Data to understand the biotransfer of heavy metals along the soil-plant-edible insect-human food chain in Africa

Dataset on hydrogeochemical characteristics of spring and surface waters in the complex karst catchment area of Southern Dalmatia (Croatia) and Western Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Large and complex karst catchments, like the one in Southern Dalmatia (Croatia) and Western Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina), are fragile environments requiring careful protection and sustainable water resources management. Understanding the processes that influence karst aquifer water chemistry is essential for the effective protection of water quality and quantity, ensuring sustainable resource availability and minimizing vulnerability to contamination. A hydrogeochemical dataset comprising over 30 groundwater (springs) and surface water samples, was collected in this cross-border catchment area from September 2013 to September 2020, accounting for seasonal variations. Parameters such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, NO3 - and SO4 2+ were analysed using atomic absorption, spectrophotometry and ion chromatography at the Croatian Geological Survey's Hydrochemical Laboratory. Alkalinity was measured through volumetric titration and in-situ pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature (T) were measured using a multi-parameter probe. Additionally, stable sulphur isotope 34 (δ34S) analysis was conducted on ten samples collected during two hydrological extremes (April and October 2019) using an IRMS analyser at the Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia. These data provides a baseline assessment of the hydrogeochemistry of the area, facilitating research on isotope hydrology, particularly δ34S studies. It could also be used in implementing measures to protect and safeguard groundwater, assess its vulnerability to contamination, and improve existing catchment recharge zones.

Consumers' Perceptions about Edible Insects' Nutritional Value and Health Effects: Study Involving 14 Countries

Insects have been consumed for time immemorial in many regions of the globe. However, in other parts, they are not traditionally eaten. Because they are a more sustainable source of animal protein and provide valuable nutrients as well as bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on the human body, their consumption is encouraged. Knowledge can serve as a tool for better acceptance of insects as food. In this context, the present work investigated the knowledge about the nutritional value and health effects of edible insects in different countries. Data were collected by employing a questionnaire survey translated into the different languages of all participating countries and were treated using statistical tools. A total of 7222 responses were obtained. The results indicated that for many issues, the participants manifested a neutral opinion (neither agree nor disagree), but the participants who manifested agreement/disagreement were generally well informed. They were also able to identify untrue facts and answer accordingly by disagreeing. Factor analysis showed four groups of questions: nutritive value, negative perception and risks, safety and benefits of insects and contamination and harmful components. Finally, significant differences were observed according to the sociodemographic variables studies (sex, age, education, living environment and country), with age and country being the most influential of the sociodemographic factors on knowledge. Therefore, increasing knowledge is envisaged as an essential factor in augmenting the recognition of edible insects as a nutritional food, presenting health benefits apart from being a more sustainable source of animal protein when compared with beef or pork meats.

Tellurium and Nano-Tellurium: Medicine or Poison?

Tellurium (Te) is the heaviest stable chalcogen and is a rare element in Earth's crust (one to five ppb). It was discovered in gold ore from mines in Kleinschlatten near the present-day city of Zlatna, Romania. Industrial and other applications of Te focus on its inorganic forms. Tellurium can be toxic to animals and humans at low doses. Chronic tellurium poisoning endangers the kidney, liver, and nervous system. However, Te can be effective against bacteria and is able to destroy cancer cells. Tellurium can also be used to develop redox modulators and enzyme inhibitors. Soluble salts that contain Te had a role as therapeutic and antimicrobial agents before the advent of antibiotics. The pharmaceutical use of Te is not widespread due to the narrow margin between beneficial and toxic doses, but there are differences between the measure of toxicity based on the Te form. Nano-tellurium (Te-NPs) has several applications: it can act as an adsorptive agent to remove pollutants, and it can be used in antibacterial coating, photo-catalysis for the degradation of dyes, and conductive electronic materials. Nano-sized Te particles are the most promising and can be produced in both chemical and biological ways. Safety assessments are essential to determine the potential risks and benefits of using Te compounds in various applications. Future challenges and directions in developing nano-materials, nano-alloys, and nano-structures based on Te are still open to debate.

The role of microbial partners in heavy metal metabolism in plants: a review

Heavy metal pollution threatens plant growth and development as well as ecological stability. Here, we synthesize current research on the interplay between plants and their microbial symbionts under heavy metal stress, highlighting the mechanisms employed by microbes to enhance plant tolerance and resilience. Several key strategies such as bioavailability alteration, chelation, detoxification, induced systemic tolerance, horizontal gene transfer, and methylation and demethylation, are examined, alongside the genetic and molecular basis governing these plant-microbe interactions. However, the complexity of plant-microbe interactions, coupled with our limited understanding of the associated mechanisms, presents challenges in their practical application. Thus, this review underscores the necessity of a more detailed understanding of how plants and microbes interact and the importance of using a combined approach from different scientific fields to maximize the benefits of these microbial processes. By advancing our knowledge of plant-microbe synergies in the metabolism of heavy metals, we can develop more effective bioremediation strategies to combat the contamination of soil by heavy metals.