Article
Environmental Sciences
Liu Qiang, Zheng Jinping, Guo Zhongling, Fan Chunnan
Summary: The study analyzed the residues of organochlorine pesticides in two rivers, revealing different pollution levels in each river and assessing the impact of human activities on the residues of organochlorines in the environment, highlighting potential health risks and environmental risks.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucia Ivorra, Patricia G. Cardoso, Shek Kiu Chan, Catarina Cruzeiro, Karen Tagulao
Summary: This study used an optimized and validated QuEChERS protocol to extract and quantify 21 insecticides and 5 metabolites in seafood samples (crustaceans, bivalves, and fish-mudskippers). Seven species from the poorly monitored Hong Kong and Macao wet markets were selected based on their commercial importance, abundance, and affordability. The results showed high concentrations of insecticides in mussels from Hong Kong and mudskippers from Macao, suggesting potential health risks, such as neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity, associated with the consumption of fish, bivalves, and crustaceans from these markets. Strict monitoring measures should be implemented to improve the quality and safety of seafood products.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Monirul Islam, Nusrat Jahan Avha, Shamim Ahmed, Md Ahedul Akbor, Md Sofiqul Islam, Farhana Mostafiz, Md Habibullah-Al-Mamun
Summary: The study found that imported fish in Bangladesh contained trace metals exceeding food safety guidelines, while residues of organochlorine pesticides were below detection level. Fish samples from Oman were mostly contaminated by trace metals. Chromium had a higher estimated daily intake.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ammara Taufeeq, Mujtaba Baqar, Faiza Sharif, Mehvish Mumtaz, Sami Ullah, Sadia Aslam, Abdul Qadir, Muzaffar Majid, Huang Jun
Summary: The study uncovered organic chlorine pesticide contamination in River Barandu near tobacco farming areas in Pakistan, with HCHs and heptachlor being the most prevalent. OCP levels in sediments ranged from 32.918 to 98.810 ng/g and in water from 0.340 to 0.935 μg/L. It is recommended to conduct detailed ecological and health risk studies considering the bio-accumulating nature of these contaminants in the food chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li Zhang, Jiaxin Ma, Peipei Liu, Anxiang Qi, Haiyan Jin, Renming Jia, Zhenming Zheng, Cheng Yan, Minghong Cai
Summary: With the prohibition of conventional organochlorine pesticides, the use of current-use pesticides such as organic amine pesticides and organophosphate pesticides in agriculture and mariculture activities has become a global concern. A study in the Beibu Gulf, a subtropical agricultural and maricultural zone, found that pesticides were widely present in seawater and sediment, with the most abundant categories being organic amine pesticides and organophosphate pesticides. The spatial distribution of pesticides showed a decrease from coastal areas to the sea, indicating the impact of anthropogenic activities on pesticides pollution.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dusan Nikolic, Vesna Poleksic, Stefan Skoric, Aleksandra Tasic, Slobodan Stanojevic, Bozidar Raskovic
Summary: This study investigated the concentrations of elements and organochlorine pesticides in the European chub fish in five reservoirs in Serbia. The study found that the accumulation of elements was highest in the gills and the European chub was not a good indicator of Pb pollution. The concentrations of Hg, As, and Cu were low and did not exceed the maximum allowed concentrations. Histopathological analysis showed low to moderate levels of tissue damage in both gills and liver. No significant human health risks from consuming the examined pollutants were recorded in any reservoir, although some muscle samples exceeded the safety limit for Cd. The Gara.si reservoir, which is used for water supply, was considered the safest for fish consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dusan Nikolic, Srdan Subotic, Stefan Skoric
Summary: This study analyzed individuals of common nase from waterbodies with different characteristics and levels of anthropogenic pressure. The results showed that the type of ecosystem and the degree of anthropogenic pressure are important factors in environmental pollution. The fish meat had low levels of metal pollution and was safe for consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muke Han, Aijuan Ma, Zhong Dong, Jie Yin, Bing Shao
Summary: This study analyzed human serum samples collected from the participants of the 2017 Beijing Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance and found that organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were widespread environmental contaminants. The most common contaminants were pentachlorophenol and pyrene. Suburb residents showed significantly higher levels of PAHs compared to urban residents. Exposure to certain contaminants like benzo(a)pyrene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, Pyr, hexachlorobenzene, and pentachlorobenzene were associated with increased risk of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Some serum samples also showed elevated levels of harmful substances that were associated with health risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Musarrat Parween, A. L. Ramanathan, N. Janardhana Raju
