Search Results (177)

Trace element contamination represents a persistent environmental issue, particularly in industrialized areas where anthropogenic emissions overlap with natural geochemical backgrounds. This study investigates the atmospheric deposition of trace elements in the Milazzo district (Italy), which is characterized by intense industrial activity. Pinus pinea L. needles were used as biomonitors to assess the spatial distribution and sources of trace elements, combined with lead isotopic analysis for source apportionment. Forty needle samples were analyzed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS for Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, Zn, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, while 25 samples were selected for Pb isotope ratio determination (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb). Multivariate statistical analyses identified source groups related to industrial and petrochemical emissions, vehicular traffic, crustal resuspension, and mixed combustion processes. Elevated concentrations of As, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn ranged from 16.6 μg g⁻¹ (Zn) to 0.09 μg g⁻¹ (Sb), with the following order of abundance: Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Mo > V > As > Sb; these elements were found near industrial facilities and urban areas. Enrichment Factor calculations indicated strong anthropogenic contributions to Cd, Cu, Mo, Sb, V, and Zn, with EF > 10, ranging from 10 (Cd) to 60 (Zn), whereas Al, Fe, and Ti exhibited EF values between 0.5 and 2, reflecting geogenic origins. Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.153–1.192 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb = 2.063–2.108) revealed mixing between industrial emissions and the local geological background, with limited influence from historical gasoline-derived Pb. This integrated geochemical and isotopic approach can effectively identify contamination sources in complex industrial environments. Full article

Since Tenebrio molitor L. was approved by the EU as novel food in 2021, food safety is paramount for both chemically and microbiologically safe products. Since T. molitor larvae are reared on substrates mainly based on cereals, mycotoxins and heavy metals may represent a serious risk. However, analyses of mycotoxins and heavy metals are complex and cost-intensive procedures, which may not be affordable for small-scale farmers on a regular basis. To provide a preliminary risk assessment and to add further insights to existing knowledge, this study used a rapid screening method based on MALDI-TOF to identify potentially mycotoxin-producing microfungi. The colony-forming units (CFU) were determined, and the isolated species identified. In addition, a_w-values of substrates and meal (four samples, nine repeats each) were determined to assess mycotoxin-related risks. Eight mycobionts were identified, including three potential mycotoxin producers: Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Very low CFU counts (<3 × 10³ CFU/g) and a_w-values (0.35–0.59) indicate minor risks. LC-MS/MS mycotoxin analysis of nine samples (varying in source and time point) confirmed concentrations below the limit of detection (LoD): 0.50 µg/kg for aflatoxins B1/B2/G1/G2; 50 µg/kg for DON/FuB1/FuB2; 20 µg/kg for HT2/T2; 150 µg/kg for NIV; 1 µg/kg for OTA; and 5 µg/kg for ZEA. Heavy metal analysis (ICP-OES/MS) of three substrates and insect meal showed that all six metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Sb, As, Cr) were below the LoD (0.2 mg/kg), except for Cr in malt residual pellets (0.4 mg/kg). Full article

Rapid urbanization and inadequate sanitation infrastructure threaten water security in many sub-Saharan African cities. This study aimed to provide an integrated assessment of groundwater, surface water, and wastewater quality in Bangui by characterizing physicochemical parameters, trace metals, and microbiological indicators, and by identifying potential contamination sources and pathways among these water compartments. A total of 28 water samples were collected from groundwater, surface water, and wastewater sites. Physicochemical parameters, major ions, trace metals, and microbiological indicators were analyzed using standardized methods, including ion chromatography, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and membrane filtration. Results revealed a clear contamination gradient. Wastewater showed the highest electrical conductivity, turbidity, chloride concentrations, and microbial loads, reaching 2.41 × 10⁶ CFU/100 mL for total coliforms and 1.93 × 10⁶ CFU/100 mL for fecal coliforms. Groundwater exhibited high nitrite levels and low dissolved oxygen, indicating vulnerability to sewage infiltration. Surface waters were characterized by high turbidity and widespread fecal contamination despite relatively good oxygenation. In contrast, trace metal concentrations generally remained below World Health Organization guideline values. Geochemical analyses identified distinct elemental signatures for each water type. Microbiological contamination emerged as the dominant water quality concern. High fecal coliform/fecal streptococci ratios (13.08-22.16) indicated predominantly human-derived pollution linked to untreated wastewater and inadequate sanitation systems. The association between elevated nitrite concentrations and fecal indicators suggests active contamination pathways connecting wastewater, surface water, and shallow aquifers. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved wastewater management, groundwater protection, and long-term monitoring to ensure sustainable urban water security in Bangui. Full article

