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1.
Hig. Aliment. (Online) ; 38(298): e1146, jan.-jun. 2024. tab
Artículo en Portugués | LILACS, VETINDEX | ID: biblio-1531450

RESUMEN

Os Centros de Tradições Gaúchas (CTG) são entidades de divulgação e perpetuação da cultura do Rio Grande do Sul. A produção de refeições nessas entidades ocorre nos ensaios dos grupos de danças tradicionais e nos eventos oferecidos à comunidade, como jantares. Sabendo do impacto das doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTA) na saúde humana, o objetivo deste trabalho é identificar a adequação dos CTG às boas práticas para manipulação de alimentos (BPM), explorar quem são os responsáveis pelas atividades de manipulação de alimentos e identificar a frequência e o número da produção de refeições servidas nessas instituições. A Portaria SES-RS nº 78/2009 e um questionário de coleta de dados dos grupos de dança e da produção de refeições foram aplicados em 5 CTG do Rio Grande do Sul. Outros 17 CTG do estado responderam a um segundo questionário, semelhante ao primeiro, com adição de perguntas sobre controle sanitário. Obteve-se uma média de adequação às BPM de 38% entre os CTG. Verificou-se que são servidas, em média, 4 refeições por semana entre os ensaios das invernadas artísticas próximos a competições. Em 36% dos CTG, ocorrem de 2 a 3 eventos por trimestre com produção de refeições. Em 45% dos CTG, são servidas de 100 a 200 pessoas nos eventos. Em relação aos trabalhos na cozinha, apenas 23,5% dos CTG têm como responsáveis dessas atividades pessoas devidamente capacitadas. Sendo os CTG instituições sem fins lucrativos, a criação de programas para a garantia do alimento seguro nesses espaços se faz necessária.


Centros de Tradições Gaúchas (CTG) are entities for the dissemination and perpetuation of Rio Grande do Sul culture. The production of meals in these entities takes place in the rehearsals of traditional dance groups and in events offered to the community, such as dinners. Knowing the impact of the foodborne diseases in human health, the objective of this work is to identify the adequacy of CTG to good food handling practices, to explore who are responsibles for food handling activities and identify the frequency and number of meals served in these institutions. The Portaria SES-RS No. 78/2009 and a questionnaire for data collection from dance groups and meals production were applied in 5 CTG in Rio Grande do Sul. Another 17 CTG in the state answered a second questionnaire, similar to the first, with the addition of questions about sanitary control. The average compliance with good practices was 38% among the CTG. It was found that, on average, 4 meals are served per week between rehearsals of the dance groups close to competitions. In 36% of the CTG, 2 to 3 events are held per quarter with production of meals. In 45% of the CTG, the number of people served at the events varies from 100 to 200. Regarding the work in the kitchen, only 23.5% of the CTG have duly trained people for these activities. Given that CTG are non-profit institutions, the creation of programs to ensure food safety in these spaces is necessary.


Asunto(s)
Higiene Alimentaria , Manipulación de Alimentos , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos , Organización Comunitaria , Buenas Prácticas de Distribución
2.
Hig. Aliment. (Online) ; 38(298): e1144, jan.-jun. 2024.
Artículo en Portugués | LILACS, VETINDEX | ID: biblio-1531444

RESUMEN

As falhas na higienização em um estabelecimento de alimentos podem refletir em problemas causando a contaminação ou deterioração do produto produzido. Esta pesquisa foi motivada por reclamações de consumidores informando que os queijos apresentaram fungos, mesmo estando dentro do prazo de validade e por solicitação do Serviço de Inspeção Municipal. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a contaminação ambiental em uma agroindústria da agricultura familiar produtora de queijo colonial no Sudoeste Paranaense. Foram realizadas a contagem para aeróbios mesófilos em equipamentos e superfícies que entram em contato com o alimento e análise microbiológica ambiental de bolores e leveduras na sala de secagem dos queijos. A coleta foi realizada com método de esfregaço de suabe estéril para aeróbios mesófilos e semeadas em placas de Petri com Ágar Padrão de Contagem. Para a coleta ambiental foram expostas placas de Petri com ágar Saboraund durante 15 minutos. Os resultados demonstraram ausência de contaminação nas superfícies, mas foram encontrados bolores e leveduras de forma acentuada na sala de secagem dos queijos, o que pode contribuir para a deterioração do produto, diminuindo sua validade. Para minimizar as perdas por contaminação é necessário que o processo de higienização dos ambientes seja realizado de forma eficiente.


