Contamination of chicken eggs supplied in Tehran by heavy metals and calculation of their daily intake

Background and Aims: Chicken eggs, owing to richness in protein and essential minerals, are used in many communities and for all age groups. Metals are considered as one of the most important environmental pollutants which may lead to egg contamination. The consumption of contaminated eggs can harm human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate heavy metal (arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, zinc and iron) contents in chicken eggs supplied in Tehran. Daily intake rates of heavy metals were also calculated.Materials and Methods: A total of 29 chicken eggs were sampled from various food stores in Tehran. Sample preparation was performed using wet acid digestion. Heavy metals concentrations were determined using ICP-OES. Data analysis was carried out by means of the statistical software SPSS as well as Excel (V.2.26). Kruskal Wallis and ANOVA tests were executed to compare heavy metal concentrations between different brands. Results: Mean concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic, nickel, copper, iron and zinc in collected chicken eggs were 0.01, 0.074, 0.03, 0.014, 1.46, 34.37 and 12.55 mg/kg, respectively. Iron and cadmium respectively showed the highest and lowest daily intake through chicken egg consumption. Conclusion: It was concluded that the levels of heavy metals in sampled chicken eggs were less than permissible limits and thus are considered safe. However, due to the importance of food contamination in public health, the continuous monitoring of these contaminants in food is recommended.Key words: Chicken Eggs, Heavy Metals, Food Safety, Tehra

Determination of Heavy Metals through Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) in Iranian Cheese and Their Potential Health Risks to the Adult Consumers

In Iran, cheese is one of the dairy products that widely consumed as a main diet for breakfast. Moreover, trace metals in dairy products have recently gained considerable attention. Iranian cheese samples were collected from Tehran, Iran (February to May 2013). Trace metals including Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe, Sn, Zn, Cr, and Cu were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after dry ashing. All the tested metals were detected in the cheese samples. The mean concentration of metals in cheese showed the following decreasing order Zn > Fe > Cu > Ni > Sn > Cr > Pb > Cd, with values of 12.98, 7.95, 1.96, 0.83, 0.46, 0.37, 0.34, and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. There were no significant differences between types of cheese samples in terms of content of trace metals (p>0.05). All the samples had Pb contents of greater than Codex limit (0.02 mg/kg). According to the measured values of the metals in this study, the intake of all the studied elements through the common consumption of cheese in Iran was below the dangerous level according to permissible intake value for each metal. Also, levels of correlations between the element pairs were analyzed

Comparative investigation of heavy metal, trace, and macro element contents in commercially valuable fish species harvested off from the Persian Gulf

This study was performed to determine the differences between two commercial species of fish harvested off near the Kharg Island (one of the largest oil terminals in the world) in the Persian Gulf in terms of toxic metals, macro, and trace elements. Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that Ca, Li, Mg, P, Se, Sn, Sr, and Zn concentrations were significantly different between the skin and muscle tissues of Scomberomorus guttatus but with the exception of P, there was no significant difference between element levels in the skin and muscle tissues of Otolithes ruber. The S. guttatus contained significantly higher levels of As, Sn, Se, and P in the muscle tissue and Zn in the skin tissue compared to the muscle and skin tissues of Otolithes ruber. The estimated daily intake of the toxic elements including As, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Sn via consumption of these fish were below the established guidelines but due to the potential contamination by oil activities near the island, continuous and permanent monitoring in this region is highly recommended

Air- and Dust-Borne Fungi in Indoor and Outdoor Home of Allergic Patients in a Dust-Storm-Affected Area

Despite the recent increases in fungi-induced allergic diseases there is no report yet in the region of the Persian Gulf on concentration levels of fungi in relationship with health state. Therefore, our aim was to measure fungi prevalence as well as to evaluate the relationships between air- and dust-borne fungal genera and allergic diseases. A matched case-control study was carried out including 45 allergic cases and 45 age- and gendermatched controls for each individual. Indoor and outdoor dust and indoor air samples were collected from participant homes during May to October 2015. A Quick Take 30 Pump and sterile wet swab were used to determine fungal types and their amounts in the air (CFU/m3) and dust (CFU/100 cm2) samples, respectively. A significant reverse association was found between indoor dust-borne Alternaria and asthma (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02–0.86). Contrarily, increased levels of indoor airborne Aspegillus fumigatus (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 0.37–10.55) and Alternaria (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 0.34–25.83) were correlated with asthma development. Also, correlation analysis showed a significant relation between indoor air-borne Penicillium levels and reactivity to skin prick test in asthmatic patients (p = 0.04). Our findings support the notion that fungal exposures can either cause or prevent the development of allergic diseases. Accordingly, appropriate measures should be taken for a better management of fungi-induced allergic disease

