Influence of humic acid derived from composted wastes of Nigeria origin on oxidative and antioxidant status of African mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The utilization of organic fertilizer, a product of composted organic wastes, is being advocated in Nigeria as a solid waste management alternative. The application of such products near surface water could increase organic matter load of the aquatic environment, thus increasing the humic substance concentration that influence metal speciation and bioavailability in water. In this study, Humic Acid (HA), a major humic substance fraction, derived from composted organic wastes of Nigeria origin was evaluated for effects on the oxidative and antioxidant status of African Mud Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to different HA (100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg L(-1)) concentrations in static water culture. Lipid peroxidation was estimated via malondialdehyde (MDA) using thiobarbituric acid assay while oxidative stress was assessed spectrophotometrically, via superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) using standard enzymatic assay techniques. Results showed that treatments increased MDA by 20 to 70% but decreased SOD, CAT and GSH by 10 to 42.56%, 43.62 to 64.09% and 9.84 to 67.68%, respectively. Negative coefficient (r) was obtained for CAT (r = - 0.491; p > 0.10), GSH (r = - 0.551; p > 0.10) versus HA concentration but correlation was positive for MDA (r = 0.998; p = 0.012) and the latter. Study revealed humic acid-mediated oxidative stress and lipid oxidation in the fish. The adverse impact was a function of humic acid concentration and an assessment of heavy metal-humic acid mixture effect on the oxidative and antioxidant status of fresh water fish is recommended.     

Determination of some heavy metal concentrations in razor clam (Solen brevis) from Tanjung Lumpur coastal waters, Pahang, Malaysia

An effort to analyze selected heavy metal accumulation by the razor clam (Solen brevis) from Tanjung Lumpur was conducted on January to April 2010. A total of fifty individuals of Razor clam Solen brevis were sampled and metals such as Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Concentrations were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Among the metals Fe occurred in elevated concentration in the soft tissue of razor clam followed by Zn. Cd was found to be in least concentration in the sample. Mean concentration of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd and Pb in the soft tissue were 415.2 +/- 56.52, 87.74 +/- 11.85, 18.71 +/- 2.10, 8.64 +/- 1.75, 0.67 +/- 0.29 and 1.61 +/- 0.45 microg g(-1) dw, respectively indicating that the bioaccumulation of essential metals in the soft tissue was greater than the non essential heavy metals. Metal accumulation in the soft tissue of razor clam followed Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Pb > Cd order in present study. The observed concentration of acute toxicity of metals in Solen brevis (Family: Solenidae) from Tanjung Lumpur Coastal waters was lower than the permissible limit recommended by National and international standards proved that this species could be utilized for human consumption.     

Chemical composition of raw fish consumed in Bahrain

Nine species (Seriolina nigrofasciata, Siganus canaliculatus, Rhabdosargus haffara, Scomberomorus commerson, Liza alata, Epinephelus areolatus, Plectorhinchus sordidus, Lethrinus nebulosus and Penaeus semislcatus) of raw fish commonly consumed in Bahrain were analyzed for their proximate, mineral and heavy metal content. The protein content ranged from 17.9-21.8 g/100 g, fat content from 0.80-16.1 g/100 g and energy content from 87.1-216.7 kcal/100 g. The raw fish also had high levels of sodium (82-300 mg/100 g), potassium (210-400 mg/100 g), phosphorous (200-280 mg/100 g), magnesium (23-47 mg/100 g) and zinc (0.0-2.2 mg/100 g). Content of iron, calcium and copper were quite low. The species Penaeus semislcatus had low levels of both lead and mercury (<0.02 microg g(-1)). The maximum level of lead was 0.50 microg g(-1) and mercury was 0.20 microg g(-1). One species (Rhabdosargus haffara) of fish had cadmium levels of 0.03 microg g(-1), while the rest of the fish had less than 0.02 microg g(-1). Overall, fish available in the market of Bahrain are a good source of some essential minerals. Furthermore, the heavy metal content is below the maximum permitted limits and can be safely consumed by the general public. However, monitoring of heavy metals in fish consumed in Bahrain should be done periodically.     

