Papers by Maria Cesarina Abete
Biological Trace Element Research
Research Square (Research Square), Aug 2, 2022
Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. T... more Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. The Farm to Fork strategy encouraged the reintroduction of animal by-products in feed production to optimize recycling and to valorise under-used resources. In order to grant safe and valuable feed products, this study investigated the black soldier y (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) chemical risk. Samples collected in different steps of production (8 samples of substrate for culturing, 7 samples of larvae, 15 samples of protein meal, 18 samples of spent substrate) were analysed for essential elements (chromium, copper, iron, nickel, selenium and zinc) and inorganic contaminants (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Essential elements were found in the following order Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni>Se>Cr (mg kg-1). Non-essential elements concentrations were found lower than the set limits according to the European Union Regulations. The growing demand for alternative protein sources for feed production could be partially compensated by black soldier y (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) meal, as it appears a good source for high quality proteins and essential elements which play a pivotal role in animal growth. In the foreseeable future the current legislation and the o cial monitoring plans may be implemented and broaden, to focus and assess limits for upcoming matrices, and to ensure feed and food safety. Declarations CRediT authorship contribution statement All authors contributed to the study. Material preparation, data collection was performed by Sabina Pederiva. Resources were provided by Daniela Marchis. Methodology optimization, chemical analysis and data analysis were performed by Sabina Pederiva and Stefania Squadrone. Statistical analysis was performed by Sabina Pederiva. The rst draft of the manuscript was written by Sabina Pederiva. Activity planning and execution were in charge of Daniela Marchis and Stefania Squadrone All authors discussed the results and contributed to the nal manuscript. Review, editing of the nal manuscript was performed by Stefania Squadrone and Daniela Marchis. Supervision was performed by Daniela Marchis and Maria Cesarina Abete. All authors read and approved the nal manuscript.
Background Following the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2001, processed animal protein... more Background Following the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2001, processed animal proteins (PAPs) reintroduction is envisaged in non-ruminant feed thanks to their high protein content, easy availability and cost-effective characteristics. PAPs must be submitted to rendering practices, providing sterilization of products, under standardized conditions of temperature and pressure, according to Regulation (EC) No 142/2011. However, the chemical risk associated to these raw materials has been never evaluated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reliable liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination and quantification of tetracycline residues in PAPs at µg kg− 1 level. Methods The LC-MS/MS method performances were evaluated in terms of specificity, linearity (25–500 µg kg− 1), limit of quantitation (LOQ) (25 µg kg− 1), accuracy and precision (CV% <25%), uncertainty, recovery (80–120%) and ruggedness. Results All the eval...
Italian Journal of Food Safety, 2022
The present study aimed to determine trace elements in Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovin... more The present study aimed to determine trace elements in Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from an experimental pilot farm of the Calich Lagoon, a typical Sardinian brackish area (Italy). Two sampling sessions were scheduled in February and May 2019 and the occurrence of 24 metals (Hg, Ag, Al, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sn, Ti, V, Zn) in bivalves was considered. Environmental conditions of water (temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a) were also measured in situ. A high significant (P<0.001) difference was reported for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Our results showed a significant sessional variation of Mo (P<0.001); Cd, V (P<0.01); Ni, Pb and Co (P<0.05) in examined M. galloprovincialis samples; as all values were higher in February than those for May session samples, meanwhile the highest levels were reported for Mg (mean s.d. 1151 263 mg kg-1 wet weight), Al (mean s.d. 341 192 mg k...
