Bottled Water Research Articles

Halal Labels and Religious Commitment: Their Impact on Bottled Water Purchases

Research Aims: To determine how halal labelling affects purchasing decisions for bottled drinking water products among Muslim students in Solo Design/methodology/approach: The study used quantitative descriptive analysis with primary data. The data analysis method used multiple linear regression analysis with independent variables, namely halal labelling (X1) and religiosity (X2). The number of samples in the study was 183 respondents. This study uses a purposive sampling technique with specific criteria. The study's dependent variable (Y) is the decision to purchase bottled drinking water Research Findings: halal labelling and religiosity have a positive and significant effect on customer decisions to buy bottled mineral water drinks. The value of the coefficient of determination concluded that the contribution of the independent variables in the regression model can explain the variation of the dependent variable by 48,6%. In contrast, the rest is explained by other variables outside the regression equation model. Based on the analysis results, actual steps need to follow up on purchasing decisions for halal bottled drinking water products, one of which is that the university can provide and facilitate the availability of bottled drinking water (AMDK) products on the campus. Besides increasing awareness of halal drinking water, it can also positively impact the development of halal products in universities in Solo. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The research highlights the simultaneous and partial influence of halal labelling and religiosity on purchasing decisions for bottled drinking water in universities in Solo. This adds a nuanced understanding of consumer behavior in a specific religious and educational context. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the urgency of providing halal AMDK, suggesting that such products are crucial for consumer assurance. This calls attention to a potentially underserved market segment. Keywords: Halal Label, Religiosity, Purchase Decision, Bottled Drinking Water.

Characterization of Nanoparticles in Drinking Water Using Field-Flow Fractionation Coupled with Multi-Angle Light Scattering and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

The current absence of well-established and standardized methods for characterizing submicrometer- and nano-sized particles in water samples presents a significant analytical challenge. With the increasing utilization of nanomaterials, the potential for unintended exposure escalates. The widespread and persistent pollution of water by micro- and nanoplastics globally is a concern that demands attention, not only to reduce pollution but also to develop methods for analyzing these pollutants. Additionally, the analysis of naturally occurring nano entities such as bubbles and colloidal matter poses challenges due to the lack of systematic and consistent methodologies. This study presents Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) separation coupled with a UV-VIS spectrometer followed by Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) for detection and size characterization of nanometric entities. It is coupled with an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) for elemental analysis. Water samples from different sources, such as untreated mountain spring water, groundwater, and bottled drinking water, were analyzed. The system was calibrated using pure particle standards of different metallic compositions. Our study demonstrates the capability of AF4-UV-MALS-ICP-MS to detect metals such as Al, Ba, Cu, and Zn in particles of around 200 nm diameter and Mg associated with very small particles between 1.5 and 10 nm in different drinking water samples.

Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Contamination of Food and Water Consumed by Children with Diarrhoea in Maputo, Mozambique.

In Mozambique, about 500,000 cases of diarrhoea were caused by foodborne pathogens in 2018. A review of the epidemiology of diarrhoea in children under five showed a high disease burden. This study aimed to identify Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) and Salmonella spp. contamination of food and water in urban and rural areas of Maputo consumed by children under five with diarrhoea. One hundred and eighty-six children with diarrhoea were selected from Primeiro de Maio and Marracuene Health Care Centres from the Kamaxakeni and Marracuene districts, respectively. Food (n = 167) and water (n = 100) samples were collected in children's households for diarrhoeagenic bacterial identification. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data about demographics and foods consumed a week before the children's diarrhoea episodes. The prevalence of both DEC and Salmonella spp. was 9.8% in food and 5.4% in water samples. DEC was most prevalent in cereals (urban = 2.8%; rural = 2.4%) and water samples (urban = 1.4%; rural = 3.3%). Salmonella spp. was mainly detected in cereals (urban = 0.7%; rural = 0.8%). Diarrhoeagenic pathogens were associated with the type of food frequently consumed by children under five years with diarrhoea (infant formula, fruit puree, ready-to-eat meals, and bottled water), while the association with demographics was absent. We found that the infant foods consumed by children with diarrhoea are associated with DEC and Salmonella spp., and the prevalence of these contaminants is higher in the rural (8.9%) than in the urban area (6.3%), showing the need for caregiver education on food handling practices.

