Analysis of the Influence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains on Changes in the Hexachlorobenzene Content in Fermented Mare Milk during Refrigerated Storage.

(1) Background: Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a persistent organic pollutant that is possibly carcinogenic to humans. It is still found in the environment, humans and animals, and in foods, including milk and dairy products; (2) Methods: The influence of the probiotic cultures Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LCR and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP on the possibility of effecting the biodegradation of HCB in dairy products fermented from mare milk was investigated, taking into account the product storage time (maximum 21 days). HCB content was determined using the GC/MS method; (3) Results: A strong negative Pearson correlation (p < 0.05) was found between HCB concentration and the refrigeration storage time of the fermented beverages. The highest HCB reduction was observed in milk fermented with both Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LCR and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP (78.77%), while the lowest was noted when only Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP was used (73.79%); (4) Conclusions: This pilot study confirmed that probiotics commonly used to give products health-promoting properties can also contribute to reducing the content of undesirable substances, and the bacterial cultures used might provide an alternative method for reducing HCB residues in fermented drinks.

Changes in Polychlorinated Biphenyl Residues in Milk during Lactation: Levels of Contamination, Influencing Factors, and Infant Risk Assessment.

Given the importance of breastfeeding infants, the contamination of human milk is a significant public concern. The aim of this study was to assess the contamination of human milk with dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) and non-dioxin-like PCBs (ndl-PCBs) in relation to the duration of lactation and other influencing factors, especially the frequency of the consumption of selected foods during pregnancy. Based on this, the health risk to infants was assessed and compared to the tolerable daily intake (TDI). PCB determinations were performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The ∑ndl-PCB content ranged from 0.008 to 0.897 ng/g w.w., at an average of 0.552 ng/g wet weight, which was 55% of the maximum level according to the EU guidelines for foods for infants and young children. The toxic equivalent (TEQ) was in the range of 0.033-5.67 pg-TEQ/g w.w. The content of non-ortho, mono-ortho, and ndl-PCBs in human milk decreased the longer lactation continued. Moreover, when pregnant women smoked tobacco, this correlated significantly with increases in the concentrations of PCB congeners 156, 118, and 189 in human milk. The human milk contents of PCB congeners 77, 81, 186, 118, and 189 were strongly positively correlated with the amount of fish consumed. The content of stable congeners PCB 135 and PCB 153 increased with age.

Influence of Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment on the Changes in Residues of Important Elements in Drinking Water.

Drinking water is the essential medium for food production, and is also needed for direct consumption; while it must be free of harmful substances, it also must have a composition that is beneficial to health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of water and wastewater treatment on reducing the concentrations of zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in the Western Pomerania Voivodeship in Poland. The research was carried out in 2017-2019. The analysis was performed with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The concentrations of trace elements in drinking water were below maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs). Reductions in the most dangerous elements during water treatment fluctuated from 48.5% (As) to 97% (Pb). Wastewater treatment reduced the concentrations of analyzed elements by a range of 28.6 to 60.8%, and the most toxic elements (Pb and As) by over 50%. Trace element concentrations in treated wastewater were below MAC values, and ranged from 1.15% (Pb) to 6.23% (As) of MACs for toxic elements. The concentrations of both essential elements (Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu) and toxic elements (Pb, As) in drinking water were below the MACs. Water treatment had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on decreasing trace element concentrations.

Health benefits and risks associated with element uptake from grilled fish and fish products.

BACKGROUND: The content of essential and toxic elements in grilled fish (Atlantic salmon, trout) and in 20 assortments of fish products was examined. The aim of this study was to assess the fulfilment of the demand for Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu based on recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) or adequate intakes (AIs) and to assess the health risk associated with the consumption of Al, Pb and Cd. The risk assessment was based on estimated weekly intake (EWI), hazard index (HI), target risk ratio (THQ) and percentage: provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for Al, tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for Cd and reference dose lower bound (BMDL) for Pb. RESULTS: Taking into account the health benefits, the best source of Fe, Cu and Mn was found to be fish products in cans and jars, 150 g of which covered the daily requirement: Fe 9.39%, Cu 2.91% and Mn 1.21%. Smoked fish covered the RDA for Zn to 5.69%. Moreover, the uptake of toxic elements was as follows: Al 0.45% PTWI: Pb 0.74% BMDL10 and Cd 2.20% TWI. The THQ values for Pb and Cd were significantly lower than 1, whereas for Al it reached as high as 4.0. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate that there is no risk related to the intake of Pb and Cd with the consumption of the tested fish products. Low consumption of fish by Poles, however, contributes to their small share in covering the demand for microelements, i.e. Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Endocrine-disrupting organochlorine xenobiotics in fish products imported from Asia-an assessment of human health risk.

