Standardized framework for assessing soil quality at antimony smelting site by considering microbial-induced resilience and heavy metal contamination.

Antimony smelting activities damage the soil and vegetation surroundings while generating economic value. However, no standardized methods are available to diagnose the extent of soil degradation at antimony smelting sites. This study developed a standardized framework for assessing soil quality by considering microbial-induced resilience and heavy metal contamination at Xikuangshan antimony smelting site. The soil resilience index (SRI) and soil contamination index (SCI) were calculated by Minimum Data Set and geo-accumulation model, respectively. After standardized by a multi-criteria quantitative procedure of modified Nemerow's pollution index (NPI), the integrated assessment of soil quality index (SQI), which is the minimum of SRINPI and SCINPI, was achieved. The results showed that Sb and As were the prominent metal(loid) pollutants, and significant correlations between SQI and SRI indicated that the poor soil quality was mainly caused by the low level of soil resilience. The primary limiting factors of SRI were Fungi in high and middle contaminated areas, and Skermanella in low contaminated area, suggesting that the weak soil resilience was caused by low specific microbial abundances. Microbial regulation and phytoremediation are greatly required to improve the soil quality at antimony smelting sites from the perspectives of pollution control and resilience improvement. This study improves our understanding of ecological effects of antimony smelting sites and provides a theoretical basis for ecological restoration and sustainable development of mining areas.

Pristine/magnesium-loaded biochar and ZVI affect rice grain arsenic speciation and cadmium accumulation through different pathways in an alkaline paddy soil.

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) co-contamination has threatened rice production and food safety. It is challenging to mitigate Cd and As contamination in rice simultaneously due to their opposite geochemical behaviors. Mg-loaded biochar with outstanding adsorption capacity for As and Cd was used for the first time to remediate Cd/As contaminated paddy soils. In addition, the effect of zero-valent iron (ZVI) on grain As speciation accumulation in alkaline paddy soils was first investigated. The effect of rice straw biochar (SC), magnesium-loaded rice straw biochar (Mg/SC), and ZVI on concentrations of Cd and As speciation in soil porewater and their accumulation in rice tissues was investigated in a pot experiment. Addition of SC, Mg/SC and ZVI to soil reduced Cd concentrations in rice grain by 46.1%, 90.3% and 100%, and inorganic As (iAs) by 35.4%, 33.1% and 29.1%, respectively, and reduced Cd concentrations in porewater by 74.3%, 96.5% and 96.2%, respectively. Reductions of 51.6% and 87.7% in porewater iAs concentrations were observed with Mg/SC and ZVI amendments, but not with SC. Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) concentrations in porewater and grain increased by a factor of 4.9 and 3.3, respectively, with ZVI amendment. The three amendments affected grain concentrations of iAs, DMA and Cd mainly by modulating their translocation within plant and the levels of As(III), silicon, dissolved organic carbon, iron or Cd in porewater. All three amendments (SC, Mg/SC and ZVI) have the potential to simultaneously mitigate Cd and iAs accumulation in rice grain, although the pathways are different.

Fumonisins in infant cereals marketed as complementary food in Argentina.

Infant cereals are typically the first foods introduced as complementary foods. Cereals used to elaborate complementary foods, such as wheat, maize and rice, are susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Among mycotoxins, fumonisins have been epidemiologically associated, in humans, with oesophageal cancer, neural tube defects and stunting. Fumonisins have been found in maize and wheat grains in Argentina. In the present study, a survey was conducted to determine their occurrence in 82 wheat-based and multicereal-based infant cereal items collected from retail stores in Rio Cuarto, Argentina, using HPLC-MS. Of these samples, 84% showed FBs contamination with levels ranging from 0.05 to 992 µg/kg). Although FB1 was the most prevalent fumonisin, FB2 was found at higher levels. Most samples had levels below the limit of 200 µg/kg set for Argentinean cereal products for children. The outcome of this survey provides information on the naturally presence of fumonisin in infant cereal intended for children in Argentina, which can be helpful to consider relevant monitoring programmes.

