Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Juhi Verma, Rakesh Roshan Jha, Neha Gupta, Ravindra Singh Thakur, Nasreen G. Ansari, Devendra Kumar Patel
Summary: A simple, sensitive and fast QuEChERS-based method was developed to analyze pesticides and phthalates in food samples. The method showed good linearity and recovery, and successfully differentiated between flavored and unflavored cereal samples.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Yujie Xie, Xingqiang Wu, Yanling Song, Yini Sun, Kaixuan Tong, Xiaoxuan Yu, Chunlin Fan, Hui Chen
Summary: A simple, rapid, and reliable method for simultaneous screening and quantification of 258 pesticide residues in silage was developed using modified QuEChERS combined with LC/GC-Q-Orbitrap/MS. This method showed excellent linearity, low limits of detection and quantitation, and good accuracy and precision.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Juan M. Mendez, Angel J. Gutierrez-Fernandez, Arturo Hardisson, Daniel Niebla-Canelo, Samuel Alejandro-Vega, Carmen Rubio-Armendariz, Soraya Paz-Montelongo
Summary: There is a concern about the health effects of pesticide residues in bananas and their link to chronic diseases. This study analyzed 733 banana samples produced in the Canary Islands from 2008 to 2017, investigating 191 different active substances and their toxicological, agricultural, and legal implications.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mingkai Bai, Ruixue Tang, Guorong Li, Wenhai She, Gangjun Chen, Hongmei Shen, Suqin Zhu, Hongwei Zhang, Haohao Wu
Summary: In this study, a high-throughput screening method was developed for the identification of multiple chemical contaminants in aquaculture products. By establishing a mega-database and utilizing modified QuEChERS extraction coupled with liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-offlight mass spectrometry, the identification of various pollutants was achieved. The results showed that the method had good recovery and repeatability for compounds in different matrices, making it applicable for high-throughput screening scenarios.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Dong, Supta Das, John R. Parsons, Antonia Praetorius, Eva de Rijke, Rick Helmus, J. Chris Slootweg, Boris Jansen
Summary: Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) may contain pesticides and pharmaceutical residues, posing potential threats to soils, crops, and human health. A new QuEChERS method (IQM) was developed to simultaneously analyze 78 pesticides and 18 pharmaceuticals in BBFs of different origins. The IQM improved extraction efficiency and achieved good recovery rates and low detection limits for the contaminants. Screening of BBF samples revealed the presence of pesticides and pharmaceuticals, with ibuprofen being frequently detected.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lucas Cavagnoli Marcolin, Luanne Ramos Lima, Jean Lucas de Oliveira Arias, Andrea Carolina Begambre Berrio, Larine Kupski, Sergiane Caldas Barbosa, Ednei Gilberto Primel
Summary: This study evaluated the physicochemical parameters and pesticide residues in multi-flower honey produced by different bee species in southern Brazil. Differences were found in the composition of Meliponinae honey compared to Apis mellifera honey, with higher moisture and acidity. Pesticide residues were not detected in the honey samples, indicating the region's potential for honey production.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Virginia Cruz Fernandes, Martyna Podlasiak, Elsa F. Vieira, Francisca Rodrigues, Clara Grosso, Manuela M. Moreira, Cristina Delerue-Matos
Summary: Global production of exotic fruits has been steadily growing and expanding to other countries over the past decade. Consumption of these fruits, such as kiwano, has increased due to their health benefits. However, there is limited research on the chemical safety of these fruits. Therefore, an optimized analytical method was developed to assess the presence of multiple contaminants in kiwano, including pesticides, PCBs, and brominated flame retardants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sonja Schanzer, Egbert Kroener, Gudrun Wibbelt, Martin Koch, Andreas Kiefer, Franz Bracher, Christoph Mueller
Summary: A QuEChERS sample preparation method was developed for small wildlife animals' liver tissues to analyze pesticide and pollutant exposure, allowing for multiresidue analysis with gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The methods were validated with representative analytes, showing satisfactory results in recovery, precision, and linear range. The new micro QuEChERS method requires minute amounts of biomaterial and is a sophisticated technique for determining exposure to different contaminants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Garcia Valverde, M. J. Martinez Bueno, M. M. Gomez-Ramos, A. Aguilera, M. D. Gil Garcia, A. R. Fernandez-Alba
Summary: This study aimed to develop a robust extraction method for the simultaneous determination of 30 organic contaminants in soil samples. The modified QuEChERS method showed the best results, providing adequate extraction efficiency, repeatability, and sensitivity. The method was successfully applied in a pilot study, detecting various pesticides and pharmaceutical products in agricultural soil irrigated with reclaimed water.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kevin Rocco, Christelle Margoum, Loic Richard, Marina Coquery
Summary: The search and identification of organic contaminants in agricultural watersheds is crucial for understanding watershed contamination by pesticides. Recent advances in analytical strategies, such as non-target and suspect screening analysis, have provided a more comprehensive view of watershed contamination. However, the lack of analytical standards and suspect databases for unknowns, such as pesticide transformation products, limits the scope of suspect screening analysis to known molecules.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lai Wei, Ningzheng Zhu, Xuan Liu, Hongyuan Zheng, Kaiyan Xiao, Qinghui Huang, Hongling Liu, Minghong Cai
