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Life
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Food and Environmental Toxicology
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Food and Environmental Toxicology

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 20372

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Soraya Paz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Toxicology Department, Universidad de La Laguna, 38071 La Laguna, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Interests: toxicology; food safety; risk assessment; toxic risk; toxic metals; trace elements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Arturo Hardisson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Grupo Interuniversitario de Toxicología Ambiental y Seguridad de los Alimentos y Medicamentos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Interests: toxicology; food safety; risk assessment; toxic risk; toxic metals; trace elements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food and the environment are closely linked. The increasing environmental pollution due to both human activities and natural processes makes it necessary to determine contaminants and assess the risks derived from them. The determination of contaminants such as toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb, Hg, etc.), trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, I, etc.) or even some ions such as nitrates or fluorides in food and environmental samples is important for public health. This Special Issue aims to bring together articles on contaminant content in food and food samples to assess exposure and risks to the population. Priority is given to novel foods and functional foods such as seaweed, plant-based drinks and vegan foods, food supplements, etc.

Dr. Soraya Paz
Prof. Dr. Arturo Hardisson
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • food toxicology
  • risk assessment
  • environmental pollution
  • toxic risk
  • toxic metals
  • trace elements
  • fluoride
  • nitrates
  • marine pollution
  • novel foods

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2415 KiB  
Article
Alternative Enzyme Inhibition Assay for Safety Evaluation of Food Preservatives
by Elena N. Esimbekova, Anastasia A. Asanova and Valentina A. Kratasyuk
Life 2023, 13(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13061243 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2569
Abstract
While food additives are widely used in the modern food industry and generally are important in maintaining the ability to provide food for the increasing world population, the progress occurring in this field is much ahead of the evaluation of their possible consequences [...] Read more.
While food additives are widely used in the modern food industry and generally are important in maintaining the ability to provide food for the increasing world population, the progress occurring in this field is much ahead of the evaluation of their possible consequences for human health. The present study suggests a set of single- and multi-enzyme assay systems for revealing toxic effects of the most widely spread food preservatives, such as sorbic acid (E200), potassium sorbate (E202), and sodium benzoate (E211) at the primary molecular level of their interaction with enzymes. The assay is based on the inhibition of enzyme activity by toxic substances proportional to the amount of the toxicants in the sample. The single-enzyme assay system based on NAD(P)H:FMN oxidoreductase (Red) proved to be most sensitive to the impact of food additives, with the IC50 values being 29, 14, and 0.02 mg/L for sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sorbic acid, respectively, which is considerably lower than their acceptable daily intake (ADI). No reliable change in the degree of inhibition of the enzyme assay systems by food preservatives was observed upon elongating the series of coupled redox reactions. However, the inhibition of activity of the multi-enzyme systems by 50% was found at a preservative concentration below the maximum permissible level for food. The inhibition effect of food preservatives on the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was either absent or found in the presence of food preservatives at concentrations significantly exceeding their ADI. Among the preservatives under study, sodium benzoate is considered to be the safest in terms of the inhibiting effect on the enzyme activity. The results show that the negative effect of the food preservatives at the molecular level of organization of living things is highly pronounced, while at the organismal level it may not be obvious. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Environmental Toxicology)
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11 pages, 1269 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Serum Iron Parameters among Men Performing Regular Physical Activity—A Preliminary Study
by Klaudia Zamelska, Mateusz Rzepka, Dorota Olszewska-Słonina, Alina Woźniak, Karolina Szewczyk-Golec and Iga Hołyńska-Iwan
Life 2023, 13(3), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030670 - 1 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2798
Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common issues in clinical practice. It can be caused by intense physical activity, among other things. The aim of the study was to assess serum iron parameters in a group of men who engage in [...] Read more.
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common issues in clinical practice. It can be caused by intense physical activity, among other things. The aim of the study was to assess serum iron parameters in a group of men who engage in regular physical activity. The study group was composed of 20 men who regularly perform strength or endurance sports, whereas the control group consisted of 20 men without any sports activity. The red blood cell (RBC) parameters, platelet count (PLT), and white blood cell (WBC) count in venous blood samples were assessed with an automated hematology analyzer. The serum concentration of ferritin was determined through an immunology assay. There were no statistically significant differences between groups comparing RBC parameters and WBC. However, statistical analysis showed dissimilarity in PLT count and serum ferritin concentration comparing control and study groups (p < 0.05). It was shown that lower serum ferritin concentration concerns men with regular physical activity, whereas other blood parameters were not affected in this group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Environmental Toxicology)
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10 pages, 497 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of Turpentine in Painters
by Sara Kević Dešić, Barbara Viljetić and Jasenka Wagner
Life 2023, 13(2), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020530 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2361
Abstract
Turpentine is a fluid used mainly as a solvent for thinning oil-based paints, obtained by distilling the resin of coniferous trees. Fine art painters use turpentine on a daily basis. The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effect of turpentine [...] Read more.
Turpentine is a fluid used mainly as a solvent for thinning oil-based paints, obtained by distilling the resin of coniferous trees. Fine art painters use turpentine on a daily basis. The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effect of turpentine and to determine the lymphocyte proliferation index in the peripheral blood of individuals occupationally exposed to turpentine. For this purpose, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was used to determine the total number of micronuclei (MNi), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), and nuclear buds (NBUD), as well as the cell proliferation index (CBPI) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the subjects. Twenty-two subjects exposed to turpentine daily through their work participated in the study and were compared to twenty subjects in the control group. The results showed a significant increase in the number of micronuclei and other genotoxicity parameters, as well as significant cytotoxicity based on CBPI values. In addition, the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of turpentine were found to be time-dependent, i.e., the deleterious effects of turpentine on genetic material increase with prolonged exposure. These results strongly suggest that exposure to turpentine vapors may affect genome stability and that occupational safety measures should be taken when using turpentine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Environmental Toxicology)
