Navigating the nexus: climate dynamics and microplastics pollution in coastal ecosystems.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is an emerging environmental health concern, impacting soil, plants, animals, and humans through their entry into the food chain via bioaccumulation. Human activities such as improper solid waste dumping are significant sources that ultimately transport MPs into the water bodies of the coastal areas. Moreover, there is a complex interplay between the coastal climate dynamics, environmental factors, the burgeoning issue of MPs pollution and the complex web of coastal pollution. We embark on a comprehensive journey, synthesizing the latest research across multiple disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of how these inter-connected factors shape and reshape the coastal ecosystems. The comprehensive review also explores the impact of the current climatic patterns on coastal regions, the intricate pathways through which MPs can infiltrate marine environments, and the cascading effects of coastal pollution on ecosystems and human societies in terms of health and socio-economic impacts in coastal regions. The novelty of this review concludes the changes in climate patterns have crucial effects on coastal regions, proceeding MPs as more prevalent, deteriorating coastal ecosystems, and hastening the transfer of MPs. The continuous rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and strong storms result in habitat loss, decline in biodiversity, and economic repercussion. Feedback mechanisms intensify pollution effects, underlying the urgent demand for environmental conservation contribution. In addition, the complex interaction between human, industry, and biodiversity demanding cutting edge strategies, innovative approaches such as remote sensing with artificial intelligence for monitoring, biobased remediation techniques, global cooperation in governance, policies to lessen the negative socioeconomic and environmental effects of coastal pollution.

Selenized lactic acid bacteria microencapsulated by spray drying: A promising strategy for beef cattle feed supplementation.

This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility of incorporating selenized Lactobacillus spp. microencapsulated via spray drying into cattle feed. Gum Arabic and maltodextrin were used as encapsulating agents. The encapsulation process was carried out with a drying air flow rate of 1.75 m3 /min, inlet air temperature of 90°C, and outlet air temperature of 75°C. The viability of the encapsulated microorganisms and the technological characteristics of the obtained microparticles were evaluated. Microorganisms were incorporated into beef cattle feed to supplement their diet with up to 0.3 mg of Se per kilogram of feed. The encapsulated particles, consisting of a 50/50 ratio of gum Arabic/maltodextrin at a 1:20 proportion of selenized biomass to encapsulant mixture, exhibited superior technical viability for application in beef cattle feed. Supplemented feeds displayed suitable moisture, water activity, and hygroscopicity values, ensuring the preservation of viable microorganisms for up to 5 months of storage, with an approximate count of 4.5 log CFU/g. Therefore, supplementing beef cattle feed with selenized and microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria represents a viable technological alternative, contributing to increased animal protein productivity through proper nutrition.

Selenium enriched bifidobacteria and lactobacilli as potential dietary supplements.

In this study, we tested the ability of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains to accumulate and biotransform sodium selenite into various selenium species, including selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Selenium tolerance and cytotoxicity of selenized strains towards human adenocarcinoma Caco-2 and HT29 cells were determined for all tested strains. Furthermore, the influence of selenium enrichment on the antioxidant activity of selenized strains and hydrophobicity of the bacterial cell surfaces were evaluated. Both hydrophobicity and antioxidant activity increased significantly in the selenized L. paracasei strain and decreased significantly in the selenized L. helveticus strain. The concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/L Na2SeO3 in the growth media were safer for Caco-2 and HT29 cell growth than higher concentrations. At higher concentrations (30, 50, and 100 mg/L), the cell viability was reduced. All the tested strains showed differences in antioxidant potential and hydrophobicity after selenium enrichment. In addition to selenocystine ​​and selenomethionine, the tested bacterial strains produced significant amounts of SeNPs. Our results show that the tested bacterial strains can accumulate and biotransform inorganic selenium, which allows them to become a potential source of selenium.

Metal bioaccumulation and histological alterations in Oreochromis andersonii at Itezhi-tezhi Dam downstream of a mining area in the Central Province of Zambia.