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 2021
BACKGROUND Aluminium (Al) is widespread in nature, but the main route of exposure for humans and ... more BACKGROUND Aluminium (Al) is widespread in nature, but the main route of exposure for humans and animals is through food. Cereals and vegetables give and important contribute to dietary intake. This investigation focused on the occurrence aluminium in raw materials intended for animal consumption. In fact, Al is not included in the official monitoring programs, and little or no data are still available about its presence in feed or plant material. METHODS Rice, wheat, corn, barley, rye, triticale, oats, and soy samples were collected in Northwestern Italy in an area characterized by clayey soil rich in aluminium silicates. Samples were subjected to homogenization and microwave acid digestion and Al was quantified by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). RESULTS Different aluminium concentrations were found in the analyzed raw materials: soy (89 mg kg-1) > rye > rice > oat > triticale > barley > wheat > corn (2.9 mg kg-1). In this study, Al concentrations were found higher than those reported for same matrices in other UE and non-EU countries, especially in rice and soy. CONCLUSIONS Al concentrations were related to the soil geological feature and to the physiological characteristics of the plant species. These two factors must be carefully considered for a reliable evaluation of aluminium exposure through feed and food.
Science of The Total Environment, 2020
Trace elements and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in Crassostrea gigas. • Trace elemen... more Trace elements and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in Crassostrea gigas. • Trace elements load suggested low contamination in lagoons and offshores. • OsHV-1 and Vibrio aestuarianus were detected in oysters of lagoon sites. • Both pathogens did not affect biomarkers response. • A monthly-dependent fluctuation of biomarkers levels was recorded in oyster tissues.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2019
Alpine lakes are extreme ecosystems located in remote areas and populated by few but well-adapted... more Alpine lakes are extreme ecosystems located in remote areas and populated by few but well-adapted species. Because of their remote location, they are often considered pristine, unpolluted ecosystems. Since the 1980s, however, they have been affected by global anthropogenic impacts. Macrobenthic invertebrates play a pivotal role in these ecosystems and can be used as bioindicators also for monitoring the accumulation of trace elements. We characterized the macrobenthic invertebrates community of Balma Lake (Cottian Alps, Northwest Italy) and Dimon Lake (Carnic Alps, Northeast Italy) in summer and autumn and measured the levels of nine trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) in the most abundant taxa (Chironomidae and Oligochaeta in both lakes and Hirudinea in Dimon Lake) in both seasons. The highest levels of trace elements were recorded for Fe, Cu, and Zn according to their environmental availability and their function as essential elements. The total amount of trace elements was highest for the Chironomidae from both lakes compared to the other two taxa. As, Cd, Pb, and Zn were measured in sediment to calculate bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values. The amount of elements in sediment and macrobenthic invertebrates was higher for Dimon Lake, suggesting a greater flux via precipitation of contaminants from the lowland. The BAF values were decreased with increasing trace elements concentration in sediment, indicating mechanisms of elements excretion in biota where the environment is contaminated. This study is the first to report on the use of macrobenthic invertebrates to monitor trace elements in Alpine lakes.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2018
Bird feathers have been proven to be reliable indicators of metal exposure originating from conta... more Bird feathers have been proven to be reliable indicators of metal exposure originating from contaminated food and polluted environments. The concentrations of 15 essential and non-essential metals were investigated in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) feathers from a Northwestern Italian zoological facility. These birds are exclusively fed with herring from the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Certain elements, such as Hg and Cd, reflected the bioaccumulation phenomena that occur through the marine food chain. The levels of Cr, Mn, and Ni were comparable to those registered in feathers of birds living in polluted areas. These results are important for comparative studies regarding the health, nutrition and welfare of endangered seabirds kept under human care.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2018
