Publications by authors named "N Quinete"
Food is essential for human survival; however, food can be an important route of exposure to contaminants. This study investigated the presence and distribution of anthropogenic contaminants in food consumed by families with small children in South Florida, United States, evaluating seasonal and socio-economic variabilities in chemical composition. QuEChERS protocols, followed by non-targeted analysis (NTA) using an LC-Orbitrap HRMS system, were used for the comprehensive screening of organic contaminants.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMultiple non-targeted analysis tools were used to look for a broad range of possible chemical contaminants present in surface and drinking water using liquid chromatography separation and high-resolution mass spectrometry detection, including both quadrupole time of flight (Q-ToF) and Orbitrap instruments. Two chromatographic techniques were evaluated on an LC-Q-ToF with electrospray ionization in both positive and negative modes: (1) the traditionally used reverse phase C18 and (2) the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) aimed to capture more polar contaminants that may be present in water. Multiple ionization modes were evaluated with an LC-Orbitrap, including electrospray (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), also in both positive and negative modes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in various industries and are known for their persistence and toxicity in marine life, prompting research into their effects on fish and water quality.
- The study found detectable PFAS levels in recreational fisheries, with a notable difference in bioaccumulation between species, particularly indicating higher accumulation in tuna than in lobster.
- Despite healthy fish conditions indicated by Fulton's condition factor, biomarkers showed oxidative stress in both tuna and lobster, suggesting potential risks to their health and raising concerns about the accuracy of human health risk assessments related to PFAS exposure.
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in biosolids from two wastewater treatment plants in Miami, specifically focusing on how treatment processes affect PFAS levels and their potential mobility in soil.
- - Samples underwent various treatment processes (thickening, anaerobic digestion, dewatering) and revealed that PFAS tends to accumulate in solids during treatment, but certain processes can release PFAS back into the liquid phase.
- - The findings indicate that a significant number of PFAS are highly soluble, meaning they could easily move into the environment through runoff or during irrigation after the biosolids are applied as fertilizer, raising concerns about land application practices.