Environmental pollution from metals needs to be constantly monitored due to their predominantly negative impacts on living organisms. As apian products stored in hives are considered useful ...bioindicators, the objective of this study was to: (a) investigate and compare the essential and toxic metal concentrations in freshly constructed combs (light combs, LC) and old combs (dark combs, DC) in use for two to three beekeeping seasons, and (b) compare the mineral content of beeswax combs from apiaries exposed to different levels of environmental pollution using the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence method. Concentrations of ten elements (Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, Mn, Sr, Rb, Ca) were determined in 18 honeybee wax comb samples from three apiaries in continental Croatia. The results showed that the influence of comb age and/or geographical origin (representing varying levels of environmental pollution exposure) on the elemental composition of beeswax was evident for the toxic elements Cr, Pb, Cu and Ni, and for the essential elements Fe, Zn, Mn and Sr, but not Rb. In addition to monitoring the environmental element content, wax combs can be used to determine contamination levels. Additionally, in-time analysis results can enable beekeepers to adjust management practices, such as moving apiaries to better positions. They can also be useful in the creation of policies on acceptable limits for toxic metal levels in particular geographical areas.
The aim of this study was to evaluate contamination levels and the frequency of detection of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), pyrethroids, carbamates and polychlorinated ...biphenyls (seven PCB congeners) in a total of 534 samples of cow's, sheep's and goat's milk and dairy products from Croatia. Concentrations above the limit of quantification (LOQ) were measured for fourteen OCPs, nine OPPs, six pyrethroids, one carbamate and PCBs with a total of 172 results, and no concentrations exceeded the maximal residue levels defined by the European Union. The mean concentrations of pesticides and the sum of seven PCBs were determined in the ranges 0.92-17.4 μg/kg and 1.38-2.74 μg/kg. Pesticides were quantified in 27% of samples, and seven PCBs were quantified in 5.23% of samples. Among the three pesticide groups, the highest numbers of quantified results were found for OCPs (12.1-20.8%). The highest frequencies of detection were found for the sum of 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its isomers (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene and seven PCBs. The sum of seven PCBs was quantified within the range of 3.3-6.67% of samples per milk type and dairy products. Among the OPPs, the highest frequency of detection was found for chlorpyrifos in cow's milk. Based on the estimated daily intakes, chronic risk characterisation showed no risk for adults or ten-year-old children for the consumption of cow's milk and dairy products.
This study’s objective was to estimate the seasonal occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in cow’s milk between winter 2016 and winter 2022 and to assess dietary exposure and risk assessment for the ...adult Croatian population. In total, 5817 cow milk samples were screened for AFM1 concentrations using the enzyme immunoassay assay (ELISA). For confirmation purposes of AFM1 concentration above the European Union maximum permitted level (MRL), ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was performed. In 94.7% of milk samples, AFM1 levels were below the detection limit (LOD) of the ELISA test. For 3.47% of samples, the AFM1 was between the LOD and MRL values. Only 1.87% of all samples exceeded the MRL. The mean value of elevated AFM1 in different seasons ranged between 59.2 ng/kg (autumn 2017) and 387.8 ng/kg (autumn 2021). The highest incidences of positive AFM1 were determined in autumn and winter and the maximum (6.4%) was in winter 2019/2020. The largest percentage of positive samples (69.7%) was found in central Croatia. The estimated daily intakes for positive samples ranged between 0.17 and 2.82 ng/kg body weight/day. Risk assessment indicated a high level of concern during autumn and winter, especially for consumers of large amounts of milk.
Pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental pollutants. When entering the food chain, they can represent a public health problem due to their negative effects on ...health. In this study, concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), pyrethroids, carbamates, and PCBs-a total 73 compounds-were determined in a total of 2268 samples of fat tissues (beef, pork, sheep, goat, poultry, game, horse, rabbit) and processed fat, meat, and processed meat products collected in Croatia during an 8-year period. In fatty tissues, 787 results exceeded the limits of quantification (LOQ): 16 OCPs, eight OPPs, six pyrethroids, one carbamate, and seven PCBs. The most positive results in fat samples were found for OCPs, with a frequency of quantification in the range of 57.5-87.5%. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were quantified in the highest percentages, in the ranges of 5.5-66.7% and 5.4-55.8%. Concentrations above the MRL values were determined for chlorpyrifos in pork fat and for resmethrin in six fat samples and one pâté. In 984 samples of meat and meat products, only 62 results exceeded the LOQ values. The highest frequency of quantification was determined for OCPs (25 samples), of which 40% were DDT isomers (60% DDE). Frequency quantifications of PCBs in fat samples were between 7.23 and 36.7%. An evaluation of the health risk assessment showed that the consumption of fat, meat, and meat products does not pose a threat to consumer health, since all EDI values were well below the respective toxicological reference values.