Campylobacter species, Salmonella serotypes and ribosomal RNA-based fecal source tracking in the Kokemäki River watershed.

Fecal contamination of surface water compromises the usability of surface water for drinking water production due to an increase in human health risks. In this study, we collected surface water samples for two years from the Kokemäki River (Finland). The downstream river stretch is used for feeding production of artificial ground water for a major drinking water treatment plant. The prevalence of Campylobacter species and Salmonella serotypes together with fecal source identifiers targeting general, human, gull, swine, and ruminant were evaluated at 16 sampling sites throughout the studied watershed. We detected Campylobacter spp. from all 16 sampling sites with Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter lari as the most detected species. Salmonella spp. was detected in 10 out of 16 sampling sites, with Salmonella Typhimurium being the most common serovar. Regarding spatial variation in the hygienic quality of surface water, the upstream area (urban proximity) and downstream area (agricultural proximity) had higher microbial loads than the middle section of the study area. Samples taken in fall and spring had higher microbial loads than summer and winter samples. The lower ratio of rRNA to rRNA-gene (rDNA) of studied microbes in the winter than in other seasons may indicate low metabolic activity of bacterial targets during winter. The number of gulls, swine, and cattle in the catchment area concorded with the number of fecal source identifiers in the surface water. Further, the prevalence of gull-specific source identifier agreed with the detection of C. coli, C. lari, and S. Typhimurim, whereas the prevalence of swine- and ruminant-specific source identifiers agreed with the detection of C. jejuni and C. coli. Thus, fecal source identifiers are shown to be important tools for monitoring zoonotic pathogens affecting microbial quality of surface water. Further, variation in fecal loads indicates such variation in health risks related to surface water use.

Research Note: Evaluating the vertical transmission potential of Salmonella Reading in broiler breeders.

Salmonella Reading (S. Reading) recently emerged as a foodborne pathogen causing extensive human outbreaks in North America from consuming contaminated poultry products, mostly from turkeys. Understanding the transmission dynamics of this pathogen is crucial for preventing future outbreaks. This study investigated the ability of S. Reading to colonize the tissues and contaminate eggs of broiler breeders. We utilized 2 S. Reading strains, marked with bioluminescence gene: the outbreak strain RS330 and a reference strain RS326. We used 32 commercially sourced broiler breeder hens, 34 wk of age, randomly assigned to the 2 treatments (16 hens per strain). Each hen was intravaginally inoculated with 108 CFU of the respective strain on d 1 and was rechallenged on d 4. Eggs were collected daily postchallenge to recover bioluminescent S. Reading strains from the external eggshell surface and internal egg contents. On d 7 postchallenge, 10 hens from each treatment group were euthanized. Ovaries, oviducts, and ceca were aseptically collected to detect S. Reading colonization. Results showed that 70.5% (36 of 51) and 34.5% (19 of 55) of external eggshell surfaces, and 4.0% (2 of 50) and 1.8% (1 of 54) of the internal egg contents tested positive for the outbreak and nonoutbreak strains. Additionally, 40.0% of ovaries, 70.0% of oviduct, and 70.0% of ceca samples from the outbreak strain group, and 20.0% of ovaries, 70.0% of oviduct, and 80.0% of ceca samples from nonoutbreak strain group were positive. No significant difference (P = 0.05) was observed in all the findings among the strains except for the eggshell surface contamination. These findings suggest that S. Reading can effectively colonize reproductive tissues, translocate to the ceca, and contaminate the eggs of hens. Future research is needed to determine whether S. Reading can remain viable within the eggs throughout incubation and until hatching.

Rapid Screening of Prednisolone Acetate Adulterants in Health Foods Using Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Assay.