Failures in hygiene in a food establishment can result in problems causing contamination or deterioration of the product produced. This research was motivated by complaints from consumers reporting that the cheeses had mold, even though they were within their expiration date and at the request of the Municipal Inspection Service. This research was to evaluate environmental contamination in an agroindustry in the family farm producing colonial cheese in Southwest Paraná. For the microbiological assessment of environmental contamination, counting for mesophilic aerobes was carried out on equipment and surfaces that come into contact with food and, environmental microbiological analysis of molds and yeast in the cheese drying room. The collection was carried out using the sterile swab smear for mesophilic aerobes and seeded in Petri dishes with Counting Standard Agar. For environmental collection, sheets of Petri with Saboraund agar for 15 minutes. The results demonstrated absence of contamination on surfaces. But the presence of molds and yeasts in the drying room cheeses, which can contribute to the deterioration of the product and thus reduce the validity. To minimize losses due to contamination, it is It is necessary that the process of cleaning and disinfecting environments is carried out efficiently.


Asunto(s)
Higiene Alimentaria , Queso/microbiología , Brasil , Buenas Prácticas de Fabricación , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/prevención & control
3.
Hig. Aliment. (Online) ; 38(298): e1145, jan.-jun. 2024. tab
Artículo en Portugués | LILACS, VETINDEX | ID: biblio-1531447

RESUMEN

A higienização é um procedimento importante na indústria de alimentos e sua realização deve ocorrer rotineiramente para evitar que os alimentos sejam contaminados. Além disso, todos os manipuladores de alimentos devem receber treinamentos de modo a entender como ocorrem as contaminações e como evitá-las, para que não ocorra deterioração antecipada dos alimentos e para que não exponham os consumidores ao risco de doenças transmitidas por alimentos em caso de contaminação. Esta pesquisa avaliou o processo de higienização e sua eficiência em superfícies presentes em uma agroindústria da agricultura familiar produtora de embutidos cárneos. Apesar de ter instalações adequadas a agroindústria apresentava inadequações quanto aos produtos utilizados e a frequência inadequada para uma higienização eficiente. Foi realizada análise microbiológica das superfícies dos equipamentos para contagem de aeróbios mesófilos e notou-se uma elevada carga microbiana que indicou uma baixa eficiência no processo de higienização. Sugeriu-se melhorias na higiene ambiental associado à instrução dos colaboradores, para contribuir na promoção da qualidade dos produtos, aumento dos lucros e salvaguardando a saúde do consumidor.


Hygiene is an important procedure in the food industry, and its performance must occur routinely to prevent food from being contaminated. In addition, all food handlers must receive training in order to understand how contamination occurs and how to avoid it, so that there is no anticipated deterioration of food and that consumers are not exposed to the risk of foodborne diseases. in case of contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, this research evaluated the cleaning process and its efficiency on surfaces present in a family farming agroindustry that produces meat products, which despite having adequate facilities, had some difficulties such as product use and inadequate frequency for eficiente cleaning. After performing a microbiological analysis to count surface mesophilic aerobes, a high level of contamination was noted, relating to low efficiency in the cleaning process. Improvements in environmental hygiene are suggested, associated with the instruction of employees for the implementation of the Standard Operating Hygiene Procedure, promoting improvements in product quality, increasing profits and safeguarding consumer health.


Asunto(s)
Bovinos , Higiene Alimentaria , Industria de la Carne/normas , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/prevención & control , Brasil , Industria de Alimentos/normas , Productos de la Carne
4.
Hig. Aliment. (Online) ; 38(298): e1149, jan.-jun. 2024. tab, graf
Artículo en Portugués | LILACS, VETINDEX | ID: biblio-1531645

RESUMEN

Diante do ritmo acelerado da vida contemporânea, observa-se um aumento na tendência dos indivíduos em optar por realizar suas refeições fora de casa. A carne, reconhecida como um componente essencial na alimentação dos brasileiros, está suscetível à contaminação pois apresenta ambiente favorável à proliferação de microrganismos patogênicos. Fazendo-se necessária uma análise de contaminação pós-produção afim de evitar Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos. No presente estudo objetivouse avaliar as boas práticas de fabricação e contaminação de preparações de carne bovina assada, de restaurantes particulares e institucionalizados no município de Americana-SP. Amostras de carne prontas para o consumo foram obtidas de seis estabelecimentos comerciais e seis institucionais. Durante a coleta, foram verificadas as temperaturas e realizadas análises de conformidades com a RDC n° 275, de 2002. As amostras foram examinadas para detectar a presença ou ausência de E. coli e coliformes termotolerantes a 45° C. Para a análise foi realizada a técnica de tubos múltiplos para quantificar a totalidade dos coliformes. Observou-se que, conforme estipulado pela Resolução n°43 de 2015, nenhuma das amostras oriundas de restaurantes comerciais, e a maioria das provenientes de restaurantes institucionais, atingiram as temperaturas requeridas. No que concerne à identificação de E. coli através de testes microbiológicos, foi constatado que seis amostras de restaurantes comerciais e quatro de restaurantes institucionais testaram positivo para a presença deste microrganismo. Conclui-se que as amostras de restaurantes comerciais apresentaram níveis de contaminação superiores em comparação com as amostras de restaurantes institucionais.


