Effect of acute exposure to settleable atmospheric particulate matter emitted by the steel industry on hematology and innate immunity of fat snook (Centropomus parallelus).

The steel industry is a significant worldwide source of atmospheric particulate matter (PM). Part of PM may settle (SePM) and deposit metal/metalloid and metallic nanoparticles in aquatic ecosystems. However, such an air-to-water cross-contamination is not observed by most monitoring agencies. The region of Vitoria City is the main location of iron processing for exports in Brazil, and it has rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas affected by SePM. We have evaluated the effects of SePM on a local representative fish species, the fat snook, Centropomus parallelus. After acclimation, 48 fishes (61.67 ± 27.83 g) were individually exposed for 96 h to diverse levels of SePM (0.0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 g/L-1). The presence of metals in the blood and several blood biomarkers were analyzed to evaluate the impact of SePM on stress signaling, blood oxygen transport capacity, and innate immune activity. Metal bioaccumulation was measured from blood in two separately analyzed compartments: intracellular (erythrocytes plus white blood cells) and extracellular (plasma). The major metals present at all contamination levels in both compartments were Fe and Zn, followed by Al and Cu, plus traces of 'Emerging metals': Ba, Ce, La, Rb, Se, Sr, and Ti. Emerging metals refer to those that have recently been identified in water as contaminants, encompassing rare earth elements and critical technology elements, as documented in previous studies (See REEs and TCEs in Cobelo-García et al., 2015; Batley et al., 2022). Multivariate analysis revealed that SePM had strong, dose-dependent correlations with all biomarker groups and indicated that blood oxygen-carrying capacity had the highest contamination responsiveness. Metal contamination also increased cortisol and blood glucose levels, attesting to increased stress signaling, and had a negative effect on innate immune activity. Knowledge of the risks related to SePM contamination remains rudimentary. However, the fact that there was metal bioaccumulation, causing impairment of fundamental physiological and cellular processes in this ecologically relevant fish species, consumed by the local human population, highlights the pressing need for further monitoring and eventual control of SePM contamination.

Evaluating antibiotic occurrence, degradation, and environmental risks in poultry litter within Argentina's agricultural hub.

This study explores the relationship between poultry farming's antibiotic administration practices and residual antibiotic levels in the litter before its application onto agricultural soils. Twenty-three antibiotics were performed across 19 Argentinean farms representing diverse antibiotic management practices. Analysis revealed up to 20 antibiotics from eight chemical classes in poultry litter samples, with tylosin, enrofloxacin, and salinomycin being the most relevant drugs. Farms with restricted antibiotic use in feed exhibited lower residual concentrations. A self-heating treatment was tested to reduce litter antibiotic levels. Although a 60 % reduction of antibiotics was found after treatment, prevalent compounds persisted at residual levels. Regulatory measures and comprehensive litter treatments pre-application are crucial to mitigate environmental risks. This is the first study that provides insight on the occurrence of >20 drugs in real poultry production scenarios from Latin America and demonstrates how relatively simple treatments can be readily applied to decrease the associated environmental risks.

Integrating chemical and biological data by chemometrics to evaluate detoxification responses of a neotropical bivalve to metal and metalloid contamination.

Mangroves represent a challenge in monitoring studies due to their physical and chemical conditions under constant marine and anthropogenic influences. This study investigated metals/metalloids whole-body bioaccumulation (soft tissues) and the risk associated with their uptake, biochemical and morphological detoxification processes in gills and metals/metalloids immobilisation in shells of the neotropical sentinel oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae from two Brazilian estuarine sites. Biochemical and morphological responses indicated three main mechanisms: (1) catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione played important roles as the first defence against reactive oxygen species; (2) antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, glutathione S-transferase, metallothionein prevent protein damage and (3) metals/metalloids sequestration into oyster shells as a mechanism of oyster detoxification. However, the estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, and hazard index showed that the human consumption of oysters would not represent a human health risk. Among 14 analysed metals/metalloids, chemometrics indicate that Mn, As, Pb, Zn and Fe overload the antioxidant system leading to morphological alterations in gills. Overall, results indicated cellular vacuolization and increases in mucous cell density as defence mechanisms to prevent metals/metalloids accumulation and the reduction in gill cilia; these have long-term implications in respiration and feeding and, consequently, for growth and development. The integration of data from different sites and environmental conditions using chemometrics highlights the main biological patterns of detoxification from a neotropical estuarine bivalve, indicating the way in which species can cope with metals/metalloids contamination and its ecological consequences.

