Search Results (109)

Pesticide poisoning is widely accepted as a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, especially in East Africa. However, a very high proportion of unintentional poisonings are either unreported or misreported. To help fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the scale of unintentional acute pesticide poisoning (UAPP) in cotton-growing communities in Tanzania by conducting a cross-sectional survey of 1074 cotton farmers or farm workers. The findings from this study revealed a high incidence of self-reported negative health effects following occupational pesticide exposure, with 48% of respondents experiencing symptoms of UAPP within the previous 12 months. Furthermore, the substantial proportion of UAPP incidents were associated with a few highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), particularly profenofos, lambda cyhalothrin, and co-formulations with both chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin. Of those reporting UAPP, only 6% sought medical treatment in a formal healthcare setting. The findings from this study clearly indicates an urgent need for improved pesticide regulation, the scale up of community surveillance, and the promotion of less hazardous alternatives to the use of HHPs. We provide policy recommendations and identify alternatives to HHPs for cotton pest management. Full article

Foodborne diseases are a growing public health problem worldwide, and chemical foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) often have serious consequences. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of chemical FBDOs in Zhejiang Province, China, and propose targeted prevention and control measures. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze chemical FBDO data collected from the Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Surveillance System in Zhejiang Province from 2011 to 2023. From 2011 to 2023, 74 chemical FBDOs were reported in Zhejiang Province, resulting in 461 cases, 209 hospitalizations, and one death. In contrast to other types of FBDOs, the percentage of hospitalized cases in chemical FBDOs was the highest (45.34%) (chi-square = 1047.9, p < 0.001). Outbreaks caused by nitrite accounted for the largest percentage (56.76%), followed by lead (17.57%). Outbreaks caused by nitrite occurred mainly in households (27), followed by restaurants (6), street stalls (5), and work canteens (3). Among all nitrite-related outbreaks, 59.52% (25/42) were caused by cooking food where it was used as a common seasoning, 26.19% (11/42) by eating pickled vegetables, 7.14% (3/42) by eating cooked meat products, and 4.76% (2/42) by eating grain products. Outbreaks caused by the misuse of nitrite in cooking mainly occurred in households (68%, 17/25), street stalls (16%, 4/25), work canteens (8%, 2/25), and restaurants (8%, 2/25). Outbreaks caused by eating pickled vegetables occurred mainly in households (90.91%, 10/11), and one outbreak occurred in a work canteen. Outbreaks caused by lead (n = 13) occurred in households, and liquor was involved in 12 outbreaks where they were caused by residents consuming yellow rice wine stored in tin pots. In view of the frequent outbreaks of chemical foodborne diseases in our province from 2011 to 2023, a variety of prevention and control measures were proposed based on the research results of the temporal and regional distribution, food and food establishments involved, and the etiological agents of the chemical FBDOs. However, the effectiveness of these recommendations needs to be further verified and studied. In general, public health institutions should further strengthen the surveillance and health education of the population. Individuals should store toxic chemicals, such as nitrates, pesticides, and rodenticides correctly to avoid poisoning by ingestion. In view of the chemical FBDOs caused by food in the catering and distribution links, relevant departments should strengthen targeted supervision. Full article

In recent decades, bee poisoning due to pesticides and agrochemicals has increased, posing significant challenges to honey bee health and contributing to the so-called “Colony Collapse Disorder” (CCD). Poor knowledge about the level of exposure of bee colonies to pesticides and agrochemicals, whether from the environment or beekeeping management practices, is a major limiting factor in preventing these diseases. Collaboration among different stakeholders, such as beekeeping associations, local veterinary authorities, and researchers, is essential to create monitoring programs that can collect these data and enable the prompt implementation of surveillance and preventive actions to address potential bee colony poisoning incidents caused by these contaminants. The present study describes the results obtained through a collaborative initiative that was implemented for monitoring and preventing pesticide-induced bee poisonings in a territory of northern Italy where the exposure of honey bee colonies to different types of pesticides and agrochemicals may occur. Four sentinel apiaries were selected based on possible sources of pollution throughout the territory. Pollen samples were collected at different times during the years 2021–2022 and analyzed for pesticides using gas and liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS) techniques. The findings showed the presence of a number of pesticides, such as pyrethroids, permethrin, cypermethrin, amitraz, and pendimethalin, at varying concentrations. Acute bee mortality was observed in a field case related to pyrethroid exposure in 2022, in an urban area. These results confirm the need for timely interventions, improved sampling methods, and continuous monitoring to safeguard bee populations. Collaboration with local beekeepers and public authorities is thus essential in addressing pesticide use and bee health challenges, fostering efficient communication and training efforts to support sustainable beekeeping. Full article

