Factors Contributing to Contamination of Street Foods in Bamako, Mali

The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.

Ultrasonic enhancement of persulfate oxidation system governs emerging pollutants decontamination

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are widely present in aquatic environments, posing potential risks to both ecosystems and human health. Theultrasound-assisted persulfate oxidation process has attracted considerable attention in the degradation of ECs due to its ability to generate bothsulfate radicals and cavitation effects, enhancing degradation effects. In this paper, the principle of ultrasonic synergistic Fenton-like oxidationsystem for degrading organic pollutants was reviewed, divided into homogeneous system, non-homogeneous system, and single-atom system toexplore the synergistic effect of ultrasound-enhanced persulfate technology in three aspects, and the effects of environmental factors such asultrasonic frequency and power, system pH, temperature, and initial oxidant concentration on the system's decontamination performance werediscussed. Finally, future research on ultrasonically activated persulfate technology is summarized and prospected.

Phytoremediation Strategies for Heavy Metal Contamination: A Review on Sustainable Approach for Environmental Restoration

Current globalization trends and important breakthroughs globally need a complete study of heavy metal contamination, its causes, its impacts on human and environmental health, and different remediation strategies. Heavy metal pollution is mostly produced by urbanization and industry, which threatens ecosystems and human health. Herein, we discuss a sustainable environmental restoration strategy employing phytoremediation for heavy metal pollution, the carcinogenic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic effects of heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, mercury, selenium, zinc, arsenic, chromium, lead, nickel, and silver, which may be fatal. Phytoremediation, which was prioritized, uses plants to remove, accumulate, and depollute pollutants. This eco-friendly method may safely collect, accumulate, and detoxify toxins using plants, making it popular. This study covers phytostabilization, phytodegradation, rhizodegradation, phytoextraction, phytovolatilization, and rhizofiltration. A phytoremediation process’s efficiency in varied environmental circumstances depends on these components’ complex interplay. This paper also introduces developing phytoremediation approaches including microbe-assisted, chemical-assisted, and organic or bio-char use. These advancements attempt to overcome conventional phytoremediation’s limitations, such as limited suitable plant species, location problems, and sluggish remediation. Current research includes machine learning techniques and computer modeling, biostimulation, genetic engineering, bioaugmentation, and hybrid remediation. These front-line solutions show that phytoremediation research is developing towards transdisciplinary efficiency enhancement. We acknowledge phytoremediation’s promise but also its drawbacks, such as site-specific variables, biomass buildup, and sluggish remediation, as well as ongoing research to address them. In conclusion, heavy metal pollution threatens the ecology and public health and must be reduced. Phytoremediation treats heavy metal pollution in different ways. Over time, phytoremediation systems have developed unique ways that improve efficiency. Despite difficulties like site-specificity, sluggish remediation, and biomass buildup potential, phytoremediation is still a vital tool for environmental sustainability.

Exploring the mechanical behavior and microstructure of compacted loess subjected to dry-wet cycles and chemical contamination

Due to climatic factors and rapid urbanization,the soil in the Loess Plateau,China,experiences the coupled effects of dry-wet cycles and chemical contamination.Understanding the mechanical behavior and corresponding microstructural evolution of contaminated loess subjected to dry-wet cycles is essential to elucidate the soil degradation mechanism.Therefore,direct shear and consolidation tests were performed to investigate the variations in mechanical properties of compacted loess contaminated with acetic acid,sodium hydroxide,and sodium sulfate during dry-wet cycles.The mechanical response mechanisms were investigated using zeta potential,mineral chemical composition,and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)tests.The results indicate that the mechanical deterioration of sodium hydroxidecontaminated loess during dry-wet cycles decreases with increasing contaminant concentration,which is mainly attributed to the thickening of the electrical double layer(EDL)by Nat and the precipitation of calcite,as well as the formation of colloidal flocs induced by OH,thus inhibiting the development of large pores during the dry-wet process.In contrast,the attenuation of mechanical properties of both acetic acid-and sodium sulfate-contaminated loess becomes more severe with increasing contaminant concentration,with the latter being more particularly significant.This is primarily due to the reduction of the EDL thickness and the erosion of cement in the acidic environment,which facilitates the connectivity of pores during dry-wet cycles.Furthermore,the salt expansion generated by the drying process of saline loess further intensifies the structural disturbance.Consequently,the mechanical performance of compacted loess is sensitive to both pollutant type and concentration,exhibiting different response patterns in the dry-wet cycling condition.

