Vegetable Samples Research Articles

Cadmium and lead in fresh vegetables and vegetable products sold on the local market in the Republic of Serbia, 2018–2021

ABSTRACT Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations were determined in samples of 31 species of vegetables (n = 719) and in vegetable products (n = 17), collected during the period January 2018 to September 2021. These originated from 33 countries, including Serbia. The samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Overall, Cd and Pb were found above the limit of detection in 123 (16.7%, n = 736) and 90 (12.2%; n = 736) samples, respectively. According to the former legislation, valid until the end of August 2021, the maximum levels (MLs) of Cd and Pb were exceeded in 1 and 2 samples of vegetables, respectively. Regarding the EU and Serbian legislation which is valid since September 2021 the MLs of Cd and Pb for vegetables were exceeded in 7 samples: Cd in 5 and Pb in 2 samples. In addition, 3 vegetable product samples exceeded the MLs for both cadmium and lead according to both former and current regulations.

Heavy metal contamination through wastewater irrigation on the soil and vegetables: Impact on the nutrient content and health risks ​

The use of wastewater irrigation may contribute to the metal accumulation, and reduction of nutrient level of vegetables, which would then have an adverse effect on human health. Therefore, in the present study we investigated heavy metals contamination and its impact on nutrient quality of vegetables and health risk. The study was conducted from the agricultural fields of Varanasi distinct during the period from March 2022 to June 2023 and all the laboratory work was carried in the department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University. Heavy metal concentrations in water, soil, and vegetable samples were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The physiochemical property (pH), daily intake of metal, metal pollution index and health quotient were also calculated according to the published protocols. All heavy metal were found in higher concentrations in the wastewater irrigated soil that control site. The Lohta site had the highest concentration of heavy metals in the vegetables, followed by Dinapur, and least at control site (BHU). The highest concentration of metals (Cu, Zn, and Pb) were found in the leafy vegetables (S. oleracea and A. esculentus) whereas lowest in fruity vegetables (P. vulgaris). The rise in the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) also provided evidence for the greater metal content of these vegetables. The S. oleracea was found to have the highest DIM (0.061 g/g) while P. vulgaris had the lowest (0.007 g/g). HQ values of these metals were found greater than one ( greater than 1) for both children and adults on the ingestion of the vegetables of wastewater irrigated sites. Further, nutrient contents (Na, Mg, Ca) were also declined in the vegetables of wastewater irrigated site when compared to control site. These findings suggest that the consumption of such vegetables leads to compromised health and might be associated with severe health risk in the human.

Ecological risk assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural soil, vegetables and fruits with respect to distance gradient in proximity to lead-acid battery industry

Lead-acid battery industries in Bangladesh have proliferated in urban areas, leading to the release of significant amounts of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and metalloids into the environment. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution, sources, contamination status, and ecological risks in agricultural soils, vegetables, and fruits near these industries. Soil samples were collected from four sites at varying distances (0 m, 100 m, 250 m, and 500 m) around three lead-acid battery industries (AA, AB, and AC) in Dhaka and Gazipur Districts during June-July 2020. The concentrations of the Pb, As, Cd and Zn in agricultural soils were ranged between 8.40–116.61, 8.99–28.21, 0.03–1.28, and 25.38–68.72 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, As, and Cd were found to be considerably higher than background levels across all industries, with a gradual decrease in PTE concentrations from 0 m to 500 m. The contamination factor indicated high to moderate contamination in agricultural soils by As, Cd, and Pb, and low contamination by Zn. pollution load index, modified contamination degree, and nemerow comprehensive index revealed varying pollution levels in the vicinity of the industries, with AA and AB showing higher pollution compared to AC. The individual risk factors demonstrated significant risks associated with Cd and As exposure, while Pb and Zn posed lower risks. The potential ecological risk index indicated considerable ecological risk for AA (risk index = 192.41), moderate risk for AB (risk index = 111.80), AC (risk index = 65.08), respectively. Correlation and principal component analysis revealed strong positive associations (p < 0.01) among the chemical parameters and potentially toxic elements in soils, and demonstrated the lead-acid battery industry as the primary contamination source in the studied areas. There were strong positive relationships (p < 0.01) existed between As, Cd, and Zn in soils and vegetables; while a strong negative association found between As in soils with As in Fruits. The cluster analysis showed EC, OC, OM, Pb, As and Zn into separate group, implied their same source of origin as anthropogenic source. The metal uptake was in the decreasing order of Cd > Zn > As > Pb and Cd > Zn > Pb > As in vegetable and fruit samples, respectively and transfer factor analysis highlighted Cd and Zn as metals with higher absorption rates in vegetables and fruits. Among the industries, AA and AB were significantly impacted on soil quality, and considerable metal accumulation found on vegetables. The human health risk assessment results indicate a potential noncarcinogenic health hazard for the populations surrounding the industries (AA, AB, and AC). This is evidenced by the calculation of the total target hazard quotient and the hazard index, both of which exceeded the acceptable level (>1). However, the carcinogenic health risks arising from the consumption of potentially toxic elements are within threshold values. This study provides crucial insights into the environmental as well as health impact of lead-acid battery industries, emphasizing the urgency of implementing effective environmental management practices to mitigate their consequences.

