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Rice, wheat, and maize grains are staple foods, widely consumed for their mineral and nutritional values. However, they can accumulate toxic elements from contaminated soils, posing health risks. This study investigates the bioaccumulation patterns of 52 elements (including nutrients, heavy metals, and rare earth elements) in various parts (grain, husk, straw, and root) of cereals grown in a heavily polluted region. The results revealed that rice grains exhibited a higher accumulation (Σ33.4 mg/kg) of toxic elements (As, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb) than wheat (Σ26.6 mg/kg) and maize (Σ16.2 mg/kg) grains, with the high-yield RI64 cultivar (Σ47.0 mg/kg) being the most susceptible. Across the rice plant, accumulation increased in the order of grain < husk < straw < root. Elements like P, K, Cu, and Zn showed the highest enrichment. Worryingly, the most toxic elements, such as As, Pb, and Cd, exceeded permissible limits across grains, straws, and husks. Health risk assessment indicated that wheat and maize pose greater non-cancer and cancer risks than rice. Despite being grown in a highly contaminated region, the study identifies some rice cultivars like Luchai and Sarna as relatively safer options due to a lower accumulation of toxic elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leafy plants are commonly consumed as vegetables in India due to their high nutrient and vitamin content. This study, conducted in Ambagarh Chowki (India), investigated the accumulation potential of 52 elements (including Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Ho, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, and Zn) in seven leafy vegetable species, namely Amaranthus tricolor L., Corchorus olitorius L., Cordia myxa L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., Moringa oleifera Lam., and Spinacia oleracea L. Technique: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed for analysis. The maximum concentrations of elements such as Al, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, Ge, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Th, Tl, U, V, W, and REEs were observed in S. oleracea leaves, indicating their highest accumulation potential. In contrast, the maximum concentrations of As were found in H. sabdariffa leaves; Ca and Si in M. oleifera leaves; Mg, Sr, and Mo in A. tricolor leaves; and P, K, Cu, and Zn in C. myxa leaves, respectively. Twenty-one elements (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, V, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Th, Sb, Ba, Be, Li, Sr, Tl, U, Se, Sn, and REEs) exceeded permissible limits set by the WHO. The elevated hazard index values indicated significant non-carcinogenic effects. The sources of these elements could be attributed to a combination of geological factors and agricultural practices. This study highlights the need for further investigation into the potential health implications of consuming these vegetables in the aforementioned region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several million tons of coal are extracted which discharge the contaminated mineral water into the environment in the coal mines located in the Korba basin (Chhattisgarh, India) chosen as the study area. The aim of this work is to describe: (i) the physico‐chemical characteristics (pH, EC, TDS, DO, RP, CC (carbonate carbon), OC (organic carbon) F−, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, SiO44−, PO43−, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Al, As, Sb, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Hg) of the coal mine water samples, (ii) spatial, seasonal (i.e. PrM (pre‐monsoon), M (monsoon) and PtM (post monsoon) and temporal (over the period of 2012–2017) variations, (iii) sources of contaminants from fourteen coal mines, (iv) suitability of the water for drinking and other uses, and (v) health impact of the mine water in view of developing remedial approaches. The mine water is neutral in nature with high TDS (total dissolved solid) values ranging from 620 to 13711 mg L−1 due to mainly high carbon content. The concertation of all species lies between 519–11432 mg L−1 with maximum value of OC. The most dominating species were OC, CC, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, Na, and Ca. Species, that is, F−, OC, Al, Fe, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, and Hg occurred beyond their limits. Their higher concentration in the PtM is observed. Water quality index (WQI) values ranged from 17.52 to 95.68 in the PtM period. 