Search Results (281)

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has become a major threat to global tomato production due to its exceptional mechanical transmissibility and virion stability. Effective sanitation is essential for containment, yet the performance of commonly used disinfectants on greenhouse-relevant surfaces remains poorly characterized. This study evaluated multiple disinfectant formulations, applied by spraying or dipping, on polyethylene film, pruning shears, and human hands. After controlled inoculation with a standardized inoculum, treated surfaces were swabbed and extracts mechanically inoculated onto Nicotiana rustica L. Lesion number was visually quantified, and lesion area was measured using a computational image-analysis pipeline. Fifth-generation quaternary ammonium compounds (5°QAS) showed the highest virucidal activity on smooth, non-porous surfaces, reducing lesion numbers to fewer than 10 per leaf at 800–1000 ppm and maintaining infection severities below 1%. Glutaraldehyde at 500 ppm also performed strongly, achieving severities as low as 0.20% on plastic. Metallic pruning shears consistently retained infectious particles, with untreated controls exceeding 100 lesions per leaf and treated samples showing incomplete inactivation. Mechanical agents such as powdered milk and soap reduced infection but did not eliminate transmission. No clear dose–response trend was observed. The two most effective treatments, 5°QAS at 800–1000 ppm and glutaraldehyde at 500 ppm, significantly reduced or prevented systemic infection in tomato assays. These findings demonstrate that sanitation efficacy depends on formulation, surface type, and application method, providing operationally relevant guidelines for ToBRFV management. Full article

Color and fluorescence spectrometry were evaluated as rapid, objective tools for verifying the cleanliness of poultry-processing food-contacting surfaces contaminated with a model chicken solution across six common materials. Both techniques detected chicken residues at dilutions several orders of magnitude below human visual and olfactory thresholds, with stainless steel and blue plastic yielding the largest color differences between clean and contaminated states and fluorescence measurements remaining highly sensitive on all tested surfaces. Representative limits of detection were on the order of 1:50–1:100 dilution of chicken residue for color measurements on most surfaces and approximately 1:50 for fluorescence measurements, compared with human detection thresholds of approximately 1:50. Cleaning chemicals routinely used in poultry plants did not measurably reduce detection performance, and a simple machine learning classifier further improved separation of clean versus contaminated readings. These findings indicate that compact color and fluorescence instruments can provide fast, quantitative pre-sanitation checks that strengthen SSOP verification and reduce reliance on subjective human inspection in poultry processing facilities. Full article

As one of the nine largest plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China, Qilu Lake is considered significantly affected by extensive anthropogenic pollution. However, the pollution status and integrated risks posed by organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in the lake’s sediments remain poorly understood. This study analyzed the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in 22 surface sediment samples from the Qilu Lake, and assessed their combined ecological and health risks. Results showed that the mean concentrations of five target organochlorine pesticides (α-hexachlorocyclohexane, β-hexachlorocyclohexane, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and o,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) were consistently low, whereas most heavy metals, except for arsenic, significantly exceeded Yunnan Province background values, with mercury and cadmium exhibiting the most pronounced enrichment. Source analysis indicated that the heavy metals mainly derived from a mixed agricultural-industrial-traffic source, a natural geogenic source, and industrial-traffic emissions, while the organochlorine pesticides originated from both historical residues and ongoing agricultural applications. A linear model was identified as optimal function for characterizing the adsorption-accumulation relationship between organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals. Ecological risks were dominated by heavy metals, especially cadmium, and the evaluated results showed that the health risks were higher for children than adults. Although non-carcinogenic risks were negligible, carcinogenic risks, particularly from chromium, warrant special attention, especially for children. This study enhances the understanding of combined pollution in rural plateau lakes and provides a scientific basis for achieving sustainable water environment management by (1) establishing an integrated risk assessment framework for pollutants, (2) identifying a priority control pollutant list, and (3) laying a theoretical foundation for targeted ecological restoration strategies, directly supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (clean water and sanitation). Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), mostly resulting from the widespread use of antimicrobials in healthcare, veterinary, and agriculture, poses a significant challenge to global health. Healthcare facilities are hotspots of AMR due to high antibiotic consumption and the presence of highly susceptible populations. Moreover, there may be a dynamic exchange in AMR between healthcare infrastructures, human populations, animals, and the environment. To address these challenges, this review presents a One Health perspective, emphasizing the complex interconnections among many ecosystems. Furthermore, the development and dissemination of AMR in the healthcare environment, via surfaces and hands, have been critically investigated. Some of the neglected aspects that contribute to AMR, such as ventilation and wastewater, have also been addressed. The natural environment plays a crucial role as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The expected increase in AMR in the coming years will not only pose a challenge to public health but also to food security and environmental health. Hospitals should install advanced systems for treating wastewater to reduce the discharge of antimicrobials. Hospitals should also combine full water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) protocols with infection prevention and control (IPC) methods. These efforts are aimed at preventing infections and protecting public health and the environment. Other measures include advancing research to understand transmission pathways, increasing surveillance, reducing contamination in healthcare settings, implementing national plans for stewardship, and globally sharing resources and targets to reduce AMR. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable materials in construction and sanitation has increased interest in natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites. Rice husk, an abundant agricultural by-product, offers a promising alternative as a reinforcing filler in polypropylene (PP) composites. This study aims to assess the suitability of PP composites reinforced with micronised rice husk particles for application in sanitary components. Two formulations containing 20% and 30% rice husk were developed and characterised. Comprehensive analysis included morphological, thermal, rheological, mechanical, hygroscopic, and tribological testing. Results showed that particles incorporation enhanced thermal stability and crystallinity due to a nucleating effect, with the 30% composite showing higher crystallinity. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that although the T₅% decreased from 374.1 °C for neat PP to 309.2 °C and 296.2 °C for the 20% and 30% composites, respectively, the DTG peak temperatures increased by 15.9 °C and 17.6 °C, indicating a delayed main decomposition stage of PP matrix and enhanced overall thermal stability. Rheological behaviour revealed increased viscosity and pseudoplasticity at higher particle content Mechanical characterisation showed an increase in Young’s modulus from 1021 MPa for neat PP to 1065 MPa (+4%) and 1125 MPa (+10%) for PP_Rice_20% and PP_Rice_30%, respectively. In contrast, the nominal strain at break dropped sharply from 238% (PP) to 30% (PP_Rice_20%) and 16% (PP_Rice_30%). Shrinkage decreased from 1.31% (PP) to approximately 1.05% in both composites, indicating improved dimensional stability. However, water absorption rose from 0.015% (PP) to 0.111% (PP_Rice_20%) and 0.144% (PP_Rice_30%), accompanied by an increase in surface roughness (Sa from 0.34 µm to 0.78 µm and 1.06 µm, respectively). The composite with 20% rice husk demonstrated better filler dispersion, reduced water uptake, and smoother surfaces, making it more suitable for injection-moulded components intended for use in humid environments. Overall, the study supports the use of agricultural residues in high-performance biocomposites, contributing to circular economy strategies and the development of more sustainable polymer-based materials for technical applications. Full article

