Influência das técnicas de preparo e cocção na formação dos contaminantes hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos em carnes e embutidos: fatores de risco associados ao consumo / Influence of different preparation and cooking techniques on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants in meat and smoked products: risk factors associated with consumption

Introdução - Os hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs) são compostos orgânicos que têm demonstrado comprovadamente efeitos mutagênicos, carcinogênicos e potencial imunossupressor. Dentre os alimentos, os produtos cárneos apresentam frequente ocorrência e concentrações mais elevadas para HPAs, uma vez que o preparo e os processos tecnológicos aos quais são submetidos podem produzir tais compostos. Considerando que a carne é um dos produtos mais consumidos no Brasil, com importante valor nutricional, avaliar sua contaminação torna-se necessária. Objetivo - Estudar a contaminação por HPAs de produtos cárneos, tanto nos embutidos e alimentos prontos para consumo, quanto nos submetidos a diferentes tratamentos e técnicas de cozimento, a fim de avaliar possíveis riscos à saúde humana associados ao consumo destes alimentos. Métodos - Os cárneos embutidos e defumados (n=205) foram adquiridos no comércio, incluindo dez categorias de produtos. Para a cocção, linguiças defumadas e carnes bovinas foram conduzidas a cinco métodos de cozimento, em distintos preparos e temperaturas. A metodologia para HPAs, contendo os quatro prioritários benzo[a]antraceno, benzo[b]fluoranteno, criseno, benzo[a]pireno (HPA4), incluiu saponificação, extração com n-hexano, purificação com cartuchos de extração em fase sólida de sílica e quantificação por cromatografia líquida de ultra eficiência e detecção por fluorescência. Resultados - O método analítico foi otimizado e validado, com resultados satisfatórios. Na avaliação dos produtos cárneos comerciais, as concentrações HPA4 variaram de não quantificável (

Introduction - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that have demonstrated mutagenic, carcinogenic, and immunosuppressive potential. Among the foods, meat products have frequent occurrence and higher concentrations of PAHs, since the preparation and technological processes to which they are submitted can produce such compounds. Considering that meat is one of the most consumed products in Brazil, with important nutritional value, evaluating its contamination becomes necessary. Objective - To study PAHs contamination of meat products, both in sausages and ready-to-eat foods, as well as in those submitted to different treatments and cooking techniques, to evaluate possible risks to human health associated with the consumption of these foods. Methods - Sausages and smoked meats (n=205) were purchased commercially, including ten product categories. For cooking, smoked sausages and beef were submitted to five cooking methods, in distinct preparations and temperatures. The methodology for PAHs containing the four priority benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[a]pyrene (PAH4), included saponification, n-hexane extraction, purification with silica solid phase extraction cartridges, and quantification by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. Results - The analytical method was optimized and validated, with satisfactory results. In the evaluation of commercial meat products, the PAH4 concentrations ranged from unquantifiable (

Quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Commonly Consumed Salami in Brazil

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that have been found in different food categories, and meat products can have high concentrations of PAHs, since the technological processes to which they are subjected, such as smoking, can produce several compounds. Considering the risk that these compounds can bring to the population's health, it is essential to develop an accurate and reliable method to evaluate the contamination of PAHs in products of animal origin. The objective of this study was to optimize and validate a method for the quantification of 4 PAHs (benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene) in salami. The methodology included saponification, liquid­liquid extraction, solid-phase purification, and quantification by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of saponification parameters were investigated by experimental design, whereas the model obtained by regression analysis was considered satisfactory with the dissolution solvent of potassium hydroxide providing the highest global sum of areas. In validation, the parameters studied were adequate and within European and INMETRO Guidelines limits. The evaluation of 22 samples indicated that 27% were contaminated with at least one of the 4 PAHs, and benz[a]anthracene being the prevalent one with content varying between < 1.00 and 17.58 µg/kg. Two samples showed PAHs contamination above the maximum tolerable limit in the European Commission Regulation.

Conflicto armado, contaminación y riesgos en salud: una evaluación de riesgo de tres fuentes de exposición ambiental asociadas con el conflicto en Colombia / Armed conflict, pollution, and health risks: A risk evaluation of three sources of environmental exposure associated with the conflict in Colombia

Resumen | Introducción. Los conflictos armados afectan los territorios ricos en recursos y biodiversidad; el daño ambiental causado por las acciones violentas puede afectar la salud de las poblaciones. Objetivos. Evaluar los riesgos para la salud humana debidos a la degradación ambiental asociada con tres acciones violentas en el marco del conflicto armado colombiano: la voladura de oleoductos, la minería informal con mercurio y la aspersión de cultivos ilícitos con glifosato. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo una evaluación cuantitativa de los riesgos para la salud individual asociados con actividades del conflicto armado, usando metodologías que tienen en cuenta la ruta de dispersión de los contaminantes, su concentración en el ambiente, la exposición de los individuos y los riesgos de efectos cancerígenos y no cancerígenos. Resultados. La evaluación de los riesgos asociados con las acciones en el marco del conflicto armado analizadas, evidenció un riesgo cancerígeno intolerable y uno no cancerígeno inaceptable debidos al consumo de agua y peces contaminados por hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos, mercurio y glifosato. Conclusiones. El estudio reafirmó las conexiones inextricables que existen entre ambiente, sociedad y salud, y las implicaciones de la violencia ambiental para la salud pública de los grupos poblacionales vulnerables y, en general, para el bienestar de todos los seres vivos afectados por el conflicto armado.

Abstract | Introduction: Armed conflicts affect territories rich in resources and biodiversity. As a result of the environmental damage caused by violent actions, the health of populations can be affected. Objectives: To assess the risks to human health due to environmental degradation associated with three violent actions in the context of the Colombian armed conflict: Pipeline bombing, informal mining with mercury, and spraying of illicit crops with glyphosate. Materials and methods: We conducted a quantitative evaluation of the risks to individual health associated with armed conflict activities using methodologies focused on the routes of pollutants dispersion, their concentrations in the environment, the exposure of the individuals, and the risks of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. Results: The risk assessment of the armed conflict-related actions under study evidenced intolerable carcinogenic risk and unacceptable non-carcinogenic risk due to the consumption of water and fish contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), mercury, and glyphosate. Conclusions: The study reiterates the inextricable connections existing among the environment, society, and health, as well as the implications of environmental violence for the public health of vulnerable population groups and, in general, for the well-being of all living beings affected by the armed conflict.

