Toxicological Quality Research Articles

Is there a relationship between the quality of surface watercourses associated with rural landscapes and the level and type of anthropization in the zone of influence?

The study of the environmental quality of the largest rivers such as the Paraná, is a challenge for the different disciplines of environmental sciences. Considering that the water quality of the largest rivers is mainly affected by the contributions of pollutants through the tributaries, we evaluate, using a multidisciplinary approach, the environmental quality of the tributaries of the Paraná River in Argentina, whose subbasins are associated with different levels and types of anthropization. We also discussed the aptitude of different diagnostic tools used to study the quality of water courses associated with rural landscapes and proposed a new indicator of easy measurement to quantify the level of anthropization in these environments. We selected 6 sampling sites (SM) related with different level of anthropization, considering agricultural and/or livestock (A/G) and urban or industrial (U/I) activities. The general parameters of water quality were measured in situ, and water and sediment samples were taken for physical, chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological evaluation. The toxicity was evaluated by a battery of bioassays (Daphnia magna, Hyalella curvispina and Lactuca sativa). The frequency of bioassays that show significant effects correlated positively with anthropization. Lactuca sativa was particularly sensitive to pollutants of A/G origin, while crustaceans, to those from U/I. The combination of U/I and A/G activities increased the toxicological complexity of the watercourses, producing greater adverse effects. Although, in the rural areas the U/I activities represented a scale notably small in relation to A/G, their contribution to the deterioration of the toxicological quality of watercourses appeared significant.

Heavy Metals in Foods and Beverages: Global Situation, Health Risks and Reduction Methods.

Heavy metals are chemical elements with a toxic effect on the human body. The expansion of industries has led to significant increasing levels of these constituents in the environment. Intensive agriculture can also lead to an increased concentration of heavy metals as a result of using different fertilizers and pesticides. Heavy metal accumulation in soil and plants represents a serious issue because of the potential risks to consumers. There are several methods available for the removal of these toxic components from different substrates (chemical precipitation, electrodialysis, coagulation and flocculation, photocatalytic removal, and adsorption-based processes), but most procedures are expensive and difficult to perform. Thus, more research is needed on the development of low-cost methods in foods. This work represents a review on the heavy metal presence in different food substrates (such as fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat and meat derivatives, oils, and alcoholic beverages) and provides an overview of the current situation worldwide, taking into account the fact that risks for human health are induced by the intensification of industry and the high degree of pollution. Considering that the toxicological quality of food affects its acceptability, this work provides valuable data regarding the actual situation on the proposed topic.

Nutritional, Microbiological, and Toxicological Quality Assessment of Foods Sold in Urban and Suburban Markets in Burkina Faso.

Food safety risks are becoming a public health problem with important socioeconomic consequences for human wellbeing, especially for pregnant women and infants. In this article, we describe findings from microbiological, toxicological, and nutritional quality assessments of foods from 5 localities in Burkina Faso, with the aim to provide baseline data on the quality of food and the risks to mothers and children. Samples for assessment included food sold in markets, stores, and restaurants (eg, cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, edible oils, powdered milk, dried fish, packaged water, ready-to-eat meals). The research team selected the samples using the random route method and analyzed them at the National Public Health Laboratory in Ouagadougou between January and December 2020. A total of 443 food samples were collected, of which 101 were analyzed for microbial contamination, 360 were analyzed for the presence of toxins, and 59 were analyzed for their nutritional value. The microbiological quality of 11.88% of the food samples was unsatisfactory, and 41.50% were contaminated with aflatoxins. At least 1 pesticide residue and cyfluthrin were detected in 58.10% of samples. The most detected contaminant (cyfluthrin) was found in 79.10% of the analyzed samples. A peroxide index higher than the normal value (10 mEq/kg) was found in 3.38% of the oil samples and 76.27% of the oil samples had a vitamin A content lower than the recommended limit of 11 mg/kg. This study is the first in Burkina Faso that provides baseline data on the quality of food and potential health risks to mothers and children in Burkina Faso. Considering the level of contaminants reported in this article, it is imperative to enhance routine monitoring of foods in the country.

