Nitrate in Groundwater and Excretion of Nitrate and Nitrosamines in Urine: A Review

Nitrate is harmful to humans as it can form endogenous nitrosamines which can cause cancer. The major contribution of nitrate contamination in well water is largely from agricultural activities (e.g.; fertilizers and pesticide), wastewater treatment plant discharge, animal yard and manure storage lagoons. Biomarkers such as urine and saliva can be used to determine the occurrence and formation of nitrosamines in the human body. This paper provides an overview of nitrate occurrence in groundwater and the mechanism of nitrosamines formation and its excretion from human body via urine and saliva. The suitability of urine and saliva as biomarkers of endogenous nitrosamines formation were also discussed in this review

Classifying sources of nitrate contamination in an alluvial deposit aquifer system using hydrogeochemical properties and multivariate statistical techniques

This study determined nitrate concentration and identify the classifying sources of nitrate pollution in the alluvial deposit aquifer system in Bachok, Kelantan. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 groundwater samples were collected in two different areas; agricultural area (150 samples) and non-agricultural area (150 samples). The samples were analyzed for nitrate and other parameters such as pH, EC, NH4+, TDS, turbidity and salinity. The multivariate analyses were used to identify factors that govern the groundwater quality and potential nitrate sources in the study area. Results: Samples in the agricultural area were slightly acidic (5.89 ± 0.67), contained high nitrate (15.10 ± 15.90 mg/L NO3-N), NH4+ (0.82 ± 1.24 mg/L) and turbidity (3.25 ± 2.78 NTU). The principal component analysis (PCA) have identified the groundwater quality in the study area was influenced by the natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Based on the hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA), Cluster II in the agricultural area was identified to be most heavily nitrate contamination, while Cluster III in the non-agricultural area was identified to be strongly affected by seawater intrusion. Conclusion: The findings of this study are useful for developing protection alternatives of private well waters to prevent further deterioration of groundwater quality by nitrate such as control of nitrogen fertilizer use, manure applications and other agricultural practices in the agricultural area. In order to reduce the health risk of nitrate, private well water users in this area should be advised to treat their water or find alternative sources for drinking

Assessment Nutritional Status of Elderly People at Old Folk Home in Klang Valley: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background & Aims: Undernutrition has a detrimental effect on health, especially in elderly individuals. Early detection of malnutrition and malnutrition risk allows for timely prevention and initiation of the necessary nutritional support. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly residents at the old folk home in Selangor, Malaysia. Materials and methods: A total of 46 Klang valley nursing facility residents were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. The Mini Nutritional AssessmentShort Form (MNA-SF), 24-hour food recall, Food frequency questionnaire, Habitual physical activity, 24- hours physical activity recall, and anthropometric measurements were used to assess malnutrition by a trained healthcare professional. Results: Of the 46 participants, 41% had adequate nutrition, 11% had malnutrition, and 48% had malnutrition risk. According to BMI, 6.7% of the population was underweight, 35.6% were overweight, 11.1% were obese, and 46.7% were normal weight. The energy consumption was 2453.9 (±421.6) kcal for female residents and 2248.2 (±536.5) kcal for male residents, which was higher than the Recommended Nutrient consumption (RNI). Contrary to the cereals and grains category, it was determined that enough fruits and vegetables were consumed, as advised by the Food Pyramid. Consumption of milk and dairy products was higher than suggested by the Food Pyramid. Among older adults who are sedentary and inactive, results showed a higher incidence of malnutrition than those who were at risk for it. The amount of daily energy consumed surpassed the RNI, and the elderly did not consume enough of the food groups as advised by the Food Pyramid

Isolation and characterization of encapsulated plant growth-promoting Enterobacter sp. SA10 for enhancing chili growth