42.85%, 21.42%, and 7.14% of water samples represent "excellent water", "good water" and "poor water" respectively in the PtM period. In addition, the fertilizer and trace element concentrations in the water samples were compared with the limit values determined for usability as drinking water. Accordingly, it was concluded that it is not suitable for use as drinking water in terms of TDS, F−, and NO3− concentrations. In addition, AsT (total arsenic), F− and NO3− pollutants were detected in the water samples, and it was observed that F− and NO3− ions did not have a carcinogenic effect. A health risk assessment of As has been made, and it is found that adults and children have a low risk of developing cancer from the exposure. However, arsenic has high non‐carcinogenic and potentially harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Groundwater in Karamık wetland and surroundings, which is one of the important wetlands in Turkey, was examined and the chemical properties and quality of groundwater were determined in the present study. In addition, the possible risks to human health as a result of groundwater usage were investigated along with spatial analyses carried out using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Physicochemical analyses were carried out on 25 samples taken from groundwater. The dominant ions in the study area are Ca, Mg, and HCO3. When the results are compared with the limit values in the valid drinking water guidelines such as TSI-266 (Standards for drinking waters, 2005) and WHO (Guidelines for drinking-water quality, 2011), the groundwaters were not suitable for use as drinking water in terms of NO3, Fe, Pb and As. The analysis results were evaluated together with GIS and Water Quality Index (WQI) methods. In the evaluations with the WQI method, 76% of the samples were in the "poor water" class. The groundwater in the study area is polluted by both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. For this reason, health risk assessment was performed due to the use of groundwater in the region by the local people in different areas, especially as drinking water, and the negative effects of water quality. Accordingly, there are non-carcinogenic negative effects on health in terms of NO3, As, Pb and Fe parameters from the use of groundwater by children. In addition, Pb and As concentrations are at carcinogenic levels for both children and adults in all groundwater samples collected from the study area. Therefore, it is not recommended to use groundwater as drinking water without treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the recharge processes of the springs in the Sandikli and Suhut basins were investigated by stable isotopes, oxygen-18 (δ18O), deuterium (δ2H or δD) and tritium (3H) analysis. The study area consists of volcanics, limestones and clastic rocks. There is a large number of water sources discharged from volcanic origin rocks and clastic limestones in this region. The dominant ions in the springs in the region are Ca2+, Mg2+ and HC . The δ18O and δ2H values of the spring waters ranged between –8.0 and –10.8, –53.0 and –69.6 in September-2017, between –7.9 and –10.8, –512.0 and –69.6 in April-2018 respectively. The positions of samples on the δ18O–δ2H diagrams indicate the meteoric origin. The maximum tritium contents of the water samples 5.4 TU in September-2017 and 5.2 TU in April-2018. Deuterium excess (d-excess) values of spring waters were between 9.1 and 17.3‰ in September-2017, between 8.4 and 18.0‰ in April-2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kızılırmak Delta is the largest wetland in Turkey. In the delta, sea, river, lake, dune, reed, swamp, forest and agricultural areas coexist in a common ecosystem and it was declared as Ramsar area in 1998. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional agricultural activities are left to wetlands through irrigation drainage channels. Also, seawater intrusion is a negative effect on water resources. In present study, GIS-based analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to evaluate the irrigation water quality in the drainage channels. There are four main parameters that control the irrigation water quality. These are defined in the literature as leaching and permeability hazard (IPH), salinity hazard (SH), miscellaneous effect on sensitive products (ME) and specific ion toxicity (SIT). In the evaluation of these parameters in this study, nine different criteria such as EC, Total dissolved solids (TDS), SAR and EC, Na/SAR, Cl, B, NO3, HCO3 and pH were taken into account. Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) was calculated using weight coefficients of each criterion and also total weights determined based on ion concentration of the waters. According to obtained results, IWQI varies from 0.2337 to 0.6017 in June and varies from 0.0784 to 0.6017 in October. The low, medium and high suitability classes were defined for normalized IWQI values. The IWQ index maps of drainage channels show that most of channel waters in Kızılırmak Delta are medium and/or low suitable for irrigation purposes. In the delta, KD-1 has high suitability, KD-6 and KD-7 have medium suitability, KD-2, KD-3, KD-4, KD-5, KD-8, KD-9 and KD-10 have low suitability for irrigation water in the starts of the irrigation season, KD-7 has high suitability, KD-1, KD-2 and KD-8 have medium suitability, KD-3, KD-4, KD-5, KD-6, KD-9 and KD-10 have low suitability for irrigation in the ends of the irrigation season. This situation indicates that the irrigation water to be used for agricultural activities in the region is limited and it is possible to encounter serious problems for the future. For this reason, it is necessary to take necessary urgent measures by reviewing the agricultural policies