Potential of a Charcoal Evaporative Cooling Chamber for Extending the Shelf Life of Vegetables

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; There are wide varieties of vegetables in Sri Lanka. The ambient temperature and relative humidity have an impact on rate of vegetables deteriorate. Evaporative cooling is a well-known, cost- effective way to reduce postharvest lost in order to lower the temperature and increase the relative humidity. This research was done to create a charcoal cooling chamber for increase the shelf life of vegetables combining polythene packaging and active packaging additives. The study was carried out in wet zone, Sri Lanka with a sizable chamber made of coconut shell charcoal. A rectangular box made of chicken wire with a 1 m3 capacity serves as the evaporative cooling chamber. It made of chicken wire mesh with a hardwood frame. The walls filled with 50 mm thick coconut shell charcoal and a water outflow 8.33 ml/min for wetting the walls. Vegetable samples without any treatment were placed in the charcoal chamber along with vegetables wrapped in sealed polyethylene (gauge 300) with and without active packing components. With a control sample held in ambient settings, the treatments were put to the test four times over the course of nine days. Both unloading and loading situations were used to evaluate the performance of chamber. Temperature drops of 4° C on average and 2.07° C on average, respectively, were seen in dry and wet climate conditions. 92.49% on average was the cooling efficiency. Sealed polyethylene bags without active packaging components were found to be the best treatment when taking into account physiological weight loss and sensory tests. When compared to the control group on days 3, 6 and 9 physiological weight loss was considerably (P&lt;0.05) less in the sealed polyethylene bags without active packing components. When compared to the control sample total soluble solid content less in sealed polythene bag. The sensory evaluation for the treatments inside the chamber was more acceptable than for the control. Vegetables can store fresh for up to three days in evaporative cooling chamber without packaging. These chambers can install vegetable stalls on the side of the roads in Sri Lanka for temporary purposes.&#x0D; Keywords: Charcoal, Evaporation, Shelf-life, Temperature, Vegetables&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Distribution characteristics of antibiotic resistance in direct-eating food and analysis of Citrobacter freundii genome and pathogenicity

Purpose This study aims to study the distribution characteristics of antibiotic resistance in direct-eating food and analysis of Citrobacter freundii genome and pathogenicity. Residual antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment severely threaten human health and the ecological environment. The diseases caused by foodborne pathogenic bacteria are increasing daily, and the enhancement of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria poses many difficulties in the treatment of disease. Design/methodology/approach In this study, six fresh fruits and vegetable samples were selected for isolation and identification of culturable bacteria and analysis of antibiotic resistance. The whole genome of Citrobacter freundii isolated from cucumber was sequenced and analyzed by Oxford Nanopore sequencing. Findings The results show that 270 strains of bacteria were identified in 6 samples. From 12 samples of direct food, 2 kinds of probiotics and 10 kinds of opportunistic pathogens were screened. The proportion of Citrobacter freundii screened from cucumber was significantly higher than that from other samples, and it showed resistance to a variety of antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing showed that Citrobacter freundii was composed of a circular chromosome containing signal peptides, transmembrane proteins and transporters that could induce antibiotic efflux, indicating that Citrobacter freundii had strong adaptability to the environment. The detection of genes encoding carbohydrate active enzymes is more beneficial to the growth and reproduction of Citrobacter freundii in crops. A total of 29 kinds of ARGs were detected in Citrobacter freundii, mainly conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, carbapenem, cephalosporins and macrolides. The main mechanisms are the change in antibiotic targets and efflux pumps, the change in cell permeability and the inactivation of antibiotics and the detection of virulence factors and ARGs, further indicating the serious risk to human health. Originality/value The detection of genomic islands and prophages increases the risk of horizontal transfer of virulence factors and ARGs, which spreads the drug resistance of bacteria and pathogenic bacteria more widely.