The sources of endocrine-disrupting persistent organochlorine compounds (OC) are environmental pollutants. Contaminated food is a direct result of environmental pollution, and fish are considered as the main source of OC in the human diet. This study aimed to analyze the contamination of imported fish fillets with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in the context of potential health risks of consumers in Poland in the light of the new tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values. The tested compounds in fish products were determined by liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GS-MS) method. Despite the detection of almost all pesticides analyzed in the fish fillets tested, the risk factor (hazard quotient) was significantly lower than 1.0, ranging from 0.003 to 0.013. Considering the previous recommended TWI value (14 pg-TEQ/kg bw/week), the estimated weekly intake was lower at 43-53% of TWI. However, according to the new TWI values set by the EFSA in 2018, the estimated weekly intake was about three times higher than the TWI. This raises concerns regarding threats to consumer health.

The estimation of consumer health risk associated with organochlorine xenobiotics in hard smoked cheese in Poland.

The aim of this study was to estimate the health risks associated with consumption of smoked cheeses, which are popular in Poland. The analysis covered polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) indicator congeners (ndl-PCBs: PCB 28, PCB 52, PCB 101, PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 180), dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs): non-ortho (PCB 77, PCB 81, PCB 126, PCB 169) and mono-ortho (PCB 105, PCB 114, PCB 118, PCB 156, PCB 157), as well as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs: αHCH, ßHCH, γHCH, heptachlor, aldrin, heptachlor epoxid isomer B, dieldrin, pp'DDE op'DDD, pp'DDT, pp'DDD, op'DDT, endrin). The pesticide residues detected in the examined cheese were below the maximum residues levels. The estimated daily intake [lifetime average daily dose (LADD)] referring to the sum of the compounds varied within 4.21 · 10(-7)-3.92 · 10(-6) mg · kg(-1) · day(-1) and was significantly lower than the tolerable daily intake/acceptable daily intake (TDI/ADI) for individual compounds. The health hazard quotient, being the exact measure of the magnitude of exposure potential or a quantifiable potential for developing non-carcinogenic health effects after an averaged exposure period, was also very low, ranging from 2.87 · 10(-6) to 5.32 · 10(-5). The obtained results confirmed that the intake of rennet cheese does not pose any consumer health risk in Poland.

Assessment of health risk from organochlorine pesticides residues in high-fat spreadable foods produced in Poland.

Currently, butter and margarine are food products attracting wide customer interest. Every day, consumers around the world buy these products for human consumption. Butter is obtained from milk fat, while margarine is derived from vegetable oils. The content of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues was examined in both types of these high fatty products. A gas chromatograph with MSD (HP 5973) detector was used for the determination of pesticides such as α-HCH, ß-HCH, γ-HCH, DDT, DDD, DDE, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide. The examined products had diverse concentrations of the analyzed compounds. Visible was the division based on the origin of the product, which might be composed of animal or vegetable fats. The research has revealed the presence of OCP residues in all examined spreads. Quantities of organochlorine compounds did not pose an immediate danger to the consumers' health. Human and environmental health risk assessment was carried out by the estimation of lifetime average daily dose (LADD) and non-carcinogenic health hazard quotient (HQ). Total estimated LADD ranged between 1.3 × 10(-5) and 3.1 × 10(-5) mg kg(-1) d(-1) for butter, and 1.9 × 10(-6) and 4.6 × 10(-6) mg kg(-1) d(-1) for margarine and mix spread. The HQ ranged between 1.1 × 10(-4) and 3.7 × 10(-4) for butter, and 1.4 × 10(-5) and 9.0 × 10(-6) for margarine and mix spread for adults. These estimated HQs were within the safe acceptable limits, indicating a negligible risk to the residents of the study area.

Microplastics as a Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and Human Health.

The threat posed by microplastics has become one of the world's most serious problems. Recent reports indicate that the presence of microplastics has been documented not only in coastal areas and beaches, but also in water reservoirs, from which they enter the bodies of aquatic animals and humans. Microplastics can also bioaccumulate contaminants that lead to serious damage to aquatic ecosystems. The lack of comprehensive data makes it challenging to ascertain the potential consequences of acute and chronic exposure, particularly for future generations. It is crucial to acknowledge that there is still a substantial need for rapid and effective techniques to identify microplastic particles for precise evaluation. Additionally, implementing legal regulations, limiting plastic production, and developing biodegradation methods are promising solutions, the implementation of which could limit the spread of toxic microplastics.