Comparative Bioaccumulation of PAH and BTEX in Malapterurus electricus (Siluriformes: Malapteruridae) and its Enteric Parasite, Electrotaenia malopteruri Sampled from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria / Bioacumulação comparativa de HAP e BTEX em Malapterurus electricus (Siluriformes: Malapteruridae) e seu parasita entérico, Electrotaenia malopteruri, coletado na lagoa Lekki, Lagos, Nigéria

Abstract Contamination of Lekki lagoon by petrogenic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) has been widely reported. The study was aimed at investigating the bioaccumulation of PAH and BTEX in Malapterurus electricus collected from Lekki lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria. BTEX was analyzed in the intestine, water, and sediment samples using 8260B Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). While PAHs were tested in the same media using a gas chromatograph coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Histopathological analysis of the fish intestine was conducted using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. Parasite intensity, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation activities were investigated in the fish. The parasitic infection detected in Malapterurus electricus was Electrotaenia malopteruri. The parasite showed weak and no depurative capacities for BTEX and PAH respectively. The decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in conjunction with an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) characterized relatively higher susceptibility among the male fish. Varieties of tissue injuries increased with the standard length of the fish groups. Results suggest that lengthier and uninfected M. electricus were more susceptible to PAH in Lekki lagoon than the shorter and infected ones. The study demonstrated a promising tendency of the enteric parasite, E. malopteruri to depurate chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m+p-xylene, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene from the intestine of its host fish, M. electricus, while PAHs were poorly mediated by the parasite.

Resumo A contaminação da lagoa Lekki por produtos químicos petrogênicos, como hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) e benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xileno (BTEX), foi amplamente relatada. O estudo teve como objetivo investigar a bioacumulação de HAP e BTEX em Malapterurus electricus, coletados na lagoa Lekki, em Lagos, Nigéria. O BTEX foi analisado no intestino, na água e nas amostras de sedimento usando o cromatógrafo de gás Agilent 7890B 8260B acoplado a um espectrômetro de massa (GC-MS). Já os HAP foram testados no mesmo meio utilizando cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a detector de ionização de chama (GC-FID). A análise histopatológica do intestino do peixe foi conduzida usando colorações de hematoxilina e eosina (H&E). Intensidade de parasitas, enzimas antioxidantes e atividades de peroxidação lipídica foram investigadas nos peixes. A infecção parasitária detectada em Malapterurus electricus foi Electrotaenia malopteruri. O parasita mostrou fraca e nenhuma capacidade depurativa para BTEX e HAP, respectivamente. A diminuição da superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e glutationa reduzida (GSH), em conjunto com o aumento do Malondialdeído (MDA), caracterizou a suscetibilidade relativamente maior entre os peixes machos. Variedades de lesões nos tecidos aumentaram com o comprimento padrão dos grupos de peixes. Os resultados sugerem que os M. electricus maiores e não infectados foram mais suscetíveis aos HAP na lagoa Lekki do que os menores e infectados. O estudo demonstrou uma tendência promissora do parasita entérico E. malopteruri de depurar clorobenzeno, etilbenzeno, o-xileno, m + p-xileno e 1,4-diclorobenzeno do intestino de seu peixe hospedeiro, M. electricus, enquanto os HAP foram mal mediados pelo parasita.

Óleos encapsulados: perfil de ácidos graxos e contaminação por hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos / Encapsulated oils: fatty acid profile and contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Os óleos vegetais encapsulados podem ser extraídos a frio e ter como origem fontes não convencionais, reconhecidos por preservarem compostos bioativos característicos e, alguns deles, serem fontes de ácidos graxos essenciais. No entanto, são produtos geralmente onerosos e por este motivo, passíveis de adulteração com óleos de menor qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a identidade e a contaminação por hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs) de óleos encapsulados. Foram avaliadas catorze amostras, de diferentes tipos e marcas, comercializadas na cidade de São Paulo. Os ensaios realizados incluíram perfil de ácidos graxos e HPAs [benzo(a)antraceno, criseno, benzo(b)fluoranteno e benzo(a)pireno]. Duas amostras (14%) foram consideradas insatisfatórias quanto aos perfis de ácidos graxos, incluindo óleos de coco e borragem. Quanto aos HPAs, as concentrações parao benzo(a)pireno variaram de

Avaliação da presença de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos em chocolates: exposição ao consumo e implicações à saúde / Evaluation of the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in chocolates: exposure to consumption and health implications