Solar-driven advanced oxidation processes and interfacial water evaporation represent promising strategies to simultaneously address water pollution and freshwater scarcity. However, conventional photo-Fenton catalysts are predominantly powder-based and suffer from difficult catalyst recovery, inefficient H₂O₂ utilization, and limited practical applicability. Herein, a multifunctional bacterial-cellulose-based composite membrane (BC-MTP) was designed by immobilizing 1T-2H MoS₂ and a tea-polyphenol/polypyrrole (TP/PPy) copolymer through a blending–copolymerization strategy. The three-dimensional BC network anchors the catalytic components and supports their repeated use, while the BC-MTP membrane achieves 88.2% tetracycline removal using 20 μL H₂O₂, four times lower than the dosage used for the corresponding powder catalyst. Because dissolved Fe was not quantified by ICP-OES or ICP-MS, the present results are interpreted as evidence of improved H₂O₂ utilization and component immobilization rather than quantitative proof of suppressed iron leaching. The incorporation of 1T-2H MoS₂ and TP/PPy also provides strong broadband light absorption and photothermal conversion, yielding a solar-driven evaporation rate of 1.34 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ and an energy efficiency of 80.1% under the tested laboratory conditions. This work demonstrates a membrane platform integrating photo-Fenton degradation and solar-driven water evaporation for water-purification applications. Full article

During forest exploitation, large amounts of wood biomass are left as residues after harvesting, even though this material could be valuable in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels and serving as a source of bioactive compounds. Within the context of the European Union’s circular bioeconomy strategy, enhancing the efficacy and rational application of forest logging residues constitutes a critical future objective. To evaluate the possible use of the stumps as forest residue-derived woody biomass for the first time, the chemical composition and presence of bioactive compounds in the xylem and bark of F. angustifolia Vahl. ssp. pannonica Soó & Simon stumps were analyzed, including the content of cellulose, acid-insoluble lignin, acid-soluble lignin, ash, and extractives soluble in toluene–ethanol and hot water. In hot water extracts, total phenolic content, the antioxidant activity determined by scavenging capacity toward DPPH and HPTLC, the content of elements by ICP-OES, and the identification of bioactive compounds by UHPLC-DAD-ESI MS/MS were assessed. Considering the chemical composition, the quality of the xylem of the F. angustifolia (cellulose: 42.46 ± 0.45%; lignin: 25.05 ± 0.02%; hemicelluloses: 19.74 ± 0.46%) was similar to that of the stem. Hot water extracts of the bark of F. angustifolia stumps showed high total phenolic content (33.94 ± 1.43 mg GAE/g DW) and strong antioxidant potential (198.48 ± 3.33 μmol TE/g DW), while toxic metals were not detected. UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis indicated phenylethanoid glycosides as the dominant compounds in the extracts. The analyzed stumps of Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. in the “Morović” Forest Administration represent a valuable biomass with potential for further valorization. Full article

Eclipta prostrata is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine because of its antioxidant and therapeutic properties; however, comprehensive information on the effects of drying methods on tissue-specific phytochemical composition remains limited. This study evaluated the influence of freeze drying (FD), shade drying (SD), and oven drying (OD) on the antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents, elemental composition, and metabolomic profiles of flowers, leaves, roots, and stems of E. prostrata. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays; elemental composition was analyzed by ICP-OES; and untargeted metabolomic profiling was performed using LC-QTOF-MS in both positive and negative ionization modes. Freeze-dried samples consistently exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity and retained the greatest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, particularly in flowers, whereas oven drying generally resulted in the greatest reduction in antioxidant activity, especially in roots. ICP-OES analysis demonstrated tissue-dependent differences in mineral composition, with calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, and manganese being the predominant essential elements retained after drying. Untargeted metabolomics revealed tissue-specific metabolic responses to drying, with root tissues exhibiting the greatest metabolomic variation, whereas flowers and stems remained comparatively stable. Multivariate analyses indicated that drying primarily altered the relative abundance of metabolite classes rather than the overall metabolome. The major metabolites detected belonged to flavonoids, coumestans, phenolic acids, lipid-derived metabolites, amino acid derivatives, oxylipins, and triterpenoid/saponin-related compounds, which are associated with the medicinal properties of E. prostrata. These findings demonstrate that both plant tissue and drying method significantly influence the retention of bioactive compounds and provide valuable information for optimizing post-harvest processing to preserve the phytochemical quality and therapeutic potential of E. prostrata. Full article

