Total Mercury Content in the Tissues of Freshwater Chelonium (Podocnemis expansa) and a Human Health Risk Assessment for the Amazon Population in Brazil.

Researchers recognize the silent, negative and deleterious effects caused by mercury pollution in gold mining areas. Freshwater turtles are culturally part of the diet of riverside populations in the Amazon region and this area presents mercury (Hg) pollution issues mainly due to gold mining activities. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the total mercury (THg) content in the different organs of Amazonian giant river turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and carry out a human health risk assessment associated with the consumption of these animals. This study was conducted in the Vila Balbina, municipality of Presidente Figueiredo, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Skin (n = 28), muscle (n = 19) and brain (n = 2) samples were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (TDA-AAS) and a DMA-80™ mercury analyzer was used for the total mercury determinations. The average values found for THg in the skin, muscle and brain samples were, respectively, 0.1045 mg·kg-1, 0.1092 mg·kg-1 and 0.0601 mg·kg-1. Thus, THg was observed even though the P. expansa were kept in captivity, possibly due to previous contamination by air, water and food. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) was calculated considering a 9.07 g·day-1 intake dose of P. expansa and the consumption of turtles once a week showed an HQ = 2.45, which may cause long-term injuries to human health. Although the muscle concentrations were below the maximum limit established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Brazilian regulatory agencies, it is important to evaluate consumption factors such as amount ingested, frequency and animal gender, which may cause a potential risk to regular consumers due to mercury bioaccumulation. The WHO may consider various aspects in order to warn the Amazon population about the severity and silent hazard of this metal, especially due to the importance of this matrix in the region. This region urgently needs government actions to inhibit clandestine mining and to prevent future serious, chronic health problems of the entire population.

Study of inorganic elements in different organs and tissues of Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil.

Multielement concentrations (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Rh) and total mercury (T-Hg) were analyzed in different organs and tissues of Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). Samples of 27 T. inunguis specimens, maintained in the collection of the Amazonian Center for the Research and Preservation of Aquatic Mammals, were used, situated in an area highly impacted by gold mining in the northern region of the Brazilian Amazon. Samples of aquatic plants used as food by the animals were also analyzed. The elements S, Cl, K, Cr, and Mn accumulated mainly in the musculature, while Fe and Cu were more concentrated in the liver. Trace elements, such as rubidium (Rb) and rhodium (Rh), not previously reported in the organs of animals of the family Trichechidae, were also identified. The averages for T-Hg in the skin, muscle, encephalon, liver, kidney, and lung samples were, respectively, 0.1540 ± 0.1332, 0.0593 ± 0.1044, 0.0517 ± 0.0467, 0.0486 ± 0.0543, 0.0237 ± 0.0336, and 0.0013 ± 0.0032 µg.g-1. The values obtained for the vibrissae samples were below the limit of quantification, which allows for the conclusion that this tissue cannot be used as a contamination marker. It was observed that even when kept in a conservation breeding site, these animals were exposed to non-essential trace elements. Differences in the accumulation of elements were observed between the different organs and tissues analyzed. The presence of contaminants in animals that live in a preservation center, even at low levels, deserves attention.

Assessment of total mercury content in tissues of Mullus argentinae in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Avaliação de mercúrio total em tecido comestível de Mullus argetinae coletados no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