大豆主要抗原蛋白对鲤鱼肌肉营养成分的影响

以初始体质量(31.34±0.29)g的健康鲤鱼鱼种为试验对象,以鱼粉为对照组,β-伴大豆球蛋白的添加量为40 g.kg-1,大豆球蛋白的添加量为60 g.kg-1,各配制成3种等蛋白(360 g.kg-1)等能(15.2 MJ.kg-1)的半精制饲料,在室内单循环控温养殖系统中进行6周饲养试验,探讨大豆主要抗原蛋白(β-伴大豆球蛋白和大豆球蛋白)对鲤鱼肌肉主要营养成分的影响。结果表明:大豆主要抗原蛋白使鲤鱼肌肉中粗蛋白含量、必需氨基酸总量下降,但与对照组差异不显著(P>0.05);鲤鱼肌肉中粗脂肪、粗灰分、氨基酸总量、鲜味氨基酸总量与对照组差异不显著(P>0.05)。因此,大豆主要抗原蛋白对鲤鱼肌肉营养成分尚未造成显著影响。     

Potential nephrotoxicity in African mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus) following exposure to compost derived humic acid

Influence of compost-derived Humic Acid (HA) on nephrotoxicity in juvenile African mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was evaluated in static water culture. Fish samples were exposed to different HA concentrations (0, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg L(-1)) for 45 days at 5 samples per aquarium. Renal function was assessed spectrophotometrically via levels of serum albumin, measured using bromocresol green, creatinine by Jaffe method and urea by Nesslerization method. Results revealed that the mean value of albumin or urea in the exposed group (1), at each HA concentration, was lower than the value found in the control group (II). Creatinine was relatively higher in I relative to II. Significant (p < 0.05) variations for I and II were obtained at 250 to 1000 mgHA L(-1) for the three biomarkers. Relative to increasing HA concentration, decreasing albumin (0.84 to 0.43 g dL(-1): r = -0.114; p > 0.10), urea (5.21 to 1.95 mg dL(-1); r = -0.586; p > 0.10) and increasing creatinine (0.20 to 1.53 mg dL(-1): r = +0.704; p > 0.10) were recorded; r is correlation coefficient. Changes in urea were not predictive of nephrotic syndrome but alterations in albumin and creatinine revealed induced nephrotoxicity, especially at elevated HA concentrations (above 100 mg L(-1)). Overall, the effect of humic acid was dose-dependent. Further studies at various humic acid concentrations, especially below 100 mg L(-1), are required to establish the actual nephrotoxic dose.     

三种蔬菜在2种硒含量土壤中对硒锌铅镉吸收规律的研究

采用盆栽试验,研究了叶用芥菜、大蒜和雍菜在富硒和低硒土壤中对硒和重金属(Pb、Cd、Zn)的吸收规律。结果表明:在富硒土壤中,大蒜、芥菜和雍菜各部位硒含量均高于低硒土壤的处理,其中,根部和可食部位分别是低硒土壤的1.6~2.6倍和1.1~4.5倍。3种蔬菜在两种土壤上的可食部位硒含量都表现出大蒜(0.029~0.143 mg/kg)芥菜(0.007~0.016 mg/kg)雍菜(0.002~0.007 mg/kg)的趋势,其中富硒土壤中大蒜和芥菜硒含量达到富硒标准(≥0.01mg/kg)。3种蔬菜的根部或鳞茎部位的硒含量均显著高于各自的茎或叶部位。蔬菜重金属含量与土壤重金属本底值呈正相关。3种蔬菜对Pb、Cd、Zn的吸收能力不同,植株的Pb含量高低顺序为雍菜芥菜大蒜,Cd含量高低顺序为大蒜芥菜雍菜,Zn含量高低顺序为芥菜大蒜雍菜,且在蔬菜不同部位的累积顺序均为根茎、叶。因此,生产安全且富硒蔬菜,需选择硒富集能力强且重金属吸收能力较低的蔬菜种类。本研究的结果表明,供试的3种蔬菜中,大蒜和芥菜具有较高的硒富集能力,可作为富硒蔬菜生产。     

Hydrochemical processes and metal composition of Ain Umm-Sabah natural spring in Al-Hassa Oasis Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

