Effect of fermentation on nutrient composition, antinutrients, and mineral bioaccessibility of finger millet based Injera: A traditional Ethiopian food.

Finger millet, like other cereals, contains high amounts of antinutrients that bind minerals, making them unavailable for absorption. This study explores the effect of traditional fermentation on nutritional, antinutritional, and subsequent mineral bioaccessibility (specifically iron, zinc, and calcium) of finger millet based Injera. Samples of fermented dough and Injera prepared from light brown and white finger millet varieties were analyzed for nutritional composition, antinutritional content, and mineral bioaccessibility following standard procedures. With some exceptions, the proximate composition of fermented dough was significantly affected by fermentation time. Compared to unfermented flour, the phytate and condensed tannin content significantly (p < 0.05) decreased for fermented dough and Injera samples. A strong decline in phytate and condensed tannin content was observed in white finger millet Injera as fermentation time increased, compared to light brown finger millet based Injera. The mineral bioaccessibility of Injera prepared from finger millet and maize composite flour increased with fermentation time, leading to a significant increase in bioaccessible iron, zinc, and calcium, ranging from 15.4-40.0 %, 26.8-50.8 %, and 60.9-88.5 %, respectively. The results suggest that traditional fermentation can be an effective method to reduce phytate and condensed tannin content, simultaneously increasing the bioaccessibility of minerals in the preparation of finger millet based Injera.

Use of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) in Water Chemistry Studies.

Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) equipped with integrated sensors are a tool valuable to several monitoring strategies, offering enhanced temporal and spatial coverage over specific timeframes, allowing for targeted examination of sites or events of interest. The elaboration of environmental monitoring programs has relied so far on periodic spot sampling at specific locations, followed by laboratory analysis, aiming at the evaluation of water quality at a catchment scale. For this purpose, automatic telemetric stations for specific parameters have been installed by the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters of Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (IMBRIW-HCMR) within several Greek rivers and lakes, providing continuous and temporal monitoring possibilities. In the present work, USVs were deployed by the Athens Water and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) as a cost-effective tool for the environmental monitoring of surface water bodies of interest, with emphasis on the spatial fluctuations of chlorophyll α, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and pH, observed in Koumoundourou Lake and the rivers Acheloos, Asopos and Kifissos. The effectiveness of an innovative heavy metal (HM) system installed in the USV for the in situ measurements of copper and lead was also evaluated herewith. The results obtained demonstrate the advantages of USVs, setting the base for their application in real-time monitoring of chemical parameters including metals. Simultaneously, the requirements for accuracy and sensitivity improvement of HM sensors were noted, in order to permit full exploitation of USVs' capacities.

Geochemistry and origin of inorganic contaminants in soil, river sediment and surface water in a heavily urbanized river basin.

Understanding the geochemistry and contamination of rivers affected by anthropogenic activities is paramount to water resources management. The Asopos river basin in central Greece is facing environmental quality deterioration threats due to industrial, urban and agricultural activities. Here, the geochemistry of river sediments and adjacent soil in terms of major and trace elements (Al, Ca, Mg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and the geochemical composition of surface water in terms of major ions, trace elements and nutrients along the Asopos river basin were determined. In addition, this study characterized potential nitrate sources through the analysis of stable isotope composition of NO3- (δ15Ν-ΝΟ3- and δ18Ο-ΝΟ3-). Results indicated that specific chemical constituents including nutrients (NO2-, NH4+, PO43-) and major ions (Na+, Cl-) were highest in the urban, industrialized and downstream areas. On the other hand, nitrate (NO3-) concentration in river water (median 7.9 mg/L) showed a decreasing trend from the upstream agricultural sites to the urban area and even more in the downstream of the urban area sites. Ionic ratios (NO3-/Cl-) and δ15Ν-ΝΟ3- values (range from +10.2 ‰ to +15.7 ‰), complemented with a Bayesian isotope mixing model, clearly showed the influence of organic wastes from septic systems and industries operating in the urban area on river nitrate geochemistry. The interpretation of geochemical data of soil and river sediment samples demonstrated the strong influence of local geology on Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni content, with isolated samples showing elevated concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, mostly within the industrialized urban environment. The calculation of enrichment factors based on the national background concentrations provided limited insights into the origin of geogenic metals. Overall, this study highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to assess the impact of the geological background and anthropogenic activities on river waters and sediments.

