scholarly journals Bacterial and heavy metal contamination in selected commonly sold herbal medicine in Blantyre, Malawi

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-159
Author(s):  
Martin Kalumbi
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Lead Contamination ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus ◽  
Lead And Cadmium

BackgroundThere has been an increase in use of herbal medicine worldwide. It is either used as a stand-alone or complementary therapy to conventional medicine due to past good experience, poverty and family traditions. In Malawi, there are no regulations governing the supply, acquisition, marketing and quality enforcement of herbal medicine. This compromises its safety thereby exposing consumers to avoidable bacteria and heavy metals leading to various adverse health effects. MethodsCross-sectional laboratory experiments were conducted to determine bacterial and heavy metal contamination of herbal medicine commonly sold in Blantyre, Malawi. A total of 47 samples which were in three formulations namely liquid, powder and tablet were used in the experiments. 29 samples were used for bacterial limit tests and 18 samples were used for heavy metal analysis. Bacterial contamination was determined by streak plate method and biochemical tests while heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were calculated using Microsoft excel and SPSS software programs. ResultsTwenty out of the 29 samples (68.9%) were contaminated with Bacillus, coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter and other-Coliform bacterial species. Most isolated microorganism was Citrobacter spp. (30%), followed by Bacillus spp. (25%). Out of 20 contaminated samples, 75% were contaminated with coliforms. From these 75% which were contaminated with coliforms, 93.3% of them exceeded WHO regulatory limit (103 CFU/g for enterobacteria). Although liquid samples had the highest level of bacterial contaminants, the count was not statistically different from other formulations (P = 0.058). For heavy metals, lead and cadmium were detected and 67% of the samples had lead levels exceeding regulatory limits. ConclusionLevels of bacterial and lead contamination in herbal medicine from Blantyre markets are far above acceptable limits set by WHO and Canadian guidelines. The use of these herbal medicines is a major risk to the health of consumers.

scholarly journals Organic Versus Conventional – a Comparative Study on Quality and Nutritive Value of Selected Vegetable Crops of Southern India

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-116
Author(s):  
JR Xavier ◽  
V Mythri ◽  
R Nagaraj ◽  
VCP Ramakrishna ◽  
PE Patki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Microbial Quality ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Lead And Cadmium

Vegetables are defined as edible plant parts generally consumed raw or cooked with a main dish, in a mixed dish, as an appetizer or as a salad. Food safety aspects related to microbial quality (total plate count, yeast and mold and food borne pathogens) and toxic residue (heavy metals) and mineral content were investigated for vegetables such as green leafy vegetable, salad vegetables, sprouts, brinjal, green chilies and French beans collected from organic and conventional outlets from Mysore region, Karnataka, India. Microbial analysis was carried out using standard procedures and mminerals (Ca, K, Fe, Cu, Mg, Mn and Zn) and heavy metals (Cd and Pb) were determined. Significant variations (p>0.05) were observed for microbial quality among organic and conventional vegetables. Mineral and vitamin C content were also significantly higher (p>0.01) in organic samples. Heavy metal contamination for lead and cadmium tested positive for conventional samples while organic samples tested negative. The variables that contributed most for the variability were heavy metal contamination, mineral and vitamin C content. Organically grown vegetables were free from heavy metals and safe for consumption, as well as they are rich in mineral and vitamin C content in comparison to conventional samples. SAARC J. Agri., 18(1): 99-116 (2020)

scholarly journals Analysis of Leading Metal (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Content Green Shells (perna viridis L.) in the Kreneng Market

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-45
Author(s):  
A. A. Istri Mirah Dharmadewi
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Metal Content ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Content ◽  
Perna Viridis ◽  
Lead And Cadmium ◽  
Wet Ashing ◽  
Maximum Limit