Bacteria and Cyanobacteria Inactivation Using UV-C, UV-C/H2O2, and Solar/H2O2 Processes: A Comparative Study

Effective disinfection processes have been investigated to provide pathogen-free drinking water. Due to growing concern about the potential negative effects of cyanobacteria in portable water, their treatment has gained more attention recently. This study aims to compare the inhibition efficiencies of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli; E. coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis; B. subtilis), and cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa; M. aeruginosa) using UV-C and solar irradiation, and their combination process with H2O2. Over 6 log removal value (LRV) of E. coli and B. subtilis was achieved within 1 min of UV-C irradiation (0.76 ± 0.02 mW/cm2). The solar and solar/H2O2 (50 mg/L) processes effectively reduced (>99%) both bacteria after 20 min. E. coli was more sensitive to hydroxyl radicals (•OH) compared to the B. subtilis due to a different cell wall structure, resulting in a 0.18–0.62 higher LRV than B. subtilis. However, solar-based processes did not effectively inhibit M. aeruginosa (>52.23%). The UV-C/H2O2 (50 mg/L) process showed the highest inhibition rate for M. aeruginosa (77.83%) due to the generation of •OH, leading to oxidative damage to cells. Additionally, chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) was measured to indicate cell lysis of M. aeruginosa. The removal rate of Chl-a extracted by viable M. aeruginosa was higher using the UV-C process (93.03%) rather than the UV-C/H2O2 process (80.95%), because UV-C irradiation could be most effective in damaging Chl-a.

Synthesis and Characterization of Palladium Catalyzed (Carbon-carbon Bond Formation) compounds

In atmospheric condition, cesium carbonate was dissolved in water in a small bottle. Aryl halides, phenyl boronic acid, tetra butyl ammonium bromide, Bis (tri phenyl phosphine) palladium II chloride catalyst and toluene were taken in another small bottle. The contents of both the small bottles were added in a pressure tube. Heating of reaction mixture was done at 80-900C and then stirred until the reaction completion, which was confirmed by TLC. After this, the reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic layer was washed with brine solution and then filtered by buckner funnel prepared with celite bed. Sodium sulphate was added to the filtrate, filtered again using cotton bed and silica (60-120 mesh size) was added to the filtrate and evaporated by using rotavapour. Through column chromatography, the crude product obtained was purified using Ethyl acetate/Hexane as mobile phase.Bis (tri phenyl phosphine) palladium II chloride catalyzes the reaction of aryl halides and phenyl boronic acid at 80-900C giving moderate to high yields even when the catalyst quantity used was low.

Chronic Intake of Water Supplemented with Deep-Sea Water Extract Reduces Body Fat Percentage and Increases Basal Metabolic Rate and Muscle Mass in Humans

Modern humans are mineral deficient; thus, considerable attention has been focused on vitamins and polyphenols taken in supplements. However, in the case of minerals, only a few are known, such as calcium, zinc, and iron. As minerals are essential for proper physiologic function, mineral deficiencies are a risk factor for various serious diseases. For a variety of reasons, it has become difficult in recent years for humans to ingest the required amounts of minerals through diet alone, creating the need for a means of easy mineral replenishment. In this study, we measured changes in various physiologic parameters when 36 healthy individuals drank one bottle (550 mL) of water per day for one month containing minerals extracted from deep-sea water and adjusted to a hardness of 300. Although there were no changes in body weight or body mass index, body fat percentage decreased significantly, and basal metabolic rate and muscle mass increased significantly. Although the mechanism behind these changes is unknown, continuous intake of water amended with minerals extracted from deep-sea water may be an excellent approach to replenishing essential minerals.

Six Microplastics Analysis in Bottled Water, Purified Tap Water and Branded Table Salt by Double-Shot Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Six Microplastics Analysis in Bottled Water, Purified Tap Water and Branded Table Salt by Double-Shot Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Ketone modification of alkyd synthesized from waste PET as a sustainable option: A comparative study of coating and thermal properties of alkyd–melamine–ketone resin systems