Habitat simplification affects functional group structure along with taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of temperate‐zone ant assemblages over a ten‐year period

Biodiversity is declining at various scales due to habitat simplification. Nevertheless, there is scarce information on how the biotic and abiotic changes linked to simplification affect several diversity dimensions, such as taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversities. This study investigated whether transforming natural oak forests into induced grasslands affected species diversity, functional group structure, and phylogenetic diversity of ant assemblages inhabiting a temperate forest in central Mexico. We placed over 1000 pitfall traps in five sampling events covering a ten‐year period. We used Hill numbers to evaluate species diversity differences between vegetation types and patterns over time. Ant species were classified into stress‐related functional groups, which were analyzed for their association with vegetation types and changes to their proportional abundance over time. We calculated the standardized effect size of the mean nearest taxon distance to quantify the evolutionary history and test for non‐random patterns within vegetation types and sampling years. Species richness did not differ between vegetation types, yet grasslands showed greater diversity for the q = 1 and q = 2 orders. , We also found three ant species as bioindicators for each type of vegetation. Regarding functional structure, cold climate specialists were associated with oak forests. In contrast, generalist species were predominant in induced grasslands. Higher phylogenetic diversity with an overdispersed structure was associated with oak forest, whereas lower phylogenetic diversity and a clustered pattern were found in induced grassland. These results indicate that habitat simplification may not affect the number of ant species, but rather increases their relative abundance and reorganizes the functional and phylogenetic structure in the ecosystem, particularly shifting towards the dominance of evolutionary closely related species and broad‐stress‐tolerant groups. These results highlight the importance of integrating further dimensions of diversity to properly evaluate the reassembly dynamics after habitat simplification, and understand the mechanisms driving this biodiversity loss.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS ANGGREK DI JALUR PENDAKIAN WIRAYANA GUNUNG CAKRABUANA KABUPATEN MAJALENGKA

The existence of orchids in nature continues to decline due to habitat destruction and overexploitation. Conservation efforts that have been carried out so far have often experienced difficulties due to insufficient data and information as a basis for management, including conservation areas. The more widespread forest destruction will result in these species being threatened with extinction. This study aims to determine the diversity of orchid species, on the Wirayana Mount Cakrabuana Climbing Path. The information is expected to provide an initial contribution to the area management and orchid conservation efforts on the Wirayana Mount Cakrabuana Climbing Path. This research was conducted by means of a vegetation survey, sampling and documentation by exploring the existence of orchids. The sampling technique used the path transect method. The number of transects used is one line transect with a line length of 1500 m with a total of 22 sample plots. Data analysis was carried out by calculating the Important Value Index (INP), Species Dominance Index (Di) and Species Diversity Index (H'). The results showed that in the natural forest area of ​​Mount Cakrabuana there were 22 species of individuals which included 7 species of terrestrial orchids and 15 species of epiphytic orchids with a total of 243 individuals found. From the results of the calculation of species diversity, it is stated that the diversity of orchid species in the natural forest area of ​​Mount Cakrabuana is classified as moderate (2,973). This information is very important, especially for area managers in preserving the biodiversity of Mount Cakrabuana, especially orchids in the future.