Effect of geographical location, processing and simulated digestion on antioxidant characteristics of quince (Cydonia oblonga).

Quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga Miller) is an important source of bioactive compounds, especially of phenolic compounds, that's why it is considered a good source of antioxidants. However, it is known that the antioxidant characteristics and the beneficial effect of foods are affected by the variety, geographical origin, processing and gastrointestinal digestion. In this work, the effects of the geographical origin, processing, and simulated digestion of quince jam on its antioxidant characteristics were studied. Phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity were determined in quince fruit and jam from four different locations in San Juan, Argentina. The results showed that quince fruit samples from St. Lucia had the highest total phenolic content (5.13 mg GAE/g; p < 0.05) and in vitro antioxidant capacity measured by ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and radical-scavenging capacity assay (DPPH· and ABTS·+ ). With regard to quince jam, a positive effect was observed on its antioxidant characteristics after processing. Twenty-one phenolics were detected in jam, being most of them derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids (eg. 5-caffeoylquinic acid; 4-caffeoylquinic acid and quinic acid). Studies on stability and bioaccessibility of quince phenolics showed that less than 25% of the initial phenolics in jam were detected after digestion being quinic acid and hydroxycinnamic acids the most resistant. The in vitro antioxidant capacity showed, in general, a similar trend to the phenolics content throughout the digestion process. The results obtained showed that the antioxidant activity of quince and jam is related to the type and amount of phenolics in the samples, which depends on the geographical origin, processing, and gastrointestinal digestion. These variables are not always taken into account when studying the probable antioxidant activity of food, even though they should be considered for a complete nutritional evaluation of a food.

Novel cookie formulation with defatted sesame flour: Evaluation of its technological and sensory properties. Changes in phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and gut microbiota after simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

Defatted sesame flour (DSF), a coproduct of the sesame oil extraction process, is often discarded despite having high polyphenol content. The aim of this study was to improve the antioxidant properties of cookies with increasing amounts of DSF (5, 10, and 20%) and study its impact on processing and gastrointestinal digestion. Besides, we evaluated the effect of this incorporation on the technological and sensory properties of cookies. The formulation with 10% (SFC10) showed technological quality similar to control, and was the most accepted by consumers. After baking, 13 out of 25 polyphenols from DSF were observed, and only 19% of the initial SFC10 polyphenols would be potentially absorbed after digestion. Besides, the addition of DSF benefits the microbiota composition after colonic fermentation. In conclusion, supplementation with 10% of DSF in cookies improves sensorial acceptance and antioxidant properties, without affecting the technological ones.

Influence of the extraction conditions on chia oil quality and partially defatted flour antioxidant properties.

Partially defatted chia flour (PDCF) is a by-product of oil extraction from chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.). It may be used as an ingredient to improve food products, especially due to its antioxidant properties. In this work, we studied the best screw press extraction conditions that allow preserving the antioxidant properties of PDCF. A central composite design was applied to perform a response surface analysis in order to optimize the oil extraction. The variables considered for optimization were seed moisture content and pressing temperature. Besides the oil quality indicators, the study was focused on the assessment of PDCF properties, including total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity determined by chemical methods. Our results show that, within the range of screw press conditions evaluated, the chemical quality of the oil and the antioxidant properties of PDCF are both preserved. The best results (highest oil yield and stability) were obtained under a seed moisture content of 10.2% and a pressing temperature of 58.5 °C. In general, our results indicate that screw press methodology can be applied to process chia seeds, using a wide range of conditions, to concurrently produce good quality oil and a PDCF with beneficial properties.

Identification of chia, flax and sesame seeds authenticity markers by NMR-based untargeted metabolomics and their validation in bakery products containing them.

Chia, flax, and sesame seeds are considered superseeds due to their beneficial nutritional properties, and they are frequently included as functional ingredients in foods. Authenticity markers of these seeds, including bakery products containing them, have been identified by both liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, respectively) targeted metabolomics. However, there are no reports describing the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy based metabolomics to identify authenticity markers in either the raw seeds or foods containing them. We herein report the application of an untargeted NMR-based metabolomics workflow to the identification of authenticity markers for the three seeds. Seven markers, belonging to the families of polyphenols and cyanogenic glycosides, allowed good differentiation of the raw materials. Validation in cookies containing different seed percentages showed that two markers resisted the processing stage, making them feasible authenticity markers for the food trade.