A total of 1259 raw milk samples were examined over a three-year period for various antibiotics chloramphenicol, penicillins, cephalosporines, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, beta-lactams, quinolones, ...aminoglycosides and macrolides. Microbiological and immunoassay methods used for determination of these antibiotics were validated according to the guidelines laid down by European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Microbiological screening detected 36 positive samples and in only one sample presence of residues was confirmed. Also, immunoassay determination found one positive sample on tetracycline residues. In total, 37 positive samples were determined, which was equal to a frequency of 0.69% of the total number of targeted analyses. The HPLC-DAD method confirmed the presence of residues above the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in two samples with concentrations of 12 μg kg−1 for penicillin G and 19 μg kg−1 for amoxicillin, and 1671 μg kg−1 for tetracycline. Calculated estimated daily intakes (EDIs) for antibiotics presented showed lower exposure levels than the fixed values of acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). These suggested that raw milk in Croatia contain very low levels of veterinary drugs so that toxicological risk with regard to consuming of milk could not be considered as a public health problem.
► In 1259 milk samples examined in a three-year period only 0.69% were positive. ► Microbiological and immunoassay screening methods detected 37 positive samples. ► In two samples presence of penicillin G, amoxicillin and tetracycline were confirmed. ► Accordingly, raw milk in Croatia contains very low levels of veterinary drugs.
Concentrations of selected trace elements Ag, Co and V in raw milk sampled from four geographical regions in Croatia were measured. Silver, Co and V were detected above the limit of detection within ...the range of 9.52%–30.8%, 1.6%–12.1% and 12.4%–30.8%. Silver concentrations were not detected in milk samples from the Croatian Littoral and Mountainous Croatia (CL-MC) region. Similar Ag content was found in Southern, Eastern and Central Croatia. The lowest mean of Co and V of 33.2 and 83.8 µg kg
−1
were found in the CL-MC region while the highest of 49.8 and 136.9 µg kg
−1
was found in Central Croatia. There were no statistically significant differences in Ag, Co and V contents between the four regions. The estimated daily dietary intakes (EDI) of total mean and total 95th percentile values of Ag, Co and V showed lower values in comparison with available EFSA health-based limits.
The mining and burning of Croatian Raša coal had resulted in release of various contaminants into the local environment. They have remained in the local soil, water, and plants, and became available ...to animals through their consumption. In this study, tissue samples from a total of 12 birds from the Raša area and 8 birds from a control area were subjected to multi-element analysis (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Pb) by ICP-MS. The obtained results showed increased Se and Cd concentrations in some bird tissue samples compared to the control area. The highest concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se were found in the liver, while the highest concentrations of Cd and Pb were found in the kidneys. Although some hazardous trace elements were elevated in the tissues of game species, the risk of consuming meat and offal of such species has been found to be very low.
Malachite green residues in farmed fish in Croatia Bilandžić, Nina; Varenina, Ivana; Kolanović, Božica Solomun ...
Food control,
August 2012, 2012-08-00, 20120801, Letnik:
26, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Malachite green concentrations were determined in muscle tissues samples of 42 carp (Cyprinus carpio) and 30 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) collected from fish farms in Croatia from 2009 to ...2011. Concentrations were determined using the immunoassay method, validated according to the criteria of Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The method performance is appropriate for the detection of malachite green, due to the obtained CCβ (0.68 μg kg−1) and LOD (0.31 μg kg−1) values that were below the MRPL level of 2 μg kg−1. Malachite green levels above the limit of detection of the method were determined in 18.1% of samples tested. The mean malachite green level (0.231 μg kg−1) of samples tested was lower than the determined limit of detection of the method. Concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 μg kg−1 in 68.1% of all fish samples. The measured concentrations exceeded 1 μg kg−1 in only two samples and the highest concentration (1.07 μg kg−1) was measured in rainbow trout muscle. Since this study is limited to malachite green residues, further investigation is required for determination of its metabolite, leucomalachite green. Additional surveillance programmes with a larger number of fish muscle samples should be carried out to improve the risk assessment.
► In a three-year period 72 samples of carp and rainbow trout muscles were tested. ► Validated immunoassay method was used for malachite green determination. ► Concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 μg kg−1 in 68.1% of samples. ► In only two samples concentrations exceeded 1 μg kg−1.
•Concentrations of toxic and essential elements were determined in 11 fishes.•The most abundant elements measured were Fe and Zn followed by As.•Highest As, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn levels were measured ...in sardine.•For all elements significant differences between fishes were found.•High As and Hg levels for some fishes suggest a strong public concern for consumers.
Concentrations of toxic (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb) and essential elements (Cu, Fe, Zn) were measured in 11 fish species purchased from supermarkets located in different Croatian cities. Mean element concentrations in fishes ranged: mg kg−1: Al 0.13–3.5, As 0.52–3.4, Cu 0.24–0.88, Fe 2.0–19, Mn 0.095–1.6, Zn 3.4–18; μg kg−1: Cd 0.61–123, Cr 5.0–41, Hg 17–130, Pb 2.0–59, Ni 5.5–51. The highest mean concentrations of elements were found in fishes: Al in cod; Cd in bluefin tuna; Cr in rainbow trout; Hg in European sea bass; Pb in canned sardine; As, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in sardine. Significant differences in the concentrations of all elements measured were found between fish species. Mean Cd levels of 123 μg kg−1 for bluefin tuna exceeded the European Commision limit of 100 μg kg−1. An estimation of the dietary intake of elements associated with the consumption of the studied fish species, and its comparison with the toxicological reference values is provided. The obtained results suggest a strong reason for public concern with regard to exposure to As and Hg for consumers who often consume certain types of fishes.
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