Summary: The study aimed at evaluating the environmental quality of the most polluted stretch of river Yamuna in Delhi, focusing on the presence of harmful substances in sediment and vegetable samples, and assessing the ecological and dietary health risks posed to the local population. The results indicated significant contamination of sediments with heavy metals, with some metals reaching levels of high concern, and high translocation factors in vegetables, suggesting bioaccumulation and potential health risks to consumers.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui An, Bin Li, Sining Zhong, Guyu Peng, Jie Li, Ruoqi Ma, Qian Chen, Jinren Ni
Summary: Concerns about groundwater contamination in China have increased due to the growing demand for fresh water and economic development. This study examines the vulnerability of aquifers to hazardous substances in a rapidly urbanizing city, Xiong'an New Area. The researchers collected groundwater samples and identified various emerging organic contaminants (EOCs). They found significant aggregation of EOCs along the Tang River, mainly due to historical residue and accumulation from wastewater storage. The study highlights the importance of controlling groundwater pollution and ensuring drinking water safety in rapidly urbanizing cities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Marriya Sultan, Naima Hamid, Muhammad Junaid, Jin-Jing Duan, De-Sheng Pei
Summary: The extensive use of organochlorine pesticides in Pakistan has led to widespread contamination of various environmental matrices, including freshwater bodies. This study reviewed the data on the fate and distribution of organochlorine pesticides in freshwater resources of Pakistan and assessed their risks to human and ecological health. DDTs were found to be the most prevalent among all the pesticides, with the highest mean concentration observed in River Ravi. The study also identified high-risk water bodies and highlighted the need for proper management and regulation of banned pesticides.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Albrecht Benzing, Hans-Peter Piepho, Waqas Ahmed Malik, Maria R. Finckh, Manuel Mittelhammer, Dominic Strempel, Johannes Jaschik, Jochen Neuendorff, Liliana Guaman, Jose Mancheno, Luis Melo, Omar Pavon, Roberto Cangahuamin, Juan-Carlos Ullauri
Summary: Pesticide residues are lower in organic food compared to conventional food; differences in sample sources can lead to mislabeling of organic products as conventional; sampling methods focusing on short-range drift can differentiate intentional pesticide usage by organic farmers from drift.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mohamed A. Hussein, Omnya S. Hammad, Ahmed E. Tharwat, Wageh S. Darwish, Ahmed Sayed-Ahmed, Frantisek Zigo, Zuzana Farkasova, Ibrahim F. Rehan
Summary: This study investigated the residue levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in different seafood samples collected from the local markets in Mansoura city, Egypt. The results showed that the majority of examined seafood samples had OCP residue levels below the recommended maximum limits, and the estimated daily intake was also below the permitted daily intake. Therefore, these seafood samples have minimal impact on public health.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Boya Zhang, Kenneth M. Langa, Jennifer Weuve, Jennifer D'Souza, Adam Szpiro, Jessica Faul, Carlos Mendes de Leon, Joel D. Kaufman, Lynda Lisabeth, Richard A. Hirth, Sara D. Adar
Summary: This study investigated whether hypertension and stroke serve as mediators and modifiers of the association between PM2.5 and incident dementia. The findings suggest that although hypertension may enhance individuals' susceptibility to air pollution, hypertension and stroke do not significantly mediate or modify the association of PM2.5 with dementia.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stuart Ben Mukiibi, Steven Allan Nyanzi, Justus Kwetegyeka, Chijioke Olisah, Adewale Matthew Taiwo, Edward Mubiru, Emmanuel Tebandeke, Henry Matovu, Silver Odongo, Juma John Moses Abayi, Emily Chelangat Ngeno, Mika Sillanpaa, Patrick Ssebugere
Summary: The study found organochlorine pesticide residues in honey samples collected near an abandoned pesticide store in Masindi District, western Uganda, posing potential health risks to honey consumers. Lindane, endosulfan, and p, p?-DDD detected in the honey samples above the acute reference dose levels are known risk factors for adverse health effects.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sinegugu Khulu, Somandla Ncube, Tebogo Kgame, Elizabeth Mavhunga, Luke Chimuka
