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This study's goal was to learn more about how agrowaste plants tolerate, absorb, and accumulate a number of metals that are of relevance to the environment. Adsorption of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) ions from synthetic aqueous solutions and wastewater using natural waste residues (NWRs) such as moringa, Lupinus, sugarcane straw, and tea residue was evaluated. The adsorbents used for this study were prepared by washing, drying, and grinding. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were used to characterize the adsorbents' waste residues. The effect of different parameters such as pH, dose of adsorbents, and the initial concentration of heavy metals, as well as the adsorption isotherm parameters were studied. Moringa, Lupinus, sugarcane straw, or tea residue results were found to fit the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The adsorption capacity reached 14.59, 16.10, 12.73, and 15.01 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption study's overall results indicated the removal efficiency pattern as moringa > tea > Lupinus > sugarcane straw. At a dose of 0.5 g/L, the maximum removal percentages for lead, chromium, selenium, copper, and zinc ions were 90.2, 76.55, 70.55, 76.6, and 78.9, respectively. The materials might be regarded as efficient adsorbents for extracting the ions Pb, Cr, Se, Cu, and Zn from wastewater, according to the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between heavy metal contamination in sediment and macrofauna in the upper Gulf of Thailand is presented as an indication of the environmental quality of coastal waters. This study aims to monitor five heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Mn, Ni, and Pb) between sediment and the sandworm (Perinereis quatrefagesi (P. quatrefagesi)). The geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and contamination factor (CF), including the pollution load index (PLI), were used for statistical analyses by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences in the data were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) test. The sediment heavy metal concentrations were found to decrease (Al > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cd > As), and the quantity of heavy metal contamination in the sediment was not over the emergency point defined by the Pollution Control Department in Thailand. The Mn at the SH and SP points has Igeo > 0 but <1 and is considered not polluted to moderately polluted. The EF overall is <2 and is deficient in mineral enrichment. The CF of the Samut Sakhon (SH) and Samut Prakan (SP) sites had high Al and Mn values, indicating a low pollution level, but the PLI had an all-site average of 0.0215 ± 0.0252, which is <1. This indicates that the present areas are close to ideal and not polluted. To measure heavy metals in macrofauna, P. quatrefagesi was assessed, and concentrations were found to decrease (Mn > Ni > Cd > Pb > As). The Mn between sediment and the sandworm was directly correlated (r = 0.976; p < 0.01). The sandworm performs as a bioindicator for the quality of coastal sediment, specifically with Mn; thus, the result present at a baseline level may grow in the future if there is no control measure for defensive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzes the survey data on the surface sediments in 355 stations in Xiamen Sea area during 2004-2006, 2007-2009, 2010-2013, and 2014-2016. The result finds that contents of TOC, sulfide, and oils in the surface sediments were generally low but showed significant spatial differences (p < 0.05) in most cases, with TOC in the West Sea area (WS) staying significantly higher than other sea areas. Xiamen Sea area suffered universal heavy metal pollution mainly from Cu and Zn for years in the WS, the Jiulong River Estuary (JE), and the East Sea area (ES), and the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) exhibited significant spatial differences across the four periods (p < 0.05). With the source of heavy metals in the WS being mainly related to human activities, Cu and Zn were related to the development of port shipping and Pb to aquaculture. The heavy metal pollution in JE was mainly related to the input of rivers emptying into the sea. The high Cu content in the ES was related to the direct discharge of massive domestic sewage into the sea at the time. From 2004 to 2016, the potential ecological risks of heavy metals in Xiamen Sea area stayed low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the level of heavy metals in the Holeta and Golli rivers and their impacts on the community of Holeta town, Ethiopia. Water samples were collected from eight randomly selected locations (4 sites from each river). A questionnaire survey, FGD, and KII were also used. Secondary data were also taken from the nearby health center. The flame atomic absorption spectrometer was used to analyze the samples. Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, and Cd were the identified heavy metals. The Holeta River contains Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd, whereas the Golli River contains Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd. The levels of Fe, Cr, Ni, Fe, and Mn were above the permissible limit of WHO (1984) and USEPA (1992). The primary sources of income for the people who lived in the area were farming and jobs on flower farms. Wastewaters discharged from the surrounding flower farms were the major polluting source (84.3%) of the river. About 84.3% of the surrounding community claimed that wastewaters discharged from the flower farms are the major polluting sources of both rivers. Many of the flower farmworkers (43.9%) have also exposure to toxic insecticides and pesticides used on the farm. About 60% and 20.5% of the workers have frequent severe headaches and skin irritation due to exposure to heavy metals. Generally, both the surrounding community and flower farmworkers are facing significant health and socioeconomic impacts due to the heavy metals joining the rivers. Therefore, effective management of pollution sources and continuous monitoring of the river quality is very imperative to minimize the impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welders are exposed to metal ions or oxides through direct contact at occupational sites or indirectly through uptake from contaminated dust or air. This study was a case-control study designed to assess the levels of some heavy metals and the hematological profile of welders (cases) as compared to nonwelders (controls) from Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District of Ghana, comparatively to determine whether their values are within acceptable international range. A quantitative-based survey using structured questionnaires was used to collect demographic data from purposively selected welders (n = 40) and nonwelders (n = 40) from the study area. Five (5 mL) blood samples were collected from the study participants and analyzed for blood cell count as well as levels of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Zn. There were no significant differences in the Mn, Zn, and Fe levels between the welders and nonwelders (p=0.431, 0.53 vs. 0.23 mg/L, p=0.05, 0.41 vs. 0.15, p=0.886, 1.82 vs. 1.11). The level of Pb was, however, significantly lower among welders compared to the nonwelders (p=0.016, 0.09 < 0.3 mg/L). The total white blood cell count did not differ significantly between welders and nonwelders (p=0.365, 5.16 vs. 4.85 × 109/L). However, the mixed cell fraction was significantly higher among welders compared to nonwelders (p=0.027, 0.34 × 109/L > 0.28 × 109/L). Red blood cell count and indices showed no significant differences between the welders and nonwelders. Hemoglobin levels in welders were, however, higher (14.47 g/dL) but this was not statistically significant compared to their nonwelder counterparts (13.85 g/dL). It was concluded from the study that welders in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District of the Western Region of Ghana had elevated levels of Pb in their bodies. This was associated with an increase in mixed white blood cell fraction platelets. However, the recorded levels were within the accepted physiological limits suggesting that the heavy metal exposure of welders had no clinically pathological significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welders are exposed to metal ions or oxides through direct contact at occupational sites or indirectly through uptake from contaminated dust or air. This study was a case-control study designed to assess the levels of some heavy metals and the hematological profile of welders (cases) as compared to nonwelders (controls) from Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District of Ghana, comparatively to determine whether their values are within acceptable international range. A quantitative-based survey using structured questionnaires was used to collect demographic data from purposively selected welders (n = 40) and nonwelders (n = 40) from the study area. Five (5 mL) blood samples were collected from the study participants and analyzed for blood cell count as well as levels of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Zn. There were no significant differences in the Mn, Zn, and Fe levels between the welders and nonwelders (p = 0.431 , 0.53 vs. 0.23 mg/L, p = 0.05 , 0.41 vs. 0.15, p = 0.886 , 1.82 vs. 1.11). The level of Pb was, however, significantly lower among welders compared to the nonwelders (p = 0.016 , 0.09 < 0.3 mg/L). The total white blood cell count did not differ significantly between welders and nonwelders (p = 0.365 , 5.16 vs. 4.85 × 109/L). However, the mixed cell fraction was significantly higher among welders compared to nonwelders (p = 0.027 , 0.34 × 109/L > 0.28 × 109/L). Red blood cell count and indices showed no significant differences between the welders and nonwelders. Hemoglobin levels in welders were, however, higher (14.47 g/dL) but this was not statistically significant compared to their nonwelder counterparts (13.85 g/dL). It was concluded from the study that welders in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District of the Western Region of Ghana had elevated levels of Pb in their bodies. This was associated with an increase in mixed white blood cell fraction platelets. However, the recorded levels were within the accepted physiological limits