In this study, a rapid detection method utilizing colloidal gold immunochromatography (CG-ICA) was developed for the detection of illegally added prednisone acetate in health foods. Initially, the preparation conditions of colloidal gold solution were optimized. The optimal potassium carbonate dosage, antibody diluent type, antibody dosage, probe labeling time, blocking time and BSA dosage were determined. Technical analysis was performed to ensure that the established CG-ICA exhibited satisfactory color development and inhibition rates. Under optimized conditions, the cut-off value of CG-ICA was 250µg/kg. The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, a false positive rate of 8%, and a false negative rate of 0, indicating high specificity for prednisone acetate. The results obtained from testing actual samples were consistent with those obtained using LC-MS/MS, thereby verifying the reliability of the developed method. This method offers robust support for the rapid detection of illegally added prednisone acetate in health foods.

Effects of aerial liming on soil chemical and biological properties in metal contaminated and inaccessible lands in Ontario (Canada).

The manual addition of lime to soil, in addition to tree planting and fertilization have been the dominant strategy described in restoration protocols for ecosystems damaged by acid rain and metal contamination. Investigations on aerial-limed soils in inaccessible lands are limited. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of aerial liming on soil pH, organic matter, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activities, and aboveground plant population quality in metal-contaminated lands in northern Ontario, Canada. Soil samples were collected from three sites around the City of Greater Sudbury with each pair being composed of a reclaimed (areal-limed) site and an adjacent undisturbed (unlimed) area. Soil physico-chemistry, microbial biomass (assessed by Phospholipid fatty acid analysis) and enzymatic activities were analyzed. Soil pH was higher in limed sites compared to unlimed at recently restored sites (Baby Lake and Wahnapitae) but not at the oldest reclaimed site (HWY 80 N). Organic matter was higher in limed areas compared to the unlimed reference site only at most recently reclaimed site at Baby Lake. Aboveground plant population health was visibly improved in limed sites compared to unlimed areas. Metal concentrations of iron (Fe) and arsenic (As), total microbial biomasses, gram-negative bacterial, fungal, and eukaryotic biomasses were all significantly increased in the limed soils compared to the unlimed samples. The same trend was observed for the activities of three of the enzymes tested, ß-N-acetylglucosaminidase (BG), aryl sulfatase (AS), and glycine aminopeptidase (GAP). Interestingly, strong positive correlations between the levels of soil organic matter, microbial biomasses, and NAGase and ALP activities were observed. Although expensive, aerial liming is effective in restoring inaccessible sites impacted by smelting operations where other methods cannot easily be used.

Unveiling the dynamics of intraoperative contamination in total hip arthroplasty: the discrepancy between particulate and microbial contamination in surgical site infection risk.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major problem following total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study investigated the impact of a standard intraoperative routine where the surgical team wears full-body exhaust suits (space suits) within a laminar airflow (LAF)-ventilated operating room (OR) on environmental contamination. Our primary objective was to identify potential modifiable intraoperative factors that could be better controlled to minimize SSI risk. METHODS: We implemented an approach involving simultaneous and continuous air sampling throughout actual primary cementless THA procedures. This method concurrently monitored both airborne particle and microbial contamination levels from the time the patient entered the OR for surgery until extubation. RESULTS: Airborne particulate and microbial contamination significantly increased during the first and second patient repositionings (postural changes) when the surgical team was not wearing space suits. However, their concentration exhibited inconsistent changes during the core surgical procedures, between incision and suturing, when the surgeons wore space suits. The microbial biosensor detected zero median microbes from draping to suturing. In contrast, the particle counter indicated a significant level of airborne particles during head resection and cup press-fitting, suggesting these procedures might generate more non-viable particles. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a significant portion of airborne particles during the core surgical procedures as non-viable, suggesting that monitoring solely for particle counts might not suffice to estimate SSI risk. Our findings strongly support the use of space suits for surgeons to minimize intraoperative microbial contamination within LAF-ventilated ORs. Therefore, minimizing unnecessary traffic and movement of unsterile personnel is crucial. Additionally, since our data suggest increased contamination during patient repositioning, effectively controlling contamination during the first postural change plays a key role in maintaining low microbial contamination levels throughout the surgery. The use of sterile gowns during this initial maneuver might further reduce SSIs. Further research is warranted to investigate the impact of sterile attire on SSIs.

