Phytoremediation of Contaminated Chemical Plant Sites

[Objective] The aim was to research phytoremediation effects on soils with combined pollution. [Method] With simulation experiment, the test selected plants suitable for phytoremediation in soils polluted with Pb-Cd, PAHs, and Pb-Cd-PAHs,respectively and ryegrass was grown to explore phytoremediation on contaminated sites by adjusting bio-availability. [Result] After 70 d growing of ryegrass, the content of available Pb in contaminated soils was 375.26 mg/kg, the content of Cd was 4.9mg/kg after 90 d, and the content of B [a]P was 0.60 mg/kg after 100 d, which were all lower compared with soil limits. [Conclusion] Ryegrass is a suitable plant for phytoremediation.

Immunoassay of chemical contaminants in milk:A review

The detection of chemical contaminants is critical to ensure dairy safety. These contaminants include veterinary medicines, antibiotics, pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and persistent organic pollutants （POPs）. Immunoassays have recently been used to detect contaminants in milk because of their simple operation, high speed, and low cost. This article describes the latest developments in the most important component of immunoassays--antibodies, and then reviews the four major substrates used for immunoassays （i.e., microplates, membranes, gels, and chips） as well as their use in the detection of milk contaminants. The paper concludes with prospects for further aDDlications of these immunoassavs.

Bioaccumulation of Mercury in Fish Species from Different Trophic Level

Mercury （Hg） is an environmental pollutant, and can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food web. Twenty four fish samples of different tropic level i.e., Herbivore, Omnivore and Carnivore were collected from two contaminated rivers, the Megna and the Buriganga which surround the Dhaka division for the assessment of toxic Hg. Fourteen samples were found to contain Hg in the range of 0.01-0.09 mg/kg. The highest Hg （0.09 mg/kg） was found in the Carnivore, Bele （Glossogobius giuris）. However, all fish species had lower amount of Hg than the maximum Hg limit （0.5 mg/kg for fish） set by World Health Organization （WHO）. Among all the fish species, the order of bioaccumulation was carnivore 〉 omnivore 〉 herbivore. Kajoli （Ailia coila）, Shing （Heteropnuestes fossilis）, Rui （Labeo rohita）, Chewa （Tryauchen vagine）, Rita （Rita rita）, Hilsha （Tenualosa ilisha）, Small Puti （Puntius sophore）, Bacha （Eutropiichthys vacha） and Chingri （smallprawn） were not found to contain any Hg which indicated that fish species from these rivers are safe for human consumption.

Advancing Evaluation of Microplastics Thresholds to Inform Water Treatment Needs and Risks

Although human health impacts of microplastics are not well understood,concern regarding chemical contaminants retained on or within them is growing.Drinking water providers are increasingly asked about these risks,but strategies for evaluating them and the extent of treatment needed to manage them are currently lacking.Microplastics can potentially induce health effects if the concentration of contaminants adsorbed to them exceeds predetermined drinking water guidelines(e.g.,Maximum Contaminant Levels).The risk posed by microplastics due to adsorbed contaminants is difficult to determine,but a worst-case scenario can be evaluated by using adsorption capacity.Here,a“Threshold Microplastics Concentration”(TMC)framework is developed to evaluate whether waterborne microplastic concentrations can potentially result in the intake of regulated contaminants on/in microplastics at levels of human health concern and identify treatment targets for managing associated health risk.Exceeding the TMC does not indicate an immediate health risk;it informs the need for detailed risk assessment or further treatment evaluation to ensure particle removal targets are achieved.Thus,the TMC concept and framework provide an updateable,science-based screening tool to determine if there is a need for detailed risk assessment or treatment modification due to waterborne microplastics in supplies used for potable water production.

Food quality and safety progress in the Brazilian food and beverage industry:chemical hazards

INTRODUCTION:Ensuring food safety is a challenge for developed and developing countries and depends on the combined efforts of government,regulators,academia,consumers,food producers,and suppliers.OBJECTIVE:In this work,an overview of the main regulatory aspects related to chemical hazards in the Brazilian food and beverage industry is presented.The presence of contaminants,food additives,and residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs,including current regulations and their impacts on the safety and quality of locally produced foods,are discussed.BACKGROUND:In Brazil,the assessment,management,and communication of human health risks in food and beverage are the joint responsibility of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture,Livestock and Food Supply,which enforce the international regulations established mainly by the Codex Alimentarius Commission,the European Commission,and the US Food and Drug Administration.CONCLUSIONS:Constant updates of the national legislation following internationally recognized standards,the intensification of the existing monitoring plans and efficient actions of sanitary surveillance,major investments in scientific research,and a greater awareness among the food producers may contribute to the safety and quality of the food produced in Brazil.