Assessment of Heavy Metal Levels in Soil and Vegetables in Some Farms Around Mining Sites in Mangu Local Government Area Plateau State, Nigeria

When the mining process is not properly controlled, it can be a source of heavy metals pollution in the environment. The uptake of these heavy metals in edible parts of vegetables can be a direct source of the metals into the human food chain. This study assessed the concentrations of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) in soil and vegetables obtained from nine (9) farms around mining sites in Mangu LGA. Concentrations of heavy metals in soil and vegetables were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results revealed the concentrations of the heavy metals at the farms to be within the recommended maximum levels of world soils but were higher than their respective controls. This implies that the artisanal mining contributed to the increased values of these heavy metals in the environment. Also, the mean concentrations of the heavy metals at Mangu Halle mining site decreased in the order Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd whereas at Alogwom it decreased in the order Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd. The enrichment factor (EF) of the elements showed deficiency to minimum enrichment for all the heavy metals whereas the pollution index (PI) of the metals indicated very slight contamination to moderate pollution. The results of the heavy metals in the vegetables showed that the bioaccumulation of the metals followed a pattern: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Ni. Levels of Cd, Pb and Ni in the vegetables were observed to be higher than the recommended limit for vegetables whereas Cu, Cr and Zn exhibited lower values than recommended standards. Thus, their consumption might pose health risk to consumers and therefore there is the need for proper monitoring of the illegal mining activities to reduce health risk and the extent of heavy metals contamination.

Comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal ascorbate and glutathione coregulation of cadmium toxicity resistance in wheat genotypes

Background Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal with high toxicity that severely inhibits wheat growth and development. Cd easily accumulates in wheat kernels and enters the human food chain. Genetic variation in the resistance to Cd toxicity found in wheat genotypes emphasizes the complex response architecture. Understanding the Cd resistance mechanisms is crucial for combating Cd phytotoxicity and meeting the increasing daily food demand. Results Using two wheat genotypes (Cd resistant and sensitive genotypes T207 and S276, respectively) with differing root growth responses to Cd, we conducted comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses and exogenous application tests to evaluate Cd detoxification mechanisms. S276 accumulated more H2O2, O2−, and MDA than T207 under Cd toxicity. Catalase activity and levels of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) were greater, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities were lower in T207 than in S276. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of RBOHA, RBOHC, and RBOHE was significantly increased under Cd toxicity, and two-thirds (22 genes) of the differentially expressed RBOH genes had higher expression levels in S276 than inT207. Cd toxicity reshaped the transcriptional profiling of the genes involving the AsA-GSH cycle, and a larger proportion (74.25%) of the corresponding differentially expressed genes showed higher expression in T207 than S276. The combined exogenous application of AsA and GSH alleviated Cd toxicity by scavenging excess ROS and coordinately promoting root length and branching, especially in S276. Conclusions The results indicated that the ROS homeostasis plays a key role in differential Cd resistance in wheat genotypes, and the AsA-GSH cycle fundamentally and vigorously influences wheat defense against Cd toxicity, providing insight into the physiological and transcriptional mechanisms underlying Cd detoxification.

Cleaning efficiency of feed production lines after production of feedstuffs with coccidiostats

Intensive broiler production implies regular use of coccidiostats approved as feed additives. However, due to their chemical properties, coccidiostats can stay behind in the production line, and consequently, unavoidable cross-contamination of non-medicated feedstuffs can result in the exposure of non-target animal species and in the potential for coccidiostat residues in foods, such as chicken meat and eggs, derived from these species. In this way, coccidiostats enter the human food chain and can pose a health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the success of line cleaning after the application of salinomycin and maduramicin in feed. We tested the cleaning matrix (wheat groats) in order to demonstrate how many cleaning replicates are needed to safely produce coccidiostat-free feedstuffs. After the application of salinomycin, it is recommended that, for safety reasons, the line be cleaned with at least five batches of wheat groats of 480 kg each. In the case of maduramicin, it is recommended the line be cleaned with a minimum of eight batches, considering the relatively low permissible level of maduramicin as a contaminant in medication-free feed.

