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High-altitude Pyrenean lakes are ecosystems far from local pollution sources, and thus they are particularly sensitive to the atmospheric deposition of metals and metalloids. This study aims to quantify the effect of human activity in 18 lakes located in both side of the France–Spain frontier. Sediment cores were collected in summer 2013, sampled at a 1cm resolution and the concentration of 24 elements was measured by ICP-MS. Statistic and chemometric analysis of the results highlights the influence of the geographical position and lithogenic features of each lake basin on trapping pollutants. More than the 80% of the lakes showed values of enrichment factor (EF) above 2 for at least one of the elements investigated in at least one core interval, which corroborates the existence of historical anthropogenic inputs of elements in the studied area. The results demonstrate the natural origin of As and Ti in Pyrenees, together with the significant anthropogenic inputs of Cd, Pb, Sb and Sn from ancient times. The data set points mining activities as the main historical source of pollution and illustrate the large impact of the industrial revolution. The regional variability could reflect also differential long-range transport, followed by dry or wet deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining areas and in particular those containing massive sulfides have left a heavy environmental legacy with soils and hydrographic networks highly contaminated with metals and metalloids as for example in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Huelva, Spain). Here, we present new data on copper (Cu) isotopic composition of waters and solids collected along a continuum Mine (Tharsis)—River (Meca)—Lake (Sancho) in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Our results show that the isotopic signature of pit lakes is spatially variable, but remains stable over the seasons; this signature seems to be controlled by water–rock interaction processes. The data obtained on the Meca River imply a number of attenuation processes such as decrease in the metal concentration by precipitation of secondary minerals. This is accompanied by preferential retention of the heavy isotope (65Cu) with a possibility of living organisms (e.g., algae) participation. The terminal Sancho lake demonstrated constant isotopic signature over the entire depth of the water column despite sizable variations in Cu concentrations, which can be tentatively explained by a superposition of counter-interacting biotic and abiotic processes of Cu fractionation. Overall, the understanding of the isotopic variations along the hydrological continuum is useful for a better understanding of metal element transfer within mining environments and surrounding surface waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and arsenic (As) were measured in liver, kidney, and feathers of adult, juvenile, and chick seagulls (Larus michahellis) collected from the northwest of Spain. Age, sex, and the geographical location of samples were considered variables that can influence metal bioaccumulation, for which concentrations were determined by means of ICP-MS. The mean concentrations (dry weight) found in seagulls were 7.01 ± 0.37 mg Hg/kg, 22.82 ± 2.83 mg Cd/kg, 7.36 ± 1.36 mg Pb/kg, 18.64 ± 0.63 mg Se/kg, and 10.64 ± 0.59 mg As/kg. Regarding the different factors analyzed, Hg was the only metal showing sex-related differences, being significantly higher (p < 0.05) the concentrations found in feathers of males (1.26 ± 0.12 mg/kg) than those in females (0.99 ± 0.11 mg/kg). A highly significant (p < 0.01) increase in levels of some metals was found in liver related to the increase of age: Hg (adults (A) 3.33 ± 0.22 mg/kg vs chicks (C) 1.76 ± 0.28 mg/kg), Cd (A 4.74 ± 0.62 mg/kg vs C 1.79 ± 0.2), Pb (A 0.65 ± 0.12 mg/kg vs juveniles 0.4 ± 0.11 mg/kg), and Se (A 7.56 ± 0.43 mg/kg vs C 5.24 ± 0.53 mg/kg). Positive correlations between Cd-Hg and Se–Hg were found in liver (p < 0.001), kidney (p < 0.001), and feathers (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The associations found may reflect antagonistic interactions between Se and Cd on Hg toxicity. The results suggest that L. michahellis can reveal local contamination around the foraging and breeding sites and can be a very useful monitoring instrument for assessing heavy metal contamination and sentinel species of environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand and interest in mushrooms, both cultivated and wild, has increased among consumers in recent years due to a better understanding of the benefits of this food. However, the ability of wild edible mushrooms to accumulate essential and toxic elements is well documented. In this study, a total of eight metallic elements and metalloids (chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se)) were determined by ICP-MS in five wild edible mushroom species (Agaricus silvicola, Amanita caesarea, Boletus aereus, Boletus edulis, and Russula cyanoxantha) collected in southern Spain and northern Morocco. Overall, Zn was found to be the predominant element among the studied species, followed by Cu and Se. The multivariate analysis suggested that considerable differences exist in the uptake