This research was conducted to determine the content of heavy metals lead (Pb) and  Cadmium (Cd) in green shells circulating in the kreneng market. Samples of green shells were taken from the kreneng market, Bali. Then analysis of the content of lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in the Analytical Laboratory of Udayana University. Samples of green mussels (Perna viridis L.) Were opened from the shell to take the meat. Furthermore, the sample is mashed by chopping and pounding and put into erlenmeyer. Each sample was given 3 repetitions using the factorial pattern RAL. Then with a wet ashing process (wet destruction). The results showed that the heavy metal content of lead and cadmium in green mussels (Perna viridis L.) Exceeded the maximum limit of heavy metal contamination. The heavy metal content of lead (Pb) shellfish taken at the Kreneng Market is 29.595 mg / kg while the heavy metal content of cadmium (Cd) taken at the Kreneng market is 3.41 mg / kg the result of the heavy metal content analyzed exceeds the predetermined by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

scholarly journals Complex soil contamination severely impacts seed-sown crop viability in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 531-537
Author(s):  
Annaclaire G. McDonald ◽  
Brad R. Murray ◽  
Daniel W. Krix ◽  
Megan L. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Soil Contamination ◽  
Common Bean ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Lead Contamination ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
Crop Species

Food security is a critical issue for many global communities. Heavy metal contamination in soils present a major and ongoing ecological risk associated with human activities which may impact the viability and safety of seed-sown crops. To better understand the impacts of soil contamination by heavy metals on seed-sown crop viability, we examined germination responses of eight commercially-important fruit and vegetable crop species to copper, zinc, and lead contamination at levels likely to be found in contaminated regions in Australia. We compared the germination attributes of days to first germination, germination period, and total proportion of seeds germinated under concentration limits of heavy metals detected at degraded sites and current Australian National Environment Protection Measure thresholds for domestic soils (i.e., copper 6,000 mg kg-1, zinc 4,700 mg kg-1, lead 300 mg kg-1). The combined heavy metal treatment (i.e. all three metals) significantly inhibited germination for all edible crop species with only carrots able to germinate under complex, multi-metal-contaminated conditions. Seed viability was significantly decreased in mulberry (M. alba var. tatarica, M. nigra, and M. rubra) and lettuce (L. sativa), with lowered seed germination in all metals compared to carrot (D. carota), radish (R. sativus), tomato (S. lycopersicum) and common bean (P. vulgaris). These results indicate heavy metal contamination is a notable risk to seed-sown crop species, with multi-metal contamination events likely to be severely damaging to lettuce, tomato, radish, common bean, and mulberry crops

A brief Survey of Assessment models to Predict stress Level of Heavy Metals in Soils

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangeetha Annam ◽  
Anshu Singla
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Stress Level ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Human Life ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Heavy Metal Stress

Abstract: Soil is a major and important natural resource, which not only supports human life but also furnish commodities for ecological and economic growth. Ecological risk has posed a serious threat to the ecosystem by the degradation of soil. The high-stress level of heavy metals like chromium, copper, cadmium, etc. produce ecological risks which include: decrease in the fertility of the soil; reduction in crop yield & degradation of metabolism of living beings, and hence ecological health. The ecological risk associated, demands the assessment of heavy metal stress levels in soils. As the rate of stress level of heavy metals is exponentially increasing in recent times, it is apparent to assess or predict heavy metal contamination in soil. The assessment will help the concerned authorities to take corrective as well as preventive measures to enhance the ecological and hence economic growth. This study reviews the efficient assessment models to predict soil heavy metal contamination.

scholarly journals TINGKAT BIOKONSENTRASI LOGAM BERAT DAN GAMBARAN HISTOPATOLOGI IKAN MUJAIR (Oreochromis Mossambicus) YANG HIDUP DI PERAIRAN TUKAD BADUNG KOTA DENPASAR

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Made Rahayu Kusumadewi ◽  
I Wayan Budiarsa Suyasa ◽  
I Ketut Berata
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Hexavalent Chromium ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Oreochromis Mossambicus ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Histopathological Changes ◽  
Food Ingredient

