scholarly journals Association of Zoonotic Protozoan Parasites With Microplastics in Seawater: Implications for Human and Wildlife Health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Zhang ◽  
Minji Kim ◽  
Lezlie Rueda ◽  
Chelsea Rochman ◽  
Elizabeth VanWormer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Environment ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Wildlife Health ◽  
Anthropogenic Pollutants ◽  
Marine Food Chain ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Fish And Shellfish

Abstract Plastics are widely recognized as a pervasive marine pollutant. Microplastics have been garnering increasing attention due to reports documenting their ingestion by animals, including those intended for human consumption. Their accumulation in the marine food chain may also pose a threat to wildlife that consume species that can accumulate microplastic particles. Microplastic contamination in marine ecosystems has thus raised concerns for both human and wildlife health. Our study addresses an unexplored area of research targeting the interaction between plastic and pathogen pollution of coastal waters. We investigated the association of the zoonotic protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia enterica with polyethylene microbeads and polyester microfibers. These pathogens were chosen because they have been recognized by the World Health Organization as underestimated causes of illness from shellfish consumption, and due to their persistence in the marine environment. We show that pathogens are capable of associating with microplastics in contaminated seawater, with more parasites adhering to microfiber surfaces as compared with microbeads. Given the global presence of microplastics in fish and shellfish, this study demonstrates a novel pathway by which anthropogenic pollutants may be mediating pathogen transmission in the marine environment, with important ramifications for wildlife and human health.

Exploring Antimicrobials from the Flora and Fauna of Marine: Opportunities and Limitations

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishnamoorthy Venkateskumar ◽  
Subramani Parasuraman ◽  
Leow Y. Chuen ◽  
Veerasamy Ravichandran ◽  
Subramani Balamurgan
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Living Space ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
Health Organization

About 95% of earth living space lies deep below the ocean’s surface and it harbors extraordinary diversity of marine organisms. Marine biodiversity is an exceptional reservoir of natural products, bioactive compounds, nutraceuticals and other potential compounds of commercial value. Timeline for the development of the drug from a plant, synthetic and other alternative sources is too lengthy. Exploration of the marine environment for potential bioactive compounds has gained focus and huge opportunity lies ahead for the exploration of such vast resources in the ocean. Further, the evolution of superbugs with increasing resistance to the currently available drugs is alarming and it needs coordinated efforts to resolve them. World Health Organization recommends the need and necessity to develop effective bioactive compounds to combat problems associated with antimicrobial resistance. Based on these factors, it is imperative to shift the focus towards the marine environment for potential bioactive compounds that could be utilized to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Current research trends also indicate the huge strides in research involving marine environment for drug discovery. The objective of this review article is to provide an overview of marine resources, recently reported research from marine resources, challenges, future research prospects in the marine environment.

scholarly journals HEAVY METAL CONTENT IN SOME SEAFOODS COLLECTED FROM MUARA ANGKE FISH AUCTION PLACE, JAKARTA.

1987 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
Horas Hutagalung ◽  
Suwirma Syamsu
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Content ◽  
Heavy Metal Content ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Zn Content ◽  
Standard Set ◽  
Health Organization

Determination of  heavy  metal  content  (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn) in some seafoods collected from  Muara  Angke  Fish  Auction  Place  were carried out during February to July 1979. The results showed  that Zn  content  in seafoods a nalyzed  was always much higher than the other heavy metals. The concentration levels of  the  six  heavy  metals observed were low. It is almost of the same level as the metal concentration of  other  seafoods  observed  in various parts of the world oceans, but still lower  than the maximum standard set  for human  consumption  as  established  by   Tasmania, Australia and  World Health Organization. The  mean  per capita  consumption of  fish  in Jakarta is only  about 165 g  per week, while  the  Provisional Tolerated Weekly Intake for Hg, set by WHO/FAO at 300 ug level, would be attained by consuming 1500 g Rastrelliger sp., or 698 gPenaeus setiferus, or 545 g Sepia sp., and or 1250 g Pecten sp.  Therefore,  at   present the  level of metal content in fishes sold at TPI  Muara  Angke  can be  considered  as  not  dangerous  to human health as long as these quantities are not surpassed.