Given the fast-paced rhythm of contemporary life, there is an increase in individuals choosing to have their meals outside the home. Meat, recognized as an essential component in the Brazilian diet, is susceptible to contamination as it provides a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. It is necessary to conduct post-production contamination analysis to prevent Foodborne Diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the good manufacturing practices and contamination of roasted beef preparations from private and institutional restaurants in the city of Americana-SP. Samples of ready-to-eat meat were obtained from six commercial establishments and six institutional ones. During collection, temperatures were checked, and conformity analyses were conducted according to RDC No. 275, 2002. The samples were examined for the presence or absence of E. coli and thermotolerant coliforms at 45°C using the multiple tube technique to quantify the total coliforms. It was observed that, as stipulated by Resolution No. 43, 2015, none of the samples from commercial restaurants and the majority from institutional restaurants reached the required temperatures. Regarding the identification of E. coli through microbiological tests, it was found that six samples from commercial restaurants and four from institutional ones tested positive for the presence of this microorganism. It is concluded that samples from commercial restaurants showed higher contamination levels compared to institutional restaurant samples.


Asunto(s)
Higiene Alimentaria , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos , Carne , Brasil
5.
PeerJ ; 12: e16957, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38435987

RESUMEN

Background: Telomeres are non-coding DNA repeats at the chromosome ends and their shortening is considered one of the major causes of aging. However, they also serve as a biomarker of environmental exposures and their length and attrition is affected by various stressors. In this study, we examined the average telomere length in Astyanax mexicanus, a species that has both surface-dwelling and cave-adapted populations. The cave morph descended from surface ancestors and adapted to a markedly different environment characterized by specific biotic and abiotic stressors, many of which are known to affect telomere length. Our objective was to explore whether telomere length differs between the two morphs and whether it serves as a biological marker of aging or correlates with the diverse environments the morphs are exposed to. Methods: We compared telomere length and shortening between laboratory-reared Pachón cavefish and Rio Choy surface fish of A. mexicanus across different tissues and ages. Results: Astyanax mexicanus surface fish exhibited longer average telomere length compared to cavefish. In addition, we did not observe telomere attrition in either cave or surface form as a result of aging in adults up to 9 years old, suggesting that efficient mechanisms prevent telomere-mediated senescence in laboratory stocks of this species, at least within this time frame. Our results suggest that telomere length in Astyanax may be considered a biomarker of environmental exposures. Cavefish may have evolved shorter and energetically less costly telomeres due to the absence of potential stressors known to affect surface species, such as predator pressure and ultra-violet radiation. This study provides the first insights into telomere dynamics in Astyanax morphs and suggests that shorter telomeres may have evolved as an adaptation to caves.


Asunto(s)
Cuevas , Telómero , Animales , Telómero/genética , Envejecimiento/genética , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Biomarcadores
6.
Environ Monit Assess ; 196(4): 358, 2024 Mar 12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38470549

RESUMEN

Gullies are significant contributors to soil degradation in several regions of Brazil, including Minas Gerais, where erosion processes have caused soil loss. The characterization of erosion processes is crucial for the application of measures for recovering degraded areas and reducing erosion impacts. This study models soil loss with the use of InVEST software and assesses the impact of three different scenarios, namely (1) implementation of soil conservation practices and replacement of pasture areas for temporary agriculture, (2) reforestation of pasture areas, and (3) preservation of ciliary forests. Soil loss, sediment exportation, retention, and deposition for the present scenario (2019), as well as the three aforementioned hypothetical scenarios, were estimated. In the present scenario, the estimated mean annual soil loss was 2.75 t/ha year, with 1,449.54 t/year sediment exportation, 9,042.13 t/year retention, and 1,449.54 t/year deposition. The model predicted scenario 1 would result in 2.23 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,300.59 t/year sediment exportation, 9,191.08 t/year retention, and 11,755.76 t/year deposition. Scenario 2 showed 1.92 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,046.69 t/year sediment exportation, 9,444.98 t/year retention, and 10,229.77 t/year deposition, whereas the results for scenario 3 were 2.36 t/ha year, 616.65 t/year, 9,862.06 t/year, and 13,206.47 t/year, respectively. Reforestation and preservation of ciliary forests, along with soil conservation practices, were effective measures for reducing soil loss. Such findings are valuable for the management of areas degraded by erosion processes.