Circulating Copper Is Associated with Inflammatory Biomarkers in Greek Older Adults with Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, that causes a significant decrease in the quality of life of the afflicted and constitutes a great burden for the socioeconomic system. Trace elements and heavy metals are implicated in the pathophysiology of OA, exacerbating inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to quantify metals in plasma samples of Greek OA patients and explore their link with disease related parameters, health status or quality of life, as well as epigenetic OA markers. This is the first study on plasma metal levels in Greek knee OA patients. To achieve precision in plasma metal and miRNA measurements, high-quality samples were selected from a subset of 34 participants (NCT04783792). Demographic, quality of life, clinical, biochemical, inflammation, oxidative stress, and anthropometric parameters, as well as microRNA levels were assessed. Significant correlations were found between circulating metals with OA related parameters or with measured microRNAs. Also, significant positive associations between plasma copper (Cu) levels and CRP (p = 0.033) or IL-6 (p = 0.001) occurred when adjusting for age, gender, BMI, physical activity level, smoking, disease severity, total arthroplasty, and dietary intake of the respective metal. Cu's role in OA is bidirectional, and this study confirms the findings that in OA, Cu is positively associated with inflammation. Such relationships between lifestyle, environment and OA enhance our understanding and encourage further study on metals related to OA inflammation.

Vanadium, cobalt, zinc, and rubidium are associated with markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in a Greek population with obesity.

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity is rising globally, with negative effects on the socioeconomic system. As a result of its drivers which include low-grade chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and fatty acid metabolism, this phenotype develops metabolic anomalies that exacerbate its pathogenesis. It has been discovered that metals and metalloids have substantial effects on both the immune system and metabolism and are influenced by factors connected to obesity. Although there is a known connection between metals, obesity, and related metabolic disorders, it is still under research. Methods: We determined the plasma levels of 16 metals and metalloids in 76 individuals with obesity and investigated the relationships with inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in order to clarify the processes by which metals/metalloids exhibit their effects. Results: After adjusting for age, gender, BMI, physical activity level, smoking, the existence of metabolic abnormalities, and dietary intake of the corresponding metal, regression analysis revealed the following statistically significant associations; vanadium was negatively associated with oxLDL (Beta ± SE= -0.014 ± 0.005, p=0.007), zinc was negatively associated with leptin (Beta ± SE= -12.390 ± 5.226, p=0.025), cobalt was associated negatively with adiponectin (Beta ± SE= -0.030 ± 0.012, p=0.001) and positively with MPO (Beta ± SE= 0.002 ± 0.001, p=0.023), and rubidium was negatively associated with oxLDL (Beta ± SE= -1.139 ± 0.411, p=0.008) and positively with MPO (Beta ± SE= 0.324 ± 0.102, p=0.003). Discussion: The aforementioned associations highlight the need for further research, demonstrating the importance of inflammation and oxidative stress in the association between metals/metalloids and obesity-related metabolic abnormalities.

Artemisia arborescens and Artemisia inculta from Crete; Secondary Metabolites, Trace Metals and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the use of medicinal plants has increased. Artemisia species have been used in several applications, including medicinal use and uses in cosmetics, foods and beverages. Artemisia arborescens L. and Artemisia inculta are part of the Mediterranean diet in the form of aqueous infusions. Herein, we aimed to compare the secondary metabolites of the decoctions and two different extracts (methanolic and aqueous-glycerolic) of these two species, as well as their antioxidant capacity and trace metal levels. METHODS: Total phenolic, total flavonoid, total terpenes, total hydroxycinnamate, total flavonol, total anthocyanin contents and antioxidant/antiradical activity were determined, and GC/MS analysis was applied to identify and quantify phenolics and terpenoids. Trace metals were quantified with ICP-MS. RESULTS: Aqueous-glycerolic extracts demonstrated higher levels of total secondary metabolites, greater antioxidant potential and higher terpenoid levels than decoctions and methanolic extracts. Subsequently, the aqueous-glycerolic extract of a particularly high phenolic content was further analyzed applying targeted LC-MS/MS as the most appropriate analytic tool for the determination of the phenolic profile. Overall, twenty-two metabolites were identified. The potential contribution of infusions consumption to metal intake was additionally evaluated, and did not exceed the recommended daily intake. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of these two species in several food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications.

Pleurotus eryngii Chips-Chemical Characterization and Nutritional Value of an Innovative Healthy Snack.

