwide. This is the deficit of Brazilian agribusiness that cannot be calculated. If we calculate the expenditures of the public health system as a result of the use of pesticides, this will prove to be increasingly unsustainable. Recently, researchers found amounts of glyphosate a hundred times above the safe limit for human consumption in a stock of wheat stored in a silo in southern Brazil. The official speech of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) of Brazil is that the record release of pesticides is necessary due to the country's tropical climate. Universities and public research institutes have an important responsibility at this time: to investigate this type of problem and to allow its results to be available to an increasingly critical publicity. Brazil is experiencing a context of clear attacks on public institutions by the current federal government, either with cuts in the transfer of economic resources, or with the scrapping and attempts to destroy its image before public opinion. It is necessary to promote the training of citizen scientists in the field of Environmental Health, in order to be committed to the information to be produced and to the process of critical reflection on social development. Key messages To present an emerging issue in Brazil, related to Glyphosate, when researchers found amounts of glyphosate a hundred times above the safe limit for human consumption in southern Brazil. To present the concern in promoting the training of citizen scientists in the field of Environmental Health, as well as promoting the process of critical reflection and social development.

Heavy metal contamination of water, soil and vegetables in urban streams in Machakos municipality, Kenya

Pollution of the environment by heavy metals emanating from rapid economic growth and improper waste and effluent disposal is a major concern. In this study, heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr) in vegetables, soil and water in two urban streams in Machakos municipality were analyzed. Physicochemical parameters; pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were also measured on-site. One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for the significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) of heavy metal concentrations in the vegetables, soil, and water across the different sampling sites. The relationship between the heavy metals in the soil, water and vegetables was investigated using Pearson correlation. Temperature (21.58 – 23.05 °C), pH (7.5 – 8.45) and TDS (577.5 – 865.83 mg/L) mean values were found to be within WHO acceptable limits for surface water while EC (864 – 1778.5 µS/cm) exceeded the set limits. Results showed that the mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cd (BDL – 0.0011), Cu (0.0034 – 0.0055), Pb (0.0012 – 0.007), Zn (0.0232 - 0.1351), and Cr (0.0036 - 0.0292) in water and Cd (0.0058 - 0.0534), Cu (10.39 – 27.5), Pb (4.23 - 8.35), Zn (20.1 – 28.8) and Cr (8.17 – 10.03) in soil were within WHO permissible limits. Mean concentration values of (Zn (9.05 – 11.8), Pb (0.28 – 0.636), Cr (BDL – 1.002)) in spinach exceeded WHO permissible limits while Cd (BDL – 0.1285) and Cu (3.07 – 14.5) were within recommended levels. Cd (0.004 – 0.243), Cu (0.909 – 3.60) and Pb (BDL – 0.458) concentration levels in kale were within WHO safe limits for human consumption while Zn (12.06 – 18.8) and Cr (BDL – 1.62) exceeded WHO set limits. Presence of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cr) in the vegetables signifies a health risk hazard from consumption of these vegetables. Continuous monitoring of heavy metals in stream water, soil and vegetables is critical towards safeguarding public health.

Ready-to-prepare soup mix enriched with sea cucumbers: production, sensory attributes and nutritional composition.

Sea cucumbers are considered healthy and high in nutritive value. Conversely however, limited consumption of sea cucumbers has been reported in many parts of the world. This study was done to produce a ready-to-prepare soup mix incorporating the sea cucumber aiming to popularize the sea cucumber consumption. The highly abundant low-value Bohadschia vitiensis in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka was selected to prepare this soup mix. Fresh B. vitiensis samples (n = 250) were collected from major sea cucumber landing sites of the northwest coast. Out of the seven compositions prepared initially, three compositions; 20%, 40% and 60% were selected. The best composition among these was selected through a sensory test performed using a semi-trained panel (n = 30) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. The initial chemical and microbial qualities of the selected soup mix were analyzed and the best packaging material was selected. Results showed that the soup mix with 40% sea cucumber flour was the best composition as it reported significantly higher sensory scores than the other two mixes (p ≤ 0.05, Friedman). This soup mix exhibited high protein (21.43 ± 1.21%), low fat (4.98 ± 0.23%) and its oxygen radical absorbance capacity was 1.04 ± 0.13mg Trolox equivalents/g. Coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus colonies were absent in the soup mix. The total plate count (1.9 × 102CFU/g), yeast and mold count (0.7 × 102CFU/g) and the heavy metal contents were within the safe limit for human consumption. The Polyester-Aluminum-PE was selected as the best packaging material which ensured 6weeks storage time at room temperature.