To scientifically address the low productivity issue of traditional solar desalination systems, the current review intends to investigate the effect of design changes and performance improvement of solar stills with external and internal condensers. This review highlights that elements such as coolant techniques, the geometry of the condenser, and material features (e.g., nanofluids or surfaces of wettability) have a pivotal impact on maximising output. The results show that the combination of external condensers in solar stills is remarkably effective, where the efficiency ranges between 24% and 165% in distillate yield depending on the design modifications, which include the use of nanofluids, reflectors, and phase change materials (PCMs). In this regard, internal condensers explicitly display significant performance advances, with water production improvements of more than 150% in improved stepped designs and 60% in capillary film designs. To guarantee the maximum production of fresh water, this review proposes a number of adjustments to elevate the overall performance of solar stills, such as condensers with enhanced mechanisms of heat transfer or passive cooling strategies, which enable solar stills to be more practical in achieving the sustainable desalination of water across a wide range of climatic regions. Indeed, the enhancement of the efficiency of solar desalination technologies would support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), providing access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus is a foodborne pathogen that affects animals and humans. The persistence of this pathogen in the environment is associated with its ability to form biofilms and/or develop resistance mechanisms to antibiotics and sanitizers. A total of 67 S. aureus strains collected from food contact surfaces (FCSs) made of stainless steel and FCS-polypropylene used in dairy industries in Jalisco, México, were selected for this study. The genetic diversity and genes indicating antibiotic resistance were determined using PCR; antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance to cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of benzalkonium chloride (BC) were determined using the agar diffusion method and broth microdilution. Additionally, the effects of BC treatment on biofilm removal were evaluated. A total of 41.7% of the strains were MRSA [SCCmec Types II (20.8%), V (13.4%), and IV (7.4%)], and 58.2% were MSSA. Genes encoding antibiotic resistance—ermC (2.9%), ermA (2.9%), ermB (10.4%), aacA-aphD (10.4%), tetM (17.9%), and blaZ (88%)—were detected. A phenotypic test showed that 62.6% of the strains were cadmium-resistant S. aureus (>400 µg/mL CdCl₂), and the MICs of 97% of isolates lay between 1.56 and 25 µg/mL BC. Treatment with BC + MR (100 µg/mL + 1% milk residues) led to a smaller reduction in biofilm (2.11–2.25 log₁₀ cfu/cm²; p < 0.05) compared to BC (3.75–4.03 log₁₀ cfu/cm²; at 5–10 min). MSSA and MSRA can develop biofilms that harbor mechanism resistance-associated genes, which are a public health hazard and a food safety concern. Full article