Nowadays, as the pandemic has reshaped snacking behaviors, and consumers have become more health-conscious, the need for the incorporation of "healthy snacking" in our diets has emerged. Although there is no agreed-upon definition of "healthy snacking", dietary guidelines refer to snack foods with high nutritional and biological value. The aim of this study was to chemically characterize and determine the nutritional value of an innovative UVB-irradiated and baked snack from Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms. P. eryngii is an edible mushroom native to the Mediterranean basin. We applied proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and macro and trace elements analyses. Also, we computed indices to assess the nutritional quality of food, and we evaluated the sensory characteristics of the mushroom snack. We found high nutritional, consumer, and biological values for the snack. More specifically it was low in calories, high in fibre and protein, low in lipids, without added sugars, and high in ergosterol and beta-glucans. Additionally, it had some vitamins and trace elements in significant quantities. Its NRF9.3 score was considerably high compared to most popular snacks, and the snack exhibited high hypocholesterolemic and low atherogenic and thrombogenic potentials. In conclusion, as a result of UVB-irradiation and baking of P. eryngii mushrooms, the snack's nutritional and biological value were not affected; instead, it provided a "healthy snacking" option.

Assessment of natural and anthropogenic contamination sources in a Mediterranean aquifer by combining hydrochemical and stable isotope techniques.

The Atalanti basin is an intensively cultivated area in central Greece, facing groundwater quality deterioration threats due to natural and anthropogenic-related contamination sources. A combination of statistical and hydrogeochemical techniques, and stable isotope compositions (δ2H-H2O and δ18Ο-Η2Ο, δ15Ν-ΝΟ3- and δ18Ο-ΝΟ3-, δ34S-SO42- and δ18O-SO42-) were applied to elucidate the origin of salinity and nitrate contamination, and shed light on the potential associations between geogenic Cr(VI) and NO3- sources and transformations. Nitrate and Cr(VI) concentrations reached up to 337 mg L-1 and 76.1 µg L-1, respectively, exceeding WHO threshold values in places. The cluster of samples with the high salinity was mostly influenced by irrigation return flow and marine aerosols, and less by seawater intrusion, as evidenced by the ionic ratios (e.g., Na+/Cl-) and the stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen in water, and sulphur and oxygen in sulphates. The δ15Ν-ΝΟ3- and δ18O-NO3- values ranged from +2.0 ‰ to +14.5 ‰ and + 0.3 ‰ to +11.0 ‰, respectively. We found that the dominant sources of NO3- in groundwater were fertilizers in the central part of the area and sewage waste in the northern part around the residential area of Livanates. The occurrence of denitrification was evident in the northern part of the basin, where the DO levels were lowest (≤ 2.2 mg L-1), whereas nitrification of NH4+-fertilizers prevailed in the central part. Elevated Cr(VI) values (≥ 20 µg/l) were associated with the lowest deviation of the measured from the theoretical nitrification δ18Ο-NO3- values, whereas the lowest Cr(VI) values were observed in the denitrified water samples. Our isotope findings revealed the strong influence of redox conditions on the biogeochemical transformations of N species and the mobilization of Cr(VI) that will help improve the understanding of the fate of these contaminants from the unsaturated zone to the groundwater in areas of agricultural and urban land use.

Clinical and inflammatory biomarkers of inflammatory bowel diseases are linked to plasma trace elements and toxic metals; new insights into an old concept.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic immune-mediated diseases, mainly represented by Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Several environmental factors have been proposed to contribute to disease pathogenesis, amongst which are metals. These can affect the immune system and may be associated with IBD. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate blood levels of metals in IBD patients and to examine possible associations with clinical and inflammatory disease markers. Methods: In total, 76 CD patients, 39 UC patients and 38 healthy controls were included. Blood and stool samples were collected. Metals were quantified in plasma samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: There were more abnormalities of circulating metals in CD than in UC when compared to healthy controls. CD: Concentrations of the essential trace elements zinc and selenium were lower in CD patients than the controls. Chromium was negatively associated with serum IL-6 (Beta: -3.558, p = 0.011), and caesium with fecal calprotectin (Beta: -0.481, p = 0.038) and serum IL-10 (Beta: -1.912, p = 0.050). In contrast, copper was positively associated with C-reactive protein (Beta: 2.548 × 102, p = 0.033). UC: In UC, a negative association of iron with serum myeloperoxidase levels (Beta: -1.270 × 103, p = 0.044) was detected. Thallium, a hazardous metal, however, was positively associated with disease activity (Beta: 3.899, p = < 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study offers new insights into the relations of metals with IBD. Further research should focus on the evaluation of the above associations and potential underlying mechanisms.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and trace elements dietary intake in inhabitants of Athens, Greece, based on a duplicate portion study.