The increasing incidence of organophosphate (OP) pesticide poisoning and the use of OP chemical warfare agents (CWA) in conflicts and terrorist acts need sustainable methods for sensing, decontamination, and detoxification of OP compounds. Enzymes can serve as specific, cost-effective biosensors for OPs. We will report on recent advancements in the use of carboxylesterases from the Hormone-Sensitive Lipase for the detection of OP compounds. In addition, enzymatic-based OP detoxification and decontamination offer long-term, environmentally friendly benefits compared to conventional methods such as chemical treatment, incineration, neutralization, and volatilization. Enzymatic detoxification has gained attention as an alternative to traditional OP-detoxification methods. This review provides an overview of the latest research on enzymatic sensing and detoxification of OPs, by exploiting enzymes, isolated from thermophilic/extremophilic Bacteria and Archaea that show exceptional thermal stability and stability in other harsh conditions. Finally, we will make examples of integration between sensing and decontamination systems, including protein engineering to enhance OP-degrading activities and detailed characterization of the best variants. Full article

Pyrethroids are pesticides used in agriculture, the textile industry, wood processing, and human and animal medicine. Pyrethroids inhibit voltage-sensitive sodium channels (VSSCs) in insects and mammals. It results in the premature opening and/or delayed closing of the channels, causing a prolonged influx of Na⁺ ions into the cell. Insects absorb pyrethroids throughout the entire body surface, while poisoning in humans most often occurs by inhalation and through the skin. In this study, 52 fragments of human skin taken from the eyelid fold were examined. A modified Ussing chamber was used to measure the active ion transport in epithelial tissue and quantify the tissue viability and integrity. Both permethrin and deltamethrin solutions induced changes in the transport of ions, mainly sodium, but by different mechanisms. Permethrin affected the transepithelial transport of sodium ions in a long-term mechanism, while deltamethrin affected the ability to respond to stimuli in an immediate mechanism. Contact with deltamethrin may cause a delay/slowness of sensation, inflammation, hypersensitivity, and/or allergy. The action of permethrin takes place in the intercellular spaces and is associated with the possibility of faster decomposition/metabolism, while deltamethrin interacts with receptors, channels, and the cell membrane, which translates into slower decomposition and longer action in the tissue. Full article

This study examined the conditions and factors affecting honey production in Hungary from the perspective of Hungarian beekeepers. Due to the scarcity of research on Hungary, this study can be considered a missing piece. The survey was based on a questionnaire survey (N = 632). Basic statistical tools (frequencies, means) were used to describe the data. To assess differences between some categorical variables, cross-stability was assessed using chi-square tests, and non-parametric tests were used. Based on the study results, the study population has an average of 101 colonies per beekeeper. Beekeepers with a low number of colonies are mainly hobby beekeepers for whom non-economic goals are a priority. The average honey yield is 40 kg per bee colony, with a wide variation between counties. The primary function of beekeeping is production and selling, followed by the importance of pollinating crops and other plants, maintaining natural landscapes and habitats, and conserving plant biodiversity. Around 80% of beekeepers keep bees primarily for income, which is consistent with production and selling as their primary activity. The main problems identified are bee mite infestation (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman), bee poisoning from pesticides, Nosema (Nosema apis Zander; Nosema ceranae Huang) infection, problems with sales and profitability, and lack of bee pastures. Full article