Long-term hydrochemical monitoring and geothermometry:understanding groundwater salinization and thermal fluid contamination in Mila’s basin,Northeastern Algeria

The regular hydrochemical monitoring of groundwater in the Mila basin over an extended period has provided valuable insights into the origin of dissolved salts and the hydrogeochemical processes controlling water salinization.The data reveals that the shallow Karst aquifer shows an increase in TDS of 162 mg L^(-1) while the ther-mal carbonate aquifer that is also used for drinking water supply exhibits an increase of 178 mg L^(-1).Additionally,significant temperature variations are recorded at the sur-face in the shallow aquifers and the waters are carbo-gaseous.Analysis of dissolved major and minor elements has identified several processes influencing the chemical composition namely:dissolution of evaporitic minerals,reduction of sulphates,congruent and incongruent car-bonates’dissolution,dedolomitization and silicates’weathering.The hydrogeochemical and geothermometric results show a mixing of saline thermal water with recharge water of meteoric origin.Two main geothermalfields have been identified,a partially evolved water reservoir and a water reservoir whosefluid interacts with sulphuric acid(H_(2)S)of magmatic origin.These hot waters that are char-acterized by a strong hydrothermal alteration do ascend through faults and fractures and contribute to the contamination of shallower aquifers.Understanding the geothermometry and the hydrogeochemistry of waters is crucial for managing and protecting the quality of groundwater resources in the Mila basin,in order to ensure sustainable water supply for the region.A conceptual model for groundwater circulation and mineralization acquisition has been established to further enhance under-standing in this regard.

Investigation of an electrode-driven hydrogen plasma method for in situ cleaning of tin-based contamination

To prolong the service life of optics,the feasibility of in situ cleaning of the multilayer mirror(MLM)of tin and its oxidized contamination was investigated using hydrogen plasma at different power levels.Granular tin-based contamination consisting of micro-and macroparticles was deposited on silicon via physical vapor deposition(PVD).The electrodedriven hydrogen plasma at different power levels was systematically diagnosed using a Langmuir probe and a retarding field ion energy analyzer(RFEA).Moreover,the magnitude of the self-biasing voltage was measured at different power levels,and the peak ion energy was corrected for the difference between the RFEA measurements and the self-biasing voltage(E_(RFEA)-eV_(self)).XPS analysis of O 1s and Sn 3d peaks demonstrated the chemical reduction process after 1 W cleaning.Analysis of surface and cross-section morphology revealed that holes emerged on the upper part of the macroparticles while its bottom remained smooth.Hills and folds appeared on the upper part of the microparticles,confirming the top-down cleaning mode with hydrogen plasma.This study provides an in situ electrode-driven hydrogen plasma etching process for tin-based contamination and will provide meaningful guidance for understanding the chemical mechanism of reduction and etching.

Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination of Topsoil and Street Dust around Cement Factory in Southern Jordan

Evaluation of assessment of the metal processes governing the metals distribution in soil and dust samples is very significant and protects the health of human and ecological system. Recently, special attention has given to the assessment of metals pollution impact on soil and dust within industrial areas. This study aims to assess the metal contamination levels in the topsoil and street dust around the cement factory in Qadissiya area, southern Jordan. The levels of seven metals (namely Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Mn) were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spec-trophotometer (FAAS) to monitor, evaluate, and to compare topsoil and road dust pollution values of metals of the different types of urban area. The physicochemical parameters which believed to affect the mobility of metals in the soil of the study area were determined such as pH, EC, TOM, CaCO3 and CEC. The levels of metal in soil samples are greater on the surface but decrease in the lower part as a result of the basic nature of soil. The mean values of the metals in soil can be arranged in the following order: Zn > Pb > Mn > Fe > Cu > Cr > Cd. The relatively high concentration of metals in the soil sample was attributed to anthropogenic activities such as traffic emissions, cement factory and agricultural activities. Correlation coefficient analysis and the spatial distribution of indices and the results of statistical analysis indicate three groups of metals: Fe and Mn result by natural origin, Zn, Pb, Cu and Zn result by anthropogenic origin (mainly motor vehicle traffic and abrasion of tires) while Cd is mixed origin. The higher content level values of metals of anthropogenic source in soil samples indicate that it is a source of contamination of air in the studied area. .