Concentration levels of 26 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 20 trace elements were measured in dietary samples, in order to estimate the dietary intake and the potential exposure risk of the Greek population. Dietary samples were collected with the help of 30 volunteers inhabitants of Athens, Greece, according to the duplicate portion study (DPS) method where the determination of the compounds is conducted in the final consumed meal. DPS was selected as an alternative to a total diet study for its feasibility, low cost and realistic image that it provides. PAHs determination was performed by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and trace elements determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The estimated mean daily dietary exposure on 26 PAHs for an adult was estimated at 101.47 ng kg-1 body weight day-1, while moderate to low exposure was related to the type and amount of food consumed. Exposure levels to PAHs do not indicate a possible risk for the health of the study group. For toxic, potentially essential and/or essential trace elements the daily exposure calculated for Greek population was in accordance with the reference values of the health-based guidances and compared to previous diet studies reported for the population of other countries was in general similar to the lower bound exposure.

Human serum elements' levels and leukemia: A first pilot study from an adult Greek cohort.

BACKGROUND: The present study focuses on the evaluation of potential relationships between trace elements and acute and chronic types of leukemia, via the determination of their levels in human blood serum. METHODS: A total of 199 serum samples from a Greek cohort were examined, including both leukemia cases and controls. Elements' analysis was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and demographic features such as age, gender, smoking habits and area of residence were recorded and statistically treated applying Shapiro-Wilk, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were also performed to investigate possible associations. RESULTS: The results demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) trace elements concentrations in cases' serum compared to that of controls excluding Ba, with Cu (median concentration 1295 µg L-1) being the most abundant in cases. Additionally, concentration of toxic Pb and Cd were found at seven and four fold higher concentrations in cases, respectively. Among the trace elements examined, only Rb (164 µg L-1) was detected in higher concentrations in controls. Ba, Cd and Co presented the lowest concentrations (lower than 1 µg L-1). PCA was performed for overall and classified data, indicating a stronger relation among the toxic As, Cd, Ni and Pb in cases than controls, particularly referring to smokers and industrial sites' residents. Hematological parameters and factors such as age and gender did not present any significant outcome or correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this pilot study suggest a potential relationship between metals and leukemia, especially concerning the toxic ones. Results from the employed source apportionment tools imply that smoking and atmospheric degradation may be positively related with higher metal serum levels in leukemia patients.

Modelling of chemical species of Al, Mn, Zn, and Pb in river body waters of industrial areas of West Rhodope Mountain, Bulgaria.

The assessment of the ecological status of natural surface water, in terms of dominant trace metals, within an area subject to various sources of pollution including a non-ferrous metal ore mining, such as the West Rhodope Mountain, Bulgaria, is significant. The present study estimates the ecological status of river body waters at industrial areas of the West Rhodope Mountain, Bulgaria, simultaneously evaluating the possibility of state forecasting, together with assessing the potential risks, through the study of scenarios focusing on (i) possible variations of physicochemical parameters such as pH, concentration levels of trace metals, sulphates, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of surface water and (ii) consideration of potential spontaneous precipitation reactions in the studied waters. The ecological status of river body waters was assessed through a combination of experimental field, laboratory, and computational techniques. Al, Mn, Zn, and Pb were found to be the dominant pollutants with a variety of chemical species and distribution. The most significant difference characterizing the chemical species distribution in light of total spontaneous crystallization in the systems was found for Pb, followed by Zn and Mn, with the differences being more significant at lower trace metal levels. The calculated species were discussed on the basis of HSAB (hard and soft acids and bases) principle.

Heart Failure and PAHs, OHPAHs, and Trace Elements Levels in Human Serum: Results from a Preliminary Pilot Study in Greek Population and the Possible Impact of Air Pollution.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been associated with environmental pollutants. The scope of this study is to assess any potential relation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), their hydroxylated derivatives, and trace elements with heart failure via their direct determination in human serum of Greek citizens residing in different areas. Therefore, we analyzed 131 samples including cases (heart failure patients) and controls (healthy donors), and the respective demographic data were collected. Significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.05) were observed in cases' serum regarding most of the examined PAHs and their derivatives with phenanthrene, fluorene, and fluoranthene being the most abundant (median of >50 µg L-1). Among the examined trace elements, As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb were measured at statistically higher concentrations (p < 0.05) in cases' samples, with only Cr being significantly higher in controls. The potential impact of environmental factors such as smoking and area of residence has been evaluated. Specific PAHs and trace elements could be possibly related with heart failure development. Atmospheric degradation and smoking habit appeared to have a significant impact on the analytes' serum concentrations. PCA-logistic regression analysis could possibly reveal common mechanisms among the analytes enhancing the hypothesis that they may pose a significant risk for CVD development.