Assessment of fungi incidence, seed germination and aflatoxin contamination of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) from Lagos, Nigeria

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a legume of high nutritive and market value usually contaminated by aflatoxin. The evaluation of aflatoxin contamination of groundnut entering the food system through the markets is necessary to ascertain the quality of the groundnut sold and subsequently advice groundnut consumers. The study assessed the aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) contamination levels in groundnut sold in some markets in Lagos, Nigeria. Groundnut seeds were sampled from five Local Government Areas (L. G.A) of Lagos State namely: Agege, Eti-Osa, Ifako Ijaye, Ketu and Oshodi. The samples were packaged in envelopes and transported to the Mycotoxin laboratory of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria for assessment of the fungi infections, seed germination and aflatoxin contamination levels. The experiment for the assessment of fungi infecting and germination of groundnut seeds was laid out in a completely randomized design in ten replicates. Detection of AfB1 present in the groundnut samples was done using Enzyme Linked Immunesorbent Assay (ELISA) method in three replicates. Result showed that Aspergillus flavus Link was the most frequently isolated fungi with 46 % incidence, Lasiodiplodia theobromae Pat. had 20 % incidence, Aspergillus niger van Tiegh with 11 % and Fusarium verticollioides Sacc. 7 % incidence. The moisture content of groundnut seeds ranged between 7.20 % and 6.53 %. Aflatoxin B1 concentrations in groundnut samples was highest in Eti Osa LGA (5.11 µg/kg) while Oshodi LGA had the least concentration (3.09 µg/kg). Groundnut samples from the five Local Government Areas of Lagos State were contaminated with AfB1 at concentration levels below the safe limits for human consumption and health of 20µg/kg. Management of fungi infection on the field is recommended to prevent field to store contamination of groundnut seeds.

Cellulose-Cyclodextrin Co-Polymer for the Removal of Cyanotoxins on Water Sources.

With increasing global water temperatures and nutrient runoff in recent decades, the blooming season of algae lasts longer, resulting in toxin concentrations that exceed safe limits for human consumption and for recreational use. From the different toxins, microcystin-LR has been reported as the main cyanotoxin related to liver cancer, and consequently its abundance in water is constantly monitored. In this work, we report a methodology for decorating cellulose nanofibrils with β-cyclodextrin or with poly(β-cyclodextrin) which were tested for the recovery of microcystin from synthetic water. The adsorption was followed by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), allowing for real-time monitoring of the adsorption behavior. A maximum recovery of 196 mg/g was obtained with the modified by cyclodextrin. Characterization of the modified substrate was confirmed with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).

Seasonal and spatial variations of heavy metals in water and sediments from mainland and maritime areas of Ebrie lagoon (Côte d’Ivoire, Western Africa)