Natural sorting of sediments in the wave run-up zone works for microplastics as well.

The distribution of plastic pollution in the marine environment is highly variable in time and space, making it difficult to assess pollution levels. This study shows that mixing and natural sorting of material in the wave run-up zone of a sandy beach results in a relatively stable abundance of microplastics in the size range 0.5-2 mm (S-MPs). Based on 175 samples collected over 14 months during 42 monitoring surveys at 6 stations along the shore of the Vistula Spit (Baltic Sea), the mean abundance of S-MPs was found to be 64 ± 36 items/kg DW (98.6 % fibers), with a coefficient of variation of only 56 % over more than one year. Statistical tests confirmed its independence from current wind speed, significant wave height, mean sediment grain size, sediment sorting, percentage of certain sand fractions, month, season, or location along the shore. It can therefore be used as a suitable indicator for long-term monitoring of increasing plastic pollution in the marine environment.

Comprehensive assessment of mercury contamination in bees, bee products and moss and lichen bags.

Twenty-eight beekeepers around Slovakia were included in the research to evaluate the presence of mercury in honeybee bodies and selected bee-related products: bee pollen and honey. The samples were collected in May, June, and July (honeybee bodies only in May and June). During this period, moss and lichen bags for air quality assessment were exposed around the beehives and relative accumulation factor (RAF) was used for its evaluation. Mercury content in evaluated bioindicators was determined using AMA 254 analyser. Percentage of provisional tolerable intake (%PTWI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) were used to determine health risks related to bee pollen and honey consumption. Around the beehives the proportion of landscape structure elements was determined for each sampling locality, using a geographical informational system QGIS. The aim of the study was a comprehensive evaluation of the mercury content in the environment around beehives using several bioindicators and an assessment of the relationship between the presence of mercury pollution and the proportion of landscape structure elements in the vicinity of the beehives. The study also aimed to evaluate the transfer of contaminants between bee bodies and bee-related products and the health risks resulting from their consumption.

Biochar enhances Cd mineralization through microbially induced carbonate precipitation as a soil remediation strategy for rice paddies.

Microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a promising technique for remediating Cd-contaminated soils. However, the high cost and potential disruption to soil micro-ecology due to the excessive urea addition remain significant challenges, limiting the broader application of MICP technology in agricultural soils. This study aims to improve the efficiency of Cd immobilization by MICP under low urea levels by investigating the stimulatory effect of porous materials on urease secretion by ureolytic bacteria. Results demonstrate that these materials, including biochar, activated carbon, zeolite, and oyster shell, can stimulate the growth of ureolytic bacteria strain kp-22, but not diatomite. Urease activity was greatly improved within 12 hours, and the Cd removal rate reached over 82.12% within 0.5 hours. Notably, biochar supported urealytic bacterium strain kp-22 (BCM) can steadily remove Cd in solution, with the Cd removal rate remaining close to 99% even after multiple additions of Cd. XRD analysis shows that Cd was removed by BCM due to the formation of CdCO3. Soil experiment reveals that BCM significantly decreased the bioavailable Cd content in both flooded and unflooded paddy soils, even when the urea addition was at a dosage suitable for agricultural production. 16S rRNA gene sequencing shows that the disturbance caused by BCM to the soil bacterial community was lower than that caused by strain kp-22 alone. These findings offer new insights into enhancing the efficiency of MICP for Cd remediation, increasing the potential for broader application of MICP technology in sustainable agriculture.

Does long-term radiation exposure in Chornobyl impact the reproductive structures of Nuphar lutea (Linné) Smith?