Settleable atmospheric particulate matter induces stress and affects the oxygen-carrying capacity and innate immunity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Steel industry emissions of atmospheric particulate matter are responsible for air to water cross-contamination, which deposits metal/metalloid contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. This source of contamination has not been considered in most of the environmental monitoring protocols. Settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SePM) collected in an area of steel industry influence was used to analyze the sublethal effects on the hematological and innate immunological variables in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after short-term exposure (96 h). Blood samples were analyzed to evaluate the oxygen-carrying transport capacity, innate immune activity and stress biomarkers after exposure to ecologically relevant concentration of SePM. The exposure reduced blood oxygen-carrying capacity by lessening hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocyte, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Compensatory increments in mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin have also been observed. The contaminant impacted the immune system by reducing the number of leukocytes, thrombocytes, and monocytes, total plasma protein, leukocyte respiratory activity, and by increasing lysozyme concentration. Furthermore, the contaminant caused endocrine stress response, raising plasma cortisol and glucose. Therefore, the alterations caused by SePM threatened the capacity of sustaining aerobic metabolism, impaired the immune system, and changed the energy allocation due to both stress response and immune effect. This may have important implications for the impact of SePM on aquatic ecosystems. Future investigations should assess SePM impact on general physiology and aerobic performance, especially to face common ecological challenges such as hypoxia and sustained swimming. These results point out the need to develop proper protocols to address the air-to-water cross-contamination risks by iron ore processing industries.

Arylated analogues of cypronazole: fungicidal effect and activity on human fibroblasts. Docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations.

Triadimefon (TDM) and cyproconazole (CPZ) are two triazoles widely used as fungicides. Several azoles were synthesised starting from commercial TDM and CPZ. The compounds were evaluated against phytopathogenic filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus (AF), A. niger (AN), A. ustus (AU), A. japonicus (AJ), A. terreus (AT), Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea isolated from grapevine in the province of San Juan, Argentina. Three of the synthesised compounds (1-(Biphenyl-4-yloxy)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-one, 1; 2-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-3-cyclopropyl-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol, 3; 3-Cyclopropyl-2-(4'-fluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol1-yl)butan-2-ol, 4) presented remarkable in vitro fungicidal properties, with better effects than TDM and CPZ on some of the target fungi. Cytotoxicity was assessed using human lung fibroblasts MRC5. Derivative 1, with IC50 values of 389.4 µM, was less toxic towards MRC-5 human lung fibroblasts than commercial TDM (248.5 µM) and CPZ (267.4 µM). Docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the compounds present the same interaction in the binding pocket of the CYP51B enzyme and with the same amino acids as CPZ. The derivatives investigated could be considered broad-spectrum but with some selectivity towards imperfect fungi.

Metallic nanoparticle contamination from environmental atmospheric particulate matter in the last slab of the trophic chain: Nanocrystallography, subcellular localization and toxicity effects.

Atmospheric particulate material (PM) from mining and steel industries comprises several metallic contaminants. PM10 samples collected in a Brazilian region with a recognized influence of the steel and iron pelletizing industries were used to investigate metallic nanoparticle incorporation into human fibroblast cells (MRC-5). MRC-5 cells were exposed to 0 (control, ultrapure water), 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 µg PM10 mL-1, for 24 h. Cytotoxic and genotoxic dose-response effects were observed on lysosome and DNA structure, and concentrations high as 20 and 40 µg PM10 mL-1 induced elevated cell death. Ultrastructure analyses showed aluminosilicate, iron, and the emerging metallic contaminants titanium, bismuth, and cerium nanoparticles were incorporated into lung cells, in which the nanocrystallography analysis indicated the bismuth as Bi2O3. All internalized metallic nanoparticles were free and unbound in the cytoplasm and nucleus thereby indicating bioavailability and potential interaction to biological processes and cellular structures. Pearson's correlation analysis showed Fe, Ni, Al, Cr, Pb and Hg as the main cytotoxic elements which are associated with the stainless steel production. The presence of internalized nanoparticles in human lung cells exposed to environmental atmospheric matter highlights the need for a greater effort by regulatory agencies to understand their potential damage and hence the need for future regulation, especially of emerging metallic contaminants.