AbstractThis study aims to prepare alkyd–melamine–ketone combinations from short‐oil alkyd resins synthesized using coconut oil fatty acid and waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) intermediate (bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, BHET) for coating applications with a green technology approach. For this aim, waste PET flakes obtained from post‐consumer water bottles were depolymerized by the glycolysis reaction. Purified depolymerization intermediate (BHET) was incorporated into the formulation of the four‐component alkyd resin, completely instead of the diol. For comparison, reference alkyds without waste PET were also synthesized. Then, ketone modifications of alkyd resins were carried out using cyclohexanone formaldehyde (CHF) resin by blending method. For this, firstly, melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin was added to the alkyd resin at a ratio of 40% by weight to obtain alkyd–melamine formaldehyde (Alkyd–MF) resin. Then, ketone‐modified blends were prepared at ratios of Alkyd–MF/CHF of 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50 by weight. The effect of using ketone (CHF) resin at different ratios and the presence of BHET on the coating properties and thermal behaviors of alkyd–ketone blend films were investigated. At the end of the study, high‐gloss (151–154 GU) and medium‐hard (71–120 König second) films exhibiting excellent adhesion (100%) were obtained from alkyd–ketone blends. In both the reference and PET‐based blend series, adding CHF resin to the alkyd–amino (Alkyd–MF) resin improved all physical coating properties. Moreover, with increasing CHF resin ratios, hardness, gloss, and abrasion properties increased in both series. Although acceptable and usable results have been obtained in all ratios of CHF resin (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%), the optimum CHF resin ratio for each physical coating properties has changed depending on the desired properties and expectations. These blend films resisted corrosive chemicals such as concentrated alkali, acid, and salt solutions for 72 h without damage, and at the end of the 18 h not affected by water. Acetone, toluene, methanol, and ethyl acetate did not affect these films in any way. All films performed excellently in repeated environmental resistance testing over 10 cycles, simulating changing climate conditions. In the chemical coating tests, superior results were obtained with all CHF resin ratios. The thermal resistance of Alkyd–MF/CHF blend films was found to be quite high. The incorporation of CHF resin into the alkyd–amino (Alkyd–MF) resin improved thermal resistance, and as the amount of CHF resin increased the thermal stability increased in both blend series. Moreover, the thermal resistance of PET‐based blend films was higher than their counterparts in reference blends due to the use of long‐chain BHET having an aromatic unit.Highlights Alkyd–MF/CHF blends using alkyds with and without PET were prepared. Good physical/excellent chemical coating properties/high thermal resistance. Incorporation of CHF into Alkyd–MF improved coating/thermal properties. CHF significantly improved the individual alkali resistances of the alkyd. As CHF increased, physical coating properties/thermal resistance increased. The thermal stabilities of the PET‐based blend were even higher.

Individual and environmental correlates of tap water consumption among adolescents in Canada

The study objective was to identify correlates of tap water consumption among adolescents. French-speaking adolescents from the province of Québec (Canada) were recruited in person and online from March to July 2023 using diverse recruitment strategies. Water consumption was measured using the validated French version of a questionnaire specifically designed to measure adolescents' beverage intake. Participants answered an online survey on their attitude towards tap and bottled water which also measured individual and environmental factors that can influence tap water consumption. A total of 218 adolescents (14–17 years; 55.5% female) completed the survey. On average, 79.2% of adolescents' water intake came from tap and 33.5% of them consumed exclusively tap water. Thinking that bottled water is more convenient than tap water was a significant correlate of adolescents' tap water consumption (OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.95; p = 0.0219). Adolescents who believed that bottled water is more convenient than tap water were less likely to consume exclusively tap water. Public health interventions aimed at promoting adolescents’ tap water should strive to make tap water intake be perceived as convenient as bottled water, such as encouraging teenagers to always carry along a reusable water bottle, installing drinking fountains in popular public areas, and increasing the visibility of such fountains.

Fluoride Risk Assessment of Different Brands of Coffee Commercialized in the Canary Islands

Coffee is part of our daily lives since it is a drink with a symbolic value, both in our social relationships and as a stimulating drink. The main objective of this paper is to conduct a risk characterization of fluoride overexposure from the consumption of these beverages; for this purpose, in the present study, the fluoride concentration was determined in 80 samples of different brands of coffee commonly consumed in the Canary Islands, and the risk derived from their intake was then evaluated. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the coffee brands soluble Nescafé Classic®, Saimaza®, Auchan®, Tirma® soft blend, and Hacendado® and the other analyzed brands. The brand that recorded the highest mean fluoride levels is “Hacendado descafeinado®” (0.308 mg/L). The problem with coffee is not the fluoride it contains but the fact that, according to the survey results, most coffee drinkers brew their coffee with tap water (over 51% of respondents use tap water). The results of the fluoride content in coffee prepared with tap water from the different areas of Tenerife in the Canary Islands (metropolitan, northern, and southern areas) have reported higher concentrations of fluoride: north (max. concentration found of 16.68 mg/L), south (max. concentration found of 8.47 mg/L) and metropolitan (max. concentration found of 4.73 mg/L). Coffee has not been identified as a risk of dietary overexposure to fluoride; however, the use of tap water for its brewing has been identified as a factor that considerably increases its concentration. Therefore, the use of bottled water is recommended, especially in regions such as the Canary Islands, which have high concentrations of fluoride in their water.