and water management in the delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kumalar Mountain and its surroundings have an important groundwater potential for Sandıklı and Şuhut districts, due to intense spring discharges. The springs discharged from limestones and volcanic units and are used for drinking, using, and irrigation purposes. Therefore, it is of great importance to determine the capacities and potentials of such springs in the rural areas. The aim of this study is to reveal the hydraulic properties, discharge mechanisms, and potential of the natural springs located around the Kumalar Mountain region. Monthly flow measurements were made between September 2017 and September 2018 in 19 springs in the study area. The annual flow rates of the springs in the study area vary between 0.01 and 2.10 l/s. Spring flow rates are increased in the rainy seasons. The annual base flow and average flow rates of springs were calculated by hydrography analysis and are 311.04–57,024 m3/year and 0.01–1.81 l/s respectively. The coefficient of discharge (α) 8.77 × 10−4–9.82 × 10−3 day−1, flow variability (Qd) 0.10–0.69 l/s, and average base flow (Qb) 0.01–2.03 l/s values were calculated by Maillet equation. According to the coefficients of discharge and flow variation, springs were determined as "types 2 and 3". Torun spring in Yıprak which feed by limestone has the highest flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Akşehir district is one of the regions where significant agricultural production and industrial activities are carried out. Groundwater is the most important water resource in this region used for different purposes, especially for drinking and irrigation water. In order to ensure sustainable water management in the study area, it is necessary to reveal the drinking and irrigation water quality of groundwater and to take precautions and determine the management plans. In the present study, groundwater quality was evaluated using water quality index methods (WQI and IWQI) and statistical analyses to determine the sustainable and most appropriate usage of groundwater. In addition, spatial distribution maps were prepared using GIS for drinking and irrigation WQI assessments of the groundwater. A total of 31 groundwater samples were collected from wells in October 2018 and physicochemical analysis results were evaluated. According to the results obtained with the WQI method, all groundwater samples in the study area are definitely not suitable for use as drinking water. According to the results obtained by the IWQI method, samples S23, S24, S25, S27, S28, S29, and S31 especially are not suitable for use as irrigation water. Statistical evaluations support the results obtained from WQI and IWQI methods. Also, factor analysis indicates that anthropogenic pollution, especially agricultural applications, is effective on the chemical and quality characteristics of groundwater samples in addition to the geological properties. As seen in the spatial distribution maps for WQI and IWQI results, while the quality of groundwaters around Doğruözü and Erdoğdu is not suitable for drinking water, the groundwater quality in the north-east of the study area is also unusable for irrigation water. Consequently, the use of groundwater in the region as drinking water can be dangerous for human health and alternative drinking water resources should be investigated. In addition, in order to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater, it is necessary to control agricultural activities in the region, to monitor the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and to encourage organic farming practices in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is an important water resource used for drinking, domestic and agricultural activities in Aksșehir and surroundings. However, intensive agricultural and human activities in the region adversely affect groundwater quality. In this study, 31 water samples were collected from wells. According to the Piper diagram, groundwater in the study area was in the Ca--Mg--HCO3 and Ca--HCO3 water facies. As a result, it is not appropriate to use groundwater as drinking water in the study area in terms of trace elements and pollutant analysis results of water samples compared to limit values determined by WHO and ITHASY drinking water guidelines. The arsenic concentration in groundwater was studied in detail. The origin and concentration of arsenic in groundwater is associated with agricultural activities and pesticides in the region. Accordingly, a health risk assessment was carried out for the use of groundwater in the study area as drinking water. The results for all samples analyzed indicate that the groundwater concerned was not suitable for drinking purposes because of arsenic concentrations which exceeded maximum acceptable levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater quality is a crucial parameter for sustainable wetland management. The evaluation of the aquifer vulnerability is important for the protection of groundwater resources. The DRASTIC model is the most significant technique for the assessment of aquifer vulnerability. This study aimed to build a vulnerability