Introdução - Os hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs) são compostos que apresentam ação potencialmente carcinogênica e mutogênica, que geram risco à saúde humana. Esses contaminantes são formados a partir da combustão incompleta de matéria orgânica, podendo ocorrer a formação durante o processamento dos alimentos em âmbito industrial (secagem, torra, pré-cozimento) e doméstico (fritar, assar e grelhar) pelo emprego de altas temperaturas. Para a produção do chocolate e outros produtos derivados do cacau, etapas como a secagem, torra e conchagem, são processos que utilizam altas temperaturas e essenciais para a produção de chocolates. Não existem estudos avaliando a presença e a exposição dietética por HPAs em chocolates no Brasil. Objetivo - Otimizar e validar a metodologia de extração e quantificação de 4 HPAs (benzo[a]antraceno (BaA), criseno (Cri), benzo[b]fluoranteno (BbF) e benzo[a]pireno (BaP)) em chocolates, quantificar sua presença em amostras de chocolates comerciais e estimar a exposição dietética aos HPAs a partir do consumo de chocolate. Métodos - As amostras de chocolate (ao leite, branco e amargo com porcentagens de cacau de 40%, 53%, 55%, 60% e 70%) foram obtidas no comércio da cidade de São Paulo. Foi realizada a otimização e validação da metodologia pelos parâmetros de linearidade, seletividade, limite de detecção, limite de quantificação, recuperação e repetibilidade. As amostras foram submetidas a extração líquido-líquido, extração em fase sólida e quantificadas por cromatógrafo líquido de alta eficiência com detector de fluorescência. A estimativa de exposição dietética (DEs) para benzo[a]pireno foi avaliada para três categorias: 1) Sexo (feminino e masculino); 2) Grupos etários: adolescentes (14 a 18 anos), adultos (19 a 59 anos) e idosos (>= 60 anos); 3) Local de residência (urbana e rural). Resultados - O método obteve faixa de linearidade entre 0,50 e 5,00 µg.kg-1 para os quatro HPAs. Com relação à seletividade, houve interferência da matriz apenas para o BaP. O método também mostrou acurácia, com recuperações médias variando entre 95,25 a 108,27% e repetibilidade mostrando valores entre 0,14 e 7,25%. Benzo[a]pireno foi encontrado em todos os chocolates, variando entre 1,58 a 4,34 µg.kg-1 de gordura. As amostras de chocolate com 53-60% cacau e chocolate 70% cacau apresentaram as maiores taxas de contaminação para BaP; já as amostras de chocolate 40% cacau e chocolate ao leite apresentaram menor contaminação. Quanto a exposição dietética, as mulheres (por gênero) e os adolescentes (por idade) apresentaram maiores DEs para BaP pelo consumo de chocolate, principalmente para o chocolate 70% cacau. Os resultados apresentaram baixa contaminação por HPAs nos chocolates analisados, no entanto, o consumo aumentado por diferentes faixas etárias pode contribuir para a DEs ao BaP. Conclusões - A metodologia padronizada foi considerada seletiva e sensível, garantindo a eficiência do ensaio. As amostras analisadas apresentaram resultados abaixo dos limites estabelecidos pelo Regulamento da Comunidade Européia No. 835/2011 para o BaP e para a soma dos 4 HPAs. Frente aos grupos analisados (sexo, idade e local de residência), os chocolates 70% cacau contribuíram para a maior exposição dietética à BaP. A presença dos quatro HPAs prioritários nos chocolates analisados demonstrou a importância de programas de monitoramento da cadeia produtiva em produtos de cacau (massa de cacau, manteiga de cacau e cacau em pó) e ingredientes adicionados (açúcar e leite em pó).

Introduction - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that have a potentially carcinogenic and mutogenic action, which generate risk to human health. These contaminants are formed from the incomplete combustion of organic matter, which can occur during industrial (drying, roasting, pre-cooking) and domestic (frying, roasting and grilling) processing of food by the use of high temperatures. For the production of chocolate and other products derived from cocoa, steps such as drying, roasting and conching are processes that use high temperatures and are essential for the production of chocolates. There are no studies evaluating the presence and dietary exposure to PAHs in chocolates in Brazil. Objective - To optimize and validate the methodology for the extraction and quantification of 4 PAHs (benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chr), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)) in chocolates, quantify the presence in commercial chocolate samples and estimate dietary exposure to PAHs from the consumption of chocolate. Methods - Chocolate samples (milk, white and dark with cocoa percentages of 40%, 53%, 55%, 60% and 70%) were obtained from commercial stores in the city of São Paulo. The methodology was optimized and validated by the parameters of linearity, selectivity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, recovery and repeatability. The samples were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction and quantified by a High Performance Liquid Chromatograph with fluorescence detector. The dietary exposure estimate (DEs) for benzo[a]pyrene was assessed for three categories: 1) Gender (female and male); 2) Age groups: adolescents (14 to 18 years), adults (19 to 59 years) and elderly (>= 60 years); 3) Place of residence (urban and rural). Results - The method obtained a linearity range between 0.50 and 5.00 µg.kg-1 for the four PAHs. Regarding selectivity, there was interference from the matrix only for BaP. The method also showed accuracy, with average recoveries ranging from 95.25 to 108.27% and repeatability showing values between 0.14 and 7.25%. Benzo[a]pyrene was found in all chocolates, ranging from 1.58 to 4.34 µg.kg-1 of fat. Chocolate samples with 53-60% cocoa and chocolate 70% cocoa showed the high contamination for BaP; the 40% cocoa and milk chocolate samples showed low contamination. As for dietary exposure, women (by gender) and adolescents (by age) had higher DEs for BaP due to chocolate consumption, especially for 70% cocoa chocolate. The results showed low contamination by PAHs in the analyzed chocolates, however, the increased consumption by different age groups can contribute to DEs to BaP. Conclusions - The standardized methodology was considered selective and sensitive, ensuring the efficiency of the test. The analyzed samples showed results below the limits established by the European Community Regulation No. 835/2011 for the BaP and for the sum of the 4 PAHs. In view of the groups analyzed (gender, age and place of residence), chocolates 70% cocoa contributed to the greater dietary exposure to BaP. The presence of the four priority PAHs in the analyzed chocolates demonstrated the importance of programs to monitor the production chain in cocoa products (cocoa mass, cocoa butter and cocoa powder) and ingredients used in chocolate formulation (sugar and powdered milk).

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and development of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in workers / Hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos y desarrollo de enfermedades respiratorias y cardiovasculares en trabajadores / Hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos e desenvolvimento de doenças respiratórias e cardiovasculares em trabalhadores

