Heavy Metal Contaminants in Popularly-consumed Vegetables of Freetown, Sierra Leone

The contamination of the environment with heavy metals is one of the challenges that make up Sierra Leone's environmental problem, with urbanization being one of the main causes; due to the lack of proper waste dumpsites and landfills for infrastructural development, rivers, and streams are polluted. The loss of biodiversity, but river and stream pollution have a significant impact on aquatic life. Animals and plants in contaminated water sources "may perish or reproduce improperly". This study assessed the level of concentration of heavy metals namely; chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in some commonly-consumed vegetables like Manihot esculenta (Cassava) leaves, Ipomoea batatas (Potato) leaves, Amaranthus viridis (African spinach), Corchorus olitorius (Krain krain); Solanum lycopersicum (Tomatoes); Cucumis sativus (Cucumber); Brassica oleracea (Cabbage); Abelmoschus esculentus fruits (Okra); Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper); and Lactuca sativa (Lettuce) which were all purchased at local market places in Freetown. The vegetable samples were analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence machine (XRF) to determine their heavy metal concentration. The goal was to determine the food safety status of the vegetables by comparing the results to the maximum permissible limit (MPL) for vegetables, as set by WHO/FAO. The levels of Zn, Cr, Fe, Cu, and Pb in all vegetable samples varied from 4.70 – 5.69 %; 3.46 – 4.58 %; 4.00 – 4.52 %; 2.87 – 3.42 %; and 0.5 – 1.2 %, respectively. This result indicates that the metals were present at unsafe levels. According to the result, the maximum concentration values are much higher than the MPL value suggested by WHO/FAO for vegetables, implying that eating vegetables from the source market sites in this study may pose a health risk to humans. Heavy metals in vegetables should be monitored on a regular basis to prevent excessive accumulation of these heavy metals in the human food chain. When it comes to vegetable marketing, certain precautions should be implemented.

Principales disruptores endocrinos vinculados con salud reproductiva femenina: bases biológicas de su asociación / Main endocrine disruptors related to female reproductive health: biological basis of their association

Resumen Se denominan disruptores endocrinos (DEs) a aquellas sustancias químicas capaces de interferir con la homeostasis hormonal, alterando la síntesis, función, almacenamiento y/o metabolismo de las hormonas. Estas sustancias se encuentran en el ambiente y en una amplia variedad de productos de uso diario, por lo que la exposición humana es permanente. Experimentos con animales han confirmado la capacidad de los DEs para inducir desórdenes reproductivos, por lo que se ha sugerido que podrían ser un factor importante como causa de subfertilidad humana. El bisfenol A, los ftalatos y los compuestos orgánicos persistentes son tres tipos de DEs presentes en el medio ambiente y asociados con alteraciones reproductivas. Consultando las bases de datos MEDLINE y PubMed, en la presente revisión, se reúne bibliografía de los últimos 20 años donde se evalúan los efectos provocados por la exposición a los DEs mencionados en mujeres durante la vida adulta. Se resumen los efectos sobre marcadores de reserva ovárica y los resultados de tratamientos de fertilización in vitro. Por otro lado, se evalúa la evidencia a nivel molecular de los efectos provocados por los DEs sobre la fisiología reproductiva en estudios in vitro e in vivo.

Abstract Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are those chemical substances capable of interfering with hormonal homeostasis, altering the synthesis, function, storage and / or metabolism of hormones. These substances are found in the environment and in a wide variety of products for daily use, so human exposure is permanent. Animal experiments have confirmed the capacity of EDs to induce reproductive disorders, which is why it has been suggested that they could be an important factor in causing human subfertility. Bisphenol A, phthalates and persistent organic compounds are three types of EDs present in the environment and associated with reproductive disorders. Consulting the MEDLINE and PubMed databases, in this review, a bibliography of the last 20 years is gathered where the effects caused by exposure to the mentioned EDs in women during adult life are evaluated. The effects on ovarian reserve markers and the results of in vitro fertilization treatments are summarized. On the other hand, the evidence at the molecular level of the effects caused by EDs on reproductive physiology is evaluated in in vitro and in vivo studies.

Factores de riesgo ambientales y perinatales en pacientes pediátricos con Leucemia Linfoblástica aguda, de una población hospitalaria. Estudio de caso-control

RESUMEN Introducción: En la Leucemia linfoblástica aguda se han estudiado el rol de factores de riesgo ambientales y genéticos. Menos frecuentemente otros como los perinatales y parentales El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los factores de riesgo ambientales, parentales y perinatales de los niños con Leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA) en tratamiento en el servicio de oncología de un hospital pediátrico. Materiales y Métodos: estudio de caso-control, realizado en el departamento de oncohematología de un hospital pediátrico. Los casos fueron niños con diagnóstico de leucemia linfoblástica aguda y los controles niños con patología quirúrgica, previamente sanos pareados por edad. Se estudiaron variables ambientales, perinatales y parentales. Los análisis uni y multivariado fueron realizados en SPSS y los resultados se expresaron en OR con IC 95%. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética institucional. Resultados: se incluyó 66 casos y 132 controles. El 33,3 (22/66) vs el 8,3% (11/132) OR 5,5 (IC 95% 2,4 - 12,5 p=0,0001 de los casos y controles respectivamente, eran residentes desde el nacimiento de los departamentos con mayor área de cultivos. En el análisis multivariado el riesgo de proceder de departamentos con extensas áreas de cultivo fue 3,6 veces mayor, OR 3,6 (IC 95% 1,4 -9) p=0,008 ajustado por la edad materna, antecedente de hospitalización neonatal, ocupación paterna y exposición a rayos X. Conclusiones: La residencia en zonas con gran extensión de cultivos fue el factor de riesgo ambiental en los niños con LLA de una población hospitalaria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The role of environmental and genetic risk factors has been studied in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but other factors, such as perinatal and parental factors, less so. The objective of the study was to analyze the environmental, parental and perinatal risk factors of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) being treated in the oncology department of a pediatric hospital. Materials and methods: This was a case-control study, carried out in the oncohematology department of a pediatric hospital. The cases were children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and the controls were previously healthy children diagnosed with a surgical pathology, matched by age. Environmental, perinatal and parental variables were studied. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed in SPSS and the results were expressed as OR with 95% CI. The protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Results: We included 66 cases and 132 controls. 33.3% (22/66) vs. 8.3% (11/132) OR 5.5 (95% CI 2.4 - 12.5 p=0.0001) of the cases and controls, respectively, had been residents since birth of the departments with larger farmland crop areas. In the multivariate analysis, the risk of being from departments with extensive crop areas was 3.6 times higher, OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.4 -9, p=0.008) adjusted for maternal age, history of neonatal hospitalizations, paternal occupation, and exposure to X-rays. Conclusions: Residence in areas with a large area of crops was the environmental risk factor in children with ALL in a hospital population.