This study was carried out to determine the hydro-chemical processes and the metal concentration of spring water to evaluate its suitability for irrigation and other purposes. A total of 10 water samples were collected from Ain Umm Sabah at different times and from different locations from the spring basin. EC (dS m(-1)), pH, temperature, total cations (Na, Ca, Mg, K) and anions [Cl, CO3, HCO3, SO4, NO3, Fluoride (F)] were determined. Some trace and heavy metals (Al, As, Ba, B, Br, Mo, Ni, Si, Cd, Cu, V, Fe, I, Pb, Mn, Zn, Sr, Se, Sb, La and Se were determined. The Spring water is classified as C4S2 (high salinity with medium sodicity problem water). Chloride (Cl) and nitrate (NO3) concentrations were higher than the permissible limits according to World Health Organization Standards. The Ain Umm Sabah water is Na-Cl dominant water and can create soil sodicity problems and cause Na and Cl ion toxicity to plants if used for irrigation of sensitive crops. The spring water is under-saturated (negative SI) with respect to calcite, dolomite, gypsum, anhydrite, halite, fluorite and aragonite and oversaturated (positive SI) with respect to goethite, siderite and hematite minerals. The concentration of all the estimated trace metals was within the permissible limits for its use as drinking water and other purposes according to WHO. Since the spring water contains high concentration of NO3, hence can not be used for drinking purposes without prior treatment. The study findings suggest careful use and pumping of water from the spring. Further studies are required on regular basis to monitor the depletion in the spring water level and the temporal change in water salinity.     

5种物理吸附剂对模拟废水中重金属的吸附效果

采用模拟重金属废水的正交试验设计,研究5种物理吸附剂对模拟废水中重金属的吸附效果,探讨pH、吸附剂加入量和振荡时间等因素对吸附效果的影响。结果表明,在一定pH、吸附剂加入量和振荡时间下,5种物理吸附剂对6种重金属（Pb、Cd、Mn、Zn、Cr、Ni）均有较好的吸附效果,其中活性炭对Pb、Ni和Cr的吸附率最大,木炭对Mn和Zn的吸附率最大,草木灰对Cd的吸附率最大。pH、吸附剂加入量和振荡时间对活性炭、草木灰和木炭吸附重金属效果（活性炭对Cd、Mn、Zn、Ni,木炭对Pb、Mn和Cd及草木灰对6种重金属）的影响为：pH〉吸附剂加入量〉振荡时间,说明pH与吸附剂加入量为主要影响因素。活性炭、木炭和草木灰对重金属废水的最佳吸附条件为：吸附剂加入量40 g.L-1,pH 10-10.5,振荡时间180 min。     

Trophic status and primary production in Lake Choghakhor, Chaharmahal-Bakhtiyari Province, Islamic Republic of Iran

In this study, trophic state indicators, total phosphate, algal chlorophyll and Secchi disk transparency and zooplankton community of Lake Choghakhor was studied monthly between May 2003 and April 2004. This lake is a shallow ecologically and economically important water body in eastern part of Iran. Crop farming and recreational activities are examples of the human impact around and within the lake, leading to a loading of DIN (Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen) and TP (Total Phosphate) into the lake. Now submerged plants especially Myriophyllum spicatum has covered almost the entire lake and dense macrophyte beds (Polygonom amphibium), located on the East Southern end of the lake appear to act as a sink for these nutrients. Lake Choghakhor appeared to be in a macrophyte dominated clear water state with low TP (annual mean: 24 +/- 15 microg L(-1)) and chlorophyll a (annual mean: 3 +/- 1.28 microg L(-1)) concentrations and very high Secchi depth. The grazing pressure of dominant pelagic filtering zooplankton Daphnia longespina did not seem to be significant in determining the low phytoplankton crop expressed as chlorophyll a. We expect that sequestering of nutrients by submerged plants and associated epiphytes are the dominant stabilizing mechanisms suppressing the phytoplankton crop of Lake Choghakhor.     

Assessment of the water quality of two rivers in Hanoi City and its suitability for irrigation water

The To Lich and Kim Nguu Rivers in Hanoi City are the main sources of irrigation water for suburban agricultural land and fish farm. Wastewater from the industrial plants located along these rivers has been discharged, and has degraded the water quality of the rivers. This study describes the chemical properties of water from the rivers, focusing on heavy metal pollution and the suitability of water quality for irrigation water. Water from the rivers was heavily polluted with organic matter and heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd and Ni. Dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen deman, and total suspended solids, and the concentrations of all heavy metals exceeded the Vietnamese standard for surface water quality in all investigated sites. The concentrations of some heavy metals such as Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni were above the internationally recommended WHO maximum level for irrigation water. A wide variation in the heavy metal concentration of water due to metal types is the result of wastewater discharged from different industrial sources.     