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify the scientific evidence on the development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to workplace contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Methods: integrative literature review. The search for primary articles was held in October 2017 in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (through Pubmed), Web of Science and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS). Results: the 16 studies analyzed showed that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as increased blood pressure, heart rate variation, and ischemic heart disease; and respiratory disorders, such as decreased lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, wheeze, coughing, pulmonary wheezing, chest tightness, effort dyspnea, and sore throat. Conclusions: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons cause deleterious effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems through mutations and cellular inflammation, being a risk to exposed individuals.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar las evidencias científicas sobre el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares y respiratorias debido a la contaminación en el ambiente de trabajo por hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos. Métodos: revisión integrativa de la literatura. La búsqueda de los artículos primarios se realizó en octubre de 2017 en: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (vía PubMed), Web of Science y Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud. Resultados: los 16 estudios analizados mostraron que la exposición a los hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos estuvo asociada a las enfermedades cardiovasculares, como aumento de la presión arterial, variación de la frecuencia cardíaca y enfermedad cardiaca isquémica; y a la respiración, como disminución de la función pulmonar, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, asma, silbido, tos, sibilancia pulmonar, opresión en el pecho, disnea al esfuerzo y dolor de garganta. Conclusiones: los hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos causan efecto deletéreo en el sistema cardiovascular y respiratorio por medio de mutaciones e inflamaciones celulares, siendo un riesgo al individuo expuesto.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar as evidências científicas sobre o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares e respiratórias devido à contaminação no ambiente de trabalho por hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos. Métodos: revisão integrativa da literatura. A busca dos artigos primários foi realizada em outubro de 2017 na Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (via Pubmed), Web of Science e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde. Resultados: os 16 estudos analisados mostraram que a exposição aos hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos esteve associada a doenças cardiovasculares como aumento da pressão arterial, variação da frequência cardíaca e doença cardíaca isquêmica; e respiratórias como diminuição da função pulmonar, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, asma, chiado, tosse, sibilância pulmonar, opressão no peito, dispneia ao esforço e dor de garganta. Conclusões: os hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos causam efeito deletério no sistema cardiovascular e respiratório por meio de mutações e de inflamações celulares, sendo um risco ao indivíduo exposto.

Hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos: uma revisão sobre metodologias de análise e níveis de contaminação em produtos cárneos defumados / Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a review on the methodologies of the analysis and the levels of contamination in smoked meat products

A defumação é um processo rotineiramente empregado nos alimentos como técnica de conservação, e uma maneira de proporcionar as características sensoriais específicas. Entretanto, o processo pode levar à formação de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs), que são compostos com dois ou mais anéis aromáticos condensados, alguns deles considerados carcinogênicos, mutagênicos e teratogênicos. Estudos em diversos países indicam que a contaminação de produtos cárneos defumados por diferentes HPAs é elevada e frequente, e desta maneira pode apresentar risco à saúde humana. O Brasil tem sido um dos maiores consumidores de carne no mundo, com tendência de aumentar o consumo de alimentos processados, e não é conhecida a real exposição da população aos HPAs pela ingestão de produtos cárneos defumados. Não há dados nacionais recentes quanto à contaminação destes alimentos com estes produtos. Considerando este panorama, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo realizar a revisão das principais metodologias analíticas, dos aspectos regulatórios e dos níveis de HPAs detectados em produtos cárneos defumados. Ademais, são apresentadas as maneiras de reduzir a contaminação dos alimentos por estes compostos.

Smoking is a common process employed in food as a conservation technique, as well as to provide the specific sensory characteristics. However, the process can lead to the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are composed of two or more fused aromatic rings, and some of them are considered carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic. Studies conducted in several countries indicate that contamination of smoked meat products by different PAHs is high and frequent, and it may cause a risk to human health. Although Brazil has been one of the largest consumers of meat in the world, with a trend to increase the consumption of processed foods, it has not known the real population exposure to PAHs by consuming the smoked meat products. There is no recent national data on the contamination of these foods. Considering this scenario, this study aimed at reviewing the main analytical methodologies, the regulatory aspects and the levels of PAHs found in the smoked meat products. In addition, the forms to reduce the contamination by these compounds are presented.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation by marine-derived basidiomycetes: optimization of the degradation process

ABSTRACT Pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) recalcitrant to microbial attack. Although studies related to the microbial degradation of PAHs have been carried out in the last decades, little is known about degradation of these environmental pollutants by fungi from marine origin. Therefore, this study aimed to select one PAHs degrader among three marine-derived basidiomycete fungi and to study its pyrene detoxification/degradation. Marasmiellus sp. CBMAI 1062 showed higher levels of pyrene and BaP degradation and was subjected to studies related to pyrene degradation optimization using experimental design, acute toxicity, organic carbon removal (TOC), and metabolite evaluation. The experimental design resulted in an efficient pyrene degradation, reducing the experiment time while the PAH concentration applied in the assays was increased. The selected fungus was able to degrade almost 100% of pyrene (0.08 mg mL-1) after 48 h of incubation under saline condition, without generating toxic compounds and with a TOC reduction of 17%. Intermediate metabolites of pyrene degradation were identified, suggesting that the fungus degraded the compound via the cytochrome P450 system and epoxide hydrolases. These results highlight the relevance of marine-derived fungi in the field of PAH bioremediation, adding value to the blue biotechnology.

Direct large-volume injection analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water / Análisis de inyección directa en gran volumen de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos en agua / Análise de injeção direta de grande volume de hidrocarbonos aromáticos policíclicos em água

Abstract Due to the health risks for both humans and living beings caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the monitoring of these compounds in environmental matrices is mandatory. This work proposes an analytical method for analyzing anthracene (AN) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), two of the most representative PAHs, at ultra-trace concentrations in water, employing direct injection of large volumes of samples coupled with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. For this purpose, principal component analysis was used to examine the behavior of AN and BaP within the chromatographic system. Results showed that AN and BaP chromatographic behavior can be described by three models representing their identification, the quantification of AN and that of BaP, respectively. The factors affecting the obtained models, such as the injection volume, column temperature, flow rate, strength of the mobile phase, and the excitation and emission wavelengths, were examined and optimized by means of design of experiments. Finally, the analytical method was validated, obtaining promising limits of detection and quantification. The developed analytical method was demonstrated to be useful for a sensitive analysis of the target analytes in relatively clean natural water matrices.

Resumen Los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs) causan problemas en la salud de los seres humanos y seres vivos, por lo que se requiere un monitoreo de estos compuestos en matrices ambientales. Este trabajo propone un método analítico para analizar el antraceno (AN) y el benzopireno (BAP), los hidrocarburos más representativos en concentraciones de ultra trazas en el agua, empleando inyección directa en grandes volúmenes en muestras acopladas a la fase inversa con cromatografía líquida de alto rendimiento. Por tal razón, se utilizó el análisis de componentes principales para examinar el comportamiento de AN y BAP en el sistema cromatográfico. Los resultados mostraron que el comportamiento cromatográfico de AN y BAP podría describirse por medio de tres modelos que representan su identificación, la cuantificación de AN y de BAP, respectivamente. Se examinaron los factores que afectan a los modelos obtenidos, como el volumen de inyección, la temperatura de la columna, la tasa de flujo, la fuerza de la fase móvil, y las longitudes de las ondas de excitación y emisión, y se optimizaron mediante el diseño de experimentos. Finalmente, se validó el método analítico, obteniendo límites de detección y cuantificación. Se demostró que el método analítico desarrollado fue útil para el análisis sensible de los analitos en matrices de agua natural relativamente limpia.