The importance of environments and surfaces hygienization in pandemic times (Covid-19): a microbiological analysis in places for physical activity practice

The objective of this study was to analyse microbiological organisms in different locations and regions for physical activity in the city of João Pessoa, Brazil. Samples were collected on various objects used, such as: mattresses, drinking fountains, gloves, cell phones and others. The samples were collected in João Pessoa-PB, following the Standard Operating Procedure-SOP/ Microbiology of a specialized laboratory. The collection took place in the five macro-regions: North, South, East, West and Center. Foreach region samples were collected in one public place (square), a private one (gym) and one school (public or private), totaling fifteen collected sites and 450 samples. The following microorganisms were studied in all analyzed surfaces: Bacillus sp, Escherichia Coli, Klebsiella sppor Enterobacter sppand Coag. Neg. Staphylococcus.All regions had a high contamination level by some microorganism. The highest rates were found in the western, central and northern regions -96, 94 and 93% respectively. The Coag. Neg.Staphylococcus presented the highest and lowest incidence rates in the South and East regions, with 43.33 and 6.67%, respectively, as well as Klebsiella sppor Enterobacter spp, which presented high levels. It is concluded that there is a microorganisms' contamination in the most varied places and regions where physical activity practices are developed, with a predominance of Coag. Neg.Staphylococcusand Klebsiella sppor Enterobacter spp. These results lead to a warning about the hygiene importance in places for physical activity practice, especially in pandemic times (COVID-19), since almost all the evaluated surfaces were contaminated.

Hormônios estrogênicos em matrizes aquáticas: revisão sistemática de literatura / Estrogen hormones in aquatic matrices: a systematic review of the literature

Os disruptores endócrinos apresentam riscos à saúde humana e ambiental mesmo em concentrações a níveis de traços. Os hormônios femininos naturais, estradiol, estriol e estrona, e o sintético etinilestradiol, fazem parte desse grupo de agentes. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre estudos produzidos com o intuito de detectar e quantificar a presença dessas substâncias em matrizes aquáticas. Para tanto, foi realizada uma busca sistemática de evidências científicas em três bases de dados: Scopus, Web of Science e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). A busca foi realizada no período de janeiro de 2015 a janeiro de 2021, utilizando a string "(estrone OR estriol OR estradiol OR ethinylestradiol) AND (wastewater OR sewage OR river OR surface water OR drinking water OR potable water) AND (LC-MS/MS OR GC-MS/MS OR UPLC OR HPLC)". A busca resultou em 380 estudos, sendo: 61 da Scopus, 124 da Web of Science e 195 da BVS. Após a aplicação dos testes de relevância, 91 estudos foram definitivamente selecionados para extração de dados. A maioria dos artigos se dedicou à busca de estrogênios em águas superficiais, provavelmente pela importância dessa matriz. Os países asiáticos, como China e Índia, foram os que apresentaram as maiores concentrações de estrogênios naturais (E1, E2 e E3), em água potável. Altas concentrações de E1, E2 e EE2 foram verificadas em águas residuais do Brasil, Espanha e Irã; além de E1, E2 e E3 em águas superficiais da China e da África do Sul, mais precisamente da Cidade do Cabo. Nos últimos anos, os países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento foram os que mais investiram em pesquisas voltadas ao monitoramento dos efeitos desses contaminantes, principalmente no corpo humano. Porém, apenas a União Europeia e os Estados Unidos possuem regulamentação e estudos aprofundados com o propósito de se determinar os limites máximos aceitáveis para esses contaminantes na água. Disso, nota-se a necessidade de adoção de tecnologias de tratamento de efluentes capazes de eliminar os disruptores endócrinos e que sejam economicamente acessíveis para países em desenvolvimento e subdesenvolvidos. O que se propõe é o aprimoramento de uma medida preventiva, cuja implementação, além de promover melhoria na qualidade de vida da população - que é o que mais importa - e do meio ambiente, permita a economia de recursos públicos por minimizar a incidência de diversas doenças como cânceres, obesidade, entre outras