scholarly journals Análise geoquímica das águas subterrâneas no município de Boquira, no semiárido baiano - Brasil

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
Maria da Conceição Gomes ◽  
Danilo Melo ◽  
Maíra da Costa ◽  
José Ângelo dos Anjos ◽  
Michael Trinta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geochemical Modeling ◽  
Saturation Index ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Alluvial Deposits ◽  
Environmental Liabilities ◽  
Lead Zinc ◽  
Ionic Relations ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
Health Organization

The geochemical analysis was carried out in the center-south portion of the state of Bahia, in the semi-arid region of Bahia, where outcrop the Paramirim Complex, Boquira Unit, Boquira Granite, Veredinha Granite, Serra do Espinhaço, detritus coverings and alluvial deposits. The Boquira Unit is known for lead-zinc mineralization. In this unit operated the Boquira mine, considered the largest lead and zinc mine in Brazil, until it was suddenly abandoned, leaving significant environmental liabilities of toxic metals such as lead, zinc, silver, barium, copper, chromium and nickel. To characterize the groundwater 16 physical-chemical parameters from 24 wells were used, obtained from the Water and Sanitation Engineering Company of Bahia - CERB. Its classification was made in the Piper Diagram and the ionic relations in meq/L. To evaluate the quality of the water we used the Consolidation Ordinance no 5/2017 of the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization. With the PHREEQC 3.5 hydrochemical model, the saturation index of the analyzed elements was calculated. The results showed predominance of calcium chloride waters (71% of the samples), with ionic relations of type rCa2+> rMg2+>rNa+ and rCl->rHCO3->rSO42+. Geochemical modeling indicated calcite (CaCO3), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) and quartz (SiO2) as the main minerals with a tendency to precipitation. The first two were associated with the dissolution of the Boquira Unit carbonates and the third one with the quartzites of the Serra do Espinhaço Formation. The concentrations of calcium and chloride showed 54% and 25% of the samples above the Maximum Allowable Value for human consumption, respectively, representing a risk factor to the health of the population in the area.

scholarly journals Assessment of Mycological Quality of Groundwater in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 76-81
Author(s):  
Glory Richard ◽  
Ebinyo Rebecca Aseibai
Keyword(s):  
Potable Water ◽  
Appropriate Technology ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Statistical Variation ◽  
Total Fungi ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Microbiological Procedures ◽  
Agricultural Organization

This study examined the mycological quality of groundwater in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Triplicate water samples were obtained from 8 locations in the metropolis, and the fungi quality analyzed following standard microbiological procedures. Results showed that total fungi density ranged from 5.2±1.00 x102 to 8.50±0.56 x103 CFU/ml. Analysis of variance indicates statistical variation (p=0.001) across locations with total fungi density exceeding the limit of 102 CFU/ml specified by World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization for potable water in 62.50% of samples. Eight fungi isolates (species) were identified in the study with frequency across the locations as follows: Aspergillus flavus (20.59%), Aspergillus fumigatus (20.59%), Aspergillus niger (20.59%), Cladosporum (5.88%), Fusarium (2.94%), Mucor (8.82%), Penicilium (14.71%) and Rhizopus (5.88%). Of these, Aspergillus species were predominant across the locations. Since groundwater meets diverse purposes, it is essential that it is suitable for the desired use, and this can be done using appropriate technology to make groundwater potable for human consumption.

scholarly journals A Detailed Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Kabul Basin, Afghanistan, and Suitability for Future Development

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussain Ali Jawadi ◽  
Jay Sagin ◽  
Daniel D. Snow
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Physicochemical Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Total Hardness ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Water Type ◽  
Dissolved Solids ◽  
Health Organization

