Search

The contamination of aquatic environments by heavy metals can have detrimental effects on fish, impacting their growth and overall health, including the regulation of antioxidant genes. An investigation was carried out to assess the distribution and habitat of Gymnocypris eckloni in the Yellow River basin. Simultaneously, heavy metal concentrations in its habitat and in selected locations within the upper Yellow River were measured. In an effort to explore the potential roles of specific genes in antioxidant responses, G. eckloni was exposed to low concentrations of copper (Cu2+) and lead (Pb2+) for varying durations (12, 24, and 48 hours). The mRNA levels of GeCu/Zn-SOD, GeMn-SOD, GeHsp90, and GeMT were quantified in the gills, kidneys, and liver through qRT-PCR. The findings suggest that the habitat of G. eckloni is generally safe; however, occasional exceedances of safety standards could pose a potential threat to its growth. Importantly, the expression of GeCu/Zn-SOD, GeMn-SOD, GeHsp90, and GeMT exhibited responses to the low concentrations of copper-induced and lead-induced stress. Notably, GeCu/Zn-SOD, GeMn-SOD, and GeMT demonstrated heightened sensitivity to lead compared to copper. Furthermore, the expression of these genes displayed tissue-specific responses under identical metal stress conditions. These results indicate that GeCu/Zn-SOD, GeMn-SOD, GeHsp90, and GeMT genes have the potential to serve as early, sensitive biomarkers for the detection of metal toxicity induced by Cu2+ and Pb2+. This study also provides valuable insights into the functioning of antioxidant genes under oxidative stress in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longyan City in Fujian Province is one of China's top-quality tobacco-producing areas and plays an essential role in local economic development. To determine the correlation between heavy metal content in tobacco leaves and soil factors, soil physical and chemical properties and heavy metal contents of lead, cadmium, and copper in tobacco leaves were measured and analyzed by the correlation regression method. The content of lead, cadmium, and copper in soil was determined using hydrochloric acid extraction-AAS and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to determine heavy metal in tobacco leaf. The findings revealed that the average concentrations of lead, cadmium, and copper in the soil were 12.1, 0.092, and 3.88 mg/kg, respectively. In contrast, the average levels of lead, cadmium, and copper in tobacco leaves were 2.33, 4.89, and 4.35 mg/kg, respectively. The cadmium enrichment coefficient of 54.3 was higher than lead and copper, indicating a greater health risk. Soil pH value was negatively correlated with lead content in tobacco leaf, while potassium and phosphorus nutrient levels were negatively correlated with copper content. In contrast, a positive correlation was established between the presence of organic matter with cadmium content in tobacco leaves. The prediction models of lead, cadmium, and copper in tobacco leaves can be expressed by the regression equation corresponding to each heavy metal as follows: Y Pb = 2.33 − 0.005 ∗ X K + 0.007 ∗ X N − 0.271 ∗ X pH + 0.065 ∗ X Pb ( R 2 = 0.787), Y Cd = 1.55 + 0.012 ∗ X OM − 0.014 ∗ X Cu + 34.6 ∗ X Cd ( R 2 = 0.891), and Y Cu = 4.64 − 0.029 ∗ X P − 0.007 ∗ X K + 0.245 ∗ X Cu ( R 2 = 0.724), respectively. The prediction models above provide an effective predictive tool for assessing heavy metal risk in tobacco leaves using soil properties in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of the environmental receptors with heavy metals due to mining is a major topical environmental issue in Ghana. This research investigates the possible ecological and human health risks of heavy metal impacts due to mining in the Amansie West District in Ghana. A total of 18 soil samples were taken from the Bontesso illegal mining site in the district and analyzed for the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). From principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation coefficient analysis, the metals are derived from multiple sources, with substantial levels of correlations. Using geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cd), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk index (Er), and noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, respectively, the impacts of As (12.2 mg/kg) and Cd (1.3 mg/kg) are above the WHO stipulated limit. Findings for pollution indices indicate moderate contamination, while HQ < 1 for inhalation and dermal exposure route, except for ingestion which is HQ > 1. Based on the USEPA standard, the carcinogenic risk of the pollutants for humans is higher than the range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Furthermore, the ingestion route represents the highest contributor to cancer risk with arsenic posing the greatest risk. The results so far suggest that chemical components gradually accumulate and thus emphasize the importance of implementing the necessary mitigation methods to minimize the impacts of illegal mining activities in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants represent an important class of traditional medicines. This research was conducted to assess the levels of selected heavy metals in some medicinal plants from Obuasi, a mining area in Ghana. Twenty different medicinal crops were sampled for this study. The levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) after wet digestion. The concentrations (mg/kg) of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Pb were 1.092 − 0.206, 1.341 − 0.253, 6.603 − 2.005, 0.045 − 0.001, 282.798 − 20.583, 4.967 − 1.676, and 26.410 − 0.629, respectively. Some concentrations of Cr, Cd, As, Mn, and Pb analyzed in all 20 medicinal plant samples exceeded WHO permissible limits for medicinal food while concentrations of Ni, As, and Hg for all the samples were below the WHO permissible limit. The estimated dietary intake (EDI) was compared to the tolerable daily intake recommended by WHO/FAO. Results obtained from hazard indices such as the hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk show that the medicinal plants are not likely to cause cancer if they are consumed over a prolonged period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazardous heavy metal ions such as copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, cadmium, and lead engender a potential risk to human health. Among the processes involved in the retention of these contaminants, adsorption is advantageous for removing toxic metals because of its environmentally friendly aspect, efficiency, and low-cost operation. Information on the adsorption of heavy metals in soils from the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil is still scarce. In this study, the adsorption of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb) by a semiarid Brazilian bentonitic soil is investigated. This soil has been used as a bottom liner in an experimental municipal solid waste (MSW) cell located in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil. The experimental cell consists of a landfill unit on an experimental scale, with the same constructive elements of a sanitary landfill. Disturbed and undisturbed samples of the investigated soil were collected at a quarry in the rural zone of Boa Vista (state of Paraiba, Northeast Brazil). Sorption attributes were determined via batch tests with a soil-solution ratio of 1 : 12.5 (4 g of dry soil to 50 mL of solution). Linear, Freundlich, and Langmuir isotherms were fitted to the experimental data, using as fitting parameters Pearson correlation coefficient ( R 2 ) and p value with a significance level α = 5 %. The ascending order of maximum adsorption capacity for heavy metals followed the series Ni < Cr < Zn < Cd < Cu < Pb. The maximum adsorbent capacities obtained were similar to those of other Brazilian soils and other adsorbents. Therefore, the studied soil has a high potential to be used in the retention of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of heavy metals, namely, chromium, lead, cadmium, and copper, were evaluated in the water samples and selected fish organs (Labeobarbus intermedius) from the Borkena River, Ethiopia. The concentrations of these metals were determined using ELICO's SL-176 double-beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The distribution of heavy metals in water samples analyzed was in the order of magnitude of Cu > Cr > Cd > Pb. The average heavy metal concentrations recorded in the water samples were below the maximum permissible limit established by international and national organizations (WHO, EPA, and USEPA), except for cadmium. Organ specificity was observed for accumulating the selected heavy metals in the order of liver > kidney > muscles. Pearson's correlation results revealed that Cr and Cd originated from similar sources. Hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard index (THI) results showed that Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb contents were safe and might not have adverse public health effects. From the point of carcinogenic risk, this study suggests that the observed Cr and Cd concentrations possibly pose a risk of developing cancer in the future. Controlling waste at the source and implementing remediation strategies should be done to reduce heavy metal pollution in the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their toxicity, long persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and biomagnification in the food chain, heavy metals pose a serious hazard. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health risks associated with the consumption of Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) and to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of four potentially toxic metallic elements. Three hundred and sixty specimens of sardine were collected between December 2020 and October 2021 at three Mediterranean coast sites, Beni-Ensar, Ras el Ma, and El-Houceima, in the northeast region of Morocco. The toxic metallic elements were evaluated by assessing the contamination level of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in the muscle, liver, and gills of sardine from the Mediterranean Moroccan coast. The results showed a significant effect of the study area, organ, and season (p > 0.05) on Moroccan Mediterranean sardine heavy metal contamination levels. Regardless the location and season, the liver presents the higher concentration of the studied metals (p < 0.05). The highest heavy metal concentrations of Cd (0.408 μg·g−1 wet weight (ww)), Hg (0.044 μg·g−1 ww), and As (6.74 μg·g−1 ww) were found in winter while the concentration of Pb was the highest in autumn (0.056 μg·g−1 ww). Furthermore, the lowest contamination of metal levels was found in the spring. El-Houceima region contains the highest values for Hg (0.093 μg·g−1 ww), Pb (0.018 μg·g−1 ww), and As (7.73 μg·g−1 ww). However, the highest values for Cd (0.172 