Article
Food Science & Technology
Syamilah Nordin, Nurul Afifah Samsudin, Effarizah Mohd Esah, Latiffah Zakaria, Jinap Selamat, Mohd Azuar Hamizan Rahman, Norlia Mahror
Summary: This study aimed to identify and assess the fungal contamination and mycotoxigenic potential of spices commonly used in Malaysian cuisine. The results showed the risk of fungal infection in spices and potential exposure to mycotoxins.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jinyang Li, Wenbo Wang, Sifan Chen, Tao Shao, Xuxiong Tao, Xianjun Yuan
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of lactic acid bacteria on fermentation quality, mycotoxin concentrations, and microbial communities of whole-crop corn silages infested with mycotoxigenic fungi. Lactic acid bacteria inoculants decreased mycotoxin concentrations and improved the acidity of corn silages after 90 days of ensiling.
Article
Microbiology
Manoj Kumar Solanki, Ahmed Abdelfattah, Sudharsan Sadhasivam, Varda Zakin, Michael Wisniewski, Samir Droby, Edward Sionov
Summary: The microbiome of stored wheat grains contains beneficial bacteria and yeast that show strong antagonistic properties against mycotoxigenic fungi. Bacillus strains were found to significantly reduce fungal load in wheat grains, while the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis was able to degrade aflatoxin B-1. These findings suggest the potential of using microbial antagonists to reduce fungal and mycotoxin contamination in grains.
Article
Agronomy
P. Christiaan Biemond, Tjeerd Jan Stomph, P. Lava Kumar, Paul C. Struik
Summary: Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi on agricultural produce, posing persistent threats to human and animal health. Air-borne spores are the main mode of spread, and consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated maize can lead to health hazards such as cancer.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liping Ma, Xiao-Tao Jiang, Lei Guan, Bing Li, Tong Zhang
Summary: This study used deep sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to investigate the microbial diversity and biogeography of household drinking water samples from 29 provinces/regions in China. The results showed that the spatial turnover of drinking water communities is influenced by rainfall and water source river. Potential pathogenic species that may pose health risks were also identified.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maya Spaur, Melissa A. Lombard, Joseph D. Ayotte, David E. Harvey, Benjamin C. Bostick, Steven N. Chillrud, Ana Navas-Acien, Anne E. Nigra
Summary: Geogenic arsenic contamination mainly occurs in groundwater, while surface water supplies are less affected. There is a significant association between the probability of private well arsenic exceeding 10 pg/L and CWS arsenic concentrations, especially in Rural, American Indian, and Semi Urban, Hispanic counties, suggesting the need for increased regulatory support and research to reduce arsenic exposure in these vulnerable subpopulations. This comparison of arsenic exposure values from major private and public drinking water sources nationwide is crucial for future assessments of drinking water arsenic exposure and health outcomes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marina Brettraeger, Thomas Becker, Martina Gastl
Summary: A quantitative real-time PCR assay based on SYBR Green technology was established for the detection and quantification of black fungal species on brewing barley. The study found that Alternaria and Cladosporium spp. DNA were present in barley samples even without visible contamination. Molecular analysis showed a decrease in fungal biomass after malting. The qPCR method provides a highly sensitive and time-saving screening method for detecting latent fungal infections in brewing grains.
Article
Microbiology
Paula de la Huerta-Bengoechea, Jessica Gil-Serna, Clara Melguizo, Antonio J. Ramos, Montserrat Prim, Covadonga Vazquez, Belen Patino
Summary: This study isolated potential microorganisms from organic vineyard soils in Spain that have the ability to inhibit fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Among the isolates, Arthrobacter sp., Rhodococcus sp., and Bacillus mycoides showed excellent potential for controlling toxigenic grape fungi. Further research is needed for their possible industrial application as biological control agents.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tania Villarreal-Barajas, Alma Vazquez-Duran, Abraham Mendez-Albores
Summary: Electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) is a new antimicrobial agent in the agrofood industry, produced by electrolysis of water without added chemicals except for sodium chloride. It offers advantages over conventional chemical methods, including less chemical residues, safe-handling, secure, energy-saving, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly. EOW provides a safer and more socially acceptable solution for fungi decontamination and mycotoxin detoxification.