Soil contamination in underexplored environments remains poorly characterized, particularly in regions where systematic monitoring is limited. El-Bur (Somalia) represents one such environment, where prolonged drought, humanitarian instability, limited accessibility, and inadequate waste management are expected to influence soil quality while hindering systematic environmental investigations. In this study, an exploratory multi-technique approach was applied to soil samples collected from selected sites in El-Bur (Somalia) to obtain chemical, structural, and morphological information. A combination of SEM–EDX, ICP-OES, XRD, and GC–MS was used to characterize both inorganic and organic fractions. The results show a predominant presence of sodium chloride, indicating severe soil salinity likely associated with prolonged drought and evaporative processes. In addition, trace organic compounds, including plastic-related species such as diethyl phthalate and styrene, together with short- to medium-chain hydrocarbons, were detected, suggesting localized anthropogenic contamination likely related to plastic waste and inadequate wastewater and waste management practices. This work provides a proof-of-concept analytical framework for identifying contamination features in soils affected by severe drought. The findings highlight the coexistence of natural and anthropogenic drivers of soil degradation and provide exploratory evidence for future targeted investigations in underexplored regions. Full article

A chitosan-based edible biofilm enriched with pomegranate peel extract and essential oils was developed as a sustainable active packaging material that exploits agro-industrial by-products, in agreement with circular economy principles. Targeted HPLC–MS/MS analysis quantified twelve polyphenols, with total polyphenol content ranging from 88.20 to 137.38 μg/g dry weight. Ellagic acid was the predominant compound (90.78 μg/g dry weight), followed by gallic acid (28.80 μg/g dry weight). Untargeted HPLC–HRMS analysis revealed additional flavonoid and ellagitannin-related derivatives, confirming the chemical complexity of the incorporated phenolic fraction. ICP-OES analysis showed heavy metal concentrations below the analytical quantification limits, supporting compliance with food-contact safety requirements. During 45 days of refrigerated storage, coated Pecorino Romano PDO cheese exhibited lower yeast and mold counts than uncoated controls, with a maximum reduction of approximately 0.87 log₁₀ CFU/g. Enterobacteriaceae remained below the detection limit in coated samples throughout storage, whereas they were detected in untreated cheese at the end of storage. These findings demonstrate the potential of the developed edible biofilm as a safe and sustainable active packaging material for refrigerated dairy products while promoting the valorization of pomegranate processing by-products. Full article

Honey is a natural food product which in traditional production represents a clear example of the “farm-to-table” principle, as it excludes any processing of the original product. This study proposes an analytical approach for determining 30 most frequently determined chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, In, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Se, Sr, Te, V, and Zn) in honey, emphasizing the use of a relatively large sample mass to overcome sample heterogeneity and ensure accurate and reliable results. About 31 linden and 16 rapeseed honey samples from different Bulgarian regions were analyzed. Pollen analysis data showed that pollen content ranged from 30 to 78% for linden and 30 to 93% for rapeseed honey. The results identify a group of elements—K, Ca, Mg, Sr, and Rb—whose concentrations show statistically significant dependence on the floral origin and purity of the honey. Based on these findings, these elements are proposed as potential markers for identifying the botanical origin of honey. Furthermore, macronutrients and micronutrients (P, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn), which are generally subject to homeostatic regulation, as well as micro-elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, and Pb), which are more strongly influenced by environmental factors, showed limited discriminatory potential and no clear correlation with floral purity and botanical origin. Therefore, they should not be used as criteria when assessing the botanical origin of honey, but rather as indicators of environmental pollution and potential quality or safety concerns. Overall, the research contributes to improving the reliability of botanical classification of honey by combining robust analytical methodology with statistically validated elemental markers, while also distinguishing between natural compositional features and contamination-related signals. Full article