of the essential and toxic elements determined, linked to species-intrinsic factors. Furthermore, the highest Estimated Daily Intake of Metals (EDIM) values obtained were observed for Zn. The Health Risk Index (HRI) assessment for all the mushroom species studied showed a Hg-related cause of concern due to the frequent consumption of around 300 g of fresh mushrooms per day during the mushrooming season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel peridotite xenoliths (one plagioclase-bearing) hosted in alkaline basalts from Tallante (southeast Spain) record the mineralogical and geochemical fingerprint of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) evolution beneath the southern Iberian margin. Mantle metasomatism in fertile lherzolites caused the crystallization of clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + spinel clusters through the percolation of Miocene subalkaline melts during the westward migration of the subduction front in the western Mediterranean. In the Pliocene, heat and volatiles provided by alkaline host-magmas triggered very low melting degrees of metasomatic pyroxene-spinel assemblages, producing melt quenched to silicate glass and reactive spongy coronae around clinopyroxene and spinel. Refertilization of the Tallante peridotites induced the precipitation of base-metal sulfides (BMS) included in metasomatic clino- and orthopyroxene. These sulfides consist of pentlandite ± chalcopyrite ± bornite aggregates with homogeneous composition in terms of major elements (Ni, Fe, Cu) and semi-metals (Se, As, Te, Sb, Bi), but with wide variability of platinum-group elements (PGE) fractionation (0.14 < PdN/IrN < 30.74). Heterogeneous PGE signatures, as well as the presence of euhedral Pt-Pd-Sn-rich platinum-group minerals (PGM) and/or Au-particles within BMS, cannot be explained by conventional models of chalcophile partitioning from sulfide melt. Alternatively, we suggest that they reflect the incorporation of distinct populations of BMS, PGM, and metal nanoparticles (especially of Pt, Pd, and Au) during mantle melting and/or melt percolation. Therefore, we conclude that Miocene subalkaline melts released by asthenosphere upwelling upon slab tearing of the Iberian continental margin effectively stored metals in metasomatized domains of this sector of the SCLM. Remarkably high Au concentrations in Tallante BMS (median 1.78 ppm) support that these metasomatized domains provided a fertile source of metals, especially gold, for the ore-productive Miocene magmatism of the westernmost Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metals and metalloids pollution is an important worldwide problem due to the social and ecological effects and therefore has been the subject of many disciplines and the adverse impacts have been documented. In this study, content analysis and trends of studies focused on heavy metal accumulation in birds were presented. For this purpose, a bibliometric network analysis of the studies that use the concepts of "pollution," "heavy metal," and "birds" together in the abstract, keywords, and titles of the papers was carried out. The purpose of choosing this research method was summarizing the relation between birds and environmental pollution in an understandable manner to determine metals(loids) pollution, which become an important environmental problem. Bibliometric data consisting of approximately 971 papers were evaluated with VOSviewer program using the network analysis method to answer the research questions. The results revealed that birds act as bioindicators in the determination of environmental pollution and that the contaminant metals deposited in the various tissues of birds provide preliminary information about environmental pollution. The most of bird studies emphasized that the metal accumulation was mostly in the liver, kidneys, and feathers and the accumulation caused serious problems in most of the vital activities of the birds. The USA is in the leading country in birds-heavy metal studies followed by Spain, Canada, and China. In addition, the mercury (Hg) was the most extensively studied heavy metal in these studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments sampled at the estuary of the Oka River in the biosphere reserve of Urdaibai, Spain were analyzed for trace elements. Sediments were collected at 45 points of the estuary and the concentration of 14 elements was measured. The geoaccumulation indexes (I geo), Normalized Average Weighted Concentrations (NAWC) and mean Effect Range-Median quotients (mERMq) were calculated. The results obtained were complementary and allowed intra- and inter-estuary comparison. According to the present findings, the estuary was classified as healthy, since the anthropogenic contribution of metals and metalloids was generally small. However, shipping and fishing activities at the ports of Bermeo and Mundaka and urban and industrial wastes from Gernika were regarded as the major pollution sources. Nevertheless, only slightly contaminated and toxic sediments, especially related to Ni and Cu, were found in the towns of Gernika and Mundaka. • The anthropogenic metal presence along the Oka estuary was generally low. • Shipping and fishing activities at the ports were the main contamination sources. • Sediments