The 1986 Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident caused radioactive contamination of water bodies within the Pripyat River floodplain, resulting in the accumulation of radionuclides by macrophytes, which are fundamental species in water ecosystems. Yellow water lily Nuphar lutea (L.) Smith., a macrophyte playing a significant role in the formation of vegetation cover in aquatic ecosystems, is commonly considered as a bioindicator of water pollution. In this study, we investigate the potential of N. lutea as an indicator of radionuclide contamination in water bodies, particularly through changes in its reproductive structures, such as pollen viability, morphology of pollen grains, seeds, and fruits. Our findings reveal that pollen viability remains stable at total absorbed dose rates below 14.4 µGy/h, with only 1-4% of sterile grains. However, beyond this threshold the percentage of sterile grains increases nearly fivefold, pointing to high internal plant exposure to 90Sr. A similar trend was observed in the allometry and size of pollen grains, where small and flattened grains are formed in the reservoir with the highest external radiation dose rate (≥ 14.4 µGy/h). On the other hand, while morphometric parameters of fruits are influenced by radiation, their variation appears to be the result of a combination of physicochemical factors and the trophic status of a water body. Our research highlights the adverse impact of long-term radiation exposure on the male reproductive system of N. lutea and shows the potential of using the pollen grains sterility as an indicators of heavily radionuclide-contaminated water bodies. Additionally, we observed gradual changes in a pollen allometric length-to-width coefficient as the radiation dose level increases.

ECOTOXICITY OF ALKALINE RESIDUE FROM THE PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY TO SOIL FAUNAL ORGANISMS.

The increased production and expanding demand for cellulosic products have required companies to provide solutions for the proper disposal of generated residues without compromising soil quality. In this context, the current research aimed at evaluating the ecotoxicological impacts of dregs application in subtropical soils. The experiments were carried out with the earthworm Eisenia andrei, the springtail Folsomia candida, and the potworm Enchytraeus crypticus in two subtropical soils (Neosol and Cambisol) collected in the southern region of Brazil. The considerable differences in texture and organic matter content motivated the choosing of these soils. The reproductive rate of all organisms was influenced, with varying EC50 values depending on the soil type. However, more pronounced effects were observed for Neosol. The springtail F. candida proved to be the most sensitive to contamination (EC50 = 5.8 g kg-1 for Neosol and 48.5 g kg-1 for Cambisol), followed by the earthworm E. andrei (EC50 = 62.4 g kg-1 for Neosol and 129.5 g kg-1 for Cambisol) and the potworm E. crypticus (EC50 = 67.2 g kg-1 for Neosol and 230.4 g kg-1 for Cambisol). As a result, while dregs can be used to correct soil acidity, they have been shown to have negative effects on important organisms responsible for functions critical to maintaining ecosystem quality.

Microbial source tracking and identification of fecal contamination patterns in saltwater estuaries between base- and storm-flow events using dual genome-based approaches.

Fecal contamination from natural and anthropogenic sources poses significant threats to saltwater estuaries, particularly after storms or heavy rainfall. Monitoring fecal contamination is essential for protecting these vulnerable ecosystems having important ecological and economic values. In this study, we investigated the abundance, sources, and potential causes of fecal contamination at three marine and seven freshwater stations across Vaughn Bay (WA, USA), a shellfish growing district, during base- and storm-flow events. Additionally, we evaluated the performance of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) quantification, optical brightener assessment, and qPCR analysis for fecal contamination quantification. We compared the effectiveness of qPCR-based microbial source tracking (MST), which targeted a broad range of hosts including, such as humans, birds, cows, horses, ruminants, dogs, and pigs, with sequencing-based MST in identifying fecal contamination sources. Both MST analysis approaches identified birds and humans as the primary sources of fecal contamination. For marine water stations, freshwater creeks VBU001, VBU002, and VB047, along with drain VB007, were identified as the main sources of human-derived fecal contamination in Vaughn Bay, based on Kendall's tau analysis (τ: 0.58-0.97). This information indicates that the septic systems in the catchment areas of these creeks and drains require further investigation to achieve effective fecal contamination control. Optical brightener, FIB enumeration and qPCR quantification results were generally higher during storm-flow events, although they showed poor correlation with each other (Pearson r < 0.40), likely due to physiological and phylogenetic differences among the target organisms of these methods. However, the sequencing-based method faces challenges in precise quantitative identification of differences in fecal contamination between base- and storm-flow events. Due to its high-throughput and cost-effectiveness, we recommend using sequencing-based analysis for large-scale identification of the primary sources of fecal contamination in water environments, followed by targeted qPCR quantification of MST markers for more precise assessments.