Summary: This study in Tai Lake, East China, identified high concentrations of organophosphorus pesticides and their degradation products in surface water, with agricultural areas showing more contamination than residential and industrial regions. Compounds like parathion and fenthion posed high ecological risks. Degradation products were also found at non-trivial levels, highlighting the potential threat they pose to natural environments.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Da-Young Yun, Ji-Yeon Bae, Chan-Woong Park, Gui-Hyun Jang, Won-Jo Choe
Summary: An analytical method was developed using the modified QuEChERS method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the detection of chlorothalonil residues in agricultural products in the Republic of Korea. The method showed good linearity and high recovery rates in various agricultural commodities. The results are significant for the monitoring of agricultural product safety and improvement of food policies.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jing Zhao, Jingjing Pu, Xiaopeng Wu, Boyu Chen, Yan He, Yue Zhang, Bingjun Han
Summary: Matrix effect poses a challenge for pesticide residue analysis using UPLC-MS/MS, with chlorpyrifos showing the largest effect among the pesticides studied. Adjusting the pH value and sugar content of the sample matrix can help reduce the matrix effects and improve analysis accuracy.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wendy Young, Stacey Wiggins, William Limm, Christine M. Fisher, Lowri DeJager, Susan Genualdi
Summary: This study analyzed the presence of per- and poly(fluoroalkyl) substances (PFASs) in highly consumed seafood products in the United States and found the highest concentrations in clams and crabs. The results of this study can be used to guide future research and reduce consumer exposure to PFASs.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Roberto Jesus Lasheras, Regina Lazaro, Juan Carlos Burillo, Susana Bayarri
Summary: In this study, a modified QuEChERS extraction method was used to determine 399 pesticide residues in 91 raw honey samples from northeastern Spain. Results showed that pesticide residues in honey were generally within acceptable limits and unlikely to pose significant health risks to consumers in terms of long-term exposure.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pedro Carneiro, Joana A. Loureiro, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Simone Morais, Maria do Carmo Pereira
Summary: In this study, a sensitive and specific electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection and quantification of alpha-synuclein, a biomarker for Parkinson's disease. The immunosensor is based on voltammetric study and uses antibodies to recognize the analyte. The sensor is nanostructured using a layer-by-layer approach and has shown excellent detection capabilities within a certain concentration range.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Diana Pinto, Manuela M. Moreira, Elsa F. Vieira, Jaroslava Svarc-Gajic, Anna Vallverdu-Queralt, Tanja Brezo-Borjan, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Francisca Rodrigues
Summary: Functional cookies made from Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSs) extract show good nutritional composition, high phenolic and flavonoid contents, excellent antioxidant and antiradical activities, and great sensory evaluation. This study encourages the sustainable recovery of antioxidants from CSs and their further use as active nutraceutical ingredients in functional cookies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juliana Guimaraes, Isabella Bracchi, Catia Pinheiro, Nara Xavier Moreira, Claudia Matta Coelho, Diogo Pestana, Maria do Carmo Prucha, Cristina Martins, Valentina F. F. Domingues, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Claudia C. Dias, Luis Filipe R. Azevedo, Conceicao Calhau, Joao Costa Leite, Carla Ramalho, Elisa Keating, Virginia Cruz Fernandes
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the exposure of pregnant women in Portugal to 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) and its association with maternal outcomes and newborn anthropometric measures. The study found that pregnant women in Portugal are exposed to 3-PBA, particularly during summer, and this exposure may be associated with maternal clinical features.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Elena Surra, Alvaro Torrinha, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Simone Morais
Summary: Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to compare the environmental impacts of using a simple electrochemical carbon paper sensor (CPS) and traditional liquid high-performance chromatography (HPLC) for ketoprofen detection in fish. The results showed that CPS had significant advantages over HPLC in 16 out of 18 impact categories, with average CPS values 26% lower than HPLC. CPS saved significant amounts of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human toxicities, fossil resources, and greenhouse gas emissions compared to HPLC.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elena Surra, Joao Sousa, Manuela Correia, Joao Carvalheiras, Joao A. Labrincha, Jose C. Marques, Nuno Lapa, Cristina Delerue-Matos
Summary: This study provides important information on the feasibility of using granite sludge as a substitute for feldspar in ceramics and as a substitute for inert filler in structural concrete. The results show that while granite sludge can be used as a substitute for feldspar, its tinting effect may limit its applications in certain ceramic products. Similarly, using granite sludge as a substitute for inert filler in concrete reduces strength and increases water:cement ratio. However, the environmental impacts of using granite sludge as an inert filler are lower than as a substitute for feldspar in most impact categories.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Cristina Soares, Manuela M. Moreira, Sandra Ramos, M. J. Ramalhosa, Manuela Correia, Jaroslava Svarc-Gajic, Cristina Delerue-Matos, M. Fatima Barroso