Article
Microbiology
Lucile Pellan, Cheikh Ahmeth Tidiane Dieye, Noel Durand, Angelique Fontana, Caroline Strub, Sabine Schorr-Galindo
Summary: The study aimed to develop experiments to understand the mechanisms of biocontrol agents against major mycotoxigenic fungi in cereals, revealing different strategies and antagonist activities in the interaction between BCAs and pathogens.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Leila Peivasteh-Roudsari, Mohadeseh Pirhadi, Razieh Shahbazi, Hadi Eghbaljoo-Gharehgheshlaghi, Mahtab Sepahi, Adel Mirza Alizadeh, Behrouz Tajdar-oranj, Sahar Jazaeri
Summary: To prevent and control mycotoxins, a combination of strategies including environmental control, good agricultural and manufacturing practices, suitable storage conditions, proper quality assurance programs, and bio-safe post-harvest detoxifying methods is needed. The most effective methods are those carried out before the fungal infestation and mycotoxin production on the plant.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Peng, Feifei Yao, Shuang Xiong, Zhonghua Wu, Geng Niu, Taotao Lu
Summary: This study revealed the concentration and spatial distribution of Sr in public drinking water across China, showing regional differences in Sr concentration. The research found that the health risks of Sr in drinking water are relatively low, with infants having the highest hazard index.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jonathan V. Lewis, Emily A. Knapp, Shivani Bakre, Aisha S. Dickerson, Theresa M. Bastain, Casper Bendixsen, Deborah H. Bennett, Carlos A. Camargo, Andrea E. Cassidy-Bushrow, Elena Colicino, Viren D'Sa, Dana Dabelea, Sean Deoni, Anne L. Dunlop, Amy J. Elliott, Shohreh F. Farzan, Assiamira Ferrara, Rebecca C. Fry, Tina Hartert, Caitlin G. Howe, Linda G. Kahn, Margaret R. Karagas, Teng-Fei Ma, Daphne Koinis-Mitchell, Debra MacKenzie, Luis E. Maldonado, Francheska M. Merced-Nieves, Jenae M. Neiderhiser, Anne E. Nigra, Zhongzheng Niu, Sara S. Nozadi, Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Thomas G. O'Connor, Sarah Osmundson, Amy M. Padula, Alicia K. Peterson, Allison R. Sherris, Anne Starling, Jennifer K. Straughen, Rosalind J. Wright, Qi Zhao, Amii M. Kress
Summary: This study examined the relationship between preconception and prenatal exposure to arsenic violations in drinking water and birth outcomes. The results showed that continuous exposure to arsenic in drinking water was associated with higher birth weight. However, no significant associations were found between preconception or prenatal exposure to arsenic violations and other birth outcomes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dimosthenis Kizis, Aikaterini-Eleni Vichou, Pantelis I. Natskoulis
Summary: This article presents the impact of mycotoxins and related fungi in the grape food chain, emphasizing the importance of mycotoxin detection and providing a brief introduction to various analytical techniques and their application in testing grape and derived products.
Article
Microbiology
Mara Quaglia, Giovanni Beccari, Giovanna Fabiana Vella, Riccardo Filippucci, Dario Buldini, Andrea Onofri, Michael Sulyok, Lorenzo Covarelli
Summary: This study analyzed 25 marketed quinoa seed samples for the presence of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins. Fungal microorganisms were found in all samples, but no mycotoxins were detected. Morphological and molecular characterization identified 19 fungal species from five different genera, with 13 being first reported on quinoa. The geographical origin, farming system, and packaging were found to affect the presence of different fungal species, indicating the influence of different steps in the quinoa supply chain. However, the marketed quinoa seeds analyzed were free from mycotoxins.
Article
Microbiology
Chimdi M. Kalu, Henry J. O. Ogola, Ramganesh Selvarajan, Memory Tekere, Khayalethu Ntushelo
Summary: This study investigated the symbiotic associations between Phragmites australis and rhizospheric bacterial communities under acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution. The results showed that AMD pollution and root localization significantly affected the root metabolome profiles. Bacterial diversity and richness were lower under high-AMD pollution, and certain bacterial taxa were more abundant in AMD-polluted habitats. Environmental factors such as pH, total dissolved solids, and metal content strongly influenced the metabolite profiles and bacterial taxa in the rhizosphere.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alemu Shiferaw Debela, Mekibib Dawit, Memory Tekere, Fisseha Itanna
Summary: This study evaluates the potential of Phytolacca dodecandra L to remediate Pb and Cd from contaminated sites in Addis Ababa, and the results show that it has significant remediation capabilities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bongayi Kudoma, Memory Tekere
Summary: This study discusses environmental issues such as global warming and ozone depletion, focusing on the strategy for phasing out HCFC-22 and emphasizing the importance of involvement of key stakeholders and information dissemination. Results show differences in awareness and product knowledge of HCFC-22 among different groups, indicating gaps in awareness raising and training.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Terrence S. Malatjie, Tarryn L. Botha, Memory Tekere, Alex T. Kuvarega, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Bhekie B. Mamba, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: The application of nanocomposite materials in water treatment has gained popularity, but their potential toxic effects on aquatic organisms need to be investigated. This study examined the toxic effects of two types of TiO2/C-NHs on D. magna and found that they can cause toxicity through the generation of ROS.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Terrence S. Malatjie, Tarryn L. Botha, Alex T. Kuvarega, Ntakadzeni Madima, Karin de Bruyn, Memory Tekere, Thabo T. Nkambule, Bhekie B. Mamba, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: A wide range of semiconductor-assisted photocatalytic nanomaterials are being investigated as potential photocatalysts in water treatment. The use of nanocomposites composed of nano-TiO2 and MWCNTs is increasing due to their enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. However, the potential risks of these nanosystems in aquatic systems are not well understood. In this study, the toxic effects of TiO2/MWCNT-CNF nanocomposite on freshwater microalgae were assessed. The nanocomposite showed enhanced dye removal performance but also caused algal growth inhibition and sublethal oxidative stress effects. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the potential hazards of nanocomposites in wastewater treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beauclair Nguegang, Vhahangwele Masindi, Titus Alfred Msagati Makudali, Memory Tekere