The present work investigates the chemical composition of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) cake obtained as a by-product of cold-pressed oil extraction. The aim of the study is to assess its potential for further utilization and secondary applications. By applying a combination of analytical techniques, including chemical analysis, Soxhlet extraction, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, FTIR, and SEM-EDS, the material was characterized as a rich organic matrix with a significant residual fat content (approximately 20%), proteins, and essential mineral elements such as K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and P, while containing low levels of toxic elements. Since cold pressing preserves residual bioactive compounds, and considering the high content of essential elements, black cumin cake represents a promising ingredient for food supplements. In addition, its porous surface structure observed by SEM-EDS, together with the functional groups identified by FTIR analysis, suggests potential sorption properties. These findings position black cumin cake as a promising resource within the framework of sustainable agro-industrial waste valorization strategies. Full article

Recyclers worldwide face a common bottleneck: incoming mixed plastic bales are chemically opaque, yet the choice between mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and energy recovery hinges on contaminant levels that cannot be judged by visual inspection alone. This study develops and validates a tiered analytical decision-support framework that translates standard laboratory measurements into explicit, actionable go/no-go routing criteria for any mixed polyolefin waste stream. The framework is organized into three successive analytical tiers of increasing specificity: Tier 1 uses FTIR and DSC for rapid polymer identification and thermal subclass confirmation; Tier 2 applies TGA/DTG for thermal stability assessment and filler quantification; and Tier 3 deploys ICP-OES, WD-XRF, CIC, and TG–MS for targeted heavy metal, halogen, and evolved gas profiling, triggered only when Tier 1/2 flags are raised. This staged logic minimizes unnecessary testing while ensuring that contaminant-relevant information is captured where it matters. The framework is demonstrated on nine blind mixed plastic waste streams (P1–P9) supplied by an industrial recycling facility without prior disclosure of polymer identity, filler content, or additive history—conditions that replicate the uncertainty encountered at any sorting plant globally. Application of the tiered protocol identified dominant polymers (HDPE, LDPE, PP), quantified inorganic fillers (CaCO₃ up to ~38 wt%), and detected hazardous contaminants, including chlorine (up to ~1900 ppm), lead, chromium, and titanium, enabling each stream to be assigned to a specific recycling route with defined contaminant thresholds. Because the method relies exclusively on commercially available, vendor-independent instrumentation and follows a reproducible, rule-based decision logic, it is directly transferable to recycling facilities in any geographic context without site-specific calibration. The proposed framework thus provides a practical, scalable decision-support tool for feedstock-level quality control under emerging regulations such as the UNEP Global Plastics Treaty. Full article

To accelerate the transition to sustainable energy, efficient methods for CO₂-free hydrogen production and carbon utilization are needed. This study presents a new, sustainable approach for the simultaneous production of hydrogen, valuable hydrocarbons, and functional carbon materials by converting methane in low-pressure microwave plasma. Compared to traditional methane reforming methods (such as steam reforming), our plasma-based process operates at low temperatures, eliminates direct CO₂ emissions, and enables the conversion of methane into three valuable products: (1) environmentally friendly hydrogen for fuel cells and energy storage systems, (2) a range of valuable organic products (C₂H₂, C₂H₄, C₂H₆), and (3) functional carbon films with self-improving catalytic properties. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and the Langmuir double probe method were used for plasma diagnostics, revealing an increase in the concentration of active species (CH, Hα, C₂) and electron temperature upon argon addition. The structure, morphology, and impurity composition of the deposited films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. Gas-phase byproducts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Argon addition at an Ar/CH₄ ratio of 1 leads to the formation of carbon films with a more ordered structure, as confirmed by XRD data, and improved surface morphology. It was established that argon, by effectively participating in the excitation and dissociation processes of methane molecules through energy transfer from metastable states and increased electron temperature, optimizes plasma–chemical reactions, promoting the deposition of higher-quality carbon coatings. Full article