The occurrence of trace elements, REE and iAs was investigated in macroalgae collected from Gigli... more The occurrence of trace elements, REE and iAs was investigated in macroalgae collected from Giglio Island (Grosseto, Italy), 3 years after the Costa Concordia shipwreck recovery operations. There was a high variability of metals and REE between species, even those belonging to the same phylum. Arsenic level was found within the range of the Tuscany marine environment; the inorganic fraction was from 9% to 31%. Al, Be, Pb and Zn levels in seaweeds from Giglio Island were found to be significantly higher than in macroalgae from other islands of the Tuscany archipelago. REE were double the values found in the Tuscan islands of Elba and Capraia. We suggest that concentrations of metals and REE were influenced by the 3-yearlong naval operations carried out for the Costa Concordia shipwreck rescue, and that macroalgae could be suitable bioindicators of perturbations in metal concentrations in the marine environment. Capsule: Inorganic contaminants in seaweeds for Giglio Island.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2019
Interspecific differences in arsenic bioaccumulation and organ distribution (muscle, liver, kidne... more Interspecific differences in arsenic bioaccumulation and organ distribution (muscle, liver, kidney and gills) in three predator fish (creole perch, rainbow trout and brown trout) from a Patagonian lake impacted by volcanic eruptions were studied. Arsenic in fish organs were compared analyzing: 1) temporal (before and after volcanic eruption) and spatial (near and far from the volcano) influence of Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcanic complex activity on arsenic concentrations; 2) the influence of growth (as total length), organ type and their interactions over arsenic accumulation; and 3) arsenic speciation and total arsenic relationship with carbon to nitrogen ratios (C:N), as a proxy of lipid presence, in fish muscle. In general, total arsenic concentrations in creole perch organs were 2-7 times higher than those recorded in the corresponding organs of salmonids. Arsenic was preferentially accumulated in liver and kidney in the three fish species. The influence of the volcanic activity over arsenic concentrations was more evident in creole perch: organs from creole perch captured closest to the volcano exhibited higher arsenic concentrations. Temporal variations were not so consistent. No clear relationship between arsenic and fish length was observed. Positive and linear relationship between arsenic in all pair of organs was found in creole perch, while rainbow trout showed a quadratic relationship between muscle and the remaining organs, indicating different arsenic assimilation-elimination relationships between organs and fish. The arsenic liver:muscle ratio in the three fish species was greater than 1, suggesting some level of arsenic stress. Arsenobetaine (AB) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) were the dominant arsenic species in muscle of these fish, having creole perch 3-4 times higher AB than rainbow trout. A positive relationship between C:N ratio and total arsenic concentrations was found, with higher C:N in creole perchs near the volcano. In terms of food safety, no inorganic arsenic compound were detected, therefore arsenic levels in fish from Lake Nahuel Huapi does not represent any health risk to consumers.
Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987), 2018
The anthropogenic contamination of water bodies with metals via fertilizer, industrial sewage and... more The anthropogenic contamination of water bodies with metals via fertilizer, industrial sewage and urban wastewater has resulted in widespread problems in aquatic organisms, but also poses a risk to consumer health. Shellfish from coastal and estuarine environments bioaccumulate toxic metals in their tissues due to their ability to concentrate inorganic contaminants several orders of magnitude above ambient levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of trace elements in adult specimens of indigenous clams (Ruditapes decussatus). To this end, wild clams were collected from four different brackish areas of Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea, Italy) devoted to extensive aquacultural practices. The concentration of 16 trace elements (Al, Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Tl and Zn) in the tissues of the clams was quantified. The legal limits set by European Regulations for cadmium; mercury and lead were never exceeded. However, unexpectedly high values ...