Summary: This study developed a hybrid approach using a nano-and-biotic system to treat acid mine drainage (AMD). The treatment process involved neutralization using MgO-nanoparticles (NPs) and polishing the water using a series of wetlands. The results showed that the system effectively removed metals and inorganic contaminants, and the product water met the standards for effluent discharge, demonstrating the potential for sustainable mine water management.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Luther King Abia Akebe, Timothy Sibanda, Ramganesh Selvarajan, Mohamed Azab El-Liethy, Ilunga Kamika
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kennedy Achieng Odhiambo, Henry Joseph Oduor Ogola, Benson Onyango, Memory Tekere, Grace N. Ijoma
Summary: This study analyzed the bacterial distribution and metabolic functions in sediment of two urban streams in Kenya. The results showed that the highly urbanized areas of the streams had severely polluted sediment with potential pathogenic bacteria. Environmental factors were found to be significant drivers of bacterial community composition.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Akebe Luther King Abia, Memory Tekere
Summary: This study investigated the impact of lockdown on surface water microbial quality in an urban water catchment in South Africa. The findings revealed that there was no significant change in microbial quality during the COVID-19 restrictions. However, contaminated water could still pose a health risk to immunocompromised individuals.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ramganesh Selvarajan, Henry Ogola, Chimdi M. M. Kalu, Timothy Sibanda, Chinedu Obize
Summary: This study utilized high-throughput sequencing and physicochemical analyses to explore the structural composition and functional diversity of soil bacterial communities at illegal waste dump sites. Results showed significant differences in bacterial diversity between litter-free soil and contaminated sites, with Actinobacteria dominating in dumpsite soils potentially serving as a biomarker for pollution. Functional profiling revealed genes involved in degradative pathways in dump site soils, and community-level physiological profile analyses indicated active bacterial communities with significant catabolic capacity.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ramganesh Selvarajan, Chinedu Obize, Timothy Sibanda, Akebe Luther King Abia, Haijun Long
Summary: Antibiotics were once hailed as a magic bullet against infections, but their effectiveness has been significantly reduced due to the emergence and widespread of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms. This review explores the history and ecological roles of antibiotics, the evolution of antibiotic resistance in different environments, and the impact of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on public health and the environment. Strategies for addressing the antibiotic resistance challenge are also discussed.
Article
Plant Sciences
Magdalena Elizabeth Lang, Timothy Sibanda, Stefan Louw, Jean Damascene Uzabakiriho
Summary: This study isolated and characterized endophytic actinobacteria from the Kalahari Desert plant,Harpagophytum procumbens, and evaluated their antimicrobial activity and taxonomic diversity. The ethyl acetate fraction showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, especially against gram-negative bacteria. Genetic analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of bioactive compounds. These findings suggest that endophytic actinobacteria from H. procumbens are diverse and have the potential to produce antimicrobial compounds.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Linda U. Obi, Ashira Roopnarain, Memory Tekere, Rasheed A. Adeleke
Summary: The utilization of water hyacinth for biogas production is an effective solution for controlling water hyacinth and addressing the global renewable energy challenge. This study investigates the potential of water hyacinth inoculum to enhance methane production during anaerobic digestion. The results show that the inclusion of water hyacinth inoculum significantly increases methane production and improves the quality of the digestate as a soil fertility enhancer.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ntsako Dellas Baloyi, Memory Tekere, Khumbudzo Walter Maphangwa, Vhahangwele Masindi
Summary: This study assessed the temporal dynamics and ecotoxicological risk of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in aquatic ecosystems. Water samples were collected from seven selected sites over six consecutive months to evaluate seasonal variabilities. The results showed that DBP was the most abundant PAE homologue, and DBP and DiDP posed high risk to aquatic organisms. The findings are important for guiding regulators, custodians, and catchment management forums in understanding the status and potential effects of PAEs in the environment.
Review
Agronomy
Felicitas M. Fwanyanga, Lydia N. Horn, Timothy Sibanda, Barbara Reinhold-Hurek
Summary: Bambara groundnut is the third most significant food legume in Africa, but its yields are declining due to environmental factors. The use of rhizobial inoculants can improve crop yields, but it is under-utilized in Sub-Saharan African countries. Rhizobial inoculants are a cheaper, easier, and safer method for improving nitrogen fixation and crop productivity compared to nitrogen fertilizers.
FRONTIERS IN AGRONOMY
(2022)
