Soil physicochemical properties change by age of the oil palm crop.

For decades there have been controversies related to the changes generated by oil palm plantations in the physicochemical properties of the soil, soil biota, and ecological interactions. Therefore, the present investigation evaluated root diameter and biomass at three ages of oil palm cultivation. Besides, we evaluated the effect of the ages on the physicochemical parameters of the soil in comparison with pasture plots.

Health risk due to chronic heavy metal consumption via cow's milk produced in Puebla, Mexico, in irrigated wastewater areas.

The aim of this study was to determine the heavy metals content of milk from cows fed with forage irrigated with waste water from industrial sources and the health risk to children. Milk samples were taken from milk collection tanks of eight localities in the state of Puebla. On average, the heavy metals in the milk had the following order Zn> As> Pb > Cr> Cu > Ni.

Heavy metals in cow's milk and cheese produced in areas irrigated with waste water in Puebla, Mexico.

The aim of this work was to determine Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, and As levels in raw milk and Oaxaca and ranchero type cheeses, produced in areas irrigated with waste water from Puebla in Mexico. Milk results showed a mean Pb level of 0.03 mg kg, which is above the maximum limit as set by Codex Alimentarius and the European Commission standards.