Determination of Potentially Toxic Elements from Poultry Feeds in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study examined potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from poultry feeds. The presence of PTEs in the environment raises health concern because these elements can be toxic, ubiquitous and cannot be degraded to non-toxic forms by any known method and as a result remain in the environment for decades. This is a potential pathway through which these PTEs could easily enter the food chain. Six PTEs (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn) were determined from four feed types (starter, grower, finisher and layer) from four manufacturers coded A, B, C and D. The samples were prepared, digested and analysed for PTEs using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentrations obtained were in the following ranges: 0.49 – 0.76 mg/kg (Cd); 11.9 – 7.90 mg/kg (Cr); 5.10 - 7.91 mg/kg (Cu); 7.17 - 9.47 mg/kg (Pb); 26.9 - 34.9 mg/kg (Mn); 3.80 - 6.50 mg/kg (Ni) and 27.8 - 38.4 mg/kg (Zn). These results were compared with the maximum acceptable concentration for PTEs in feeds as stipulated by the European Union standard and the concentrations of Pb and Ni exceeded maximum acceptable concentration. When concentrations exceed set standard, it implies risk to human health. Thus, the need for continuous monitoring of feed compositions.

Assessment of Heavy Metals Distribution in Soil Cover of Industry-Urban Area of Krasnoyarsk

The results of analysis of heave metals concentration in soil and subsoil of large urbanized area are presented. The dates of observation from 2014 to 2016 are presented. The 108 soil samples from 12 monitoring areas were analyzed. The distribution of mobile forms of heavy metals in the soil cover within Krasnoyarsk city are considered. The rate of soil pollution was studied. It was discovered soil pollution with Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cd, Co exceeds maximum acceptable concentration (MAC). Geochemical associations of heavy metals for functional specialization areas were established. The indices of accumulation of heavy metals can be used to the monitoring to urban territories.

Lead in drinking water: a response from the Atlantic PATH study

Exposure to lead through drinking water is an issue of increasing concern, particularly with recent high-profile cases of lead-contaminated water. The maximum acceptable concentration level for drinking water in Canada is 10 µg/L, whereas the current blood intervention level is 10 µg/dL. The health effects related to lead exposure are well established and there is evidence that blood lead levels as low as <5 µg/dL are associated with adverse health effects in both children and adults. We analyzed water and toenail samples for lead concentrations from the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (Atlantic PATH) project, a cohort of the general population in Nova Scotia. Approximately 46% of Nova Scotia residents use well water as their primary source of drinking water. Water from dug wells had higher lead concentrations compared to drilled wells, and the lowest lead levels were found in water from municipal supplies. Although the majority of the lead levels in the drinking water provided by Atlantic PATH participants were below the Canadian maximum acceptable concentration level, there were outliers, particularly among unregulated private well water sources. Given the health effects that are linked to low-level exposures, any exposure to lead in primary water sources remains a concern.

Maximum acceptable concentration levels of the chemical agent sarin in Canadian and Russian soil types

The lowest-observed-adverse-effect and no-observed-adverse-effect concentrations of sarin were determined in soils typical to Canada and Russia. Maximum acceptable concentrations were established to be 3.0 × 10−4 mg kg−1 for the standard reference soil, 2.0 × 10−3 mg kg−1 for prairie soil, and 1.0 × 10−2 mg kg−1 for forest soil.

The Application of Complex Spice Essential Oils on the Preservation of Pasteuriged Minced Ham Sausage

In order to investigate complex spice essential oils used in pasteuriged minced ham sausage (PMHS) as a novel food preservative, the studies were done as followed: firstly, we selected the optimal boil treatment to minimize SEO concentration and get the desired effect. Then, the research was done to investigate the maximum acceptable concentration of SEO used in PMHS, followed by the experiments to choose the suitable solvent from its impact on antibacterial activities and flavor on PMHS. The comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of SEO with potassium sorbate and nisin was also studied. The results showed that the optimal boil treatment was hold the core temperature of PMHS at 85°C for 40 min. Considering the original flavor, 100uL/kg was the largest dosage. For more durable preservation and the best flavor, we used Arabica gum to emulsify diluted essential oils. The preservative effect of 100uL/kg complex spice essential oils in PMHS was better than 1500 ug/kg potassium sorbate, worse than equal dosage of nissin. In conclusion, complex spice essential oils was a suitable and efficient preservative for PMHS.

Farm Well Water Quality in Alberta

On-farm groundwater supplies in Alberta were evaluated for chemical (routine chemistry, trace metals), herbicides and microbiological (total and fecal coliforms) parameters to determine the suitability of domestic drinking water usage based on the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ). The sampling program was conducted between May and October of 1995 and 1996. Thirty-two percent of the 816 farm water wells surveyed (depth range 2 to 284 m) exceeded the GCDWQ for maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) or interim maximum acceptable concentration (IMAC) of at least one parameter. In addition, the water from 92% of the sites exceeded the GCDWQ for at least one of the aesthetic objectives (AO). The chemicals were ranked from most to least frequently exceeding the GCDWQ MAC, in the following order: F &gt;&gt; NO3 −N + NO2−N &gt; As &gt; Se &gt; Pb &gt; B &gt; U &gt; Cr (13, 6, 3, 3, 2, 0.9, 0.4 and 0.2% of all samples, respectively). The parameters ranked from most to least frequently, exceeding the AO, in the following order: TDS &gt; Na &gt; Fe &gt; Mn &gt; pH &gt; SO4 &gt; Cl &gt; Al &gt; Zn &gt; Cu (85, 64, 36, 34, 23, 19, 6, 2, 1 and 0.1 % of the samples, respectively). The majority of the higher concentrations of most inorganic parameters are due to natural geological conditions defined by source aquifer mineralogy. The effects of primary agriculture are likely limited to the 3% herbicide detections and to some nitrate and microbiological contaminations observed; this water should not be used for human consumption without some form of site-specific treatment. Some rural residents may be “mistreating” their water, and a general lack of water testing among rural residents was noted.

What’s U. P., D. O. C.?

Some extremely valuable data was compiled in the ‘60s on sea salt aerosol average concentrations that could be expected over the oceans at various wind speeds. This data is still valid, but implication of how variant concentrations, concentration excursions or transient concentrations, which are completely masked by averaging type sampling collections, ignored before because of inadequate instrumentation, can now be discussed. Hopefully now, it is possible, with sodium monitors now available, to take a continuous concentration recording, integrate the total sea salt ingested and see the magnitude of the transients. This could enable the concept evolution from MAC (Maximum Acceptable Concentration) to MAD (Maximum Acceptable Deterioration), which would correlate sea Salt concentration, temperature and time. MAC implies constant concentration and constant temperature which we see now as very difficult to achieve in actual experience.