Article
Food Science & Technology
Rekha C. Balachandran, Frank M. Yanko, Pinjing Cheng, Lisa M. Prince, Chloe N. Rivers, Patricia Morcillo, Ayodele J. Akinyemi, Sana Tabbassum, Anna C. Pfalzer, Linda H. Nie, Michael Aschner, Aaron B. Bowman
Summary: The study found that hair is not a reliable biomarker for internal manganese exposure, but can be indicative of elevated mercury levels in mice exposed to methylmercury. Whole body manganese content was significantly higher in mice and rats exposed to manganese as determined by neutron activation analysis.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kremena Ivanova, Desislava Dzhunakova, Zdenka Stojanovska, Jana Djounova, Bistra Kunovska, Nina Chobanova
Summary: This study investigated the radon concentration in air and water in 12 Bulgarian rehabilitation hospitals and evaluated the exposure to radon there. The results showed a correlation between indoor radon levels in treatment rooms and radon levels in the water used for treatment. It was also found that the mineral water in these hospitals have varying radon transfer coefficients.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andrej Pavlic, Gabrijela Begic, Marin Tota, Maja Abram, Stjepan Spalj, Ivana Gobin
Summary: The presence of nickel can affect the behavior and susceptibility of bacteria. Bacteria adapted to lower concentrations of nickel demonstrated better adhesion to nickel-titanium archwires, higher biofilm formation, and increased antimicrobial resistance compared to strains adapted to higher concentrations of nickel.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maryam Moradnia, Hossein Movahedian Attar, Zahra Heidari, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Roya Kelishadi
Summary: The study aimed to measure the concentrations of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in urinary samples of Iranian pregnant females and their correlations with different lifestyle variables. The results showed that associations existed between Cr and Ni concentrations with factors such as cooking utensil materials, cosmetic use, and second-hand smoking exposure during pregnancy. Lifestyle determinants and cosmetic products were found to have a greater influence on predicting urinary heavy metals in Iranian pregnant women compared to socio-demographic characteristics.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shirong Lv, Xuefeng Lai, Wenting Guo, Miao Liu, Meng Li, Huihua Yang, Liangle Yang, Xiaomin Zhang
Summary: In a panel study conducted in Guangzhou, 144 healthy children aged 4 to 12 years were examined to evaluate the associations between short-term co-exposure to a mixture of metals and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). The results showed that nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and antimony (Sb) were independently and linearly associated with mtDNAcn. Increased levels of these metals were associated with decreased mtDNAcn. The associations between nickel and manganese with decreased mtDNAcn were stronger in younger children, girls, and those with lower vegetable and fruit intake.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carolina Lopez Sanguos, Laura Gallego Garcia, Olalla Lopez Suarez, Rosaura Picans-Leis, Elena Martinez-Carballo, Maria Luz Couce
Summary: Hair sample analysis is becoming increasingly popular for detecting organic pollutants. In this study, levels of 60 organic pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants, were measured in 110 hair samples from a patient cohort in north-western Spain. The study found significant correlations between organic pollutant levels and factors such as place of residence, maternal age, and pet ownership. The research also identified common sources of exposure to different classes of organic pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sajjad Abbasi, Andrew Turner
Summary: The study quantitatively assessed the exposure of microplastics to adults from different regions of Iran. It found that the highest amount of microplastics were retrieved from head hair, while the lowest were from saliva. Males were exposed to about twice as much microplastics as females. The most abundant type of microplastics found in all body receptors were polyethylene-polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene fibres of < 100 μm in length.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Patthrarawalai Sirinara, Yupin Patarapongsant, Siwaporn Nilyai, Kanidta Sooklert, Thasinas Dissayabutra, Rojrit Rojanathanes, Amornpun Sereemaspun
Summary: This study examined the levels of eight heavy metals in urine and hair samples of printing factory workers in Bangkok, Thailand, and analyzed their inter-element relationships. The average concentrations of most metals were found to be above the upper reference values, with significantly higher levels of nickel in production line workers. There was also a strong positive correlation between nickel and cobalt levels in hair samples. This study reveals possible dependencies and impact interactions of heavy metal exposure in printing factory workers.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sultan Majed Al-Salem
Summary: This study focused on investigating heavy metal concentrations in soil after degrading different types of plastics commonly used in the market. The results showed that leachate from the plastics might contain transferred metals, especially nickel. Concentrations of nickel and chromium exceeded guidelines, indicating the need for remediation. The study also highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal to avoid metal contamination over time.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingwen Yang, Qing Xie, Yongmin Wang, Juan Wang, Yongjiang Zhang, Cheng Zhang, Dingyong Wang
Summary: The study found that residents around the Three Gorges Reservoir have low exposure to chromium and arsenic, but lead exposure may require more attention. Smoking and fish consumption were identified as predictors for lead levels in hair. Additionally, the intake of chromium and arsenic through studied food was under recommended thresholds, while the intake of lead exceeded limits for chronic kidney disease and was close to the threshold for cardiovascular issues.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Ubaid Ali, Chuan Wang, Yuan Li, Xingang Jin, Shaochen Yang, Li Ding, Lin Feng, Bo Wang, Ping Li
