Accumulation of Trace Metal in Sediment and Soft Tissue of Strombus canarium in a Tropical Remote Island of Thailand

The present study determined the metal levels in surface sediment and in soft tissue of the Strombus canarium at Libong Island, Thailand, and estimated the possible risk from consuming the shellfish. The mean concentrations of the metals Fe, Cu, Co, Pb, Mn, and Ni in sediment were 2711.94 ± 1424.83, 0.47 ± 0.37, 0.11 ± 0.09, 1.32 ± 1.48, 40.41 ± 16.12, and 2.75 ± 4.04 µg/g, respectively, and are below the sediment quality guidelines. The enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed that the sediment conditions ranged from “no pollution” to “moderate contamination”. The mean concentrations in Strombus canarium had rank order Fe > Mn > Cu > Ni > Co > Pb. The bioaccumulation (BSAF) suggests that the Strombus canarium accumulated Cu and Co the most. The estimated daily intakes of these metals through shellfish consumption were below the oral reference dose (Rfd) and the calculated target hazard quotients (THQ) were less than 1. The results from this study inform about the background levels of metals in the sediment and in Strombus canarium species at Libong Island. In addition, these data might help ensure that the consumption of shellfish in this area remains safe.

Assessment of the Exposure Risk to Mycotoxins from Stored Maize (Zea mays L.) in Triple Bags with Aromatic Plants Leaves (Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens) in Côte d’Ivoire

In Côte d’Ivoire, maize is second cereal most cultivated and consumed after rice. In bad storage conditions, corn may be contaminated by mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, total aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fuminosin B1, zearalenone). The aim of this study was to assess the exposure risk of these mycotoxins for maize stored in triple bags in presence of aromatic plants leaves (Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens). The contents of water activity, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), total aflatoxins (AFT), ochratoxin A (OTA), fuminosin B1 (FB1) and zearalenone (ZEA) were studied and monitored. The levels of AFB1, AFT, OTA, FB1 and ZEA resulted from maize grains treated with plants leaves were significantly lower than those recorded with untreated maize of control bags. The estimated daily intakes in AFB1, AFT, OTA, FB1 and ZEA, deriving with consumption of maize from experimental batches stored for 18 months are respectively 1.69 ± 0.00 - 2.09 ± 0.01 ng/kg bw/day, 8.66 – 10.91 ng/kg bw/day, 1.86 ± 0.01 - 2.47 ± 0.01 ng/kg bw/day, 2.01 ± 0.05 - 3.01± 0.05 ng/kg bw/day and 1.89 ± 0.12 - 3.56 ± 0.04 ng/kg bw/day. These levels are lower than the estimated intakes from maximal reference value (EDILM) for OTA, FB1 and ZEA. For aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins, the estimated daily intakes are lower than the estimated intakes from maximal reference value (EDILM) during, respectively, 15 storage months and 10 storage months. However, after 18 storage months, exposure risk of aflatoxin B1 is higher than the estimated intakes from maximal reference value. This inexpensive and easy-to-use treatment should be popularized among farmers

Risk assessment of mercury and methyl mercury intake via sardine and swordfish consumption in Algeria

Total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in the flesh of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) fished in three Algerian coasts were determined by a direct mercury analyzer (DMA). We also assessed the risk to which the consumer was exposed to by calculating the estimated daily intakes (EDIs), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The average concentrations of Hg and MeHg in the flesh of sardine were similar (0.04 mg/kg wet weight) and in swordfish were 0.61 mg/kg wet weight; 0.57 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. These concentrations have not surpassed the thresholds set by the Algerian and European regulations. The estimated daily intakes for Hg and MeHg were similar in sardine (0.0064 μg/kg/day) and were 0.098 μg/kg/day and 0.092 μg/kg/day for Hg and MeHg, respectively, in swordfish. These values did not exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI) calculated were < 1. Consequently, consumption of these fishes does not pose any risk for the adult groups of the Algerian population regarding mercury, and methylmercury studied.

Concentrations and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Tissues of Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) Captured from the Northeastern Coast of Korea

ABSTRACT Concentrations of the heavy metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zine (Zn) were measured in muscle, liver, and gonads of walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) caught in waters off the northeastern coast of Korea. Zn concentration was the highest in the three tissues, and all heavy metals, except Hg, were selectively accumulated in liver relative to muscle and gonads. The metal concentrations in muscle and gonads, except Cd and Zn in some gonad samples, were below the national and international regulatory limits set by various countries and by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The estimated daily intakes of heavy metals were in the range of 0.003 to 1.341% of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intakes, and the hazard quotients of the heavy metals were less than 1.0. Our results suggest that the intake of heavy metals by the consumption of G. chalcogrammus does not have significant adverse effects on health. HIGHLIGHTS

Anthelmintics residues in raw milk. Assessing intake by a children population

Anthelmintics, such as benzimidazoles and probenzimidazoles, are veterinary drugs used against endoparasites in food producing animals. A number of these drugs are considered responsible for embryotoxicity and teratogenicity. The residue levels of Albendazole, Febantel, Fenbendazole, Mebendazole and some of their metabolites (Albendazole sulphoxide, Albendazole sulphone, Fenbendazole sulfone) were assessed in 123 (42 goat, 69 sheep, 12 bovine) raw milk samples collected from all farms throughout Southern Greece. Sample analysis was performed by HPLC with Diode Array Detector. A high percentage (27.6%) of the samples examined was found to be positive for the investigated compounds. In 14 samples (11.4%), the residues’ concentration exceeded the established Maximum Residue Limits. Estimated Daily Intakes were calculated for a population of 723 children aged 10-12 years. Data on milk consumption were obtained by personal interview through a 7-day food frequency questionnaire. The maximum Estimated Daily Intakes for the anthelmintic residues, concerning raw milk, did not exceed the current Acceptable Daily Intake.