RESUMO

Sulfamethoxazole and metronidazole are emerging pollutants commonly found in surface water and wastewater. These compounds have a significant environmental impact, being necessary in the design of technologies for their removal. Recently, the advanced oxidation process has been proven successful in the elimination of this kind of compounds. In this sense, the present work discusses the application of UV/H2O2 and ozonation for the degradation of both molecules in single and binary systems. Experimental kinetic data from O3 and UV/H2O2 process were adequately described by a first and second kinetic model, respectively. From the ANOVA analysis, it was determined that the most statistically significant variables were the initial concentration of the drugs (0.03 mmol L-1) and the pH = 8 for UV/H2O2 system, and only the pH (optimal value of 6) was significant for degradation with O3. Results showed that both molecules were eliminated with high degradation efficiencies (88-94% for UV/H2O2 and 79-98% for O3) in short reaction times (around 30-90 min). The modeling was performed using a quadratic regression model through response surface methodology representing adequately 90 % of the experimental data. On the other hand, an artificial neural network was used to evaluate a non-linear multi-variable system, a 98% of fit between the model and experimental data was obtained. The identification of degradation byproducts was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a time mass detector. After each process, at least four to five stable byproducts were found in the treated water, reducing the mineralization percentage to 20% for both molecules.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumen La contaminación del aire interior es un problema de salud pública, ya que afecta a unos 2.600 millones de personas en todo el mundo que siguen cocinando con combustibles sólidos como la madera, los residuos de las cosechas, etc. Esta exposición aumenta el factor de riesgo de desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas. La población indígena es muy susceptible a estar expuesta a mezclas de contaminantes del humo de leña como los Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos (HAPs) debido a los métodos tradicionales de cocción. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la exposición a HAPs por medio de 10 metabolitos hidroxilados en orina de la población indígena de la Huasteca Potosina, mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas; por otro lado, la salud renal y pulmonar fueron evaluadas con una prueba general de orina y la toxina urémica Indoxil sulfato, esta fue evaluada por medio cromatografía líquida de alto rendimiento, y la función pulmonar con una espirometría. Los resultados indican la presencia de metabolitos hidroxilados en el 89,47% de las muestras de orina, los más frecuentes fueron el 1-OH-PIRENO, el 1,2-OH-NAFTALENO. El Indoxil sulfato se presentó en el 100% de las muestras y la media era de 193,4 ± 91,85 gg/L En cuanto a la salud pulmonar, los resultados indican que algunos sujetos presentan patrones respiratorios regulares e irregulares. Estos resultados indican que la población se encuentra expuesta de manera crónica a una mezcla de contaminantes en el aire que podría producir el desarrollo de daño en los pulmones y los riñones y aumentar el riesgo al desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas.

Abstract Interior air pollution is a public health concern, it affects about 2.6 billion people around the world who still cook using solid fuels such as wood, crop wastes, among others. This exposition increases the risk of the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The indigenous population is very susceptible to being exposed to mixtures of pollutants from the wood smoke such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to traditional methods of cooking, heating and waste burning. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the exposure to PAHs through the application of 10 hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs) in the urine of the indigenous population from the Huasteca Potosina, this by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and to assess renal health of the population at the time of the study, with a general test of urine and through the uremic toxin Indoxyl Sulfate (IS), this by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the and pulmonary health with spirometry. The results indicate the presence OH-PAHs in 89.47% of the urine samples, the most frequent metabolites were 1-OH-PYRENE, 2-OH-NAPTHALENE. IS was present in 100% of the samples in mean concentrations of 193.4 ± 91.85 gg/L. For pulmonary health, the results indicate some subjects have regular and irregular respiratory patterns. These results indicate that the population is highly exposed to a mixture of pollutants in the air that might damage the lungs and kidneys and increase the risk of NCDs development.