Endocrine disruptors pose risks to human and environmental health even at low concentrations. The natural female hormones, estradiol, estriol and estrone, and the synthetic ethinylestradiol, are part of this group of agents. In this context, the present work aimed to carry out a systematic review of the literature on studies produced with the aim of detecting and quantifying the presence of these substances in aquatic matrices. Therefore, a systematic search for scientific evidence was carried out in three databases: Scopus, Web of Science and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). The search was carried out from January 2015 to January 2021, using the string "(estrone OR estriol OR estradiol OR ethinylestradiol) AND (wastewater OR sewage OR river OR surface water OR drinking water OR potable water) AND (LC-MS/MS OR GC-MS/MS OR UPLC OR HPLC)". The search resulted in 380 studies, being: 61 from Scopus, 124 from Web of Science and 195 from BVS. After applying the relevance tests, 91 studies were definitively selected for data extraction. Most articles were dedicated to the search for estrogens in surface water, probably due to the importance of this matrix. Asian countries, such as China and India, were the ones with the highest concentrations of natural estrogens (E1, E2 and E3) in drinking water. High concentrations of E1, E2 and EE2 were found in wastewater from Brazil, Spain and Iran; in addition to E1, E2 and E3 in surface waters in China and South Africa, more precisely in Cape Town. In recent years, developed and developing countries have invested the most in research aimed at monitoring the effects of these contaminants, mainly on the human body. However, only the European Union and the United States have regulations and in-depth studies aimed at determining the maximum acceptable limits for these contaminants in water. From this, there is a need to adopt effluent treatment technologies capable of eliminating endocrine disruptors and that are affordable for developing and underdeveloped countries. What is proposed is the improvement of a preventive measure, whose implementation, in addition to promoting an improvement in the quality of life of the population - which is what matters most - and of the environment, allows the economy of public resources by minimizing the incidence of various diseases such as cancer, obesity, among others

Avaliação do parâmetro transmissividade de LNAPLs para caracterização de áreas contaminadas no estado de São Paulo / Assessment of LNAPL transmissivity for contaminated sites characterization in São Paulo state

RESUMO Fases líquidas não aquosas leves (LNAPL), como combustíveis líquidos, estão presentes em muitas áreas contaminadas. Para o gerenciamento dessas áreas, é importante conhecer a mobilidade desse produto, a fim de subsidiar decisões sobre sistemas de remediação e avaliação de risco. Uma alternativa para quantificar a mobilidade é o parâmetro transmissividade de LNAPL, ainda pouco aplicado no Brasil. Esse trabalho avaliou a aplicabilidade desse parâmetro em diferentes áreas contaminadas por LNAPL. Foram realizados testes em três áreas com litologias, tipos de contaminantes e históricos de contaminação distintos. Em alguns testes, não foi possível determinar a transmissividade de LNAPL devido à instabilidade do nível de fluidos, por consequência da operação de sistemas de bombeamento e precipitação, além de problemas operacionais durante a realização do teste. Apesar de ser um teste simples, em alguns casos, a determinação de transmissividade de LNAPL pode ser inviável, principalmente para LNAPL de baixa mobilidade por requerer testes mais prolongados. Os principais fatores determinantes no valor de transmissividade de LNAPL foram a litologia, a posição do poço na pluma e a posição do nível d'água em relação a série histórica. Assim, a transmissividade de LNAPL pode ser um parâmetro útil no gerenciamento de áreas contaminadas, cuja interpretação deve ser feita de forma cautelosa e integrada com outros dados de investigação da área.

ABSTRACT Light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL), such as liquid fuels, are present in many contaminated sites. To adequately manage these sites, it is important to know the product mobility, to support decisions on remediation systems and risk assessment. One alternative to quantify mobility is to quantify the LNAPL transmissivity, which is rarely applied in Brazil. This work aimed to evaluate the applicability of this parameter in LNAPL contaminated sites with different conditions. Tests were performed in three sites, with different lithologies, types of contaminants and contamination histories. In some tests, it was not possible to obtain representative values of LNAPL transmissivity due to fluids levels instability, caused by pumping systems and precipitation events, and operational problems during the tests. Despite being a simple test, in some cases, the determination of LNAPL transmissivity may not be feasible, especially for low mobility LNAPLs, that require long period tests. The main factors controlling LNAPL transmissivity values were lithology, position of the well in the plume, and water level elevation in relation to the historical series. Thus, LNAPL transmissivity can be a useful parameter in the management of contaminated sites, but its interpretation must be made cautiously and integrated with other site data.

Evaluation of soil contamination by heavy metals at public cemeteries in the municipality of Lages, southern Brazil / Avaliação da contaminação de solos por metais tóxicos em cemitérios públicos do município de Lages, Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT The burial of bodies is a potentially polluting activity. Taking this into consideration, the aim of the present study was to verify the compliance of two cemeteries with environmental legislation and to quantify the concentrations of heavy metals in soils affected by burial activities. Physicochemical characterization of the soil was performed by analyzing control samples from areas near the cemeteries. Concentrations of cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, zinc and copper were determined using high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry. The two cemeteries had unsatisfactory properties for the retention of metal cations, with clay percentages ranging from 15.40 to 41.40% and sand percentages ranging from 28.75 to 66.85%. The control samples presented low cation exchange capacity (12.27 to 22.73 cmolc/dm³) and high aluminum (Al3+) saturation (66.74 to 90.16%). Although neither of the two cemeteries had concentrations above the limits established for the metals analyzed by Resolution No. 420/2009 of the National Environment Council, the contaminants may be leaching to groundwater due to inadequate soil characteristics.

RESUMO O sepultamento de corpos é uma atividade potencialmente poluidora. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a adequação das áreas de dois cemitérios públicos à legislação ambiental e à atividade cemiterial e quantificar a concentração de metais pesados nos solos que estão sob influência desses empreendimentos. Realizou-se a caracterização físico-química do solo, com a análise de amostras testemunha de solo de cada cemitério. Também foram determinadas as concentrações dos metais pesados: cádmio, chumbo, cromo, níquel, zinco e cobre, por meio de espectrometria de absorção atômica de alta resolução com fonte contínua. As áreas dos cemitérios apresentam condições insatisfatórias para a retenção de íons catiônicos metálicos, com percentuais de argila variando entre 15,40 e 41,40% e de areia entre 28,75 e 66,85%. Os solos testemunha apresentaram reduzida capacidade de troca de cátions entre 12,27 e 22,73 cmolc/dm³) e elevada saturação por alumínio entre 66,74 e 90,16%. Apesar de nenhum dos cemitérios apresentar concentrações dos metais analisados acima dos limites de prevenção estabelecidos pela Resolução nº 420/2009 do Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente, em função das características dos solos, os contaminantes podem estar sendo lixiviados para os recursos hídricos subjacentes.

