Human exposure to contaminated food is a general health concern worldwide; it is necessary to evaluate food safety with respect to contaminants present in the edible parts of major food crops. This study evaluated the concentrations of 17 trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn) from 51 potato plantations in the Campania region, inside the area known as the “Triangle of Death,” with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Results confirm that the potatoes collected from the suburban area of Naples contained concentrations of trace elements below the safe limits prescribed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. The concentrations of elements were similar to those reported for potatoes grown in other countries. Monitoring the content of toxic and potentially toxic elements is one of the most important aspects of food quality assurance. The environmental persistence of metals may r...

The SARS-CoV-2 can spread directly via saliva, respiratory aerosols and droplets, and indirectly by contact through contaminated objects and/or surfaces and by air. In the context of COVID-19 fomites can be an important vehicle of virus transmission and contribute to infection risk in public environments. The aim of the study was to analyze through surface sampling (sponge method) the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in public and working environments, in order to evaluate the risk for virus transmission. Seventy-seven environmental samples were taken using sterile sponges in 17 animal farms, 4 public transport buses, 1 supermarket and 1 hotel receptive structure. Furthermore, 246 and 93 swab samples were taken in the farms from animals and from workers, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 detection was conducted by real-time RT-PCR and by digital droplet RT-PCR (dd RT-PCR) using RdRp, gene E and gene N as targets. None of the human and animal swab samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, while detection was achieved in 20 of the 77 sponge samples (26%) using dd RT-PCR. Traces of the RdRp gene, gene E and gene N were found in 17/77 samples (22%, average concentration 31.2 g.c./cm², range 5.6 to 132 g.c./cm²), 8/77 samples (10%, average concentration 15.1 g.c./cm², range 6 to 36 g.c./cm²), and in 1/77 (1%, concentration 7.2 g.c./cm²). Higher detection rates were associated with sampling in animal farms and on public transport buses (32% and 30%) compared to the supermarket (21%) and the hotel (no detection). The result of the study suggests that the risk of contamination of surfaces with SARS-CoV-2 increases in environments in which sanitation strategies are not suitable and/or in highly frequented locations, such as public transportation. Considering the analytical methods, the dd RT-PCR was the only approach achieving detection of SARS-CoV-2 traces in environmental samples. Thus, dd RT-PCR emerges as a reliable tool for sensitive SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Honeybees and hive products have long been recognized as excellent bio-indicators, as they provide valuable information on the state of the environments concerned. As yet, however, no tool is capable of contextually assessing the level of pollution of different environmental matrices in order to create maps of areas in which to place hives. In this paper, a possible method of creating a regional map to support the implementation of targeted monitoring plans on beekeeping is described. We obtained and identified related-activity pressure factors, which were subsequently combined by means of a multi-criteria approach through the analytic hierarchy process method (AHP). The different levels used were drawn up by first attributing qualitative values; these were converted into quantitative values through scoring elaborations and pair comparisons and then elaborated and standardized by means of different techniques in order to create an index with a spatial distribution of five risk classes throughout the region. To verify the correct execution of the procedure, a consistency ratio method was implemented on this index and validated the reliability of the application as the main source of information for sampling activities on beekeeping products. Creation of the specific environmental risk index enabled us to construct a map displaying the areas of greatest impact on beekeeping activities and a representation of the cumulative effects generated by the different pollutants in the air, water, soil and subsoil compartments. This index may, therefore, constitute an essential tool to support beekeepers in choosing sites for their apiaries.

Vector-borne infections (Arbovirosis) represent a significant threat to public health worldwide. Climate change, currently a global problem, seems to contribute to the incidence and prevalence of autochthonous and imported cases of arbovirosis in Europe. The aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of climate change on the occurrence and spread of arbovirosis in order to offer concrete ideas to the competent authorities and modulate surveillance plans on the basis of risk assessment. The results of official controls carried out from 2018 to 2023 on animals subjected to the Surveillance Plans for Blue Tongue, West Nile and Usutu viruses in the Campania Region were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.5.0). The possible correlation between the prevalence of infections and climate parameters was evaluated with the “cross-correlation time series” (p-value < 0.05). The generalized linear mixed model showed that for each unit increase in humidity and temperature, the probability of disease spread increased by 4.56% and 7.84%, respectively. The univariate logistic regression model and the odds ratio were necessary to evaluate the possible risk related to the proximity to wetlands or to bodies of water: in the past few years, these have represented a risk for the persistence and spread of arbovirosis in the Campania region.

Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. are common pathogens that contaminate water and food. They can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups like immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, young children, and aging people. An all-encompassing approach to minimizing transmission involves identifying effective techniques for detecting, treating, and preventing protozoan parasites. This study confirmed the effectiveness of a Droplet Digital Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (dd RT-PCR) method for quickly and accurately identifying Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium species in honeybees, honey, and pollen by using ISO 17468 and ISO 16140 standard guidelines. The study evaluated honeybee (n = 16), honey (n = 12), and pollen (n = 8) samples collected from various apiaries in Southern Italy between June and September 2023. The results showed that honeybees, honey, and pollen can be considered bioindicators of infections by T. gondii, G. intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. Furthermore, pollen, along with honey to a lesser degree, can serve as significant indicators for evaluating food safety. Therefore, it is essential to monitor their quality and purity due to environmental influences.