بررسي مقادیر فلزات سنگين در تخم مرغ های عرضه شده درشهر تهران و محاسبه ميزان دريافت روزانه آنها

ackground and Aims: Chicken eggs, owing to richness in protein and essential minerals, are used in many communities and for all age groups. Metals are considered as one of the most important environmental pollutants which may lead to egg contamination. The consumption of contaminated eggs can harm humanhealth. The aim of this study was to evaluate heavy metal (arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, zinc and iron) contents in chicken eggs supplied in Tehran. Daily intake rates of heavy metals were also calculated.Materials and Methods: A total of 29 chicken eggs were sampled from various food stores in Tehran. Sample preparation was performed using wet acid digestion. Heavy metals concentrations were determined using ICP-OES. Data analysis was carried out by means of the statistical software SPSS as well as Excel (V.2.26). Kruskal Wallis and ANOVA tests were executed to compare heavy metal concentrations between different brands.Results: Mean concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic, nickel, copper, iron and zinc in collected chicken eggs were 0.01, 0.074, 0.03, 0.014, 1.46, 34.37 and 12.55 mg/kg, respectively. Iron and cadmium respectively showed the highest and lowest daily intake through chicken egg consumption.Conclusion: It was concluded that the levels of heavy metals in sampled chicken eggs were less than permissible limits and thus are considered safe. However, due to the importance of food contamination in public health, the continuous monitoring of these contaminants in food is recommended.زمينه و هدف: تخم مرغ به دليل غني بودن از پروتئين و املاح ضروري، مورد استفاده زيادي در ميان جوامع مختلف دارد و مصرف آن، تقريبا تمام گروه‌هاي سني را شامل مي‌شود. يکي از آلاینده‌های مهم محیطی که باعث آلودگی تخم مرغ مي‌شود، فلزات هستند. هدف از اين تحقيق بررسي فلزات سنگين آرسنيک، کادميوم، سرب، نيکل، مس، آهن و روي در تخم مرغ‌های عرضه شده در شهر تهران و محاسبه ميزان دريافت روزانه آنها است. مواد و روش‌ها: تعداد 29 نمونه تخم مرغ از برندهاي مختلف از فروشگاه‌هاي مواد غذايي شهر تهران جمع آوري شد. پس از آماده سازي نمونه‌ها، مقادير فلزات سنگين آرسنيک، کادميوم، سرب، نيکل، مس، آهن و روي با استفاده از دستگاه ICP-OES  سنجيده شد. آناليز داده‌ها با استفاده از برنامه نرم افزار آماري SPSS و (Excel (V.2.26 انجام گرفت. جهت مقايسه ميزان فلزات سنگين بين برندهاي مختلف از آناليز واريانس و کروسيکال واليس استفاده شد.  يافته‌ها: نتايج نشان داد که ميانگين غلظت فلزات برحسب ميلي‌گرم بر کيلوگرم در تخم مرغ به ترتيب براي کادميوم 01/0، سرب 074/0، آرسنيک 03/0، نيکل  014/0، مس 46/1، آهن 37/34 و روي 55/12 است. فلز آهن بیشترین و کادمیوم کمترین مقدار دريافت روزانه را از طریق مصرف روزانه تخم مرغ به همراه دارد. نتيجه گيري: مقادير فلزات در نمونه‌هاي تخم مرغ از حد مجاز پايين‌تر است و این تخم مرغ‌ها از اين جهت ايمن مي‌باشند. اما نظر به مهم بودن آلودگي مواد غذايي به فلزات از نظر سلامت همگاني، لزوم توجه به پايش مداوم آنها در تخم مرغ توصیه می‌گردد

A new bioindicator, shell of Trachycardium lacunosum, and sediment samples to monitors metals (Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Co, Cr and Cu) in marine environment: The Persian Gulf as a case