Tracking Trace Elements Found in Coffee and Infusions of Commercially Available Coffee Products Marketed in Poland.

Coffee is a source of micronutrients, including iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. It may also contain toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium. The effects of coffee on the human body may vary depending on its composition. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of ground and instant coffee with regard to the content of selected trace elements. The concentrations of trace elements, including copper, iron, manganese, and zinc, were determined by ICP-AES, while the levels of lead and cadmium were quantified by GF-AAS methods. Furthermore, the degree of coverage of the recommended intake of elements and the risk assessment for human health (EDI, THQ, PTMI, and TWI) were determined. Our findings indicate that the consumption of a cup of coffee provides the body with only small amounts of these elements. A coffee prepared from 6.33 g of ground coffee beans provides 0.08-1.52% of the RDA value, while a coffee prepared from 6.33 g of instant coffee provides 0.46-13.01% of the RDA, depending on the microelement. The low transfer to the brew (Pb = 7.1%; Cd = 30.0%) of the analyzed ground coffees renders them safe for the consumer, even at a consumption of six cups per day. The percentage of benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL0.1) in the case of lead did not exceed 0.9%. The estimated value did not exceed 0.2% of the provisional tolerable monthly intake of cadmium (PTMI). None of the analyzed coffees exhibited any risk regarding the trace elements.

Health risks associated with mercury intake from rice and rice products.

The main route of human exposure to toxic contaminants is through the consumption of contaminated food. To protect against potential negative health effects of rice consumption, the concentration of total mercury (THg) in rice and rice products sold in Poland was determined, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. In this study, the concentration of THg in selected types of rice and rice products was determined and assessed. The determinations were carried out using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) in a DMA-1 mercury analyzer. Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient values (THQ), and tolerable weekly intake (TWI), the toxicological risk associated with the intake of total mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) from the products tested was also estimated. The analysis indicated that the highest Hg content was in rice cakes and the lowest in white rice and rice noodles. Total mercury content was found to be below the maximum permitted level. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) values for THg and MeHg in rice and rice products were lower than 1. These findings suggest that the food items examined pose no health risk.

Assessment of essential and toxic trace element levels in erythrocytes of hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, resulting in end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the profile of essential and toxic trace elements in erythrocytes of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and their relationship with selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters. METHODS: The present study compared the profiles of trace elements, including toxic sub-stances, in the erythrocytes of 80 hemodialysis patients with CKD with 40 healthy subjects. All patients had stage 5 CKD. The levels of Cd and Pb were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu Cr, Ni, and Li by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. RESULTS: The ESRD patients demonstrated significantly lower Fe and Zn concentrations and significantly higher Mn and Li and toxic Pb and Cd concentrations in erythrocytes compared to those of the healthy controls. Negative correlations were observed, among others, between the concentrations of Cu, Li, and creatinine; Cu and phosphates; Mn, Pb, and transferrin saturation while positive correlations were noted between Cu, Cr, and transferrin and Pb, Cr, and the normalized protein catabolism rate. CONCLUSIONS: The higher concentrations of toxic elements present in the erythrocytes of CKD patients might have resulted from the reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete them. Moreover, differences in the concentrations of essential elements (Fe, Mn, Zn) between the two groups indicated that their resorption in the kidneys of CKD patients was impaired. Patients with CKD might benefit from interventions intended to reduce high, toxic concentrations of Pb and Cd and Li and Mn as an alternative supportive treatment. Iron and zinc supplementation should be a component for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients.

Assessment of honey contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The aim of this study was to assess honey contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Six species of honey were examined, as well as rape blossom and soil from villages Peczerzyno and Przybyslaw in West Pomerania, Poland. The instrumental analysis was performed using a HP 6890 gas chromatograph coupled to a HP 5973 mass spectrometer with selected ion monitoring (SIM). Quantification was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using perdeuterated internal standards. Both soil samples showed high levels of all 23 PAHs, whereas honey contained mostly non-carcinogenic PAHs of low molecular weight. The most contaminated honey from Peczerzyno contained 0.24 µg kg-1 benzo[a]pyrene. Moreover, despite low contamination of honey, a positive correlation was found between PAH content in honey, blossom and soil.