The Itezhi-tezhi Dam on the Kafue River in Zambia is a major capture fishery. However, the upstream reaches of the Kafue River receive effluents from copper mines. It was unclear whether fish health in the dam is adversely affected due to the mining effluents. We investigated the health status of fish in Itezhi-tezh Dam using a histology-based fish health assessment protocol with Oreochromis andersonii as a bioindicator. Fish were sampled in the Itezhi-tezh Dam and at a reference site further upstream on the Kafue River before it enters the mining region. Metal bioaccumulation, biometric indices and histological alterations in the gills, gonads, hearts, kidneys and livers were assessed. The findings revealed significantly higher copper and selenium sediment concentrations (p = 0.02843 and p = 0.02107 respectively), bioaccumulation of copper and selenium, and increased histological alterations in the gills, kidneys and livers of fish in the Itezhi-tezhi Dam.

Production of iron enriched Saccharomyces boulardii: impact of process variables.

About half of the 1.62 billion cases of anemia are because of poor diet and iron deficiency. Currently, the use of iron-enriched yeasts can be used as the most effective and possible way to prevent and treat anemia due to the ability of biotransformation of mineral compounds into the organic form. In this research, for the first time, Saccharomyces (S.) boulardii was used for iron enrichment with the aim that the probiotic properties of yeast provide a potential iron supplement besides improving the bioavailability of iron. Also, due to its higher resistance than other Saccharomyces strains against stresses, it can protect iron against processing temperatures and stomach acidic-enzymatic conditions. So, the effect of three important variables, including concentration of iron, molasses and KH2PO4 on the growth and biotransformation of yeast was investigated by the Box-Behnken design (BBD). The best conditions occurred in 3 g/l KH2PO4, 20 g/l molasses and 12 mg/l FeSO4 with the highest biotransformation 27 mg Fe/g dry cell weight (DCW) and 6 g/l biomass weight. Such yeast can improve fermented products, provide potential supplement, and restore the lost iron of bread, which is a useful iron source, even for vegetarians-vegans and play an important role in manage with anemia. It is recommended that in future researches, attention should be paid to increasing the iron enrichment of yeast through permeabilizing the membrane and overcoming the structural barrier of the cell wall.

The behavior of arsenic accumulation in onion (Allium cepa) structures by irrigation water: effect of phosphates and arsenic on the total bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity.

The presence of arsenic (As) in irrigation water is a threat to agricultural crops as well as human health. The presence of arsenic and phosphorous in irrigation water influences the behavior of bioaccumulation, biotransfer, and total bioactive compounds in the distinct parts of the onion structure. The present work evaluates the behavior of the bioaccumulation and biotransfer of As in the structures of onion (Allium cepa) through a composite central design and response surface method. The factors employed include the concentration of arsenic (V) and phosphate (V) in the nutritive solution. Additionally, this study analyzes the behavior of the effect that the induced stress has on the total bioactive compounds (phenols and flavonoids) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH) in the onion roots. The results showed that the physiological properties, bioaccumulation factors, As transference, and the total bioactive compounds in the onion structure are affected by the competition of As and phosphates (P(V)) in the irrigation water. For concentrations of As and phosphorous of 450 µg L-1 and 0.30 mg L-1 respectively in irrigation water, there are negative effects on the equatorial diameter of the bulb (DE), length, weight of the leaf, and weight of the bulb. Besides, the transference and bioaccumulation factors range from 0.02 to 0.22 and from 2.15 to 7.81, respectively, suggesting that the plant has the ability to accumulate As but exhibits a low translocation ability of As from the root to aerial organs. Besides, it is found for central concentrations of As and phosphorous (450 µg L-1 and 0.30 mg L-1, respectively) in irrigation water, a greater production occurs in total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH) as a response to the stress generated by As.

Evaluation of Cs-137 and natural radionuclides on different marine biota (crustacean and fishes) along Beheira governorate Coast-Egypt: RESRAD biota.