Antimicrobial Blue Light (aBL) can be used to control the growth of pathogens in several applicative fields, from sanitization of inert surfaces to human skin treatment and from industry to food. Though the mechanism of action is still unknown, it has been hypothesized that specific wavelengths can activate potential endogenous photosensitizers in microbial cytoplasm and/or envelope. In turn, this photooxidative stress could induce inactivation of macromolecules resulting in bacterial killing. In this work, we investigated the effect of radiometric parameters of light at 410 nm on Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655, a strain rather tolerant to blue light irradiation. Interestingly, by changing the radiometric parameters of aBL protocol, different rates of killing were observed. Irradiation at 100 J/cm² caused a variable antimicrobial effect depending on the irradiance values. We observed an “irradiance effect”: namely, at higher irradiance values, the inhibitory effect is reduced. On the other hand, at increasing fluences the bactericidal rate increases. In addition, the shift from continuous to pulsed light could enhance the antimicrobial activity of protocols using higher irradiance values. Taken together, these results underline the importance of defining radiometric parameters to ensure the efficacy of aBL treatments and emphasize the importance of further research into the aBL mechanism. Full article

The sustainability of rural areas depends on effective wastewater management to reduce human impact on the environment, including the risk of pollution to surface water, groundwater, and soil from human waste. However, organized sanitation systems, which include pipeline networks and wastewater treatment plants in rural communities with low population densities, often have very low profitability and cost-efficiency, which greatly reduces their acceptance and residents’ willingness to pay. This study examines the economic profitability and cost-efficiency of selected on-site household sewage collection and treatment systems operating under real economic conditions in Poland. An evaluation was conducted on seven contemporary models of individual bioreactors, as well as a standard anaerobic septic tank equipped with drainage filters. Additionally, all options were tested on permeable and poorly permeable soils. For each variant, investment costs, as well as operation and maintenance expenses, were calculated. Financial evaluation utilized indicators of economic profitability and cost-efficiency, including the Payback Period, Net Present Value, Benefits–Cost Ratio, and Dynamic Generation Costs. The potential financial benefits included savings from avoiding the use of holding septic tanks and sewage transport by slurry wagons. All the studied designs of on-site sanitary sewage management showed significant economic feasibility and cost-efficiency. Full article

Microbial contamination is the main safety concern of sprouts and seeds are the major source. High concentrations of sanitizers (>10,000 mg/kg) are recommended for effective sanitation. Microbubble (MB) was reported to elevate sanitizer efficacy. Hence, MBs combined with disinfectants, chlorine dioxide (ClO₂, 500 ppm), and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW, 250 ppm), were used to inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium on alfalfa seeds. After fulfilling MBs for 10 min, alfalfa seeds were washed in 10 L of water for 10, 20, or 30 min. Compared with untreated seeds, S. Typhimurium reductions obtained by SAEW-MBs (SMBs) and ClO₂-MBs (CMBs) for 20 min were 3.8 and 3.3 log CFU/g, respectively. Conversely, the 20 min treatments of SAEW and ClO₂ only obtained reductions of 0.9 and 1.1 log CFU/g, respectively. More surface ruptures on the seeds treated with CMBs were observed under a scanning electron microscope compared with the ones treated by water and ClO₂ only. No adverse effects on the seed germination rate and the weight yield of sprouts were observed when treated with CMBs for 20 min. An MB device with capacity of 100 L was assembled and achieved reductions of 3.9 and 3.2 log CFU/g of natural microbes and S. Typhimurium, respectively, after 20 min CMB washing. Additionally, an MB device at 250 L was assembled and achieved 3.0 log CFU/g reduction in natural microbes. This study demonstrated that MBs enhanced the efficacy of disinfectants and could be applied in industrial-scale operations. Full article

Foodborne diseases (FBDs) represent significant public health concerns as they are conditions associated with deficient manufacturing practices. They comprise important diseases with acute or chronic courses, frequently occurring in outbreak form and associated with significant gastrointestinal disorders. FBDs are related to infrastructure and organizational issues in urban centers, such that contamination in food processing facilities, lack of access to basic sanitation, and social and financial vulnerability are some of the factors that favor their occurrence and the demand for health services. Among the agents associated with FBDs is Listeria sp., especially Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). The objective of this article is to characterize L. monocytogenes and its potential impact on One Health, given its importance as a significant foodborne pathogen. A thorough scientific literature search was conducted to obtain information on the subject, aiming to assist in the verification and presentation of evidence. L. monocytogenes is a pathogen with specific characteristics that ensure its adhesion, adaptation, growth, and survival on various surfaces, such as biofilm formation ability and thermotolerance. Several diagnostic methods are available for detection of the agent, including enrichment media, molecular techniques, and subtyping evaluation. Its control represents a significant challenge, with critical implications due to bacterial perpetuation characteristics and the implementation/monitoring of sanitization programs and commercialization of animal-derived products (POAO). Thus, vulnerable and susceptible populations are more exposed to foodborne pathogens due to health-related determinants, such as inadequate sanitation, poor food safety control, and insufficient personal hygiene. The pathogen’s persistence and difficulty of control represent a significant public One Health threat. Full article