Comparative metabolite fingerprinting of chia, flax and sesame seeds using LC-MS untargeted metabolomics.

Chia, flax, and sesame seeds are well known for their nutritional quality and are commonly included in bakery products. So far, the development of methods to verify their presence and authenticity in foods is a requisite and a raised need. In this work we applied untargeted metabolomics to propose authenticity markers. Seeds were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS and 9938 features in negative mode and 9044 in positive mode were obtained by Mzmine. After isotopes grouping, alignment, gap-filling, filtering adducts, and normalization, PCA was applied to explore the dataset and recognize pre-existent classification patterns. OPLS-DA analysis and S-Plots were used as supervised methods. Twenty-five molecules (12 in negative mode and 13 in positive mode) were selected as discriminant for the three seeds, polyphenols and lignans were identified among them. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approach using non-target HPLC-MS/MS for the authentication of chia, flax and sesame seeds.

Antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of "Composed Yerba Mate".

Yerba mate contains bioactive compounds, and is widely consumed as a decoction beverage in several Southern American countries. At present, the consumption of mate with added herbal blends and flavors, called "composed yerba mate", has increased; however, no studies on the antioxidant characteristics of these products have been published. In this sense, the main objective was to assess the antioxidant characteristics of "composed yerba mate" compared to "traditional yerba mate", in the form it is traditionally consumed. Total polyphenols content ranged from 15 to 45 mg/g GAE in all decoctions analyzed. Seventeen phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, mainly belonging to the caffeoylquinic acids group. The antioxidant capacity was measured using in vitro assays, Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and with Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the in vivo model organism. All decoctions displayed antioxidant activity and were capable of rescuing yeast cells between 10.68 and 18.38% from oxidative stress. Multiple regression analysis showed a high correlation between phenolic composition and activity of samples, where different compounds indicate a significant contribution to the observed activity. Significant differences were found in the content, profile and antioxidant activity of polyphenols when "traditional yerba mate" and "composed yerba mate" were compared. In some cases, the antioxidant capacity was similar or higher in composed yerba mate; while the rest displayed lower biological activity. Based on these findings, it would be possible to assume that the addition of herb mixtures modifies the antioxidant and biological properties of mate. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s13197-020-04961-x).

Validation of exposure indexes to pesticides through the analysis of exposure and effect biomarkers in ground pesticide applicators from Argentina.

The characterization of the population exposed to pesticides and the use of effective biomarkers to evaluate potential health effects are determinant to identify vulnerable groups, understanding the causality of diverse pathologies and propose prevention policies. This is particularly important in countries where intensive agricultural practices had an explosive expansion in last decades. The aim of this study was assessing the usefulness of two exposure indexes questionnaire-based: Intensity Level of the pesticide Exposure (ILE) and Cumulative Exposure Index (CEI) and their scales, in terrestrial applicators of pesticide from the Province of Córdoba (Argentina). The analysis was performed contrasting ILE and CEI results with perceived symptomatology, in addition to effect and exposure biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was designed to compare pesticides body burdens and effect biomarkers between subjects occupationally (OE) and non-occupationally exposed (NOE) to pesticides. Prevalence of perceived symptomatology and genotoxicity damage was higher in the OE group. The exposure condition was the only variable explaining these differences. Significant associations were found between CEI and neurologic symptomatology (p < 0.05) and between ILE and plasmatic cholinesterase (p < 0.1). However, residues of HCB, ß-HCH, α-endosulfan, pp'DDE, endrin, ß-endosulfan, pp'DDT, endosulfan sulfate and mirex were found in blood samples from both groups. To our knowledge, this is the first report on pesticides body burdens in occupational exposure settings in Argentina. So far, our current results indicate that the occupational condition affects the health of the workers. Significant associations found between symptomatology and biomarkers with scales of CEI and ILE suggest their usefulness to verify different levels of exposure. Further research is necessary to propose these indexes as an affordable tool for occupational health surveillance in areas with difficult access to health care centres.

Different trophodynamics between two proximate estuaries with differing degrees of pollution.