PURPOSE: This work will focused on the environmental and radio-ecological impacts occurred on an Egyptian coastal region, based on the radiochemical measurement of 238U, 137Cs, 232Th, 40K. The novelty of the study was cleared by the using of new technique showing the integration of two biological RESRAD models, lead to a probabilistic estimation of the radionuclides bioaccumulation in different consumed marine organisms and determination the probability of human cancer risk at different ages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 20 water samples were collected and mounted into clean containers, and their decay products, were measured in Bq.L-1, using different quality assurance tools. The study will used different statistical analysis and different RESRAD modeling codes were used in the study to predict the degree of environmental and radio-ecological impacts at the studied area, this will be helpful in order to define the impacts resulted from the transferring and accumulation of different radionuclides. RESULTS: showed that the highest human dose conversion factor values of (5, 10, 15, with adult ages) were measured in Th-232 (mrem/pCi) while the lowest ingestion conversion factors values were observed in artificial 137Cs. On the other hand the highest values of external risk factor in case of (5, 10, 15 with adult age) were observed in artificial Cs-137(mrem/pCi), while the lowest value of external risk factor with the same ages were observed in U-238. This will lead to continual monitoring of artificial Cs-137 in different marine coastal regions. The arrangement of the bioaccumulation value (BIV) in Bq.kg-1 which being calculated by using RESRAD-Biota in case of crustacean animals will be as follow: U-238 > Th-232 > Cs-137, while the arrangement of BIV in case of fish animals will be: Cs-137 > U-232 > Th-232. On the other hand the arrangement of Internal Dose Conversion factors in case of crustacean animals will be: U-238 > Th-232 > Cs-137. While the arrangement of Internal Dose Conversion factors in case of fish animals will be: Cs-137> Th-232 > U-238. CONCLUSION: RESRAD code's results showed that the arrangement of the bioaccumulation and Dose Conversion factors were depend on the type of marine living organism. RESRAD code also showed that there are increments of the calculated external risk factor values which resulted from the adult than all the infants (5,10 and 15 ages) ages this may be related to the continuous replacement of new human's body cells during the growth stages. The study results showed that, environmental bioaccumulation impacts of the artificial Cs-137 were very effective in both marine living organisms and human as this will support the relation between the ingestion Cs-137 in the body(inside the soft tissues), and the probability of the human cancer risk. On the other hand, study results showed the importance of using RESRAD BIOA code for the EIA's ecological and radiological studies which should be done for any future industrial coastal .projects.

Bioaccumulation of Titanium in diatom Cyclotella atomus Hust.

Diatomaceous earth or diatomite is a fossil rock deposit of diatoms made up of silica and other minerals. A distinguishing feature of diatoms that placed them in the single class of microalgae Bacillariophyceae, is the frustule, a transparent, hard-shelled cell wall. It's interesting to note that the diatom has specific proteins and enzymes for heavy metal detoxification and can intake and store more heavy metals in its frustule. Consequently, an attempt has been made in this study to determine the bioaccumulation of metals in the frustules of the diatom. Hence, a centric diatom was isolated from the freshwater sample collected from the Adyar River, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The diameter of the cell was 5-7.5 µm and 20-23 striations with radial arrangement. A single, dark off-center fultoportula and marginal fultoportula on the striae are found in the diatom. Additionally, one rimoportula between two marginal fultoportula distributed on the striae between the costa was also seen. As a result, the isolated diatom was morphologically identified as Cyclotella atomus Hust. Simultaneously, the bioaccumulation study reveals that the Titanium (Ti) was found accumulated in the frustules of the diatom incubated in the Ti-supplemented culture medium based on the scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX). Therefore, the biogenic accumulation and fabrication of Titanium frustules in diatom have advantages in enhancing the efficiency of solar cells.

Combined passivators regulate physiological, antioxidant potential and metals accumulation in potato grown in metals contaminated soil.

