Investigation of pesticide residues level on commonly consumed leafy vegetables picked from the central market in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of pesticide residues in a variety of commonly consumed leafy vegetables, including Grape leaves, Lettuce, Arugula, Spinach, Purslane, Ocimum, Parsley, Jew's mallow, Celery, Coriander, and Mint. A total of 100 samples were collected from the Central Market of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our methodology involved employing the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction method in combination with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to analyze a comprehensive database of 237 distinct pesticides. The range for limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method were 0.0001 to 0.0014 mg. Kg-1 and 0.0010 to 0.0064 mg. Kg-1 for tested pesticides, respectively. The recoveries were in the range of 70-172.9%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 19.0% for all tested pesticides. The results revealed that 60% of the analyzed samples were free from pesticide residues, while 40% exhibited contamination with 17 different pesticide residues. Notably, the most prevalent pesticide detected was Triallate in the Ocimum samples, followed by Metalaxyl in Grape leaves, Mint, and Spinach, and Methomyl in Celery. Approximately 45% of the samples contained pesticide residues that fell below or were equal to the European Union Maximum Residue Levels (EU MRLs), while the remaining 55% exceeded these MRLs. Remarkably, high pesticide concentrations were observed in all Ocimum samples (Triallate, Pyridaben, Hexythiazox, Imidacloprid), 67% of Grape leaves (Metalaxyl, Azoxystrobin, Difenoconazole Isomer), and 40% of Celery (Azoxystrobin, Methomyl). In conclusion, this study sheds light on the contamination levels of commonly consumed domestically produced and purchased leafy vegetables in the Central Market of Jeddah. To ensure food safety and the well-being of consumers, we strongly recommend enhanced scientific assessments and continued monitoring of pesticide usage in agricultural practices.

Regional Variations in Pesticide Residue Detection Rates and Concentrations in Saudi Arabian Crops.

There is a scarcity of evidence on the levels of pesticide residues among common crops grown in the different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The present study aims to fill this gap. We collected samples across four regions of KSA (N = 41 from the west, N = 146 from the central, N = 131 from the north and N = 74 samples from the east). Food samples were extracted and cleaned using the modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) methodology. Tandem mass (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS) was used to detect pesticide residues. The highest pesticide residue detection rate was 89.7% in the central region, followed by 88.5% in the north, 83.8% in the east and 70.7% in the western region (p = 0.01). Pesticide residue detection rates were significantly higher in fruits than vegetables (p = 0.02). Cypermethrin detection was most common overall, particularly in the Western region (p = 0.002), and pyraclostrobin concentration was the highest among all residues investigated. In conclusion, high detection rates of moderately hazardous pesticide residues were found in various crops across regions in KSA. Routine biomonitoring programs across KSA regions should be implemented, as well as public health campaigns to decrease pesticide residue consumption and exposure.

Disturbance in Some Fertility Biomarkers Induced and Changes in Testis Architecture by Chronic Exposure to Various Dosages of Each of Nonylphenol or Bisphenol A and Their Mix.

This investigation was conducted to demonstrate the potential impacts of different doses of Bisphenol A (BPA) or Nonylphenol (NP) and their mixtures on some biological activities in male albino rats. Seventy male albino rats were allocated to the control group (GI) and were given 1 mL of ethanol. G II and G III were given 100 mg/kg of each of BPA and NP, G IV and G V were given 25 mg/kg of each of BPA and NP, G VI was given a high dose of BPA and NP, and G VII was given a low dose of BPA and NP. All animals were treated orally for 60 days. Serum biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidants, immune-inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic markers were determined, as well as a histopathological examination of the testis at the end of the experimental period. The results obtained showed a pronounced increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and 4-hydroxynonenol (4-HNE), concomitant with a significant reduction in serum Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase enzyme (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in all treated groups. A significant elevation in TNF Alpha, TNF Beta, and Caspase 3 serum was recorded individually and in the groups treated with high doses. The disturbance is represented by histological damage in the testis in the germinal epithelium and a decrease in spermatozoa inside the lumen of seminiferous tubules. The effects on testis tissues were dose-dependent, pronounced in mixture doses, and remarkable in higher doses. In conclusion, exposure to BPA and NP strongly impacts antioxidants, immune-inflammatory mediators, and testis tissue architecture. Furthermore, the data from this investigation support the idea that exposure to BPA and NP in daily life has multiple damages.

Microplastic in the gastrointestinal tract of fishes along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast.

This study assesses the presence of microplastic litter in the contents of the gastrointestinal tract of 26 commercial and non-commercial fish species from four difference habitats sampled along the Saudi Arabian coast of the Red Sea. A total of 178 individual were examined for microplastics. In total, 26 microplastic fragments were found. Of these, 16 being films (61.5%) and 10 being fishing thread (38.5%). FTIR analysis revealed that the most abundant polymers were polypropylene and polyethylene. Parascolosps eriomma species sampled at Jazan registered the highest number of ingested microplastic. This fish species is benthic and feeds on benthic invertebrates. Although differences in the abundance of microplastic ingestion among species were not statistically significant, a significant change was observed when the level of ingestion of microplastics particles was compared among the habitats. The higher abundance of microplastics particles may be related to the habitats of fish and the presence of microplastics debris near the seabed. The results of this study represent a first evidence that microplastic pollution represents an emerging threat to Red Sea fishes, their food web and human consumers.