Pest rodents cause extensive damage to crops worldwide. Up to 40% of global crop production is lost annually to pests and diseases, with rodents accounting for 15–30% of this loss amounting to billions of dollars each year. The current method of controlling rodent populations involves the extensive use of chemical rodenticides. While effective in the short term, these chemicals pose serious environmental and health risks, leading to secondary poisoning of non-target species and other long-term negative ecological consequences, underscoring the need to adopt more sustainable pest-control measures. Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs), on the other hand, are increasingly recognized for addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, and they include actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems. In this context, Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are highly effective as a natural pest-rodent control agents in agro-ecosystems. The species has a wide distribution and adaptability to various environments, and its diet consists predominantly of small mammals, with rodents making up from 50–60% up to even 90–95% of the diet according to different geographical regions. Each Barn Owl family can consume thousands of rodents annually, creating a high potential to reduce crop damage and infestations. Deploying nest boxes in agricultural areas can significantly increase Barn Owl populations, ensuring continuous and effective rodent control. Limitations of this solution must also be taken into consideration such as predation on rodents and small mammals that are not pests, and possible competition with other nocturnal birds of prey. Ιn the current paper, we aim to introduce the concept of owls as a NbS for pest rodent control and outline the main challenges, pitfalls, advantages, and disadvantages of implementing this solution in a new geographical region, and all the necessary in-between steps (scientific, societal, administrative, educational) that have to be followed for a successful implementation. So far, several countries have successfully implemented Barn Owl nest box schemes, with Israel and Cyprus achieving reduction in the use of pesticides by 45% and 58%, respectively, whereas the project is spreading to other Mediterranean countries (Jordan, Palestine Authority, Greece, Morocco, Spain), in palm plantations in Malaysia and USA, and in the vineyards of Napa Valley in California. The success of Barn Owl nest box programs relies on integrating scientific research, societal needs, supportive policy frameworks, and education. Barn Owl nest box programs are both bottom-up and top-down initiatives, in need of the participation of farmers and local communities to establish and deploy the Barn Owl solution. Continuous research is also necessary to explore systematically Barn owl trophic ecology, foraging and breeding ecology, interactions with agricultural landscape, and land uses in temporal and spatial scales, and challenges such as habitat suitability, availability of nesting sites, and regional ecological conditions must also be addressed. Full article

Despite its rapid growth and economic success, the sustainability of the floriculture industry as it is presently conducted is debatable, due to the huge environmental impacts it initiates and incurs. Achieving sustainability requires joint efforts from all stakeholders, a fact that is often neglected in discussions that frequently focus upon economically driven management concerns. This review attempts to raise awareness and collective responsibility among the key practitioners in floriculture by discussing its sustainability in the context of soil health, as soil is the foundation of agriculture systems. Major challenges posed to soil health arise from soil acidification and salinization stimulated by the abusive use of fertilizers. The poisoning of soil biota by pesticide residues and plastic debris due to the excessive application of pesticides and disposal of plastics is another significant issue and concern. The consequence of continuous cropping obstacles are further elucidated by the concept of plant-soil feedback. Based on these challenges, we propose the adoption and implementation of several sustainable practices including breeding stress-resistant and nutrient-efficient cultivars, making sustainable soil management a goal of floriculture production, and the recycling of plastics to overcome and mitigate the decline in soil health. The problems created by flower waste materials are highlighted and efficient treatment by biochar synthesis is suggested. We acknowledge the complexity of developing and implementing the proposed practices in floriculture as there is limited collaboration among the research and operational communities, and the policymakers. Additional research examining the impacts the floriculture industry has upon soils is needed to develop more sustainable production practices that can help resolve the current threats and to bridge the understanding gap between researchers and stakeholders in floriculture. Full article

This study reports the determination of DNOC in the baits and gastric contents of poisoned dogs and wild canids collected in the Abruzzo region between 2014 and 2022. A total of 663 samples of the baits and carcasses of domestic and wild animals were analyzed for the determination of DNOC through GC-MS. DNOC was found to be present in 58 cases from 663 analyzed samples, with 49 poison baits and nine gastric content samples from dogs and red foxes. This study confirms for the first time that the banned pesticide DNOC still poisons both domestic and wild animals in the Abruzzo region. It should be considered that this study was carried out on a population of animals from a regional geographical area, and more detailed country-wide studies need to be carried out to obtain the incidence of poisoning from this herbicide in Italy. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the importance of considering this chemical in differential diagnosis during toxicological investigations of animal poisoning. Full article

