The Rate of Success of the Accelerated Solvent Extraction (Ase) of Fat and Organochlorine Pesticides from Dried Fish Meat Samples

The replacement of conventional sample preparation techniques with newer techniques which are automated, faster and more eco-friendly, is nowadays desired in every analytical laboratory. One of the techniques with the attributes mentioned above is the Accelerated Solvent Extraction. In order to evaluate how successful this method is for the extraction of fat and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from dried fish meat samples, we have tested two series of diverse fish using Dionex™ 350 ASE provided by Thermo Scientific™ (Germany). For a more interesting approach, we added to our investigation 7 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), 3 thricholorobenzenes, 2 tetrachlorobenzenes, 1 pentachlorobenzenes and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The study focused on comparing the recoveries of these analytes from different fish samples, after replacing the conventional reference method of the laboratory with ASE. The ASE parameters tested were previously used for the extraction of fat and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) from fish samples: temperature: 120 ° C; static time: 5 min; number of cycles: 3; flushing volume: 25%; rinse with nitrogen: 90 s; solvent: cyclohexane/ethyl acetate (ratio 1:1). The ASE method provided similar and in some cases better results when compared to the standard reference method, more rapidly, eco-friendly and safer. Any high or low recoveries of the analytes taken into study are attributed to random or systematic errors during the Clean-up step of the extracts and the quantification with Gas Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass-Spectrometry (GC MS/MS)

The Development of an Automated Clean-up for Fat Extracts in the Routine Analysis of Organochlorine Compounds in Fish Meat

The present work describes the development of a new, automatic High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Clean-up step, in the methodology of sample preparation and multi-residue determination of organochlorine compounds (OCs) in fish meat. 24 OCs were taken into study. In addition 7 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), 7 chlorobenzene compounds and one 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were investigated. The HPLC conditions were established in accordance with the validated traditional Clean-up step of the laboratory. The technique was applied on a dilution of analytes of interest in order to establish the period of time in which the compounds are eluted. Another set of experiments involved fish oil, in order to identify and separate the fat fraction from the analytes. To confirm the findings of the experiments mentioned above, extracts of fish samples obtained after Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) were examined. The samples were spiked with the analytes of interest before HPLC clean-up step and quantified through Gas Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). A HPLC clean-up technique lasting 38 minutes/sample was developed. The method is not suitable for OCs such as Endosulfansulfat and Endrine Ketone due to the very low recovery results.Â

Monitoring of Mycotoxins in Feed for Dairy Cows and Swine from Muntenia Region, Romania

Mycotoxins have a strong negative impact on crops, animal health and human health. These secondary metabolites are toxic can cause major economic losses and illnesses (Zain, 2011). This study aimed to evaluate the presence of the most prevalent mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN), in feed intended for dairy cows and swine from farms located in the Region of Muntenia (Călăraşi, Giurgiu and Teleorman), Romania. 136 samples of fodder and forage intended for cattle and 37 samples for pigs were collected during 2017 - 2018. Some of the samples were analyzed within the national surveillance program and some on request. AFB1 has been extracted and purified in an immunoaffinity column specific for AFB1. Detection and quantification of toxic secondary metabolites were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). All four mycotoxins were detectable and quantifiable. The level of contamination was generally low. The maximum allowable limits for AFB1, OTA, DON and ZEN were not exceeded. The low level of contamination indicates no potential risks for animal and human health and suggests that the best practices in the management and storage of feed were applied in the studied area

Methodologies and Results Concerning the Determination of Ocs And Pcbs From Fish Meat

In the last decade, studies have been focusing on determinations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), well known for being involved in human chronic diseases. Various approaches and methodologies are used in monitoring these chemical substances in fish food chain. Therefore, their development, functionality and efficiency are vital for consumers’ protection. The aim of this paper is to review recently published analytical techniques for sample preparation in the determination of POP residues such as organochlorine compounds (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Limitations and advantages of sample preparation techniques are discussed and compared so that they can facilitate the decision of future analysts upon adequate protocols in individual laboratories. A list of the most common compounds quantified nowadays is displayed. In addition, results achieved in original papers are used to briefly describe the current situation on different continents, with third world countries undergoing more pollution than the rest of the world

Compositional Quality of Bazna Pork Meat: Comparative Studies with Genetically Improved Breeds