This study has as objective to determine total mercury (Total Hg) levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 134 individuals edible part of Mullus argentinae, in two different fishing areas and two seasons in Rio de Janeiro State. Also, proximate composition was performed. Total Hg results in wet weight basis ranged from 0.0867 to 0.7476 µg.g-1 in muscle; 0.0023 to 0,1034 µg.g-1 in flippers; and 0.0177 to 0.1849 µg.g-1 in skin. Mean evaluated moisture was 73.39%; protein was 18.76%; lipid concentration of 5.36%; carbohydrates of 2.35%; and ashes were 0.85%.Results showed that Total Hg contents was lower than accepted limits established by regulatory organization. Higher averages were observed in muscle (0.2441 µg.g-1) when compared with skin (0.2386 µg.g-1) and flippers (0.0195 µg.g-1). In general, samples collected on summer showed higher values of total Hg when comparing to winter. Regarding beach areas there was no significant difference (p>0.05). We can conclude that this specie should be cautious consumed because of total Hg bioaccumulation characteristics, although neither levels were above limits established.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o teor de mercúrio no tecido comestível de Mullus argentinae, conhecido como peixe trilha, espécie amplamente consumida no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foi determinado o teor de mercúrio total (Hg total) por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica em 134 amostras, coletados em duas áreas e estações climáticas diferentes. Além disso, foi avaliada a composição centesimal das amostras. Os resultados de Hg total em peso úmido variaram de 0,0867 a 0,7476 µg.g-1 no músculo; 0,0023 a 0,1034 µg.g-1 nas nadadeiras; e 0,0177 a 0,1849 µg.g-1 na pele. Os valores médios da composição centesimal foram de 73,30% de umidade, 18,76% de proteína, 5,36% de lipídios, 2,35% de carboidratos e 0,85% de matéria mineral. Os resultados das 134 amostras analisadas demostraram que os teores de Hg Total apresentam concentração inferior aos limites aceitos pelos órgãos reguladores. As maiores médias foram observadas no músculo (0,2441 µg.g-1) quando comparadas à pele (0,2386 µg.g-1) e nadadeiras (0,0195 µg.g-1). Em geral, as amostras coletadas no verão apresentaram maiores valores de Hg total em relação ao inverno. Em relação aos locais de coleta não houve diferença significativa (p> 0,05). Podemos concluir que esta espécie deve ser consumida com cautela devido às características de bioacumulação do Hg total, apesar das médias apresentadas estarem abaixo dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação.

Jaboticaba yoghurts enriched with whey protein or albumin: evaluation of phenolic content and color / Iogurtes de jabuticaba adicionados de proteína do soro do leite ou albumina: avaliação do conteúdo fenólico e cor

In the present study, nonfat yoghurt made with whey protein isolate (WPI) or pasteurized egg white powder (albumin) was added with syrup containing jaboticaba pulp and lyophilized jaboticaba peel flour and six experimental groups were made: control yoghurt (CY); WPI yoghurt (WY); albumin yoghurt (AY), syrup yoghurt and WPI (WSY); syrup and albumin yoghurt (ASY) and syrup yoghurt (SY). This study aimed to verify the influence of the addition of fruit syrup on the phenolics compounds and on the instrumental color parameters of yoghurts made with proteins on the 1st and 28th day of storage. There was a significant decrease in total phenolics content in yoghurt containing WPI and syrup (from 1408.14mg GAE.L-1 to 686.73mg GAE.L-1), as well as total anthocyanin content. However, yoghurt containing syrup and albumin showed an increase in total flavonoid content on day 28 of storage (from 28.30mg QE.100g-1 to 38.29mg QE.100g-1). Regarding color, there was an increase in L* and b* values in yoghurt containing syrup and WPI and in yoghurt containing syrup and albumin. For a* values, a decrease was observed at the end of the storage period in samples containing protein (WPI or albumin) and syrup. The data showed that the addition of jaboticaba syrup to yoghurts containing different proteins provided different phenolics compounds contents at the end of the storage period, and different color parameters to the final product.