Assessment of daily intake of organochlorine pesticides from milk in different regions of Poland.

The common occurrence of organochlorine compounds in the environment, food and human tissues may constitute a serious threat to human health. The method of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to determine the content of pesticides in 15 samples of raw cow's milk from different regions of Poland. The results revealed high levels of p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, heptachlor and aldrin. The studied milk contained lindane in average concentrations within the maximum limits. Although in 20% of all samples tested, the concentration of lindane exceeded permissible limits, while in 15% of samples the content of Σ DDT was too high. But the average daily consumption of milk containing organochlorine pesticides poses no direct threat to human health, because daily intake (DI) for all compounds were below the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Attention should be paid to the exposure of consumers to pesticide residues from other dairy foods.

Comparison of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls residues in vegetables, grain and soil from organic and conventional farming in Poland.

Organic and conventional crops were studied by identifying the relationship between persistent organic pollutants in cereals, vegetables and soil. The residues of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in grains (rye and wheat), vegetables (carrots and beets) and soil collected from the fields. PCB residues recorded in the beets from organic farming were as high as 3.71 ppb dry weight (dry wt.), while in the soil from conventional farming of beets 0.53 ppb dry wt. Among vegetables, higher concentrations of pesticides were detected in organically grown beets (190.63 ppb dry wt.). Soil samples from the organic farming contained lower levels of organochlorine pesticide residues compared to the conventional farming. Taking into account toxicity equivalent (TEQ), the conventionally grown carrots accumulated the most toxic PCBs. Non-ortho and mono-ortho PCBs were also noted in the grain of conventionally grown rye and amounted to 3.05 pg-TEQ/g wet wt.

[Evaluation of contamination of some types of honey with selected persistent organic polutants (POPs)]. / Ocena zanieczyszczenia wybranych gatunków miodu zwiazkami z grupy trwalych zanieczyszczen organicznych.

BACKGROUND: Honey is a synonymous of healthy food. Its quality is associated with the state of the environment. Although persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons are no longer produced nor used, their residues are still detected in the environment. Some of these compounds are carcinogenic to humans. Continuous exposure of bees to various types of chemicals impacts also their products. Therefore, knowledge of the degree of contamination of honey may have important implications for human health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the degree of honey contamination with POPs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six species of honey were analyzed, as well as rape inflorescences and soil coming from the villages Peczerzyno and Przybyslaw in Western Pomerania, Poland. The scope of investigation included organochlorine pesticides: alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor epoxid isomer B, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDD, dioxin-like non-ortho PCB congeners (PCB 77, PCB 81, PCB 126, PCB 169), dioxin-like mono-ortho PCB congeners (PCB 105, PCB 114, PCB 156, PCB 157) and indicator PCB congeners (PCB 28, PCB 52, PCB 101, PCB 118, PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 180). Chromatographic separation was performed using gas chromatography (HP 6890) coupled with mass spectrometry (HP 5973). RESULTS: Among the analyzed organochlorine pesticides the highest concentration in honeys was noticed for heptachlor (3.89 ng/g mm). The content of indicator PCB congeners in honey ranged from below LOQ values to 0.02 ng/g w.w. The content of non- and mono-ortho PCB congeners in honey were relatively low, reaching a maximum 0.02 ng/g w.w. CONCLUSIONS: The content of the analyzed organochlorine compounds in the material depended on the location of sampling sites, and the highest concentrations were found in rape inflorescences. The soil and rape inflorescences from Peczerzyno were the most contaminated with POPs, but it had no clear impact on the content of the compounds in honey. Buckwheat honey was significantly (p<0,05) least contaminated with POPs. The content of the examined POPs in honeys was low and safe for consumers health.

Estimation of Target Hazard Quotients and Potential Health Risks for Toxic Metals and Other Trace Elements by Consumption of Female Fish Gonads and Testicles.

The aim of this study was to assess the risk to consumers associated with the intake of toxic metals and other trace elements in diets that include the female gonads, testicles, and muscles of four popular freshwater fish species in Poland­common bream (Abramis brama L.), European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.), common roach (Rutilus rutilus L.), and northern pike (Esox Lucius L.). The following methods were used to determine the elements: GF-AAS (Pb, Cd); CV-AAS (Hg); ICP-AES (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Li, Cr, Al). The concentration of toxic elements (Hg, Cd, Pb) in the female gonads and testicles ranged from 0.004 ± 0.006 mg/kg (Cd) to 0.028 ± 0.018 mg/kg (Pb). Of the other elements, the lowest content was noted for Cr (0.122 ± 0.182 mg/kg) and the highest for Al (46.98 ± 31.89 mg/kg). The study confirmed that female gonads and testicles are a valuable source of essential trace elements (Zn, Fe). Considering the content of toxic elements, the raw material of female gonads and testicles posed no health risks (THQ < 1).