Tukad Badung River is one of the potential contamination of heavy metal sare very highin the city of Denpasar. Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) isa commonspecies of fish found in the river and became the object of fishing by the public. The fish is usually consume das a food ingredient forever yangler. Fish can be used as bio-indicators of chemical contamination in the aquatic environment. Determination of heavy metal bioconcentration and analysis of liver histopathology gills organs and muscles is performed to determine the content of heavy metals Pb, Cd, and Cr+6, and the influence of heavy metal exposure to changes in organ histopathology Tilapia that live in Tukad Badung. In this observational study examined the levels of heavy metal contamination include Pb, Cd and Cr+6 in Tilapia meat with AAS method (Atomic Absorption Spectrofotometric), and observe the histopathological changes in organ preparations gills, liver, and muscle were stained with HE staining (hematoxylin eosin). Low Pb content of the fish that live in Tukad Badung 0.8385 mg/kg and high of 20.2600 mg/kg. The content of heavy metals Pb is above the quality standards specified in ISO 7378 : 2009 in the amount of 0.3 mg / kg. The content of Cr+6 low of 1.1402 mg / kg and the highest Cr+6 is 6.2214 mg / kg. The content of Cr+6 is above the quality standards established in the FAO Fish Circular 764 is equal to 1.0 mg / kg. In fish with Pb bioconcentration of 0.8385 mg / kg and Cr+6 of 1.1402 mg / kg was found that histopathological changes gill hyperplasia and fusion, the liver was found degeneration, necrosis, and fibrosis, and in muscle atrophy found. Histopathologicalchangessuch asedema and necrosis ofthe liveris foundin fishwith Pb bioconcentration of 4.5225mg/kg and Cr+6 amounted to2.5163mg/kg. Bio concentration of heavy metal contamination of lead (Pb) and hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) on Tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ) who lives in Tukad Badung river waters exceed the applicable standard. Histopathological changes occur in organs gills, liver, and muscle as a result of exposure to heavy metals lead and hexavalent chromium. Advised the people not to eat Tilapia that live in Tukad Badung

scholarly journals Study on Heavy Metal Contamination in High Water Table Coal Mining Subsidence Ponds That Use Different Resource Reutilization Methods

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3348
Author(s):  
Min Tan ◽  
Kun Wang ◽  
Zhou Xu ◽  
Hanghe Li ◽  
Junfeng Qu
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Coal Mining ◽  
Control Region ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
High Water ◽  
Aquaculture Pond ◽  
Coal Mining Subsidence ◽  
Resource Reutilization

Heavy metals accumulate in high water table coal mining subsidence ponds, resulting in heavy metal enrichment and destruction of the ecological environment. In this study, subsidence ponds with different resource reutilization methods were used as study subjects, and non-remediated subsidence ponds were collectively used as the control region to analyze the heavy metal distributions in water bodies, sediment, and vegetation. The results revealed the arsenic content in the water bodies slightly exceeded Class III of China’s Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water. The lead content in water inlet vegetation of the control region and the Anguo wetland severely exceeded limits. Pearson’s correlation, PCA, and HCA analysis results indicated that the heavy metals at the study site could be divided into two categories: Category 1 is the most prevalent in aquaculture pond B and mainly originate from aquaculture. Category 2 predominates in control region D and mainly originates from atmospheric deposition, coal mining, and leaching. In general, the degree of heavy metal contamination in the Anguo wetland, aquaculture pond, and fishery–solar hybrid project regions is lower than that in the control region. Therefore, these models should be considered during resource reutilization of subsidence ponds based on the actual conditions.

scholarly journals Heavy Metals Concentration in Contaminated Soils from Southern Part of Romania

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana FLORESCU ◽  
Andreea IORDACHE ◽  
Claudia SANDRU ◽  
Elena HORJ ◽  
Roxana IONETE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Industrial Waste ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Land Application ◽  
Industrial Wastes ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Contamination Of Soils

As a result of accidental spills or leaks, industrial wastes may enter in soil and in streams. Some of the contaminants may not be completely removed by treatment processes; therefore, they could become a problem for these sources. The use of synthetic products (e.g. pesticides, paints, batteries, industrial waste, and land application of industrial or domestic sludge) can result in heavy metal contamination of soils.