Summary: A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was developed for selective and efficient extraction of pharmaceuticals from water samples. Batch adsorption and kinetic studies showed multiple interactions through chemisorption, leading to successful development of an analytical method for quantification of compounds using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The MIP was evaluated as a selective adsorption sorbent for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of pharmaceuticals in water samples, with recoveries ranging from 43 to 69%.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lawrence Mzukisi Madikizela, Luke Chimuka, Somandla Ncube
Summary: This study focused on the concentrations and sources of metals in two important rivers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Most of the essential metals were within the guidelines for domestic water use, except for selenium and iron. Cadmium and lead concentrations exceeded the South African Water Quality Guidelines and World Health Organization limits. The wastewater treatment plant effluent and municipal dumpsite leachates were found to affect metal ion concentrations in the rivers.
ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sinegugu Khulu, Somandla Ncube, Yannick Nuapia, Lawrence Mzukisi Madikizela, Hlanganani Tutu, Heidi Richards, Kuria Ndungu, Elizabeth Mavhunga, Luke Chimuka
Summary: This work presents the development and evaluation of a two-way technique combining membrane assisted solvent extraction and a molecularly imprinted polymer for selective and efficient extraction of five pharmaceuticals from surface water. The optimized method yielded detection and quantification limits ranging from 0.09 to 0.20 ng mL-1 and 0.31-0.69 ng mL-1, respectively, with recoveries ranging from 38 to 91% for the selected model compounds. Application of the method in South African river water analysis detected all selected pharmaceuticals, with nevirapine and venlafaxine being the most prominent.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lawrence M. Madikizela, Yannick B. Nuapia, Luke Chimuka, Somandla Ncube, Anita Etale
Summary: The prevalence of pharmaceuticals in African water bodies has not been sufficiently quantified. This study conducted a suspect screening followed by target monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the Klip River, South Africa. A total of 47 pharmaceuticals were detected, with 31 of them being detected for the first time in South African waters. Seven of the detected pharmaceuticals are not approved medications in South Africa. The highest concentrations were found for flumequine, oxolinic acid, and acetaminophen. Oxolinic acid presented the highest hazard quotient, indicating a risk of toxicity to aquatic organisms. Further research is needed to understand the fate and risks of pharmaceuticals in surface waters. Accumulation of these drugs can potentially affect humans through the consumption of fish or other aquatic organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Lindani Mdlalose, Mohammed Balogun, Katlego Setshedi, Maris Klavins, Luke Chimuka, Avashnee Chetty
Summary: Phosphorus removal from effluents is crucial in preventing eutrophication. This study investigated the development and performance of poly(phenylenediamine) isometric adsorbents synthesized using different oxidants, with K2Cr2O7 synthesized polymers demonstrating superior adsorption capacities. The presence of Cr Lewis acid on the surface facilitated phosphate interaction through inner-sphere complex mechanism, showcasing the potential for effective phosphorus removal from wastewater.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dalia Saad, Patricia Chauke, Ewa Cukrowska, Heidi Richards, Josiane Nikiema, Luke Chimuka, Hlanganani Tutu
Summary: This study is the first to report the ingestion of microplastics by freshwater fish in the Vaal River in South Africa. It found that microplastics were detected in all of the examined fish, predominantly in the form of fibers and colored particles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lindani Mdlalose, Luke Chimuka
Summary: This review evaluates the detection of plastic microbeads in aqueous and solid phases, discusses the contradictory quantification of microbeads using traditional analytical techniques and the implications of using coupled systems. It also explains recent advances in the dispersal and interaction of microbeads with other pollutants in the environment and the complications of isolation in sewage sludge.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thapelo Ramalepe, Heidi Richards, Hlanganani Tutu, Yannick Nuapia, Eutilerio Chauque, Imasiku Nyambe, Luke Chimuka
Summary: This study aimed to optimize the QuEChERS method and compare it with Moringa Oleifera seed protein for the extraction of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The optimization process utilized the response surface methodology approach. The results showed that Moringa Oleifera seed protein had better selectivity and lower detection limits, demonstrating its potential as a promising clean-up sorbent in the QuEChERS method.
JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kgomotso Maiphetlho, Khathutshelo Netshiongolwe, Hlanganani Tutu, Luke Chimuka, Heidi Richards
Summary: Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant source of environmental contamination, and current remediation methods are expensive or ineffective. This study reports on the design and application of a passive remediation device using a polymer inclusion membrane to recover metal ions from AMD. The results show promising potential for this method in the future.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Odwa Mbanga, Ewa Cukrowska, Mary Gulumian
Summary: This study used continuous flow through system to predict the behavior of gold, silver, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in real life situations. The physicochemical properties and agglomeration state of the nanoparticles were examined before and after dissolution tests. The results showed that gold and silver nanoparticles were spherical, while titanium dioxide nanoparticles were irregular in shape. The half-times of dissolution for TiO2 NPs, AuNPs, and AgNPs were 13-14 days, 4-12 days, and 2-7 days respectively, indicating a hierarchy of biodurability and persistence.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chibuye Bitwell, Singh Sen Indra, Chimuka Luke, Maseka Kenneth Kakoma
Summary: Phytochemicals have been valuable in healthcare and drug synthesis. Researchers are continuously exploring better extraction methods, including modern and green techniques. This review critically analyzes different extraction techniques and their applications.
SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chibuye Bitwell, Singh Indra Sen, Chimuka Luke, Maseka Kenneth Kakoma
Summary: This study aimed to identify the phytochemicals present in Diplorhynchus condylocarpon (Mull.Arg.) Pichon and evaluate their antioxidant activity. The preliminary screening revealed the presence of antioxidants, polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids. The methanol extracts from the leaves showed the highest total phenolic content and exhibited dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activities, supporting their traditional therapeutic benefits.
SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edith J. Singini, Yannick Nuapia, Luke Chimuka, Ida M. Risenga
Summary: Extreme changes in climate, especially temperature, can affect herbal plants globally. This study investigated the impact of high temperatures and exposure duration on the essential oil yield and trichome characteristics of Lippia javanica leaves. The results showed that increasing temperatures led to higher oil yield, longer trichomes, and larger trichome diameters. The study also identified significant chemical differences between the essential oils of control and treated samples, indicating that L. javanica has coping mechanisms against high temperatures.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Lawrence Mzukisi Madikizela, Hlanganani Tutu, Ewa Cukrowska, Luke Chimuka
Summary: Membrane protected extraction is an innovative technique for isolating and pre-concentrating analytes from complex samples. It allows for sample clean-up, extraction, and pre-treatment to occur in a single step, with the inclusion of solid sorbents ensuring selective double extraction. This approach eliminates the need for additional clean-up steps and provides advantages in terms of selectivity.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S'Busiso M. Nkosi, Precious N. Mahlambi, Luke Chimuka
Summary: The scope of this study was to synthesize and characterize a multi-template molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for the extraction of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from aqueous solutions. The results showed that the MIP had high adsorption capacity and selectivity for the target compounds, as demonstrated by adsorption experiments and analysis. The kinetic study revealed second-order rate adsorption and the Langmuir model explained the adsorption isotherm data.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY-SUID-AFRIKAANSE TYDSKRIF VIR CHEMIE
(2022)