Effects of isolation stress and voluntary ethanol exposure during adolescence on ethanol and nicotine co-use in adulthood using male rats

BackgroundAlcohol use in adolescence may increase susceptibility to substance use disorders (SUDs) in adulthood. This study determined if voluntary ethanol (EtOH) consumption during adolescence, combined with social isolation, alters the trajectory of EtOH and nicotine intake during adulthood, as well as activating brain neuroinflammation. MethodsAdolescent male isolate- and group-housed rats were given 0.2 % saccharin/20 % EtOH (Sacc/EtOH) or water using intermittent 2-bottle choice; controls were given water in both bottles (n=17–20 per group). Some rats from each group (n=5–6) were euthanized one week later to measure autoradiographic [3H]PK-11195 binding, an indicator of microglial reactivity, and the remainder (n=11–14 per group) were tested in adulthood in 2-bottle choice, followed by nicotine self-administration using an incremental fixed ratio (FR) schedule with Sacc/EtOH and water concurrently available. ResultsIsolation housing increased adolescent intake of Sacc/EtOH, but the increase did not produce an observable neuroimmunological response in brain. Adolescent EtOH exposure decreased adult intake of both Sacc/EtOH and unsweetened EtOH, with isolate-housed rats showing a greater effect than group-housed rats. In the co-use model, a cross-price economic demand analysis revealed a substitutional relationship between Sacc/EtOH and nicotine, but no effect of adolescent Sacc/EtOH exposure. Compared to group-housed rats, isolate-housed rats were more sensitive to the changing price of nicotine and showed greater substitutability of Sacc/EtOH for nicotine. ConclusionThe current results suggest that adolescent EtOH exposure per se, with or without isolation stress, does not likely explain the enhanced risk for either alcohol or nicotine use later in life.

Physicochemical and microbial quality of bottled drinking water sold in Embakasi Central, Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT Bottled drinking water is among the fastest-growing options for seemingly safe drinking water in low- and middle-income countries. However, comprehensive water quality information is rarely made available to consumers. The objective of this study was to assess the physicochemical and microbial quality of bottled drinking water at the point of sale in Embakasi Central sub-county, Nairobi County. Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed eight bottled water brands purchased from local retail outlets (n = 158 bottles). Laboratory analysis was conducted to assess a range of parameters, including Escherichia coli, heterotrophic bacteria, lead, nitrite, nitrate, fluoride, and pH. Across all bottles sampled, 12% exceeded the national standards for microbial safety (detectable E. coli) and 3% presented a high risk to health (>10 colony forming units per/100 mL for E. coli). Select brands were frequently contaminated, with all samples of Brand 5 having elevated fluoride levels. Overall, one in four samples exceeded national standards for contaminants of public health concern. These findings reveal the poor quality of bottled drinking water in a suburb of Nairobi, presenting risks to consumers. There is a need to strengthen risk management and oversight of water packaging facilities in this setting.

Optimasi Human Error pada Proses Produksi Air Minum Dalam Kemasan di PT. Telaga Tanjung Pomosda Nganjuk

PT. Telaga Tanjung Pomosda, a bottled mineral water manufacturer in Nganjuk, East Java, faces challenges in maintaining high production standards and addressing operational issues such as product rejection and production process errors, impacting overall company efficiency and reputation. This study identifies operational error factors and evaluates the effectiveness of improvement methods. Research procedures utilize HTA, SHERPA, and Poka-Yoke to identify and reduce human errors in bottled mineral water production at PT. Telaga Tanjung Pomosda Nganjuk, focusing on error analysis, probability assessment, and Poka-Yoke strategy implementation. The bottled water packaging process involves critical stages such as cup packaging, pressing, and packing. Errors in each stage can result in delays, decreased water volume, imperfectly pressed lids, and packing mistakes, hindering the entire production process. Research at PT. Telaga Tanjung Pomosda identifies operator issues in machine settings, water measurement, lid positioning, task interruptions, packaging, and cup positioning, with solutions including routine checks and training to enhance product quality