Environmental Susceptibility: Soil Contamination of Heavy Metals in the Territory of E-Waste Recycling Area

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (01) ◽  
pp. 25-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charu Gangwar ◽  
Aprajita Singh ◽  
Raina Pal ◽  
Atul Kumar ◽  
Saloni Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Physiological Analysis

E-waste is a popular name given to those electronic products nearing the end of their useful life which has become a major source of heavy metal contamination in soil and hence, became the global concern. Various samples of soil were collected from different sites and were determined for heavy metal analysis by the ICP-AAS after the digestion process. The main source of contamination is illegal e-waste recycling activities such as burning of PCB's acid baths etc. Different soil indices like contamination factor, I-geo, pollution load index, were calculated to determine the quality of the soil. Results indicate that e-waste recycling and industrial area are strongly contaminated by the heavy metals. Physiological analysis of soil revealed that e-waste processing and industrial activities decrease the soil pH and organic matter while enhancing the electrical conductivity of soil. The exceedance of metal contamination imposed negative impact to the soil environment and human health.

scholarly journals Arc GIS based Interpretation of Heavy Metals in Soil Samples near Coastal Areas of Badin, Sindh, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Muhammad Murtaza Qureshi ◽  
Mohammad Amin Qureshi ◽  
Muhammad Saeed Qureshi ◽  
Afzal Shah
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Coastal Area ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Coastal Areas ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Spatial Mapping ◽  
Arc Gis

This study was aimed to assess the severity of heavy metal contamination in eastern coastal area of Pakistan. Agriculture lands near district Badin coastal area found contaminated due to mega surface canal drain network, carrying untreated industrial and municipal effluents along with pumped saline water. Thirty-two random soil samples were collected from different coastal areas. Arc Geographic Information System was used for spatial mapping. Soil samples from coastal areas of Badin contain average concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) as Hg 0.247±0.207, Ni 2.622±1.107,Zn 3.121±0.929, Cu 0.059±0.066, Fe 70.447±1.163, Mn7.062±1.251, Co 0.0167±0.033,Cr0.799±0.718.

scholarly journals Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil, Paddy Straw and SEM analysis of the soil for the impact of wastewater irrigation in Girudhumal Sub basin of Tamil Nadu, India

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Sem Analysis ◽  
Wastewater Irrigation ◽  
Urban Region ◽  
Paddy Straw ◽  
The Impact

<p>The objective of the study is to determine accumulation and translocation of heavy metals from soil to paddy straw irrigated with urban sewage wastewater in peri-urban region of Girudhumal subbasin area in Madurai. The soil samples were collected in seven locations irrigated with treated and untreated wastewater and analyzed for physical properties like pH, EC, bulk density, soil type, major (N,P,K) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) and heavy metals Ni, Cd, Pb. SEM analysis showed that soil structure is significantly influenced by wastewater irrigation. It confirms that the wastewater irrigation disturbs soil structure and affecting the plant growth in long run.&nbsp; Pb content was higher than the prescribed safe limits in S5 and S6 location, similarly, Ni also was higher than the safe limit in all the locations. Pollution Load Index values are in the range of 0.08-0.56 for all sites, and it indicated that chance of heavy metal contamination is less. The EF values show moderate enrichment to Ni and Zn, Significant enrichment for Cd and Cu, Extremely high for Pb and deficiency for Mn. All these results confirmed that there is no immediate risk of heavy metal pollution, however with respect to Pb and Ni the plant tissues are showing higher values. The transfer factor for heavy metals from soil to paddy straw is less than 0.5 for Cd and for others is more than 0.5 indicated greater chances for heavy metal contamination.</p>

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