To solve the problem of excessive heavy metals in farmland soil, there is a dire need for research effort to screen for the soil passivator materials. This study aimed to develop a practical novel approach for improving the potato growth and remedial effectiveness of the metals by optimal combination and dosage of various passivators. Experimental treatments were comprised of various levels of passivating agents (sepiolite, quicklime and calcium magnesium phosphate) in individual and combined form. Results showed that application of passivating agents significantly enhanced growth by optimizing photosynthetic attributes, enzymatic antioxidants, and soil health. Balanced application of passivators effectively reduce the bioavailability of metals, curbing their uptake by potato plants. Sole application of all the agents results statistically similar outcomes as compared with combined form. Additionally, passivators indirectly enhance the activity of essential antioxidant enzymes. Synergistic effect of all the agents significantly improved the tuber quality by decreasing the accumulation of proline, malondialdehyde content, and bioaccumulation of Cu, Pb, Cd, and As in potato parts. In crux, combined usage of passivating agents proved to be of better growth, improvement in antioxidative defense system, and better quality of potato. By mitigating heavy metal contamination, passivators not only enhance crop quality and yield but also ensure heavy metal-free potatoes that meet stringent food safety standards.

Microplastics alter Cr accumulation and fruit quality in Cr(VI) contaminated soil-cucumber system during the lifecycle: Insight from rhizosphere bacteria and root metabolism.

Both microplastics and Cr(VI) potentially threaten soil and crops, but little is known about their interaction in the soil-plant system. This study investigated the effect and mechanism of polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on Cr bioaccumulation and toxicity in a Cr(VI) contaminated soil-cucumber system during the lifecycle. The results show that microplastics had a greater effect on Cr accumulation in cucumber roots, stems, and leaves than in fruits. PE microplastics increased, but PA and PLA microplastics decreased the Cr accumulation in cucumber. Microplastics, especially high-dose, small, and aged microplastics, exacerbated the effects of accumulated Cr in cucumber on fresh weight and fruit yield. The nutrient contents in fruits except soluble sugars were reduced by microplastics. The random forest regression model shows that the microplastic type was the most important factor causing changes in the soil-cucumber system except for Cr(VI) addition. Under Cr(VI) and microplastic co-exposure, bacteria that could simultaneously tolerate Cr(VI) stress and degrade microplastics were enriched in the rhizosphere soil. The partial least squares path model shows that microplastics reduced the beneficial effect of the bacterial community on cucumber growth. Microplastics, especially PLA microplastics, alleviated the adverse effects of Cr(VI) stress on root metabolism.

Factors controlling accumulation and bioavailability of selenium in paddy soils: A case study in Luxi County, China.

Selenium (Se) accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) has become a major global concern. Se offers multiple health benefits in humans; however, its inadequate or excessive intake can be harmful. Therefore, determining the factors driving Se abundance and bioavailability in paddy soils is essential to ensure the safety of human Se intake. This study investigated the accumulation, bioavailability, and distribution of Se in 820 paddy soil and rice grain samples from Luxi County, China to assess how soil properties (soil organic matter [SOM], cation exchange capacity [CEC], and pH), geographical factors (parent materials, elevation, and mean annual precipitation [MAP] and temperature [MAT]), and essential micronutrients (copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], and manganese [Mn]) govern Se accumulation and bioavailability in paddy soils. Results showed that the average soil Se content was 0.36 mg kg-1, which was higher than that in China (0.29 mg kg-1). Alternatively, the average rice grain Se content was 0.032 mg kg-1, which was lower than the minimum allowable content in Se-rich rice grains (0.04 mg kg-1). Five studied parent materials all had a significant effect on soil Se content but had little effect on Se bioavailability (p < 0.05). CEC, elevation, and SOM, as well as the soil contents of Cu, Zn, and Mn were positively correlated with soil Se content, but pH, MAP, and MAT were negatively correlated. Correspondingly, Se bioavailability was negatively correlated with SOM and soil Zn content, but positively correlated with MAP and grain contents of Cu, Zn, and Mn. Furthermore, partial least squares path analysis revealed the interactive impacts of the influencing factors on Se accumulation and bioavailability in soils. On this basis, prediction models were established to predict Se accumulation and bioavailability in paddy soils, thereby providing theoretical support for developing efficient control measures to meet Se challenges in agriculture.