Rancang Bangun Green Portable Cooler Box

Freon is one of the refrigerants used in refrigeration systems. The refrigeration system has a very important role, namely to preserve food ingredients so that food can last longer. The use of freon is not only used in ships but is widely found in home appliances in refrigeration systems used in freezers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and dispensers. If more freon is used, the negative impact that arises is greater, namely the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming which can have a bad influence on health, the life of living things and the environment. The purpose of this researcher is to create a tool to reduce the negative impact of freon use, namely by using peltier as a cooling medium with environmentally friendly thermoelectric modules. This study uses trial and error methods. Where the trial process is carried out by turning on one of the working push buttons and observing the temperature value. Then it is processed by the control system, namely Arduino Mega which will later provide a PWM output signal to the IRF540 mosfet when the output temperature value is in line with the reference value and vice versa. The test of this tool was carried out by comparing measurements between the author's prototype tool and the standard measuring tool, namely the digital thermometer. Based on the test results, this device can produce a minimum temperature of 140C at 30-minute intervals without any media. The trial using 330ml bottled water can reach a temperature of 170C within 30 minutes in the cooler box. This tool is also equipped with an automatic monitoring system using a PWM signal in the form of a change in fan speed, which is 255 RPS maximum speed and when getting a PWM signal it changes to 50 RPS. The percentage of errors resulting from the comparison of standard measuring instruments and sensor values had the highest and lowest percentages of 2.37% and 0.84% in cold dispersion conditions without charge. Then the highest and lowest error percentages were 1.69% and 0.72% in the state of containing a load of 1 330ml mineral bottle. This ptototype uses data recording using Micro-SD as a data logger.

Consumption of Bottled Water and Chronic Diseases: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Plastic pollution is a growing concern. It can form smaller particles called microplastics (<5 mm). Microplastics can break down into even smaller pieces called nanoplastics (<1 μm). These minute particles can infiltrate human cells and tissues, with their health impacts still largely undetermined. On average, a liter of bottled water includes about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the use of bottled plastic water (BW) and several health outcomes. Utilizing data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics' "Aspects of Daily Life" survey (N = 45,597), we employed logistic regression to explore the correlation between BW consumption and the prevalence of various chronic diseases, including hypertension, gastric/duodenal ulcers, and kidney stones. Adjustments were made for covariates such as education, age, gender, and economic resources. Our analysis indicated a statistically significant association between BW consumption and increased risk of hypertension (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.11), diabetes (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18), gastric/duodenal ulcers (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.38), and kidney stones (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.03-1.32). The consumption of BW is associated with heightened risk for certain health conditions. Policymakers and healthcare providers should consider implementing targeted prevention strategies and awareness campaigns.

Hexavalent chromium dual water remediation and sensing based on hybrid polymer/metal-organic framework composites

The environment contains numerous chemical pollutants from natural processes and human activities, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Specifically, the issue of hexavalent chromium water pollution, whether from natural or industrial sources, remains a global and unresolved threat. Hence, there is a need for efficient and prompt monitoring of Cr(VI) concentration in water to determine the potential danger and to facilitate the development of efficient remediation strategies. In this work, the metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66-NH2 was immobilized into poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymeric membranes, manufactured in different morphologies, to act as Cr(VI) sorbent to develop a novel portable, easily reactivable, and reusable water filtering and sensing technology. The multifunctional membranes demonstrated an adsorption capacity of 2.32 mg/L in 300 minutes for plasma electrospun-oriented fiber membranes with 10 % w/v of MOFs. The most efficient morphology was selected and integrated into a portable system for simultaneous detection and adsorption in a short time. It shows approximately 50 % adsorption efficiency and a colorimetric sensitivity with an excellent determination coefficient R2 of 0.990, even for very low concentrations at 0.085 ppm. To the best of our knowledge, this work presents the first system that utilizes multi-structured active materials for the remediation and monitoring of an aquatic contaminant.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters in natural mineral bottled drinking water using ICP-MS in South Africa