No presente estudo, iogurtes desnatados feitos com proteína isolada do soro do leite (PIS) ou albumina isolada da clara do ovo pasteurizada em pó (albumina) foram adicionados de xarope contendo a polpa da jabuticaba e a farinha liofilizada da casca da jabuticaba, obtendo-se seis grupos experimentais: iogurte controle (CY); iogurte PIS (WY); iogurte albumina (AY); iogurte xarope e PIS (WSY); iogurte xarope e albumina (ASY) e iogurte com xarope (SY). Neste estudo objetivou-se verificar a influência da adição do xarope da fruta nos compostos fenólicos e nos parâmetros instrumentais de cor dos iogurtes elaborados com proteínas no 1oe 28o dia de armazenamento. Houve uma diminuição significativa no teor de fenólicos totais no iogurte contendo PIS e xarope (de 1408.14mg GAE.L-1para 686.73mg GAE.L-1), bem como no teor de antocianinas (de 158.45mg cyanidin-3-glucoside.L-1para 56.45mg cyanidin-3-glucoside.L-1). No entanto, os iogurtes contendo xarope e albumina apresentaram um aumento no teor de flavonóides totais no 28o dia de armazenamento (de 28.30mg QE.100g-1para 38.29mg QE.100g-1). Em relação a cor houve um aumento dos valores de L* e no valor de b* no iogurte contendo xarope e PIS e no iogurte contendo xarope e albumina. Já para os valores de a* foi observado uma diminuição ao final do período de armazenamento nas amostras contendo proteína (PIS ou albumina) e xarope. Os dados demonstraram que a adição do xarope de jabuticaba a iogurtes contendo diferentes proteínas proporcionaram diferentes conteúdos de compostos fenólicos ao final do período de estocagem, e diferentes parâmetros de cor ao produto final.

Jaboticaba yoghurts enriched with whey protein or albumin: evaluation of phenolic content and color / Iogurtes de jabuticaba adicionados de proteína do sorodo leite ou albumina: avaliação do conteúdo fenólico e cor

In the present study, nonfat yoghurt made with whey protein isolate (WPI) or pasteurized egg white powder (albumin) was added with syrup containing jaboticaba pulp and lyophilized jaboticaba peel flour and six experimental groups were made: control yoghurt (CY); WPI yoghurt (WY); albumin yoghurt (AY), syrup yoghurt and WPI (WSY); syrup and albumin yoghurt (ASY) and syrup yoghurt (SY). This study aimed to verify the influence of the addition of fruit syrup on the phenolics compounds and on the instrumental color parameters of yoghurts made with proteins on the 1st and 28th day of storage. There was a significant decrease in total phenolics content in yoghurt containing WPI and syrup (from 1408.14mg GAE.L-1 to 686.73mg GAE.L-1), as well as total anthocyanin content. However, yoghurt containing syrup and albumin showed an increase in total flavonoid content on day 28 of storage (from 28.30mg QE.100g-1 to 38.29mg QE.100g-1). Regarding color, there was an increase in L* and b* values in yoghurt containing syrup and WPI and in yoghurt containing syrup and albumin. For a* values, a decrease was observed at the end of the storage period in samples containing protein (WPI or albumin) and syrup. The data showed that the addition of jaboticaba syrup to yoghurts containing different proteins provided different phenolics compounds contents at the end of the storage period, and different color parameters to the final product.

No presente estudo, iogurtes desnatados feitos com proteína isolada do soro do leite (PIS) ou albumina isolada da clara do ovo pasteurizada em pó (albumina) foram adicionados de xarope contendo a polpa da jabuticaba e a farinha liofilizada da casca da jabuticaba, obtendo-se seis grupos experimentais: iogurte controle (CY); iogurte PIS (WY); iogurte albumina (AY); iogurte xarope e PIS (WSY); iogurte xarope e albumina (ASY) e iogurte com xarope (SY). Neste estudo objetivou-se verificar a influência da adição do xarope da fruta nos compostos fenólicos e nos parâmetros instrumentais de cor dos iogurtes elaborados com proteínas no 1º e 28º dia de armazenamento. Houve uma diminuição significativa no teor de fenólicos totais no iogurte contendo PIS e xarope (de 1408.14mg GAE.L-1 para 686.73mg GAE.L-1), bem como no teor de antocianinas (de 158.45mg cyanidin-3-glucoside.L-1 para 56.45mg cyanidin-3-glucoside.L-1). No entanto, os iogurtes contendo xarope e albumina apresentaram um aumento no teor de flavonóides totais no 28º dia de armazenamento (de 28.30mg QE.100g-1 para 38.29mg QE.100g-1). Em relação a cor houve um aumento dos valores de L* e no valor de b* no iogurte contendo xarope e PIS e no iogurte contendo xarope e albumina. Já para os valores de a* foi observado uma diminuição ao final do período de armazenamento nas amostras contendo proteína (PIS ou albumina) e xarope. Os dados demonstraram que a adição do xarope de jabuticaba a iogurtes contendo diferentes proteínas proporcionaram diferentes conteúdos de compostos fenólicos ao final do período de estocagem, e diferentes parâmetros de cor ao produto final.