Poultry companies must implement measures to sanitize hatching eggs and reduce the risk of bacterial infections associated with poultry management. Many of them use formaldehyde (FA) fumigation in their egg sanitization protocols, but its toxicity has led to recommendations for reducing its use. However, studies employing this approach with liquid FA solutions in poultry operations, particularly during the hatching egg sanitization stage, remain scarce. Our objective was to evaluate whether sprayable FA reduces bacterial contamination on eggshells and whether it causes changes in their physical properties based on the analysis of microstructure, percentage relative to egg weight, and thickness. FA solutions at 0.5, 1, and 2% inhibited bacterial growth in vitro and reduced the bacterial load on the eggshell surface while also causing severe damage to the shell structure. Our results suggest that companies using FA should be aware of the associated risks, as significant production losses may be linked to the shell damage caused by this compound. Full article

Traditional chemical-based sanitizers pose risks to health and the environment, highlighting the need for safer natural alternatives. We developed biocompatible hydrogels from carbohydrate-based biopolymers, chitosan (1.5% and 2.5%), and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC, 3% and 5%), each incorporating one of four antimicrobials: microcin J25, nisin Z, pediocin PA-1, or reuterin. Hydrogels were prepared by dissolving the polymers in aqueous solution and incorporating antimicrobials before gelation. The formulations were characterized using viscosity measurements, antimicrobial assays, and stability testing over 28 days of storage at room temperature (23–25 °C). Chitosan hydrogels with microcin J25 maintained strong activity against Salmonella enterica ATCC 6962, while nisin Z retained activity in gel and solution forms, though with some decline during storage. Pediocin PA-1 remained active in 1.5% and 2.5% chitosan hydrogels against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, but activity was lost in 3% and 5% CMC hydrogels. Reuterin preserved activity in CMC-based hydrogels throughout storage. In solution, microcin J25 and nisin Z consistently achieved ~7-log reductions, whereas pediocin PA-1 and reuterin reached up to ~5-log reductions. In gels, efficacy decreased at lower concentrations and shorter contact times, likely due to diffusion barriers. Overall, the hydrogels remained stable during storage, and CMC- and chitosan-based matrices with selected antimicrobials show promise as alternatives to chemical sanitizers. Their application should be tailored to specific needs, with formulations requiring longer contact times best suited for surfaces that allow prolonged exposure. Full article

Short-season (90 d) produce packing operations may run double shifts with no clean breaks in between. This practice can result in produce contamination from food contact surfaces that are not cleaned and sanitized. Our study examined the survival of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes on polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, and stainless steel surfaces that contact produce in operations that have a short packing season. Coupons were spot-inoculated with five-strain cocktails of rifampicin-resistant Salmonella or L. monocytogenes (~7 log CFU/coupon), stored at 22 °C and 45–55% relative humidity, and enumerated at 0, 0.06, 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 d. Significant differences were evaluated (p ≤ 0.05), and survival was modeled using linear and biphasic models. Salmonella reductions varied significantly by surface type, with rubber showing the greatest survival, followed by stainless steel at 90 d. In contrast, Salmonella concentrations on polycarbonate, polypropylene, and PVC were below the limit of detection at 90 d. L. monocytogenes reductions were not significantly different across materials at 90 d. Biphasic models better fit the inactivation of both pathogens. These findings highlight the importance of clean breaks and focusing interventions where pathogens demonstrate greater persistence in short-season packinghouses. Full article

Background: Dental offices and clinics utilize a variety of dental materials that are delivered in reusable containers and dispensers. However, many of these materials, including NeoPutty, BC Putty, Flowable, and Diapex, may be subject to bacterial contamination and microbial exposures from the surrounding dental office environment. Objectives: The aim of this study was to quantify and identify microbial contamination, specifically in regard to these reusable dental materials. Methods: Surfaces of new and used reusable and resealable tubes where the material dispenses and the interior surfaces of the cap were swabbed and cultured. DNA was isolated from each sample and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to determine the presence or absence of microbial contamination, as well as the relative abundance. Results: Microbial contamination was observed among all of the “in use” samples from both the dispensing end and the interior surfaces of the cap and was strongly associated with the amount of usage. Conclusions: These data suggest that environmental contamination may be present in measurable and quantifiable amounts on reusable and resealable dental materials, which suggest the need to create protocols for sanitizing the surfaces of reusable materials to reduce the presence of microbial contamination identified in similar clinical settings. Full article