Asunto(s)
Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , Suelo , Brasil , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales/métodos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Agricultura/métodos
7.
J Int Bioethique Ethique Sci ; 34(4): 57-77, 2024.
Artículo en Francés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38480271

RESUMEN

This article discusses the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment (hereinafter “right to a healthy environment”) within the framework of a “food systems approach” and from the perspective of the three main functions of law in the transition to sustainable and equitable food systems (hereinafter “SAD”). The article aims to demonstrate that the right to a healthy environment is an indispensable right for achieving the transition to SADs through the building blocks of food systems, namely food supply chains, food environments and consumer behavior. First of all, the article notes that the right to a healthy environment has been at the heart of SAD since it was recognized as a human right by Resolution 48/13 of the Human Rights Council and Resolution 76/300 of the United Nations General Assembly. As well as underpinning the sustainability and equity of food systems, the right to a healthy environment is inseparable from the realization of other human rights, most notably the right to adequate food, itself at the heart of food systems. Secondly, the article argues that the operationalization of the right to a healthy environment by States would benefit from a “food systems approach” to ensure the transition to SADs. In this perspective, the right to a healthy environment constitutes a genuine vector for the development and adoption of legal and policy measures that improve the sustainability and equity of food systems, and the implementation of the CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition adopted in 2021.


Asunto(s)
Ambiente , Naciones Unidas , Humanos , Derechos Humanos
8.
Environ Monit Assess ; 196(4): 368, 2024 Mar 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38489071

RESUMEN

This study analyzed the meteorological and hydrological droughts in a typical basin of the Brazilian semiarid region from 1994 to 2016. In recent decades, this region has faced prolonged and severe droughts, leading to marked reductions in agricultural productivity and significant challenges to food security and water availability. The datasets employed included a digital elevation model, land use and cover data, soil characteristics, climatic data (temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, humidity, and precipitation), runoff data, images from the MODIS/TERRA and AQUA sensors (MOD09A1 and MODY09A1 products), and soil water content. A variety of methods and products were used to study these droughts: the meteorological drought was analyzed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) derived from observed precipitation data, while the hydrological drought was assessed using the Standardized Soil Index (SSI), the Nonparametric Multivariate Standardized Drought Index (NMSDI), and the Parametric Multivariate Standardized Drought Index (PMSDI). These indices were determined using water balance components, including streamflow and soil water content, from the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, and evapotranspiration data from the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL). The findings indicate that the methodology effectively identified variations in water dynamics and drought periods in a headwater basin within Brazil's semiarid region, suggesting potential applicability in other semiarid areas. This study provides essential insights for water resource management and resilience building in the face of adverse climatic events, offering a valuable guide for decision-making processes.


Asunto(s)
Sequías , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Brasil , Agua , Suelo
9.
Environ Geochem Health ; 46(3): 101, 2024 Mar 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38429439

RESUMEN

This study presents a picture of ASGM in Brazil and prospective numbers on mercury emissions and releases in 2016, when the country declared production of about 90 tonnes of gold, of which circa 25 tonnes came from ASGM. However, it is also necessary to consider the illegal production of ASGM which is estimated to vary between 10% and eight times more than the legal production. The proposed method included: organization of spatial data on legal ASGM output, stakeholder identification and meetings, mercury metallurgical balance, quantitative measurement of mercury in the atmosphere and qualitative social aspects such as the miners' economic dependence on the managers and scenarios of illegal ASGM annual production. The main results revealed that the initial mercury (Hg)-gold (Au) production ratio was higher for the primary whole ore than for the concentrate secondary ore, which is the most frequent type of Brazilian ASGM. The amalgam filtering technique followed by mercury recovery is routine, decreasing the Hg releases to tailings ponds or to soil and water bodies. The mercury emissions by thermal decomposition of amalgam are independent of the initial mercury mass, depending only on the mercury in the amalgam and the (adequate) use or not of emission control systems. Illegal activities reduce the availability and proper use of these systems, resulting in higher emissions. Mercury emissions from ASGM in Brazil may increase the global mercury emissions estimates, while their mercury releases may represent a marginal increase. As the mercury emitted may be trapped by the rainforests added to the mercury released, the environmental contamination may pose health risks to Amazonian population, which requires immediate action.