Kabul is one of the most populated cities in Afghanistan and providing resources to support this population in an arid climate presents a serious environmental challenge. The current study evaluated the quality of local Kabul Basin groundwater to determine its suitability water for drinking and irrigation purposes now and into the future. This aim was aided through groundwater parameter assessment as well as determination of Water Quality Index (WQI) developed from 15 observation points near the city. The results of our physicochemical analysis illustrate that groundwater in the majority of areas of the Kabul Basin is not generally suitable for human consumption, and in some cases the concentrations of many contaminants are higher than accepted health standards or water quality benchmarks. The aquifer underlies an arid landscape, and because of this 85% of the samples tested are very hard while just over 13% are classified as hard. Groundwater in the Kabul Basin is typically high in calcium and magnesium and overall classified as a calcium bicarbonate water type. Overall, more than 60% of the analyzed samples had concentrations higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of total dissolved solids (TDS), 10% in total hardness (TH), about 30% in turbidity and more than 90% in magnesium. The results show that based on WQI, without treatment, roughly 5% of groundwater in the studied area is unsuitable for human consumption, while 13.3% is very poor and 40% is poor quality water. Approximately 40% of the assessed groundwater has good quality and could be used as drinking water for future development. Groundwater in some areas shows evidence of pollution and high dissolved solids content, rendering these sources unsuitable for either drinking or irrigation purposes.

scholarly journals Total mercury in the night shark, Carcharhinus signatus in the western equatorial Atlantic Ocean

2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Gomes Ferreira ◽  
Vicente Vieira Faria ◽  
Carlos Euardo Veiga de Carvalho ◽  
Rosangela Paula Teixeira Lessa ◽  
Francisco Marcante Santana da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Total Mercury ◽  
Atomic Emission ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Equatorial Atlantic ◽  
Daily Ingestion ◽  
Equatorial Atlantic Ocean ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Health Organization

Mercury is the only element capable to biomagnificate along the food chain, and carnivorous fish tend to accumulate high concentrations of this element. Total mercury in muscle tissue of Carcharhinus signatus sampled along the western equatorial Atlantic Ocean was measured by atomic emission spectrophotometry with ICP/AES. The average total mercury concentrations were consistently greater than the maximum limit for human consumption established by the Brazilian Health Ministry for carnivorous fishes (1000 µg. kg-1 w.w.). Therefore, an average consumption of 0.1 kg/day of C. signatus would result in an average daily ingestion of 174.2 µg of Hg, more than five times the 30 µg/day intake established by the World Health Organization. In the range of lengths studied, body length could not be used as an indicator of the Hg contamination degree for C. signatus. Also, sex cannot be considered a determining factor in the total mercury accumulation in C. signatus.

scholarly journals Assessing viability and infectivity of foodborne and waterborne stages (cysts/oocysts) of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Toxoplasma gondii: a review of methods

Parasite ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angélique Rousseau ◽  
Stéphanie La Carbona ◽  
Aurélien Dumètre ◽  
Lucy J. Robertson ◽  
Gilles Gargala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Exposure Assessment ◽  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Analytical Strategy ◽  
Health Organization

Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are protozoan parasites that have been highlighted as emerging foodborne pathogens by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. According to the European Food Safety Authority, 4786 foodborne and waterborne outbreaks were reported in Europe in 2016, of which 0.4% were attributed to parasites including Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Trichinella. Until 2016, no standardized methods were available to detect Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma (oo)cysts in food. Therefore, no regulation exists regarding these biohazards. Nevertheless, considering their low infective dose, ingestion of foodstuffs contaminated by low quantities of these three parasites can lead to human infection. To evaluate the risk of protozoan parasites in food, efforts must be made towards exposure assessment to estimate the contamination along the food chain, from raw products to consumers. This requires determining: (i) the occurrence of infective protozoan (oo)cysts in foods, and (ii) the efficacy of control measures to eliminate this contamination. In order to conduct such assessments, methods for identification of viable (i.e. live) and infective parasites are required. This review describes the methods currently available to evaluate infectivity and viability of G. duodenalis cysts, Cryptosporidium spp. and T. gondii oocysts, and their potential for application in exposure assessment to determine the presence of the infective protozoa and/or to characterize the efficacy of control measures. Advantages and limits of each method are highlighted and an analytical strategy is proposed to assess exposure to these protozoa.