Veterinaria italiana, Jan 29, 2017
In this study, arsenic content in 200 cat- and dog-food samples was estimated by means of electro... more In this study, arsenic content in 200 cat- and dog-food samples was estimated by means of electro thermal atomic absorption (Z-ETA-AAS), after using the wet digestion method, that were imported or commercialised in Italy from 2007 to 2012. The maximum value of total arsenic (As) in the samples was 12.5 mg kg-1. Some imported pet food was intercepted as a result of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and rejected at the border or withdrawn from the Italian market, because they exceeded the maximum level of arsenic content imposed in Italy at the time of this study (2002/32/EC). All the samples with a signi cant arsenic level were sh-based. Recently, the 2013/1275/EC raised the maximum level of As permitted in sh-based pet food. However, the analysis of As species is required (EFSA 2014) in order to identify correctly the di erent contributions of dietary exposure to inorganic As and to assure pet food quality.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2017
The concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) were determined by ICP-MS in dominant seaweed spe... more The concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) were determined by ICP-MS in dominant seaweed species, collected from three locations of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. This is the first study to define levels and patterns of REE in macro algae from these coastal areas. Rare elements are becoming emerging inorganic contaminants in marine ecosystems, due to their worldwide increasing applications in industry, technology, medicine and agriculture. Significant inter-site and interspecies differences were registered, with higher levels of REE in brown and green macro algae than in red seaweeds. Levels of light REE were also observed to be greater compared to heavy REE in all samples. One of the investigated locations (Bergeggi, SV) had higher REE and ΣREE concentrations, probably due to its proximity to an important commercial and touristic harbor, while the other two sites were less affected by anthropogenic contaminations, and showed comparable REE patterns and lower concentrations.
Ecological Indicators, 2016
Pb 0.49 1.45 2.30 0.80 50 m water depth spring summer autumn winter Mn 0.60 0.58 0.63 0.65 Fe 1.0... more Pb 0.49 1.45 2.30 0.80 50 m water depth spring summer autumn winter Mn 0.60 0.58 0.63 0.65 Fe 1.07 1.60 2.15 4.02 Al 1.25 1.30 2.00 2.61 Co 1.60 1.50 0.02 0.02 Ni 8.70 11.20 0.39 0.28 Cu 0.68 0.93 0.70 0.22 Zn 3.27 8.33 4.70 2.15 Cd 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.02 Table 2 Metals concentrations in marine zooplankton (mg Kg-1) P 0-3 m water depth Spring Summer Autumn Winter Al 81.00 Table 3 Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for marine zooplankton 0-3 m water depth spring summer autumn winter
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2016
Organophosphates (OPs) are derivatives of phosphoric acid widely used in agriculture as pesticide... more Organophosphates (OPs) are derivatives of phosphoric acid widely used in agriculture as pesticides. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an OP that is extremely toxic to aquatic organisms. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is considered as a sentinel model species for ecotoxicology assessment in freshwater ecosystems. An exposure study was carried out on rainbow trout to investigate genetic responses to CPF-induced oxidative stress by Real-Time PCR, and to determine the accumulation dynamics of CPF and toxic metabolite chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPF-ox) in edible parts, by HPLC-MS/MS. Among the genes considered to be related to oxidative stress, a significant increase in HSP70 mRNA levels was observed in liver samples up to 14 days after CPF exposure (0.05 mg/L). CPF concentrations in muscle samples reach mean values of 285.25 ng/g within 96 hours of exposure, while CPF-ox concentrations were always under the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the applied method. Our findings lead us to consider HSP70 as a suitable genetic marker in rainbow trout for acute and medium-term monitoring of CPF exposure, complementary to analytical determinations
Italian Journal of Food Safety, 2008
Mercury levels in 61 complete pet feed containing fish were evaluated. In five samples a mercury ... more Mercury levels in 61 complete pet feed containing fish were evaluated. In five samples a mercury content exceeding the maximum residues level (0.4 mg/kg) was detected. The statistical evaluation didn't show a significant correlation between the percentage of fish in feedingstuffs and the contamination level.
Italian Journal of Food Safety, 2013
Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 2008
As a consequence of the finding of veterinarian drugs in food European Community banned several c... more As a consequence of the finding of veterinarian drugs in food European Community banned several compounds like coccidiostats as amprolium (APL). This antibiotic has been used as a preventive and clinical anticoccidial drug in chicken. The 2005/187/CE, 2005/925/EC Recommendations ban the use of amprolium as additive in chicken feed. For this reason a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was developed to detect amprolium in chicken feed following the European community proposed technique (1999/27/EC) for sample preparation. Cause the validation is required for the analytical methods used in feed official control, this method was validated according to 2004/882/EC Regulation.
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Papers by Maria Cesarina Abete