Mercury in four common fishes sold in Algeria and associated humans risk.

This study aimed to analyse the concentrations of mercury in fish samples available in the Algerian market and evaluate the potential health risks associated with their consumption. A total of 135 fish samples, representing the species Sardina pilchardus, Merluccius merluccius, Sparus aurata and Auxis rochie, were collected and analysed. Mercury levels were determined using thermal decomposition amalgamation Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Health risks were evaluated by calculating hazard quotients. The overall mean concentration was 0.19 ± 0.11 mg/kg across all species. Individual species concentrations were recorded as 0.17 ± 0.08 mg/kg for Sardina pilchardus, 0.26 ± 0.19 mg/kg for Merluccius merluccius, 0.27 ± 0.18 mg/kg for Sparus aurata and 0.23 ± 0.13 mg/kg for Auxis rochei. Hazard quotients were below 1, indicating low health risk for fish consumers. Nevertheless, it is recommended to conduct periodic monitoring of heavy metal levels in fish, coupled with ongoing risk assessments, to ensure continued consumer protection.

Toxic metal levels in raw camel milk sold in the northern Algerian Sahara.

The consumption of camel milk is gaining popularity in Algeria. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni) and Mercury (Hg) in camel milk sold in Southeast Algeria and assess the potential health risks associated with its consumption. 120 samples of camel milk were collected from 10 farms located near the roads in the south of Algeria. Metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace and Target Hazard Quotients (THQs) were calculated. The mean concentrations were 0.026 ± 0.013 mg/kg, 0.001 ± 0.0002 mg/kg, 0.017 ± 0.002 mg/kg and 0.0005 ± 0.0002 mg/kg for Pb, Cd, Ni and Hg. The THQ was higher for children, suggesting health risks associated with consumption of camel milk for this age group (p < .001). The primary contribution of this study is the establishment of a database on toxic metal levels in camel milk, which can be valuable to manage possible risk associated with metals in milk.

Trace elements in tea in Ouargla, Algeria and health risk assessment.

Tea is one of the most common drinks, consumed for its pleasant flavour and several medicinal values. The present study aimed to determine the levels of trace elements in tea products marketed in the Saharan region of Ouargla, Algeria and to evaluate the health risks associated with its regular consumption in adults and infants. To this aim, 78 tea samples were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry. Tea samples appeared to be contaminated by lead (0.73 ± 0.08 µg g-1) and aluminium (0.22 ± 0.02 µg g-1). Cadmium, arsenic, mercury, cobalt, manganese, nickel, chromium, zinc and copper were also detected. General linear model analysis indicated that black tea samples were the most contaminated. Tea samples packed in tea bags were the most contaminated with arsenic, aluminium and manganese. The hazard index was 0.28 and 1.33 for adults and for infants, respectively, indicating adverse non-carcinogenic effects in infants.

Fluoride concentrations in drinking water and health risk assessment in the south of Algeria.

Drinking water is the primary source of fluoride intake by humans worldwide. Algeria, Africa's largest country, has been reported to have moderate to high fluoride levels in the water, particularly in the Southern and Saharan regions. In the south of Algeria, dental fluorosis is considered an epidemic that is spreading within the population by health professionals. This study aimed to determine fluoride concentrations in drinking water consumed by Ouargla population (south-east of Algeria) in 2021, assess non-carcinogenic health risk via daily human intake, and calculate the upper acceptable fluoride concentration in drinking water by Galgan and Vermillion formula. Forty-two water samples were collected during the spring season. The fluoride was measured using a validated spectrophotometric method. Hazard quotient of fluoride (HQ) and estimated daily intake (EDI) were calculated. The results reveal a mean fluoride level of 1.07 ± 0.38 mg/L, below WHO recommendation. Fluoride concentrations in water were higher in rural areas than in the central city (p = 0.05). HQ values were less than one for adults but greater than 1 for infants and children, suggesting health risks associated with water consumption for these vulnerable groups (p = 0.007). The main contribution of this study is the establishment of a database concerning fluoride levels and hazard quotient in the south of Algeria. Monitoring drinking water and control fluorosis is essential to avoid potential health risks.

Fluoride concentration in bottled drinking water from a fluoride endemic area: A market-based survey.

Drinking water is the primary source of fluoride intake for humans around the world. In southern Algeria, dental fluorosis is considered an epidemic that is spreading among the population by health professionals. Thus, the consumption of bottled water is important because it is considered safer for health. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the fluoride concentrations of bottled water commercially available in southern Algeria and report the non-carcinogenic health risk via daily human intake. MATERIAL AND METHODS: By 2021, 28 commercial brands were obtained from different supermarkets in Ouargla, Algeria. Fluoride was measured using a validated spectrophotometric method. The fluoride risk quotient (HQ) and the estimated daily intake (EDI) were calculated. RESULTS: All the brands did not mention the fluoride content on the label. The mean level was 0.40 ± 0.42 mg/L, and a wide range was found [0.00-1.65 mg/L]. The average was below the WHO standard. Most samples (75%, n = 21) contained less than 0.50 mg/L, which can cause dental caries. The HQ values average were less than 1, suggesting no health risk associated with drinking bottled water. CONCLUSION: With the increasing consumption of bottled water, this work is important for primary prevention programs for dental caries. The main contribution is the constitution of a database concerning the fluoride levels in bottled water marketed in southern Algeria. Labelling of fluoride concentrations by manufacturers should be mandatory.