Study of the dyeing industry pollution after mandatory installation of ETP in Madhabdi municipality, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Madhabdi municipality of the Narsingdi district of Bangladesh, the “Manchester of the East,” is famous for its cloth market and fabric dyeing industries. The untreated effluent discharge has been mixed with the water and soil, degrading the environmental standards of this area for years. Installing an effluent treatment plant (ETP) in all textile industries in Bangladesh is mandatory. This study evaluates the soil condition, surface water quality, and heavy metal contamination in cultivated vegetables after the compulsory installation of ETP. Soil and water samples from eight locations and cultivated vegetable samples from three locations are collected and analyzed for this study. The pH, EC (electric conductivity), TDS (total dissolved solids), DO (dissolved oxygen), and heavy metal concentrations are observed. The water quality index, contamination index, metal evaluation index, pollution load index, and metal pollution index are calculated from the collected samples. The study found that the physico-chemical properties of water pH (9.19), EC (2232.38 µScm-1), and DO (0.79 mgL-1) violate the national standards. The mean TDS is below the maximum permissible level. The heavy metal concentrations of Cr and Pb in water are 1.03 and 0.13 mgL-1, crossing the permissible limit, respectively, but Mn, having 0.89 mgL-1, is within the limit. The water quality is unsuitable for domestic and agricultural use, contamination is “medium,” and metal evaluation is “medium.” The soil is alkaline, having a pH of 8.58. The soil’s Cr, Pb and Mn concentrations are 68.21 µgg-1, 52.73 µgg-1and 805.16 µgg-1, respectively. The soil contamination level is low to moderate. Cultivated leafy vegetables have a concentration of Cr, Pb and Mn; 2.61 µgg-1, 0.30 µgg-1and 288.67 µgg-1, respectively, where Cr has crossed, Pb is within, and Mn is lower than the permissible limit. Produced vegetables have high (12.10–33.09) MPI (metal pollution index) and are at a high-risk level for consumption as food.

Multitarget and suspect-screening of antimicrobials in vegetables samples: Uptake experiments and identification of transformation products

This work provided an accurate analytical method to perform a multitarget analysis of a variety of antimicrobials (AMs) including sulfonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones and quinolones, one imidazole and one nitroimidazole, one triazole, one diaminopyridine and one derivative of Penicillium stoloniferum in vegetables. The analysis is performed using liquid-chromatography coupled to a low-resolution triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS) to detect the target analytesor coupled to a high-resolution q-Orbitrap (HRMS) to monitor the formed transformation products (TPs). Both instruments were compared in terms of limits of quantification and matrix effect at the detection. The method was applied to determine the presence of AMs in organic and non-organic vegetables, where sulfadiazine and mycophenolic acid were detected. On the other hand, the transference of four AMs (trimethoprim, sulfamethazine, enrofloxacin, and chlortetracycline) from soils to lettuces was evaluated through controlled uptake experiments. The choice of AMs was based on the classification into different families, and on the fact that those AM families are the most frequently detected in the environment. In this case, each of the AMs with which the soils were contaminated were found in the exposed lettuces. Moreover, in both studies, specific TPs of the AMs were identified, posing the necessity of assessing their effects in relation to food and human safety.

Pesticide Residues in Greenhouse Leafy Vegetables in Cold Seasons and Dietary Exposure Assessment for Consumers in Liaoning Province, Northeast China

Excessive pesticide application in greenhouses leads to elevated levels of pesticide residues, especially in cold seasons, thereby posing a potential dietary exposure risk to the residents’ health. This study aimed to investigate 65 pesticides in 469 leafy vegetable samples collected from greenhouses in Liaoning province between October 2018 and May 2020. Overall, the pesticide levels in 96.4% (452/469) of the samples were below the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The detection rate of 65 pesticides ranged from 0.2% to 11.9%. Multiple pesticide contamination was common, with dimethomorph being the most recurrent contaminant. The dietary risk assessment study revealed obvious differences in chronic and acute exposure risk values. The chronic risk quotients (RQcs) for leafy vegetable samples were 0.001%–3.993%, indicating an acceptable public health risk for the residents. As two leafy vegetables highly consumed in cold seasons in northeast China, the acute risk quotients (RQas) of Chinese cabbage samples were significantly lower than 100%; however, pakchoi samples exhibited RQa values ranging from 0.159% to 580.529%, showing an unacceptable acute dietary risk. This highlights that, compared to the chronic dietary risks, the potential acute dietary risks induced by the pesticides are higher in greenhouse-grown leafy vegetables during cold seasons.

Comparative transcriptome analysis and genetic dissection of vegetative branching traits in foxtail millet (Setaria italica).