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16 pages, 1143 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Quantification of Arsenic Species in Foodstuffs of Plant Origin by HPLC/ICP-MS
by Teresa D’Amore, Oto Miedico, Ciro Pompa, Chiara Preite, Marco Iammarino and Valeria Nardelli
Life 2023, 13(2), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020511 - 12 Feb 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3188
Abstract
Arsenic is a well-known carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic element and occurs in the environment both as inorganic arsenic (iAs) and organoarsenical compounds (oAsCs). Since the toxicity of arsenic compounds depends on their chemical form, the identification and determination of arsenic species are essential. [...] Read more.
Arsenic is a well-known carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic element and occurs in the environment both as inorganic arsenic (iAs) and organoarsenical compounds (oAsCs). Since the toxicity of arsenic compounds depends on their chemical form, the identification and determination of arsenic species are essential. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority, following the European Commission request, published a report on chronic dietary exposure to iAs and recommended the development and validation of analytical methods with adequate sensitivity and refined extraction procedures for this determination. Moreover, the authority called upon new arsenic speciation data for complex food matrices such as seaweeds, grains and grain-based products. Looking at this context, an optimized, sensitive and fast analytical method using high performance liquid chromatography followed by inductively coupled plasma—mass spectrometry (HPLC/ICP-MS) was developed for the determination of iAs (sum of arsenite—AsIII and arsenate—AsV) and the most relevant oAsCs, arsenobetaine, dimethylarsinic acid and monomethylarsonic acid. The method was validated with satisfactory results in terms of linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, precision, recovery, uncertainty, ruggedness and matrix effect, and then successfully applied for the analysis of several matrices, i.e., processed and unprocessed cereal and cereal products, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seaweeds, nuts and seeds. The results obtained indicate that not only seaweed and rice matrices but also many cereals, legumes and plant-based foods for infants and young children contain significant concentrations of iAs and oAsCs. These findings contribute to the data collection necessary to assess the role of these matrices in the total arsenic exposure and if specific maximum limits have to be established. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Environmental Toxicology)
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26 pages, 2853 KiB  
Article
Impacts of the Residual Trace Metals of Aquaculture in Net Cages on the Quality of Sediment
by Hênio do Nascimento Melo Júnior, Francisco José de Paula Filho, Jorge Marcel Coelho Menezes, José Augusto Soares de Araújo, Jorge Ederson Gonçalves Santana, Hênio Vitor Sobral Melo, Rosimara de Sales Vieira, Cícera Datiane de Morais Oliveira-Tintino, Saulo Relison Tintino, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho and Raimundo Nonato Pereira Teixeira
Life 2023, 13(2), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020338 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1871
Abstract
Anthropogenic pollution by trace metals in aquatic environments in semiarid zones is a critical area of investigation. The objective of this study was to investigate the concentration and spatial distribution of trace metals in surface sediments in the Rosário reservoir, which is affected [...] Read more.
Anthropogenic pollution by trace metals in aquatic environments in semiarid zones is a critical area of investigation. The objective of this study was to investigate the concentration and spatial distribution of trace metals in surface sediments in the Rosário reservoir, which is affected by the intensive aquaculture of Tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Sediment samples were collected in three different areas, postculture (PCTV), cultivation (CTV) and control (CTRL) in the dry season in 2019. The granulometric composition, organic matter and concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni metals were determined. Multivariate statistics were used. Geochemical and ecotoxicological indices and a comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQG) were used. The sediment was characterized by silty clay loam with an average organic matter of 18.76 ± 4.27. The analytical merit figures demonstrated accuracy (metal recoveries in certified standards) between 89 to 99% and high precision (RSD < 5%). The concentration ranges for the metals were Fe: 0.11–0.85 (%), Mn: 14.46–86.91, Zn: 2.6–220.56, Cu: 26.89–98.75, Cr: 60.18–76.06, Cd: 0.38–0.59, Pb: 18.13–43.13, and Ni: 34.4–46.75, all in (mg/kg−1). The highest concentration values were found in the CTV areas (Fe: 40 ± 0.22, Mn: 66.48 ± 19.11, Zn: 114.83 ± 59.75 and Cr: 70.85 ± 2.62) and PCTV (Cd: 0.53 ± 0.04, Cu: 71.83 ± 21.20, Pb: 33.71 ± 4.34 and Ni: 44.60 ± 1.79). Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis confirmed the influence of fish farming on metals. Only Ni presented concentration values higher than the reference value established in the SQG. Thus, considering the probable geochemical and ecotoxicological effects, they comprise the two lowest levels of impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Environmental Toxicology)
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8 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
Fluoride Exposure from Ready-To-Drink Coffee Consumption
by Samuel Alejandro-Vega, Daniel Suárez-Marichal, Daniel Niebla-Canelo, Ángel J. Gutiérrez-Fernández, Carmen Rubio-Armendáriz, Arturo Hardisson and Soraya Paz-Montelongo
Life 2022, 12(10), 1615; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12101615 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3088
Abstract
Fluoride is present in various foods ingested daily. It has been demonstrated that the intake of high concentrations of fluoride, both in adults and children, can cause pathologies, among which dental fluorosis, osteoporosis and damage to the central nervous system stand out. The [...] Read more.
Fluoride is present in various foods ingested daily. It has been demonstrated that the intake of high concentrations of fluoride, both in adults and children, can cause pathologies, among which dental fluorosis, osteoporosis and damage to the central nervous system stand out. The objective of this study was to determine the fluoride concentrations in 60 samples of ready-to-drink cold brewed coffee of different brands and types (expresso, cappuccino, macchiato and decaffeinated) by the fluoride ion-selective potentiometric method. A statistical analysis was also performed to discern the existence of differences between these categories. The highest fluoride concentration (1.465 mg/L) was found in espresso coffee followed by Macchiato (1.254 mg/L). Decaffeinated coffee is the one that presented the lowest fluoride concentration with 0.845 mg/L. The risk assessment was conducted considering different consumption scenarios (250, 500 and 750 mL/day). The UL (upper level) established by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) at 7 mg/day was used. The consumption of three servings poses no health risk; however, it confers a significant value of fluoride contribution to the diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Environmental Toxicology)