Summary: Different extraction techniques were compared to extract phenolic compounds from fruit processing residues. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) showed the highest recovery of polyphenolic compounds. Pomegranate peels extracted by M60C and MAE had the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The study highlights the potential of agricultural by-products as a source of phenolic compounds, providing a feasible solution to enhance nutrition and reduce environmental waste.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tanja Brezo-Borjan, Jaroslava Svarc-Gajic, Simone Morais, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Francisca Rodrigues, Ivana Loncarevic, Biljana Pajin
Summary: Orange peels were treated with subcritical water to obtain extracts rich in bioactive compounds. The highest total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, and total antioxidant capacity were obtained at low temperatures and short extraction times. These results demonstrate the potential of subcritical water treatment as a green technology for obtaining bioactive compounds.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Mariana Lamas, Francisca Rodrigues, Maria Helena Amaral, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Virginia Cruz Fernandes
Summary: Environmental pollution is a significant issue in our society, and it is important to understand its consequences, including increased contaminant cocktails in the environment. The contamination of honeybees can lead to contamination of their products, such as honey. Controlling the quality and safety of honey, including evaluating contaminants and following legislation, is crucial.
Article
Polymer Science
Silvia D. Martinho, Virginia Cruz Fernandes, Sonia A. Figueiredo, Rui Vilarinho, J. Agostinho Moreira, Cristina Delerue-Matos
Summary: This study simulated the aging process of six types of microplastics in freshwater and seawater ecosystems and evaluated the effects using various analysis methods. The results showed that aging caused changes in the surface characteristics of microplastics and their interaction with other pollutants.
Review
Polymer Science
Diana Rede, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Virginia Cruz Fernandes
Summary: Plastic, a crucial material in modern society, has caused significant ecological stress due to high production rates and inadequate waste management. Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a major environmental problem globally, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the issue of MP pollution and highlights gaps in the existing literature for future research.
Article
Biology
Isabella Bracchi, Juliana Guimaraes, Catarina Rodrigues, Rui Azevedo, Claudia Matta Coelho, Catia Pinheiro, Juliana Morais, Ines Barreiros-Mota, Virginia Cruz Fernandes, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Edgar Pinto, Andre Moreira-Rosario, Luis Filipe Ribeiro de Azevedo, Claudia Camila Dias, Jorge Lima, Ines Sapinho, Carla Ramalho, Conceicao Calhau, Joao Costa Leite, Agostinho Almeida, Diogo Pestana, Elisa Keating
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the role of essential trace elements in pregnancy health. The findings suggest that high urinary zinc levels increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, but decrease the risk of small head circumference at birth.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luisa Correia-Sa, Virginia C. Fernandes, Maria Luz Maia, Edgar Pinto, Sonia Norberto, Agostinho Almeida, Cristina Santos, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Conceicao Calhau, Valentina F. Domingues
Summary: This study evaluated the exposure of Portuguese children to environmental chemicals through urine analysis and identified predictors of exposure. The results showed that region, age, diet, and weight group were significant predictors of urinary concentrations of certain elements.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Diana Pinto, Ana Sofia Ferreira, Julian Lozano-Castellon, Emily P. Laveriano-Santos, Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventos, Anna Vallverdu-Queralt, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Francisca Rodrigues
Summary: This study evaluated the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of chestnut shells during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The results showed that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of chestnut shells increased during digestion, with enhanced antioxidant, radical scavenging, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Metabolomic profiling revealed changes in compounds during digestion, with phenolic acids and flavonoids being the major identified polyphenolic classes. The bioactivity of chestnut shells was closely related to the phenolic compounds and their bioaccessibility.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sara Sousa, Paula Paiga, Diogo Pestana, Gil Faria, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Maria Joao Ramalhosa, Conceicao Calhau, Valentina Fernandes Domingues
Summary: This article introduces a method for extracting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from adipose tissue samples using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The method has been improved to achieve lower detection and quantification limits, and does not require post-cleanup. Additionally, it can be used for the analysis of other lipophilic compounds.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia Ferreira, Manuela M. Moreira, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Mafalda Sarraguca
Summary: As the world population increases, the overexploitation of natural resources has become a global concern. Changing the way we produce and consume is crucial for protecting the planet and our way of living. Agriculture activities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and valorizing food waste is important for reducing the environmental impact of these activities. Among various extraction techniques, subcritical water extraction (SWE) is a green method that allows high yields using only water as the solvent. This review provides an overview of the SWE process for extracting bioactive compounds from grape biomass, with a focus on circular economy and green extraction.