The contamination of natural mineral bottled drinking water with trace, heavy metals and rare-earth elements is a growing concern globally, especially in regions with limited access to safe drinking water sources. In South Africa, the safety of bottled water remains a critical issue due to potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. This study aimed to evaluate physicochemical parameters alongside to assess the health risks due to heavy metals in natural mineral bottled drinking water available in South Africa, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 21 bottled water samples from different brands were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentrations including Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Ba and Hg, as well as physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids among others. The results revealed physicochemical parameters were within acceptable ranges, indicating overall water quality. Varying levels of heavy metals across different brands observed with concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K and Mn in some samples exceeding permissible limits set by WHO and SAWQG for drinking water quality. The mean concentration of the heavy metals is in the decreasing toxicity order of Sr > Al > Ba > Mn > Cu > Cr > Zn > Fe > As > Co > U > Ni > Cs > Pb > Cd > Hg. The mean values of the chronic daily intake (CDI) for the concentration of heavy metals for adults are in the order of Cr > Fe > Sr > Ba > Mn > Cu > Zn > Li > V > As > Ni > Be > Pb > Hg > Cd and were below acceptable limits. The estimated values of both HQ and HI (with mean of 2.07E−03 and range of 0.00 to 1.76E−02) for the heavy metals are all found to be less than 1. The total mean value of ILCR is 4.67E−06, and range of 0.00 to 2.76E−05, which is insignificant and within the permissible level of the cancer risk guidance limit of 1.00E−06 to 1.00E−04. The results show that consumption of natural mineral bottled drinking water of South Africa is safe and may not cause any significant health risk to the populace. However, the long-time potential effects due to the few exceeded metals levels needed to be considered. Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on water quality assurance, offering insights into the overall integrity of the natural mineral bottled water supply chain in South Africa. This research not only serves as a foundation for regulatory measures but also underscores the significance of maintaining high-quality standards in the bottled water industry for public health and environmental sustainability.

Prevalence of Fungal Contamination in Bottled Water and Plastic Containers in Iraqi Companies

Prevalence of Fungal Contamination in Bottled Water and Plastic Containers in Iraqi Companies

Novel polyvinyl alcohol/gum tragacanth molecularly imprinted-electrospun nanofibers as adsorbent for selective solid phase extraction of bisphenol A

A polyvinyl alcohol/gum tragacanth molecularly imprinted nanofiber fabricated by electrospinning (PVA/GT-MIN) was used as an efficient adsorbent for the solid phase extraction (SPE) of bisphenol A (BPA) in water samples. PVA and GT were functional polymers and BPA was the template for molecular imprinting. BPA was bound to the polymer matrix through hydrogen bonding. The SEM image of PVA/GT-MIN demonstrated a rough morphology with pores and a diameter of 501 nm. The data for the adsorption of BPA on PVA/GT-MIN fitted the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics models. The proposed SPE using PVA/GT-MIN coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection presented good linearity from 50 μg/L–5 mg/L (R2 = 0.9999) and yielded a limit of detection of 21 μg/L. The PVA/GT-MIN was applied to extract bottled water for BPA analysis and recoveries were 93.1–97.7 % (RSDs ≤ 3.6 %). This study presents a novel, easily prepared PVA/GT-MIN adsorbent for the extraction of BPA in water.

Avidin-positive mast cells of the liver when exposed to water-soluble silicon for nine months

Mast cells, due to the mediators contained in them, are active participants in various processes occurring in the body. The reaction of avidin-positive mast cells of the liver to the intake of silicon with drinking water at a concentration of 20 mg/L for nine months was studied. The experiment was conducted on laboratory nonlinear male rats, which were divided into two groups: the control group received bottled drinking water with a silicon concentration of 10 mg/L; the experimental group received the same water, but with the addition of sodium metasilicate nine-hydrate, which was used to adjust the total concentration of silicon in drinking water to 20 mg/L. The mass concentration of silicon in the water of the control and experimental groups was determined using an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer 5110 ICP-OES. After nine months, the animals were sacrificed, the liver was extracted and fixed in 10% neutral formalin, processed and embedded in paraffin. After deparaffinization, 6-ìm-thick liver sections were incubated for 30 minutes with green fluorescent-labeled avidin (Avidin, Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugate, Invitrogen, Germany). The preparations were analyzed under a fluorescence microscope at an excitation light wavelength of 495 nm. According to the results of the study, an increase in the number of avidin-positive mast cells due to weakly fluorescent ones was found in the liver of rats of the experimental group, as well as an increase in the median of their area and fluorescence intensity. It was revealed that the change in the median of area of avidin-positive mast cells in the liver of rats of the experimental group is due to a decrease in the number of small cells and an increase in the number of medium and large cells. Positive strong and positive average correlations were established between the cell area and its intensity in the control and experimental groups, respectively. Thus, the study made it possible to expand the data on the effect of water-soluble silicon on the liver and indirectly suggest the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the organ under study.