Resumo Devido aos riscos para a saúde tanto para humanos como para os seres vivos em geral causados pelos hidrocarbonos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs), o monitoramento de estes compostos em matrizes ambientais é prioritário. Este trabalho propõem um método analítico para analisar antraceno (AN) e benzo[a]pireno (BaP), dois dos hidrocarbonos mais representativos, em concentrações de ultra traços em água, empregando injeções diretas de grandes volumes de amostra acoplada a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência em fase reversa. Usando Análises por Componentes Principais e desenho experimental, foram avaliados os efeitos de diversos fatores que afetam o sistema cromatográfico, tais como o volume de injeção, a temperatura da coluna, fluxo, forca da fase móvel e comprimentos de onda de excitação e emissão. Os resultados demonstraram que o comportamento cromatográfico de AN e BaP pode ser descrito por meio de três que representam sua identificação, quantificação de AN e de BaP, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que o comportamento cromatográfico de NA e BAP poderia ser descrito por meio de três modelos que representam sua identificação, a quantificação de NA e de BAP, respectivamente. Examinaram-se os fatores que afetam aos modelos obtidos, como o volume de injeção, a temperatura da coluna, a taxa de fluxo, a forca da fase móvel, e as longitudes das ondas de excitação e emissão, e se otimizaram mediante o desenho experimental. Finalmente, se validou o m todo analítico, obtendo os limites de detecção e quantificação. O método analítico desenvolvido demonstrou ser útil para uma análise sensível para os compostos de interesse em matrizes de água natural relativamente limpas.

Draft genome of Nocardia farcinica TRH1, a linear and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium isolated from the coast of Trindade Island, Brazil

Abstract Here, we report the draft genome sequence and annotation of Nocardia farcinica TRH1, a petroleum hydrocarbons degrading Actinobacteria isolated from the coastal water of Trindade Island, Brazil.

Genotoxicidad de los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos extraídos mediante el sistema diclorometano-etanol-tolueno en muestras del aire de Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia / Genotoxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extracted by dichloromethane-ethanol-toluene system air samples from Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia

Los contaminantes del aire han sido y siguen siendo, los principales factores que contribuyen a las enfermedades crónicas como el asma y enfermedades cardiovasculares. La contaminación del aire por material particulado (PM) es un problema mundial y en los últimos años, el PM se ha convertido en un tema importante de investigación ya que tiene un impacto negativo significativo en la salud humana; el PM es generado por las actividades industriales y tubos de escape de vehículos de motor. Sin embargo, diversos componentes nocivos del PM, como los hidrocarburos aromáticos policiclicos (HAP) en general, son sos­pechosos de ser carcinogénicos. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar los HAP presentes en el PM2.5 del aire de Cúcuta, extraídos por primera vez, mediante el sistema diclorometano-etanol-tolueno e investigar la importancia del fraccionamiento de la materia organica del PM2.5 para detectar los HAP presentes en las fracciones del PM2.5. La identificación de los HAP considerados como contaminantes prioritarios y reconocidos por su afectación a la salud de la población se realizó, mediante cromatografía de gases con detector FID. Los efectos genotoxicos de la materia orgánica del PM2.5 extraída con una mezcla de DCM-etanol-tolueno fueron evaluados mediante el ensayo Cometa.

Air pollutants have been and still are the main factors that contribute to chronic diseases such as asthma and cardio­vascular disease. Air pollution by particulate matter (PM) is a global problem and in recent years, the PM has become an important research topic since it has a significant negative impact on human health; the PM is generated by industrial activities and exhaust pipes of motor vehicles. However, various harmful components of PM such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in gen­eral, are suspected of being carcinogenic. This work aims to identify the PAHs present in the PM 2.5 air Cúcuta, first extracted by the dichloromethane-ethanol-toluene system and investigate the importance of organic matter fractionation of PM 2.5 to detect PAHs present in the fractions of PM 2.5. The identification of PAHs considered as priority pollutants and recognized for their effects on health of the population was performed by gas chromatography with FID detector. The genotoxic effects of PM2.5 organic mat­ter, extracted with a mixture of DCM-ethanol-toluene, was evaluated by the Comet assay.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced by electrocautery smoke and the use of personal protective equipment 1 / Hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos producidos por el humo del electrocauterio y uso de equipamientos de protección individual / Hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos produzidos pela fumaça do eletrocautério e uso de equipamentos de proteção individual