near the main towns presented slightly contamination and toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The goal of this study was to evaluate internal metal(loid) cycling and the risk of metal(loid) accumulation in litter from Pinus halepensis trees growing at a mine tailing disposal site in semiarid Southeast Spain. Internal nutrient retranslocation was also evaluated in order to gain insight into the ability of pine trees to cope with the low-fertility soil conditions at the tailings. We measured metal(loid) concentrations in the foliage (young and old needles), woody stems and fresh leaf litter of pine trees growing on tailings. The nutrient status and stable isotope composition of pine foliage (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O as indicators of photosynthesis and water use efficiency) were also analyzed. Tailing soil properties in vegetation patches and in adjacent bare soil patches were characterized as well. Significant amounts of metal(loid)s such us Cd, Cu, Pb and Sb were immobilized in the woody stems of Pinus halepensis trees growing on tailings. Leaf litterfall showed high concentrations of As, Cd, Sb, Pb and Zn, which thereby return to the soil. However, water extractable metal(loid) concentrations in tailing soils were similar between vegetation patches (mineral soil under the litter layer) and bare soil patches. The pines growing on mine tailings showed very low foliar P concentrations in all leaf age classes, which suggests severe P deficiency. Young (current year) needles showed lower accumulation of metal(loid)s, higher nutrient concentrations (P and K), and higher water use efficiency (as indicated by and δ13C and δ18O data) than older needles. Substantial nutrient resorption occurred before leaf litterfall, with 46% retranslocation efficiency for P and 89% for K. In conclusion, phytostabilization of semiarid mine tailings with Pinus halepensis is feasible but would require careful monitoring of the trace elements released from litterfall, in order to assess the long term risk of metal(loid) transfer to the food chain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The role of metals and metalloids beyond arsenic, copper, lead and cadmium in cardiovascular disease is not entirely clear. The aim of this study was to assess the association between 18 metal or metalloid levels in topsoil (upper soil horizon) with all-cause and specific cardiovascular mortality endpoints in Spain. We designed an ecological spatial study, to assess cardiovascular mortality in 7941 Spanish mainland towns from 2010 to 2014. The estimation of metals and metalloids concentration in topsoil came from the Geochemical Atlas of Spain from 13,317 soil samples. We also summarized the joint variability of the metals using principal components analysis (PCA). These components (PCs) were included in a Besag, York, and Mollié model to assess their association with cardiovascular mortality from all causes, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular, hypertension, and conduction disorders. Our results showed, both in men and women, that at the lowest component scores range, PC2 (mainly reflecting Al, Be, Tl and U) was positively associated with coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular mortality. At medium/highest scores range, PC4 (mainly reflecting Hg) was positively associated with cerebrovascular mortality. For PC3 (reflecting Se), the association with coronary heart disease mortality was positive only in men at the highest PC scores range. For PC1 (partly reflecting metals such as Pb, As, Cu or Cd), we observed a strongly suggestive positive association with all-cause cardiovascular diseases mortality. Our ecological results are consistent with the available evidence supporting a cardiovascular role of excessive exposure to Se, Hg, Pb, As, Cu and Cd, but also identify Al, Be, Tl and U as potentially novel cardiovascular factors. Additional research is needed to confirm the biological relevance of our findings. • There is a geographic pattern in the distribution of cardiovascular mortality in Spain. • Al, Be, Tl and U in topsoil at low doses were positively associated with cerebrovascular and CHD mortality. • Se in topsoil at low doses was positively associated with CHD mortality only in men. • Hg in topsoil at medium/high doses was positively associated with cerebrovascular mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Tinto River is an extreme case of pollution by acid mine drainage (AMD), with pH values below 3 and high sulphate, metal and metalloid concentrations along its main course. This study evaluates the impact of releases from a freshwater reservoir on the Tinto River, identifying the metal transport mechanisms. This information is needed to understand the water quality evolution in the long term, and involves the comprehension of interactions between AMD sources, freshwaters, particulate matter and sediments. This work proposes a methodology for quantifying the proportions in which the different sources are contributing. The method is based on the mass balance of solutes and accounts for the uncertainty of end-members. The impact of the releases from the Corumbel Reservoir on the hydrochemistry of the Tinto River was significant, accounting up to