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumen Propósito: Para la evaluación metabólica de la fisiopatología pulmonar se utiliza principalmente el aliento exhalado, el cual ha tomado una gran relevancia como método de diagnóstico no invasivo, de bajo costo, rápido y seguro. El objetivo del presente estudio fue aplicar modelos metabolómicos para la identificación de la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC) en población vulnerable expuesta a la quema de biomasa en una comunidad indígena de México. Métodos: El estudio se conformó por 142 participantes, 44 pacientes con EPOC asociado a la quema de biomasa, 60 controles y 38 población indígena expuesta a la quema de biomasa (PIE). Las muestras de aliento exhalado se analizaron mediante una nariz electrónica (HERACLES II, Alpha MOS). Con los datos obtenidos se realizó un Análisis Canónico de Coordenadas principales (CAP), que fue utilizado para la predicción de EPOC de la PIE y se determinó la concentración de 1-hidroxipireno (1-OHP) en muestras de orina. Resultados: Se logró identificar un total 59 COVs en las muestras de aliento exhalado de los grupos de estudio, los cuales se utilizaron para establecer un modelo de discriminación entre la huella química del grupo de pacientes con EPOC y el grupo control. El modelo CAP indicó una separación entre las huellas químicas de los pacientes con EPOC y sujetos sanos, con una correcta predicción de 91,34%, con una sensibilidad y especificidad de 93,2 y 96,7% respectivamente. Se encontraron 10 participantes de la PIE con patrón obstructivo y una alta concentración de 1-OHP, determinando que existe una concentración del 1,31 ± 0,67gg/mol de creatinina. Esta concentración se encuentra más de 5 veces arriba de los valores de referencia establecidos en el 2001, que es de 0,24 gg/mol de creatinina. Al comparar los resultados de la huella química de la PIE se posicionó en el grupo de EPOC. Conclusión: Se logró obtener un diagnóstico oportuno en población vulnerable mediante el uso de la metabolómica y se demostró la exposición y los efectos pulmonares en población indígena de San Luis Potosí.

Abstract Purpose: to evaluate metabolic disorders of the pathophysiology of the lung, the exhaled breath is mainly used, this has become highly relevant as a non-invasive, low-cost, fast and safe diagnostic method. The objective of this study is to apply metabolomic models for the identification of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in a vulnerable population exposed to biomass burning in an indigenous community in Mexico. Methods: The study consisted of 142 participants, 44 patients with COPD associated with biomass burning, 60 controls and 38 indigenous population exposed to biomass burning (PIE). Exhaled breath samples were analyzed using an electronic nose (HERACLES II, Alpha MOS). With the data obtained, a Canonical Analy-sis of Principal Coordinates (CAP) was performed, which was used for the prediction of COPD of IEP and the concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in urine samples was determined. Results: A total of 59 VOCs were identified in the exhaled breath samples of the study groups, which were used to establish a discrimination model between the chemical fingerprint of the COPD patient group and the control group. The CAP model indicated a separation between the chemical fingerprints of COPD patients and healthy subjects, with a correct prediction of 91,34%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 93,2 and 96,7%, respectively. 10 IEP participants with an obstructive pattern and a high concentration of 1-OHP were found, determining that there is a concentration of 1,31 ± 0,67gg/mol of creatinine. This concentration is more than 5 times above the reference values established in 2001, which is 0,24 -jg/mol of creatinine. When comparing the results of the Chemical fingerprint of the PIE, it was positioned in the COPD group. Conclusion: It was possible to obtain an opportune diagnosis in a vulnerable population using metabolomics and exposure and pulmonary effects were demonstrated in the indigenous population of San Luis Potosí.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Electronic devices have been used to describe chemical compounds in the food industry. However, there are different models and manufacturers of these devices; thus, there has been little consistency in the type of compounds and methods used for identification. This work aimed to determine the applicability of electronic nose (e-nose) Cyroanose 320 to describe the differentiation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in fresh Mexican cheese (F-MC) formulated with milk from two different dairy cattle breeds. The VOCs were described using a device manufactured by Sensigent and Solid-Phase Micro-extraction (SPME) coupled to GC-MS as a complementary method. The multivariate principal components analysis (PCA) and the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to describe the relationships of VOCs to electronic nose data, sensory data, and response levels. In addition, variable importance in projection (VIP) was performed to characterize the e-nose signals to the VOCs. The e-nose distinguishes F-MC prepared with milk from two dairy breeds. Sensor number 31 correlated with carboxylic acids most in F-MC from Jersey milk. The HS-SPME/GC-MS identified eighteen VOCs in F-MC made with Holstein milk, while only eleven VOCs were identified for F-MC made with Jersey milk. The more significant peaks in both chromatogram analyses were Propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediyl ester in cheese made from Holstein milk and Propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl ester in Jersey milk cheese. Both compounds are considered essential carboxylic acids in the dairy industry. Thus, sensor 31 in the electronic nose Cyranose 320 increased its response by essential carboxylic acids identified by HS-SPME/GC-MS as a complementary method. The e-nose Cyranose 320 is potentially helpful for evaluating fresh Mexican cheese authentication independent of cows' milk samples from different breeds.