Introduction: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can increase plant growth and encapsulation of PGPR with biochar ensures the viability and survival of PGPR. However, this approach is still underexplored. Objectives: The objectives of this study: 1) to isolate and select a potential PGPR from rice rhizosphere based on plant growth-promoting characterization, 2) encapsulate the selected PGPR strain SA-10 using biochar and sodium alginate, and 3) assess the effect of encapsulated and non-encapsulated SA-10 on chili plant growth compared to a non-inoculated SA-10 and control. Methodology: SA-10 was isolated from rice rhizosphere and characterized for plant growth promoting traits including, the nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, production of siderophore, production of indole acetic acid and production of cellulose degradation enzyme. SA-10 was encapsulated in alginate beads along with biochar. A pot experiment conducted using encapsulated SA-10, non-encapsulated SA-10, and a control group to assess the effects of encapsulated SA-10 application on chili plants using complete randomized design (CRD) experimental design with four replications. Results: About 28 bacteria isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere and endospheric of rice crops to determine their effects on the growth of chili plants. The isolates were characterized with zinc, phosphate, and potassium solubilization, siderophores production, and cellulose degradation. The findings showed isolate SA-10 solubilized zinc at a rate of 41.6 %, phosphate at 50 %, and potassium at 76.9 %. It also fixed nitrogen, produced siderophores and degraded cellulose. The isolate also produced the highest IAA at 4.007 mg/L. Isolate SA-10 was then encapsulated in a mixture of biochar and sodium alginate. The results showed that plants treated with encapsulated SA-10 had significantly higher leaf area (3.68 cm2), leaf diameter (6.55 cm), and dry weight (0.39 g) compared to those treated with non-encapsulated and the control treatment. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, it was identified that SA-10 belongs to the Enterobacter genus, closely resembling Enterobacter chuandaensis. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Enterobacter sp. SA-10 enhances plant growth, and the use of encapsulated SA-10 with biochar contributes to the growth of chili plants. The encapsulated Enterobacter sp. SA-10 has a promising potential in enhancing crop yield production and promoting sustainable agriculture

A review of spatial analysis application in childhood malnutrition studies

Approximately 230 million children under 5 years old of age suffer from malnutrition and over half of the children below 5 years old deaths are due to malnutrition nowadays. To gain a better understanding of this problem, the application of spatial analysis has risen exponentially in recent years. In this review, the present state of information on the use of spatial analysis in childhood malnutrition studies was evaluated using four databases of digital scientific journals: ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed and CINAHL. We chose 2,278 articles from the search results and a total of 27 articles met our criteria for review. The following information was extracted from each article: objective of study, study area, types of malnutrition, subject, data sources, computer software packages, spatial analysis and factors associated with childhood malnutrition. A total of 10 spatial analysis methods were reported in the reviewed articles and the Bayesian geoadditive regression model was the most common method applied in childhood malnutrition studies. This review highlights the importance of the application of spatial analysis in determining the geographic distribution of malnutrition cases, hotspot areas and risk factors correlated with childhood malnutrition. It also provides implications for strategic initiatives to eradicate all forms of malnutrition

Evaluation of nitrate pollution, health risk and groundwater vulnerability in agricultural and non-agricultural areas

Majority population in Kelantan use shallow private well water for their domestic purposes. However, nitrate can easily contaminate the shallow wells. An agricultural activity has been identified as a major source of groundwater nitrate contamination. Meanwhile, discharge of septic tanks and livestock activities in non-agricultural area also contribute to nitrate contamination which consequently affects human health. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate nitrate contamination, health risk and groundwater vulnerability in agricultural and non-agricultural areas. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2015 in Bachok district, Kelantan. Questionnaires were distributed among 300 respondents and their private well waters were analyzed for nitrate and others parameters such as pH, EC, NH4+, TDS, turbidity and salinity. Three substudies have been divided in this study; 1) Groundwater nitrate contamination assessment, 2) Health risk assessment of groundwater nitrate exposure and 3) Groundwater vulnerability assessment. In sub-study 1, nitrate concentrations were compared with the drinking water standard, potential nitrate sources were identified by multivariate analysis, groundwater quality was determined by different indices and distribution of nitrate were illustrated by spatial analysis. In sub-study 2, association of nitrate with perceived health symptoms and associated diseases were determined and health risks were calculated. In sub-study 3, the vulnerability of aquifer was evaluated by DRASTIC model. Based on measurement, nitrate in agricultural area (15.10 ± 15.90 mg/L NO3-N) was significantly higher than non-agricultural area (5.81 ± 5.08 mg/L NO3-N) (Z = -5.83, p 1, and only 1.60% (n = 1) females in non-agricultural area had HQ > 1. In sub-study 3, DRASTIC index illustrated 27.14 % of areas fall under low vulnerable zones (159 – 175), 14.50% moderate vulnerable zones (176 – 192) and 58.36% high vulnerable zones (193 – 208). For the modified DRASTIC index, 8.47% of the area laid under low vulnerability (161 – 190), 61.03% moderate vulnerability (191 – 219) and 30.50% high vulnerability (220 – 248). The findings of this study are useful for developing protection alternatives of private well waters to prevent further deterioration of groundwater quality by nitrate and reduce the health risks for local residents. In addition, determination of vulnerable zones can be used to improve the sustainability of the groundwater resources through proper land use management

Seasonal variations and yearly trend evaluations of sedimentation loads: a case study at Chalok River, Terengganu, Malaysia