Hospital effluents as sources of antibiotics residues, resistant bacteria and heavy metals in Benin

This study aims to evaluate the bacteriological, chemical, and toxicological quality of hospital effluents in Benin. Eighteen (18) samples were collected from the south and north of Benin, and poles were set up. Bacteriological analysis was carried out according to the French National Organization for Standardization (AFNOR) standard. Identification of the bacterial species isolated was performed using the API 20E gallery and specific biochemical tests. Antibiotic residues were searched by following ELISA kit instructions. 109 bacterial isolates were obtained, with a predominance of non-enterobacteria (37.7%) and Acinetobacter spp. (24.6%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (11.48%); S. aureus and Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were isolated at the same frequency (6.5%). Physico-chemical and toxicological parameter analyses showed that they were in conformity with the standards of discharge into the environment. The pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total solids below, P-redox and suspended solids measured were, on average, 6.83, 27.21 °C, 693.68 µS/cm, 693.68 mg/l, 1.68 mV and 0.15 mg/l, respectively. For heavy metals, cadmium was most prevalent (0.22 mg/l), followed by nickel (0.18 mg/l) and lead (0.03 mg/l). The average antibiotic residue concentrations ranged from 0.043 to 7.65 µg/l. Ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and sulfamethoxazole had the highest residue concentrations of 7.65 ± 2.272 µg/l, 6.61 ± 0.051 µg/l and 3.88 ± 3.088 µg/l, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations obtained were below those required by Benin standards. These effluents therefore present health and environmental risks. It is then more than necessary to develop treatment methods for them before their rejection into the natural environment.

Изследване на летливата фракция на дестилат с добавени екстрактиот магарешки бодил (Onopordum acanthinum L.)

ethanol extracts of donkey thistle (Onopordum acanthium L.) was conducted. The extracts were added to the pure distillate from the grapes of Melnik-55 grapevine variety in amounts of 20, 50, 80, 100, 200, 400 and 600 ml. The remaining amount to liter was a pure distillate. A distillate of Melnik-55 grapes (without extracts) was used as a control. The addition of 50% ethanol extract of Onopordum acanthium L. increased the total volatile composition of variants 1000:20 and 1000:50, in comparison to the control sample. Higher levels of esters and higher alcohols were found in the same variants. Incorporation of the 50% and 70% ethanol extracts of donkey thistle resulted in increased final total terpene content of the distillates. By increasing the amount of the added 50% ethanol extract, a reduction in the concentrations of acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate was found in the distillates. The basic ester in all the distillates analyzed was ethyl acetate, and the major higher alcohols were 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 1-propanol and 2-butanol. By applying of 50% and 70% ethanol extracts of the plant, a reduction in methanol content in the final distillates was observed. A prospect was the application of 50% ethanol extracts of Onopordum acanthium L, especially variants 1000:20 and 1000:50. This two variants showed higher final levels of aromatic compounds (beverage quality) and slightly higher final levels of terpenes (biological value) compared to the control. The other variants of this group had proven lower levels of methanol (improved toxicological quality) compared to the control.

Еще раз о прорезывании зубов у детей

The article focuses on teething in infants. Some disputable and additional points of this physiological process are discussed. Special attention is attributed to the facilities available for management of pathological symptoms accompanying primary tooth eruption process. Safety items and toxicological quality control of plant-based teething gels for infants are considered.

Evaluation of Microbiological and Toxicological Quality (Heavy Metals) in Fresh Artisan Cheese Commercialized in Puebla City, Mexico

Evaluation of Microbiological and Toxicological Quality (Heavy Metals) in Fresh Artisan Cheese Commercialized in Puebla City, Mexico

Contamination by lead in sediments at Toledo River, hydrographic basin of PARANÁ III.

Due to intense agricultural and industrial activities, the environment has been affected by increasing amounts of pollutants, such as lead, a toxic heavy metal. When introduced to the environment, toxic metals are distributed and incorporated into the liquid medium, sediments, and aquatic biota; bioaccumulating. This research aimed to identify and quantify the levels of toxic metals present in the waters and sediments of Toledo River, compare the obtained results with legislation and other studies, as well as to evaluate the possible pollutant sources of the water body. Six water and sediment samples were taken at seven strategic sites. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Cr in water were compared to the maximum limits established by Brazilian legislation IN CONAMA No. 357/05, for class II fresh waters. The sediment samples were submitted to nitroperchloric digestion, and then the total concentrations of the metals were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The toxicological quality of the Toledo River has been considerably affected by the activities carried out in its surroundings, such as extensive areas of agriculture, pig farming and industrial areas, causing concentrations of Cd, Fe, and mainly Pb, which is observed at concentrations higher than value allowed by the legislation.