RESUMO

The quarrying is considered a precarious occupation with high toxicity, is an informal economic activity that employs low technology, limited protection, and poses a risk to workers and their families. In quarrying, silica dust is generated and there is also occupational exposure to significant mixtures of pneumotoxic pollutants, including mineral dust (crystalline silica, carbon or cement, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), solvents, and others, which are aggravated by the lack of use of protective equipment, causing irreversible damage to the worker's respiratory health. Thus, the objective of this work focused on the evaluation of the respiratory health of artisan stonemasons in San Luis Potosí, Mexico through the study of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) (pH, pro-inflammatory cytokines) as well as the study of the exposure to pollutants present in the work area (PAHs, toluene, and 2.5 µm particulate matter) through biomarkers of exposure (hippuric acid and hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs). The results show the presence of crystalline SiO2 in 100% of the samples analyzed; the PM2.5 concentrations were 5 to 10 times the permitted levels. Regarding exposure to PAHs, all the stonemasons presented urine concentrations of at least 5 of the OH-PAHs evaluated; 9-OH-FLU occurred at higher concentrations of 171.2 (122.7-279.4) µg L-1; hippuric acid, which was present in 100% of the workers evaluated in concentrations of 283.4 (27.72-1119) mg L-1, 100% of which were above the values established for occupational scenarios. The pH values obtained for the EBC samples were presented at an average of 7.07 (6.33-7.66). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were present in 86.1% of the study population. The cytokine that was found in higher concentrations was IL-2, with a mean of 178.01 pg mL-1 and 3124.01 pg mL-1 for the pH < 7 and pH > 7 groups, respectively. Some correlations between the cytokines and the exposure biomarkers were presented. Stonemasons are highly exposed to pneumotoxic pollutants and markers of inflammation at the pulmonary level; in addition, a high risk of developing silicosis. Quarrying should be addressed as a carcinogenic activity, which would imply the design of monitoring and control strategies for these pollutants that our country currently lacks, particularly in precarious occupations. It is necessary to develop strategies to protect the health of precarious workers.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Artisanal mercury mining (AMM) is an informal economic activity that employs low technology and limited protection, and poses a risk to workers and their families; due to the extraction process, these scenarios involve exposure to complex mixtures of pollutants that synergistically aggravate the health of miners and people living near the site. Although mercury is the predominant pollutant, there are others such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), toluene, arsenic, and lead which have been classified as nephrotoxic pollutants. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the association between exposure to a complex mixture of pollutants (mercury, lead, arsenic, PAHs, and toluene) and kidney damage in artisanal Hg mining workers through early kidney damage proteins (KIM-1, OPN, RBP-4, NGAL, and Cys-C). The results demonstrate the presence of OH-PAHs at concentrations of 9.21 (6.57-80.63) µg/L, hippuric acid as a biomarker of exposure to toluene, As and Pb (655. 1 (203.8-1231) mg/L, 24.05 (1.24-42.98) g/g creatinine, and 4.74 (2.71-8.14) g/dL, respectively), and urinary Hg (503.4 (177.9-878.7) g/g creatinine) in the study population. As well as biomarkers of kidney damage, NGAL and RPB-4 were found in 100% of the samples, KIM-1 and Cys-C in 44.1%, and OPN in 41% of the miners. Significant correlations were found between several of the evaluated pollutants and early kidney damage proteins. Our results demonstrate the application of the early kidney damage biomarkers for the assessment of damage caused by the exposure to mixtures of pollutants and, therefore, the urgent need for monitoring in AMM areas.