Background: Recreational exercise has become increasingly common among Chinese adults. However, population-specific data on sweat rate and electrolyte composition during typical daily physical activities remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively characterize the hydration status, sweat rate, and sweat electrolyte composition among Chinese adults engaging in common daily exercises under controlled environmental conditions, and to examine sex-related differences. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 285 healthy adults (143 men, 142 women) were assigned to one of three separate activity groups: brisk walking (n = 100), running (n = 90), or cycling (n = 95). Activity protocols were standardized using fixed activity-specific speeds corresponding to 5.2, 8.2, and 4.4 METs for brisk walking, running, and cycling, respectively, based on the Chinese Compilation of Physical Activities. Each participant completed one 60-min exercise session under controlled environmental conditions. Sweat samples were collected from the chest using sweat patches and analyzed for Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ using ICP-MS/OES. Whole-body sweat sodium and potassium concentrations were estimated using validated regression equations. Body mass loss (BML) and sweat rate were calculated from pre- and post-exercise nude body mass. Results: Across all participants and activity types, the overall mean sweat rate was 0.71 ± 0.28 L/h, and the mean percentage of body mass loss (BML%) was 0.78 ± 0.45%. Among the three physical activities, running elicited higher sweat rates (0.92 ± 0.29 L/h) and BML% (1.16 ± 0.36%) than brisk walking or cycling (p < 0.05). The estimated whole-body Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations across all participants were 34.10 ± 10.31 mmol/L and 3.35 (3.02–3.93) mmol/L, respectively, with 59.3% of participants classified as having moderate Na⁺ levels (30–60 mmol/L). Men exhibited higher sweat rates and Na⁺ concentrations, whereas women showed higher K⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Chinese adults engaging in common daily physical activities under temperate environmental conditions demonstrated low-to-moderate sweat rates and sodium concentrations. These findings provide baseline reference data for population-specific hydration education and may inform future validation and application of wearable sweat-sensing technologies in public health monitoring. Full article

Pyrolysis liquid (PL) derived from biomass pyrolysis exhibits biopesticidal properties and represents a promising value-added product within the sustainable circular economy framework. However, knowledge about the antimicrobial potential of PLs produced from walnut residue at different pyrolysis temperatures remains limited. We investigated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of PLs obtained from agricultural walnut residue (Juglans regia L.) against selected plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. PLs were produced at four temperature ranges: 200–300 °C (W-1), 300–400 °C (W-2), 400–500 °C (W-3), and 500–600 °C (W-4). Chemical characterization was performed using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), with determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced the chemical profile and bioactive compound content of the PLs, with W-4 showing the highest total phenolic and flavonoid levels. Heavy metal analysis indicated minimal contamination in all samples. Antibacterial activity was observed in stock solutions, whereas diluted applications showed limited effects. The W-4 fraction showed the strongest antibacterial activity and exhibited MIC values of 12.50 µL/mL against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, and 25.00 µL/mL against Erwinia amylovora. Antifungal activity differed markedly across temperature ranges, with W-3 and W-4 displaying superior activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae, achieving complete mycelial growth inhibition at 5%, compared to 10% for W-2 and 20% for W-1. Positive controls confirmed assay validity (ciprofloxacin for antibacterial assays and cycloheximide for antifungal assays), whereas negative controls showed no inhibitory effect. Overall, higher pyrolysis temperatures, particularly 400–600 °C, enhanced the antimicrobial potential of walnut residue-derived PLs, supporting their possible use as bio-based antifungal agents for sustainable crop protection. Full article

The recurrent influx of pelagic Sargassum spp. along Caribbean coastlines poses a significant environmental challenge while offering potential as a resource-recovery agricultural input. However, agricultural reuse of Sargassum biomass raises concerns regarding salinity and trace-metal distribution within the soil–plant–food continuum. This study evaluated the short-term elemental response to a Sargassum-Based Liquid Biofertilizer (SBLB) produced via controlled anaerobic fermentation, using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown under greenhouse conditions. Raw biomass, fermented biofertilizer, irrigation water, soils, vegetative tissues, and fruits were chemically characterized. Elemental concentrations were quantified by ICP–OES and ICP-MS and treatment effects were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Anaerobic fermentation resulted in lower measured concentrations of sodium, arsenic, and selected trace elements in the liquid fraction relative to raw biomass. SBLB application increased soil macronutrient availability (N, P, K, Ca, Mg), while soil trace-metal concentrations remained within international reference ranges during the experimental period. Metals of concern (As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr) showed no detectable short-term enrichment in soils, vegetative tissues, or fruits relative to controls. In tomato fruits, arsenic, cadmium, and lead were below the limit of quantification across all treatments. Within the experimental timeframe, SBLB application was not associated with detectable trace-element accumulation in the soil–plant system. Long-term field studies and detailed soil physicochemical characterization are required to evaluate cumulative effects under repeated applications. Full article