Summary: The study investigated heavy metals concentrations in human hair based on fish consumption patterns in Qingdao, Xiamen, and Zhoushan. Acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) were used to determine the concentrations. Health risks were assessed using models from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). High concentrations of heavy metals were found in hair, especially in middle-aged groups and females. Significant correlations were observed between hair arsenic, chromium, copper concentrations and fish consumption frequency. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were identified, indicating potential health hazards in the study areas.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feng-Shan Cai, Bin Tang, Jing Zheng, Xiao Yan, Wei-Keng Luo, Mian He, Xiao-Jun Luo, Ming-Zhong Ren, Yun-Jiang Yu, Bi-Xian Mai
Summary: This study investigated the levels and compositions of typical organic contaminants (OCs) in infant hair samples in Guangzhou, China. Most of the target OCs were detected and the concentrations in infant hair were higher than those in maternal samples. The study also examined the associations between maternal and infant hair for individual compounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanjie Lin, Chao Feng, Sunyang Le, Xinlei Qiu, Qian Xu, Shuping Jin, Yamin Fang, Yu'e Jin, Yimin Wen, Guoquan Wang, Dasheng Lu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the exposure of breast-fed infants in Shanghai to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The results showed that the distribution pattern of POPs in human milk differed from that in infant hair, but they had stable concentration ratios and similar distribution patterns between internal and external hair samples. Infant hair can be an ideal biomatrix for estimating exposure to POPs from exogenous sources like house dust.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. Alborough, P. A. Graham, D. S. Gardner
Summary: This study assessed the habitual iodine intake in domestic cats by conducting a dietary survey and analyzing commercial cat feeds. The findings suggest that domestic cats are likely to experience chronically low or fluctuating dietary iodine intake, which is supported by wide variation in urine iodine content.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shaochen Yang, Bo Wang, Chongyang Qin, Runsheng Yin, Ping Li, Jinling Liu, David Point, Laurence Maurice, Jeroen E. Sonke, Leiming Zhang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: The study utilized MMHg-CSIA to quantify human MMHg sources and found that human exposure to MMHg was primarily from fishery foods, with less impact from rice consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Kuldeep Dhama, Khan Sharun, Mudasir B. Gugjoo, Ruchi Tiwari, Mahmoud Alagawany, Mohd. Iqbal Yatoo, Pallavi Thakur, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Wanpen Chaicumpa, Izabela Michalak, Shaaban S. Elnesr, Mayada R. Farag
Summary: Ocimum basilicum, also known as sweet basil, is a herb with multiple beneficial health effects and medicinal values. It has the potential for treating various ailments and diseases in both humans and animals.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katarzyna Mikula, Maciej Konieczka, Rafal Taf, Dawid Skrzypczak, Grzegorz Izydorczyk, Konstantinos Moustakas, Marek Kulazynski, Katarzyna Chojnacka, Anna Witek-Krowiak
Summary: The studies demonstrate that solid tannery waste, such as shavings, can be utilized as high-protein materials for producing fertilizers in line with the concept of circular economy. Response surface methodology is used to determine the optimal process parameters for maximizing hydrolysis efficiency. The research also reveals variations in chromium concentrations and amino acid profiles under different hydrolysis conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Mateusz Samoraj, Agnieszka Dmytryk, Lukasz Tuhy, Anna Zdunek, Piotr Rusek, Konstantinos Moustakas, Katarzyna Chojnacka
Summary: The residues of alfalfa and goldenrod, after supercritical CO2 extraction, show a high capacity for carrying micronutrients and producing energy. They meet the EU regulation requirements for fertilizers and can be used as solid biofuel or combustion promoters.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Natalia Niedzbala, Katarzyna Dziergowska, Maja Welna, Anna Szymczycha-Madeja, Jacek Checmanowski, Nathalie Bourgougnon, Izabela Michalak
Summary: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using seaweed extract and proved to be effective in removing Cr(III) ions from wastewater. The study compared the biosorption properties of the seaweed itself and the post-extraction residue. ZnO NPs showed the highest sorption capacity (137 mg/g) among all the sorbents tested, indicating their potential as a sorbent for metal ion removal. The use of renewable seaweed biomass for nanoparticle biosynthesis highlights the sustainability of this approach in environmental protection.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anne-Sophie Burlot, Yolanda Freile-Pelegrin, Nathalie Bourgougnon, Hugo Pliego-Cortes, Romain Boulho, Ana Penuela, Olivia Spain, Manon Choulot, Stephanie Bondu, Nolwenn Terme, Thomas Latire, Gilles Bedoux, Izabela Michalak, Daniel Robledo, Eric Deslandes
Summary: Solieria spp. is a type of red macroalgae that can be found in various marine and estuarine habitats. It is widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to its carrageenan content. Solieria spp. also has potential applications in Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture, extraction processes, purification processes, and biorefineries. This review focuses on the biology, ecophysiology, biochemical composition, and applications of Solieria spp., mainly focusing on the species Solieria chordalis and Solieria filiformis.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karolina Krautforst, Anna Szymczycha-Madeja, Maja Welna, Izabela Michalak
Summary: This study presented a comprehensive approach to the management of brown seaweed-Fucus vesiculosus. An algal extract, produced using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), served as a biostimulant for plant growth. The concentration of the extract with the greatest influence on radish biometric parameters was determined in germination tests. The seaweed itself and the post-extraction residue were used as soil additives, stimulating plant growth. Pot tests on sorghum showed positive effects on plant weight, length, and chlorophyll content compared to the control group. Preliminary studies on the bioremediation of soil contaminated with Zn(II) ions using the soil additives were also conducted.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Anna Maria Paradowska-Stolarz, Mieszko Wieckiewicz, Marcin Mikulewicz, Andrzej Malysa, Irena Dus-Ilnicka, Piotr Seweryn, Joanna Laskowska, Maria Cristina Figueiredo Pollamann, Malgorzata Adamska, Joanna Wezgowiec
Summary: The mechanical properties of three 3D printable resins, including IBT Resin, BioMed Amber Resin, and Dental LT Clear Resin, were compared. The results showed that IBT Resin had the lowest strength, while Dental LT Clear Resin had the highest strength.