a 92% of river discharge. These releases provoked a sharp decrease in dissolved metal concentrations, especially for Fe (approximately 1000 fold) due to dilution and precipitation. Cadmium, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni and Al suffered a dilution to a 12–16 fold decrease while Ca, Sr, Na, Pb and Si were less affected (2–4 folds decrease). However, these releases also gave rise to an increase in particulate transport, mainly Fe, As, Cr, Ba, Pb and Ti, due to sediment remobilisation and Fe precipitation. Aluminium, Li, K, Si, Al, Ni and Sr, together with Cu were present in the particulate phase during the discharge peak. The proposed 2-component mixing model revealed the existence of non-conservative behaviour for Al, Ca, Li, Mn, Ni and Si as a consequence of the interactions between the acidic Tinto waters and the clay-rich reservoir sediments during the bottom outlet opening. These results were improved by a 3-component mixing model, introducing a new end-member to account the chemical dissolution of clay-rich sediments by acidic Tinto waters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Game meat may be contaminated with metals and metalloids if animals reside in anthropogenically polluted areas, or if ammunition used to kill the game contaminates the meat. Muscle tissue from red deer and wild boar shot in Ciudad Real province (Spain) in 2005–06 was analysed for As, Pb, Cu, Zn, Se and Cd. Samples were collected from hunting estates within and outside an area that has been historically used for mining, smelting and refining various metals and metalloids. Meat destined for human consumption, contained more Pb, As and Se (red deer) and Pb (boar) when harvested from animals that had resided in mined areas. Age related accumulation of Cd, Zn and As (in deer) and Cd, Cu and Se (in boar) was also observed. Two boar meat samples contained high Pb, at 352 and 2408μg/g d.w., and these were likely to have been contaminated by Pb ammunition. Likewise, 19–84% of all samples (depending on species and sampling area) had Pb levels >0.1μg/g w.w., the EU maximum residue level (MRL) for farm reared meat. Between 9 and 43% of samples exceeded comparable Cd limits. Such data highlight a discrepancy between what is considered safe for human consumption in popular farmed meat (chicken, beef, lamb), and what in game may often exist. A risk assessment is presented which describes the number of meals required to exceed current tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) for Pb and Cd, and the potential contribution of large game consumption to such intake limit criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans are regularly exposed to metals and metalloids present in air, water, food, soil and domestic materials. Most of them can cross the placental barrier and cause adverse impacts on the developing foetus. To describe the prenatal concentrations of metals and metalloids and to study the associated sociodemographic, environmental and dietary factors in pregnant Spanish women. Subjects were 1346 pregnant women of the INMA Project, for whom the following metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), thallium (Tl) and zinc (Zn) were determined in urine, at both the first and the third trimesters of gestation. Sociodemographic, dietary and environmental information was collected through questionnaires during pregnancy. Multiple linear mixed models were built in order to study the association between each metal and metalloid concentrations and the sociodemographic, environmental and dietary factors. The most detected compounds were As, Co, Mo, Sb, Se and Zn at both trimesters. Zn was the element found in the highest concentrations at both trimesters and Tl was detected in the lowest concentrations. We observed significant associations between As, Cd, Cu, Sb, Tl and Zn concentrations and working situation, social class and age. Seafood, meat, fruits, nuts, vegetables and alcohol intake affected the levels of all the metals but Cd and Cu. Proximity to industrial areas, fields and air pollution were related to all metals except Cd, Sb and Se. This is the first large prospective longitudinal study on the exposure to metals and metalloids during pregnancy and associated factors to include several cohorts in Spain. The present study shows that some modifiable lifestyles, food intakes and environmental factors could be associated with prenatal exposure to metal(loid)s, which may be considered in further studies to assess their relationship with neonatal health outcomes. • Zn was the element detected in the highest concentrations and Tl in the lowest levels. • Associations of As, Cd, Cu, Sb, Tl, Zn with working situation, social class, age, were found. • Seafood, meat, fruits, nuts, vegetables and alcohol intake affected all metals levels but Cd, and Cu. • Proximity to industrial areas, fields and air pollution, were related to all metals except Cd, Sb and Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the human health risk of Al, As, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb and Sr in the dry deposition fraction of settleable particulate matter (DSPM). Sixty samples were collected at an industrial suburban site ('EMA') and a waterfront urban site ('Naval') in Gijón, a coastal