Evaluating bacterial contamination and surgical site infection risks in intracorporeal anastomosis: Role of bowel preparation

We recently read the study by Kayano et al on intracorporeal anastomosis(IA)for colon cancer,which assessed bacterial contamination and medium-term onco-logical outcomes and affirmed that IA is analogous to extracorporeal anastomosis in reducing intraperitoneal bacterial risk and achieving similar oncological results.Our commentary addresses gaps,particularly concerning bowel preparation and surgical site infections(SSIs),and highlights the need for comprehensive details on the bowel preparation methods that are currently employed,including mecha-nical bowel preparation,oral antibiotics(OA),their combination,and specific OA types.We emphasize the necessity for further analyses that investigate these me-thods and their correlation with SSI rates,to enhance clinical protocol guidance and optimize surgical outcomes.Such meticulous analyses are essential for refi-ning strategies to effectively mitigate SSI risk in colorectal surgeries.

Study on Preservation of Boar Semen and Bacteria Contamination in Kandal Province

The breeding program is progressing steadily,with increasing the awareness among farmers regarding the its critical role in improving productivity,promoting rapid growth,enhancing disease resistance,and boosting household income.At the same time,the dissemination of AI(Artificila Insemination)technique among farmers has been active and effective.For the application of the AI,the quality of boar semen is extended in BTS(Belts Ville Thawing Solution)for more longer preservation period.The study purpose is to evaluate sperm survival time and bacterie contamination in boar semen.Six boars with different breed around 3 years old were used for this study as two Durocs,two Landraces and two Yorkshires.In evaluation sperm survival time in extender on each boar was designed by CRD(Completely Randomized Design)and calculating the survival time of spermatozoa was done after semen dilution and the sperm mobility was determined.The experimental BTS compositions are glucose,sodium bicarbonate acid,trisodium citrate,ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid,potassium chloride and distill water.In the same time,eighteen sample semen ware collected and used for detection of bacterial contamination.The results showed that the survival time of spermatozoa with its straight mobility more than 50%between the commercial BTS and BTS-KH was from 52 to 56 h.They are not significantly different(p>0.05).And the total survival time of spermatozoa was from 92 to 98 h,they are also not significantly different(p>0.05).The survival time of spermatozoa with its straight mobility more than 50%between the Yorkshire,Landrace and Duroc was 55 h 5 min,54 h 25 min and 50 h 18 min respectively.They are significantly different(p>0.05).The total survival time of spermatozoa between the commercial BTS and BTS-KH was 97 h 19 min,91 h 29 min and 92 h 26 min respectively.They are also not significantly different(p>0.05).The main bacteria isolated from the diluted semen were gram-negative bacteria,Escherichia coli 27.78%was contaminated with an average 6.4×106 CFU/mL,and the family Pseudomonaceae was 11.11%with 8.3×106 CFU/mL.In conclusion,the comparative results of the survival time of spematozoa during the breeding period(t=0.5)between the breeds and extender are similar.For bacteria contamination isolate from the semen all breeds may be due to direct and environmental factors.It is a rainy season with heavy rains that can cause infections.

Agricultural Contamination of the Surface Waters of the Upper Ouémé in Benin: The Case of Heavy Metals and Pesticides

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the degree of contamination of surface waters by heavy metals and pesticides. Method: To this end, data were collected in December 2022 from four specific sampling stations: Okpara, Térou, Affon and Adjiro. Levels of heavy metals, including cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, nickel and lead, were measured and subjected to in-depth statistical analysis using graphical summation models. In addition, the concentrations of pesticide active ingredients present in the samples were interpreted and evaluated. The statistical data collected during this study were processed using R software, version 3.5.0. Results: The values obtained at the different stations Okpara, Térou, Affon and Adjiro are respectively Arsenic (2 × 10-4 mg/L;2.2 × 10-1 mg/L;1.2 × 10-4 mg/L;2 × 10-4 mg/L), Cadmium (4.4 × 10-5 mg/L;1.1 × 10-2 mg/L;10-4 mg/L;4 × 10-4 mg/L). Then Copper (7 × 10-4 mg/L;3 × 10-3 mg/L;7 × 10-4 mg/L;1 × 10-4 mg/L), Iron (1.51 mg/L;6.4 × 10-1 mg/L;2.0012 mg/L;2.9 × 10-1 mg/L), Lead (0 mg/L;0 mg/L;1.5 × 10-3 mg/L;1.5 × 10-3 mg/L). Mercury, nickel and chromium were not detected in surface waters. It is important to note that the values obtained for trace metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Mercury, nickel and chromium were not detected in surface waters. It is important to note that the values obtained for trace metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, nickel and lead) were all below the guideline standards set by the WHO in 2006 for uncontaminated surface waters. This indicates that the surface waters of the Upper Ouémé were below acceptable contamination thresholds in terms of heavy metals. However, the presence of pesticide active ingredients such as cyfluthrin, endosulfan-alpha, endosulfan-beta, profenosfos, tihan, atrazine, gala super and glycel clearly indicates that these surface waters are subject to agricultural contamination.