map for groundwater of the Salda Lake wetland basin by DRASTIC method in a GIS environment. Seven environmental parameters (depth to water table, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone media, and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer) were used in the DRASTIC method and GIS was used to constitute a groundwater vulnerability map. This study showed that 13.71% of the area had high pollution potential, 10.13% had moderate pollution potential, and 76.15% had low pollution potential in respect to groundwater pollution. Intensive agricultural activities are carried out in the study area. The DRASTIC vulnerability index value of the study area was well correlated with the nitrate map of the study area. In addition, Salda Lake protection areas were determined. All of the defining protection areas of the Salda Lake are within the most sensitive areas in DRASTIC map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Groundwater is a major water source for drinking, domestic and agricultural activities in the Korkuteli district. However, the intensive agricultural activities in the region negatively affect the groundwater quality. In this study, 30 water samples were collected from springs, wells, and tap waters in dry and wet seasons. Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Mg-Ca-HCO3 were dominant water types in the study area. According to the Gibbs diagrams, which were prepared to determine the mechanism controlling the groundwater geochemistry, samples from both seasons fell in the rock-dominance zone. The water quality index indicates the increase of ion concentrations due to the agricultural effect along with the rainwater in the region. Also, according to WHO standards, water samples are not appropriate to use as drinking water in terms of the heavy metal and fertilizers analysis results. In terms of the irrigation usage, most groundwater samples are suitable in dry and wet seasons. According to HCO3 and SO4 results, the mentioned samples can induce incrustation on metal surfaces and therefore are not recommended for industrial use. Groundwater chemistry in the study area is affected with water- rock interaction and dense agricultural activities. In conclusion, the study area is at high risk in terms of the health risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the physicochemical parameters, major ions and arsenic (As) contents of water resources in the Yazır lake wetland, were evaluated. In addition, water resources in this region were investigated from the point of water quality and health risk assessment. Thirty water samples were collected from the area in dry and wet seasons. Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Ca-HCO3 were the dominant water types. The Gibbs diagram suggests that most of the samples fall in rock-dominance zone, which indicates the groundwater interaction between rock chemistry. When compared to drinking water guidelines established by World Health Organization and Turkey, much greater attention should be paid to As, Fe, and Mn through varied chemicals above the critical values. According to the pH-ORP diagram, the predominant species is arsenate (H2AsO4−2). The high concentrations of As in the surface water and groundwater are related to oxidative and reductive dissolution reaction of Fe and Mn hydroxides within the Kızılcadağ ophiolite and melange. In addition, the seasonal changes in As concentrations depend on the increase in pH of water samples. The major toxic and carcinogenic chemical within water samples is As for groundwater and surface water. From the results of hazard index, it is verified that As which is taken by ingestion of water was the main contaminant, and toxic human risk in the study area. The obtained results will help define strategies for As problems in the water resources in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Isparta city center is selected as a work area in this study because the public believes that the tap water is dirty and harmful. In this study, the city's drinking water in the distribution system and other spring waters which are used as drinking water in this region were investigated from the point of water quality and health risk assessment. Water samples were collected from major drinking water springs, tap waters, treatment plants and dam pond in the Isparta province center. Ca-Mg-HCO3, Mg-Ca-HCO3, Ca-Na-HCO3, Ca-HCO3, Ca-HCO3-SO4 and Ca-Mg-HCO3-SO4 are dominant water types. When compared to drinking water guidelines established by World Health Organization and Turkey, much greater attention should be paid to As, Br, Fe, F, NH4, PO4 through varied chemicals above the critical values. The increases of As, Fe, F, NH4 and PO4 are related to water-rock interaction. In tap waters, the increases of As and Fe are due to corrosion of pipes in drinking water distribution systems. The major toxic and carcinogenic chemicals within drinking water are As and Br for both tap water and spring water. Also, F is the non-carcinogenic chemical for only spring waters in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a vital source of water for domestic and agricultural activities in the Tefenni