DENTAL AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Abdulaziz Alhotan, Zbigniew Raszewski, Rasha A. A. Alamoush, Katarzyna Chojnacka, Marcin Mikulewicz, Julfikar Haider
Summary: This study investigated the effect of a recently developed commercial artificial saliva on 17 commercially available restorative materials. It was found that storing the materials in an acidic environment reduced their compressive and flexural strength. However, all composite materials still met the standard requirements after long-term storage in an acidic environment.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Godlewska, Pawel Pacyga, Agnieszka Najda, Izabela Michalak
Summary: The aim of this publication is to propose rapid screening methods for the identification of biologically active compounds in aqueous solutions. Plant extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction were analyzed for the content of these compounds. Initial characterization using fast and inexpensive methods allows for avoiding time-consuming analyses with advanced research equipment. Additionally, the antioxidant activity and quantitative analysis of plant hormones were performed.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sylwia Lewandowska, Katarzyna Dziergowska, Renata Galek, Izabela Michalak
Summary: The effect of extract obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) from Cladophora glomerata on the germination and early growth of three narrow-leaved lupin varieties was investigated. Results showed that the concentration of the extract significantly influenced the growth of seedlings, with the 20% extract demonstrating better stimulation effect on all lupin cultivars.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zbigniew Raszewski, Marcin Mikulewicz, Dariusz Brzakalski, Daria Pakula, Robert E. Przekop
Summary: In this study, alginate materials with the addition of 0.25-1.0 wt% silver-containing zirconium phosphate-based ion exchange resin were investigated and compared with commercial alginate impression products. The newly developed alginate materials met the requirements of ISO 21563:2021 and exhibited bacteriostatic properties against Streptococcus mutans.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Luz Adriana Diaz, Jorge Dias Carlier, Izabela Michalak, Maria Clara Costa
Summary: The biosorption parameters of carob kibbles were optimized to remove boron from aqueous solutions. The results showed that carob kibbles had a high capacity for boron removal at high initial pH values, and this capacity was influenced by boron initial concentration, biosorbent content, and particle size. Temperature had no effect on the boron removal efficiency of the biomass. This study suggests that carob kibble agro-waste can be effectively used as a biosorbent for boron removal in wastewater treatment.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Katarzyna Chojnacka, Konstantinos Moustakas, Marcin Mikulewicz
Summary: The article discusses new strategies for remediating soils contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. The study focuses on investigating the combined effects of plant-microorganism-functional materials to enhance the reduction of soil contamination with toxic chemicals. The article highlights the importance of functional materials as a habitat for microorganisms, the role of microorganisms in partial biodegradation and plant growth stimulation, and the synthesis of root exudates by plants to facilitate microorganism activities. The cooperation of these three factors produces a synergistic effect that is more effective than individual approaches, such as phytoremediation or the use of microorganisms or functional materials alone. The article provides key examples of the synergistic effects observed in this study.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Magdalena B. Labowska, Maria Skrodzka, Hanna Sicinska, Izabela Michalak, Jerzy Detyna
Summary: This manuscript presents a kinetic analysis of water evaporation from sodium alginate-based hydrogels under different environmental conditions. The results suggest that lower temperatures and higher humidity contribute to better water retention in the hydrogel structure.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Dawid Skrzypczak, Grzegorz Izydorczyk, Rafal Taf, Konstantinos Moustakas, Katarzyna Chojnacka
Summary: The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led to the development of novel ecofriendly fertilizers based on cellulose. Cellulose-based fertilizers improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient accessibility. Laboratory and greenhouse evaluations demonstrate that these fertilizers can increase crop productivity, nutrient accessibility, and soil health.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)