Evaluation of biological and physicochemical risk of hospital liquid waste in Morocco

Hospitals could be the source of pollution that must be taken into account in a general approach to health and environmental risk assessment. This study is part of the characterization of hospital liquid waste in a region in Morocco, whose objective is to assess their physicochemical, bacteriological and toxicological quality. The physicochemical analyzes carried out on 144 samples taken during one year showed a great fluctuation of some parameters such as: BOD5, COD, MES, PH, T°, ​​as well as an important bacteriological load: Total coliforms, E coli, faecal Streptococci, pathogenic germs such as: Salmonella, Staphylococcus, 20% multi-resistant, virulent germs of emerging nature such as: Pseudomonas aeroginosa, and trace metal elements such as: mercury and copper that exceed the threshold of acceptability. At the end of this study, it turned out that hospital effluents are heavily loaded with pollutants. We therefore hope, in the light of the results provided by this study, to have generated a real awareness of the competent authorities on strengthening and improving the treatment of hospital liquid effluents such as developed countries, as the impact of these effluents on human and environmental health is harmful and can spread emerging diseases.

Toxicity profile of organic extracts from Magdalena River sediments.

The Magdalena River, the main river of Colombia, receives contaminated effluents from different anthropogenic activities along its path. However, the Magdalena River is used as drinking water source for approximately 30 million inhabitants, as well as a major source of fish for human consumption. Only a few studies have been conducted to evaluate the environmental and toxicological quality of the Magdalena River. To evaluate sediment toxicity, wild-type and GFP transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to methanolic extracts, and effects on lethality, locomotion, growth, and gene expression were determined based on fluorescence spectroscopy. These biological and biochemical parameters were correlated with measured pollutant concentrations (PAHs and trace elements), identifying patterns of toxicity along the course of the river. Effects on lethality, growth, and locomotion were observed in areas influenced by industrial, gold mining, and petrochemical activities. Changes in gene expression were evident for cyp-34A9, especially in the sampling site located near an oil refinery, and at the seaport, in Barranquilla City. Body bend movements were moderately correlated with Cr and As concentrations. The expression of mtl-1, mtl-2, hsp-6, and hsp-70 were significantly associated with Pb/U, Pb, Sr, and As/Sr/Pb/U, respectively. Interestingly, toxicity of methanolic as well as aqueous extracts were more prone to be dependent on Cd, Zn, and Th. In general, ecological risk assessment showed sediments display low environmental impact in terms of evaluated metals and PAHs. Different types of waste disposal on the Magdalena River, as a result of mining, domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities, incorporate toxic pollutants in sediments, which are capable of generating a toxic response in C. elegans.

Water pollution monitoring of the Lujan River (Argentina): chemical analyses and hepatic biomarkers in Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles

Fil: Ossana, Natalia Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Lujan. Departamento de Ciencias Basicas. Programa de Ecofisiologia Aplicada; Argentina

Micronucleus test for monitoring the genotoxic potential of the surface water of Luján River (Argentina) using erythrocytes of Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles

Luján river is a peri-urban ecosystem dominated by urban, industrial and agricultural discharges, receiving contributions from about one hundred streams along its path. The toxicological quality of the surface water in the middle course of the river was monitored by means of the micronucleus (MN) test, using peripheral erythrocytes of Lithobates catesbeianus premetamorphic tadpoles. This cytogenetic assay was performed to evaluate the effects of a particular domestic/industrial effluent poured continuously into the river, by incubating the larvae for 6 days to water samples from two sites: upstream and downstream the point where the effluent is dumped. The positive control was a cyclophosphamide solution. Five seasonal samplings were conducted between 2007 and 2008. The physicochemical analyses and the values of three water quality indices showed a highly polluted condition of the river. The MN frequency in the erythrocytes of the larvae exposed to the river samples was significantly higher than that of negative controls in all the cases and, in most samples, without differences with respect to the positive controls or even higher. There were no significant differences in the frequency of MN between the two environmental samples. The results allowed showing the genotoxic potential of the Lujan river water.

Présence du plomb dans les feuilles de Solanum macrocarpon Linn cultivé à Cotonou (Bénin) : rôle des fientes de poulets mal compostées

This work assesses the impact of the use of chicken manure and irrigation water on the toxicological quality of Solanum macrocarpon, a highly appreciated vegetable. A control site in Glo-Djigbé, gardeners’ sites at Houéyiho, Fidjrossè, and Agongbomey were included in the study. Lead has been sought in the environment of S. macrocarpon culture by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Regarding the content of lead in the droppings, the averages in mg/kg varied between 0.696 and 3.618. The soil of Houéyiho (46.320±0.651mg/kg) was more contaminated with lead than that of the other sites. The irrigation water used in the study sites was slightly contaminated with lead with values ranging between 0.038 and 0.017mg/L. Leaves taken from the control site, Glo-Djigbé were contaminated with lead with a value of 0.936±0.070mg/kg compared to those of Agongbomey, Houéyiho and Fidjrossè. The leaves of S. macrocarpon were contaminated with lead at significantly values higher than those imposed by the FAO (0.1mg/kg). Consumption without precautions could expose people to diseases related to the accumulation of this metal.