Quantitative assessment of metals in local brands of tea in Pakistan

In present study, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd were analyzed by FAAS in green and black tea samples of locally available in the Pakistani market. Na and K were also determined by Flame Photometer. Tea leaves can be the source of mineral components and trace elements, as well as some undesirable substances due to exposure to the environment. Among the metals tested, K was the most abundant one followed by Na, Mn and Fe. Fortunately, toxic heavy metals, Pb and Cd, had the lowest contents in tea samples and also in tea aqueous extracts. Concentration of heavy metals in tea aqueous extract was markedly lower than their total contents except that of K. The solubility of studied metals in tea aqueous extract varied widely and ranged from 0.0-95%. The lowest ranges of solubility were listed for toxic heavy metals Pb and Cd. The possible uptake of metals by the human body from tea aqueous extract has also been determined. The amounts of metals that one may take up through consumption of tea aqueous extract were found to match the acceptable daily intake even taking into account exposure from air, food and drinking water.     

丝网印刷碳电极传感器检测茶叶中痕量铅研究

建立了同位镀汞法修饰的丝网印刷碳电极电化学方波溶出伏安法快速检测茶叶中的铅的方法。详细描述了建立该系统检测方法的条件优化过程,得到了一系列最佳参数:最佳的镀汞液浓度4×10-4mol/L,沉积电位-1.1V,电位增量3mV,方波频率10Hz,方波幅度0.05V,pH值5,沉积时间280s,平衡时间30s。在优选条件下获得的方法灵敏度、线性范围和检测限分别为22.7nA/(μg/L),10~225μg/L(r=0.9986)和0.74μg/L(S/N=3)。研究了对多种重金属元素存在条件下120μg/L的铅检测的干扰情况。本试验对样品前处理方法研究发现,采用家用微波炉、聚四氟乙烯密封增压微波消化罐消化茶叶,用标准加入法对分析样品进行检测,与国标方法相比较,无显著偏差。该方法灵敏、准确、快速适合于茶叶中痕量铅的测定。     

Purification of an antifungal endochitinase from a potential biocontrol Agent Streptomyces griseus

Streptomyces griseus (MTCC 9723) is a chitinolytic bacterium isolated from prawn cultivated pond soil of Peddapuram Village; East Godavari District was studied in detailed. Chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14) was extracted from the culture filtrate of Streptomyces griseus and purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose ionexchange chromatography, Sephadex G-100 and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration chromatography. The molecular mass of the purified chitinase was estimated to be 34, 32 kDa by SDS gel electrophoresis and confirmed by activity staining with Calcofluor White M2R. Chitinase was optimally active at pH of 6.0 and at 40 degrees C. The enzyme was stable from pH 5-9 and up to 20-50 degrees C. The chitinase exhibited Km and Vmax values of 400 mg and 180 IU mL(-1) for colloidal chitin. Among the metals and inhibitors that were tested, the Hg+, Hg2+ and P-chloromercuribenzoic acid completely inhibited the chitinase activity at 1 mM concentration. The purified chitinase showed high activity on colloidal chitin, chitobiose, and chitooligosaccharide. An in vitro assay proved that the crude chitinase, actively growing cells of S. griseus having antifungal activity against all studied fungal pathogen. This result implies that characteristics of S. griseus producing endochitinase made them suitable for biotechnological purpose such as for degradation of chitin containing waste and it might be a promising biocontrol agent for plant pathogens.     

土壤重金属镉、铅、锌胁迫对小白菜生长状况的影响

[目的]采用添加外源重金属和盆栽试验的方法,研究土壤重金属胁迫对小白菜生长状况及生物量的影响。[方法]通过对土壤添加外源Cd、Pb、Zn进行室内盆栽试验,设置不同浓度的胁迫试验,研究不同浓度重金属胁迫作用下小白菜生长状况和生物量的影响。[结果]在生长初期,Cd、Pb、Zn胁迫对小白菜生长并未表现出明显抑制作用,小白菜生长中后期是对Cd、Pb、Zn胁迫敏感期。低浓度的Cd、Pb、Zn胁迫对小白菜生长未表现出明显抑制作用,但对小白菜含水率有重要影响,随着胁迫作用的加强,小白菜含水率大幅降低,表明重金属胁迫对小白菜吸收土壤水分有明显抑制作用。[结论]为Cd、Pb、Zn复合污染土壤的治理、利用、培育提供科学依据。     