Mobilidade de contaminantes em solos arenosos após a aplicação de águas residuárias tratadas produzidas em indústria siderúrgica / Contaminant mobility in sandy soils after application of treated wastewater produced in the steel industry

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um estudo de modelagem da dispersão de contaminantes no solo com águas residuárias produzidas e tratadas em uma indústria siderúrgica. Para isso, foram realizados ensaios de coluna de lixiviação utilizando amostras de solo coletadas nas áreas dentro da indústria onde aconteceria o reúso das águas residuárias tratadas nas estações de tratamento da própria siderúrgica. Com base nos ensaios, foram geradas curvas de eluição (breakthrough curves), para análise da mobilidade dos contaminantes no solo, e obtidos os parâmetros de transporte (coeficiente de dispersão, retardamento e dispersividade). As águas residuárias produzidas na siderúrgica apresentam baixas concentrações de metais pesados após o tratamento realizado, sendo apenas o ferro e o zinco, contaminantes de maior preocupação para a disposição no solo. Os solos analisados, com elevado percentual de areia, demonstraram ineficiência na retenção dos contaminantes presentes, aumentando os riscos de contaminação da água subterrânea. Conclui-se que, para a indústria siderúrgica realizar o reúso não potável das águas residuárias, deve-se associar este a técnicas de manejo e conservação do solo que aumentem a capacidade do solo em adsorver contaminantes, ou de impermeabilização na área de resfriamento de placas.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to carry out a modeling study on the dispersion of contaminants in the soil with wastewater produced and treated in a steel industry. For this purpose, column leaching tests were performed using soil samples collected in areas inside the industry where the reuse of treated wastewater would occur. Based on the tests, elution curves (breakthrough curves) were generated to analyze the mobility of contaminants in the soil, and transport parameters were obtained (dispersion coefficient, delay, and dispersivity). The wastewater produced in the steelworks has low concentrations of heavy metals after the wastewater treatment is carried out, with only iron and zinc posing a risk for wastewater disposal. The analyzed soils, with a high percentage of sand, showed a low retention capacity for the contaminants present, increasing the risks of groundwater contamination. Therefore, the non-potable reuse of treated wastewater is possible in the steel industry, but it must be associated with soil management and conservation techniques that increase the capacity of the soil to adsorb its contaminants or the impermeabilization in the area of plate cooling.

Dos interesantes contaminantes fúngicos filamentosos en muestras clínicas positivas a Trychophyton rubrum: una situación de curiosidad morfológica / Two interesting filamentous fungal contaminants in clinical samples positive to Trychophyton rubrum: a situation of morphological curiosity

Las dermatofitosis corresponden a un grupo de enfermedades micóticas comunes en piel y fanéreas, donde Trichophyton rubrum es el agente causante más frecuente a nivel mundial y presente en nuestros 2 casos de pacientes masculinos con estas micosis, una en uñas y la otra en piel. Sin embargo, el enfoque de esta publicación se basa principalmente en la presencia de 2 interesantes contaminantes (uno en cada caso clínico) presentes solo en los cultivos de las primeras siembras como saprófitos y por ende como propágulos de dispersión, asociados al ambiente y sin intervención clínica demostrada en ambas micosis. La descripción morfofisiológica de estos 2 contaminantes Metarhizium purpureo-genum(similis) y Monascus ruber fue más bien una curiosidad esencial que el micólogo clínico adquiere en su contínua formación y ante la posibilidad de infecciones mixtas, pudiendo conjugar sus hallazgos junto al análisis taxonómico y los factores geográficos y edáficos asociados a su distribución. (AU)

Dermatophytoses belongs to a group of common mycotic diseases in skin and pharynals, where Trichophyton rubrum is the most frequent causative agent worldwide and present in our 2 cases of male patients with these mycoses, one in nails and the other in skin. However, the focus of this publication is mainly about the presence of 2 interesting contaminants (one in each clinical case) present only in the crops of the first sowings as saprophytes and therefore as dispersal propagules, associated with the environment and without clinical intervention demonstrated in both mycoses. The morphophysiological description of these 2 contaminants, Metarhizium purpureogenum (similis) and Monascus ruber was rather an essential curiosity that the clinical mycologist acquires in his continuous training and in the face of the possibility of mixed infections, being able to combine his findings together with the taxonomic analysis and the geographic and edaphic factors associated with its distribution. (AU)

Bibliometric analysis on bioremediation of organic contaminated soil and groundwater based on Web of Science database / 生物工程学报

Bioremediation is regarded as one of the most promising methods for the remediation of the soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, mainly due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Using VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we analyzed all publications in this area in core database of Web of Science from 1990 to 2020. The number of publications in this area showed an increasing trend worldwide. The country with the largest total number of publications was USA, followed by China and India. Since 2012, the number of annual publications of China exceeded USA and ranked the first. The top three journals which published papers in this area were Chemosphere, Environmental Science & Technology, and Science of the Total Environment. The Chinese Academy of Sciences published the largest number of papers among the research institutions globally, but the University of California in USA had the highest total citations and h-index. Bibliometric analysis indicated that it is important to develop biotechnologies of bioremediation coupled with chemical/physical remediation to overcome the challenge of low efficiency and long remediation duration associated with bioremediation. In addition, the bioremediation on the mixed contaminants, such as organic contaminants and heavy metals, or mixtures of different organic contaminants, is an important direction. Finally, the rapid development of microbiome technologies will further promote the exploration of mechanisms involved in bioremediation on the genetic and molecular level.