μg·g−1 ww) were recorded in Beni-Ensar. Regarding the assessment of possible risks to human health, the results showed that the indices are below the established safety values in the case of estimated weekly intake, and target hazard quotient (THQ). In contrast, the carcinogenic risk index and total THQ were above the threshold limits and thus represented a potential carcinogenic risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Fresh vegetables are of a great value and the most common foods in the human diet around the world. They contain minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, antimetabolites, protein, carbohydrates, and water. However, they are a major source of heavy metals, which contain both essential and toxic heavy metals over a wide range of concentrations. The study sites serve as a regional commercial center, where vegetables such as cabbages, onions, carrots, potatoes, beetroots, lettuce, and tomatoes were irrigated year round and sold to consumers. The aim of the study was to determine the level of cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead and to estimate the health risks associated with their daily intake of vegetables marketed in Bahir Dar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. The concentrations of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were determined, and their health risks were estimated using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TCR) for selected heavy metals by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. A total of 5 kg composite samples for each type of vegetable were collected by simple random sampling from an open market in Bahir Dar town, Northwest Ethiopia, and subsamples (1.25 kg) were digested via the wet digestion method. Results. The average concentrations of Cr and Cu in all selected vegetables were lower than the maximum limit of expected values. However, the concentration (mg.kg−1) of Pb in carrots, potatoes, and beetroots exceeded the safe limit of 0.3 mg·kg−1 set by the FAO/WHO and the concentration of Cd (mg·kg−1) in carrots, which is higher than the FAO/WHO limit, 0.2 mg·kg−1, in dry weight. The health index (HI) values (mg·kg−1 day−1) of all vegetables except carrots were lower than one. The TCR values for Pb, Cd, and Cr in all vegetables exceeded the US-EPA recommended threshold risk limit, but the TCR value of carrot was above the moderate risk limit (>1 × 10−3) set by the US-EPA. Conclusion. This study indicated that the concentration level of lead and cadmium in potatoes, onions, carrots, and beetroots marketed in Bahir Dar town is not safe for use by the local community. The consumption of carrots in the study area may cause both noncancerous and cancerous health risks. Therefore, regular monitoring of these toxic metals in vegetables should be carried out to prevent heavy metal toxicity associated with the consumption of those vegetables marketed in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Background. Environmental contamination by heavy metals has become a worldwide problem in recent years because of industrial and agricultural development which causes cereal crop contamination via their wastes. The presence of toxic heavy metals in cereal crops accumulate in the body for a prolonged period of time which poses acute and chronic health risks. The aim of the study was to assess the level of heavy metals in selected cereals sold at Debre Markos local market, in Ethiopia. Methods. The samples were prepared for analysis by using the dry ashing method, and their cadmium, lead, chromium, and copper contents were analyzed by using microwave-induced plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) and were expressed in mgkg−1 dry weight. The accuracy of the method was analyzed by the spike recovery test. Results. The percentage recovery for Cr, Cu, Pb, and Cd in each sample ranged from 85.6 to 112.8%. The levels of heavy metals (mean ± SD) were as follows: chromium, 2.20 ± 0.072, 2.22 ± 0.061, 1.57 ± 0.48, and 1.84 ± 0.26; copper, 2.94 ± 0.19, 2.31 ± 0.06, 1.28 ± 0.13, 1.52 ± 0.035, and 2.31 ± 0.06; lead, 0.49 ± 0.031, 0.34 ± 0.121, 0.52 ± 0.029, and 0.37 ± 0.15; and cadmium, 2.01 ± 1.73, 1.84 ± 1.60, 1.95 ± 1.69, and 1.93 ± 1.67 for barley, teff, wheat, and maize, respectively. This study revealed that the levels of Cr and Cu are generally below the permissible limit. However, the levels of Pb and Cd in all cereal samples were found to be above the permissible limit set by FAO/WHO, 0.2 and 0.1 mg kg−1, respectively. Conclusion. The findings of the study suggest that most of the analyzed crops contained unsafe levels of lead and cadmium that exceeded the WHO permissible limits. Therefore, regular monitoring of these toxic metals in cereal crops should be carried out to prevent heavy metal toxicity associated with the consumption of some cereal crops marketed in the Debre Markos local market, Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of harmful particles from industries is one of the important sources of environmental pollution worldwide. The goal of this study was to determine the amounts of dust deposition and heavy metal pollution in the soils surrounding a cement mill in Konongo, Ghana. Topsoils (0-10 cm) were sampled at the four geographical axes of the factory within a radius of 400 m, while at the same time, about 500 g of cement was sampled with a hand trowel. A Frisbee dust sampler was used to examine the levels of dust depositions at the various geographical axes of the