suggesting that the heavy metal exposure of welders had no clinically pathological significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Heavy metal concentration [mg/dL, MP] in soil and the transfer to vegetable organs may have a sampling effect. We compared the [MP] in soil and organ samples of Beta vulgaris collected in sites with socioeconomic differences potentially inducing phytotoxicity.Materials and Methods: Samples of Beta vulgaris and soils (n = 4 per sample of soil and plant material) were randomly collected from two distant geographic areas (Mosquera and Sibaté, Cundinamarca, Colombia). We determined the [MP] using acid digestion of HCl : HNO3 [1 : 1]; the [MP] was obtained by atomic absorption in Varian AA-140 and Shimadzu AA-7000 equipment. A two-way ANOVA estimated the effect (partial η2) of the sampling site and metal type on the [MP] and transfer to the vegetable.Results: In Sibaté, the means (SD) of As_1.44 (0.18), Co_1.09 (0.51), Cr_6.21 (0.33), Ni_0.22 (0.02), and Pb_4.17 (0.87) were higher than in Mosquera (As_1.06 (0.21), Co_0.81 (0.19), Cr_3.72 (0.51), Ni_0.13 (0.04), and Pb_1.69 (0.40)) (p value <0.05). The effect of the interaction between the metal type and Beta vulgaris organs on the [MP] (0.801) in Sibaté was more meaningful than in Mosquera (0.430). Additionally, there was a strong correlation (Spearman's ρ > 0.8, p value <0.001) between [MP_soil] and [MP_plants] and between the transfer of metals to the plant and to the leaves. Discussion. The sampling location has a differential effect on the [MP] in soil and the transfer to Beta vulgaris. Given the differential effect described, the monitoring and phytoremediation strategies must be adjusted to scenarios with potentially phytotoxic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human exposure to nonessential trace elements occurs from food crops that are contaminated by the soil. The present study aimed to determine the level of heavy metals in soil and rice samples using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer from three major industrial areas in Bangladesh: Savar, Gazipur, and Ashulia. Heavy metals were detected in the order Fe > Zn > Ni > Cr > Pb > Co > Cu > Cd > As and Zn > Cu > Cr > Co > Fe > Cd > Pb > Ni > As in the soil and rice samples, respectively. From this analysis, it was observed that the detected concentrations of Zn, Cd, Cr, and Co were higher than the WHO/FAO recommended maximum tolerance values. The transfer factor of the detected heavy metals from soil to rice was detected in the following order: Zn > Cu > Cr > Co > Cd > Pb > Fe > As > Ni. The accumulation of heavy metals in rice is a major public health concern. Therefore, we recommend strict regulations for the safety of food crops grown in the study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appreciable levels of trace metals have been reported in the Tano basin, but data on the corresponding levels in fish and the risk they pose to consumers are limited. The levels of 7 trace metals in 18 fish muscles were assessed between November 2016 and October 2017 using acid digestion and PerkinElmer (PinAACle 900T) Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Apart from Cu, all the metals studied were detected in all fish samples. The levels of Cr, As, and Hg were higher than the acceptable levels of fish muscles. Cr concentration ranged from 16.10 ± 0.2 mg/kg in Clarias gariepinus to 57.9 ± 4.2 mg/kg in Sarotherodon galilaeus. The levels of As ranged from 1.01 ± 0.08 in Clarias gariepinus to 3.00 ± 0.01 mg/kg in Mormyrus rume. Hg level was 0.58 ± 0.69 mg/kg in Oreochromis niloticus and 2.52 ± 0.70 mg/kg in Ctenopoma kingsleyae. However, Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations were below the Food and Agriculture Organization limits with low target hazard quotients in all fish samples, suggesting no possible noncarcinogenic risks to adult consumers. Possible noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were recorded for As, Hg, and Cr in all fish species. Strong associations were observed between Hg, As, Zn, and Cr and between Pb and Cd suggesting a possible common source. Mormyrus rume fish species was under stress in the river, but the remaining species were in good condition. Periodic monitoring of trace metal concentrations in fish and enforcement of the buffer zone policy are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to analyze the content of Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb in several species of fish taken from three lakes that are close to the disposal of industrial waste in Indonesia. The fish samples were taken from three lakes, namely, Muara Angke, Weda, and Morowali. The samples from Morowali were analyzed in April 2019, those from Weda from November to December 2019, and those from Muara Angke in June 2018. All the samples were then analyzed at the Chemistry Laboratory of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Indonesia, and the Integrated Laboratory of IPB. The main results showed that all types of fish from Morowali and Weda were no longer safe to consume because they contained Fe, Cu, Cd, and Cr exceeding the threshold of metal contamination. Meanwhile, all types of fish from Muara Angke, except for