Security Assurance for One-stage Resection of Left Colon Cancer with Acute Obstruction—Thorough and Prompt Enteral Decompression without Contamination

Objective: Thorough, prompt enteral decompression technique without contamination was de- veloped to ensure safety for emergent colon resection and primary anastomosis. Methods: After isolating the mesentery, the “to be resected colon segment” was cut at its lower end, then the proximal cut end was put into a plastic bag which was adhered to one side of the operating table. After releasing the clamp, the content could ?ow into this bag. The operator could squeeze the bowel with two hands by turns, from proximal to farness, and from small bowel to large bowel, until the entire bowel content was fully discharged. Then the upper end of this “to be resected colon segment” was cut, and was removed together with the plastic bag. Results: 31 cases of left colon cancer with acute obstruction were decompressed with this technique. They all recovered smoothly, without anastomosis ?stula. Another 6 cases of hepatic seg- mentectomy with incidental colonectomy were decompressed with this technique and had the same results. This technique was also used in di?erent kinds of acute small intestinal obstruction and gained satisfactory results. Conclusion: This technique could be considered as the preferable choice for intraoperative enteral decompression.

Studies on Contamination of Cytoplasm DNA and Its Control in Plant Chromosone Microdissection

染色体微切割和微克隆已成为复杂基因组研究的有效途径 ,但是操作过程中的核外DNA的污染一直是令人担心的问题。通过研究植物染色体微切割 (微分离 )和微切割的染色体DNA扩增过程中细胞质DNA的污染问题 ,表明目前常用的植物染色体微切割过程中 ,细胞质DNA的污染几乎难以避免 ,并提出了一个改进的降低细胞质DNA污染的方法 ,对如何控制细胞质DNA的污染进行了详细的讨论。

Discussion on Problem of Fermentation Contamination of Heterotrophic Chlorella

The contamination reasons were analyzed form the viewpoints of strain preparation, air system, medium and equipment sterilization and pipeline configura- tion. Moreover, the contamination-preventing measures were defined. We also sum- marized the characteristics of bacteria that contaminated the fermentation, as well as checking methods and remedial measures.

Status of Heavy Metal Contamination in Paddy Soil of Guangxi Province and Effect of Silicon Fertilization on Cd Content in Brown Rice

[Objective] To provide a scientific basis for the management of Cd contamination, the status of Cd contamination in paddy soil of Guangxi Province, as well as the effect of silicon fertilization on Cd content in brown rice, was investigated. [Method] A total of 157 topsoil（0-20 cm） samples were collected from the major rice-growing paddy fields in Guangxi Province. The Cd contents in the topsoil samples were determined. The paddy soil environment quality and potential ecological risk were evaluated by single factor index and potential ecological index methods. In addition, in the Cd-contaminated paddy fields, the effects of different silicon fertilization treatments（no application（CK）, soil application of 750 kg/hm^2 silicon fertilizer（S）, leaf application of 1 500 L/hm^2 0.2% nanometer silicon（L）, soil application of 750 kg/hm^2 silicon fertilizer ＋ leaf application of 1 500 L/hm^2 0.2% nanometer silicon（SL）） on Cd content in brown rice were investigated. [Result] The total Cd contents in the 157 topsoil samples from paddy fields of Guangxi Province ranged from 0.02 to 7.33 mg/kg with an average content of 0.53 mg/kg. The Cd contents in 35.03% of the topsoil samples exceeded the grade II of national soil environment quality standards, and the topsoil samples were dominated by moderate and mild Cd contamination. Different silicon fertilization treatment all significantly reduced the Cd content in brown rice（P〈0.05）. In the treatment III, the Cd content in brown rice was lowest. Compared with that in the CK group, the Cd content in brown rice in the treatment III was reduced by 73.45%, in the treatment II was reduced by 62.07%, and in the treatment I was reduced by 34.48%. [Conclusion] The Cd in paddy fields of Guangxi Province showed a moderate to high ecological risk,and rational application of silicon fertilizer could effectively reduce the Cd content in brown rice.

Metal Contamination in Field Grown Rice

[Objective] Detecting the concentration of metals （lead, cadmium and arsenic） in the rice from one test field was to provide a snapshot of the current status of metal contamination in rice, coming up with a scientific basis for further research. [Method] The research divided 15 adjacent fields into five groups. Two samples were randomly selected from each field. Metal contamination was evaluated based on GB standards and the overall pollution score （OPS）. [Result] The percentages of samples with above-standard levels of the three metals are 83.3%, 100% and 36.7%, respectively. The values of OPSs are ranged from five to seven, with Pb＇s pollution index constituting the most percentage between three metals in OPS. [Conclusion] A metal contamination in the grown rice of this test field is observed, in which Pb may be the most important factor, and Cd contents in all of the samples exceed the safety value.