This study has been conducted to assessment the contamination level of the water and sediment by heavy metals of the both mainland and maritime areas in western part of Ebrie lagoon. Water and sediments samples were collected in eleven stations in mainland and maritime areas from February 2014 to January 2015. Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, transparency, salinity and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ and suspended matter in a laboratory. The concentration levels of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As) in water and sediments were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed that seasonal mean values of heavy metals varied slightly during the dry, rainy and swelling seasons in both the maritime and mainland areas. The highest average values of heavy metals were recorded in the mainland area. Seasonal concentration levels of mercury and cadmium in the both maritime and mainland areas were above the safe limit for human consumption. The Pearson correlation between heavy metals and physico-chemical parameters showed a relationship between these parameters. The contamination factor (CF) in mainland and maritime areas showed that the sediments were moderately contaminated for Hg, Pb, and Cd and As during all seasons, except Cd in maritime area. Maritime sediment is low contamination for Cd. The PLI value (PLI˃1) indicates polluted sediment from mainland and maritime areas. However, generally, the mainland area is more polluted.© 2019 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Physico-chemical parameters, exchange factor, contamination factor, pollution load index

Levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr) in various widely consumed fruits and vegetables in Jordan

ABSTRACT Concentrations of selected toxic metals (Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr) were determined in digested samples of some widely consumed fruits (banana, apple, and orange) and vegetables (green pepper, cucumber, potato, onion, and tomato) by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The samples were bought from popular markets of fruits and vegetables of Al-Karak city, Jordan. Our results showed that Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr contents varied significantly among samples. The Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr content in the analysed samples were found to be in the range of 0.33–1.00 µg/g-dw, 0.81–2.13 µg/g-dw, 0.07–1.25 µg/g-dw, and 0.81–2.43 µg/g-dw, respectively. The highest mean levels of Pb (1.0 µg/g-dw) and Cd (1.25 µg/g-dw) were found in potato while the lowest values in apple (0.33 µg-Pb/g-dw, and 0.07 µg-Cd/g-dw). The lowest concentrations of Ni (0.81 µg/g-dw) and Cr (0.81 µg/g-dw) were recorded in green pepper and banana, respectively, whereas the maximum bioaccumulation of Ni (2.13 µg/g-dw) and Cr (2.43 µg/g-dw) was detected in orange. The Ni and Cr were found to be the most abundant metals in the samples analysed. Finally, the levels of Pb, Cd, and Cr in all the analysed samples exceeded the maximum permissible levels of heavy metals recommended by FAO/WHO, while the Ni levels were within the safe limit for human consumption. In conclusion, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr did not achieve good status in all the analysed samples, which implies that long-term consumption of these foodstuffs are considered as a potential source of risk to human health and need to be given appropriate attention in future surveys for reduction of toxic metal concentrations in such commodities.

Physical factors in the hermetic SuperGrainBag® and effect on the larger grain borer [Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)] and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus during the storage of ‘Obatanpa’ maize (Zea mays L.) variety

Controlling invasive pests and aflatoxin production by moulds in stored grains is a global challenge to food security and public health, particularly in Africa. Food storage systems are designed to provide constraints to spoilage organisms by presenting mechanical barrier or unfavourable atmospheric conditions to their growth and productivity. This study examined the physical factors generated in hermetic SuperGrainBags® during the storage of ‘Obatanpa’ variety of maize (Zea mays L.) and the effect on growth of the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) and aflatoxin contamination by Aspergillus flavus. Cultured P. truncatus or A. flavus was introduced into 1.5 kg of the dried maize and stored in either hermetic SuperGrainBags® or non-hermetic polypropylene bags. The hermetic conditions elicited an increase in the interstitial temperature (ca. 27 °C) but a decrease in the relative humidity (<70%), oxygen concentration (<6.4%) and the grain moisture content (<13.7%), the combined effects of which inhibited growth of the insects and aflatoxin production by the moulds. Total mortality of P. truncatus occurred after 52 d of storage in the SuperGrainBags® while aflatoxins concentration remained within safe limits for human consumption. In contrast, there was proliferous growth of P. truncatus and significant increase in aflatoxin concentration to lethargic levels within the polypropylene bags where temperature, relative humidity and grain moisture increased significantly. Accordingly, grain damage and weight loss percentages were significantly high in the polypropylene bags while that in the SuperGrainBags® were negligible. Altogether, the SuperGrainBags® better preserved the maize grain quality and safeguarded it against health risks than the polypropylene bags.