ayam-ayam, are still safe for consumption. The results of this study can be a source of information regarding metal content in fish and fish feed for safe consumption. Given the high consumption rate of fish and the hazards of heavy metals on humans' health, such research must be furthered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical contamination and safe work practices of workers in automotive refinishing shops have been extensively studied in industrialized countries, but the evidence in developing countries is limited. This study aimed to evaluate chemical contamination and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) of workers in local small-scale automotive refinishing shops in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Airborne toluene and heavy metals, i.e., lead, chromium, and cadmium, were measured in 3 automotive refinishing shops. Toluene exposure assessed by urinary hippuric acid (n = 27) and metal contamination on workers' hands (n = 24) were also determined. Information on the use of PPE and personal hygiene practices of the workers was collected by questionnaires. Average ambient levels of toluene (0.04-18.26 ppm) and the metals (Pb: ND-26.34, Cr: 0.02-4.46, and Cd: ND-1.44 µg/m3) in all sites did not exceed the national standard levels of 200 ppm for toluene (1998) and 50, 12, and 5 µg/m3 for Pb, Cr, and Cd, respectively (2017). The mean ambient levels of these chemicals were highest in paint spray booths followed by nonpainting areas and office rooms, respectively. The highest level of urinary hippuric acid (1.13 g/g creatinine) was found in a painter but did not exceed the recommended biological exposure index of 1.6 g/g creatinine (2014). In contrast, the highest levels of lead and chromium detected on the workers' hands were found in body repair technicians. Direct hand contact without using gloves was suggested as a primary cause of metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and Cu) in sewage sludge, soil, and in lettuce and cabbage grown on sewage sludge amended soil. Also, the effect of sewage sludge on soil properties (pH, soil organic matter, and soil conductivity) was studied. Three treatments were used based on nitrogen application rates of the sewage sludge: 100, 150, and 200 kg N/ha for lettuce while 160, 210, and 260 kg N/ha for cabbage. A pot experiment was conducted with pots arranged in a completely randomized design and under local climatic conditions. The study revealed that soil organic matter content and conductivity increased significantly with increasing nitrogen application rates. Levels of heavy metals in the soil increased significantly with increasing application rates. The controls for both plants recorded the lowest heavy metal uptake. Cabbage had an uptake of 0.48 ± 0.13, 1.36 ± 0.23, and 2.60 ± 0.29 mg/kg for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, while lettuce had 0.34 ± 0.19, 1.35 ± 0.31, and 2.30 ± 0.14 mg/kg uptake for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively. Highest metal uptake was recorded at the highest application rate in both plants (0.66 ± 0.17, 2.66 ± 0.09, and 4.33 ± 0.14 mg/kg for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, for cabbage and 0.54 ± 0.01, 2.24 ± 0.17, and 3.88 ± 0.19 mg/kg of Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, for lettuce). The uptake of Zn and Cu was significant, while Pb uptake was insignificant for both plants. Yields increased significantly with increasing application rates. The study provides information on yield enhancement resulting from cultivating plants on soil amended with sewage sludge and the associated health risk implication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal poisoning is a worldwide problem that is caused by different human industrial activities such as battery and painting manufacturing and occupational exposure of those working at petrol stations. Wastewater is known to contain higher amounts of heavy metals such as lead (Pd) and cadmium (Cd) and might be sources of exposure for workers at the wastewater treatment plant. However, to our best knowledge, no studies were done to evaluate the level of cadmium and lead in blood of workers at wastewater treatment plants and evaluate the subsequent effect of lead and cadmium on delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD), urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (Uδ-ALA), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as markers of lead and cadmium toxicity. In this case-control study, 79 workers at the Al-Rustumiya wastewater plant in Baghdad, Iraq, and 40 control subjects were included. The levels of lead and cadmium were measured in blood of the study subjects using the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method. 