Effects of storage temperature and duration on release of antimony and bisphenol A from polyethylene terephthalate drinking water bottles of China

Microplastic co-exposure elevates cadmium accumulation in mouse tissue after rice consumption: Mechanisms and health implications

Rice cadmium (Cd) and microplastics are prevalent contaminants, posing a co-exposure threat to humans by means of dietary intake. To assess whether co-exposure of microplastics affects the bioavailability of rice Cd, mice were exposed to Cd-contaminated rice with microplastic co-exposure. We found that polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA) microplastic co-exposure via diet consumption (2 μg g-1) caused 1.17-1.38-fold higher Cd accumulation in tissue of mice fed by Cd-rice. For mice with co-exposure of PE microplastics, the higher rice-Cd bioavailability corresponded to colonization of Lactobacillus reuteri (38.9 % vs 17.5 %) in the gut compared to control mice, which caused higher production of gut metabolites particularly peptides, likely causing a 'side effect' of elevating Cd solubility in the intestinal lumen. In addition, abundance of sphingosine 1-phosphate in the gut of mice was reduced under PE microplastic exposure, which may reduce intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) in enterocytes and form a weaker competition in pumping of intracellular Ca2+ and Cd2+ across the basolateral membrane of enterocytes, leading to higher Cd2+ transport efficiency. The results suggest elevated Cd exposure risk from rice consumption with microplastic co-exposure at environmentally relevant low concentrations.

Influence of UV light, ultrasound, and heat treatment on the migration of bisphenol A from polyethylene terephthalate bottle into the food simulant

This research examined the impacts of ultrasound, UV light, storage time, and temperature on the leaching of bisphenol A (BPA) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking water bottles in Turkey. The initial phase of the investigation encompassed the quantification of BPA in two distinct brands of bottled water. Samples were extracted by solid- phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). According to the results in the first part, the highest BPA levels were found in bottled water. In the second part of the study, 10 to 30 min of ultrasound treatment increased the BPA migration with increased time in simulants. In the first and second weeks of storage at 25 °C, the effect of storage on BPA migration was below the detection limit ( Collapse

Key Words

• Bisphenol A
• Food Simulants
• HPLC-FLD
• PET bottles
• UV light
• Ultrasound

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MESH Headings

• Polyethylene Terephthalates/chemistry
• Hot Temperature
• Drinking Water/analysis
• Ultraviolet Rays
• Food Contamination/analysis
• Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis
• Food Packaging

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Affiliation(s)

Zana M Abdulazeez Department of Food Science and Quality Control, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Iraq.
Fehmi Yazici Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
Abdurrahman Aksoy Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey

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Plasmon-based colorimetric assay using green synthesized gold nanoparticles for the detection of bisphenol A

Herein, we report a green synthesized gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) based colorimetric detection of bisphenol A (BPA). The AuNPs were synthesized using khat leaf extract as a reducing agent by optimizing factors affecting the AuNPs synthesis, including gold precursor concentration (1 mM), and reaction temperature (60 °C). The AuNPs characterization was carried out using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy, and it was found spherical with an average particle size of 17.3 ± 3.7 nm. A colorimetric nanosensor was developed by conjugation of bio-inspired AuNPs with BPA-specific aptamer for a quick and easy detection of BPA in plastic bottled water. The colorimetric assay relies on the strong affinity of BPA for aptamer, which causes detachment of the aptamer from the AuNPs surface in the presence of BPA inducing AuNPs aggregation. To achieve the colorimetric detection of BPA, the concentrations of NaCl and aptamer were optimized. The detection of BPA was monitored visually using a naked eye, as well as quantitatively using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The method visual limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.1 ng/mL and reached 0.09 ng/mL using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The method demonstrated very good linearity (R2 = 0.9986) in the range of 0.1-100 ng/mL. The proposed method showed high sensitivity to BPA detection in plastic bottled water with 86.7-98.0%, recovery. Therefore, the proposed colorimetric nanosensor can be used for determination of BPA in plastic bottled waters with reliable performance at lower concentrations.

Potential Migration and Health Risks of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Take-Out Food Containers in South Korea

The consumption of take-out food has increased worldwide; consequently, people are increasingly being exposed to chemicals from food containers. However, research on the migration of metals from containers to food is limited, and therefore, information required to determine the health risks is lacking. Herein, the amount of transfer of nine metals and metalloids (Pb, Sb, Cd, Ge, Co, Mn, Sn, As, and Hg) from food containers to food in South Korea was assessed from take-out food containers classified into paper and plastic container groups. The sample containers were eluted over time by either warming with 4% acetic acid at 70 °C or cooling with 4% acetic acid at 100 °C /deionized water at 25 °C. It was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and a direct mercury analyzer. The reliability of the quantitative results was verified by calculating the linearity, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. We found that the amount of metals and metalloids (Pb, Sb, Cd, and Co) eluting over time was highly significant in the plastic group. Regardless of the food simulant and elution time, the amount of Sb transferred from the food containers to food was substantially higher in the plastic (average concentration: 0.488-1.194 μg/L) than in the paper group (average concentration: 0.001-0.03 μg/L). Fortunately, all food containers were distributed at levels safe for human health (hazard index: 0.000-64.756%). However, caution is needed when warm food is added to food containers. Overall, our results provide baseline data for the management and use of take-out containers.

Potential neuroprotective effect of nanomicellar curcumin on learning and memory functions following subacute exposure to bisphenol A in adult male rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical commonly utilized in the manufacture of plastics, which may cause damage to brain tissue. Curcumin is a phytochemical with protective effects against neurological and mental diseases. The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether nanomicellar curcumin (NmCur) might protect rats against BPA-induced learning and memory deficits. After determining the proper dose of BPA, the animals were randomly divided into 8 groups (8 rats in each group) receiving dextrose 5% (as vehicle of NmCur) (Dex), sesame oil (as vehicle of BPA) (Sea), Sea plus Dex, NmCur (50 mg/kg), BPA (50 mg/kg), and 50 mg/kg BPA plus 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg NmCur groups, respectively. Behavioral tests performed using passive avoidance training (PAT), open-field (OF), and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. The expression of oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress-scavenging enzymes, glutamate receptors, and MAPK and memory-related proteins was measured in rat hippocampus and cortical tissues. BPA up-regulated ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, SOD, GST, p-P38, and p-JNK levels; however, it down-regulated GSH, GPx, GR, CAT, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, p-NR1, p-NR2A, p-NR2B, p-GluA1, p-CREB, and BDNF levels. BPA decreased step-through latency (STL) and peripheral and total, but not central, locomotor activity. It increased the time to find the hidden platform, the mean of escape latency time, and the traveled distance in the target quadrant, but decreased the time spent in the target quadrant. The combination of BPA (50 mg/kg) and NmCur (25 and 50 mg/kg) reversed all of BPA's adverse effects. Therefore, NmCur exhibited neuroprotective effects against subacute BPA-caused learning and memory impairment.

Assessment of 18 endocrine disrupting chemicals in tap water samples from Klang Valley, Malaysia

Multiclass of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as nine perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), five bisphenols, and four parabens were analysed in tap water samples from Malaysia's Klang Valley region. All samples were analysed using liquid chromatography mass tandem spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged between 0.015 and 5 ng/mL. Fifteen of the 18 EDCs were tested positive in tap water samples, with total EDC concentrations ranging from 0.28 to 5516 ng/L for all 61 sampling point locations. In a specific area of the Klang Valley, the total concentration of EDCs was found to be highest in Hulu Langat, followed by Sepang, Putrajaya, Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, and Gombak/Klang. PFAS and paraben were the most found EDCs in all tap water samples. Meanwhile, ethyl paraben (EtP) exhibited the highest detection rate, with 90.2% of all locations showing its presence. Over 60% of the regions showed the presence of perfluoro-n-butanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoro-n-hexanoic acid (PFHXA), perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoro-n-nonanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoro-1-octanesulfonate (PFOS), whereas the frequency of detection for other compounds was less than 40%. The spatial distribution and mean concentrations of EDCs in the Klang Valley regions revealed that Hulu Langat, Petaling Jaya, and Putrajaya exhibited higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA). On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur and Sepang displayed the highest mean concentrations of PFBA. In the worst scenario, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and risk quotient of some EDCs in this study exceeded the acceptable daily limits recommended by international standards, particularly for BPA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA, where the risk quotient (RQ) was found to be greater than 1, indicating a high risk to human health. The increasing presence of EDCs in tap water is undoubtedly a cause for concern as these substances can have adverse health consequences. This highlights the necessity for a standardised approach to evaluating EDC exposure and its direct impact on human populations' health.

Antimony in Polyethylene Terephthalate-Bottled Beverages: The Migration Puzzle

A novel strategy to assess the main variables that potentially affect the migration of antimony from PET bottles to beverages, including mineral waters and juices, is herein proposed. In a preliminary step, an LC-ICP-MS method previously used for water analysis was optimized to correct identify Sb species present in the studied matrices using HRMS. Subsequently, the influence of temperature and storage time up to 30 days on Sb migration from PET bottles into peach and pineapple juices of the same brand was studied. Storing PET bottled drinks at elevated temperatures (i.e., in a hot car or in summer) can cause antimony migration to exceed the limits allowed in the EU or USA. Because the behavior observed differed from the results reported for Sb migration in mineral waters, a second approach was proposed: three mineral water and two juice samples were kept in different PET containers and stored at an elevated temperature (up to 60 °C) to understand the role of the PET type and matrix simultaneously. This study demonstrated that both matrix characteristics and type of PET bottle greatly influence antimony leaching, highlighting the need to consider these variables together when conducting migration experiments. The obtained results can be helpful for developing future legislation concerning migration of pollutants from packing to food commodities.

Bisphenol A release from food and beverage containers - A review

Dietary exposure was introduced as the primary way Bisphenol A (BPA) enters the human body. Although significant efforts have been made to analyze BPA's presence in different foodstuffs, less attention has been given to introducing the conditions that facilitate BPA release. This review aimed to mention possible factors affecting BPA release into foods and beverages. According to the results, the critical factors in BPA release are temperature, manufacturing process, food and packaging type, pH, mineral elements, repeated use, irradiation, washing, contact time, and using detergents. It showed that using PC containers, high temperature and pH, storage under solar irradiation, alkaline detergents, water hardness, and repeated use could increase the BPA release from containers into foodstuff. During various conditions, hydrolysis of the carbonate linkage and d-spacing will increase. Considering these parameters and limiting the use of PC containers, the potential risk of BPA exposure could be eliminated.

Environmental sustainability assessment of a polyester T-shirt - Comparison of circularity strategies

The considerable environmental burden of textiles is currently globally recognized. This burden can be mitigated by applying circular economy (CE) strategies to the commonly linear, short garment life cycles that end with incineration or landfill disposal. Even though all CE strategies strive to promote environmental sustainability, they might not be equally beneficial. Environmental data on different textile products is insufficiently available, which leads to complications when assessing and deciding on different CE strategies to be implemented. This paper studies the environmental impacts of a polyester T-shirt's linear life cycle through life cycle assessment (LCA) and evaluates the benefits attainable by adopting different CE strategies, and their order of priority, while noting uncertainty arising from poor data quality or unavailability. The LCA is complemented by assessing health and environmental risks related to the different options. Most of the linear life cycle's LCA-based impacts arise from use-phase washing. Hence, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact notably (37 %) by reducing the washing frequency. Adopting a CE strategy in which the shirt is reused by a second consumer, to double the number of uses, enables an 18 % impact reduction. Repurposing recycled materials to produce the T-shirt and recycling the T-shirt material itself emerged as the least impactful CE strategies. From the risk perspective, reusing the garment is the most efficient way to reduce environmental and health risks while washing frequency has a very limited effect. Combining different CE strategies offers the greatest potential for reducing both environmental impacts as well as risks. Data gaps and assumptions related to the use phase cause the highest uncertainty in the LCA results. To gain the maximum environmental benefits of utilizing CE strategies on polyester garments, consumer actions, design solutions, and transparent data sharing are needed.

Validation of conventional and synchronous fluorescence emission of potable water

Water from filter plants and bottled water is generally safe to drink but regular quality monitoring of these facilities requires development of quick analytical technique to ensure public safety and health. This study presented the variation of two components in spectra of conventional fluorescence spectroscopy (CFS) and four components in synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) to assess the quality of 25 water samples from different sources. Poor quality water either due to organic or inorganic contaminants presented high intensity fluorescence emission in the blue green region and low intensity water Raman peak unlike an intense water Raman peak originated from pure water when excited at 365 nm. Emission intensity in the blue green region and water Raman peak can be used as a marker for quick screening of water quality. Although few discrepancies were observed in CF spectra of samples with intense Raman peak but were found to be positive for bacterial contamination, thus questioning the sensitivity of CFS that needs to be addressed. Whereas, SFS presented highly selective and detailed picture of water contaminants emitting aromatic amino acid, fulvic and humic like fluorescence. It is suggested that the specificity of CFS can be enhanced by coupling it with SFS or use of multiple excitation wavelengths to target different fluorophores for water quality analysis.

Application of hydride generation - microwave plasma - atomic emission spectrometry and partial least squares regression for the determination of antimony directly in water and in PET after alkaline methanolysis

Antimony is present in different types of plastics as a catalyzer residue and/or as a synergistic fire retardant; relatively high concentrations of this element reported in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and wrappers as well as its migration to the edible products or to different environment compartments are of concern. In this work, Sb determination is such products had been undertaken using hydride generation - microwave plasma - atomic emission spectrometry. To avoid harsh conditions typically reported for the digestion of PET, alkaline methanolysis was introduced whereas water samples were analyzed directly. Another original approach was to perform quantification by partial least squares regression (PLS1), taking spectral data from 2-nm range that comprised two emission lines (217.581 nm and less intense 217.919 nm). For PET, the calibration solutions contained Sb-free digest and covered the Sb concentration range 80-230 μg L^-1. For the analysis of water, the calibration range was 0.5-10 μg L^-1 and aqueous standard solutions were used. PLS1 provided reliable prediction, eliminating spectral interferences detected in the presence of PET digests and compensating for the spectral changes observed at low Sb concentrations. After standard addition to the real-world samples, the percentage recoveries were in the range 93.8-99.3% and 68-102% for PET and for bottled water, respectively. The method quantification limit for PET was 10 mg kg^-1 and for water it corresponded to 0.20 μg L^-1. The concentrations of Sb found in the analyzed samples were: 154-279 mg kg^-1 for PET bottles and <0.5-5.30 μg L^-1 for water.

A probabilistic approach to model bisphenol A (BPA) migration from packaging to meat products

Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical which has raised concerns due to its potential toxicological effects on humans, has been widely detected in canned and non-canned meat and meat products. This study estimated BPA migration from packaging to non-canned and canned meat products by developing two probabilistic models. BPA concentration data in packaging materials were collated, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy-based coatings, and polyester-based coatings. Migration ratios were calculated from migration tests of BPA molecules moving from packaging to food simulants. The predictive model revealed that the BPA migration concentration from packaging ranges from 0.017 to 0.13 (5th-95th percentile) μg kg-1 with a simulated mean of 0.056 μg kg-1 in non-canned meat products. This is in stark contrast to the simulated mean of 134.57 (5th-95th percentile: 59.17-223.25) μg kg-1 for canned meat products. Nevertheless, plastic packaging was estimated to contribute only 3 % of BPA levels in non-canned meat products. The sensitivity analysis showed that the contact area of meat products with films is the most sensitive parameter of the plastic packaging migration model. It is concluded that plastic packaging may not be the only or dominant source of BPA in non-canned meat products.

Simultaneous determination of phthalates and bisphenols from plastic bottled water samples by dispersive solid-phase extraction with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization/high-resolution mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Phthalates and bisphenols were reported as endocrine disrupting chemicals and hence a potential threat to human health. Polyethylene terephthalate bottles are being used to store drinking water and the probability of migration of phthalates and bisphenols from the bottles into the water is high. The migration of analytes with respect to different storage conditions need to be studied.

METHOD

A sensitive analytical method for simultaneous determination of seven phthalates and three bisphenols from packaged drinking water was developed using liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization/high-resolution mass spectrometry. The analytes were extracted by dispersive solid-phase extraction by multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

RESULTS

The developed method showed linearity from 0.5 to 5000 μg/L with the limit of detection and limit of quantification ranging from 0.5 to 1 μg/L and 1 to 2 μg/L, respectively, for phthalates and bisphenols. The inter- and intraday variations were below 10%. The recoveries were in the range of 79.5% to 112%. The migration of phthalates and bisphenols increased with storage time and temperature. Maximum migration was observed for diisobutyl phthalate of 1209.7 ng/L followed by dibutyl phthalate at 777.8 ng/L on 180 days of analysis at room temperature. Migration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was observed to be higher at elevated temperatures, increasing from 14.9 to 514 ng/L. Similarly, migration of bisphenol-A was increased at 45°C. The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) studies and the results showed significant variations of phthalates and bisphenols with respect to storage temperature and time.

CONCLUSION

The use of atmospheric pressure photoionization facilitated simultaneous determination of phthalates and bisphenols. The migration of phthalates and bisphenols increased with increasing temperature and storage time. Maximum migration was observed for diethyl, diisobutyl, dibutyl and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates. This may be attributed to the type of plastic, the processing parameters and recycling.

Systematic multi-omics reveals the overactivation of T cell receptor signaling in immune system following bisphenol A exposure

Bisphenol A (BPA) is pervasive in the environment, and exposure to BPA may increase the incidence of noncommunicable diseases like autoimmune diseases and cancer. Although BPA causes immunological problems at the cellular level, no system-level research has been conducted on this. Hence, in this study, we aimed to gain a better understanding of the biological response to BPA exposure and its association with immunological disorders. For that, we explored the transcriptome and the proteomic modifications at the systems and cellular levels following BPA exposure. Our integrated multi-omics data showed the alteration of the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway at both levels. The proportion of enlarged T cells increased with upregulation of CD69, a surface marker of early T cell activation, even though the number of T cells reduced after BPA exposure. Additionally, on BPA exposure, the levels of pLCK and pSRC increased in T cells, while that of pLAT decreased. Following BPA exposure, we investigated cytokine profiles and discovered that chitinase 3 Like 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were enriched in T cells. These results indicated that T cells were hyperactivated by CD69 stimulation, and phosphorylation of SRC accelerated on BPA exposure. Hence, alteration in the TCR signaling pathway during development and differentiation due to BPA exposure could lead to insufficient and hasty activation of TCR signaling in T cells, which could modify cytokine profiles, leading to increased environmental susceptibility to chronic inflammation or diseases, increasing the chance of autoimmune diseases and cancer. This study enhances our understanding of the effects of environmental perturbations on immunosuppression at molecular, cellular, and systematic levels following pubertal BPA exposure, and may help develop better predictive, preventative, and therapeutic techniques.

Unpacking the complexity of the PET drink bottles value chain: A chemicals perspective

Chemicals can migrate from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drink bottles to their content and recycling processes may concentrate or introduce new chemicals to the PET value chain. Therefore, even though recycling PET bottles is key in reducing plastic pollution, it may raise concerns about safety and quality. This study provides a systematic evidence map of the food contact chemicals (FCCs) that migrate from PET drink bottles aiming to identify challenges in closing the plastic packaging loop. The migration potential of 193 FCCs has been investigated across the PET drink bottles lifecycle, of which 150 have been detected to migrate from PET bottles into food simulants/food samples. The study reveals that much research has focused on the migration of antimony (Sb), acetaldehyde and some well-known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). It indicates and discusses the key influential factors on FCCs migration, such as physical characteristics and geographical origin of PET bottles, storage conditions, and reprocessing efficiency . Although, safety and quality implications arising from the recycling of PET bottles remain underexplored, the higher migration of Sb and Bishphenol A has been reported in recycled (rPET) compared to virgin PET. This is attributed to multiple contamination sources and the variability in the collection, sorting, and decontamination efficiency. Better collaboration among stakeholders across the entire PET bottles lifecycle is needed to ensure sustainable resource management and food contact safety of rPET.

Influence of Temperature on the Quantity of Bisphenol A in Bottled Drinking Water

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a component used in the production of polycarbonate plastics (PC) and epoxy resins, which are currently widely used in food and beverage packaging. Although BPA is not used in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) manufacturing, a recent study reported its presence in PET water bottles. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of storage conditions on the release of BPA from PET bottles as well as to assess health risks associated with the consumption of bottled water. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we measured the content of BPA in local brands of plastic bottled water sold in the Polish market. It has been established that temperature is one of the main factors that influences the migration of bisphenol A to products, as was confirmed by determination of the amount of bisphenol A in water, which was carried out without exposing the bottles to different temperatures. Despite the fact that the individual concentrations of BPA in bottled water were low (ng/L) at 0.6 mg/kg (body weight), the cumulative daily dose in the body may be much higher than the quoted concentrations due to the number of products containing BPA. Thus, prolonged usage of bottled water and beverages should be avoided to reduce the risk of human exposure to BPA through leaching. Additionally, it was found that high temperatures resulted in increased BPA leaching.

Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements and Associated Health Risk in Bottled Drinking Water for Babies

Potentially toxic elements are chemical pollutants which are dangerous to human health, especially for babies and children. Because their presence has been detected in baby food and baby drinking water, exposure to these elements is mainly due to ingestion. For this reason, the main objective of this study was quantification of 12 potentially toxic elements, including Ba, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Li, Fe, Pb, Cd, Cr, Sb, by ICP–MS, from 19 samples of bottled baby water. Based on the levels obtained, a health risk assessment was performed of the risk caused by their consumption, as well as an analysis of the quality of the samples. Excep iron, the values obtained for all other metals were below the limits imposed by the legislation in force. The risk analysis shows that Hazard index values were included in Risk Class 1, with a very low hazard level. The order of Cancer Risk values is as follows, Cd < Cr < Ni < Pb. As a general conclusion, we can say that the samples can be intended for consumption by children and infants.

Leaching and In Vivo Bioavailability of Antimony in PET Bottled Beverages

Antimony (Sb) may leach from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials into bottled water under improper storage conditions, particularly at high temperatures, leading to potential Sb chronic exposure and adverse health effects. However, Sb leaching may be promoted by various beverage constituents, which has received limited attention to date. In addition, few studies have considered Sb bioavailability in beverages and the influence of the beverage matrix on Sb bioavailability. In this study, PET-bottled beverages (n = 50) covering six categories (namely, carbonated, fruit juices, tea, sports, protein, and coffee beverages) were explored. Antimony leaching was assessed following the incubation of beverages at 60 °C for 7 days, which resulted in Sb concentrations 1.10-10.9 times greater than concentrations observed pre-incubation. Although regulatory standards vary internationally, a total of 21 beverages exceeded the Japanese Sb drinking water standard of 2 μg/L (up to 4.08 ± 0.11 μg/L) following incubation at 60 °C. pH significantly influenced Sb leaching (r = -0.38, p = 0.007) with beverages displaying lower pH (e.g., carbonated drinks) exhibiting higher Sb concentrations. An in vivo mouse model, using the liver as the biological endpoint, was adopted to assess Sb relative bioavailability (RBA) in bottled beverages. Sb RBA ranged from 1.97-58.7% with coffee beverages exhibiting the lowest Sb RBA (1.97-13.7%) and protein drinks the highest (41.1-58.7%). Linear regression revealed that Sb RBA in beverages was negatively influenced by Fe (r = -0.69, p = 0.02) and P (r = -0.73, p = 0.01) concentrations but positively correlated with tartaric acid (r = 0.59, p = 0.02). When an exposure assessment was undertaken using data generated in this study, carbonated and protein-rich beverages exhibited a higher exposure risk due to elevated Sb leaching and high Sb RBA compared to other beverage categories.

Drivers of owning more BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental toxin worldwide. Despite the many studies documenting the toxicity of this substance, it remains a popular choice for consumer products. The internet, magazine articles, and newspaper reports are replete with tips on how to avoid BPA exposure, which mostly spread contradictory and often unscientific information. Therefore, based on a comprehensive search of the available biomedical literature, we summarized several confounding factors that may be directly or indirectly related to human BPA exposure. We found that the unique properties of BPA materials (i.e. low cost, light-weight, resistance to corrosion, and water/air-tightness), lack of personal health and hygiene education, fear of BPA-substitutes (with yet unknown risks), inappropriate production, processing, and marketing of materials containing BPA, as well as the state of regulatory guidance are influencing the increased exposure to BPA. Besides, we detailed the disparities between scientifically derived safe dosages of BPA and those designated as "safe" by government regulatory agencies. Therefore, in addition to providing a current assessment of the states of academic research, government policies, and consumer behaviors, we make several reasonable and actionable recommendations for limiting human exposure to BPA through improved labeling, science-based dosage limits, and public awareness campaigns.

Bisphenol A leaching from epoxy resins in the drinking water distribution networks as human health risk determinant

Monitoring and management of drinking water distribution networks (DWDNs), including possible leaching from materials in contact with drinking water, have been stressed as crucial to avoid re-contamination of drinking water leading to a potential increase of human health risk. Recent scientific studies and regulations clearly highlighted the leaching of bisphenol A (BPA) from plastic materials used to renovate DWDNs pipelines as one of the major hazardous source, resulting in severe consequences for human health. In this study, lab migration tests were performed on three commercial epoxy resins, designed with the Design of Experiments (DoE) method in order to build a BPA migration model as a function of water chemical stability, evaluated as aggressivity index (AI), and residual chlorine concentration. Tests lasted about 170 days to account for both short and long-term leaching. BPA migration over time was well described by a combination of two 1st-order kinetic models with an initial peak of leaching, a decrease and, then, a second increase due to resins' deterioration. Initial BPA concentration in the contact water and BPA integral migration over time showed inverse proportionality with both chlorine concentration and AI values. However, measurements of free BPA content in epoxy resins proved that this is due to BPA transformation, not to a reduced leaching. The validated BPA migration model was combined with the hydraulic model of the DWDN in an urban area, through EPANET-MSX software. The model allowed to simulate the propagation of BPA in the DWDN, after the execution of a relining intervention, identifying the most vulnerable areas and permitting to customize a site-specific monitoring and intervention plan to minimize the health risk for final consumers.

Occurrence and removal characteristics of phthalate esters from bottled drinking water using silver modified roasted date pits

BACKGROUND

This paper aims to investigate the occurrence and removal characteristics of phthalate esters from bottled drinking water using silver modified roasted date pits. Three adsorbents, namely roasted date pits (RODP), silver-modified roasted date pits (S-RODP), and activated carbon (AC) were used to investigate their adsorption characterizations in removing dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) from the collected bottle water samples.

METHODS

The occurrences of the phthalate esters in the collected bottled water samples were carried out at different temperatures (30, 50, and 60 °C), and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis - selected ion monitoring. Batch adsorption isotherms were used to study and establish the efficiency of such adsorbents in removing phthalate esters, in which they describe the adsorbent-adsorbate interaction systems. Adsorption efficiency of the various adsorbents was investigated by using different adsorbent masses (0.05 g, 0.10 g, and 0.15 g) and temperature (30 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C). Different physical and chemical characterizations were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, pore radius, and pore volume.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the most abundant phthalate esters were DMP followed by DEP under 30 °C; however, DNOP was not detected in any of the tested water samples, except for one sample under 30 °C with a concentration of 0.031 μg/mL. The obtained results showed that phthalate esters leaching to the bottled drinking water were affected by storage temperature. The phthalate esters levels were increased with increasing the temperature to 60 °C. It was concluded that the ability of S-RODP for the adsorption of phthalate esters was better than the removal percentage obtained by AC and RODP. The removal percentage was increased from 90 to 99% by increasing the temperature from 30 to 50 °C and then decreased to 92.3% at 60 °C.

CONCLUSION

RODP was successfully used as an effective adsorbent for phthalate esters removal from drinking water. However, S-RODP has the highest removal abilities than other adsorbents due to the newly formed functional groups on its surface.

Dynamic flow and pollution of antimony from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers in China

Antimony (Sb), a regulated contaminant, is added as a catalyst in the process of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) synthesis. Previously, Sb release from PET bottles and films was studied. However, Sb release from PET fibers (the most common form of PET) is limited. Therefore, a network model of material flow for PET fibers in China is developed, and the anthropogenic Sb flow and release entering into the hydrosphere, pedosphere, and atmosphere are studied based on microexperiments and macromodels. To compensate for the uncertainty caused by material flow analysis, Sb pollution in the surrounding areas (the drinking water of nearby residents and sediments of nearby river area) is further explored by combining field investigations and sample analysis. The results are as follows: 1) the manufacture stage of PET fibers is the main source of Sb release (2926 t), followed by the dyeing (2223 t) and weaving (908 t) stages; 2) Sb release (1108 t) from waste PET fibers subjected to landfill disposal is the highest. Sb release (872 t) from discarded fiber waste is second highest. Sb release from PET fibers subjected to mechanical recycling, incineration, and chemical recycling is 784, 284, and 25 t, respectively; and 3) an obvious source-sink relationship is found between anthropogenic Sb in the rivers and sediments and the intensity of the industries. This study suggests that Sb from PET fibers should be properly managed to prevent widespread dispersion in the hydrosphere, pedosphere, and atmosphere.

Complex Mechanisms of Antimony Genotoxicity in Budding Yeast Involves Replication and Topoisomerase I-Associated DNA Lesions, Telomere Dysfunction and Inhibition of DNA Repair

Antimony is a toxic metalloid with poorly understood mechanisms of toxicity and uncertain carcinogenic properties. By using a combination of genetic, biochemical and DNA damage assays, we investigated the genotoxic potential of trivalent antimony in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that low doses of Sb(III) generate various forms of DNA damage including replication and topoisomerase I-dependent DNA lesions as well as oxidative stress and replication-independent DNA breaks accompanied by activation of DNA damage checkpoints and formation of recombination repair centers. At higher concentrations of Sb(III), moderately increased oxidative DNA damage is also observed. Consistently, base excision, DNA damage tolerance and homologous recombination repair pathways contribute to Sb(III) tolerance. In addition, we provided evidence suggesting that Sb(III) causes telomere dysfunction. Finally, we showed that Sb(III) negatively effects repair of double-strand DNA breaks and distorts actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. In sum, our results indicate that Sb(III) exhibits a significant genotoxic activity in budding yeast.

Bisphenol A in Africa: A review of environmental and biological levels

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic ubiquitous environmental toxicant present in many industrial and consumer products. BPA is recognized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), and its mechanisms of perturbation of the physiological process include interference with hormone pathways and epigenetic modifications. An increase in industrial productions and food packaging across Africa has resulted in increased utilization of BPA-containing products with a concomitant increase in environmental bioaccumulation and human exposure. In order to assess the extent of this bioaccumulation, we identified, collated, and summarized the levels of BPA that have been reported across Africa. To achieve this aim, we performed a systematic search of four indexing databases to identify articles and extracted the necessary data from the selected articles. Of the 42 publications we retrieved, 42% were on water samples, 22% on food, 20% on human biological fluids, 10% on sediments, soils, and sludge and 6% on consumer and personal care products (PCPs). The highest level of BPA reported in literature across Africa was 251 ng/mL, 384.8 ng/mL, 937.49 ng/g, 208.55 ng/mL, 3,590 μg/g, and 154,820 μg/g for water, wastewater, food, biological fluids, consumer and PCPs, and semisolids, respectively. This review presented a comparative perspective of these levels relative to regulatory limits and levels reported from other continents. Finally, this review highlighted critical needs for the regulation of BPA across Africa in order to stem its environmental and toxicological impact. We hope that this review will stimulate further research in understanding the impact of BPA on health outcomes and wellbeing across Africa.

Elucidating the co-transport of bisphenol A with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics: A theoretical study of the adsorption mechanism

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a possible key component of nanoplastics in water environments, which can migrate pollutants through co-transport. In this regard, the co-transport of endocrine disruptors (such as bisphenol A, BPA) by nanoplastics is of emergent concern because of its cytotoxicity/bioaccumulation effects in aquatic organisms. In this work, a computational study is performed to reveal the BPA adsorption mechanism onto PET nanoplastics (nanoPET). It is found that the outer surface of nanoPET has a nucleophilic nature, allowing to increase the mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion into the nanoplastic to form stable complexes by inner and outer surface adsorption. The maximum adsorption energy is similar (even higher) in magnitude with respect to nanostructured adsorbents such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, activated carbon, and inorganic surfaces, indicating the worrying adsorption properties of nanoPET. The adsorption mechanism is driven by the interplay of dispersion (38-49%) and electrostatics effects (43-50%); specifically, dispersion effects dominate the inner surface adsorption, while electrostatics energies dominate the outer surface adsorption. It is also determined that π-π stacking is not a reliable interaction mechanism for aromatics on nanoPET. The formed complexes are also highly soluble, and water molecules behave as non-competitive factors, establishing the high risk of nanoPET to adsorb and migrate pollutants in water ecosystems. Furthermore, the adsorption performance is decreased (but not inhibited) at high ionic strength in salt-containing waters. Finally, these results give relevant information for environmental risk assessment, such as quantitative data and interaction mechanisms for non-biodegradable nanoplastics that establish strong interactions with pollutants in water.

Antimony and PET bottles: Checking facts

Over the last 30 years, bottled water has gained in popularity reaching high sales world-wide. Most of this water is sold in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. About 15 years ago, the presence of antimony in water in those PET bottles raised concerns and studies on the subject have been regularly published since then. This review aims to evaluate whether the use of good analytical practices and the correct design of these studies support the accepted facts (i.e., PET is the origin of antimony presence in bottled waters, antimony concentrations are usually below regulated values, temperature increasing favours antimony leaching). The detailed analysis of published data has confirmed these facts but has also revealed frequency of faulty analytical practices and a lack of well-designed studies. A better understanding of the structure of PET polymer in the bottles, coupled with statistically-robust antimony release experiments, is required to progress in the field.

Worldwide bottled water occurrence of emerging contaminants: A review of the recent scientific literature

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) have recently been detected in bottled water and have brought about discussions on possible risks for human health. However, a systematic review of CECs in bottled water is currently lacking due to the relatively new introduction and/or detection of these pollutants. Hence, this paper reviews the existing studies on the presence of six major groups of emerging contaminants including microplastics (MPs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, alkylphenols (APs), and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in bottled water from different countries. Also, the findings related to CECs' levels, their possible sources, and their risks are summarized. The gathered data indicate that MPs within the size range of 1-5 μm are the most predominant and potentially toxic classes of MPs in bottled water. In addition, PPCPs, PFASs, APs, and BPA occur in concentration levels of ng/L, while phthalates occur in the μg/L level in bottled water. The bottle type plays an important role in the contamination level. As expected, water in plastic bottles with plastic caps is more polluted than in glass bottles. However, other sources of contamination such as contact materials during cleaning, bottling, and storage are not negligible. Based on the gathered data in this review, the CEC levels except for MPs (no threshold values) in bottled water of most countries do not raise a safety concern for the human. However, the occurrence of individual CECs and their association in bottled water need more accurate data to understand their own/synergistic effects on human health.

Challenges of plastic waste generation and management in sub-Saharan Africa: A review

Recently, the issues of land-based plastics and their associated challenges in the marine world have been widely publicised in the media and scientific literature. Thus far, despite these communications, there have been few reports that have focused on the issues that acute plastic waste generation and its poor management pose to human health and the global environment. Also, articles on ways to mitigate these issues particularly in sub-Saharan Africa have not been documented. Indeed, there is significant scope for improvements in plastic waste management in developing countries, which offer a wide range of economic and environmental benefits. Plastic waste generation in sub-Saharan Africa is dependent on many factors like urbanization, etc. Currently, the population of sub-Saharan Africa is around 1 billion as of the year 2019, the amount of generated waste is 180 million tonnes at the rate of 0.5% per capita per day, the amount that is openly dumped is 70% and the plastic waste generated annually is 17 million tonnes. Therefore, this study aims to provide an overview of the plastic lifecycle and problems associated with plastic waste management in sub-Saharan Africa, including current practices, public participation and opinion, and government regulations. In addition, this highlight aims to outline the impact of plastic waste proliferation on man and the environment; and the economic and environmental benefits of proper plastic waste management. Critical discussion of current processes and the suitability of potential solutions provide the basis for proposition on mitigation measures to avert the negative impact of plastic waste.

Determination of the content of selected trace elements in Polish commercial fruit juices and health risk assessment

The objective of the study was to determine the content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), aluminium (Al), thallium (Tl), antimony (Sb) and uranium (U) in the apple and orange juices and black currant nectar in relation to the kind of packaging. Also, probabilistic risk assessment (non-carcinogenic) was estimated by models including target hazard quotient (THQ and THQ*). Aluminium (Al) was present at the highest concentration in the analysed juices and nectars, with average concentration ranging from 1.34 mg/kg in orange juices (glass) to 4.26 mg/kg in black currant nectar (glass). Fruit juices and nectars kept in tetra pack packaging were characterised by elevated concentrations of Al and Sb, while the products in glass packaging contained significantly higher concentrations of As compared with the products in tetra pack packaging. Although the average concentrations of trace elements were lower than the standard limit, exposure to non-carcinogenic factors was demonstrated.

Determination of bisphenol A in barreled drinking water by a SPE-LC-MS method

A quantitative method was established to determine the well-known endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) in barreled drinking water. Samples were pretreated by solid phase extraction (SPE), and then analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Working standard solutions were obtained by pretreatment of a series of aqueous standard solutions over the concentration range of 122.9-1190.7 ng L^-1. The linear calibration curve was Y = 69.4X + 2206.2 with the correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.9929. The average recoveries from spiked samples were more than 91.6%. The relative standard deviations (n = 6) were less than 9.6%. The method allowed the detection of 7.0 ng L^-1 BPA in barreled drinking water. Typical barreled drinking water products in the market were detected. As results, thirty-five of fifty-two commercial samples were found to contain BPA with a maximum concentration of 898.7 ng L^-1. The occurrence of BPA in barreled drinking water may be due to the pollution of raw water, the inefficiency of purification processes and the migration of BPA from barrels. The daily exposure of adults to BPA through drinking barreled drinking water is far below the current human tolerable daily intake (TDI) set by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Antimony leaching from PET plastic into bottled water in Algerian market

Twelve different brands of mineral water were collected from the Algerian market and analyzed to determine the initial antimony (Sb) content in both the PET package and mineral water. Experiments were conducted under different time conditions: 1, 10, to 365 days, different temperatures: 6, 25, and 40 °C, and different bottles sizes: 0.33 L and 1.5 L. The Sb in mineral water bottles varies between 0.50 and 1.12 μg/L for 0.33 L bottles, and 0.37 to 0.77 μg/L for 1.5 L ones. All of these values remain below the limit set by the European Union of 5 μg/L in drinking water. The diffusion coefficient of Sb in PET has been experimentally determined at 6, 25, and 40 °C, after the content of Sb in 1.5 L PET bottles had been determined. In the second part of the study, a factorial design 2³ enabled a model the migration of antimony (Sb) in the bottled solutions and highlighted the influencing effects, such as temperature (°C), time (h), and thickness (mm) for two different time domains encompassing the entire validity period of the product. A simple polynomial function based on a single parameter has been determined with a precision indicator R² = 0.98. This model has the advantage of being simple and fast. The Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) of Sb has been calculated, for adults. It does not exceed the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulated CDI value of 400 ng/kg/day. The CDI values for children increase as the weight of the children decreases. The passage from the maximum child weight to the minimum value in the study increases the CDI of 77%.

Chemical composition of Chilean bottled waters: Anomalous values and possible effects on human health

The Chilean bottled water market has experienced continuous growth since 2000, surpassing 500 million liters sold in 2015. Generally, consumers tend to associate the consumption of bottled water with a healthy lifestyle, but current Chilean law does not require the product to be labelled with the chemical composition, thus preventing consumers from making informed choices. Our study focuses on determining the water quality of ten brands of bottled water available for sale in Santiago, Chile. All of the analyzed water was not carbonated and in plastic containers in the 1.5 L size when available and the closest size to this when not available. Thirty-two chemical elements were analyzed, including minor and trace elements, and the data have been evaluated with respect to the limits established by Chilean and international regulatory agencies. Our results indicate that the quality of the analyzed water generally complies with Chilean law for bottled water. However, 30% of the analyzed samples exceed the values of arsenic (As) permitted by Chilean drinking water regulations, the World Health Organization and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In 40% of the samples, the NO₃ content is higher than groundwater values suggesting that the source of the bottled water is superficial. The purified bottled water brands contain minimal amounts of dissolved elements but do not comply with all of the parameters (e.g., pH) established by Chilean drinking water regulations. Our study highlights that there is an inconsistency between the Chilean norms that regulate bottled water and those that regulate drinking water. Some of the analyzed bottled waters do not comply with the drinking water regulations and paradoxically these brands should not be consumed by humans. However, risk assessment calculations for As ingestion show that the consumption of 1 L/day of bottled water does not pose a risk for human health.