Chemical and toxicological assessment of a full‐scale biosolid compost

The impact of a full-scale biosolid composting plant on the fate of a broad range of priority organic pollutants was investigated. Chemical analysis was performed at different steps of the process during two seasons. Simultaneously, the toxicological quality was assessed using estrogen α-, dioxin-, and pregnane X-receptor reporter cell lines. Mass-balance calculation highlighted the removal of easily degradable pollutants during composting. The important variations observed for each compound and for the two seasons might be explained by pollutant-fate dependency on process parameters like temperature. The final compost displayed low pregnane X activity but high estrogenic activity. The dioxin-like activity stayed constant through the process. The chemical and toxicological results highlight the importance of combining both approaches to accurately assess the compost quality. Such compilation of data on full-scale processes may be also very helpful for the environmental risk assessment of new organic waste disposal practices.

Microbiological and toxicological quality of dried herbs

The microbiological and toxicological quality of 51 samples of dried herbs (Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Malva sylvestris, Matricaria chamomilla, Alchemilla vulgaris and Centaurea cyanus) cultivated in family-managed farms in Molise Region (Italy) was evaluated. All the samples were analysed by using conventional methods, and for samples preparation, an alternative Washing and Shaking (WaS) protocol was developed to reduce release of antimicrobial compounds. None of the samples were of unsatisfactory quality with respect to aflatoxin B1, and only three samples from Malva sylvestris exceeded the limit of total aflatoxins according to Recommendation 2004/24/EC. The International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods limits for mesophilic bacteria and total coliforms were exceeded in the 29.4 and 3.9% of samples, respectively: 7.8% of samples also exceeded the limit for Escherichia coli established by European Spice Association. When the 'WaS' method was used, higher microbial counts were obtained, especially for A. vulgaris, S. officinalis and M. officinalis. Herbs cultivated in family-managed small agricultural areas showed a good microbiological and toxicological quality, irrespectively of preliminary washing or selection procedures. Herb matrices may contain antimicrobial activity which should be considered when applying the conventional microbiological methods for sample preparation. Alternative preparation protocols may have advantages to reduce antimicrobial effects and should be further evaluated.

Determination of some agronomical characteristics and Ochratoxin-A level of Karacadag rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Diyarbakir ecological conditions, Turkey

This study was conducted to determine yield, quality and Ochratoxin-A level of Karacadag rice local varieties grown widely in Karacadag ecological conditions of Southeast Anatolian Region and to compare with some commercial rice varieties during 2006 and 2007. In the study, total 12 rice genotypes consisting of 10 local varieties and 2 cultivars from foreign origin were used as material. Statistically the differences among the genotypes for all the characters were highly significant. The longest plants of 99.50 cm were recorded in Karacadag landrace No. 1 location with 10.47 tillers per plant, 7.82 panicles per plant and biological yields of 285.10 g plant-1. Whereas, cv. Ribe showed 99.52 grains per panicle, cv. Baldo had 2.686 g grain yield per panicle and 5662.2 kg ha-1 grain yield per unit area. Unbroken rice output rate of all rice landraces was higher compared to breeding cultivars. No 3 and 8 of Karacadag rice samples; which showed superior values in terms of plant height, number of tillers per plant and grain yield. It was concluded that these Karacadag rice landraces can contribute in obtaining of high yielded cultivars. That air temperature of Southeast Anatolian Region reached about 40°C at booting stage lead to high spikelet sterility, but yield differences among landraces and breeding cultivars could be eliminated with great number of panicles per plant. All rice and white milled rice samples in this study were analysed in respect of Ochratoxin-A with ELISA test. It was found that ochratoxin-A level in samples from OdabasA±-Cermik and Mehmediyan-Kocakoy locations were higher compared to samples taken from other locations. In general, the samples were found suitable to Turkish Food Codex and European Union (EU) regulations. Key words: Karacadag rice landrace, yield, quality, toxicological quality, Ochratoxin-A.