8-OHdG was analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. δ-ALAD and Uδ-ALA were estimated using spectrophotometry-based methods. Our work showed that workers had a significantly higher level of lead and cadmium when compared with the control group (P < 0.05), yet, still within the World Health Organization permissible limit. The level of both metals was positively associated with duration of work at the plant (P < 0.01). The activity of δ-ALAD was inversely associated with the lead level, while both Uδ-ALA and 8-OHdG were positively correlated with the lead level (P < 0.05). These three markers lacked any statistically significant association with the cadmium level (P > 0.05). To sum up, working at the wastewater treatment plant was associated with a higher blood level of lead and cadmium and their possible health hazard. Health and occupational safety authorities are required to set up tighter regulations and protocols to minimize these hazards and ensure a safe working environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Community consumption of herbal plants in developing countries is a common practice, however, scarcity of information on their physiochemical composition is a major public health concern. In Uganda, Vernonia amygdalina is of interest in rural communities due to its therapeutical action on both bacterial and protozoal parasites, however no studies have been conducted to assess the heavy metal concentrations in traditional plants used in alternative medicine. The aim of the study was to establish concentrations of heavy metals in Vernonia amygdalina, model the estimated daily intake (EDI), and assess both the non-cancer-related health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the risk related to cancer through the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the Ugandan population. Methods. Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina were collected from 20 georeferenced villages and processed into powder in the laboratory using standard methods. These were then analyzed in the laboratory using an atomic absorption spectrometer for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). Concentrations were compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The EDI, THQ, and ILCR were modelled and significance was measured at 95% confidence. Results. The study showed that mean ± SEM concentrations of heavy metals were highest in the order of Cr, 121.8 ± 4.291 ppm > Ni, 84.09 ± 2.725 ppm > Zn, 53.87 ± 2.277 ppm > Pb, 40.61 ± 3.891 ppm > Cu, 28.75 ± 2.202 ppm > Fe, 14.15 ± 0.7271 ppm > Co, 7.923 ± 0.7674 ppm > Cd, 0.1163 ± 0.005714 ppm. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, and Ni were significantly higher than the WHO limits. The EDI was significantly higher in children than in adults, demonstrating an increased risk of toxicity in children. The THQ and ILCR were over 1000 times higher in all Ugandans, demonstrating the undesirable health risks following oral consumption of Vernonia amygdalina due to very high Cr and Ni toxicities, respectively. Conclusion. Consumption of raw Vernonia amygdalina was associated with a high carcinogenic risk, demonstrating a need to enact policies to promote physiochemical screening of herbal medicines used in developing countries against toxic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in urban population and the rising demand for food and other essentials perpetuate a rise in the amount of waste being generated daily by each household. In Ethiopia, this waste is eventually thrown into open dump sites. It can cause severe impact on soil and surface water quality. As a result, it becomes the probable source of human health risk through food chain. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the effect of a solid waste dump site on surrounding soil and river water quality in Tepi town, Southwest Ethiopia. Three surface water, one leachate, and four soil samples were collected and analyzed. Six heavy metals for surface water and leachate samples and four heavy metals for soil samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. In addition, physiochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods. The data were analyzed statistically using Origin pro version 8.0 computer software packages. The pH of soil was slightly basic ranging from 8 ± 0.1 to 8.7 ± 0.21. Electrical conductivity was lower at 60 meters (1800 ± 0.5 μs/cm) and higher in the other sample sites (3490 ± 0.66-4920 ± 1.04 μs/cm). The concentration of heavy metals in soil samples revealed cadmium (0.53 ± 0.01-2.26 ± 0.02 mg/kg), zinc (623.93 ± 0.29-859.41 ± 0.02 mg/kg), lead (3.26 ± 0.25-57.560.26 mg/kg), and copper (204.06 ± 0.06-337.11 ± 0.01 mg/kg). Lead, cadmium, manganese, nickel, copper, and zinc were found in the leachate water; nickel and manganese were found in the nearby river water; BOD5 and COD for both leachate and stream water samples were found to be higher than standard guideline values. The finding suggested that solid waste open dump site adversely affects soil and water quality in the study area and becomes a probable source of risk for human health via the food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community consumption of herbal plants in developing countries is a common practice, however, scarcity of information on their physiochemical composition is a major public health concern. In Uganda, Vernonia amygdalina is of interest in rural communities due to its therapeutical action on both bacterial and protozoal parasites, however no studies have been conducted to assess the heavy metal concentrations in traditional plants used in alternative medicine. The aim of the study