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17 pages, 1268 KiB  
Review
Bionanotechnology in Agriculture: A One Health Approach
by Mayara Santana dos Santos, Sérgio Antunes Filho and Bianca Pizzorno Backx
Life 2023, 13(2), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020509 - 12 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2568
Abstract
Healthy eating habits are one of the requirements for the health of society. In particular, in natura foods are increasingly encouraged, since they have a high concentration of nutrients. However, these foods are often grown in the presence of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers [...] Read more.
Healthy eating habits are one of the requirements for the health of society. In particular, in natura foods are increasingly encouraged, since they have a high concentration of nutrients. However, these foods are often grown in the presence of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides. To increase crop productivity and achieve high vigor standards in less time, farmers make excessive use of agrochemicals that generate various economic, environmental, and clinical problems. In this way, bionanotechnology appears as an ally in developing technologies to improve planting conditions, ranging from the health of farmers and consumers to the production of new foods and functional foods. All these improvements are based on the better use of land use in synergy with the lowest generation of environmental impacts and the health of living beings, with a view to the study and production of technologies that take into account the concept of One Health in its processes and products. In this review article, we will address how caring for agriculture can directly influence the quality of the most desired foods in contemporary society, and how new alternatives based on nanotechnology can point to efficient and safe solutions for living beings on our planet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Environmental Toxicology)
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