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The objective of this research was to evaluate the application of an electronic nose and chemometric analysis to discriminate volatile organic compounds between patients with COVID-19, post-COVID syndrome and controls in exhaled breath samples. A cross-sectional study was performed on 102 exhaled breath samples, 42 with COVID-19, 30 with the post-COVID syndrome and 30 control subjects. Breath-print analysis was performed by the Cyranose 320 electronic nose with 32 sensors. Group data were evaluated by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), and the test's diagnostic power was evaluated through a Receiver Operaring Characteristic curve(ROC curve). The results of the chemometric analysis indicate in the PCA a 97.6% (PC1 = 95.9%, PC2 = 1.0%, PC3 = 0.7%) of explanation of the variability between the groups by means of 3 PCs, the CDA presents a 100% of correct classification of the study groups, SVM a 99.4% of correct classification, finally the PLS-DA indicates an observable separation between the groups and the 12 sensors that were related. The sensitivity, specificity of post-COVID vs. controls value reached 97.6% (87.4%-99.9%) and 100% (88.4%-100%) respectively, according to the ROC curve. As a perspective, we consider that this technology, due to its simplicity, low cost and portability, can support strategies for the identification and follow-up of post-COVID patients. The proposed classification model provides the basis for evaluating post-COVID patients; therefore, further studies are required to enable the implementation of this technology to support clinical management and mitigation of effects.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Nowadays, water pollution represents a great concern due to population growth, industrialization, and urbanization. Every day hazardous chemical products for humans and aquatic organisms are disposed of arbitrarily from homes and industries. Even though detergents are considered an essential market, there is evidence of environmental impacts caused by surfactants like nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS). Regulations about maximum allowable concentrations in sewage, surface water, and drinking water are scarce or null, mostly in developing countries like Latin American countries. Therefore, this review explores these two common toxic surfactants (NPE and LAS) and proposes a technological, innovative, and ecological perspective on detergents. Also, it establishes a starting point for industries to minimize adverse effects on humans and environmental health caused by these compounds.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Brick-kilns are polluted environments due to the use of low-quality technologies and fuels, which generates black fumes with a large number of pollutants. The objective of this research was to analyze environmental exposure and biomarkers of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals, and respiratory health in brickmakers to assess the baseline state of contamination in a brick-kiln area of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Lead was quantified in soil and particulate matter of 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and 10 µm (PM10) in brick-kiln areas. In brickmakers, lead was evaluated in whole blood and 10 hydroxylated metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined in urine. Respiratory health was assessed by spirometry, exhaled breath condensate, and a COPD-PS questionnaire. Data association was performed by Spearman correlation. Environmental concentrations and biomarkers of exposure are presented as medians, for lead, it was 60.4 mg/kg, for PM10, it was 2663.1 µg/m3, and for PM2.5, it was 166.6 µg/m3. For blood lead, it was 1.06 µg/dL, and the summed concentration of OH-PAHs in urine was 16.1 µg/L. Spirometry values were 2.8 ± 0.6 L and 2.9 ± 1.3 L/s FEV1 and FEV 25-75 respectively. The correlation results indicate that the older the age of the workers is and the extensive period they have been working, their lung function is affected the most. The health vulnerability present in these occupational activities is high, so it is necessary to make visible, address these economic activities in Mexico, and apply surveillance systems based on the health of the worker.

Assuntos