city in northern Spain. Up to 4898.4 mg m−2 d−1 were measured at the station closer to industrial activity. The levels of the eight elements were greater at this site. Fe and Al were the major constituents, comprising up to 50% of DSPM. The human health risk posed by DSPM was assessed using a U.S.EPA methodology. The level of exposure to the metals/metalloids in this atmospheric pollutant was studied via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The results showed that ingestion was the main exposure pathway for the residents at the two locations, followed by dermal contact and inhalation. For adults, the non-carcinogenic hazard indexes and the carcinogenic risk levels of the eight elements were within the acceptable levels (1 and 10−5, respectively). Nevertheless, in the case of children, the non-carcinogenic hazard indexes of Fe and Pb as well as the carcinogenic risk level of As via ingestion were higher than those thresholds. Despite its importance, little research has focused on assessing the human risk posed by metals/metalloids in DSPM. Although there are uncertainties regarding the exposure factors and toxicity values, the outcomes of this study provide useful knowledge for regulatory authorities to establish appropriate mitigation measures to reduce DSPM emissions in urban and suburban environments. [Display omitted] • Human health risk posed by dry deposition was compared at urban and suburban sites. • The closer to industries, the higher the levels of Al, As, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb and Sr. • Ingestion pathway implied the greatest potential risks for both adults and children. • Fe and Pb exceeded the tolerable non-cancer risk threshold for children via ingestion. • Cancer risk indicators revealed that As via ingestion posed a threat to children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Whole body metal concentration is easier to analyse than concentration in tissues, but is often not an accurate measure of the potential toxicity of the metal. We tested if whole body metal and metalloid concentrations in the caddisfly Hydropsyche (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae), common in a mine-polluted river (Guadiamar River, SW Spain), were a useful measure to extrapolate environmental degradation. Our results confirmed that metal and metalloid accumulation by Hydropsyche strongly correlated with metal and metalloid concentration both in the water and the sediment, and also correlated with macroinvertebrate community parameters such as total richness and abundance, as well as the richness of some taxonomic groups (EPT and OCH). Seven elements were analysed, Zn, Cu, Pb, As, Cd, Tl and Sb; only As did not show significant correlations. In addition, after leaving live organisms in clean water for 24 or 48 h, we found that 24 h were sufficient to clean the gut content and that between 33% and 75% of the whole body metal content were concentrated in this organ. Although concentration in tissues also discriminated between control and affected stations, we found better results with whole body concentrations when evaluating environmental quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The concentration of heavy metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn) in sediments from the River Llobregat and its tributaries (Anoia and Cardener) was studied. Samples collected at 17 locations during four different periods were analysed by ICP-MS. The heavy metal enrichment at some sites along the rivers reflects the effects of agricultural activities, sewage treatment plant effluents, collectors' discharges and industrial activities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to describe trends in contamination and to find groupings among the investigated areas. The Llobregat and Cardener sediments appeared to have features of an unpolluted river, even though significant amounts of domestic and industrial wastewater are discharged into these rivers. On the other hand, the sediments from the River Anoia showed high Cr and Hg levels originating from industrial activities. The concentrations of Cr and Hg ranged from 91–540 and 0.28–2.29 μg/g respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution and temporal trends of trace metals (i.e. Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) and a metalloid (i.e. As) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast from 1993 to 2013 are presented with a new estimation of their background levels monitored using wild mussels. Over a 20 years period, yearly mussel monitoring was undertaken with a rigorous field sampling protocol using 3 pooled samples strategy (3 x n = 80, with 8 mussels in the 3.0 to 3.9 size categories at each site), obtained in the pre-spawning period (May–June) to minimize biological factors and seasonal variability, which is a fundamental element of the international programme. Spatial distribution was characterized every 5 years and temporal trends were determined in 11 locations. The main aims of the present long term study are to evaluate the environmental status of different coastal locations regarding trace metal levels and follow the evolution of these levels over time after the implementation of regulatory measures. Regarding spatial distribution, the highest