ABSTRACT Objective: analyze the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in electrocautery smoke in operating rooms and the use of personal protective equipment by the intraoperative team when exposed to hydrocarbons. Method: exploratory and cross-sectional field research conducted in a surgery center. Gases were collected by a vacuum suction pump from a sample of 50 abdominal surgeries in which an electrocautery was used. A form was applied to identify the use of personal protective equipment. Gases were analyzed using chromatography. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's test were used to treat data. Results: there were 17 (34%) cholecystectomies with an average duration of 136 minutes, while the average time of electrocautery usage was 3.6 minutes. Airborne hydrocarbons were detected in operating rooms in 100% of the surgeries. Naphthalene was detected in 48 (96.0%) surgeries and phenanthrene in 49 (98.0%). The average concentration of these compounds was 0.0061 mg/m3 and a strong correlation (0.761) was found between them. The intraoperative teams did not use respirator masks such as the N95. Conclusion: electrocautery smoke produces gases that are harmful to the health of the intraoperative team, which is a concern considering the low adherence to the use of personal protective equipment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las concentraciones de hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos provenientes del humo del electrocauterio en salas quirúrgicas y el uso de equipamientos de protección individual por parte del equipo intraoperatorio, cuando expuestos a los hidrocarburos. Método: investigación de campo, exploratoria y transversal realizada en un centro quirúrgico. En la muestra, compuesta por 50 cirugías abdominales con uso de electrocauterio, los gases fueron recolectados con una bomba de succión de vacío. Se aplicó un formulario para identificar el uso de los equipamientos de protección. Se realizó la lectura de los gases por medio de cromatografía. Los datos fueron analizados con la estadística descriptiva y el test de Spearman. Resultados: 17 (34%) fueron colecistectomías con tiempo medio quirúrgico de 136 minutos y tiempo medio de uso del electrocauterio de 3,6 minutos. Fueron detectados hidrocarburos en el aire de las salas de operación en 100% de las cirugías. Se detectó el naftaleno en 48 (96,0%) cirugías y el fenantreno en 49 (98,0%). Las concentraciones promedio de esos compuestos fueron de 0,0061 mg/m3. Hubo correlación (0,761) fuerte entre estos compuestos. El equipo intraoperatorio no utilizó máscaras respiratorias, como la N95. Conclusión: el humo del electrocauterio produce gases perjudiciales para la salud del equipo intraoperatorio que se encuentra expuesto debido a la baja adhesión al uso de equipamientos de protección individual, tornando preocupante esta exposición.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as concentrações de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos provenientes da fumaça do eletrocautério em salas cirúrgicas e o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual pela equipe intraoperatória quando expostos aos hidrocarbonetos. Método: pesquisa de campo, exploratória e transversal realizada em um centro cirúrgico. Na amostra composta por 50 cirurgias abdominais com uso de eletrocautério, os gases foram coletados por bomba de sucção a vácuo. Um formulário foi aplicado para identificar o uso dos equipamentos de proteção. Realizou-se a leitura dos gases por cromatografia. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e teste de Spearman. Resultados: 17 (34%) foram as colecistectomias com tempo médio cirúrgico de 136 minutos e tempo médio de uso do eletrocautério de 3,6 minutos. Hidrocarbonetos foram detectados no ar das salas operatórias em 100% dos atos cirúrgicos. Detectou-se o naftaleno em 48 (96,0%) cirurgias e o fenantreno em 49 (98,0%). As concentrações médias desses compostos foram de 0,0061 mg/m3. Houve correlação (0,761) forte entre estes compostos. A equipe intraoperatória não utilizou máscaras respiratórias, como a N95. Conclusão: a fumaça do eletrocautério produz gases prejudiciais à saúde da equipe intraoperatória exposta e diante da baixa adesão ao uso de equipamentos de proteção individual, tornando-se preocupante esta exposição.

Degradation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons by two strains of Pseudomonas

ABSTRACT The goal of this investigation was to isolate competent polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons degraders that can utilize polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons of former industrial sites at McDoel Switchyard in Bloomington, Indiana. Using conventional enrichment method based on soil slurry, we isolated, screened and purified two bacterial species strains PB1 and PB2. Applying the ribotyping technique using the 16S rRNA gene analysis, the strains were assigned to the genus Pseudomonas (Pseudomonas plecoglossicida strain PB1 and Pseudomonas sp. PB2). Both isolates showed promising metabolic capacity on pyrene sprayed MS agar plates during the preliminary investigations. Using time course studies in the liquid cultures at calculated concentrations 123, 64, 97 and 94 ppm for naphthalene, chrysene, fluroanthene and pyrene, P. plecoglossicida strain PB1 and Pseudomonas sp. PB2 showed partial utilization of the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Naphthalene was degraded between 26% and 40%, chrysene 14% and 16%, fluroanthene 5% and 7%; pyrene 8% and 13% by P. plecoglossicida strain PB1 and Pseudomonas sp. PB2 respectively. Based on their growth profile, we developed a model R2 = 1 to predict the degradation rate of slow polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon-degraders where all the necessary parameters are constant. From this investigation, we confirm that the former industrial site soil microbial communities may be explored for the biorestoration of the industrial site.

Evaluación genotóxica de sedimentos de la cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo bajo la influence de distintos usos del suelo / Genotoxic evaluation of sludge from Matanza-Riachuelo basin under the influence of different uses of land

El Río Matanza-Riachuelo y sus afluentes atraviesan zonas con diferente grado de contaminación generada por las actividades agrícola-ganaderas, urbana e industrial. Los contaminantes que llegan al agua y son depositados en los sedimentos pueden ser liberados nuevamente al agua generando efectos tóxicos y/o genotóxicos sobre los organismos acuáticos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la genotoxicidad de muestras de sedimentos de la cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo obtenidas de zonas con diferentes usos del suelo. Se seleccionaron cuatro sitios de muestreo. Se utilizaron 2 métodos de extracción de contaminantes (agitación y sonicación), 2 solventes orgánicos (metanol y diclorometano) y 2 solventes inorgánicos (agua y solución ácida), obteniéndose un total de 5 extractos para cada muestra. Se realizaron mediciones de metales pesados e hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs) mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y CG/MS, respectivamente. La genotoxicidad se evaluó mediante el test de Ames con 2 cepas de Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 y TA100), con y sin fracción microsomal S9, y el test de Allium cepa. De los cuatro sitios estudiados, los sedimentos del Riachuelo mostraron mayores concentraciones de metales pesados y HAPs. Para el test de Ames, sólo los extractos obtenidos en diclorometano resultaron genotóxicos para la TA100 +S9 mix. Tanto los extractos inorgánicos como los orgánicos fueron citotóxicos y genotóxicos para A. cepa. Se observó una correlación negativa entre algunos compuestos HAPs y la frecuencia de micronúcleos, indicando la presencia de efectos antagónicos con otros compuestos genotóxicos. Los extractos con mayor efecto tóxico y genotóxico fueron los obtenidos con diclorometano y solución ácida. Este estudio mostró que los contaminantes orgánicos e inorgánicos extraídos de muestras de sedimento de la Cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo, con diferente grado de impacto, presentan un potencial riesgo tóxico y genotóxico para el ecosistema acuático.