plain. Therefore, groundwater quality, seasonal variations and its suitability for drinking, irrigation and industrial usage were evaluated. In this study, 56 water samples were collected from springs, wells, and lake in dry and wet seasons. Ca-Mg-HCO, Mg-Ca-HCO, Na-CO-Cl, and Na-HCO-Cl water types are the dominant water types in the investigation area. Parameters, which are controlled to chemical variations of groundwater, were analyzed with R-mode factor and correlation analysis. According to R-mode factor analysis, total dissolved solids, Na, Cl, HCO, and NH are the most important parameters. In addition, Water Quality Index (WQI) was applied to suitability for drinking purpose and to investigation of groundwater quality. Quality of groundwaters are suitable for drinkable both dry and wet season in study area. In terms of the irrigation and industrial usage, generally groundwater is suitable in dry season but is not suitable in wet season. Groundwater chemistry is affected with water-rock interaction and densely agricultural activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tefenni (Burdur) plain is located in the southwest of Turkey and is semi-closed basin. Groundwater is densely used as drinking, irrigation and domestic water in the Tefenni plain. Hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater chemistry and geochemical assessment of groundwater were investigated in the Tefenni (Burdur/Turkey) plain. The conceptual hydrogeological model of the plain was prepared for qualitative description of the underground geology and interpretation of hydrogeochemical processes of the study area. In this study, groundwater samples for two seasons were analyzed and major ion chemistry of groundwater was researched to understand the groundwater geochemistry. Two major hydrochemical facies (Ca-Mg-HCO and Mg-Ca-HCO) were determined in the area. Mg, Na, SO and Cl concentrations of water samples increased seasonally related to ion exchange of minerals in rocks by rainwater in wet season. Various graphical plots and multivariate statistical analysis (Pearson correlation analysis) were used for identifying the occurrence of different geochemical processes. Carbonate weathering in dry season and silicate weathering in wet season were the major hydrogeochemical processes in the study area. In addition, ion exchange and reverse ion exchange were two possible processes of water-rock interaction in the basin. The mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry at the Tefenni plain is originally regulated by the geogenic process rather than antropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to determine the plasma total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with endemic fluorosis. A total of 79 (35 males and 44 females; mean age 44.0 ± 11.9 years) patients with endemic fluorosis and 55 (23 males and 32 females; mean age 48.3 ± 8.5 years) age-, sex- and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included in this study. The urine fluoride levels and plasma TOS and TAC levels were measured. The urine fluoride levels of fluorosis patients were significantly higher than control subjects as expected (1.91 ± 0.15 vs. 0.49 ± 0.13 mg/L, respectively; p < 0.001). TOS was significantly higher in fluorosis group than in control group (17.55 ± 3.82 vs. 15.06 ± 4.31 μmol H2O2 Eq/L, respectively; p = 0.001). TAC was significantly lower in fluorosis group than in control group (1.60 ± 0.36 vs. 1.82 ± 0.51 mmol Trolox Eq/L, respectively; p = 0.004). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was significantly higher in fluorosis group than in control group (11.5 ± 3.8 vs. 8.8 ± 3.7, respectively; p < 0.001). Correlation analysis in all the groups indicated that TAC was negatively correlated with urine fluoride (r = −0.25, p = 0.003), TOS was positively correlated with urine fluoride (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and OSI was positively correlated with urine fluoride (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). The results of our study demonstrate that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the endemic fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although fluoride induced inflammatory reactions have been shown in animals and in vitro humans, there are few studies about fluoride induced inflammatory reactions in human beings at clinical setting. We aimed to measure the plasma neopterin, a marker of activation of the monocyte/macrophage system, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with endemic fluorosis to investigate the possible role of inflammatory processes (monocyte/macrophage activity) in the underlying pathophysiology of fluoride toxicity at clinical level. Plasma neopterin and hs-CRP levels were determined in endemic fluorosis patients and control subjects. Plasma neopterin levels were significantly higher among patients with endemic fluorosis when compared with control group (2.40 ± 0.66 vs. 1.63 ± 0.27 ng/mL respectively; p < 0.001) and plasma hs-CRP levels were also significantly higher among patients with endemic fluorosis when compared with control group (2.41 ± 1.23 vs. 1.93 ± 0.64 mg/L respectively; p < 0.001). Plasma neopterin