Concentração de mercúrio total em atum enlatado comercializado no município do Rio de Janeiro: risco potencial à saúde? / Concentration of total mercury in canned tuna marketed in the city of Rio de Janeiro

Este estudo determinou o teor total de mercúrio (HgT) em 69 atuns em conserva de 13 marcas comercializadas no sudoeste do Brasil. Todos os valores são reportados em µg.g-1 de peso úmido. O potencial de risco para a saúde foi estimado com base na concentração de mercúrio e consumo médio (175 g / semana) de peixes no Brasil em comparação com ISPT de 1,6 µg.kg-1 (FAO / WHO, 2010). Uma grande variação na concentração de mercúrio em diferentes espécies foi observada. A concentração média de mercúrio foi de 0,256 ± 0,215 µg.g-1 com maior valor de 1,060 µg.g-1 em uma única lata. Em geral, a concentração média foi inferior à legislação de 1,0 µg.g-1 para espécies predadoras (BRASIL, 2014). A ingestão semanal estimada (EIS) variou de 0,2 a 1,7 µg.kg-1. Para as marcas analisadas de consumo de peixe no Brasil, não há ocorrência de risco à saúde humana. No entanto, uma marca foi superior a ISPT de 1,6 µg.kg-1, não mostrando segurança para o grupo de risco específico. Serão necessários mais estudos, incluindo dados específicos sobre o consumo de atum em conserva em populações específicas, bem como o tipo de peixe, tamanho e local de pesca.

Seasonal variation in trace and minor elements in Brazilian honey by total reflection X-ray fluorescence.

Honey is used as an alternative medicine and is a constituent of a healthy diet worldwide. Its composition is associated with botanical origin and, to some extent, geographical origin because soil and climate characteristics determine the melliferous flora. Also, the elements content in honey samples could give an indication of environmental pollution or geographical origin. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate seasonal patterns of essential elements of Brazilian honey. Honey was collected during spring, summer, autumn, and winter for 2 years to quantify K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, and Sr using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF). Our results indicate no seasonal differences in concentration of Cr, Ni, Se, and Ti, although there were significant seasonal patterns in the composition of essential elements in honey, with higher concentrations of minor and trace elements, especially K and Ca of samples collected in spring and summer.

Effect of sustainability information on consumers' liking of freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii).

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to investigate whether consumer acceptance is affected by information on sustainable practices on the product label. Hedonic evaluations of freshwater prawns were performed by 80 consumers under three aspects: the blind condition - consumers taste samples without information; expected - without tasting samples, consumers evaluated the message 'Freshwater prawns were grown using sustainable practices, reducing environmental impacts caused by traditional breeding'; informed - in which prawns were tasted and the card evaluated. RESULTS: For the entire consumer group, it was observed that the message about sustainability on packaging increased freshwater prawn acceptability (8.25, expected condition (E) versus 6.75, blind condition (B)). High scores were observed under all three test conditions, ranging from 6 (like slightly) to 9 (like extremely), on a 9-point scale. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the use of sustainable information can influence consumers' perception and increase their preference toward freshwater prawns, and even increase the sensory attributes of the product.