Evaluation of Daphnia magna as an indicator of Toxicity and Treatment efficacy of Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant

Performance evaluation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with special reference to toxicity reduction using Daphnia magna straus as test organism is very important to study the likely adverse effects of thetreated wastewater on the aquatic ecosystem of receiving waters and to detect common environmentally realistic concentrations of pollutants at different concentration levels and toxicity discriminatory ability to distinguish different degree of toxicity and toxic specificity of the compounds on target organisms. This test can be considered asuseful analytical tool for screening of chemical analysis and early warning system to monitor the different operational units of wastewater treatment plants. Interrelationship between COD, SS with respect to Daphnia toxicity (Gd) suggests that improvement of the toxicological quality of wastewater could be linked to the removal of both COD and suspended solids. Both the parameters (COD & SS) can serve as a regulatory tool in lieu of an explicit toxicological standard. An important feature of this work was to emphasize the significance of toxicity tests. It could help to reduceinfluent toxicity and thereby avoid impacting microorganisms’ population in activated sludge systems. This study shows the difference between using physico-chemical and biological criteria to define the quality or toxicity ofwastewater, making it clear that both methods are indispensable and complimentary and support the earlier view that Daphnia magna can serve as a valuable model for bio- monitoring of water pollution and for evaluation of the toxicity of an effluent and risk assessment in an aquatic body, as it is highly sensitive to pollutants.

The French approach to deriving toxicity reference values: An example using reprotoxic effects

Following the French health and environment action plan, the French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety set up a workgroup to standardise a method of deriving toxicity reference values (TRVs). Over the last few decades, there has been increasing concern about the effect of exposure to chemicals on reproductive function, leading the group to take an interest in reprotoxic effects. This article presents the recommendations of the workgroup regarding specific reprotoxic effects. Abnormal development of foetuses and infants, together with impairment of reproduction were considered to be critical effects. Where critical windows of exposure were concerned, quantitative analysis suggested the need for several types of toxicity reference value, as a function of exposure duration: reprotoxic effects may result from acute or chronic exposure at any time of life, whilst developmental effects may occur after exposure during the pregnancy or during the lactation period. The choice of a critical study is based on epidemiological or toxicological quality criteria. The working group recommends the use of the benchmark dose approach in estimating the critical dose. Finally, the working group considered the application of uncertainty factors typically used to take into account the variability between animal and human, between different individuals, and the availability of the data.

Intramolecular interchain reactions in bidesmosidic glycosides, a new insight into carbohydrate rearrangements induced by electrospray ionisation

Glycoconjugates are a class of complex molecules that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and in some marine organisms. This class of compounds has a wide range of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, antiulcer, and immunoenhancing actions.1-3 Some of them also show various toxic activities such as cytotoxic, hemolytic, cardiotoxic, and teratogenic. Among these compounds, steroidal and triterpenoid saponins have long been known as components of widely used herbal drugs and pharmaceutical preparations; ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, Quillaja saponaria, and Digitalis ssp. are just a few examples. Thus, identification of saponins in herbal drugs used worldwide is of significance in phytochemical and toxicological quality control studies, and for the production of safe health products. Therefore, there is continuing demand for methods to rapidly identify and characterize these natural products.

OCHRATOXIN A, HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL AND VITAMIN C LEVELS OF SUN-DRIED GRAPES AND SULTANAS

Ochratoxin A (OTA), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels were detected in sun-dried sultanas and raisins (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultanina). Ochratoxins produced by Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium viridicatum, Penicillium cyclopium and Rhizophus spp. The main toxin of this group is OTA. It is nephrotoxic and immunotoxic. HMF can occur during nonenzymatic browning reactions that take the form of condensation reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars. It is known as a mutagenic and carcinogenic compound. The sultanas and raisin research samples were sun dried in the field and stored over a long period in the plant. Toxicological quality patterns evaluated for OTA and HMF levels were also evaluated. These are very important compounds for food safety. They are important critical control quality criteria of sun-dried grapes. Vitamin C was examined because of sensitivity against physical and chemical factors such as oxygen, light, thermal treatments, alkali treatment and heavy metals, as well as being important for food labeling. The mean values of OTA in sultanas and raisins were 4.64 and 2.98 µg/kg, respectively. It is determined that the studied samples could be evaluated for safety limit of OTA, which is suggested by the European Community as 10 µg/kg. The HMF values of the samples were 5.50 and 33.57 mg/kg, respectively. The raisins were sun dried. The two types of samples without any pretreatment had a long sun drying period, and they showed higher mean of HMF level with content is had showed higher mean HMF level sultanas. The HMF content is with a critical control point for human health. The mean vitamin C levels of sultanas and raisins were 3.67 and 5.15 mg/100 g, respectively. The mean vitamin C values of sultanas were lower than those of raisins. It was estimated that alkali treatment could cause the destruction of l-ascorbic acid. The vitamin C content of sun-dried grapes does not contribute much to nutrition.