scholarly journals Evaluating Strategies to Reduce Arsenic Poisoning in South Asia: A View from the Social Sciences

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-44
Author(s):  
Matthew Krupoff ◽  
Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak ◽  
Alexander van Geen
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Contaminated Water ◽  
Well Testing ◽  
Market Failures ◽  
Deep Well ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Technical Solutions

The World Health Organization has labeled the problem of arsenic contamination of groundwater in South Asia as “the largest mass poisoning in human history.” Various technical solutions to the problem fall into one of two broad categories: (i) cleaning contaminated water before human consumption and (ii) encouraging people to switch to less contaminated water sources. In this paper, we review research on the behavioral, social, political, and economic factors that determine the field-level effectiveness of the suite of technical solutions and the complexities that arise when scaling such solutions to reach large numbers of people. We highlight the conceptual links between arsenic-mitigation policy interventions and other development projects in Bangladesh and elsewhere, as analyzed by development economists, that can shed light on the key social and behavioral mechanisms at play. We conclude by identifying the most promising policy interventions to counter the arsenic crisis in Bangladesh. We support a national well-testing program combined with interventions that address the key market failures (affordability, coordination failures, and elite and political capture of public funds) that currently prevent more deep-well construction in Bangladesh.

scholarly journals Suitability of Ground Water in Southwest Kirkuk for Human Consumptions

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-109
Author(s):  
Abdulrazaq K. Abdulwahd
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Ground Water ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
World Health ◽  
Total Hardness ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Nitrite Nitrogen ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Groundwater is one of the important sources of providing the human with water for drinking and other purposes. In Iraq, most of the agricultural land far from surface water sources, which forced these farmers to use groundwater wells as a source to cover the needs of the water and uses for different household. Furthermore, in some areas of Iraq, the available surface water that is suitable for human consumption is insufficient. Hence, the ground water is the viable solution to provide drinking water.The aim of this study is to show the extent validity of the ground water for various human uses.Twenty wells were chosen at different location in the southwest of Kirkuk city. Physical and chemical tests were carried for each water samples which include nitrite- nitrogen, phosphate, total hardness as CaCo3, total dissolved solids, chloride, PH, and turbidity. The results were evaluated and compared accordingly with World Health Organization (WHO) specifications. The results showed that the ground water in the study areas not suitable for drinking because of the contamination with Nitrite – nitrogen, phosphate and high contents of total hardness and TDS

scholarly journals Study on Aluminium Contamination in Mettur Soil and its Subsequent Uptake by Medicinal Plants

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 3129-3133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalpana Palani ◽  
Krishnamurthy Balasubramanian ◽  
R. A. Kalaivani
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Centella Asiatica ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Al Content ◽  
Clean Environment ◽  
Chemical Content ◽  
Health Organization

Nowadays, the use of medicinal plants for disease treatment has been limited due to widely prevailing toxicity of medicinal plants and their source soil. The major reason for the toxicity in plants might be due to their mineral and chemical content and also related with the toxic materials present in the source soil. The aim of this study was to assess the Aluminum contamination in Mettur, an industrial town of Tamil Nadu, India which has many Al industries. Total Al content in the soil of the region where medicinal plants were cultivated was found to be 16700 mg kg-1. Further, Al content in commonly used medicinal plants Centella asiatica, Bacopa monneri and Euphorbia hirta grown in Al polluted soil was studied. The Al concentration of the medicinal plants ranged from 449 to 801 mg kg-1. All the three plants were found to accumulate level of Al which is above the maximum permissible limits prescribed by World Health Organization and thus, it may cause Al toxicity among the consumers of herbal medicines. From the results of the present study, it is inferred that the medicinal plants used for the human consumption or disease management should be collected from clean environment and processed carefully.

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