Two major genetic loci, qTN5.1 and qAB9.1, were identified and finely mapped to the 255Kb region with one potential candidate gene for tiller number and the 521Kb region with eight candidate genes for axillary branch number, respectively. Vegetative branching including tillering and axillary branching are vital traits affecting both the plant architecture and the biomass in cereal crops. However, the mechanism underlying the formation of vegetative branching in foxtail millet is largely unknown. Here, a foxtail millet cultivar and its bushy wild relative Setaria viridis accession were used to construct segregating populations to identify candidate genes regulating tiller number and axillary branch number. Transcriptome analysis using vegetative branching bud samples of parental accessions was performed, and key differentially expressed genes and pathways regulating vegetative branching were pointed out. Bulk segregant analysis on their F2:3 segregating population was carried out, and a major QTL for tiller number (qTN5.1) and two major QTLs for axillary branch number (qAB2.1 and qAB9.1) were detected. Fine-mapping strategy was further performed on F2:4 segregate population, and Seita.5G356600 encoding β-glucosidase 11 was identified as the promising candidate gene for qTN5.1, and eight genes, especially Seita.9G125300 and Seita.9G125400 annotated as B-S glucosidase 44, were finally identified as candidate genes for regulating axillary branching. Findings in this study will help to elucidate the genetic basis of the vegetative branching formation of foxtail millet and lay a foundation for breeding foxtail millet varieties with ideal vegetative branching numbers.

Pesticide Residues and Associated Public Health Risks in Vegetables from Irrigated Farms Adjacent to Rift Valley Lake Ziway, Ethiopia

The overuse of pesticides has resulted in the accumulation of harmful residues in vegetables, which requires monitoring to assess the risks to human health. This article presents the levels of 35 pesticide residues in 15 composite vegetable samples from irrigated farmlands adjacent to Lake Ziway, Ethiopia, using the QuEChERS extraction method (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) and then analyzes them using GC-MS. The study also estimated the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated vegetables in children and adults, including carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks. The predominant pesticide residues found in tomatoes were α-endosulfan (0.58 mg/kg), β-BHC (0.04 mg/kg), heptachlor (0.02 mg/kg), and malathion (0.03 mg/kg), all of which were above the safety limits. Similarly, the mean concentration of heptachlor epoxide (0.04 mg/kg) and propargite (0.11 mg/kg) was higher than the allowed levels of the safety limits for onions. The concentration of pesticide residues detected in 10.6% and 7.9% of tomato and onion samples was above the maximum residual limits of the European Commission (EU-MRLs), respectively. Noncarcinogenic health risk estimates show that onion heptachlor epoxide had THQ &gt; 1, indicating the possibility of systemic health risk in both adult and child consumers. The carcinogenic health risk (CHR) showed that heptachlor epoxide in adults and children and only heptachlor in children had CHR &gt; acceptable limit (10−4) for tomato and onion. Therefore, it is critical to raise awareness among stakeholders while simultaneously implementing sound monitoring policy actions to protect the ecosystem and the health of the population in the study area and beyond.

Carbon dots derived from expired drugs based ratiometric fluorescent sensor for horseradish peroxidase in fruits and vegetables and screening inhibitors.

Household storage of pharmaceuticals to extract raw materials synthesized from carbon points facilitates the utilization of solid waste resources. A novel ratiometric fluorescence sensing technique was developed to ascertain the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in fruits and vegetables. The method employed a fluorescent probe, synthesized from expired amoxicillin (referred to as carbon dots, or A-CDs), serving as a reference fluorophore. Additionally, 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP) was utilized as a specific response signal. DAP resulted from a catalytic reaction system involving phenylenediamine and hydrogen peroxide under the catalysis of HRP. The fluorescence intensity corresponding to DAP at 562 nm exhibited a substantial increase, simultaneous with the fluorescence quenching of A-CDs at 450 nm. The ratiometric fluorescence nanosensors displayed a broad linear range and high sensitivity for the detection of HRP. Across the concentration range 0.01 to 6 U L-1, the fluorescence intensity ratio between DAP and A-CDs demonstrated a proportional increase with rising HRP concentration, achieving an impressive detection limit of 0.002 U L-1. The recovery of HRP in fruit and vegetable samples ranged from 96.1 to 103%, with an RSD value of less than 3.8%. Theproposed method facilitated the screening of inhibitors of HRP enzyme activity, contributing to the preservation of freshness in fruits and vegetables.