The Matanza-Riachuelo River and its tributaries traverse areas with different degrees of contamination due to farming, urban and industrial activities. The pollutants entering the water are deposited in sediments, and can be released back into the water producing toxic and/or genotoxic effects on aquatic organisms. The aim of this study was to analyze the genotoxicity of sediment samples from the Matanza-Riachuelo Basin with different land uses. Four sampling sites according to the characteristics of land use were selected. Two methods of extraction (stirring and sonication), two organic solvents (methanol and dichloromethane) and two inorganic solvents (water and acid solution) were used, yielding a total of 5 extracts for each sample. Measurements of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and GC/MS, respectively were performed. Genotoxicity was assessed using the Ames test with 2 strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100) with and without S9 microsomal fraction, and the Allium cepa test. Taking into account the four sites, sediments from Riachuelo showed higher concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs. Only the dichloromethane extracts were genotoxic to the Ames test using the TA100 strain +S9 the mix. Both organic and inorganic extracts were cytotoxic and genotoxic to A. cepa. A negative correlation between some PAHs compounds and micronucleus frequency were observed, indicating the presence of antagonistic effects with other genotoxic compounds in samples. The extracts with high toxic and genotoxic effects were obtained with dichloromethane and acid solution. This study showed that organic and inorganic contaminants extracted from sediment samples from the Matanza-Riachuelo Basin, with varying degrees of impact, have potential toxic and genotoxic risk to the aquatic ecosystem.

Sphingomonas from petroleum-contaminated soils in Shenfu, China and their PAHs degradation abilities

Abstract Members of the Sphingomonas genus are often isolated from petroleum-contaminated soils due to their unique abilities to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are important for in situ bioremediation. In this study, a combined phenotypic and genotypic approach using streptomycin-containing medium and Sphingomonas -specific PCR was developed to isolate and identify culturable Sphingomonas strains present in petroleum-contaminated soils in the Shenfu wastewater irrigation zone. Of the 15 soil samples examined, 12 soils yielded yellow streptomycin-resistant colonies. The largest number of yellow colony-forming units (CFUs) could reach 105 CFUs g-1 soil. The number of yellow CFUs had a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the ratio of PAHs to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), indicating that Sphingomonas may play a key role in degrading the PAH fraction of the petroleum contaminants at this site. Sixty yellow colonies were selected randomly and analyzed by colony PCR using Sphingomonas -specific primers, out of which 48 isolates had PCR-positive signals. The 48 positive amplicons generated 8 distinct restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns, and 7 out of 8 phylotypes were identified as Sphingomonas by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the representative strains. Within these 7 Sphingomonas strains, 6 strains were capable of using fluorene as the sole carbon source, while 2 strains were phenanthrene-degrading Sphingomonas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to evaluate the relationship between PAHs contamination levels and culturable Sphingomonas in environmental samples.

Genotoxicidade in vitro das frações orgânica e solúvel em água de material particulado de ar em três locais do Estado de São Paulo / Genotoxicity in vitro of organic and soluble water fractions of airborne particulate matter in three sites of São Paulo State

O aumento na poluição ambiental é na atualidade uma das grandes preocupações em nível mundial. Especificamente, a poluição atmosférica por material particulado tem demostrado ser um fator determinante no desenvolvimento de doenças cardiopulmonares e câncer de pulmão nas populações expostas. O material particulado é constituído por uma mistura complexa de compostos orgânicos e inorgânicos, muitos dos quais possuem potencial mutagênico e genotóxico. As características destes compostos variam em função da suas propriedades físicas, químicas e em razão das condições meteorológicas prevalecentes. A maior parte dos estudos tem se focado em avaliar o potencial genotóxico da fração orgânica do material particulado e poucos estudos têm explorado a fração solúvel em água e a contribuição diferencial das diversas espécies químicas presentes nesta fração para o dano genotóxico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos mutagênicos e genotóxicos in vitro da fração orgânica e da fração solúvel em água de material particulado (MP10) coletado em três locais diferentes do estado de São Paulo e estabelecer a relação entre a composição química e o efeito biológico observado. Para isto, realizou­-se a extração orgânica e solúvel em água de 12 amostras de MP10. A mutagenicidade e genotoxicidade foram avaliadas usando o ensaio de Salmonella/microssoma e o teste de micronúcleos (MN) em células A549 e 16 hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos (HPAs) e 15 metais hidrossolúveis presentes nas amostras foram determinados quimicamente. Adicionalmente, foi determinada a metodologia de extração da fracção solúvel em água e se avaliou a estabilidade química e biológica desta fração. Os resultados indicam que a extração assistida por micro-ondas é um método eficiente para a extração da fração solúvel em agua do MP e que um tempo superior a 60 dias de armazenamento e congelamento deste tipo de extrato tem um efeito significativo sobre os resultados analíticos e a resposta biológica. Foi demonstrado ainda que as duas frações de MP estudadas são responsáveis pela indução do dano ao DNA e que não existe uma relação direta entre a concentração de MP e o efeito genotóxico observado, confirmando a importância do uso de bioensaios na avaliação da genotoxicidade de misturas complexas como o MP. Os HPAs prevalecentes nas amostras de PM10 foram fluorantene e benzo(ghi)perileno. Nos extratos solúveis em água, as maiores concentrações de metais foram determinadas para zinco, ferro e cobre. Confirmou-se que a indução de MN e o ensaio de Salmonella/microssoma representam uma poderosa ferramenta na avaliação da polução atmosférica e que as análises químicas por si só não são suficientes para a proteção e predição dos efeitos biológicos em populações expostas