This study focuses on describing the diversity of pesticides, the knowledge and behaviors of their use, and the acute poisoning symptoms (APS) derived from their exposure from two agricultural production systems (papaya—Carica papaya L.- and chili—Capsicum annuum L.-) in Oaxaca, Mexico. Through surveys, sociodemographic information, characteristics of the production system, knowledge and behaviors in the handling of pesticides, and APS perceived by users were captured. Papaya producers are younger, have fewer years of activity, and have larger agricultural areas than chili producers. Insect attacks and diseases are an essential factor for the application of pesticides. Thirty-one active ingredients (Ais) were identified in papaya and thirty-seven in chili, predominantly insecticides and fungicides of toxicological category IV. Approximately 50% of users apply mixtures of different Ais, have little knowledge and inappropriate behavior in their handling, and report up to five acute pesticide poisoning symptoms, mainly burning and irritation of the skin, burning eyes, itchy skin, runny nose, headache, and watery eyes. The production of papaya and chili are relevant activities for generating economic income, but they risk the producer’s and their family’s health. Both systems are a potential scenario for the manifestation of diseases due to exposure to pesticides in the medium and long term. Full article

Mining of organophosphorous (OPs)-degrading bacterial enzymes in collections of known bacterial strains and in natural biotopes are important research fields that lead to the isolation of novel OP-degrading enzymes. Then, implementation of strategies and methods of protein engineering and nanobiotechnology allow large-scale production of enzymes, displaying improved catalytic properties for medical uses and protection of the environment. For medical applications, the enzyme formulations must be stable in the bloodstream and upon storage and not susceptible to induce iatrogenic effects. This, in particular, includes the nanoencapsulation of bioscavengers of bacterial origin. In the application field of bioremediation, these enzymes play a crucial role in environmental cleanup by initiating the degradation of OPs, such as pesticides, in contaminated environments. In microbial cell configuration, these enzymes can break down chemical bonds of OPs and usually convert them into less toxic metabolites through a biotransformation process or contribute to their complete mineralization. In their purified state, they exhibit higher pollutant degradation efficiencies and the ability to operate under different environmental conditions. Thus, this review provides a clear overview of the current knowledge about applications of OP-reacting enzymes. It presents research works focusing on the use of these enzymes in various bioremediation strategies to mitigate environmental pollution and in medicine as alternative therapeutic means against OP poisoning. Full article

Rotenone, as a common pesticide and insecticide frequently found in environmental samples, may be present in aquatic habitats worldwide. Exposure to low concentrations of this compound may cause alterations in the nervous system, thus contributing to Parkinsonian motor symptoms in both vertebrates and invertebrates. However, the effects of chronic exposure to low doses of rotenone on the activity of neurotransmitters that govern motor functions and on the specific molecular mechanisms leading to movement morbidity remain largely unknown for many aquatic invertebrates. In this study, we analyzed the effects that rotenone poisoning exerts on the activity of dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis enzymes in the central nervous system (CNS) of Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus (de Haan, 1835), and elucidated the association of its locomotor behavior with Parkinson’s-like symptoms. An immunocytochemistry analysis showed a reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the median brain and the ventral nerve cord (VNC), which correlated with the subsequent decrease in the locomotor activity of shore crabs. We also observed a variation in cholinergic neurons’ activity, mostly in the ventral regions of the VNC. Moreover, the rotenone-treated crabs showed signs of damage to ChAT-lir neurons in the VNC. These data suggest that chronic treatment with low doses of rotenone decreases the DA level in the VNC and the ACh level in the brain and leads to progressive and irreversible reductions in the crab’s locomotor activity, life span, and changes in behavior. Full article