Plant based synthesis of silver nanoparticles, antimicrobial efficiency, and toxicological assessment using freshwater fish (Cyprinus carpio).

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used and have various applications, including medicine, electronics, and textiles. However, their increasing use raises concern about their potential environmental impact, particularly on aquatic organisms, such as fish, which are the primary consumers of aquatic environments and can be exposed to AgNPs through various routes. For this purpose, the leaves of the plant species Bellis perennis were used as a reductive agent to convert silver nitrate into AgNPs, to assess its toxicity against fish. Well-dispersed and undersized AgNPs were obtained and confirmed using analytical techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Moreover, the AgNPs have shown significant antibacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila (25.71 ± 0.63) and Vibrio harveyi (22.39 ± 0.29). In addition, the toxicity of the obtained AgNPs was assessed by exposing Cyprinus carpio to various concentrations, including 0.06, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/L. The findings revealed that the AgNPs were significantly accumulated in the intestine, followed by the gills, liver, muscles, kidney, and brain. This bioaccumulation led to histological alterations and destruction in the villi of the intestine, regeneration of liver cells, and degeneration of the gill lamella. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Plants based synthesis of AgNPs is mostly considered as eco-friendly A significant antibacterial activity was obtained The plant mediated AgNPs were found less toxic The AgNPs was profoundly accumulated and causes histological alterations.

Dietary manganese nano-particles improves gene regulation and biochemical attributes for mitigation of lead and ammonia toxicity in fish.

In the present study, we explored the capability of manganese nanoparticles (Mn-NPs) to alleviate the toxicity induced by lead (Pb) and ammonia (NH3) toxicity in Oreochromis niloticus (GIFT strain). The experiment followed a completely randomized design, including a control group (Mn-NPs-0 mg kg-1 diet) and groups exposed to Pb and NH3 alongwith Mn-NPs at 2 and 3 mg kg-1. Cortisol levels were significantly elevated in Pb + NH3 group whereas reduced by Mn-NPs diets. Gene expressions of HSP 70, iNOS, CYP 450, and Cas 3a were notably upregulated by Pb + NH3 group and downregulated by Mn-NPs diets. The cellular metabolic enzymes were affected by Pb + NH3 exposure and mitigated by Mn-NPs diets. The liver and kidney exhibited reduced activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-s-transferase with Mn-NPs diets. Concurrently, immune-related genes such as total immunoglobulin (Ig) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) were upregulated in the Mn-NPs-fed groups. Growth performance indicators, including weight gain %, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and relative feed intake were adversely affected by Pb + NH3 stress but improvement with Mn-NPs diets. Genes associated with growth performance, such as growth hormone (GH), growth hormone regulatory (GHR1), and myostatin, exhibited enhancements in response to Mn-NPs diets. Digestive enzymes, including protease and amylase were also enhanced by Mn-NPs diets. Additionally, Mn-NPs diets led to a reduction in the bioaccumulation of lead. This study aims to investigate the role of Mn-NPs in mitigating the effects of lead and ammonia toxicity on fish by examining various biochemical and gene regulatory factors to enhance fish wellbeing.

Bioremediation of uranium (â ¥) using a native strain Halomonas campaniensis ZFSY-04 isolated from uranium mining and milling effluent: Potential and mechanism.

