Applicability of an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method to evaluation of toxic elements bioaccessibility from algae for human consumption.

This study aimed to investigate the bioaccessibility of toxic elements, including aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in five commercial algae consumed by humans in Italy. The degree of bioaccessibility of these elements may have important implications for human health. Simulation of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion was divided into three stages through use of synthetic saliva, gastric, and bile-pancreas solutions.

Application of an in vitro digestion model for Po bioaccessibility assessment in seafood.

This study aims to investigate the bioaccessibility of Po in seafood and the impact of food preparation on this radionuclide. Polonium bioaccessibility is the fraction of Po mobilised from food matrices into digestive extractants when applying an in vitro digestion model. The degree of bioaccessibility of Po in food has important implications for estimating ingestion doses from this radionuclide.

Radioactivity measurements and dosimetric evaluation in meat of wild birds.

The aim of this study was to determine the background activity concentration of natural radionuclides and Cesium (Cs) in meat of 14 migratory birds originating from central and northern Europe. This meat is largely consumed by the Italian population. K, Pb, and Cs were determined by gamma spectrometry and Po by alpha spectrometry.

Polonium bioaccessibility assessment in algae for human consumption: An in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method.

The occurrence and mobility of natural radioactive element as Polonium (Po) in 13 commercial algae consumed in Italy by humans were determined because the effects on human health need to take into account the bioavailability of these elements. The simulation of gastrointestinal (GIT) digestion was divided into three stages and was accomplished using three different artificial solutions: saliva, gastric, and synthetic bile-pancreas solution. The same sample was treated in two different ways: a) only gastric digestion and b) complete GIT digestion (gastric digestion followed by bile-pancreas solution).

Essential and toxic elements in meat of wild birds.

Essential and toxic elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), mass spectrometry (MS), and atomic absorption (AS) in meat of 14 migratory birds originating from central and northern Europe to provide baseline data regarding game meat consumed in central Italy. In all samples analyzed, cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) (total) levels were <0.326 mg/kg.

Radiochemical Characterization of Algae Products Commercialized for Human Consumption.

Natural radionuclides and Cs were determined by alpha (U, U, Th,Po,Th, and Th) and gamma spectrometry (Cs, K, Ra, Pb, and Ra via Ac) in 14 dried seaweeds commercialized for human nutrition in Italy. The study was carried out in order to provide information on the concentrations of natural and artificial radionuclides. Cesium-137 (Cs) concentrations in all analyzed samples were always <2.

Radioactivity in honey of the central Italy.

Natural radionuclides and (137)Cs in twenty seven honeys produced in a region of the Central Italy were determined by alpha ((235)U, (238)U, (210)Po, (232)Th and (228)Th) and gamma spectrometry ((137)Cs, (40)K, (226)Ra and (228)Ra). The study was carried out in order to estimate the background levels of natural ((40)K, (238)U and (232)Th and their progeny) and artificial radionuclides ((137)Cs) in various honey samples, as well as to compile a data base for radioactivity levels in that region. (40)K showed a mean activity of 28.

Assessment of ²¹⁰Po in Italian diet.

This research was dedicated to the study, in the Italian daily diet, of the background activity concentration of (210)Po, a radionuclide with a high radiotoxicity. (210)Po was determined by alpha spectrometry. For food products of vegetable origin, the (210)Po activity concentration follows the trend: leafy vegetable>flour>rice>fruits>pasta>other vegetables>fruit vegetable; for those of animal origin: eggs>cheese>milk.

Natural radioactivity in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis derived from the central Adriatic Sea (Italy).

The aim of this study was to determine background levels of natural radionuclides such as uranium isotopes, (210)Pb, (210)Po, and (40)K in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis, collected in the central Adriatic Sea along the Marche region as a mechanism to establish a biomonitoring model for human radiation exposure resulting from ingestion of this species. This mussel is an invasive warm-water species largely consumed by the local population and also exported to different countries. Among natural radionuclides, alpha emitters are considered responsible for a significant proportion of the radiation exposure of humans to background radiation, particularly through food consumption.

Natural radionuclides measurements and total dose indicative evaluation in drinking waters of an Italian central region.

A study of radioactivity content in drinking waters collected in some areas of geological interest in an Italian central region was performed to check the compliance with recent European regulations. Gross alpha and beta activities, 226Ra, 238U, 234U, 210Po and 3H concentrations were measured. Gross alpha and beta, 226Ra and 3H activities were determined using an ultra-low-level scintillation counter, 238U, 234U and 210Po by alpha spectrometry after radiochemical separation.

Radioactivity measurements and radiation dose evaluation in tap waters of Central Italy.

Consumption of drinking water is very important for human nutrition and its quality must be strictly controlled. A study of radioactivity content in tap water samples collected in the Central Italy was performed in order to check the compliance with recent European regulations. Gross alpha and beta activity, 226Ra, 238U and 234U concentrations were measured.

210Po and 210Pb inhalation by cigarette smoking in Italy.

210Po and its precursor 210Pb in cigarette smoke contribute a significant radiation dose to the lungs of smokers. In this work, the concentration of 210Po was determined in 17 of the most frequently smoked cigarette brands in Italy. Samples of tobacco, fresh filters, ash, and post-smoking filters were analyzed; 210Po was determined by alpha spectrometry after its spontaneous deposition on a silver disk.