levels were positively correlated with urine fluoride levels (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) and serum hs-CRP levels were positively correlated with urine fluoride levels (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). We have found that plasma neopterin and hs-CRP levels are increased in patients with endemic fluorosis. We have concluded that inflammation play an important role in the pathophysiology of fluoride toxicity in patients with endemic fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to examine microbiological risk of public water system of Tefenni (Burdur) region, which is located in southwest of Turkey. The important pollutants of the study area are cattle breeding, use of animal manure for agricultural activities and unsanitary water supply system and water tank. The microbiological condition was assessed using total coliform bacteria in water samples, which was collected from springs, wells and water supply system of Tefenni county and villages during the period January 2009 and December 2009. Microbiological analyses indicate that failure rate (positive samples) was 43% for sampling period. There was greater consistency among failures of total coliform indicator standards during spring and winter than during autumn and summer. This observation was explained partially by a significant positive correlation with the rainfall amount ( r = 0.70, P = 0.01). In addition, the microbiological risk assessment was made using modified sanitary inspection forms and prepared final score map. Compared with final score and microbial pollutant maps of the study area, it has been shown that water resources having high risk score were directly proportional with pollutants related to land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are many studies on effect of fluoride on trace elements in experimental animals, few studies exist on serum trace elements levels in patients with endemic fluorosis. We aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements including serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and serum levels of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 30 patients with endemic fluorosis (17 females, 13 males, mean age 33.53 ± 9.85 years). An age, gender, and body mass index matched 30 healthy volunteers comprised control group (21 females, ten males with a mean age 33.93 ± 7.39 years). Urine fluoride levels of chronic fluorosis patients were significantly higher than that of control subjects as expected (1.92 ± 0.10 mg/l vs. 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/l, respectively; P < 0.001). Serum Cu levels (89.14 ± 16.77 μg/dL vs. 102.69 ± 25.04 μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.017), serum Zn levels (77.98 ± 20.58 μg/dL vs. 94.57 ± 35.87μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.032), and serum Mg levels (1.92 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs. 2.07 ± 0.31 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.022) was significantly lower in chronic fluorosis patients than in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to serum levels of Na, K, Ca, and P. We concluded that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sialic acid/glycosaminoglycan ratio was determined in 35 coronary artery ectasia patients and 35 control subjects to determine the possible role of fluoride in the etiology of the disease. The coronary artery ectasia patients and controls were selected from subjects who underwent coronary angiography. The mean serum sialic acid level was significantly lower in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE) than in controls (340.3 ± 28.6 vs. 427.0 ± 15.9 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean serum glycosaminoglycan level was significantly higher in patients with CAE than in controls (5,013.1 ± 158.6 vs. 3,833.6 ± 237.1 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The sialic acid/glycosaminoglycan ratio in patients with coronary artery ectasia was significantly lower than in controls (0.068 ± 0.007 vs. 0.111 ± 0.005; p < 0.001). There was more than 38.7% reduction in this ratio in patients with CAE when compared with controls. We demonstrated that chronic fluoride exposure has an important role in pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endemic waterborne fluorosis is a public health problem in Isparta, a city located in southern Turkey. Fluoride is a cumulative element that increases metabolic turnover of the bone and also affects the homeostasis of bone mineral metabolism. There are number of similarities between the effects of excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fluorosis on bone. So fluoride might show its effect via PTH. We aimed to determine PTH levels in patients with endemic fluorosis to estimate the possible toxic effects of chronic fluoride intake. Fifty-six patients with endemic fluorosis and 28 age-, sex-, and body-mass-index-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Endemic fluorosis was diagnosed according to the clinical diagnosis criteria of Wang. The urine fluoride levels of fluorosis patients were significantly higher than those of control subjects as expected (1.9 ± 0.1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.1 mg/L, respectively; P < 0.001). PTH levels in fluorosis group were significantly higher than control group (65.09 ± 32.91 versus 47.40 ± 20.37, respectively; P = 0.01). The results of our study demonstrate that serum PTH levels are increased in patients with endemic fluorosis. Fluoride, by interfering calcium balance, may be the cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lthough so many studies exist on effect of fluoride on hematological parameters in experimental animals, a few studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of chronic fluorosis on hematological parameters in humans' subjects with endemic fluorosis. So we aimed to determine the hematological parameters in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 60 patients with endemic fluorosis (27 females, 33 males, and mean age 33.4 ± 9.6 years). An age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched control group was composed of 34 healthy volunteers (11 females, 23 males with a mean age 32.6 ± 5.6 years). Urine fluoride levels of fluorosis patients were significantly higher than control subjects as expected (0.42 ± 0.09 vs 1.92 ± 0.14 mg/l, respectively; P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to hematological parameters (complete blood count and ferritin). We concluded that chronic fluorosis has no effect on hematological parameters in patients with endemic fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the hydrogeology of the Sarkikaraagac Basin in southwest Turkey and to assess its groundwater vulnerability. The groundwater of the basin, used for both drinking and irrigation, is discharged to the Beysehir Lake, the largest in the Lake District. Groundwaters have Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Mg-HCO3 facies. The most important pollutant factor is anthropogenic pollution, originating from dense and widespread agricultural activity, which moves through the groundwater to the Beysehir Lake. The groundwater vulnerability of the alluvial aquifer is determined with different parameters using the DRASTIC approach. The most vulnerable area, covering 30.23% of the basin, is strongly correlated with known pollution values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Sixty-three patients with endemic fluorosis (36 males/27 females; mean age 33.9 ± 8.6 years) and 45 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls (30 males/15 females; mean age 32.7 ± 8.8 years) were included in this study. Aortic stiffness indices, aortic strain (AS), aortic distensibility (AD), and aortic strain index (ASI) were calculated from the aortic diameters measured by echocardiography and blood pressure obtained by sphygmomanometry. The urine fluoride levels of fluorosis patients were significantly higher than control subjects as expected (1.9 ± 0.1 mg/l vs. 0.4 ± 0.1 mg/l, respectively; P P 2 dyn−1 10−3; P P  [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salda Lake is one of the rare alkaline lakes in the world. In this study, the major and trace element contents of the Salda Lake water were analysed in two periods. Lake water samples were taken at the surface, at 10 m and 20 m depths. The pH and EC values of the lake water varied from 9.08 to 9.34 and from 1690 to 2124 μS/cm, respectively. The dominant water type of the lake water was Mg–CO3–HCO3. The high Mg content in the lake water originated from the weathering of ultramafic rocks which were located in the lake basin. All of the Ca, Cl and SO4 contents were high in surface samples in the dry period. The CO3 and HCO3 contents of the lake water did not show a change with depth and were constant in the wet period. The Mg, Na and K contents of the lake water increased depending on the depth in both periods, while CO3 and HCO3 contents showed depth-dependent increases only in the dry period. Weathering processes and anthropogenic inputs are the largest dissolution mechanisms that control the chemical structure of the lake water. The Salda Lake water is generally classified as class I in terms of T, DO, oxygen saturation, NH4 and NO2 parameters according to the SWQR and USEPA regulations. But, the water is in classes II, III, IV and V with respect to pH, EC, NO3, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), oxygen saturation, As and Cr in the different periods. The increase in the As and Cr concentrations is geogenic in origin and is related to the lithological units that interact with the bottom and surroundings of the lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research study being done on relationship between fluoride in groundwater resources of Iran and the blood pressure of Iranian citizens. It references the study "Drinking Water Fluoride and Blood Pressure? An Environmental Study," by H. Amini, S. M. Taghavi Shahri and M. Amini et al. in this issue. The role of oxidative stress as a mode of action of fluoride exposure in various conditions of organ systems is mentioned.

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Inflammatory responses induced by fluoride and arsenic at toxic concentration in rabbit aorta," by Y. Ma and colleagues in the 2012 issue.