Evaluation of Polyurea-Crosslinked Alginate Aerogels for Seawater Decontamination.

Polyurea-crosslinked Ca-alginate (X-Ca-alginate) aerogel beads (diameter: 3.3 mm) were evaluated as adsorbents of metal ions, organic solvents, and oils. They were prepared via reaction of an aromatic triisocyanate (Desmodur RE) with pre-formed Ca-alginate wet gels and consisted of 54% polyurea and 2% calcium. X-Ca-alginate aerogels are hydrophobic nanoporous materials (90% v/v porosity), with a high BET surface area (459 m2/g-1), and adsorb PbII not only from ultrapure water (29 mg/g-1) but also from seawater (13 mg/g-1) with high selectivity. The adsorption mechanism involves replacement of CaII by PbII ions coordinated to the carboxylate groups of the alginate backbone. After treatment with a Na2EDTA solution, the beads can be reused, without significant loss of activity for at least two times. X-Ca-alginate aerogels can also uptake organic solvents and oil from seawater; the volume of the adsorbate can be as high as the total pore volume of the aerogel (6.0 mL/g-1), and the absorption is complete within seconds. X-Ca alginate aerogels are suitable for the decontamination of aquatic environments from a broader range of inorganic and organic pollutants.

Trace metals accumulation in the eco-system water - soil - vegetation (Agropyron cristatum) - common voles (Microtus arvalis) - parasites (Hymenolepis diminuta) in Radnevo region, Bulgaria.

BACKGROUND: Coal and coal processing industries provoke trace metal pollution, which has a negative effect on the water - soil - vegetation - small mammals eco-system, constituting part of the food chain and exerting a serious impact on human health. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the environmental impact of Maritza iztok coal complex, situated east of Radnevo town, Bulgaria, by tracking the dynamics and accumulation of trace metals in the eco-system water - soil - vegetation - common voles - parasites. METHODS: Samples from surface waters, their nearby uncultivated soils, meadow uncultivated vegetation (Agropyron cristatum) and field common voles (Microtus arvalis) were collected. In situ measurements and laboratory extraction procedures and analyses were performed. Accumulation and mobility indices were calculated. The distribution of dissolved Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb chemical species in water-soil extracts was calculated using a thermodynamic approach. Two thermodynamic models were applied - the classical ion-association model for calculating the inorganic trace metal species and the Stockholm Humic Model (SHM) accounting for the complexation reactions of trace metals with organic matter. Visual Minteq computer program, Version 3.1 was used. The relationship chemical species - bioaccumulation was discussed. RESULTS: Pb and Mn, together with SO42- and PO43- were found to be the main pollutants of waters in the region. The soils studied exhibited low concentrations of trace metals, not exceeding the specified MACs. The content of Mn was the highest, followed by Zn, Pb, Cu and Ni. The highest phytoaccumulation coefficients in the studied uncultivated grass vegetation were calculated for Cu and Zn, being 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than those of Mn and Ni. The accumulation of trace metals was explained on the basis of ions mobility and chemical species distribution. In the case of the host-parasite system Microtus alvaris - Hymenolepis diminuta, Zn displays the highest accumulation coefficient, followed by those of Cu and Pb. The parasite showed a higher bioaccumulation compared to infected common voles, with the highest bioaccumulation found for Ni. CONCLUSIONS: The bioaccumulation of trace metals depends on their mobility, concentration and chemical forms in water-soil solutions. Metal-organic species stimulate the phytoaccumulation of trace metals while inorganic ones suppress it. The sequence of trace metals bioaccumulation in common voles is analogous to that of soil contamination. The parasite exhibited higher bioaccumulation levels compared to infected common voles.

A DPSIR Approach to Selected Cr(VI) Impacted Groundwater Bodies of Central Greece.