Background: The present work was designed to detect heavy metal contents of Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Co, Cr and Cu in sediments and shells of the Trachycardium lacunosum collected in polluted and unpolluted areas along the Persian Gulf. Methods: The samples were taken from surface sediments (0-10 cm) and shells of Trachycardium lacunosum in two separated areas (polluted and unpolluted) in northern part of the Persian Gulf, Asaluyeh Bay, during summer 2013. The prepared samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results: Based on the results, all measured metals including Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Co, Cr and Cu were meaningfully higher in the sediment samples of polluted area compared to unpolluted area and the order of metal concentrations in the sediment samples were Cr > Co > V > Ni > Zn > Cu > Fe > Al > Mn in polluted area. In the case of shell samples of Trachycardium lacunosum, polluted area contained significantly higher contents of Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr and Cu compared to unpolluted area and the order of metal concentrations in the shell samples were Fe > Zn > Al > Mn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Co in the polluted area. Conclusion: It was concluded that shells of the Trachycardium lacunosum can be used as a suitable bioindicator for heavy metals in the aquatic environment. Results confirmed that due to the possible contaminations by oil and gas activities near the polluted area perennial monitoring and mitigation measures is extremely necessary. Keywords: Aquatic Organisms, Environmental Monitoring, Geologic Sediments, Metals, Persian Gulf, Trachycardium lacunosum, Toxicolog

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in soil, water, and vegetables of farms in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran

Heavy metals are ubiquitous elsewhere in nature and their measurement in environment is necessary to develop health management strategies. In this study, we aimed to find out concentrations and spatial patterns of heavy metals in main farms of Sanandaj in Kurdistan, Iran. Over May to October 2012, six farms were selected to analyze concentrations and spatial patterns of several heavy metals, namely aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in their soil, irrigation water, and edible vegetables. Overall, 36 samples of soil and water and 72 samples of vegetables including coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), radish (Raphanus sativus) root and radish leaf were collected. The concentrations of metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The spatial surfaces of heavy metals were created using geospatial information system. The order of metals in soil was Al < Zn < Ni < Cu < Cr < Pb < Co < As < Cd while in water it was Cr < Co < Zn < Pb < Cu < Ni < Al = As = Cd. The order of heavy metals in vegetables was Al < Zn < Cu < Cr < Ni < Pb < Co < As < Cd. Totally, the minimum concentrations of Al, Cu, Pb, and Zn were found in radish root while the maximum of Al, Co, Cr, and Ni were found in radish leaf. The minimum concentrations of Cd and Cr and maximum concentrations of Cu and Zn were also deciphered in dill. Noteworthy, coriander had the minimum concentrations of Co and Ni. The concentrations of Cr and Pb in vegetables were more than maximum allowable limits of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In summary, albeit the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and water samples were below FAO and the WHO standards, vegetables were contaminated by chromium and lead

Physicochemical Characteristics of Citrus Seed Oils from Kerman, Iran

Recently, there has been a great deal of attention on usage, byproducts, and wastes of the food industry. There have been many studies on the properties of citrus seeds and extracted oil from citrus grown in Kerman, Iran. The rate of oil content of citrus seeds varies between 33.4% and 41.9%. Linoleic acid (33.2% to 36.3%) is the key fatty acid found in citrus seeds oil and oleic (24.8% to 29.3%) and palmitic acids (23.5% to 29.4%) are the next main fatty acids, respectively. There are also other acids found at trivial rates such as stearic, palmitoleic, and linolenic. With variation between 0.54 meg/kg and 0.77 mgq/kg in peroxide values of citrus seed oils, acidity value of the oil varies between 0.44% and 0.72%. The results of the study showed that citrus seeds under study (orange and sour lemon grown in Kerman province) and the extracted oil have the potential of being used as the source of edible oil

Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Concentration in Egg Using GC-MS Method

Background and purpose: Organic chlorine pollutants are stable in the environment and dangerous to the health of living organisms. Among these compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be carcinogenic to humans and affect brain function, nervous system, reproductive system, and the immune system. They could enter the body through many ways including eating or drinking contaminated water and food such as chicken egg. Materials and methods: Sampling of 4 brand of chicken eggs was performed in all seasons in Tehran, Iran 2017. The mixed solvent of Hexane: Dichloromethane (same ratio) was used for extraction applying ultrasonic method. Then, the two phases were separated using concentrated sulfuric acid. They were then condensed by a rotary machine with a vacuum pump under a gentle nitrogen gas and purified using silica gel column or florisil. Finally, the concentration of each PCB was measured by the GC-MS device. Results: In all samples, the mean polychlorinated biphenyls (1.40±0.3 pg WHO-TEQ /g fat) was lower than the standard range and the highest concentration was associated with PCB 28 (mean value= 0.802 pg WHO-TEQ / g fat). One of the brands (B) had the highest average of PCBs, and the most contaminated eggs were found in winter (1.822 pgWHO-TEQ/g fat). Conclusion: In this study the average of each PCB was lower than the standard values in different types of eggs, indicating no risk to the consumers