Imobilização de metais pesados presentes nos resíduos de quartzito por meio da incorporação em argamassas com substituição total do agregado natural / Immobilization of heavy metals present in quartzite residues through incorporation in mortars with total substitution of the natural aggregate

RESUMO Este trabalho objetivou imobilizar metais pesados presentes nos resíduos de quartzito por meio da incorporação em argamassas em substituição total ao agregado natural. Dois tipos de resíduos foram utilizados: os resíduos de fragmentação das aparas (QS) e os do pó de serragem (QP). Os resíduos foram caracterizados por fluorescência de raios X, difração de raios X e ensaios de toxidade conforme metodologia da Norma Brasileira (NBR) 10005, da NBR 10006 e do Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) 1311. Então, foram analisadas composições de argamassas contendo cimento, cal e os resíduos (QS, QP) utilizando-se a técnica de delineamento de mistura, determinando os melhores traços, o melhor tipo de cura (imersa ou úmida) e, posteriormente, avaliando a resistência dos corpos de prova após cura. A caracterização do resíduo de quartzito revelou a presença de vários metais pesados e extratos lixiviados em contato com a água, classificando-o como resíduo de Classe I — Perigoso. Os resultados indicam que as composições determinadas foram capazes de imobilizar os metais pesados presentes nos resíduos de quartzitos, bem como resultou em argamassas com resistências mecânicas superiores a 2 MPa. Por fim, mostrou-se que essa técnica de solubilização e estabilização dos contaminantes presentes nos resíduos de quartzito é uma alternativa tecnologicamente viável e ambientalmente adequada para a destinação final desses resíduos.

ABSTRACT This work aims to immobilize heavy metals present in the quartzite residues by means of the incorporation in mortars in total substitution to the natural aggregate. Two types of residues were used: quartzite sand (QS) and powder (QP). The residues were characterized by x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, and toxicity tests according to the methodology of the NBR 10005, 10006 and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) 1311. Then, compositions of mortar containing cement, lime and residues (QS, QP) were analyzed using technique of designing the mixture, determining the best mixture, the best type of cure (immersed or wet), and subsequently evaluated at resistance of the body of evidences after curing. The characterization of quartzite residue revealed the presence of multiple heavy metals and leached extracts in contact with the water, classifying it a Class I-Hazardous waste. Regarding the production of mortars, the results indicated that the compositions determined were able to immobilize the heavy metals present in the quartzite residues, as well as resulted in mortars with mechanical resistances higher than 2 MPa. Finally, it was shown that this technique of solubilization and stabilization of contaminants present in quartzite residues is a technologically viable and environmentally adequate alternative for the final destination of these residues.

Ensaios toxicológicos aplicados à análise de águas contaminadas por fármacos / Toxicological tests applied to the analysis of water contaminated by drugs

RESUMO Fármacos de diversas classes têm sido detectados no ambiente aquático nos últimos anos. A presença desses compostos químicos deve-se, sobretudo, ao lançamento de esgoto in natura ou à remoção incompleta durante as etapas do tratamento de esgoto. Embora tais materiais sejam detectados em baixas concentrações (ng.L-1 - µg.L-1), os impactos de alguns fármacos à biota aquática já são conhecidos, sendo os efeitos na saúde humana, especialmente aqueles relacionados à exposição crônica, ainda pouco conhecidos e/ou controversos. Ensaios biológicos são ferramentas valiosas para avaliar a toxicidade de fármacos aos organismos expostos, e a sua adoção conjunta aos ensaios de tratabilidade da água e efluentes permitiria preencher lacunas de conhecimento e a construção de consenso na literatura científica sobre os seus efeitos toxicológicos. Pelo exposto, este artigo de revisão apresenta uma visão geral da ocorrência de fármacos em amostras ambientais do país e a toxicidade observada por meio de diferentes ensaios biológicos.

ABSTRACT Drugs of several classes have been detected in the aquatic environment in recent years. The presence of these chemicals is mainly due to the discharge of raw sewage or to their incomplete removal in sewage treatment plants. Although they have been detected at low concentrations (ng.L-1 - µg.L-1), the effects of pharmaceutical compounds on the aquatic biota are already acknowledged, being the effects on human health, especially those related to chronic exposure, still unknown and/or controversial. Biological assays are valuable tools for assessing drug toxicity to exposed organisms and their joint adoption in water and effluent treatability trials would fill up knowledge gaps and build consensus in the scientific literature on their toxicological effects. This review paper presents an overview of the occurrence of drugs in several Brazilian environmental samples and compiles the toxicity observed by means of different biological assays.

Nanotechnology for Combating Microbial Contamination of Water

El agua es una necesidad universal que ha sido reportada por las Naciones Unidas (ONU) y la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) como una prioridad. Existe una necesidad apremiante de acceso gratuito al agua potable para las poblaciones de los países en desarrollo. Además, las fuentes de agua de los países desarrollados también requieren atención debido a la presencia de un alto nivel de contaminantes emergentes. Por lo tanto, la nanotecnología parece ser una herramienta poderosa que podría usarse como sensores, filtros, superficies antibacterianas y nanoantimicrobianos. En esta revisión, hemos discutido la aplicación de las nanopartículas y los nanocompuestos para el tratamiento de aguas y aguas residuales. Además, el impacto de las nanopartículas libres como contaminantes emergentes en las plantas de tratamiento de agua, así como en las aguas subterráneas, merece más estudios.

The water is a universal need that has been reported by the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority. There is a pressing need for free access to drinking water for populations from developing countries. Furthermore, the water sources of developed countries also require attention due to the presence of a high level of emergent contaminants. Therefore, nanotechnology appears to be a powerful tool that could be used as sensors, filters, antibacterial surfaces, and nanoantimicrobials. In this review, we have discussed the application of nanoparticles and nanocomposites for water and wastewater treatment. Moreover, the impact of free-nanoparticles as emergent contaminants in water treatment plants as well as groundwater warrants further studies.