Ginger and Propolis Exert Neuroprotective Effects against Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats.

Central nervous system cytotoxicity is linked to neurodegenerative disorders. The objective of the study was to investigate whether monosodium glutamate (MSG) neurotoxicity can be reversed by natural products, such as ginger or propolis, in male rats. Four different groups of Wistar rats were utilized in the study. Group A served as a normal control, whereas group B was orally administered with MSG (100 mg/kg body weight, via oral gavage). Two additional groups, C and D, were given MSG as group B along with oral dose (500 mg/kg body weight) of either ginger or propolis (600 mg/kg body weight) once a day for two months. At the end, the rats were sacrificed, and the brain tissue was excised and levels of neurotransmitters, ß-amyloid, and DNA oxidative marker 8-OHdG were estimated in the brain homogenates. Further, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded brain sections were used for histopathological evaluation. The results showed that MSG increased lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, neurotransmitters, and 8-OHdG as well as registered an accumulation of ß-amyloid peptides compared to normal control rats. Moreover, significant depletions of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase as well as histopathological alterations in the brain tissue of MSG-treated rats were noticed in comparison with the normal control. In contrast, treatment with ginger greatly attenuated the neurotoxic effects of MSG through suppression of 8-OHdG and ß-amyloid accumulation as well as alteration of neurotransmitter levels. Further improvements were also noticed based on histological alterations and reduction of neurodegeneration in the brain tissue. A modest inhibition of the neurodegenerative markers was observed by propolis. The study clearly indicates a neuroprotective effect of ginger and propolis against MSG-induced neurodegenerative disorders and these beneficial effects could be attributed to the polyphenolic compounds present in these natural products.

Risk assessment induced by knapsack or conventional motor sprayer on pesticides applicators and farm workers in cotton season.

Fakous Province in the Sharkia Governorate constitutes one of the largest agricultural areas in Egypt. The majority of people in this province rely on subsistence agriculture. In the cotton cultivation season the continuous application of pesticides is commonly used to increase agricultural productivity, using different types of spraying equipment. In this study a cohort of 210 intensive agricultural pesticide applicators and farm workers from Sawada and Akyad Elkepplia villages in Fakous Province were assessed according to the type of spraying equipment they used. Conventional motor (300l/feddan or 0.42ha) and knapsack motor sprayer (20l/feddan) were commonly used by farmers. Contamination on applicators was detected on head, body (thorax/abdomen) and legs at different percentages according to the spraying tools. The recorded results revealed that contamination with pesticides due to knapsack motor sprayers 0.76% on head, 4.8% on body and 5.8% on legs; however, conventional motor sprayers induce contamination of 3.6% on head, 23.7% on body and 29.1% on legs. Several criteria for estimating pesticide contamination by previous delivery systems were used. The most important reference biomarker was serum acetyl cholinesterase (AchE) depression. Sprayers showed changes in serum glucose levels as well as reduced erythrocytic glutathione levels (GSH). However, an increase in both total serum protein and albumin was recorded also, alongside elevation in lipid peroxidation biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA). Changes in serum biochemistry regarding enzymes reflecting cytotoxicity were also recorded, such as inhibition of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). An increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutathione reductase (GR) was observed particularly in conventional motor sprayers. Changes in enzymes activities found in this study are linked to the adverse health effects related to chronic pesticide toxicity that may lead to pathophysiological diseases, cancer or neurodegenerative disorders, which warrants further investigation.

Comparative study on pesticide mixture of organophosphorus and pyrethroid in commercial formulation.

The marketing of mixtures of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides has become very common in developing countries and has resulted in an increase in the prevalence of toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of a commercial preparation of the pesticide mixture durasin, which contains 60% diazinon and 0.5% deltamethrin, compared with the individual commercial pesticides of diazinon 30% and deltamethrin 5%. Forty male albino rats weighing 160 ± 20 g were divided into; DA (diazinon 20mg/Kg b.w.), DA (deltamethrin 2mg/Kg b.w.), M (durasin 20mg/Kg b.w.) and control (C); cholinesterase (ChE), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and non-specific esterase's isoenzymes in rat's blood were determined following 7 and 14 days of treatment. The weekly- recorded biochemical results were used as criteria for estimating the joint effects of the tested pesticide mixture. Antioxidant defense mechanisms and lipid peroxidation in rat plasma displayed the same responses with intensities which were related to the different treatments. Biochemical analysis showed that (DA) or (DM) individually cause alteration in lipid metabolism and non-specific esterase, while mixture treatment (M) induced antagonistic effects toward all the tested parameters except total reduced glutathione level, which was synergistic at the 2nd week. In conclusion the commercial mixture (M) under study has potentially greater toxic impact than the components alone in the rat.