values for Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb were found close to known highly anthopogenic cities or shipyard areas. However, As and Zn did not strictly follow this pattern, showing natural increased concentrations in the Levantine Balearic and Strait of Gibraltar-Alboran Sea demarcations respectively. These distributions are associated with the conjunction of two geological formation inputs (Massif Central in France and Iberian Pyritic Belt in Spain) and the oceanographic conditions in the adjacent coastal area. In the case of temporal trends, metal concentrations decreased significantly over time in most stations, confirming the effectiveness of the regulatory measures and prohibitions established under European legislation. Concentrations of Pb were above the established thresholds for human consumption in only 12–14% of the sampling areas. With the information obtained for this study, we estimate background concentrations and propose new Background Assesment Criteria (BAC) for the Spanish Mediterranean coast as a threshold criterion: 1.62 mg/kg d.w. for Cd, 8.75 mg/kg d.w. for Cu, 0.202 mg/kg d.w. for Hg and 2.83 mg/kg d.w. for Pb. Exceptions should exist for As and Zn, for which there should be different levels in each demarcation, due to the geological, hydrological and oceanographic peculiarities of the Spanish coast. For the Levantine-Balearic demarcation, the proposed background concentrations are 117 mg/kg d.w. for As and 200 mg/kg d.w. for Zn., whereas in the Strait of Gibraltar-Alboran Sea demarcation, they are 27.5 mg/kg d.w. for As, and 471 mg/kg d.w. for Zn. This work demonstrates the vital importance of defining the background levels of metal(loid)s at a regional or subregional level because, for areas not affected by anthropogenic causes which have high values as the result of natural processes, this would avoid the risk of constantly surpassing the levels proposed in directives. [Display omitted] • Metal(loid) concentrations in mussels have decreased over the years in the Spanish Coast. • Environmental regulatory measures at different scales have proved to be effective. • The geology, hydrology or oceanography of the area influences metal levels. • It is mandatory to define metal(loid) baseline levels at a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Settleable particulate matter (SPM) was collected at two sampling points within an urban area highly affected by nearby industrial activities. Total deposition values up to 386 mg ·m−2·d−1 were registered, the majority of samples exceeding the limit value established in the legislation in force in Spain until 2002 (300 mg·m−2·d−1). Dry deposition values showed high variability (8.6–830.3 mg·m−2·d−1). Forty-one metals and metalloids were analysed in the dry fraction of SPM, the main being Fe and Ca (maximums: 304.4 and 68.6 mg·m−2·d−1, respectively), followed by Al, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Ti, P and Zn. Trace elements like As and Pb reached up to 7.3 and 76.3 μg· m−2·d−1, respectively. Strong correlations (r > 0.90, p-value < 0.05) between Fe and other elements (Ca, Mn and Pb) were found at both sampling sites. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of these particles rich in Fe and Ca, in addition to other components, whose morphologies pointed out to anthropogenic sources. These results combined with meteorology data suggest a common industrial source contributing to the levels of these metals. Furthermore, a human health risk study was carried out to assess the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of exposure to thirteen elements in these particles (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, V and Zn). The highest levels of risk seemed to be associated with the presence of As, Pb and Sb. [Display omitted] • Settleable particulate matter was determined in a city affected by heavy industries. • Highly variable daily levels of dry deposition were recorded depending on the winds. • Fe and Ca, Al, Mg, Na, K and Mn were the main metals found in dry deposition samples. • The high total deposition values registered may cause discomfort to the population. • As, Pb and Sb in settleable matter may potentially posed a health risk to residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tablas de Daimiel National Park (TDNP) is a floodplain ecosystem in central Spain with a potential risk of heavy metal and metalloid pollution. The objective of this study was to know the accumulation of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in muscle of six species of freshwater fish from the floodplain of TDNP. We obtained muscle samples of Cyprinus carpio (n = 89); Squalius pyrenaicus (n = 16); Ameiurus melas (n = 9); Lepomis gibbosus (n = 8); Micropterus salmoides (n = 6) and Carassius auratus (n = 5). A. melas , which is a predatory species, had significantly higher Hg concentrations than omnivorous or herbivorous species (i.e. C. carpio). On the contrary, A. melas showed lower concentrations of As, Pb and Se than omnivorous species (i.e. S. pyrenaicus and L. gibbosus). The concentration of Hg was positively associated with fish size in C. carpio and A. melas. Some individuals of C. carpio (5.7%) and S. pyrenaicus (12.5%) showed Pb muscle concentrations above the maximum