The holistic approach of Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) methodology was applied to selected Cr(VI) impacted groundwater bodies of Central Greece. The main driving forces in the study areas are agricultural activities, urban and industrial development as well as tourism. The main pressures induced by the anthropogenic activities are fertilizer use, uncontrolled urban sewage disposal and industrial effluents discharges. Groundwater stress is caused by the qualitative degradation due to Cr(VI), NO3-, Cl- and SO42- contamination. Hexavalent chromium occurrence is attributed to both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. The maximum Cr(VI) concentration (11.7 mg/L) was measured in Oinofyta area. Important impacts are the deterioration of groundwater body chemical status as well as the decline of groundwater use efficiency. Based on the applied DPSIR, a management framework is proposed in order to address the complex environmental issue of Cr(VI) in the study areas.

Nutrient Composition and Fatty Acid and Protein Profiles of Selected Fish By-Products.

Processing of fish in aquaculture generates considerable amounts of by-products that remain underused and/or unexploited. We evaluated the nutritive content of fish by-products (head, gills, intestines, trimmings, bones, and skin) from meagre and gilthead sea bream fish species reared in Greece in order to estimate their nutritional value for future development of high added-value products. The proximate composition of the fish samples (total protein, total lipid, ash, moisture, and macro-element content) was determined using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) official methods. The content of fatty acids was determined using capillary gas chromatography, and the protein profile was estimated employing scientific orbitrap mass spectrophotometer methodology. The nutrient composition of fish by-products presented fluctuations among the different by-products. Skin was the most significant protein source, trimmings and bones were high in calcium, and the head, intestines, and bones were a good source of lipids. The most abundant lipid acids found in by-products were oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and eicosenoic acids, whereas the most abundant proteins were adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase subunit epsilon, mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase, and mitochondrial cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 8. These data suggest that by-products constitute valuable sources of nutrients and could therefore be exploited in accordance with the principles of a circular economy.

Copper Complexing Capacity and Trace Metal Content in Common and Balsamic Vinegars: Impact of Organic Matter.

Complex formation is among the mechanisms affecting metal bioaccessibility. Hence, the quantification of organic metal complexation in food items is of interest. Organic ligands in solutions of environmental and/or food origin function as buffering agents against small changes in dissolved metal concentrations, being able to maintain free metal ion concentrations below the toxicity threshold. Organic matter in vinegars consists of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, Maillard reaction endproducts, etc., capable of complexing metal ions. Furthermore, transition metal ions are considered as micronutrients essential for living organisms exerting a crucial role in metabolic processes. In this study, differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV), a sensitive electrochemical technique considered to be a powerful tool for the study of metal speciation, was applied for the first time in vinegar samples. The concentrations of Cu complexing ligands (LT) in 43 vinegars retailed in Greece varied between 0.05 and 52 µM, with the highest median concentration determined in balsamic vinegars (14 µM), compared to that of common vinegars (0.86 µM). In 21% of the vinegar samples examined, LT values were exceeded by the corresponding total Cu concentrations, indicating the presence of free Cu ion and/or bound within labile inorganic/organic complexes. Red grape balsamic vinegars exhibited the highest density of Cu ligands per mass unit of organic matter compared to other foodstuffs such as herbal infusions, coffee brews, and beers. Among the 16 metals determined in vinegars, Pb is of particular importance from a toxicological point of view, whereas further investigation is required regarding potential Rb biomagnification.

Trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral composition, and FT-IR characterization of unrefined sea and rock salts: environmental interactions.

Unrefined sea salt originates from seawater, typically by natural evaporation. Being minimally processed, it contains the natural minerals and impurities of seawater. Despite the wide applications of salt for culinary and food preservation purposes, the available composition data is particularly limited. Since seawater often contains various harmful substances at a trace or ultra-trace level, their determination in unrefined salt is significant in terms of quality control and food safety. Twenty-four (24) samples of unrefined sea and rock salts retailed in Greece were studied in terms of their trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content, which constitute the usual pollutants examined in seawater. In addition, samples' color and mineralogy were recorded and their attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectra were obtained. No statistically significant differences were found between sea and rock salts regarding their trace metal (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) content (excluding V) and the 15 PAHs examined. ATR FT-IR succeeded to discriminate among sea, rock, flower, and underground salty water salts. Compared with the typical trace metal concentrations in seawater, quite high Pb values were determined in both sea and rock salts, whereas outliers in the rest of the trace elements examined were scarce. Median values of the sum of PAH (ΣPAHs) concentrations were calculated equal to 2.1 and 2.6 ng g-1 for sea and rock salts, respectively. Environmental interactions of salt production with trace elements and PAHs are also discussed.