Ecological and health implications of heavy metal bioaccumulation in Thai Fauna: A systematic review.

Heavy metals pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. In Thailand, rapid industrialization, extensive agriculture, and urban development have exacerbated heavy metal pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, evaluates study designs and methodologies to assess heavy metal bioaccumulation in Thai fauna, with a focus on ecological and health impacts. The review reveals that fish, particularly from families like Cyprinidae and Cichlidae, account for 42.11 % of studies, with species such as swamp eel, Henicorhynchus siamensis, Arius maculatus, Osteogeneiosus militaris, Puntioplites proctozystron, and Channa striata showing significant bioaccumulation. Molluscs (31.58 %), including Tegillarca granosa and Filopaludina martensi, serve as critical bioindicators of aquatic pollution due to their filter-feeding habits. Amphibians and crustaceans, like Fejervarya limnocharis and Fenneropenaeus merguiensis, also demonstrate vulnerability to heavy metal contamination. Key contamination hotspots include urban waterways in Bangkok, industrial discharges in Songkhla Lake, and mining sites in Loei Province, highlighting widespread environmental and health impacts. Despite extensive research, gaps remain, particularly concerning benthic scavengers and detritivores, which are vital for ecosystem functions. The review underscores the need for targeted monitoring and mitigation, including stricter regulations on industrial discharges, improved waste treatment, and better management of agricultural runoff. While metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are well-studied, further research on less-examined metals and species-specific bioaccumulation patterns is crucial to enhancing environmental management, supporting biodiversity conservation, and improving ecosystem resilience in Thailand.

Cocaine and other illicit drugs in the marine environment: Potential effects and future directions.

Cocaine and its primary metabolite, benzoylecgonine, have been recently detected in sharks, indicating a growing concern over marine drug pollution. The presence of this drug in marine fauna poses risks such as physiological stress, impaired growth, reproduction, and altered behaviors, potentially leading to biodiversity loss and disrupted ecological interactions. Biomagnification may further affect higher trophic levels, including humans. Addressing this issue requires continuous monitoring, studies on physiological effects, understanding contamination routes, and improving wastewater treatment. Additionally, stricter regulations on pharmaceutical disposal are necessary to mitigate the impacts of such pollutants on marine ecosystems and human health.

Parabens as the double-edged sword: Understanding the benefits and potential health risks.

Parabens are globally employed as important preservatives in pharmaceutical, food, and personal care products. Nonetheless, improper disposal of commercial products comprising parabens can potentially contaminate various environmental components, including the soil and water. Residues of parabens have been detected in surface water, ground water, packaged food materials, and other consumer items. Long-term exposure to parabens through numerous consumer products and contaminated water can harm human health. Paraben can modulate hormonal and immune orchestra of the body. Recent findings have correlated paraben use with hypersensitivity, obesity, and infertility. Notably, parabens have also been detected in the samples of breast cancer patients, suggesting a potential cross-talk between parabens and carcinogenesis. Therefore, the present article aims to dissect the significance of parabens as a preservative in several consumer products and their impact of chronic exposure to human health. This review encompasses various facets of paraben, including its sources, mechanism of action at the molecular level, and sheds light on its toxicological implications on human health.

Overcoming Bacteriophage Contamination in Bioprocessing: Strategies and Applications.