Pork meat is considered one of the most consumed food products around the world. Pork meat industry is in continuous development because of the high demand on the market. The quality of pork meat is known to be related not only to the breeding conditions but also to the breed. Our study aimed to investigate the differences in compositional parameters of Bazna pork meat and the genetically improved breeds, which are now the main source of meat on the market. Results show that the meat provided by Bazna breed is superior from the compositional aspect from that found on the market. It is therefore important to stimulate and develop the breeding systems of Bazna pig

Food risk analysis

For risk communication, it is important to understand the difference between “hazard” and “risk”. Definitions can be found in Codex Alimentarius and the European Union (EU) General Food Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002. The use of these terms as synonyms or their interchange is a recurrent issue in the area of food safety, despite awareness-raising messages sent by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and other interested entities. A quick screening of the EU’s food regulations revealed several inconsistencies. Hence, it was considered necessary to further investigate if regulations could act as a source for this problem. A software tool was developed to support the detection and listing of inconsistent translations of “hazard” and “risk” in certain EU food regulations. Subsequently, native-speaking experts working in food safety from each EU country were asked to provide their individual scientific opinion on the prepared list. All data were statistically analysed after applying numerical scores (1–5) describing different levels of consistency. Results showed that the most common problem was the interchange of “hazard” with “risk” and vice versa. This lack of consistency can create confusion that can further translate into misjudgments at food risk assessment and communication levels

The Effects of Pandemic Restrictions on Public Health—Improvements in Urban Air Quality

The present study aims to provide evidence on the effects of pandemic curtailment measures on public health, targeting the changes in breathable air quality, within urban areas. The analyzed period covers the full impact of lockdowns in Europe in 2020. We used everyday data for each analyzed pollutant, NO2, SO2, CO, PM2.5 and PM10, from urban monitoring stations that provided real-time concentrations (provided by Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, Environmental Protection Agency repository and European Environment Agency map services) and satellite data (provided by NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2). In the present study, the urban air quality was computed using a composite index that was further analyzed in comparison with pandemic restrictions. Descriptive statistics, charts and maps were used to visualize the data that covered the analyzed countries. Our results show that air pollution was reduced by 12% after lockdowns in European urban areas, with a 0.76 correlation between air pollution and pandemic restrictions. All air pollutants registered significant drops

Enhancing Creativity: Using Visual Mnemonic Devices in the Teaching Process in Order to Develop Creativity in Students

(1) Background: In the field of creativity studies there is always space for expansion and new conceptualizations of the methods involved. Therefore, we will present in this paper a brief arrangement of the methods used to enhance creativity and consider whether visual mnemonic devices can increase creativity. The devices are used in the teaching process in order to ease the remembering process by creating a visual representation. Visual mnemonic devices are techniques that increase creativity as part of their own performance. (2) Methods: We will use a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent group design, the procedure involving the use of visual mnemonic devices. (3) Results: The results show that the degree of abstracting increased after using visual mnemonic devices, along with fluency and other creativity dimensions. (4) Conclusions: The paper shows that the creativity increased, based on a national percentile system (along with standard creativity index), after using the visual mnemonics devices, thus demonstrating a case for integrating the visual mnemonic devices among methods to foster creativity

Implementation of food matrix effects into chemical food contaminant risk assessment

Abstract Food risk assessment plays an important role in protecting public health worldwide. Stakeholders involved in food risk assessment, such as national authorities, agencies, non‐governmental organisations (NGOs), industry and consumers, need to properly understand the terminology of food risk assessment effectively. In this respect, the first part of the EU‐FORA work programme (WP1) aimed to provide insights into the actual translation of two essential terms used in food risk assessment. ‘Hazard’ and ‘risk’ were first identified and compared between the English version of various food regulations and their equivalents in the national legislation of EU Member States. The comparison and critical evaluation revealed several inconsistencies. These inconsistencies could lead to misinterpretations, followed by errors in conducting risk assessments or communicating risks. We recommend that consistency is restored and maintained so that the message is properly communicated. The second part of the work programme (WP2) was focused on a specific area within chemical risk assessment (CRA). In this context, special attention was given to the impact of the food matrix on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of heavy metals and metalloids. After collection and careful selection of data from scientific journals, a database with information on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) in different food matrices was created for future statistical analyses related to dietary exposure