The increase of environmental pollution is today one a major concern worldwide. Specifically, air pollution by particulate matter has been shown to be a determining factor in the development of cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer in exposed populations. The particulate material consists of a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, many of which have mutagenic and genotoxic activity. The characteristics of these compounds vary according to their physical and chemical properties and also to the prevailing weather conditions. Most studies have focused on evaluating the genotoxic potential of the organic fraction of particulate material, but few studies have explored the water­-soluble fraction, and the differential contributions of different chemical species present in this fraction to genotoxic damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro mutagenic and genotoxic effects of organic and water-soluble fractions of 12 samples of particulate matter (PM10) collected at three different sites in the state of São Paulo and establish the relationship between the chemical composition and the biological effect observed. The mutagenicity and genotoxicity were evaluated using the Salmonella/microssome test and the micronucleus assay (MN) in A549 cells and 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 15 water-soluble metals present in the samples were chemically determined. Additionally, the extraction method of water- soluble fraction was determined and the chemical and biological stability of this fraction evaluated. The results indicate that the microwave­-assisted extraction is an efficient method for the extraction of the water-soluble compounds of PM and that the freezing and storage of the extract over 60 days has a significant effect on the mutagenic and analytical results of PM samples. It was demonstrated that the two PM fractions studied are responsible for the induction of DNA damage and that there is no direct relationship between the MP concentration and the genotoxic effect observed, confirming the importance of using bioassays in the genotoxicity evaluation of complex mixtures as PM. The PAHs prevailing in our samples were fluoranthene and benzo(ghi)perylene. In the water-soluble extracts, highest concentrations of the elements studied were found for zinc, iron, and copper in the three places of sampling. We confirmed that MN induction and Salmonella/microsome assay represents a powerful tool to evaluate the atmospheric air pollution and that the total concentration of PM and the chemical analyses alone would not be sufficient for the prognosis of biological effects in exposed populations

Morphological changes and growth of filamentous fungi in the presence of high concentrations of PAHs

In this study, we evaluated the effect of low and high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), i.e., Phenanthrene, Pyrene and Benzo[a]pyrene, on the radial growth and morphology of the PAH-degrading fungal strains Aspergillus nomius H7 and Trichoderma asperellum H15. The presence of PAHs in solid medium produced significant detrimental effects on the radial growth of A. nomius H7 at 4,000 and 6,000 mg L⁻¹ and changes in mycelium pigmentation, abundance and sporulation ability at 1,000–6,000 mg L⁻¹. In contrast, the radial growth of T. asperellum H15 was not affected at any of the doses tested, although sporulation was observed only up to 4,000 mg L⁻¹ and as with the H7 strain, some visible changes in sporulation patterns and mycelium pigmentation were observed. Our results suggest that fungal strains exposed to high doses of PAHs significantly vary in their growth rates and sporulation characteristics in response to the physiological and defense mechanisms that affect both pigment production and conidiation processes. This finding is relevant for obtaining a better understanding of fungal adaptation in PAH-polluted environments and for developing and implementing adequate strategies for the remediation of contaminated soils.

Cuantificación de los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (hap) en el material particulado pm 2. 5 de una zona residencial de pamplona, Colombia / Quantification ff polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) in particulate matter pm 2. 5 in a residential area of pamplona, Colombia

Los contaminantes del aire han sido, y siguen siendo, los principales factores que contribuyen a enfermedades pulmonares obstructivas crónicas (EPOC), enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV), asma y cáncer. El ozono, los óxidos de azufre, monóxido de carbono, óxidos de nitrógeno y el material particulado constituyen los contaminantes del aire. En este estudio se realizó la cuantificación de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) presentes en muestras de material particulado fracción respirable PM2.5 del aire de la ciudad de Pamplona (Norte de Santander, Colombia). Inicialmente la materia orgánica presente en el material particulado PM2.5 se extrajo por ultrasonido, seguido de la concentración por rotaevaporación, obteniéndose el extracto global, parte del cual se sometió a un proceso de fraccionamiento en una columna de silicagel. Finalmente se obtienen cuatro fracciones. La cuantificación de los HAP presentes en el material particulado PM2.5, el extracto global y las cuatro fracciones se realizó en un cromatógrafo de gases Agilent 6890 plus con detector FID. Entre los HAP identificados se encuentran: naftaleno, fluoreno, fenantreno, benzo(a)antraceno, pireno, dibenzo(a,h)antraceno e indeno(1,2,3,cd)pireno, estos HAP son compuestos tóxicos, mutágenos y carcinógenos para los animales y los seres humanos según la agencia internacional de investigación del cáncer (IARC).

Air pollutants have been. and still are. the main factor that contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), asthma and cancer. Ozone, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are air pollutants. Quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in samples of particulate matter breathable fraction PM2.5 air of the city of Pamplona (Norte de Santander, Colombia) was performed in this study. Initially, organic material present in the particulate material PM2.5 was extracted through ultrasound, followed by concentration through a rotary evaporator, obtaining the overall extract, part of which was subjected to a division process in a silica gel column, Finally four fractions were obtained. Quantification of PAHs present in the PM2.5 particulate material, global extract and the four fractions was carried out in an Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph plus with FID detector. Among the HAPs identified the following are included: naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, benzo(a)anthracene, pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene and indene(1,2,3,cd-pyrene). These PAHs are toxic compounds, mutagenic and carcinogenic for animals and humans according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Bioremediation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using rhizosphere technology

The remediation of polluted sites has become a priority for society because of increase in quality of life standards and the awareness of environmental issues. Over the past few decades there has been avid interest in developing in situ strategies for remediation of environmental contaminants, because of the high economic cost of physicochemical strategies, the biological tools for remediation of these persistent pollutants is the better option. Major foci have been considered on persistent organic chemicals i.e. polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to their ubiquitous occurrence, recalcitrance, bioaccumulation potential and carcinogenic activity. Rhizoremediation, a specific type of phytoremediation that involves both plants and their associated rhizospheric microbes is the creative biotechnological approach that has been explored in this review. Moreover, in this review we showed the significance of rhizoremediation of PAHs from other bioremediation strategies i.e. natural attenuation, bioaugmentation and phytoremediation and also analyze certain environmental factor that may influence the rhizoremediation technique. Numerous bacterial species were reported to degrade variety of PAHs and most of them are isolated from contaminated soil, however few reports are available from non contaminated soil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomons fluoresens, Mycobacterium spp., Haemophilus spp., Rhodococcus spp., Paenibacillus spp. are some of the commonly studied PAH-degrading bacteria. Finally, exploring the molecular communication between plants and microbes, and exploiting this communication to achieve better results in the elimination of contaminants, is a fascinating area of research for future perspective.