Bacteriophage contamination has a devastating impact on the viability of bacterial hosts and can significantly reduce the productivity of bioprocesses in biotechnological industries. The consequences range from widespread fermentation failure to substantial economic losses, highlighting the urgent need for effective countermeasures. Conventional prevention methods, which focus primarily on the physical removal of bacteriophages from equipment, bioprocess units, and the environment, have proven ineffective in preventing phage entry and contamination. The coevolutionary dynamics between phages and their bacterial hosts have spurred the development of a diverse repertoire of antiviral defense mechanisms within microbial communities. These naturally occurring defense strategies can be harnessed through genetic engineering to convert phage-sensitive hosts into robust, phage-resistant cell factories, providing a strategic approach to mitigate the threats posed by bacteriophages to industrial bacterial processes. In this review, an overview of the various defense strategies and immune systems that curb the propagation of bacteriophages and highlight their applications in fermentation bioprocesses to combat phage contamination is provided. Additionally, the tactics employed by phages to circumvent these defense strategies are also discussed, as preventing the emergence of phage escape mutants is a key component of effective contamination management.

No significant difference in skin contamination during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with and without preoperative skin cleaning.

PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to assess whether preoperative antiseptic skin cleansing reduces bacterial contamination and surgical site infections (SSI) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We hypothesized that antiseptic cleaning would lower bacterial load, reducing contamination and early infections. METHODS: One hundred and nineteen patients scheduled for ACLR were included in this prospective, nonrandomized study. Individuals were divided into two groups. Patients in the intervention group applied octenisan® wash lotion daily for three days before surgery and used the wash solution instead of their usual shower gel. Additionally, they swiped their leg with octenisan® soaked gloves on the morning of the operation. The control group followed their usual wash routine with no specific instructions. Fluid samples were taken before surgery from the irrigation bag and at 15-min intervals from the reservoir of the sterile surgical drape during the procedure. Suture material used for the ACL graft and meniscus repair were also collected for testing. The samples were subjected to a 14-day incubation period. Follow-up included outpatient visits at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months with a final evaluation at 12 months. RESULTS: Contamination rates showed no significant difference between the control and intervention groups. The mean contamination rate in the control group was 6.4% (n = 22) and 6.6% (n = 24) in the intervention group (p = 0.28). At 12-month follow-up, 110 out of 119 participants were included (52 control, 58 intervention). T tests for age (p = 0.19), BMI (p = 0.66), and surgery duration (p = 0.38) showed no significant differences. No early SSI were observed in either group postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the use of antiseptic wash lotion and gloves does not influence the risk of bacterial contamination during surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Bacterial consortium amendment effectively reduces Pb/Cd bioavailability in soil and their accumulation in wheat.

Microbial remediation can maintain the sustainability of farmlands contaminated with heavy metals (HMs). However, the effects of bacterial consortium on crop growth and potential risks under HM stress, as well as its mechanisms, are still unclear compared with a single microorganism. Here, we investigated the effect of a bacterial consortium consisting of some HMs-resistant bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Herbaspirillum huttiense, on plant growth promotion and inhibition of Pb/Cd accumulation within different contaminated soil-wheat systems through pot experiments. The results showed that microbial inoculation alleviated HMs-induced growth inhibition by activating antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and enhanced plant growth in the bacterial consortium. Compared to a single strain (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, or Herbaspirillum huttiense), the bacterial consortium was more conducive to improving root development and reducing the content of available HMs in soil (4.5-10.3%) and its transfer to shoot (4.3-8.4%). Moreover, bacterial consortium significantly increased soil enzyme activities and available nutrients, resulting in nearly twice that of a single strain on the effect of soil quality and plant growth. Correlation analysis and least square path analysis showed that the bacterial consortium could significantly reduce the HMs-enrichment/transport from soil to shoot than a single strain by regulating soil available HMs and biochemical properties, as well as the parameters for plant growth. This study emphasizes that bacterial consortium promotes the growth of the crop wheat and reduces the risk of HMs entering human food chain, further providing an effective strategy for the safe production of food crops in contaminated soils.