Usage of Si, P, Se, and Ca Decrease Arsenic Concentration/Toxicity in Rice, a Review

Rice is one of the most important routes for arsenic to enter the human food chain and threatens more than half of the world’s population. In addition, arsenic-contaminated soils and waters increase the concentration of this element in various tissues of rice plants. Thus, direct or indirect—infecting livestock and poultry—increase diseases such as respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and ultimately death in the long term. Therefore, finding different ways to reduce the uptake and transfer of arsenic by rice would reduce the contamination of rice plants with this dangerous element and improve animal and human nutrition and ultimately disease and mortality. In this article, we aim to take a small step in improving sustainable life on earth by referring to the various methods that researchers have taken to reduce rice contamination by arsenic in recent years. Adding micronutrients and macronutrients as fertilizer for rice is one way to improve this plant’s growth and health. In this study, by examining two types of macronutrients and two types of micronutrients, their role in reducing arsenic toxicity and absorption was investigated. Therefore, both calcium and phosphorus were selected from the macronutrients, and selenium and silicon were selected from the micronutrients, whose roles in previous studies had been investigated .

Detergent presence after washing dishes in a washing machine

Background Currently, about half of the European population has a dishwasher for domestic use and, following the trend of the last decade, this number is expected to increase in the coming years. Various types of detergents are available on the market for these machines, including some that incorporate chemical substances in the formula that can be harmful to humans. If machines are not able to efficiently remove detergent at the end of washing, chemicals can enter the human food chain and cause long-term damage. Methods This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dishwashers in removing the detergents used during the washing. The study was carried out in the village of Friúmes, in Penacova - Coimbra, in dwellings that had a dishwasher, ten machines were selected at random, located in different residences. The sample collected represents the execution of thirty analyzes in dishes and thirty in glass, with a phenolphthalein indicator. Results As a result of the study, and after finishing the washing cycle, the presence of detergent was detected in 4 dishes (13.3%) and in 10 glasses (33.3%), demonstrating flaws in the removal of the chemical during the washing period. It is verified that the number of chemicals increases at the end of washing, in the glasses compared to the dishes. Conclusions The design of the glass can have an influence on the results. However, further studies are needed as the bioaccumulation of these products can pose risks to people's health.

Analysis of aflatoxin M1 contamination in milk and cheese produced in Mexico: a review

Due to the carcinogenic character of aflatoxins when present in foods, these compounds are considered a risk to human health. This systematic review aimed at compiling the available research data on detection and quantification of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk and common types of cheese produced in Mexico in the past two decades. A limited number of studies were found that matched the purpose of our review. Only ten research works focused on the evaluation of AFM1 content in milk while three studies analysed the occurrence of this mycotoxin in oaxaca and panela cheeses. HPLC-FD and ELISA were the methods of choice utilised to detect AFM1. Concentrations higher than 0.5 μg AFM1/kg, a maximum limit set in current food regulation in Mexico, were found in major dairy brands consumed in Mexico. Analysis of raw milk produced during the rainy season in the states of Jalisco (2007) and Chiapas (2013) showed mycotoxin levels within the regulation limits while milk samples obtained during the dry season in the Mexico City and the State of Mexico (2008) exceeded that threshold. For cheeses, 33% of the artisanal produced oaxaca type samples from Veracruz (2016) and 55% of those acquired in Mexico City (2019) were found above the limit set for milk. In contrast, the panela cheese samples obtained in Baja California and Guanajuato (2009) complied with the AFM1 regulation. Additionally, the presence of AFB1 and its hydroxylated metabolites other than AFM1 were determined in the major milk brands at concentrations that could be of high risk for human health. Similar results were reported for both artisan and industrially produced oaxaca cheese. Finally, mycotoxins enter human food chain through animals fed with contaminated fodder. Our systematic review demonstrated the urgent need to amend the existing food regulation in Mexico to include mycotoxins as potent contaminants in cheese.