factory. The heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) were measured in a total of 20 soil samples using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results obtained for climatic elements such as wind speed and direction, temperature, and relative humidity were 2.25, 25.7, and 49.5 m3/s, respectively. The average deposition of dust within the study period using the geographical axis indicated that the southern axis recorded the highest dust accumulation with a mean of 60.2 g/m2 per month. The mean concentrations of metals at the various axes were 1.04 mg/kg, 4.78 mg/kg, 8.95 mg/kg, 9.30 mg/kg, and 18.4 mg/kg for Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb, respectively. The concentration of chemical components investigated in the soil was below the WHO/FAO standard, except for Cd. The spatial distribution pattern of the examined heavy metals showed that Cd, Cr, and Cu represent possible sources of soil contaminants. According to the conclusions of this research, this paper suggests an approach to investigate the areas contaminated with heavy metals to call out the attention of local authorities to take action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, physicochemical characteristics, mineral and polyphenolic composition, and anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of wild cornelian cherry fruits from two regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina were determined. Values of flesh weight and fruit:flesh ratio were higher for samples from the western region. Samples from the southern region had significantly higher (p ≤.05) dry matter, total sugar and pectin content, as well as color parameters L* and a*, whereas samples from the western region had significantly higher (p ≤.05) total acidity. Significant content of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were determined in all samples. A higher content of flavonols was found in the samples of cornelian cherries from the southern region, whereas a higher content of flavan‐3‐ols and anthocyanins was found in the samples from the western region. All cornelian cherry fruit samples showed anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Polyphenolic components had significant (p ≤.05) antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli cultures. Novelty impact statement: The wild cornelian cherries are widespread in the territories of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but so far, it has not been fully explored, and the results presented in this paper provide new findings. The ethanolic extract of all tested cornelian cherry samples had a significant amount of essential macrominerals, whereas heavy metal cadmium was not found and lead was found only in traces. All ethanolic extracts exhibited high antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activity, and the content of flavonols, flavan‐3‐ols, and anthocyanins was found to depend on the growth region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the heavy metal level of canned milk consumed in Calabar, Cross River State, as well as the health risks linked to it. Peak Milk, Three Crown, Coast, Nunu, Cowbell, and Olympic milk types were chosen for research. During the digestion of samples, 0.5 mol of nitric acid was added to the sample and heated. The heated liquid was slowly heated with 2.5 mL of 70% HClO4 until a dense white vapor was formed. After cooling the mixture, 10 mL of deionized water was added and the solution was boiled to expel the fumes. The heavy metals were screened using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All milk samples contained eight heavy metals: iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni). Peak Milk and Nunu both had Cd. Nickel was found in various quantities in Coast, Cowbell, Nunu, and Olympic. Coast, Nunu, and Cowbell samples all contained Mn. Nunu and Cowbell both tested positive for lead. Peak Milk did not contain copper (Cu). Standard models for daily consumption of different heavy metals, such as Pb in Nunu (3.7E − 03) and Cowbell (−1.8E − 03), were used to construct the health risk evaluations. Peak Milk, Three Crown, and Nunu had daily Cd intakes of (4.5E − 06), (2.2E − 05), and (4.5E − 06), respectively. Coast (3.2E − 02), Nunu (5.1E − 02), Cowbell (1.9E − 02), and Olympic (3.8E − 02) have different daily Ni intakes. Peak Milk (1.1E − 01), Three Crown (2.2E − 01), Coast (1.6E − 01), Nunu (7.1E − 01), Cowbell (1.4E − 01), and Olympic (1.1E − 01) have different daily intakes of Ar. Peak (6.0E − 04), Three Crown (8.0E − 04), Coast (6.0E − 04), Nunu (7.0E − 04), Cowbell (8.0E − 04), and Olympic (6.0E − 04) had different daily Zn intakes. Daily Fe intakes of Peak Milk was (1.6E − 01), Three Crown was (1.6E − 01), Coast was (1.4E − 01), Nunu was (1.4E − 01), Cowbell was (2.4E − 01), and Olympic was (1.8E − 01). Cu intakes per day for Three Crown, Coast, Nunu, Cowbell, and Olympic were (6.0E − 03), (4.0E − 03), (2.0E − 03), (2.0E − 03), and (4.0E − 03), respectively. Coast, Nunu, and Cowbell had daily Mn intakes of (2.0E − 04), respectively. The total hazard index (THI) and the target hazard quotient (THQ) were also calculated. Peak Milk (1.7E − 01), Three Crown (3.4E − 01), Coast (2.8E − 01), Nunu (1.9E − 01), Cowbell (2.4E − 01), and Olympic (2.3E − 01) induced cancer risks, accordingly. According to the findings, the risk of drinking milk is relatively considerable when compared to the acceptable limit. [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]