The honey bee, a significant crop pollinator, encounters pesticides through various routes of exposure during foraging and flower visitation. Considering the potential threat of pesticide poisoning, the indigenous Saudi bee Apis mellifera jemenitica is susceptible to the risks associated with acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide. This study investigates the acetamiprid-induced effects on the survival, olfactory learning, and memory formation of A. m. jemenitica through two exposure routes: topical application and oral ingestion. Field-realistic and serially diluted concentrations (100, 50, 25, and 10 ppm) of acetamiprid led to notable mortality at 4, 12, 24, and 48 h after treatment, with peak mortality observed at 24 h and 48 h for both exposure routes. Bee mortality was concentration-dependent, increasing with the rising concentration of acetamiprid at the tested time intervals. Food consumption following oral exposure exhibited a concentration-dependent pattern, steadily decreasing with increasing concentrations of acetamiprid. Oral exposure resulted in a substantially higher cumulative mortality (55%) compared to topical exposure (15%), indicating a significant disparity in bee mortality between the two exposure routes. The 24 h post-treatment LC₅₀ values for acetamiprid were 160.33 and 12.76 ppm for topical application and oral ingestion, respectively. The sublethal concentrations (LC₁₀, LC₂₀, and LC₃₀) of acetamiprid were 15.23, 34.18, and 61.20 ppm, respectively, following topical exposure, and 2.85, 4.77, and 6.91 ppm, respectively, following oral exposure. The sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid significantly decreased learning during the 2nd–3rd conditioning trials and impaired memory formation at 2, 12, and 24 h following both topical and oral exposure routes, compared to the control bees. Notably, the sublethal concentrations were equally effective in impairing bee learning and memory. Taken together, acetamiprid exposure adversely affected bee survival, hindered learning, and impaired the memory retention of learned tasks. Full article

This bibliographic study addresses key aspects related to fishing, product safety, and climate change in the Adriatic Sea region. The examination of product safety focuses on the assessment of contaminants originating from human activities such as industry, mining, agriculture, and household waste disposal. The contamination of the aquatic environment has emerged as a pressing global concern, extending to the Adriatic basin. Aquatic organisms, including fish, are prone to accumulating pollutants directly from polluted water sources and indirectly through the food web. The bio-accumulation of potentially hazardous substances, particularly heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs, PAHs, and antibiotic resistance in aquatic organisms, poses a significant threat to human health. Climate change effects will deplete our seafood supply in terms of quantity and safety owing to negative consequences such as higher levels of pollution, parasites, viruses, infections, acidification, and toxicities such as shellfish poisoning. Global food safety strategies should be developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally friendly technology, which indirectly affects seafood quality and microbiological safety, especially for the Adriatic Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by the most polluted waters in the world. Full article

Pesticides ensure greater productivity in less time; however, they spread beyond the perimeters to which they are applied to reach non-target organisms, thereby affecting plant, animal, and human health. Thiamethoxam (TMX) is considered to be one of the main agents responsible for poisoning bees and potentially contaminating surface and groundwater. Conventional water-treatment protocols are unable to degrade thiamethoxam; therefore, electrochemically advanced oxidative processes (EAOPs) have become promising alternatives owing to their ease of operation and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we examined the use of EAOPs to oxidize thiamethoxam in commercial Actara^® and analyzed treatment efficiencies through phytotoxicity studies using cucumber and maize seeds as bioindicators. In addition, the cost of each process was analyzed based on the resulting current efficiency. The treated solutions were used to germinate seeds that were analyzed for total protein, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. EAOPs were found to effectively oxidize TMX, with more than 50% degraded and 80% COD removed under all treatment conditions, even when the commercial product was used. The photoelectro-Fenton process using 10 mg L⁻¹ FeSO4 and 100 mg L⁻¹ H₂O₂ exhibited the best results, with 79% of the TMX degraded and 83% of the COD removed, additionally exhibiting the lowest estimated operating cost (USD 1.01 dm⁻³). Higher enzymatic SOD and CAT activities, total protein content, and H₂O₂ concentration were observed; however, no significant changes in MDA were recorded. This treatment protocol effectively oxidizes TMX and reduces its phytotoxicity in maize and cucumber seedlings. Full article