A microsatellite study on outcrossing rates and contamination in an Eucalyptus globulus breeding arboretum

Four pairs of microsatellite molecular polymorphism primers were used to analyse microsatellite fingerprints of 188 seedlings derived from an open-pollinated progeny grafted Eucalyptus globulus breeding arboretum in Victoria, south-eastern Australia. The microsatellite loci chosen for this study were highly polymorphic with the mean number of alleles per locus of 14.25. Individual mothers varied in their outcrosssing rate estimate from 15% to 95%, the overall outcrossing level in the arboretum was 47.9% and the contamination rate was 17.6%. The high selfing level was likely to result in marked inbreeding depression in the performance of open-pollinated seed lots. Open-pollinated seeds collected from such arboreta are not advisable because of its low genetic quality, although such arboreta may be useful for the seed production through large-scale manual pollination or collecting seeds only from trees or genotypes within the arboretum that have high outcrossing rates.

Effect of Metal Contamination on Characteristics of Ultra-Thin Gate Oxide

The purpose of this work relates to study on the characteristics of ultra thin gate oxide (2 5nm thickness) and the effect of metal Al,Zr,and Ta contamination on GOI.The controlled metallic contamination experiments are carried out by depositing a few ppm contaminated metal and low pH solutions on the wafers.The maximum metal surface concentration is controlled at about 10 12 cm -2 level in order to simulate metal contamination during ultra clean processing.A ramped current stress for intrinsic charge to breakdown measurements with gate injection mode is used to examine the characteristics of these ultra thin gate oxides and the effect of metal contamination on GOI.It is the first time to investigate the influence of metal Zr and Ta contamination on 2 5nm ultra thin gate oxide.It is demonstrated that there is little effect of Al contamination on GOI,while Zr contamination is the most detrimental to GOI,and early breakdown has happened to wafers contaminated by Ta.

Compound contamination and secondary ecological effects of Cd and As in soil－alfalfa ecosystems

d and As both have harmful effects on the growth,development and seed germination of alfalfa, especially in such a condition as the coexistence of Cd and As in soil environment The research using the pot-culture imitative method first found that if soil was simultaneously polluted by Cd and As,function of alfalfa absorbing Cd from soil may be promoted because of the existence of As,in conversely,Cd may inhibit alfalfa plant from absorbing As It was also found that secon- dary ecological effects were most likely to be brought out due to the coexistence of Cd and As. For example,alfalfa is passive to excessively absorb Cu and Pb .The harmful effects undoubtedly intensi- fy the contamination of alfalfa, The results showed that the mechanism of the interaction among Cd,As,Pb and Cu in soil-alfalfa ecosystems is very complicated.

Controlled-release fertilizer(CRF): A green fertilizer for controlling non-point contamination in agriculture

Fertilizers contribute greatly to high yields but also result in environmental non-point contamination, including the emission of greenhouse gas(N 2O) and eutrophication of water bodies. How to solve this problem has become a serious challenge, especially for China as its high ecological pressure. Controlled-release fertilizer(CRF) has been developed to minimize the contamination while keeping high yield and has become a green fertilizer for agriculture. Several CRFs made with special coating technology were used for testing the fertilizer effects in yield and environment through pot experiment and field trial. The result indicated that the CRFs had higher N use efficiency, thus reducing N loss through leaching and volatilization while keeping higher yields. Comparing with imported standard CRFs, the test on CRFs showed similar fertilizer effect but with much lower cost. CRFs application is becoming a new approach for minimizing non-point contamination in agriculture.

Contamination of soil, leaves and vegetables by polychlorinated biphenyls in Xiamen region, China

The paper aimed to identify the primary of polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs) in the Jiulong River Estuary, investigate the spatial distribution of PCBs contamination in the environment, localize the atmospheric source and evaluate ongoing PCBs emissions by analyzing soil samples collected along the Jiulong River region. In addition, the accumulation of PCBs in the human food chain was quantified by analyzing leaf of orange trees and vegetable samples collected along a gradient of soil/atmospheric contamination moving away from the source. Consequently, the impact on the human health and the ecosystem was quantified, different management options were proposedto reduce this impact and to carry out research on organic contaminants along the Jiulong River and Xiamen region.