Comparison of two sample preparation methods for analysis of organochlorine pesticides residues in fish muscle.

The aim of this study was to compare recoveries of organochlorine pesticides (heptachlor, α-HCH, ß-HCH, γ-HCH, op'-DDD, pp'-DDD, pp'-DDE, op'-DDT, pp'-DDT) from fish muscle dried by two alternative methods: (i) grinding with anhydrous sodium sulphate and (ii) freeze drying. Pesticide residues content was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS-MS) method. For four pesticides (γ-HCH, α-HCH, heptachlor and pp;-DDD) in four of five fish species, higher recoveries were obtained from the freeze-dried samples. For five remaining pesticides, correlations between fish species and drying method were not found. The results of this study do not clearly indicate which drying method caused lower losses of analytes. Recoveries from the freeze-dried samples ranged from 69.9 to 117.6 %, while recoveries from the samples ground with sodium sulphate varied from 64.4 to 126.7 %. Either of the methods gave satisfactory recoveries and they both can be used interchangeably.

[The content of selected mineral nutrients in infant and follow-on formulae available at retail stores in Szczecin]. / Zawartosc wybranych mineralnych skladników zywieniowych w mleku modyfikowanym dla niemowlat dostepnym w szczecinskich sklepach.

Artificial feeding of infants is applied in situations when breastfeeding is impossible for various reasons. Such feeding is based on modified cow's milk made similar in composition to human milk. The aim of this study was to examine the content of Mg, Ca, K and Na in infant and follow-on formulae. The study also evaluated how the formulae satisfy the demand for these minerals in children of different age groups. The study has revealed that an excess supply of the minerals occurred in infant formulae (from 0 to 6 months) comparing to the recommended values (AI, EAR, RDA).

Endocrine-Disrupting Organochlorine Pesticides in Human Breast Milk: Changes during Lactation.

The aim of the present study was to assess infant safety associated with the occurrence of endocrine-disrupting organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in breast milk. Moreover, the association between pregnant mothers' dietary habits and these compounds levels in breast milk was investigated. Breast milk was collected at various stages of lactation. The samples were analyzed by the GC-MS method. The OCP concentrations ranged from < limit of detection (LOD) to 6.81 ng/g lipids. The highest OCP concentrations in breast milk occurred primarily within the first month of lactation, and decreased over the lactation period. It was found that the maternal consumption of certain food products-in particular pork, beef, poultry, eggs, and dairy products-could have affected the content of 1,1'-(2,2,2-Trichloroethane-1,1-diyl)bis(4-chlorobenzene), called DDT and its metabolites in the breast milk. The levels of beta-endosulfan were positively correlated with fish and poultry consumption. The redundancy analysis indicated that the diets of the pregnant women had an important impact on pesticide residues in the breast milk. There is a potential possibility of lowering the content of organochlorine compounds in breast milk by adhering to nutritional recommendations, e.g., avoiding the excessive consumption of fish and other raw food materials of unknown origin.

Effect of Protein Denaturation Temperature on Rheological Properties of Baltic Herring (Clupea harengus membras) Muscle Tissue.

The technological properties of raw fish are influenced by the changes in protein structure under heating, which determines the texture and quality of the product. The aim of the study was to examine the protein denaturation temperature and the rheological properties of Baltic herring muscle tissue. The thermal properties were determined by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method and the rheological properties were determined using dynamic oscillatory tests. DSC showed four peaks associated with denaturing transformations of myosin (39.59 °C), sarcoplasm (51.67 °C), connective tissue (63.16 °C), and actin (74.40 °C). Analysis showed that not all transformations occurred according to the same kinetic model. The first two and the last peak are described by 1st order kinetics, while peak 3 is described by 2nd order kinetics. Correlating the changes in fish tissue structure during heating with the rheological characteristics provides more information. The obtained kinetics models correlated very strongly with the results of model testing. Rheological changes of the G' and G" values had two inflexion points and demonstrate a high degree of convergence with the DSC changes of herring muscle tissue from 20 to 85 °C.