An assessment of the levels of phthalate esters and metals in the Muledane open dump, Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This work reports the determination of the levels of phthalate esters (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP)) and metals (lead, cadmium, manganese, zinc, iron, calcium) in composite soil samples. The soil samples were collected randomly within the Muledane open dump, Thohoyandou, Limpopo province, South Africa. Control samples were collected about 200 m away from the open dump. The phthalate esters were separated and determined by capillary gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector, whilst the metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Open dump values for the phthalate esters and metals to be generally higher in comparison to control samples for DMP, DEP, DBP and DEHP – the mean values calculated were 0.31 ± 0.12, 0.21 ± 0.05, 0.30 ± 0.07, and 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively, for the open dump soil samples. Nonetheless, the mean open dump values for lead, cadmium, manganese, zinc, iron and calcium were 0.07 ± 0.04, 0.003 ± 0.001, 5.02 ± 1.92, 0.31 ± 0.02, 11.62 ± 9.48 and 0.12 ± 0.13 mg/kg, respectively. The results were compared statistically.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results revealed that the discarding of wastes into the open dump is a potential source of soil contamination in the immediate vicinity and beyond, <it>via </it>dispersal. Increased levels of phthalate esters and metals in the soil pose a risk to public health, plants and animals. Sustained monitoring of these contaminants is recommended, in addition to upgrading the facility to a landfill.</p

High Levels of IgA Antibodies to Helicobacter Pylori among Omani Women during Pregnancy and after Delivery

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is a common infection in pregnant women accompanied by variations in the levels of the IgM, IgA and IgG antibody isotypes. The variations of anti-H. pylori antibodies during and after pregnancy, and the extent of protection they provide to the mother and the fetus are not completely understood. Objectives: To investigate the changes of the anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG levels in healthy Omani pregnant women during pregnancy and 3 months after delivery. Methods: Serum samples obtained from 70 Omani healthy pregnant women, with no history of autoimmune diseases, were tested for anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG in the first trimester of pregnancy and 3 months after delivery. In parallel and as a control group, sera obtained from a group of 70 healthy non-pregnant Omani women were tested. The levels of anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG were measured using standard Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs). Results: Anti-H. pylori IgA levels were found to be significantly higher during pregnancy (p=0.046) and after delivery (p=0.02) when compared to the control group. Moreover, a significant increase in the levels of anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG was detected after delivery (p=0.002) when compared to the levels during pregnancy. Conclusion: Pregnancy is associated with an increase in the levels of anti-H. pylori IgA antibodies. In addition, anti-H. pylori IgM, IgG and IgA antibody levels increase after delivery