Need for the standardization of medicinal plant drugs / Монголын эм зүй, эм судлал

Abstract@#In the past 30-40 years, the use of herbal medicines, preparations and herbal finished products have extensively increased worldwide. The lifestyle and life quality of the world population have changed with the following longevity. People become a concern to use effective, qualitative, safety, with fewer side effects naturally derived medicine and products for healthcare, to protect and cure various diseases. Therefore, it is very essential to develop standards for medicinal plant materials and crude drugs, including herbal medicine and finished products. Many factors influence the quality, safety, efficiency, availability and popularity of herbal medicine. Among them, the quality of medicinal plant materials and supplementary compounds are very important.</br> In this paper, the reasons and requirements for the standardization of medicinal plant materials and crude drugs, permissible and limited quantities of the quality and quantity of biologically active compounds, as well as and contaminants and residues are described.

Hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos: uma revisão sobre metodologias de análise e níveis de contaminação em produtos cárneos defumados / Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a review on the methodologies of the analysis and the levels of contamination in smoked meat products

A defumação é um processo rotineiramente empregado nos alimentos como técnica de conservação, e uma maneira de proporcionar as características sensoriais específicas. Entretanto, o processo pode levar à formação de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs), que são compostos com dois ou mais anéis aromáticos condensados, alguns deles considerados carcinogênicos, mutagênicos e teratogênicos. Estudos em diversos países indicam que a contaminação de produtos cárneos defumados por diferentes HPAs é elevada e frequente, e desta maneira pode apresentar risco à saúde humana. O Brasil tem sido um dos maiores consumidores de carne no mundo, com tendência de aumentar o consumo de alimentos processados, e não é conhecida a real exposição da população aos HPAs pela ingestão de produtos cárneos defumados. Não há dados nacionais recentes quanto à contaminação destes alimentos com estes produtos. Considerando este panorama, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo realizar a revisão das principais metodologias analíticas, dos aspectos regulatórios e dos níveis de HPAs detectados em produtos cárneos defumados. Ademais, são apresentadas as maneiras de reduzir a contaminação dos alimentos por estes compostos.

Smoking is a common process employed in food as a conservation technique, as well as to provide the specific sensory characteristics. However, the process can lead to the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are composed of two or more fused aromatic rings, and some of them are considered carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic. Studies conducted in several countries indicate that contamination of smoked meat products by different PAHs is high and frequent, and it may cause a risk to human health. Although Brazil has been one of the largest consumers of meat in the world, with a trend to increase the consumption of processed foods, it has not known the real population exposure to PAHs by consuming the smoked meat products. There is no recent national data on the contamination of these foods. Considering this scenario, this study aimed at reviewing the main analytical methodologies, the regulatory aspects and the levels of PAHs found in the smoked meat products. In addition, the forms to reduce the contamination by these compounds are presented.

Effect of the manual manipulation of composite resin with latex gloves / Efecto de la manipulación manual de resina compuesta con guantes de látex

Purpose: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the influence of the manual manipulation of two composite resins: Filtek™ Z350XT (3M ESPE) and Herculite Précis® (Kerr), with latex gloves contaminated with powder, human saliva and alcohol, on the microhardness values. Material and Methods: Manual manipulation was evaluated using latex gloves with powder, latex gloves without powder, latex gloves without powder with saliva, latex gloves without powder with alcohol, and without hand manipulation or contaminants (control). Each resin was manually manipulated for 10 seconds and photoactivated for 20 seconds with a light intensity of 1000mW/cm2 using a VALO ­Ultradent LED light­ cured unit, and then each sample was evaluated on the microhardness Vickers tester Leitz (Wetzlar). The collected data were analyzed using Kruskal ­Wallis and Mann ­ Whitney post-test (p<0.05). Results. Microhardness values showed a significant difference between the evaluated and control groups, showing lower microhardness values in the group of latex glove with powder for Filtek™ Z350XT and the group of latex glove without powder with saliva for Herculite Précis®. Conclusion. The manual manipulation of composite resins decreases their surface microhardness.

Propósito: Este estudio in vitrotuvo como objetivo evaluar la influencia de la manipulación manual de dos resinas compuestas: Filtek ™ Z350XT (3M ESPE) y Herculite Précis® (Kerr), con guantes de látex contaminados con polvo, saliva humana y alcohol, sobre los valores de microdureza. Material y Métodos: La manipulación manual se evaluó utilizando guantes de látex con polvo, guantes de látex sin polvo, guantes de látex sin polvo con saliva, guantes de látex sin polvo con alcohol, y sin manipulación manual o contaminantes (control). Cada resina fue manipulada manualmente durante 10 segundos y fotoactivada durante 20 segundos con unaintensidad de luz de 1000mW/cm2 usando una unidad de fotocuración LED VALO - Ultradent, y luego cada muestra fue evaluada en el tester de microdureza Vickers Leitz (Wetzlar). Los datos recopilados se analizaron utilizando Kruska ­Wallis y post-test Mann­ Whitney (p<0.05). Resultados: Se observó una diferencia significativa en los valores de microdureza entre los grupos evaluados y el grupo control, con valores más bajos de microdureza en el grupo de guantes de látex con polvo para Filtek™ Z350XT y el grupo de guantes de látex sin polvo con saliva para Herculite Précis®. Conclusión. La manipulación manual de resinas compuestas disminuye su microdureza superficial.