Short-term leaf surface adhesion of heavy metals following application of sewage sludge to grassland

In the short term, surface-applied, digested, liquid sewage sludge may remain on grass leaf surfaces, leading to enhanced direct intake of potentially toxic elements by stock. The purpose of this field experiment was to investigate metal adhesion to herbage from liquid sewage sludge applications. Liquid digested sludge was applied at 0, 55 or 110 m³ ha⁻¹ to an Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus sward that had been cut to either 4 cm (short) or 13 cm (long). The application rate of metals was relatively low. One day after application (day 1), 8–13% of the sludge solids applied had adhered to the short grass treatment, accounting for 35–62% of the dry-matter (DM) yield. On the long grass, 20–42% of the sludge dry solids adhered, accounting for 46–47% of the herbage DM yield. The content of all heavy metals in and on the grass herbage (Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd) was significantly increased ( P < 0·05) at day 1. Cu concentrations in and on the grass decreased to 25 mg kg⁻¹ after 16–29 d, Fe took 33–45 d to decline to 1000 mg kg⁻¹ whereas Pb took 12–18 d to decline to 30 mg kg⁻¹. It took 36 d for Cd, 43 d for Fe, Cu and Ni, and 57 d for Zn and Pb to be not significantly ( P < 0·05) different from the control. Grass growth was the most significant factor( P < 0·05 for all treatments and metals) influencing the decline in grass metal concentration, explaining 65–96% of the variation. The cutting treatment, sludge application rate and metal species also significantly affected the extent and rate of reduction in metal contamination over time.     

武夷山市5种类型茶园土壤重金属剖面分布特征?

采用野外调查和室内分析相结合的方法,研究武夷山市5种类型茶园土壤（黄壤、红壤、潮砂土、高山草甸土、紫色土）重金属剖面分布特征。结果表明：茶园土壤 Fe、Mn、Cu、Zn、Cd 和 Pb 的含量范围分别为17.35～44.91 g·kg-1、144.81～693.55 mg·kg-1、4.36～57.12 mg·kg-1、74.92～236.27 mg·kg-1、0.09～0.67 mg·kg-1和22.71～91.87 mg·kg-1。不同类型茶园土壤重金属含量差异较大,茶园黄壤 Fe 和 Cu 含量显著高于其它土壤类型;潮砂土和高山草甸土茶园土壤 Mn、Zn 和 Cd 含量显著高于黄壤和红壤;茶园土壤 Pb 含量则以潮砂土最高,黄壤最低。不同重金属元素剖面分布规律略有不同,茶园土壤 Fe含量0～80 cm 深度内并无明显的变化规律;茶园土壤 Mn、Cu 和 Zn 含量在0～20 cm 土层含量较高（潮砂土除外）;黄壤、红壤和紫色土 Cd 和 Pb 含量由上至下呈递减的趋势,潮砂土 Cd 和 Pb 在40 cm 以下土层含量较高。相关分析表明,除了 Zn与 Fe 和 Cu 以外,其它重金属之间存在显著或极显著相关性,表现为多种重金属复合污染;土壤有机碳、全氮、pH、砂砾、粉粒和粘粒对茶园土壤重金属影响较大。     

福建省香蕉主产区不同环境土壤重金属含量特征

通过对福建省香蕉主产区(漳州市)香蕉园采集74个0～20 cm土层的土壤样品进行分析,分别以福建省土壤环境背景值、GB 15618-1995《土壤环境质量标准》二级标准、NY/T 391-2000《绿色食品  产地环境技术条件》为参照标准,比较研究了丘陵山地、城镇周边、道路周边3种不同环境蕉园土壤Cd、Pb、As、Hg、Cr、Cu 6种重金属元素的含量特征、元素间的相关性。结果显示：福建省香蕉主产区丘陵山地、城镇周边、道路周边3种不同环境蕉园土壤,各种重金属含量有明显差异。3种不同环境蕉园土壤6种重金属元素之间的相关性发生了一定的变化。与福建省土壤环境背景值比较,Hg含量在所有的土壤中,Cd、Pb含量在城镇周边、道路周边蕉园土壤有明显的富集,As、Cr、Cu含量接近或低于福建省土壤环境背景值;3种不同环境蕉园土壤样品超标率Cd、Pb、Hg较为严重,As超标样本集中在道路周边蕉园土壤。6种重金属平均含量均符合国家土壤环境质量二级标准及NY/T 391-2000指标要求;但仍有部分样品超标,特别是Pb、Hg应引起重视。福建省香蕉主产区发展香蕉绿色食品生产适宜的产地依次为丘陵山地、城镇周边、道路周边的蕉园。     