A significant surge in the exploitation of uranium resources has resulted in considerable amounts of radioactive effluents. Thus, efficient and eco-friendly uranium removal strategies need to be explored to ensure ecological safety and resource recovery. In this study, we investigated the resistance of Halomonas campaniensis strain ZFSY-04, isolated from an evaporation pool at a uranium mine site, and its potential mechanism of uranium (Ⅵ) removal. The results showed that the strain exhibited unique uranium tolerance and its growth was not significantly inhibited under a uranium concentration of 700 mg/L. It had a maximum loading capacity of 865.40 mg/g (dry weight), achieved following incubation under uranium concentration of 100 mg/L, pH 6.0, and temperature 30 °C, for 2 h, indicating that the removal of uranium by the strain was efficient and rapid. Combined with kinetic, isothermal, thermodynamic, and microspectral analyses, the mechanism of uranium loading by strain ZFSY-04 was metabolism-dependent and diverse, including, physical and chemical adsorption on the cell surface, extracellular biomineralisation, intracellular bioaccumulation, and biomineralisation. Our results highlight the unique properties of indigenous strains, including high resistance, high efficiency, rapid uranium removal, and various uranium removal strategies, which make it suitable as a new tool for in situ bioremediation and uranium-contaminated environmental resource recovery.

Mercury and selenium in three fish species from a dam 20 months after a mine-tailing spill in the SE Gulf of California ecoregion, Mexico.

During January 2013, a mining spill occurred in the Santa Maria mining region, releasing around 300,000 m3 of tailings on Los Remedios river, which was transported through the San Lorenzo river and finally to El Comedero (EC) dam. Twenty months later, we examined the concentrations of Hg and Se in the muscle, liver, gills, and guts of three fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis aureus, Micropterus salmoides) captured in the EC dam to assess the performance of the cleaning operations. A high Se concentration in the liver of all species (carp, 1.2 ± 0.4; tilapia, 3.9 ± 2.1; bass, 3.5 ± 1.1 µg g-1 ww) was consistently observed, while this behavior was only found in the blue tilapia for Hg (0.15 ± 0.11 µg g-1 ww). Tilapia (benthic-detritivorous) exhibited the highest Se concentrations compared to the carp (omnivore) and the largemouth bass (piscivore). In contrast, the largemouth bass had the highest Hg levels in the muscle compared with the other fishes. Such differences could be related to the different metabolism and feeding habits among species. Compared to a tilapia study carried out three months after the mine spill during a mortality event, a decrease was evident in the liver for Se and Hg by 7.2 and 4.7 times, respectively. This reveals that cleaning operations were more efficient for Se and less for Hg, and that a prolonged period was required for the partial recovery of the element levels in fish from sites impacted by mining. Considering the Mexican consumption scenarios for each fish species, it could be concluded that there will be no non-cancer risk by exposure to Hg or Se.

Distribution and migration of uranium, chromium, and accompanying metal(loid)s in soil-plants system around a uranium hydrometallurgical area.

The extraction and utilization of uranium (U) ores have led to the release of significant amounts of potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) into the environment, constituting a grave threat to the ecosystem. However, research on the distribution and migration mechanism of U, chromium (Cr), and their accompanying PTMs in soil-plant system around U hydrometallurgical area remains insufficient and poorly understood. Herein, the distribution, migration, and risk level of PTMs were evaluated in soil and plant samples around U hydrometallurgical area, Northern Guangdong, China. The results demonstrated that the maximum content of U and Cr found in the analyzed soils were up to 84.2 and 238.9 mg/kg, respectively. These values far exceed the soil background values in China and other countries. The highest content of U (53.6 mg/kg) was detected in Colocasia antiquorum Schott, and the highest content of Cr (349.5 mg/kg) was observed in Pteridium aquilinum, both of which were enriched in their roots. The risk assessment of PTMs demonstrated that the study area suffered from severe pollution (PN > 3), especially from U, Cr, Th, and As, suggesting the non-negligible anthropogenic impacts. Hence, in light of the significant ecological hazard posed by the U hydrometallurgical area, it is imperative to implement appropriate restoration measures to ensure the human health and maintain the stability of the ecosystem.