was to establish concentrations of heavy metals in Vernonia amygdalina, model the estimated daily intake (EDI), and assess both the non-cancer-related health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the risk related to cancer through the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the Ugandan population.Methods: Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina were collected from 20 georeferenced villages and processed into powder in the laboratory using standard methods. These were then analyzed in the laboratory using an atomic absorption spectrometer for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). Concentrations were compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The EDI, THQ, and ILCR were modelled and significance was measured at 95% confidence.Results: The study showed that mean ± SEM concentrations of heavy metals were highest in the order of Cr, 121.8 ± 4.291 ppm > Ni, 84.09 ± 2.725 ppm > Zn, 53.87 ± 2.277 ppm > Pb, 40.61 ± 3.891 ppm > Cu, 28.75 ± 2.202 ppm > Fe, 14.15 ± 0.7271 ppm > Co, 7.923 ± 0.7674 ppm > Cd, 0.1163 ± 0.005714 ppm. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, and Ni were significantly higher than the WHO limits. The EDI was significantly higher in children than in adults, demonstrating an increased risk of toxicity in children. The THQ and ILCR were over 1000 times higher in all Ugandans, demonstrating the undesirable health risks following oral consumption of Vernonia amygdalina due to very high Cr and Ni toxicities, respectively.Conclusion: Consumption of raw Vernonia amygdalina was associated with a high carcinogenic risk, demonstrating a need to enact policies to promote physiochemical screening of herbal medicines used in developing countries against toxic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of thirteen metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) were analyzed in waters and sediments of the Badovci Lake. The total metal concentrations in the water followed the descending order: Fe > Al > Mn > Cu > Ba > Zn > As > Ni > Pb > V > Co > Cd > Cr, and the total metal content in the sediments also followed the descending order: Fe > Al > Mn > Ni > Cr > Pb > Ba > Zn > V > Cu > As > Co > Cd. According to EC 98/83, Al, Fe, and Mn at some sampling sites exceeded safety limits for drinking water, whereas other elements were at acceptable levels. The total content of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and V in the sediments exceeded the target values of the New Dutch List. Using pollution indicators such as the contamination factor (CF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo), most of the samples were unpolluted to moderately polluted by Cu, Cr, Pb, V, and Ni. The values of the pollution load index (PLI) were more than one (>1), indicating progressive deterioration of the sediment quality. The enrichment factor (EF) for all the studied metals suggests their enrichments in sediments of the Badovci Lake. Most of the elements were found in the residual fraction strongly bonded to the crystalline component. Pb, Mn, and Cu were bound in the organic and exchangeable components. The extent of pollution by heavy metals in sediments of the Badovci Lake implies that the environmental condition is relatively stable, and attention should be paid to metals bonded in the extractable and organic phases. It is recommended to periodically monitor water and sediment quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal contamination in water sources is still found globally, especially in urban slum areas of mid-low income countries. Fecal contamination as an indicator of low levels of hygiene and sanitation practices as well as poor management of drinking water supply might increase the risk of waterborne diseases in developing countries like Indonesia. This study aimed to assess quality of all water sources in one of the urban slum settlements along a contaminated river basin in Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the period of August to October 2015. Water samples were taken with simple random sampling from households in urban slum areas along the Cikapundung river basin in the center of Bandung city, Indonesia. Water samples (n=379) from 199 households and 15 common wells were tested for microbiological contamination, and 61 samples of ground water sources and river were tested for selected heavy metal contamination. Annual risk of infection from all water sources was calculated using the quantitative microbial risk assessment. Tap water distribution was poor in this slum area. Most of the dug wells and half of refill bottled water were contaminated. Estimated highest annual risks of infection due to fecal contamination would be caused by dug well and spring water since majority of the households did not use septic tank and disposed human waste directly to the river. Improvement in point-of-use water treatment and storage is essential to prevent risk of waterborne diseases, and tap water should be more accessible and affordable in urban slum areas. The integrated monitoring system to control the quality of refill bottled water production is one of the many essential issues to be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]