Alleviating Heavy Metal Toxicity in Milk and Water through a Synergistic Approach of Absorption Technique and High Voltage Atmospheric Cold Plasma and Probable Rheological Changes

Atmospheric Cold Plasma as an Alternative to Chlorination in Soft Wheat Flour to Prepare High-Ratio Cakes

Chlorination is a common chemical modification process of soft wheat flour to prepare high-ratio cakes. Due to safety and labeling concerns of flour chlorination, alternatives to chlorination have been researched. Atmospheric Cold Plasma (ACP) is an emerging technology which is applicable for a wide range of food and biological components, including cereal grain products. The potential of ACP as an alternative to chlorination for high-ratio cakes has not been researched. Soft wheat flour was treated at 50 kV, 60 kV, and 70 kV each for 5, 6, and 7 min and compared to untreated and chlorinated wheat flour. High-ratio cakes were prepared from the chlorinated, treated, and untreated soft wheat flour and their properties were compared. Changes in the flour properties and the high-ratio cakes were observed at different treatment conditions. It was found that after 50 kV, 6 min, 50 kV, 7 min and 60 kV, 6 min had the better flour pasting properties, higher cake volume, and better texture properties as compared to untreated wheat flour and chlorinated wheat flour. This determines the potential of the application of ACP as an alternative to chlorination or to reduce the use of chlorination in soft wheat flour.

Current technologies for heavy metal removal from food and environmental resources

Exposure to heavy metals in water and food poses a significant threat to human well-being, necessitating the efficient removal of these contaminants. The process of urban development exacerbates heavy metal pollution, thereby increasing risks to both human health and ecosystems. Heavy metals have the capacity to enter the food chain, undergo bioaccumulation and magnify, ultimately resulting in adverse effects on human health. Therefore, implementing effective pollution control measures and adopting sustainable practices are crucial for mitigating exposure and associated health risks. Various innovative approaches, including adsorption, ion exchange, and electrochemical technology, are currently being actively investigated to cope with the issue of heavy metal contamination. These innovative methods offer benefits such as efficient recycling, cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. In this review, we summarize recent advances for removing heavy metals from water, soil and food, providing valuable guidance for environmental engineers and researchers seeking to address contamination challenges.