Cuantificación de metales en LECISAN®por espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente

Introducción: La contaminación resultante de la industrialización ha propiciado el aumento de la concentración de metales en diversos ambientes y su incorporación a materias primas y productos terminados, lo que repercute directamente en la salud humana. Objetivo: Cuantificar metales en la materia prima empleada en la fabricación de la tableta masticable LECISAN® y en la tableta, para establecer niveles de referencia de: aluminio, calcio, cadmio, cromo, cobre, hierro, magnesio, plomo, silicio, vanadio y zinc. Método: Se utilizó la espectrometría atómica de emisión óptica con plasma inductivamente acoplado (ICP OES) y se establecieron mediante métodos estadísticos los intervalos de confianza para la media de los valorescuantificados con una probabilidad del 95%. Resultados: Existen diferencias significativas entre las dos formas de presentación en cuanto a la cantidad de todos los metales, excepto aluminio (p<0,05). Los coeficientes de variación fueron bajos, el cromo obtuvo un valor cercano al 10% en la materia prima y el plomo resultó elevado (17,44 %). Los valores se encuentran dentro del rango reportado como permisibles según norma cubana (NC 493:2012) excepto para plomo y cobre. Se observaron mayores concentraciones de aquellos elementos con efectos favorables para la salud. Conclusiones: Los resultados encontrados deben ser considerados como referenciales para la evaluación del impacto que sobre la salud tendría el régimen de administración diaria del suplemento nutricionalLECISAN® yel análisis de factores relacionados con la presencia de metales en subproductos del refinado del aceite de soya para futura investigaciones.

Introduction: The pollution resulting from industrialization has led to an increase in the concentration of metals in various environments and their incorporation into raw materials and finished products, which has a direct impact on human health. Objective: To quantify metals in the raw material used in the manufacture of the LECISAN® chewable tablet and in the tablet, to establish reference levels of: aluminum, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, lead, silicon, vanadium and zinc. Method: Atomic optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES) was used and confidence intervals for the mean of the quantified values were established using statistical methods with a probability of 95%. Results: There are significant differences between the two presentation forms in terms of the amount of all metals, except aluminum (p<0.05). The variation coefficients were low, chromium obtained a value close to 10% in the raw material and lead was high (17.44%). The values are within the range reported as permissible according to Cuban standards (NC 493:2012) except for lead and copper. Higher concentrations of those elements with favorable health effects were observed. Conclusions: The results found should be considered as references for the evaluation of the impact that the daily administration regimen of the LECISAN® nutritional supplement would have on health and the analysis of factors related to the presence of metals in by-products of soybean oil refining for future research.

Introdução: A poluição decorrente da industrialização tem levado ao aumento da concentração de metais em diversos ambientes e à sua incorporação em matérias-primas e produtos acabados, o que tem impacto direto na saúde humana. Objetivo: Quantificar metais na matéria-prima utilizada na fabricação do comprimido mastigável LECISAN® e no comprimido, estabelecer teores de referência de: alumínio, cálcio, cádmio, cromo, cobre, ferro, magnésio, chumbo, silício, vanádio e zinco. Método: Foi utilizada espectrometria de emissão óptica atômica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) e os intervalos de confiança para a média dos valores quantificados foram estabelecidos por meio de métodos estatísticos com probabilidade de 95%. Resultados: Existem diferenças significativas entre as duas formas de apresentação quanto à quantidade de todos os metais, exceto alumínio (p<0,05). Os coeficientes de variação foram baixos, o cromo obteve valor próximo a 10% na matéria-prima e o chumbo foi alto (17,44%). Os valores estão dentro da faixa informada como permitida segundo as normas cubanas (NC 493:2012) exceto para chumbo e cobre. Foram observadas concentrações mais elevadas desses elementos com efeitos favoráveis à saúde. Conclusões: Os resultados encontrados devem ser considerados referências para a avaliação do impacto que o regime diário de administração do suplemento nutricional LECISAN® teria na saúde e a análise dos fatores relacionados à presença de metais em subprodutos do refino do óleo de soja para pesquisas futuras.