Exposure Assessment of Young Adults to Pesticides That Have Effects on the Thyroid—A Contribution to “One Health”

The objective of this research was to evaluate the cumulative exposure of the population aged 10–24 years to pesticides that have a chronic effect on the thyroid. A consumption study covering fresh fruits and vegetables was collected from 377 respondents. In parallel, 2369 fruit and vegetable samples were chemically analyzed for pesticide residues. As a result, cumulative exposure was calculated for four different scenarios (as is, maximum residue level, 70% of MRL and below detection limit) using two recall methods. The results show that, depending on the scenario, cyprodinil from green lettuce and strawberries, fluopyram blueberries and strawberries, and fluxapyroxad, detected in grapes, contribute most to exposure. More stringent scenarios, with limits at 70% of the MRLs (0.7 MRL) and below the detection limit (“zero residue” approach), show that the estimated total margin of exposure increases by up to 50% in the “0.7 MRL” model, while levels almost triple in the “zero residue” model. The optimization of pesticide use has a beneficial effect on human health and the environment, contributing to the “One Health” approach.

Comparative performance of two different detection chemistries of qPCR for their implementation in a same-day detection method to determine the presence of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli in ready-to-eat salads

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), are among the most frequently reported foodborne pathogens worldwide. They produce two powerful cytotoxins, called Shiga toxins (Stx1 and Stx2). Most DNA-based methods target these genes, and rely on lengthy enrichment protocols which delay early identification of potential threats. Vegetable samples are particularly problematic, as they are rich in components that may inhibit these techniques. In the present study, a short enrichment and improved matrix lysis protocols were combined and tested with qPCR implementing two different detection chemistries, a hydrolysis probe, and an intercalating dye-based one taking advantage of SYBR Green, to determine which performed best. The methodology presented a turnaround time of ∼6 h including the enrichment, sample treatment followed by DNA extraction, and STEC detection with either detection chemistry. Minor differences were identified among both detection chemistries, as the LOD95 were 6.9 and 8.6 CFU/25 g for the probe-based and intercalating dye respectively; both got relative sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies of 100 % and a Cohen's kappa, of 1.00, being this an “almost complete concordance” with the expected result. Overall, same-day detection of STEC in ready-to-eat salad samples, was achieved, and both qPCR detection chemistries demonstrated suitable for the intended application.

Piper agroforestry in the Indian Himalayas: indigenous peoples’ practices, policies and incentives

BackgroundIndigenous populations across the world play a significant role in sustainable land management and conservation of biodiversity. However, indigenous agricultural practices are rarely studied in depth and remain poorly documented in many regions of the world. Documenting such practices and identifying policies and incentives that affect them can unlock their potential for better land management and biodiversity conservation.MethodsWe undertook household surveys and focus group discussions to document indigenous practices and the values of trees in Piper (Piper betle) agroforestry practiced by the ethnic Khasi (Pnar) community in the Indian Eastern Himalayas. We also undertook an in-depth vegetation sampling to quantify variations in phytosociology and tree diversity with stand age in Piper agroforestry and nearby native forests. In addition, we undertook strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis and a desk review to identify policies, market support structures and incentives affecting cultivation of Piper, a cash crop of global importance.ResultsUnlike in shifting cultivation, indigenous people do not fell trees in the Piper agroforestry; instead, they allow trees to regenerate naturally and also enrich by planting tree seedlings in the gaps. Depending on the stand age, 30–49 tree species were recorded in the Piper agroforestry compared to 39 in nearby natural forests. While tree density was higher in the natural forests, greater species richness, diversity and basal area was recorded in > 25 years old Piper agroforestry stands. However, landholders do not have legally transferable or heritable rights to the land or trees.ConclusionIt is concluded that the Piper agroforestry provides a pathway for averting land degradation due to shifting cultivation, biodiversity conservation and improving livelihoods of the indigenous community. Although existing policies are supportive, Piper agroforestry is not currently benefiting from incentives and market support structures. We recommend implementation of policies, market support structures, incentives and payment for ecosystem services so that indigenous communities can benefit from the global ecosystem services they provide.