Physiological Responses of Beet and Cabbage Plants Exposed to Copper and their Potential Insertion in Human Food Chain

Copper (Cu) can be toxic to vegetables when it is absorbed and accumulated at large concentrations, a fact that increases the risk of excessive addition of this metal to the human food chain. The aims of the current study are (1) to determine the Cu concentrations that have critical toxic effects on beet and cabbage plants, and the potential of these plants to enter the human food chain; as well as (2) to assess the physiological and biochemical responses of representatives of these vegetables grown in nutrient solution presenting increasing Cu concentrations. Beet and cabbage plants were grown for 75 days in pots filled with sand added with nutrient solution presenting six Cu concentrations: 0.00, 0.52, 1.02, 1.52, 2.02 and 2.52 mg Cu L -1 . Dry matter yield and Cu accumulation in different plant organs were evaluated. Photosynthetic pigment contents, lipid peroxidation levels (TBARs), superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) and peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) activity, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 ) concentrations in leaves were evaluated. Critical Cu concentrations that led to toxicity in plant organs such as beetroot and cabbage head, which are often found in human diets, corresponded to 1.43 mg Cu L -1 and 1.59 mg Cu L -1 , respectively. High Cu concentrations in the nutrient solution have increased Cu concentrations and accumulation in plant tissues. This outcome justified the increased POD and SOD enzyme activity in the leaves of beet and cabbage plants, respectively, as well as was the cause of reduced plant growth in both crops. Cabbage plants presented higher tolerance to increased Cu levels in the growing environment than beet plants. However, it is necessary being careful at the time to consume both vegetables, when they are grown in Cu-enriched environments.

Micro/nanoplastic mediated pathophysiological changes in rodents, rabbits, and chicken

Plastics provide tremendous societal benefits and are an indispensable part of our lives. However, fragmented plastics or those intentionally manufactured in small sizes (microplastics or nanoplastics) are of concern because they can infiltrate soils and enter the human food chain through trophic transfer. The pathophysiological impacts of micro/nanoplastics in humans are not characterized but their effects in terrestrial mammals may help elucidate their potential effects in human beings. Rodent studies have demonstrated that micro/nanoplastics can breach the intestinal barrier, accumulate in various organs, cause gut dysbosis, decrease mucus secretion, induce metabolic alterations, and cause neurotoxicity, amongst other pathophysiologic effects. Larger mammals such as rabbits can also absorb microplastics orally. In farm animals such as chicken, microplastics have been detected in the gut, thereby raising food safety concerns. This review mostly focuses on studies conducted to assess effects of micro/nanoplastic exposure through food and water in terrestrial mammals and farm animals including rodents, rabbit and chicken, identifies main knowledge gaps, and provides recommendations for further research to understand food-borne MP/NP toxicity in humans.

A Review of Veterinary Antibiotic Pollution in the Agro-Environment of Pakistan: Alarm Bells Are Ringing

Veterinary antibiotics (VAs) are widely used in Pakistan for growth enhancement, production, and in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in the livestock and poultry industry. Their emergence into the agro-environment began during the resource utilization of farmyard and poultry manure. However, these bioactive organic pollutants are non-degradable in the natural environment and can be uptaken by plants, eventually ending up in the human food chain. Despite the danger these antibiotics pose, unfortunately, it is an issue that still remains underreported, especially in Pakistan. As such, this review critically summarizes the current consumption, exposure pathways, strategies for controlling dissemination, and serious environmental concerns associated with VAs. Additionally, the fate of antibiotics in the dry arid climate of Pakistan is thoroughly explained along with the lack of monitoring and strict legislation in developing countries. It is reported that antibiotic consumption negatively impacts raw manure, hence suggestions such as limiting the consumption of antibiotics from the source, proper disposal of farmyard manure with effective technologies, and remediation techniques are introduced. Finally, the authors highlight the importance of farmer's education and awareness campaigns in the pollution control of antibiotics, as the problem can only be properly addressed with the cooperation of government agencies, companies, and involved stakeholders. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers