Statistical characterisation of heavy metal contents inParacentrotus lividusfrom Mediterranean Sea

Trace elements and arsenic speciation in Paracentrotus lividus from North-West Mediterranean Sea

Levels of 14 trace elements (Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) and 5 arsenic species (arsenite/As(III), arsenate/As(V), monomethylarsonic acid/MA, dimethylarsinic acid/DMA, and arsenobetaine/AsB) were assessed in the gonads of sea urchin samples (Paracentrotus lividus) from North-West Mediterranean Sea (French coast). The samples were collected from 13 sites characterized by different types and levels of chemical contamination. Trace elements levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following microwave (acid) digestion in a closed system, whereas As speciation analysis was carried out by ion-exchange liquid chromatography coupled with ICP-MS after microwave-assisted extraction. High levels of trace elements were found in sea urchins sampled from Corsica whereas the samples from Théoule were found to be the least contaminated. From all the analyzed urchin samples, none showed Cd, Hg, or Pb concentrations above the regulatory levels set by the European Community (EC) No. 1881/2006 for seafood or bivalve mollusks. Regarding arsenic speciation, AsB was confirmed to be the predominant species. Inorganic As (As(III) + As(V)) was mainly constituted by As(III), which was quantified in all samples. Methylated As forms (MA and DMA) represent 9 to 23% of the total As.

Exploring the Impact of Contaminants of Emerging Concern on Fish and Invertebrates Physiology in the Mediterranean Sea

In this historical context, the Mediterranean Sea faces an increasing threat from emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, heavy metals, pesticides and microplastics, which pose a serious risk to the environment and human health. In this regard, aquatic invertebrates and fish are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of these pollutants, and several species have been identified as bio-indicators for their detection. Among these, bivalve molluscs and elasmobranchs are now widely used as bio-indicators to accurately assess the effects of contaminants. The study focuses on the catshark Scyliorhinus canicular and on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. The first one is a useful indicator of localised contamination levels due to its exposure to pollutants that accumulate on the seabed. Moreover, it has a high trophic position and plays an important role in the Mediterranean Sea ecosystem. The bivalve mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis, on the other hand, being a filter-feeding organism, can acquire and bioaccumulate foreign particles present in its environment. Additionally, because it is also a species of commercial interest, it has a direct impact on human health. In conclusion, the increasing presence of emerging pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Bivalve molluscs and elasmobranchs are two examples of bio-indicators that must be used to precisely determine the effects of these pollutants on the marine ecosystem and human health.

Metallic trace element dynamics in Paracentrotus lividus from Algeria: Environmental and human health risk assessment

This paper evaluates the dynamic of Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs; Cd, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and Co) in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus collected in five sites: four contaminated and one reference, along the western coast of Algeria, recontextualizes this contamination within a wider geographical distribution area throughout 84 sites among the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic and focuses on the potential risk on human health for the first time in Algeria. The Trace Element Pollution Index places Algeria, and generally the North African coasts, as the region most contaminated by MTEs. The Trace Element Spatial Variation Index ranks Pb as a MTE of key environmental concern according to global spatial variability. The health risk assessment indicates that Cd and Pb exceed the maximum limits set by the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 on three of the four contaminated sites.

Histological and Chemical Analysis of Heavy Metals in Kidney and Gills of Boops boops: Melanomacrophages Centers and Rodlet Cells as Environmental Biomarkers

Industrialization has resulted in a massive increase in garbage output, which is frequently discharged or stored in waterways like rivers and seas. Due to their toxicity, durability, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification, heavy metals (such as mercury, cadmium, and lead) have been identified as strong biological poisons. Their presence in the aquatic environment has the potential to affect water quality parameters and aquatic life in general. Teleosts’ histopathology provides a sensitive indicator of pollutant-induced stress, because their organs have a central role in the transformation of different active chemical compounds in the aquatic environment. In particular, the gills, kidneys, and liver are placed at the center of toxicological studies. The purpose of this study is to examine the morphological changes caused by heavy metals in the kidney and gills of Boops boops, with a focus on melanomacrophages centers (MMCs) and rodlet cells (RCs) as environmental biomarkers, using histological and histochemical stainings (hematoxylin/eosin, Van Gieson trichrome, Periodic Acid Schiff reaction, and Alcian Blue/PAS 2.5), and immunoperoxidase methods. Our findings show an increase of MMCs and RCs linked to higher exposure to heavy metals, confirming the role of these aggregates and cells as reliable biomarkers of potential aquatic environmental changes reflected in fish fauna. The cytological study of RCs and MMCs could be important in gaining a better understanding of the complicated immune systems of teleosts.

Toxic metals and total lipids comparison between wild and farmed fish of South mediterranean

A total of 151 wild and farmed fish samples of three species (S. aurata, D. labrax and U. cirrosa) from south Mediterranean were examined for cadmium, lead and mercury and total lipids detection to verify possible differences between wild and farmed fish. Mercury was detected only in S. aurata samples, with mean values of 0.056 ± 0.128 mg/kg and 0.031 ± 0.033 mg/kg for farmed and wild samples, respectively. The results verified no significant differences in Pb, Cd and Hg levels between wild and farmed fish samples (p < 0.05). The farmed fish samples showed higher total lipids contents than wild (p > 0.05). As far as we know, this work report first findings on the toxic metal presence in farmed Umbrina cirrosa, showing no detectable Hg, Cd and Pb values. The results of this work seems to confirm that the presence of toxic metals could be more related to the pollution the site than the type of production.

New Method for Simultaneous Arsenic and Selenium Speciation Analysis in Seafood and Onion Samples

This paper presents a new method for the simultaneous speciation analysis of arsenic (As(III)-arsenite, As(V)-arsenate, DMA-dimethylarsinic acid, MMA-methylarsonic acid, and AsB-arsenobetaine) and selenium (Se(IV)-selenite, Se(VI)-selenate, Se-Methionine, and Se-Cystine), which was applied to a variety of seafood and onion samples. The determination of the forms of arsenic and selenium was undertaken using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) analytical technique. The separation of both organic and inorganic forms of arsenic and selenium was performed using two analytical columns: an anion exchange column, Dionex IonPac AS22, containing an alkanol quaternary ammonium ion, and a double bed cation-anion exchange guard column, Dionex Ion Pac CG5A, containing, as a first layer, fully sulfonated latex for cation exchange and a fully aminated layer for anion exchange as the second layer. The ammonium nitrate, at pH = 9.0, was used as a mobile phase. The method presented here allowed us to separate the As and Se species within 10 min with a suitable resolution. The applicability was presented with different sample matrix types: seafood and onion.

Monitoring of Environmental Hg Occurrence in Tunisian Coastal Areas

Total mercury (Hg) was determined in 450 environmental samples (seawater, sediment plant and fish) from five Mahdia coastal areas (Tunisia). Tolerable Weekly Intake% (TWI) values, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), were calculated based on the average metal concentration in fish and the average weekly fish consumption rate. Hg was accumulated mainly in fish and in Posidonia oceanica leaves. Hg in sediment ranged from 1.88 μg/kg dry weight (d.w.) to 7.48 μg/kg d.w., while it was between 0.32 μg/kg and 0.19 μg/kg in seawaters. Our study showed high concentration in Posidonia oceanica in S3 (plant = 16.76 ± 4.48 μg/kg d.w.) as compared to those in S4 sites (plant = 5.33 ± 0.05 μg/kg d.w.). Concentrations for S. aurata and S. salpa in the Rejiche area exceeded the EC 1881/2006 legislation with values of 1.9 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, and consumers may be exposed to high concentrations of Hg that exceeds the EFSA. The results showed that the fish species should be constantly monitored due to their TWI% of 154.5% for S. aurata and 209.8% S. salpa respectively.

Organic pollutants in marine samples from Tunisian coast: Occurrence and associated human health risks

140 contaminants belonging to various classes (organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides, pyrethroid insecticides, carbamates, fungicides, acaricides, herbicides, synergists, insect growth regulators, polychlorobiphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were simultaneously analysed by GC-MS/MS in marine sediments, aquatic plant leaves and fish tissues samples. A total of 260 samples from five stations along the coast of Tunisia were evaluated. The results highlight that only 28 residues (12 polychlorobiphenyls, 8 organochlorine pesticides, 7 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and triphenyl phosphate) were detected at levels higher than relative LOQ values. The amounts in sediment samples were compared with Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) showing that the values are acceptable and no toxic effect is expected on aquatic organisms. A little variation of contaminant residues in sediment samples among coastal stations was recorded. Namely, with respect to almost all polychlorobiphenyls and organochlorine pesticides, higher values were recorder in summer. With respect to almost all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, higher values were recorder in autumn. Aquatic plant leaves showed a residue accumulation higher than that of other compartments of marine system. The data about fish samples (Sparus aurata and Sarpa salpa, the two most frequently caught fish species at five sites on the central coast of Tunisia) do not pose direct hazard to human health because values were lower than protection limits.

Assessment and Monitoring of Fish Quality from a Coastal Ecosystem under High Anthropic Pressure: A Case Study in Southern Italy

Fish is a nutrient-rich food but, at the same time, consumption of fish is a possible source of exposure to heavy metals. Since many coastal Mediterranean areas suffer from great anthropomorphic pressure, the aim of this study was to assess the level of potentially toxic inorganic elements in different fish samples from the coastal zone of Southern Italy (Gela) where there is a high mortality rate linked to cancer disease and congenital malformations. The presence of mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, arsenic, vanadium, and chromium was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The risk assessment was evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake by calculating the amount of potentially toxic elements that an average individual adult weighing 60 kg would ingest. Moreover the non-carcinogenic risk was estimated by target hazard quotient (THQ). The study evidenced significant contamination by inorganic elements, especially cadmium, which can be linked to industrial pollution. The THQ indexes, as indicators of human health, suggest that the consumption of fish from the study area is not free of risk.

Effects of waterborne exposure to cadmium on biochemical responses in the freshwater gastropod, Bellamya aeruginosa

The biochemical responses of Bellamya aeruginosa as a dominant and widespread freshwater gastropod throughout China to waterborne cadmium (Cd) were investigated to explore the impacts of exposure concentration and duration in this potential sentinel species. After the 7 days' test of dosage-mortality relationship, gastropods were exposed for either 7 days at the LC₅₀ (1.7 mg/L), the LC₁₀ (0.7 mg/L) and 0.02 mg/L Cd, or 28 days at 0.02 mg/L Cd. A suite of biochemical indicators including metallothionein-like protein (MTLP), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), contents of tissue metal (Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn), and the compartments of these metals bound to MTLP were examined. The treatment of 0.02 mg/L Cd led to the increase of Cd bound to MTLP (Cd-MTLP) levels, the decrease of GSH content, and the upregulation of CAT activity, but no induction of MTLP, indicating that the intrinsic MTLP and GSH worked together for the detoxification of Cd at the low exposure. When the exposure concentration increased, GSH was depleted severely and synthesis of MTLP was triggered, leading to a strong and significant relationship between MTLP level and Cd accumulation. At the lethal concentrations (1.7 mg/L), both MTLP induction and CAT activity were inhibited while the proportion of Cd-MTLP to total Cd were increased, suggesting more intrinsic MTLP were utilized to sequester free Cd ions. Therefore, the content of Cd-MTLP in digestive glands of B. aeruginosa was recommended as a reliable biomarker for Cd contamination.

Major, minor and trace element concentrations in spices and aromatic herbs from Sicily (Italy) and Mahdia (Tunisia) by ICP-MS and multivariate analysis

Element contents in different types of spices and aromatic herbs collected from Italy and Tunisia were evaluated. The aim was to evaluate: the possible differences and/or similarities among the analyzed samples; if it is possible related the samples to their geographical origins; the nutritional quality and the potential health risks. Potassium, Ca, Mg and Ni were low in laurel and rosemary; mint and thyme showed the highest Na and the lowest Se contents; arsenic and Cd levels were found highest in verbena which had also the lowest Hg content; lastly, black pepper had the highest Mn and the lowest Pb contents. Instead discrimination between Italian and Tunisian samples for each spices and aromatic herbs under analysis was achieved by PCA. Essential elements intake through samples was small. Levels of Pb in some samples exceed the maximum allowable level, but any safety risk for consumers is excluded.

Investigation of Hg Content by a Rapid Analytical Technique in Mediterranean Pelagic Fishes

Mercury (Hg) fish and seafood contamination is a global concern and needs worldwide sea investigations in order to protect consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hg concentration by means of a rapid and simple analytical technique with a direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) in pelagic fish species, Tetrapturus belone (spearfish), Thunnus thynnus (tuna) and Xiphias gladius (swordfish) caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Hg contents were evaluated also in Salmo salar (salmon) as pelagic fish not belonging to the Mediterranean area. The results obtained were variable, ranging between 0.015–2.562 mg kg−1 for T. thynnus species, 0.477–3.182 mg kg−1 for X. gladius, 0.434–1.730 mg kg−1 for T. belone and 0.004–0.019 mg kg−1 for S. salar, respectively. The total Hg tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and tolerable weekly intake % (TWI%) values according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) were calculated. The results highlighted that the pelagic species caught in the Mediterranean Sea should be constantly monitored due to their high Hg contents as well as their TWI and TWI% with respect to S. salar samples.

Non-essential element concentrations in brown grain rice: Assessment by advanced data mining techniques

The concentrations of 17 non-essential elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Ce, Cr, Hg, La, Li, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Th, Ti, and Tl) were determined in brown grain rice samples of two varieties: Fortuna and Largo Fino. The samples were collected from the four main producing regions of Corrientes province (Argentina). Quantitative determinations were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), using a validated method. The contents of As, Be, Cd, Ce, Cr, Hg, Pb, Sb, Sn, Th, and Tl were very low or not detected in most samples. The non-essential element levels detected were in line with studies conducted in rice from different parts of the world. In order to characterize the influence of geographical origin in the samples, the following classification methods were carried out: linear discriminant analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), support vector machine (SVM) and random forests (RF). The best performance was obtained by using RF (96%) and SVM (96%). The results reported here showed the variation in the non-essential element profiles in rice grain depending on the geographical origin.

Investigating toxic metal levels in popular edible fishes from the South Durban basin: implications for public health and food security

Contamination of the ocean by heavy metals may have ecosystem-wide implications because they are toxic even if present in trace levels, and the relative ease of their bioaccumulation by marine organisms may affect human health, primarily through consumption of contaminated fish. We evaluated metal concentrations in six different popular edible fish species and estimated the potential health risks from consumption of contaminated fish. There was no correlation between fish length and average metal accumulation although the fish species tended to accumulate significantly more Al and Zn (P < 0.05) than any of the other metals. Significantly higher Mn concentrations were found in fish gills compared to other body parts in all fish species. Bronze seabream, Catface rockcod, and Slinger seabream had significantly higher mean Cr concentration in the liver than in either the tissues or gills. The highest concentration of Zn in fleshy tissue was in Horse mackerel (56.71 μg g^-1) followed by Bronze seabream (31.07 μg g^-1). Al levels ranged from 5.6 μg g^-1 in Atlantic mackerel to 35.04 μg g^-1 in Horse mackerel tissue while Cu and Cr concentrations were highest in the tissues of Horse mackerel (6.83 and 1.81 μg g^-1, respectively) followed by Santer seabream (3.15; 1.09 μg g^-1) and Bronze seabream (3.09; 1.30 μg g^-1), respectively. The highest tissue concentration of Mn was detected in Bronze seabream (8.23 μg g^-1) followed by Catface rockcod (6.05 μg g^-1) and Slinger seabream (5.21 μg g^-1) while Pb concentrations ranged from a high of 8.44 μg g^-1 in Horse mackerel to 1.09 μg g^-1 in Catface rockcod. However, the estimated potential health risks from fish consumption as determined by the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) were significantly lower than 1, implying that metals were not present in sufficiently high quantities to be of any health and/or food and security concern in the studied fishes.

A dose-dependent relationship between copper burden in female urchin gonads and developmental impairment of their offspring

We examined transgenerational effects of exposure to copper on early development of offspring in the urchin Evechinus chloroticus, and whether parental exposure mediated offspring response to a further low level exposure to copper during early development. Month-long exposure to elevated copper (25 μgL^-1) in the laboratory increased copper in gonads of both males and females and reduced gonad size by almost half. There was a negative relationship between adult size and copper burden. Normal larval development and larval size four days after fertilization were both strongly, negatively related to the amount of copper in female gonads in a dose-dependent manner, but fertilization success was unaffected. This demonstrates a transgenerational effect of maternal exposure to copper pollution on offspring performance that is mediated by individual traits of females, but no evidence of strong paternal effects, nor of a low level of copper in the water in which early development occurs.

In vivo effects of PCB-126 and genistein on vitellogenin expression in zebrafish

In this study, the vitellogenin (Vtg) modulation by genistein and polychlorinated biphenyl-126 (PCB-126) exposure in zebrafishes has been investigated. Both PCB-126 and genistein have been identified as aquatic pollutants and can further increase estrogenicity of waterways. Vtg is egg yolk precursor protein release by the hepatocytes during vitellogenesis. This process occurs normally in the hepatocytes in response to the activation with the estrogens such as 17-β-estradiol. Our immunohistochemical findings showed a Vtg expression that increases at 12 h and at 72 h in the liver of treated fishes with both PCB-126 and genistein, individually and in combination. Furthermore, for the first time, also hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in the liver parenchyma were strongly positive for vitellogenin.

Spatial variations in trace element concentrations of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, a first reference study in the Mediterranean Sea

A study on Trace Elements (TE) from sea urchin gonads has been conducted in the western Mediterranean Sea. Contamination data were used to determine a Trace Method Pollution Index (TEPI). TE concentrations varied considerably depending on the location of the sampling stations. The results showed that five trace elements (Zn, Fe, As, Al, Cu) are ubiquitous. The geographical area considered (Corsica) represents an important range of environmental conditions and types of pressure that can be found in the western Mediterranean Sea. TEPI was used to classify the studied sites according to their degree of contamination and allowed reliable comparison of TE contamination between local and international sites. TE contamination of the western Mediterranean Sea displayed a north-to-south gradient, from the Italian coasts down through the insular Corsican coasts to the north African littoral. Due to the increasing environmental pressure on the Mediterranean Sea, a regular monitoring of TE levels in marine organisms is necessary to prevent any further environmental deterioration.

Total mercury content in commercial swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from different FAO fishing areas

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that affect human and ecosystem health. It is transferred through trophic level and bio magnification in the food chain. In this study, total Hg was measured in the muscular tissue of samples of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from different FAO fishing areas and imported in Italy between 2014 and 2017. Total mercury concentrations of muscular tissues were determined using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. In order to assess the health risk associated with human consumption of this fish, the Hg intake values were calculated and compared with those of provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) (0.57 μg/kg b.w.) as fixed by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). The estimated PTDI (provisional tolerable daily intake) were lower for adults (0.40 μg/kg b.w./day) but not for children (0.97 μg/kg b.w./day), and therefore is considered to pose an alert for children with the present fish consumption volume.

Macro and trace elements in Paracentrotus lividus gonads from South West Atlantic areas

Sea urchin represents one of the most valuable seafood product being harvested and explored for their edible part, the gonads or roe. This species is generally considered a sentinel organism for ecotoxicological studies being widely used in monitoring programs to assess coastal aquatic environments quality, because is directly exposed to anthropogenic contaminants in their habitat. In this context, the aim of this study is to evaluate the concentrations of macro (Cl, K, P, Ca, S) and trace (Zn, Br, Fe, Sr, I, Se, Rb, Cu, Cr, Ni, As, iAs, Cd, Pb, Hg) elements in Paracentrotus lividus gonads from three South West Atlantic production areas subjected to distinct environmental and anthropogenic pressures. In all studied areas, the elements profile in sea urchin gonads was Cl > K > P > Ca > S > Zn > Br > Fe > Sr > I > Rb > Cu > Se > Cr > Ni, suggesting an element guide profile with special interest for sea urchin farming development. Concerning toxic elements, the profile was the following: As > Cd > Pb > Hg > iAs. The results evidenced higher levels of Pb and Hg in open areas. Distinct area characteristics and anthropogenic pressures of production areas evidence the importance of biomonitoring contaminants, particularly toxic elements. In general, the levels of these elements were below maximum levels in foodstuffs (MLs) which pose a minimal health risk to consumers.

Toxic inorganic pollutants in foods from agricultural producing areas of Southern Italy: Level and risk assessment

This study focused on the inorganic environmental contaminants in specific food products which form part of the food chain of the population residing in the area of Southern Italy (Gela) where there is a high mortality rate linked to tumor diseases and congenital malformations. Determination of toxic metals was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The toxicological data for every toxic element has been applied to evaluate the risk for the consumer by calculating the amount of potentially toxic element that would ingest an average of 60kg weight individual adult. The analysis of the investigated samples shows a high level of metal contamination which can be linked both to the polluted water and air. The obtained results give us an idea about the agricultural products contamination and possible exposure of local people through the food chain.

Bioaccumulation of persistent and emerging pollutants in wild sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

Marine pollution has been increasing as a consequence of anthropogenic activities. The preservation of marine ecosystems, as well as the safety of harvested seafood, are nowadays a global concern. Here, we report for the first time the contamination levels of a large set of 99 emerging and persistent organic contaminants (butyltins (BTs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides including pyrethroids, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PCPs) and flame retardants) in roe/gonads of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Sea urchins are a highly prized worldwide delicacy, and the harvesting of this seafood has increased over the last decades, particularly in South West Atlantic coast, where this organism is harvested mainly for exportation. Sampling was performed in three harvesting sites of the NW Portuguese coast subjected to distinct anthropogenic pressures: Carreço, Praia Norte and Vila Chã, with sea urchins being collected in the north and south areas of each site. Butyltins and pharmaceuticals were not found at measurable levels. Several PAHs, four pyrethroids insecticides, four PCPs and eleven flame retardants were found in roe/gonads of sea urchins, though in general at low levels. Differences among harvesting sites and between areas within each site were found, the lowest levels of contaminants being registered in Carreço. The accumulation of contaminants in sea urchins' roe/gonads seemed to reflect the low anthropogenic pressure felt in the sampling sites. Nevertheless, taking into account the low accumulated levels of chemicals, results indicate that sea urchins collected in South West Atlantic coast are safe for human consumption.

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in milk samples from Italy analysed by online-SPE UHPLC-MS/MS

The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in 69 milk samples collected in a south region of Italy in 2016 was evaluated. The samples were analysed using an automated method based on online SPE coupled with UHPLC tandem mass spectrometry. After a salt induced liquid-liquid extraction with acetonitrile to remove protein from milk, the extract was diluted with water and analysed using an automated online SPE MS/MS method. Among the analysed samples no one had AFM1 higher than the legally allowable limits whereas 71.4% of the other analysed samples were above the LOD of the method. The highest contamination level of AFM1 was found in pasteurised milk (44.39 ng kg^-1). The results show the worrying and widespread of AFM1 contamination, highlighting the necessity of monitoring studies in order to evaluate the reduction of the maximum legal limit.

Effects of dietary sesame oil on growth performance, chemical composition, lipid oxidation, and sensory characteristics of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

The present study, the effects of dietary sesame oil (SO) on growth performance and fillet composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. Twenty-five fish were randomly allocated in three groups by three replication, in mean initial weight 53.3 g in each tank. Experimental diets consisted of fish oil (FO), sesame oil (SO) and 1:1 blends of two oils, fish oil and sesame oil (FOSO). Dietary sesame oil had no significant effect on growth rate or feed conversion ratio. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between dietary treatments for ash content in fillet of fish. The fillet lipid content was lower in fish fed by sesame oil, but the moisture and the protein were higher. Furthermore, Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test was changed in different groups and it was lower in SO. The organoleptic indices were affected by dietary oils and FO group had more fishy flavour.

Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters using dendrimer-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Dendrimer-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) for heavy metal ion removal from wastewaters were developed. Triazole dendrimers (TD) were built directly onto the carbon nanotube surface by successive click chemistry reactions affording the zero- and first-generation dendrimer-functionalized MWCNT (MWCNT-TD1 and MWCNT-TD2). The Moedritzer-Irani reaction carried out on the amino groups present on the MWCNT-TD2 sample gave the corresponding α-aminophosphonate nanosystem MWCNT-TD2P. Both MWCNT-TD2 and MWCNT-TD2P nanosystems have been characterized by physical, chemical, and morphological analyses. Their chelating abilities towards the toxic metal ions Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Ni²⁺ and the harmless Ca²⁺ ion have been experimentally evaluated in the two different sets of experiments and at the salt concentrations of 1 mg/mL or 1 μg/mL by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of these studies pointed out the interesting chelating behavior for the phosphonated nanosystem towards the Hg²⁺ ion. The complexation mode of the best chelating system MWCNT-TD2P with mercury was investigated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, suggesting a chelation mechanism involving the two oxygen atoms of the phosphate group. The synthesized dendrimers, supported on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes, have shown the potential to be used for the selective toxic metal ion removal and recovery.

Determination and quantification of carotenoids in sea sponges Raspaciona aculeata and Dictyonella marsilii present in the Ganzirri Lake (Messina), Italy

Considering the crucial role of carotenoids exploitable both as nutraceuticals and also as dyes in food industry, there are many efforts in seeking for new sources of these pigments, especially in the marine world. In this study, for the first time, we extracted carotenoids from sea sponges Raspaciona aculeata and Dictyonella marsilii taken from Ganzirri Lake Messina (Italy). The determination and quantification of carotenoids was made by UPLC-PDA-MS. Remarkable results concern renieratene content in R. aculeate found to be over 2570 ppm.

Chemometric analysis of minerals and trace elements in Sicilian wines from two different grape cultivars

Chemometric analysis are used for food authenticity evaluation, correlating botanical and geographical origins with food chemical composition. This research was carried out in order to prove that it is possible linked red wines to Nero d'Avola and Syrah cultivars of Vitis vinifera according to their mineral content, while the values of the physical and chemical parameters do not affect relevantly this discrimination. The levels of mineral elements were determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Samples from cv Nero d'Avola had the highest content of Zn, Cr, Ni, As and Cd, whereas the highest mineral concentration in cv Syrah samples was represented by K, Mg, Cu, and Sb. The research highlights that it is possible linked red wines to Nero d'Avola and Syrah cultivars of V. vinifera according to their mineral contents, adding knowledge to the determination studies of the wine botanical origin.

Monitoring of neonicotinoid pesticides in beekeeping

The decline of pollinating species is correlated to the extensive use of neonicotinoids against pest insects for crop protection. In this study, the concentrations of neonicotinoid insecticides were determined in honeybees, honeycomb and honey samples, collected in Spring 2015 (blooming period) from different areas in Sicily (IT), to carry out an evaluation of bees products' safety and an overview of neonicotinoid contamination in beekeeping. The results obtained showed only the presence of clothianidin in bee samples and these concentrations don't represent a risk for bees' vitality and safety. The absence of residue in all honey samples, instead, showed the quality of bee products.

Statistical Analysis of Mineral Concentration for the Geographic Identification of Garlic Samples from Sicily (Italy), Tunisia and Spain

We performed a statistical analysis of the concentration of mineral elements, by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), in different varieties of garlic from Spain, Tunisia, and Italy. Nubia Red Garlic (Sicily) is one of the most known Italian varieties that belongs to traditional Italian food products (P.A.T.) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. The obtained results suggest that the concentrations of the considered elements may serve as geographical indicators for the discrimination of the origin of the different samples. In particular, we found a relatively high content of Selenium in the garlic variety known as Nubia red garlic, and, indeed, it could be used as an anticarcinogenic agent.

Toxic Metals in Pelagic, Benthic and Demersal Fish Species from Mediterranean FAO Zone 37

Fish represents a nutrient-rich food but, at the same time, is one of the most important contributor to the dietary intake of heavy metals. The aim of this study was to assess residual levels of Pb, Cd and Hg in different species, caught from FAO zones 37 1.3 and 37 2.2, particularly small pelagic, benthic and demersal fishes. The results obtained showed the absence of toxic metal in fishes from FAO zone 37 1.3. Relating to FAO zone 37 2.2, instead, in all samples we observed the absence of Pb, small concentrations of Cd (0.081±0.022 mg/kg) and higher Hg residual levels (0.252±0.033 mg/kg). Particularly, the trend of Cd contamination was similar in all species whereas Hg showed high levels in demersal, intermediate in pelagic and low in benthic species. However, only Cd concentrations exceed the MRL in mackerel, mullet, sea-bream fishes, according to Regulation CE n. 629/2008 and n. 488/2014.