Fire-Induced Vegetation Dynamics: An In-Depth Discourse on Revealing Ecological Transformations of the Mahaban and Surrounding Forests

Since the Palaeozoic era, fire as a potent driver of environmental changes, has dramatically shaped the terrestrial ecosystems. Fire affects soil structure and composition, which in turn affects the floral diversity of an area. This research work aims to examine the impact of fire on vegetation and the physicochemical nature of the soil in fire-affected and fire-free sites across the Mahaban and the surrounding forests, Swabi District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Quadrat quantitative ecological techniques were used for vegetation sampling in fire-free and fire-affected sites. In total, 219 plant species belonging to 173 genera and 70 families were recorded. Among the 219 plant species, 173 species were recorded from fire-free sites and the remaining 122 species were from fire-affected sites. The incidence of fire results in elevated organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and lower calcium carbonate concentrations in the soil. The greatest species richness and evenness were observed across the fire-free sites. Our study concludes that the influence of edaphic and topographic factors on species richness varies between fire-affected and fire-free sites. Fire has significantly altered the nutrient availability in the studied region, and this is confirmed by soil analysis and vegetation research. It is suggested that further research in the field of fire ecology can produce valuable insights.

Multimedia fate simulation of mercury in a coastal urban area based on the fugacity/aquivalence method

Due to intensive industrial production and living activities, urban areas are the main anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emission sources. After entering the environment through exhaust gases, wastewater or waste residues, Hg can migrate and transform among different environmental compartments in various species, such as elemental mercury (Hg0), divalent mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercury (MeHg). Studies have yet to report on the multimedia behaviors of Hg in urban areas due to the complexity of the processes involved. In this study, the atmospheric Hg emission in Dalian, a coastal city in Northeast China, was estimated by an anthropogenic emission inventory, and a Level III multimedia model was constructed based on the fugacity/aquivalence method to simulate the fate of Hg in air, water, soil, sediment, vegetation and film. The total annual atmospheric emission was 9.91 t, of which coal combustion and non-coal sources accounted for 70.1 % and 29.9 %, respectively. Atmospheric emission and advection were dominated by Hg0, and aquatic emission and advection were dominated by Hg2+. The migration of air–vegetation, vegetation–soil and soil–air were three important pathways of Hg in urban areas. The model was validated by collecting local soil and vegetation samples and regional air, seawater and sediment monitoring data. The scenario simulation indicated that the local load would decrease to different extents with a 21.0 % reduction in atmospheric Hg emission by implementing the “coal-to-gas” measures. Our developed model can characterize the fate of Hg in coastal urban areas and provide a reference for control strategies.

Draft genome sequence of multidrug-resistant Citrobacter freundii MTR_GS_V1777 strain isolated from a spinach (Spinacia oleracea) sample in Gazipur, Bangladesh.

We announce a genome sequence of Citrobacter freundii MTR_GS_V1777 strain isolated from a vegetable sample in Bangladesh. This strain had a genome size of 4,997,753 bp (58.7× genome coverage) and contained two plasmids, typed as sequence type ST124, 38 predicted antibiotic resistance genes, and 77 predicted virulence factor genes.

Foodborne Viruses and Somatic Coliphages Occurrence in Fresh Produce at Retail from Northern Mexico.

Foodborne disease outbreaks linked to consumption of vegetables have been often attributed to human enteric viruses, such as Norovirus (NoV), Hepatitis A virus (HAV), and Rotavirus (RoV). Information about the occurrence of these viruses is scarce in many fresh-producing countries. Viral contamination detection of indicators, such as somatic coliphages, could indirectly reflect the presence of viral pathogens, being a valuable tool for better viral risk assessment in food industry. This study aimed to establish the occurrence and correlation of foodborne viruses and somatic coliphages in leafy greens in northern Mexico. A total of 320 vegetable samples were collected, resulting in 80 composite rinses, 40 of lettuce and 40 of parsley. Somatic coliphages were determined using the EPA 1602 method, while foodborne viruses (HAV, RoV, NoV GI, and GII) were determined by qPCR. The occurrence of RoV was 22.5% (9/40, mean 2.11 log gc/g) in lettuce and 20% (8/40, mean 1.91 log gc/g) in parsley. NoV and HAV were not detected in any samples. Somatic coliphages were present in all lettuce and parsley samples, with mean levels of 1.85 log PFU/100ml and 2.28 log PFU/100ml, respectively. Spearman analysis established the correlation of somatic coliphages and genomic copies of RoV, resulting in an r2 value of -0.026 in lettuce and 0.349 in parsley. Although NoV or HAV were undetected in the samples, the presence of RoV is a matter of concern as leafy greens are usually eaten raw, which poses a potential risk of infection.