Bioaccumulation of mercury in Lake Michigan painted turtles (Chrysemys picta).

Mercury (Hg) contamination of aquatic environments can lead to bioaccumulation in organisms, but most previous work has focused on fish and not on semi-aquatic reptiles such as turtles that traverse both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Here, we analyzed total Hg (THg) concentrations in 30 painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) collected from Lake Michigan (USA) coastal wetlands in 2013 to determine if (1) turtles bioaccumulated THg from the environment, (2) concentrations differed between turtle liver and muscle tissue, and (3) tissue concentrations were related to environmental concentrations (e.g., sediment THg). All individual turtles had detectable THg concentrations in both liver and muscle tissue. On average, THg concentrations were over three times higher in liver tissue compared to muscle tissue. We found a positive linear relationship between muscle THg concentrations and turtle body mass, a proxy for age, suggesting bioaccumulation in this species. Neither liver nor muscle THg concentrations followed the sediment contaminant gradient in the wetlands. Despite this, location was a strong predictor of tissue concentration in a linear model suggesting that other site-specific characteristics may be important. Overall, our results demonstrate that painted turtles accumulate mercury in liver and muscle tissues at different rates, which may be constrained by local conditions. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between environmental mercury concentrations and body burdens in animals like turtles that traverse habitats. In addition, long-lived turtles could be incorporated into pollution monitoring programs to provide a more holistic picture of food web contamination and ecosystem health.

Bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and ecological risk of trace metals in the ecosystem around oilfield production area: A case study in Shengli Oilfield.

The production for crude oil usually leads to contamination of the soil with trace metals and organic contaminants from spilled petroleum. Organic contaminants were generally paid more attention than trace metals in the oilfield pollution. Many studies have investigated the impacts of some petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants, however, the impacts and risk assessment of trace metals remain largely unexplored. Moreover, under some circumstances, the risks associated with trace metals are not necessarily lower than those associated with organic contaminants. This study aimed to investigate methods to evaluate the possible risks associated with 11 trace metals (Ti, Ba, Sr, Rb, V, Li, Mo, Co, Cs, Bi, and Tl) in soil and biota samples from the Shengli Oilfield using ICP-MS. The results showed that 11 trace metals in the surface soils exceeded the local background levels. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated that the soils had light-moderate to moderate contamination levels, with higher Igeo value of Ba, V, Li, Mo, Co, and Cs. The individual potential ecological risk indices ([Formula: see text]) demonstrated moderate Bi and Tl pollution in soils. Comparatively, the [Formula: see text] is recommended for the risk assessment of trace metals on the ecosystem around the oilfield area. Mo, Bi, and Sr easily accumulate in plants, as reflected by their bioaccumulation factor. Ti, Ba, V, Li, Co, Cs, Bi, and Tl exhibited considerable biomagnification, particularly in birds. In this study, trace metals showed considerable bioaccumulation and biomagnification, and the risks of these trace metals on the ecosystem around oilfield production area need more attention.

Pleurotus florida mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles and biofortification.

The mycosynthesis of biogenic NPs using nanotechnology technique is an ecofriendly and economical approach. The extracellular mycelial extract of the Pleurotus florida fungi were used to biosynthesized Zn, Cu and Fe NPs using zinc sulphate, zinc chloride, copper sulphate, copper chloride ferrous sulphate and ferric chloride, precursor salts at 1.0 mM concentration. The color of reaction mixture was changed from (transparent to white, blue to green and yellow to brown) for Zn, Cu and Fe NPs during incubation period of 96 h at 25 ± 2 °C, indicating synthesis of NPs. Spectroscopy and microscopy techniques were used for the characterization of newly synthesized biogenic NPs. Whereas, the ICP-MS analysis revealed that copper chloride precursor salts produced high concentration of Cu biogenic NPs, followed by zinc chloride derived Zn NPs. The fortification with the biogenic NPs of Pleurotus florida mycelium exhibited high accumulation of the trace elements as compared to non-fortified mycelium. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01307-z.