Mangroves are complex ecosystems with widely varying abiotic factors such as salinity, pH, redox potential, substratum particle size, dissolved organic matter and xenobiotic concentrations, and a high biodiversity. This paper presents the trophodynamic pathways of accumulation and transfer of metals and metalloids (B, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Pb and Hg), in three trophic chains (plant-crab-fish, plankton-shrimp-fish and plankton-oyster) of similar food webs, corresponding to two mangrove estuaries (Santa Cruz and Vitória Bay, separated by 70 km) in the Espírito Santo State (Brazil). Although the trophic transfer patterns are affected by physical variables, metal and metalloids were found in all trophic levels. We observed similar trophodynamics between both estuaries with some elements, but unequal transfer patterns in other cases, thus questioning the effectiveness of 15N to determine the food chain when the aquatic biota is affected by anthropogenic contaminants. Thus, in the Santa Cruz estuary, most metals were biomagnified through the food web. Conversely, Vitória Bay presented mostly biodilution, suggesting that metal/metalloid transference patterns in mangrove ecosystems may be affected by different anthropogenic contamination inputs. These results indicate the importance of knowing the complete food web when evaluating the trophic transfer of elements, including an evaluation of the differential impact of pollution on diverse components of the food chain.

Atmospheric particulate matter from an industrial area as a source of metal nanoparticle contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Air pollution legislation and control worldwide is based on the size of particulate matter (PM) to evaluate the effects on environmental and human health, in which the small diameter particles are considered more dangerous than larger sizes. This study investigates the composition, stability, size and dispersion of atmospheric settleable particulate matter (SePM) in an aqueous system. We aimed to interrogate the changes in the physical properties and characteristics that can contribute to increased metal uptake by aquatic biota. Samples collected in an area influenced by the steel and iron industry were separated into 8 fractions (425 to ≤10 µm) and analysed physically and chemically. Results from ICP-MS and X-ray showed that the PM composition was mainly hematite with 80% of Fe, followed by Al, Mn and Ti. Among 27 elements analysed we found 19 metals, showing emerging metallic contaminants such as Y, Zr, Sn, La, Ba and Bi. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that SePM fractions are formed by an agglomeration of nanoparticles. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) demonstrated that SPM were dissociated in water, forming nanoparticles smaller than 200 nm, which can also contribute to water pollution. This study highlights that SePM contamination may be substantially higher than expected under that allowed in atmospheric regulatory frameworks, thereby extending their negative effect to water bodies upon settling, which is an underexplored area of our knowledge. We therefore provide important insights for future investigations on safety regulations involving SePM in the environment, indicating the need to revise the role of SePM, not solely associated with air pollution but also considering their deleterious effects on water resources.

Trophic transfer of emerging metallic contaminants in a neotropical mangrove ecosystem food web.

Emerging metallic contaminants (EMCs) are of concern due their presence in aquatic ecosystems and the lack of environmental regulations in several countries. This study verifies the presence of EMCs in two neotropical mangrove estuarine ecosystems (Espírito Santo Brazil) by evaluating abiotic and biotic matrices across six trophic levels (plankton, oyster, shrimp, mangrove trees, crabs and fish) and hence interrogates the trophic transfer of these elements and their possible input sources. Using the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae as a biomonitor, ten EMCs (Bi, Ce, La, Nb, Sn, Ta, Ti, W, Y and Zr) were determined. Bi input was from iron export and pelletizing industries; Ce, La and Y inputs were mainly associated with solid waste from steel production, while Zr, Nb and Ti were related to atmospheric particulate matter emissions. EMCs were detected at various trophic levels, showing biomagnification for most of them in the Santa Cruz estuary but biodilution in Vitória Bay. These contrasting results between the estuaries could be attributed to different pollution degrees, needing further research to be fully understood. This is the first report demonstrating EMCs trophic pathways in situ, constituting an essential baseline for future research and safety regulations involving EMCs in the environment.

Seasonal variations on trace element bioaccumulation and trophic transfer along a freshwater food chain in Argentina.