residue levels established by the European legislation for human consumers. The observed muscle Se concentrations can be associated with adverse effects on fish such as blood changes, reduced growth, mortality of juveniles and reproductive failure. The accumulation of Se in this floodplain located in a seleniferous area and the contamination produced by spent Pb shot pellets used for hunting in the past are discussed as potential sources of the elevated levels of these two elements in fish from this floodplain wetland. ga1 • The maximum levels for human consumption were exceeded for Pb in 5.2% of fish. • Bioaccumulation of Hg in C. carpio has been positively related to fish size. • The observed Se levels can be associated with adverse effects on fish. • High Pb shot density in sediment can explain Pb levels in bottom-feeding cyprinids. • High Se levels in TDNP fish can be due to seleniferous soils located upstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in investigating the human health risk associated with metals in airborne particulate matter. The objective of this paper is the health risk assessment of Al, Be, Sb, Sn, Ti and Tl in PM 10 under different advections of air masses. These metals/semi-metal were studied in samples collected in an area influenced by industrial activities in northern Spain with the aim of analysing the variations in PM 10 metal/semi-metal. Elemental concentrations were assessed over a period of one year in terms of air mass origin by means of back trajectories (HYSPLIT), the conditional probability function, polar plots, PM concentration roses, aerosol maps (NAAPs) and receptor modelling. The mean concentrations of Al, Be, Sb, Sn, Ti and Tl were 254, 0.02, 1.30, 1.15, 15.3 and 0.20 ng/m3, respectively, and were within the usual range for suburban stations in Europe. The highest levels were recorded during conditions of regional air mass origin, highlighting the importance of sources not far from the station. Under these circumstances, the renovation of air masses was not produced. The main sources of metals were anthropogenic, mostly related to the use of coal and coke production. In general, the cancer and non-cancer risk values obtained in this study fell within accepted precautionary criteria in all trajectory groups. However, in order to improve air quality and reduce risks to human health, the impact resulting from the joint inhalation of Al, Be, Sb, Sn, Ti and Tl should not be ignored when air masses are fundamentally of regional origin. • Hard coal coke production and coal were the main sources of Al, Be, Sb, Ti and Tl. • North Atlantic marine air masses reduced the pollution levels of metals/semi-metals. • European and African advections raised minimum levels. • Health risk due to Al, Be, Sb, Sn, Ti and Tl was assessed considering air mass origin. • Non-cancer risk appeared under circulation types ending in recirculation of air masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the biological plausibility of the association between heavy metal exposure and mental health disorders, epidemiological evidence remains scarce. The objective was to estimate the association between heavy metals and metalloids in soil and the prevalence of mental disorders in the adult population of Spain. Individual data came from the Spanish National Health Survey 2011–2012, 18,073 individuals residing in 1772 census sections. Mental health was measured with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. The concentration estimates of heavy metal and metalloid levels in topsoil (upper soil horizon) came from the Geochemical Atlas of Spain based on 13,317 soil samples. Levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) were estimated in each census section by "ordinary Kriging". Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by multilevel logistic regression models. Compared with the lowest Pb concentration levels quartile, the OR for the second quartile was 1.29 (95%CI: 1.11–1.50), increasing progressively to 1.37 (95%CI: 1.17–1.60) and 1.51 (95%CI: 1.27–1.79) in the third and fourth quartiles, respectively. For As, the association was observed in the third and fourth quartiles: 1.21 (95%CI: 1.04–1.41) and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.21–1.65), respectively. Cd was associated also following a gradient from the second quartile: 1.34 (95%CI: 1.15–1.57) through the fourth: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.56–2.15). In contrast, Mn only showed a positive association at the second quartile. Additionally, individuals consuming vegetables > once a day the OR for the fourth quartile of Pb concentration, vs. the first, increased to 2.93 (95%CI: 1.97–4.36); similarly for As: 3.00 (95%CI: 2.08–4.31), and for Cd: 3.49 (95%CI: 2.33–5.22). Living in areas with a higher concentration of heavy metals and metalloids in soil was associated with an increased probability of having a mental disorder. These relationships were strengthened in individuals reporting consuming vegetables > once a day. • Higher concentration of heavy metals in soil was associated with mental disorders. • We observed a gradient effect for Pb, As, and Cd. • Stronger association was found in people consuming >1 daily serving of vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]