Asunto(s)
Mercurio , Exposición Profesional , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Mercurio/análisis , Brasil , Oro , Estudios Prospectivos , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Minería
10.
PLoS One ; 19(3): e0300375, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38517860

RESUMEN

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is a charismatic species considered Vulnerable in Colombia but yet largely unknown in the country. The species is mostly threatened by the continuous decline in its habitats, mostly derived from deforestation and habitat loss, additional to hunting and conflicts with humans. Thus, the future of jaguars in Colombia depends on protecting and recovering existing habitats. The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate jaguar distribution and identify the remnant patches of habitat in Colombia, 2) define an ecological connectivity network within the country, and 3) propose a priority areas portfolio for the conservation and recovery of jaguars. We used a presence background model for estimating species potential distribution and subsequently identified remaining habitat patches across the country based on land cover and species-specific ecological attributes. We then created an ecological connectivity network based on circuit theory and following a multi-criteria approach identified jaguar priority areas for conservation (JPCA) and recovery (JPRA). Jaguar potential distribution comprises 1103122.43 km2, from which 56.71% maintain suitable patches of potential habitat. We identified 960 corridors between remnant patches of natural or semi-natural vegetation. Based on the criteria, JPCAs with greater importance were identified in each of the five Colombian regions. JPRAs were located mainly towards the Andean and Caribbean regions. These JPCAs and JPRAs could serve as a guide for designing and implementing management strategies for the long-term conservation and recovery of the species in Colombia.


Asunto(s)
Panthera , Animales , Humanos , Colombia , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , Ecosistema , Región del Caribe
11.
J Environ Manage ; 355: 120473, 2024 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38430884

RESUMEN

Brazil's major beef production occurs in the Cerrado, predominantly as extensive pastures that covers ∼50 Mha of the biome, of which approximately 2/3 show signs of degradation. Pasture recovery is now a key environmental policy, as it improves land use efficiency and soil carbon sequestration. However, as intensification leads to higher cattle stocking rates and external inputs (fertilizers, liming, etc.), the impact of improved pastures on greenhouse gas mitigation is still debatable. This study focused on the Cerrado biome and aimed to (i) quantify soil carbon stock changes under different scenarios of management and recovery of degraded pastures. In addition, (ii) the potential for capturing carbon in the soil to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by the intensification of pastures was evaluated. Soil C stock changes (0-20 cm) were assessed using the Century model version 4.5, which had been previously validated for the region. Model parameters were adjusted for three pastures classes (degraded, intermediately degraded, and not degraded) within a time-series (1985-2020) of land use maps for the Cerrado, serving as baselines. Scenarios of pasture intensification were modeled against these baselines, and an analysis was carried out on the estimated changes in soil C stock and greenhouse gas balance. Before the intensification scenario (year 2020), the total carbon stock was estimated to be ∼1830 Mt for the whole pasture area, whose spatial distribution corresponded to edaphoclimatic contrasts and pasture conditions. The highest soil organic carbon stocks were observed in the non-degraded pastures. With the increase in carrying capacity, beef production is estimated to potentially increase by 1/3 due to the recovery of degraded areas through intensive management. This increase would be sufficient to meet the projected ∼12% increase in Brazil's livestock production by the end of the decade if all pasture areas are restored, which is much possibly an unrealistic scenario as not all degraded areas are suitable for crops or can successfully improve pasture yield. In addition, the increase in soil C stocks was only sufficient to compensate for 27% and 42% of the GHG emissions resulting from intensification in areas with intermediate and severe degradation, respectively. Therefore, to strike a balance between economic considerations and environmental impact, additional strategies are needed to reduce GHG emissions and/or enhance C sinks, such as increasing tree density on farms. From this perspective, implementing livestock intensification at the landscape scale can promote C stocks and the diversity of ecosystem services, opening the possibility of ecosystem restoration.