Toxicological effects of ciprofloxacin and chlorhexidine on growth and chlorophyll a synthesis of freshwater cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are phytoplanktonic microorganisms that are susceptible to the deleterious effects of pharmaceutical residues in the aquatic environment, which poses a challenge to the environment exposed to diverse pharmaceutical products and their potential effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the antibiotic substances ciprofloxacin and chlorhexidine in pharmaceutical preparations on the growth and production of chlorophyll of two cyanobacterial strains, Microcystis aeruginosa and Microcystis panniformis, isolated from a lake in a Brazilian environmental protection area. The EC50 and EC10 of chlorhexidine for M. aeruginosa were 206.4 µg/L and 108.5 µg/L, respectively, and for M. panniformis were 171.4 µg/L and 116.6 µg/L, respectively. The EC50 and EC10 of ciprofloxacin for M. aeruginosa were 17.24 µg/L and 3.21 µg/L, respectively, and for M. panniformis were 13.56 µg/L and 1.50 µg/L, respectively. The toxicity of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (drug) and chlorhexidine (standard solution) to the Microcystis species was demonstrated, and these species were both very sensitive to ciprofloxacin. Our results suggest that the strains of M. aeruginosa and M. panniformis may be affected by exposure to residues of ciprofloxacin (>1.5 µg/L), which may represent a risk to the survival of aquatic species.

Institutos de longa permanência de idosos: exposição dos profissionais aos riscos físicos / Homes for elderly people: professionals' exposure to physical hazards / Hogares para ancianos: exposición de profesionales a los riesgos físicos

Objetivo: Averiguar a exposição dos profissionais de saúde aos riscos físicos presentes em um Instituto de Longa Permanecia de Idosos. Métodos: estudo descritivo-exploratório, de campo, com abordagem quantitativa e delineamento transversal utilizando-se um checklist elaborado conforme os requisitos das Resoluções da Diretoria Colegiada da ANVISA Nº 283/2005 e 50/2002. Resultados: O campo de estudo apresenta inconformidades frente aos padrões estabelecidos pelas resoluções específicas expondo os profissionais de saúde a riscos físicos, como: distribuição inadequada de mobiliários, choques elétricos, umidade, níveis elevados de pressão sonora, inadequação de espaço e temperatura elevada, entre outros. Conclusão: a Instituição avaliada não está em conformidade com a Legislação pertinente, sendo patente a presença de risco físicos que podem afetar a saúde dos trabalhadores e comprometer sua qualidade do trabalho

Objective: The study's purpose has been to investigate the exposure of professionals to the physical risks present in homes for the elderly people. Methods: It is both a descriptive-exploratory and a field study, which has a quantitative approach and cross-sectional design. Data collection took place using a checklist elaborated according to the requirements of the RDCs from the ANVISA No. 283/2005 and No. 50/2002. Results: The study field presents nonconformities to the standards established by the specific resolutions, then exposing health professionals to physical hazards, such as: furniture inadequate distribution, electric risk, humidity, high sound pressure levels, space inadequacy and high temperature, among others. Conclusion: The assessed Institution is not in compliance with the Legislation in force, thus showing the presence of physical hazards that might affect the health of workers and also compromise their work quality

Objetivo: Averiguar la exposición de los trabajadores de la salud a riesgos físicos presentes en un hogar de ancianos. Métodos: estudio exploratorio descriptivo, de campo con un enfoque cuantitativo y de carácter transversal utilizando un inventario, preparado de conformidad con los requisitos de las resoluciones de la Junta Colegiada de ANVISA No. 283/2005 y 50/2002. Resultados: El campo de estudio tiene inadecuaciones frente a las normas establecidas por las resoluciones específicas exponiendo los trabajadores de salud a riesgos físicos, tales como: inadecuada distribución de los muebles descargas eléctricas, de humedad, de niveles de presión sonora, de falta de espacio y alta temperatura, entre otros. Conclusión: la institución estudiada no está de acuerdo con la legislación pertinente, y es evidente la presencia de riesgo físico que puede afectar la salud de los trabajadores y comprometer su calidad de trabajo

Avaliação da presença do 3-monocloro-1, 2-propanediol e glicidol em óleos vegetais comestíveis utilizando GC/MS/MS e seu risco toxicológico / Evaluation of the presence of 3-monochloro-1, 2-propanediol and glycidol in edible vegetable oils using GC/MS/MS and its toxicological risk