Determination of trace elements, heavy metals, and antimony in polyethylene terephthalate-bottled local raw cow milk of Iğdır region in Turkey

The presence of several trace elements, heavy metals, and antimony in polyethylene terephthalate-bottled local raw cow milk samples of Iğdır region in Turkey was investigated. The milk samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted digestion. Milk samples were categorized into three groups according to the element level intensity in the sample. While 70% of samples showed 2.5 times the maximum Turkish and European permissible level of lead, the lowest lead-contaminated sample exhibited 1.25 times this level. All the examined samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit administrated for arsenic and 35% of samples exhibited 5 times this limit. Results showed 40% of samples contain an antimony level higher than the Turkish maximum allowable concentration. The high antimony content of raw milk samples may be related to the release of antimony from the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. This study showed high contamination levels of the most toxic trace elements, i.e., lead and arsenic in milk and possible antimony contamination from PET bottles which may cause many health hazards for the consumers.

Water uses, treatment, and sanitation practices in rural areas of Chandigarh and its relation with waterborne diseases

Availability of clean water and adequate sanitation facilities are the principal measures for limiting various waterborne diseases. These basic amenities are critical for health and sustainable socio-economic development. This study attempted to assess the status of water and sanitation facilities and practices of the people living in rural areas of Chandigarh including awareness about the waterborne diseases. The community-based cross-sectional study design was adopted having 300 households across 12 villages of city Chandigarh. A standardized interview schedule was used to collect information related to water uses, storage, water treatment options, water conservation practices, personal hygiene, knowledge about waterborne diseases, and government schemes. The interview schedule was administered with the head of the family as a study approach during the door-to-door survey. Households in rural Chandigarh have municipal water supply for drinking as well as other domestic purposes. The mean per capita water usage was 67 ± 13.4 l. Most (68.6%) of the study participants reported that they do not treat water before drinking and store it in plastic bottles or bucket (58%). The survey shows that 97% of the household had functional toilets in their premises, remaining reported lack of finances, and space for construction as major barriers. Regarding personal hygiene, 83% of respondents wash hands with soap and rest used only water or ash. Observations made under the study highlighted the need to create awareness regarding the role of water and sanitation practices on health including knowledge about various government schemes to improve water quality, sanitation, and hygiene practices for better health.

Estrogenic activity, selected plasticizers and potential health risks associated with bottled water in South Africa

Potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are present in bottled water from various countries. In South Africa (SA), increased bottled water consumption and concomitant increases in plastic packaging create important consequences for public health. This study aimed to screen SA bottled water for estrogenic activity, selected target chemicals and assessing potential health risks. Ten bottled water brands were exposed to 20 °C and 40 °C over 10 days. Estrogenic activity was assessed using the recombinant yeast estrogen screen (YES) and the T47D-KBluc reporter gene assay. Solid phase extracts of samples were analyzed for bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), selected phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), 17β-estradiol (E₂), estrone (E₁), and ethynylestradiol (EE₂) using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry. Using a scenario-based health risk assessment, human health risks associated with bottled water consumption were evaluated. Estrogenic activity was detected at 20 °C (n = 2) and at 40 °C (n = 8). Estradiol equivalent (EEq) values ranged from 0.001 to 0.003 ng/L. BPA concentrations ranged from 0.9 ng/L to 10.06 ng/L. Although EEqs and BPA concentrations were higher in bottled water stored at 40 °C compared to 20 °C, samples posed an acceptable risk for a lifetime of exposure. Irrespective of temperature, bottled water from SA contained chemicals with acceptable health risks.

Effects of storage temperature and time of antimony release from PET bottles into drinking water in China

Antimony (Sb) concentrations were measured in 10 brands of PET bottled drinking water available in supermarkets in China. To simulate general storage habits based on market research, these PET bottles with drinking water were stored for 4 weeks in a lab or a car trunk during the summer. Although the PET package material of brand A had the lowest Sb level (142.71 ± 29.81 μg/g), it showed a significant increase in Sb concentrations when stored in both the car trunk and the lab. There was significant release of Sb from the PET bottles into the water following 24 h of incubation at ≥ 40 °C (40, 50, 60, and 70 °C), especially at 70 °C. The potential health risk of Sb release from PET bottles was calculated based on daily intake values and determined to be acceptable for consumers under normal storage conditions.

Anatomical specificity of the brain in the modulation of Neuroglobin and Cytoglobin genes after chronic bisphenol a exposure

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on Neuroglobin (Ngb) and Cytoglobin (Cygb) as well as oxidative stress gene expression in the cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus and cortex. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Control and two groups receiving 2 different daily BPA dosages, 5 or 25 mg/kg from postnatal day 50 (PND50) through PND90 and they were euthanized at PND105. In the cortex, we found an increase in Ngb gene expression and also in superoxide dismutase 1 and Catalase (Cat). In the cerebellum, we found an increase in Ngb and Cat, in the hypothalamus, there was a decrease in Cygb and an increase in glutathione peroxidase and Cat and in hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif1α) at the low dosage and a decrease in Hif1α at the high BPA dosage. Finally, in the hippocampus, we observed a decrease in Ngb and Cygb and an increase in Hif1α. In summary, BPA promotes the modulation of both Ngb and Cygb, but such changes occur by different mechanisms depending on the exposure dose and anatomical area.

Impact of temperature and storage time on the migration of antimony from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers into bottled water in Qatar

Prosperity in Qatar and the consequent stresses on water resources resulted in a sustainable increase in the bottled drinking water market. Reports on health concerns and possible migration of chemicals from the plastic material into the water have driven the current investigation. This study aims to address the extent of antimony (Sb) leaching from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles subject to temperature variations (24-50 °C) due to Qatar's hot climate and improper storage conditions. A representative basket including 66 different imported and locally produced water bottles was considered. The concentrations of Sb in bottled water ranged from 0.168 to 2.263 μg/L at 24 °C and from 0.240 to 6.110 μg/L at 50 °C. Antimony concentrations in PET bottles at 24 °C was significantly lower than those at 50 °C (p = 0.0142), indicating that the temperature was a principal factor affecting the release of Sb from the plastic into the water. Although the detected Sb amounts were below the guidelines endorsed by WHO and Qatar (standard 5 μg/L) at 24 °C, the concentration measured at 50 °C was higher than the recommended WHO values (6.11 μg/L).