Asunto(s)
Ecosistema , Gases de Efecto Invernadero , Animales , Bovinos , Suelo , Gases de Efecto Invernadero/análisis , Brasil , Ganado , Pradera , Carbono/análisis , Agricultura
12.
Environ Sci Technol ; 58(11): 4948-4956, 2024 Mar 19.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38445593

RESUMEN

Methane emissions from the oil and gas supply chain can be intermittent, posing challenges for monitoring and mitigation efforts. This study examines shallow water facilities in the US Gulf of Mexico with repeat atmospheric observations to evaluate temporal variation in site-specific methane emissions. We combine new and previous observations to develop a longitudinal study, spanning from days to months to almost five years, evaluating the emissions behavior of sites over time. We also define and determine the chance of subsequent detection (CSD): the likelihood that an emitting site will be observed emitting again. The average emitting central hub in the Gulf has a 74% CSD at any time interval. Eight facilities contribute 50% of total emissions and are over 80% persistent with a 96% CSD above 100 kg/h and 46% persistent with a 42% CSD above 1000 kg/h, indicating that large emissions are persistent at certain sites. Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) footage shows many of these sites exhibiting cold venting. This suggests that for offshore, a low sampling frequency over large spatial coverage can capture typical site emissions behavior and identify targets for mitigation. We further demonstrate the preliminary use of space-based observations to monitor offshore emissions over time.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Metano , Metano/análisis , Golfo de México , Estudios Longitudinales , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Probabilidad , Gas Natural
13.
Environ Monit Assess ; 196(4): 387, 2024 Mar 21.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38509267

RESUMEN

The district of Arauca is the second-largest producer of cacao in Colombia. However, despite its quality, it faces issues for export due to levels of cadmium (Cd) higher than the regulatory thresholds. A central question is how it may impact agricultural performance in the presence of Cd in cacao and chocolates. This study quantified Cd in cacao plantations from Arauca. Thus, 180 farms were assessed in the municipalities of Arauquita, Fortul, Saravena, and Tame. Five sample types (soil, irrigation channel sediment, soil litter, cacao seeds, and chocolates) were assessed for Cd. As a technological innovation, the new MXRF technology was used for Cd in chocolates. The sequence of Cd content was soil litter > chocolate > soils > cacao seeds > irrigation-channel sediment. A gradient north-south of Cd content in soil was observed, where highest content was found in farms near the Arauca River, and lower farther away. In irrigation channel sediment, Cd levels averaged 0.07 mg kg-1. The Cd content in cacao seeds was 0.78 mg kg-1 on average. Cd content in chocolates was above the threshold (1.10 mg kg-1 on average, including several cacao mass percentages). These artisanal chocolate bars produced by single farms were near the limit of Cd set by the European Union (up to 0.8 mg kg-1). Therefore, mixing beans from different farms could reduce their Cd content. The present study underscores the complexity of Cd distribution, emphasizing the importance of integrating soil, crop, and landscape features in managing and mitigating Cd levels in cacao.


Asunto(s)
Cacao , Contaminantes del Suelo , Cadmio/análisis , Colombia , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Suelo , Productos Agrícolas
14.
Environ Monit Assess ; 196(4): 385, 2024 Mar 20.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38507123

RESUMEN

Soil quality monitoring in mining rehabilitation areas is a crucial step to validate the effectiveness of the adopted recovery strategy, especially in critical areas for environmental conservation, such as the Brazilian Amazon. The use of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry allows a rapid quantification of several soil chemical elements, with low cost and without residue generation, being an alternative for clean and accurate environmental monitoring. Thus, this work aimed to assess soil quality in mining areas with different stages of environmental rehabilitation based on predictions of soil fertility properties through pXRF along with four machine learning algorithms (projection pursuit regression, PPR; support vector machine, SVM; cubist regression, CR; and random forest, RF) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon. Sandstone and iron mines in different chronological stages of rehabilitation (initial, intermediate, and advanced) were evaluated, in addition to non-rehabilitated and native forest areas. A total of 81 soil samples (26 from sandstone mine and 55 from iron mine) were analyzed by both traditional wet-chemistry methods and pXRF. The available/exchangeable contents of K, Ca, B, Fe, and Al, in addition to H+Al, cation exchange capacity at pH = 7, Al saturation, soil organic matter, pH, sum of bases, base saturation, clay, and sand were accurately predicted (R2 > 0.70) using pXRF data, with emphasis on the prediction of Fe (R2 = 0.93), clay content (R2 = 0.81), H+Al (R2 = 0.81), and K+ (R2 = 0.85). The best predictive models were developed by RF and CR (86%) and when considering pXRF data + mining area + stage of rehabilitation (73%). The results highlight the potential of pXRF to accurately assess soil properties in environmental rehabilitation areas in the Amazon region (yet scarcely evaluated under this approach), promoting a more agile and cheaper preliminary diagnosis compared to traditional methods.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes del Suelo , Suelo , Suelo/química , Arcilla , Brasil , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Hierro/análisis
15.
J Environ Manage ; 355: 120540, 2024 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38442658