Cloropropanóis são um grupo conhecido de contaminantes relacionados ao processamento de alimentos. Eles são formados na reação entre lipídeos e cloretos quando submetidos ao tratamento térmico, e podem ser encontrados na forma livre ou ligada. O 3-monocloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD), é classificado pela IARC como possível carcinógeno humano (grupo 2B). O glicidol (e seus ésteres), é classificado também pela IARC como uma substância provavelmente carcinogênica para seres humanos (grupo 2A), e, recentemente, vem sendo encontrado em alimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença do 3-MCPD e do glicidol em óleos vegetais comestíveis utilizando a cromatografia gasosa com detector de massa triplo quadrupolo MS/MS. A técnica utilizada foi a preconizada pela AOCS Cd 29c-13, sendo uma análise indireta, e foi possível adaptá-la visando as determinações do 3-MCPD e glicidol através da construção de curvas de calibração e análises de amostras de referência. O método foi validado e os resultados indicaram o limite de detecção do composto 3-MCPD, de 42,4 µg/kg e o limite de quantificação de 50 µg/kg, e para o Glicidol indicaram o limite de detecção de 43,5 µg/kg e limite de quantificação de 50 µg/kg. Os resultados para 3-MCPD obtidos nos ensaios da curva de calibração e linearidade demonstraram que o método foi capaz de expressar resultados com boa linearidade (0 - 10 mg/kg , r2, = 0.9991). Os resultados obtidos nos ensaios de exatidão obedeceram aos critérios de 70 a 120% de recuperação, e ±20% de variação entre os resultados de acordo com SANTE (2017). O método em questão demonstrou ser seletivo, uma vez que não foram observados picos interferentes nos tempos de retenção dos compostos estudados. Os ensaios de precisão nos níveis baixos, médio e alto e robustez demonstraram que o método é robusto e preciso, portanto a validação foi considerada adequada ao uso pretendido. Foram analisadas 368 amostras de óleos vegetais (76 amostras de óleo de canola, 48 amostras de óleo de milho, 69 amostras de óleo de algodão, 33 amostras de óleo de palma, 10 amostras de óleo de palmiste, 50 amostras de oleína de palma, 30 amostras de óleo de soja e 51 amostras de óleo de girassol). As concentrações das amostras analisadas apresentaram resultados para 3-MCPD com valores médios entre 203 a 1205 µg/kg. Para o Glicidol os valores foram de 2 a 1198 µg/kg, com elevado o desvio padrão entre os resultados analíticos, onde o óleo de palma apresentou a maior variação de 1600 a 5260 µg/kg. Através da avaliação do risco realizada para o composto 3-MCPD foi possível detectar, utilizando o critério do pior cenário de exposição e resultados analíticos, os valores diários de consumo de óleo de algodão de 0,044 µg/kg p.c., de óleo de girassol 0,045 µg/kg p.c., óleo de canola 0,18 µg/kg p.c., óleo de palma de 0,28 µg/p.c, óleo de milho de 0,0462 µg/kg p.c., e o óleo de soja, de maior consumo no Brasil (72%) apresentou o valor de 0,27 µg/kg p.c. O consumo de todos estes óleos, pela a população brasileira, pode ser considerado seguro ao comparar com o valor de TDI Ingestão Diária Tolerável - de 2µg/kg p.c.. Através da avaliação do risco realizada também utilizando o critério de pior cenário de exposição e e resultados analíticos para o composto glicidol foi possível verificar que os valores diários de consumo de óleo de algodão de 0,061 µg/kg p.c., de óleo de girassol 0,03 µg/kg p.c., óleo de canola 0,13 µg/kg p.c. e de óleo de palma de 0,57 µg/p.c, de óleo de milho de 0,11 µg/kg p.c, e o óleo de soja de maior consumo no Brasil (72%) não ultrapassam o valor de 0,288 µg/kg p.c indicando consumo seguro destes óleos para a população brasileira baseado na TDI de 1000µg/kg p.c

Chloropropanols are a known group of contaminants related to food processing. They are formed during the reaction process between lipids and chlorides when submitted to heat treatment and can be found in free or bound form. The 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD), is classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen (group 2B). Glycidol (and its esters), also classified by IARC as a substance likely to be carcinogenic to humans (group 2A), has recently been found in food. The present study aims to evaluate the presence of 3-MCPD and glycidol in edible vegetable oils using gas chromatography with triple quadrupole MS/MS mass detector. The technique applied is recommended by AOCS, guide Cd 29c-13, an indirect analysis, and allows quantification of 3-MCPD and glycidol by building the calibration curves and analysis of reference samples. The method was validated and the detection limit of the contaminant 3-MCPD of 42,4 µg/kg and the quantification limit of 50 µg/kg was established. For Glycidol the detection limit of was 43,5 µg/kg and quantification limit was 50 µg/kg. The results obtained in the calibration and linearity curves demonstrated that the method could express results with good linearity (0 10 mg/kg, r2, = 0.9991). The results obtained in the trueness trials agreed to the criteria of 70 to 120% of recovery, and ± 20% of variation between the results according to what is preconized by SANTE (2017). The method showed to be selective, since no interfering peaks were observed in the retention times of the studied compounds. The tests performed on low, medium and high values demonstrated the robustness and precision of the method, so the validation was considered completed and suitable for the purpose. A total of 368 vegetable oil samples were analyzed (76 samples of canola oil, 48 samples of corn oil, 69 samples of cottonseed oil, 33 samples of palm oil, 10 samples of kern palm oil, 50 samples of palm olein, 30 samples of soybean oil and 51 samples of sunflower oil). The results found in samples for 3-MCPD were within mean values between 203 and 1205 µg/kg. The results found in samples for glycidol were within mean values between 2 to 1198 µg/kg where palm oil presented the highest variation for glycidol from 1600 to 5260 µg/kg. Through the risk assessment for the contaminant 3-MCPD it was possible to detect the values based on exposed worst case scenario and analytical results. The results for cottom oil were 0,044 µg/kg bw, sunflower 0,045 µg/kg bw, canola 0,18 µg/kg bw and palm oil 0,28 µg/kg bw, corn oil 0,0462 µg/kg bw, and for soybean, which is the most consumed oil in Brazil (72%) the value of 0,27 µg/kg bw. These results indicates safe consumption for these oils based in the Theoretical Daily Ingestion - TDI of 2µg/kg bw. The risk assessment for the glycidol based on exposure worst case scenario and analytical results presented for cottom oil the value of 0,061 µg/kg bw, sunflower 0,03 µg/kg bw, canola oil 0,13 µg/kg bw , palm oil 0,57 µg/kg bw, corn oil 0,11 µg/kg bw and for soybean, which is the most consumed in Brazil - 72% the value of 0,27 µg/kg bw. These results indicates safe consumption for these oils based in the TDI of 1000µg/kg bw

Journey from food toxins to food safety: Transition over a century in service of nation

Since the first report of lathyrism in 1926, the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) at Hyderabad, India, has made tremendous contributions in the field of food toxins/food safety for the benefit of the people. The present article highlights the Institute's work on various food toxins/foodborne diseases since its inception and discusses the important contributions made in the context of public health protection that formed the basis for several national policies on their prevention and control. The investigations on food toxins, in the initial decades, were limited to the description of lathyrism and its endemicity. Subsequently, the horizon was broadened to include the problem of mycotoxins and mycotoxicosis, which had received global attention and variety of other disease outbreaks investigations leading to total food safety transition in the forthcoming decades. Important contributions in epidemiological investigations, reproduction of the disease in experimental animals, surveillance and monitoring studies, development of methods for detection of food toxins and contaminants, evolving strategies for prevention and control and developing the concept of risk assessment and risk management for addressing food safety issues in the country are discussed.