The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between seasonal variations (wet and dry periods) on sedimentation loads and to identify the yearly trend of sedimentation loads at Chalok River, Terengganu, Malaysia from 2003 to 2008. It was found that wet and dry periods influenced the transportation of suspended sediment into the river significantly. The highest suspended sediment loads at Chalok River occurred during the wet period when the intensity of rainfall is high. Besides, the rainfall, water level, stream flow and suspended sediment loads also were analysed using Spearman correlation to identify their relationships. The results showed significant positive relationship between suspended sediment loads with rainfall (r = 0.664, p< 0.05), water level (r = 0.923, p< 0.05) and stream flow (r = 0.919, p< 0.05). Multiple linear regressions revealed 63% of high suspended sediment loads at Chalok River can be explained by rainfall, water level and stream flow. The trends of rainfall, water level, stream flow and suspended sediment loads were analysed by using Mann-Kendall trend test where the results showed that there is a significant increasing trend for suspended sediment loads but no significant increase trend for rainfall, water level and stream flow over the studied periods. It is evident that the evaluations conducted in this study are useful in providing better understanding and reliable conclusion on the basis of seasonal variations and other environmental variables that affect the sedimentations loads in the river. Such effort provides holistic information for effective and wise management policy of river basin management in the future

Occurrence of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in the environment and effect on exposed biota: a review

17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic hormone, which is a derivative of the natural hormone, estradiol (E2). EE2 is an orally bio-active estrogen, and is one of the most commonly used medications for humans as well as livestock and aquaculture activity. EE2 has become a widespread problem in the environment due to its high resistance to the process of degradation and its tendency to (i) absorb organic matter, (ii) accumulate in sediment and (iii) concentrate in biota. Numerous studies have reported the ability of EE2 to alter sex determination, delay sexual maturity, and decrease the secondary sexual characteristics of exposed organisms even at a low concentration (ng/L) by mimicking its natural analogue, 17β-estradiol (E2). Thus, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the science regarding EE2, the concentration levels in the environment (water, sediment and biota) and summarize the effects of this compound on exposed biota at various concentrations, stage life, sex, and species. The challenges in respect of EE2 include the extension of the limited database on the EE2 pollution profile in the environment, its fate and transport mechanism, as well as the exposure level of EE2 for better prediction and definition revision of EE2 toxicity end points, notably for the purpose of environmental risk assessment

Contamination of nitrate in groundwater and evaluation of health risk in Bachok, Kelantan: a cross-sectional study

High concentrations of nitrate through drinking water have been associated with health problems. This cross sectional study sought to determine the level of nitrate concentrations in private well water and the association to the disease caused by nitrate among population of Bachok, Kelantan. The concentrations of nitrate in 256 wells were sampled from September to October 2015. About 126 respondents from the agricultural area and 130 respondents from the non-agricultural area were participated in the study. The human health risk associated with ingesting nitrate were assessed by Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Odd Ratio (OR). The physicochemical characteristics of well water in both areas (i.e., pH, ammonia, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), conductivity, turbidity, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and salinity) were within the acceptable limits of Malaysian Drinking Water Quality Standard. The mean ± SD levels of nitrate in the agricultural area was 13.04±14.39 mg L−1 NO3-N, exceeding the maximum acceptable limits of Malaysia NDWQS (10 mg L−1 NO3-N) and were two fold higher than the non-agriculture area (6.31±5.22 mg L−1 NO3-N). 52 wells (41.27%) in the agricultural area and 35 wells (26.9%) in the non-agricultural area had nitrate level above the maximum acceptable nitrate (10 mg L−1 NO3-N). The HQ associated with the potential non-carcinogenic risk of drinking nitrate contaminated groundwater ranged from 0.007 to 1.143×10−6 in the agricultural area, slightly higher than in the non-agricultural area (0.002 to 0.468×10−6). The OR for disease such as diabetes, goitre and gastric were not significant with high levels of nitrate in the well water. The results of the present study showed that there was no statistically significant association between nitrate in well water and the risk of related health disease such as diabetes, goitre and gastric in this study

Knowledge, attitude, and practice on food label use among university students

Introduction: Choosing the right food product suitable for consumers are important to control the intake of additional and altered ingredients to avoid the risk of Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Food labels guide consumers in deciding on healthy food products byproviding accurate information regarding specific product characteristics including the nutritional contents. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding food labelling among students of IIUM. Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 418 students from Gombak, Kuantan, Gambang and Pagoh campuses. A set of questionnaires was designed consisting of five sections: sociodemographic, knowledge on foodlabel, attitude towards food labels, practice of food label and, factor influencing food label use. Result: Only one significant correlation was found between scores of attitudes and practice of food label (p < 0.01). Respondents showed positive attitude level obtained by 82.3% of respondents (n = 344) and 56.2% (n = 235) were good users of food label, while 61.5% (n = 257) had high knowledge level of food label. However, no significant differences were found in KAP food label across gender and educationlevel. Conclusion: Findings could be useful in the promotion and awareness of food label use among tertiary students in the future