RESUMEN

This study presents a new method to incorporate the No Net Loss (NNL) principle within corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. This principle aims to ensure that biodiversity losses from human activities are fully offset. In this context, we tackle two main challenges: managing epistemic uncertainties in environmental modeling and accurately assessing compensatory areas needed to replace lost habitats. Focusing on Brazil's diverse biomes, which are undergoing rapid changes, we highlight the role of expert opinion surveys in addressing the uncertainties of the InVEST Habitat Quality, a model that simulates changes in landscape integrity under different land use scenarios. Our analysis across three of Brazil's regions - Caatinga Semi-arid, Cerrado Savanna, and Atlantic Forest - leverages open-source data to reveal substantial habitat losses due to activities like wind farm development, mining, and intensive agriculture, leading to a widespread decline in habitat quality. We introduce the Equivalent Biodiversity Area (EBA) metric to support NNL and Net Gain of Biodiversity efforts, measured in hectares. Findings show a reduction in EBA across all studied areas, highlighting the need for effective compensation strategies. Such strategies should merge Legal Reserves and ecological restoration into ESG policies, encourage landholder collaboration, and align with larger environmental efforts, such as watershed revitalization and Biodiversity Credits markets.


Asunto(s)
Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , Ecosistema , Humanos , Brasil , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales/métodos , Biodiversidad , Bosques
16.
Environ Monit Assess ; 196(4): 334, 2024 Mar 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38430330

RESUMEN

Reptiles are the least studied vertebrates regarding the impact of pesticides on their health, despite being good models for ecotoxicological studies given their abundance and easy handling. Salvator merianae is widely distributed in South America and often found in agricultural cultivation areas. Here, we compared the morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters of S. merianae from an exposed area (EA) to pesticides and a reference area (RA) or control. These parameters were measured in plasma (albumin, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glucose, total proteins, uric acid, triglycerides, VLDL, and corticosterone) and in erythrocytes (TBARS, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity). Blood samples were collected from 28 lizards (EA: three juveniles, three adult females, and three adult males; RA: nine juveniles, four females, and five males) in southern Brazil during the reproductive period. We observed a decrease in body mass, the ratio between body mass and total length and snout-vent length in juvenile lizards collected at EA. The levels of TBARS, glutathione S-transferase, triglycerides, VLDL, and uric acid were altered for juveniles in EA. When comparing the two areas, females differed in superoxide dismutase activity and total proteins, while males differed in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity. This set of results shows that S. merianae, especially juveniles, suffers a negative impact when inserted in an agricultural area. The analyzed biomarkers proved suitable for monitoring these lizards and the quality of this environment.


Asunto(s)
Lagartos , Plaguicidas , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Plaguicidas/toxicidad , Plaguicidas/metabolismo , Catalasa/metabolismo , Lagartos/metabolismo , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Ácido Úrico/metabolismo , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Glutatión Transferasa/metabolismo , Triglicéridos/metabolismo , Brasil
17.
Braz J Biol ; 84: e280583, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38511781

RESUMEN

Accumulation of heavy metals in soil can lead to the deterioration of soil quality, reduce soil fertility and crop yields, and thus threaten human and animal health. The study aimed to assess the potential ecological risk of heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils in Kazakhstan. The study was carried out in 2021 on the soils of the Zhdanovskoye owner-operated farm in the Sokolovsko-Sarybai district of the Kostanay region. The quantitative content of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), was determined, and concentrations of trace elements, such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), were calculated for the considered contaminated lands. The potential ecological risk index (RI) proposed by L. Hakanson was used in the study concerning heavy metal contamination of soil. As a result, the presence of trace elements and heavy metals in the considered areas of the Kostanay region was shown. The RI values for all sites ranged from 137 to 447, corresponding to the level of ecological risk grading from low to high. The average RI for As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cu amounted to 328, which indicates a high ecological risk. Detected levels of As, Cd, Zn, and Pb in long-term abandoned mining areas were well above national thresholds, indicating the impending need to fully investigate and assess the suitability of the land for further agricultural use. The availability of such data will allow predicting cluster-based development of processing infrastructures in the vicinity of agricultural lands.