Effectiveness of waste prevention program in primary students' schools

Even though reducing waste is at the top of the waste hierarchy, no real decoupling between waste generation and consumption has been demonstrated. Several waste directives had been published from EU, but they have only brought minor changes within the key objective of reducing waste generation. Most efforts have been targeted towards greater amounts of recycling and better management of waste disposal. While these are necessary and socially beneficial goals, they are not adequate for the achievement of long-term sustainability goals. The purpose of this study is to understand students' knowledge, attitudes and behavioural changes in relation to the water plastic bottle of 500 ml. Understanding waste prevention behaviour (WPB) could enable schools' principals, local authorities and committees as well as decision makers to design and implement more effective policies for reducing the amount of specific waste streams that is generated. Students in a daily base bring their own water containers of 500 ml or buy water from the school as they do not feel safe to use other sources of water. Nine hundred ninety-eight refilling stainless steel water refilling bottles (SSWRB-of 600 ml) were shared to the students in four primary schools. The results indicated that the students are presented with different behaviours from class to class for many reasons; most of them are related with what their parents believe, and how themselves or the synergies between them reacts and affected.

Study of the influence of storage conditions on the quality and migration levels of antimony in polyethylene terephthalate-bottled water

The main objectives of this study are to determine the presence of antimony in water stored in polyethylene terephthalate bottles and the influence of temperature and time over the migration levels. For this purpose, Sb determination was carried out in water at different experimental conditions: storage for one to three weeks at 25 to 80 ℃; long-term (six months) storage at room temperature between 16 and 24 ℃ and storage in car during summer which is a common consumer’s habit. In addition, water quality analysis was developed after different time–temperature storage conditions. All the samples at the end of their storage conditions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The limit of detection and quantification were 0.50 and 0.80 µg/L, respectively. The results for the bottled water stored during six months indicated that the average Sb concentration was 0.332 ± 0.015 µg/L. This value is below the European maximum permissible migration level of 5 µg/L. With regard to the newly bottled water, no Sb was detected at the initial time for all temperatures studied. However, the Sb concentration in water increased with both time and temperature. The levels of Sb started exceeding the European limits when the samples were stored at 60 ℃ for two weeks.

Toxicity of antimony, copper, cobalt, manganese, titanium and zinc oxide nanoparticles for the alveolar and intestinal epithelial barrier cells in vitro

Heavy metals are found naturally on Earth and exposure to them in the living environment is increasing as a consequence of human activity. The toxicity of six different metal oxide nanoparticles (NP) at different points in time was compared using resazurin assay. After incubating Caco2 and A549 cells with 100 μg/mL of Sb₂O₃, Mn₃O₄ and TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) for 24 h no toxic effects were observed while Co₃O₄ and ZnO NPs had moderate effects and CuO NPs were toxic below 100 μg/mL (24 h EC₂₅ = 11 for A549 and 71 μg/mL for Caco2). The long-term monitoring (up to 9 days) of cells to NPs revealed that the toxic effects of Mn₃O₄ and Sb₂O₃ NPs remarkably increased over time. The 9 day EC₅₀ values for Sb₂O₃ NPs were 22 and 48 μg/mL for A549 and Caco2 cells; and for Mn₃O₄ NPs were 47 and 29 μg/mL for A549 and Caco2 cells, respectively. In general, the sensitivity of the cell lines in the resazurin assay was comparable. Trans epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements were performed for both cell types exposed to Co₃O₄, Sb₂O₃ and CuO NPs. In TEER assay, the Caco2 cells were more susceptible to the toxic effects of these NPs than A549 cells, where the most toxic NPs were the Sb₂O₃ NPs: the permeability of the Caco2 cell layer exposed to 10 μg/mL Sb₂O₃ NPs already increased after 24 h of exposure.

An evaluation of the migration of antimony from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic used for bottled drinking water

The leaching of antimony (Sb) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottling material was assessed in twelve brands of bottled water purchased in Mexican supermarkets by atomic fluorescence spectrometry with a hydride generation system (HG-AFS). Dowex® 1X8-100 ion-exchange resin was used to preconcentrate trace amounts of Sb in water samples. Migration experiments from the PET bottle material were performed in water according to the following storage conditions: 1) temperature (25 and 75°C), 2) pH (3 and 7) and 3) exposure time (5 and 15days), using ultrapure water as a simulant for liquid foods. The test conditions were studied by a 2(3) factorial experimental design. The Sb concentration measured in the PET packaging materials varied between 73.0 and 111.3mg/kg. The Sb concentration (0.28-2.30μg/L) in all of the PET bottled drinking water samples examined at the initial stage of the study was below the maximum contaminant level of 5μg/L prescribed by European Union (EU) regulations. The parameters studied (pH, temperature, and storage time) significantly affected the release of Sb, with temperature having the highest positive significant effect within the studied experimental domain. The highest Sb concentration leached from PET containers was in water samples at pH7 stored at 75°C for a period of 5days. The extent of Sb leaching from the PET ingredients for different brands of drinking water can differ by as much as one order of magnitude in experiments conducted under the worst-case conditions. The chronic daily intake (CDI) caused by the release of Sb in one brand exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulated CDI value of 400ng/kg/day, with values of 514.3 and 566.2ng/kg/day for adults and children. Thus, the appropriate selection of the polymer used for the production of PET bottles seems to ensure low Sb levels in water samples.

Quality assessment of Romanian bottled mineral water and tap water

This study reports the evaluation of bottled mineral water characteristics using fluorescence spectroscopy (synchronous fluorescence scans and emission spectra) and physico-chemical analyses. Samples from 14 still mineral water brands were compared to 11 tap waters collected from two Romanian cities. Correlation and factor analyses were undertaken to understand the relationships between the individual components. The concentration of major and minor ions showed great variation between the bottled mineral water samples highlighting the diversity of the water intakes, while in the case of tap water the chemical composition was relatively similar for samples collected in the same city. Fluorescence data showed that the mineral water contained low quantities of organic matter. The humic fraction was dominant in all samples, while the microbial fraction was low in most samples. Synchronous fluorescence scans provided more information, regarding the composition of organic matter, compared to emission spectra. The study evidenced the correlation between fluorescence parameters and major elements and highlighted the potential of using fluorescence for qualitative evaluation of the bottled mineral water quality, as a screening method before undertaking complex analyses.

Bisphenol A exposure pathways in early childhood: Reviewing the need for improved risk assessment models

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticiser found in a number of household plastics, electronics, and food-packaging materials. Over the past 5 years, several human epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between BPA exposure and adverse health outcomes in children, including obesity, asthma, preterm birth, and neuro-behavioural disturbances. These findings are in conflict with international environmental risk assessment models, which predict daily exposure levels to BPA should not pose a risk to child health. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the evidence for different exposure sources and potential exposure pathways of BPA in early childhood. By collating the findings from experimental models and exposure associations observed in human bio-monitoring studies, we affirm the potential for non-dietary sources to make a substantial contribution to total daily exposure in young children. Infants and toddlers have distinctive exposure sources, physiology, and metabolism of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We recommend risk-assessment models implement new frameworks, which specifically address exposure and hazard in early childhood. This is particularly important for BPA, which is present in numerous products in the home and day-care environments, and for which animal studies report contradictory findings on its safety at environmentally relevant levels of exposure.