Río Tercero Reservoir (RTR) is the largest artificial reservoir in the province of Córdoba (Argentina). Water, sediment, plankton, shrimp (Palaemonetes argentinus), and fish (Odontesthes bonariensis) were collected during the wet season (WS) and dry season (DS) from this reservoir. Concentrations of Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Se, U, and Zn were determined to investigate their respective bioaccumulation pattern and trophic transfer in the food chain. Results showed that their concentrations in water were rather low except Pb, which exceed the limits considered as hazardous for aquatic life. The enrichment factor (EF) in sediments showed that most of the element were derived from anthropogenic sources. Furthermore, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) determined that the elements undergo bioaccumulation, especially in organisms such as plankton. The invertebrates were characterized by the highest BAF for Cu, P, and Zn in both seasons; Ag, As, and Hg during WS; and Se during DS. Fish muscle registered the highest BAF for Hg (DS) and Se (WS). A significant decrease in Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu (DS) Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, U, and Zn (DS) concentrations through the trophic chain was observed, indicating biodilution. Some notable exceptions were found as Cu (WS), Hg (DS), and P (both season) that showed biomagnification. Further studies are needed to establish differential behavior with different species and pollutant, particularly when the potential transfer is to edible organisms.

Targeted metabolomics to assess the authenticity of bakery products containing chia, sesame and flax seeds.

Food fraud is perpetrated with increasing frequency along the food chain, triggering the need for new and modern tools to detect food authenticity. Chia, flax and sesame seeds are well known for the good nutritional characteristics of their oils, but there is a lack of knowledge regarding the authenticity of these seeds and food products containing them as well. In the present work, we propose a method based on targeted metabolomics to identify the polyphenols present in seeds, which can be used as markers of authenticity. We tentatively identified 44 polyphenols in the different seeds by HPLC-DAD-ESI-qTOF (MS/MS). Chemometrics allowed the selection of 12 compounds, which are nominated as novel markers for seed authentication. Some of these compounds were also found in a lab-scale preparation of cookies supplemented with the studied seeds. The proposed chemical markers resisted the baking process, representing good candidates to be used in the authentication of raw material and bakery products containing these seeds.

Assessment of phytotoxic effects, uptake and translocation of diclofenac in chicory (Cichorium intybus).

Pharmaceuticals in the environment have been an increasing research topic over the past decade, since they can be found in both natural and drinking water, including irrigation of crops and edible plants with contaminated water. Our main goal was to evaluate the phytotoxic effect of diclofenac (DCF), a widely used pharmaceutical, on chicory (Cichorium intybus) seedlings. Additionally, we verified the uptake, bioconcentration and translocation of DCF from soil to chicory tissues. Results show that DCF induces different physiological changes in chicory seedlings. On the other hand, the soil-chicory experiment showed the activation of the detoxification system in plants treated with DCF (1 mg L-1). Finally, we found the migration of DCF from the irrigation water to the soil, followed by its uptake through the root, and its translocation to the aerial part of the chicory. However, DCF does not bioaccumulate in chicory leaves, being scarcely translocated from roots to aerial parts. This last result, along with the estimation of a daily intake of chicory, show that irrigation with water containing DCF (≤1 mg L-1) does not represent a threat to human health. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of DCF on chicory seedlings, including the evaluation of its uptake and translocation.

Distribution and bioaccumulation of 12 trace elements in water, sediment and tissues of the main fishery from different environments of the La Plata basin (South America): Risk assessment for human consumption.

The concentration of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, U, V, and Zn was analyzed in water, sediment, and different organs of Prochilodus lineatus (muscle, liver and gill) in three most commercially important catch areas along La Plata Basin, namely High Paraná River (HPR), Middle Paraná River (MPR) and Río de la Plata Estuary (RPE). The concentration of As, Cu and Zn (RPE) and Se (HPR) in water and As (RPE), Ni (HPR and MPR), Cu and Cr (all sites) in sediments exceeded the limits considered as hazardous for aquatic life. With the exception of Se (sediment-liver) and Pb (sediment-liver and sediment-gill), it was not observed a significant correlation between the element concentration in tissues and that found in water and sediment. No correlation was found between the size fish and element concentrations. Liver appeared to be the main storage tissue of trace elements and was classified as a macroconcentrator of Ag, Cu, Hg and Zn. Levels of trace elements in muscle of streaked prochilod were below recommended maximum levels established by national and international guidelines. According to Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), the consumption of muscle of P. lineatus from three sampling sites did not present toxicological risk for general and fishermen populations. Multivariate analyses suggest that the three groups studied remain with an important degree of geographical segregation, indicating that regulations should be revised according to the presence of contaminants in the different fishing areas.