Asunto(s)
Mercurio , Metales Pesados , Contaminantes del Suelo , Oligoelementos , Humanos , Suelo/química , Cadmio , Kazajstán , Plomo , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Medición de Riesgo , Metales Pesados/análisis
18.
Environ Res ; 249: 118423, 2024 Feb 05.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38325786

RESUMEN

Understanding the processes of mobility and availability of potentially toxic elements in soil is crucial for informed decision-making in the development of public policies aimed at minimizing environmental impacts. Monitoring, in combination with the determination of natural concentrations, can provide effective tools for controlling pollution sources. In this study, enrichment, pollution, and ecological risk indices were used for some potentially toxic elements in an anthropogenically influenced watershed in southwestern Bahia, Brazil. The study involved 63 composite surface soil samples collected from areas with natural forest, crops, pastures, and urbanization. The samples were analyzed for fertility and particle size. Metal extraction followed the EPA 3051A method, and element determination was carried out via ICP-OES. The soils in the Verruga River watershed exhibit a high variability in fertility and granulometric attributes. The Kruskal-Wallis test at a 5% significance level was employed to assess the impact of land management on the availability of elements (As, Co and Pb), while Spearman's correlation, along with hierarchical clustering analysis, was used to comprehend element dynamics. Geostatistics were applied to identify pollution hotspots. Consequently, it became evident that potentially toxic elements can accumulate in the soil depending on land use and management practices (As, Co, and Pb), as well as the weathering process linked to the type of source material, such as diamictite deposits (Ni and Co). Soils in the Verruga River watershed qualify as having minimal enrichment, low pollution levels, and individual ecological risk concerning Cd. The percentage of samples enriched with Cu, As, Zn, and Cd exceeded 67%, with agricultural activities being the primary source of pollution. Meanwhile, in pasture and urban areas, Co and Pb were notably prominent, respectively.

19.
Glob Ment Health (Camb) ; 11: e19, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38414724

RESUMEN

Mental health is a significant public health challenge globally, and one anticipated to increase following the COVID-19 pandemic. In many rural regions of developing nations, little is known about the prevalence of mental health conditions and factors that may help mitigate poor outcomes. This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and social support for residents of rural Haiti. Data were collected from March to May 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire subscales for anxiety and depression, and the Perceived Stress Scale were utilized in addition to tailored questions specific to COVID-19 knowledge. Half (51.8%) of the 500 survey respondents reported COVID-19-related anxiety and worrying either daily or across a few days. Half (50.2%) also reported experiencing depression daily or across several days. Most (70.4%) did not have any social support, and 28.0% experienced some stress, with 13.4% indicating high perceived stress. Furthermore, 4.6% had suitable plumbing systems in their homes. The results were immediately actionable, informing the implementation of a mental health counseling program for youth following a loss of social support through school closures. Long-term investments must be made as part of public health responses in rural communities in developing nations, which remain under-studied.

20.
Arch Environ Contam Toxicol ; 86(2): 140-151, 2024 Feb.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38324021

RESUMEN

The aim of this work was to relate the contribution of mine-derived airborne particulate matter to Ca, Fe, Mn and S content and distribution in Punctelia hypoleucites transplanted to Bajo de la Alumbrera, an important open-pit mine in Catamarca, Argentina. Lichen samples were transplanted to four monitoring sites: two sites inside the mine perimeter and two sites outside the mine. After three months, elemental distribution in samples was analyzed by microparticle-induced X-ray emission (microPIXE), and elemental concentration was determined by specific techniques: Ca and Fe by instrumental neutron activation analysis, Mn by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and S by a turbidimetric method. A differential distribution of S and Ca in thalli transplanted in-mine sites was detected compared to that of samples transplanted outside-mine sites. An overlap of Fe and S in the upper cortex of the apothecium section was observed, leading to infer a mineral association of both elements. Similar association was observed for Ca and S. In addition to these results, the significantly higher concentration detected for S and Mn in in-mine site samples suggests a contribution of Fe, S, Ca and Mn of mining origin to the content and distribution of these elements in P. hypoleucites. MicroPIXE complemented with Mössbauer spectroscopy analysis determined the presence of pyrite particles together with other iron-bearing minerals displaying different degrees of oxidation. These results point to a mining origin of the airborne particulate matter trapped by the lichen thalli transplanted to Bajo de la Alumbrera. These findings indicate that P. Hypoleucites acts as an excellent air quality biomonitor in the Bajo de la Alumbrera mine area.


Asunto(s)
Líquenes , Parmeliaceae , Material Particulado/análisis , Líquenes/química , Argentina , Minerales/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos
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