小白菜对土壤中5种重金属的富集特征及土壤安全临界值的研究

通过采集珠三角地区蔬菜产地各重金属浓度土壤(非人工添加重金属)进行盆栽试验,研究5种重金属(Cd、Pb、As、Hg、Cr)在种植小白菜(Brassica chinensis L.)土壤中的活性、小白菜可食部分对土壤中重金属全量和有效态含量的富集特征,并探讨了产地环境土壤中5种重金属的安全临界值以及影响小白菜吸收重金属的因素。结果表明:种植小白菜的土壤中重金属的活性高低顺序为Cd>Pb>As>Cr>Hg,小白菜对重金属的富集能力顺序为Cd>(Cr、As、Hg)>Pb。依据食品卫生标准的限量值进行方程拟合,得出适合小白菜种植土壤的重金属全量限量值分别是Cd:1.74mg/kg,Pb:494.78mg/kg,As:113.58mg/kg,有效态重金属限量值分别是Cd:0.83 mg/kg,Pb:146.87 mg/kg,As:21.94 mg/kg。小白菜对Hg表现为低积累。土壤中有机质、CEC与土壤全量Hg正相关,CEC与土壤全量Cr负相关,土壤pH能增强土壤中Cr活性。     

Seasonal Variation of the Proximate Composition,Mineral Content,Fatty Acid Profiles and Other Phytochemical Constituents of Selected Brown Macroalgae

The main objective was to determine the chemical, phytochemical, fatty acid and mineral profiles of three commercially relevant brown macroalgae (Laminaria digitata, Laminaria hyperborea and Ascophyllum nodosum) collected each season for two years off the west coast of Ireland. All the chemical, phytochemical, fatty acid and minerals analysed varied significantly depending on the macroalgal species, season and year of collection. Overall, the protein contents of macroalgae were negatively correlated with carbohydrate content. Protein (2–11%) was at its highest during winter and/or spring, decreasing to a minimum during summer and/or autumn. The three macroalgal species analysed in this study had clearly differentiated fatty acid profiles. The concentration of fatty acids was higher in A. nodosum compared with both Laminaria species. The mineral profile of the three macroalgal species was rich in essential metals, particularly Ca, Mg and P, while the levels of I were approximately 9- to 10-fold higher in both Laminaria spp. compared with A. nodosum. The levels of toxic metals (Cd, Hg and Pb) in all the macroalgal species studied were low in the current study; while the levels of total As were high (49–64 mg/kg DW macroalgae) compared with previous reports.     

Vitamin A status of pregnant women in Calabar metropolis, Nigeria

The vitamin A status of 101 pregnant women attending clinic at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Nigeria was assessed based on 24 h dietary recall, serum retinol concentration, history of night blindness, physical appearance and clinical eye signs. The study revealed that the mean dietary vitamin A intake of the respondents (2645.31 +/- 188.91 microg RE) and their mean serum retinol concentration (31.18 +/- 2.94 microg dL(-1)) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the FAO/WHO recommended intake and cutoff level for VAD. No case of night blindness, physical signs and symptoms, or clinical eye signs attributable to VAD was observed. There was a significant (p < 0.01) correlation between the amount of 24 h vitamin A intake of the women and their serum retinol concentration (r = 0.31). Also, women who had above 50% of their vitamin A intake from provitamin A sources had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower serum retinol concentration (23.10 +/- 21.12 microg dL(-1)) than those who had above 50% intake from preformed sources (49.54 +/- 42.63 microg dL(-1)) and those with about equal intake from both sources (55.75 +/- 30.80 microg dL(-1)). There was a significant (p < 0.05) and steady decline in serum retinol concentration in the women from the first trimester (37.79 +/- 6.65 microg dL(-1)), through the second trimester (35.12 +/- 4.72 microg dL(-1)), to the third trimester (21.54 +/- 1.46 microg dL(-1)) of pregnancy.