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Lead (Pb) is one of the important heavy metals responsible for human health deterioration. The Delhi NCR host a number of companies related to mining, mineral, engineering, machines, construction, etc. The presence of industries exposes the residents to the harsh chemicals. Lead is excreted in the water sources by the Industries in the Delhi NCR region. The lead from the Industries reaches the human body via the water cycle. The present study attempts to assess the health risk from the presence of lead in the population of Delhi NCR associated with age, gender, residential area, and disease In Delhl-NCR using GTA-Atomlc Absorption Spectroscopy. Correlations were found between the lead concentration In blood and water. The lead concentration In blood and lead concentration In water also showed correlations with the region from which the samples were taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages have multiple roles in development, tissue homeostasis and repair and present a high degree of phenotypic plasticity embodied in the concept of polarization. One goal of macrophage biology field is to characterize these polarizations at the molecular level. To achieve this task, it is necessary to integrate how physical environment signals are interpreted by macrophages under immune stimulation. In this work, we study how a 3D scaffold obtained from polymerized fibrillar rat type I collagen modulates the polarizations of human macrophages and reveal that some traditionally used markers should be reassessed. We demonstrate that integrin β 2 is a regulator of STAT1 phosphorylation in response to IFNγ/LPS as well as responsible for the inhibition of ALOX15 expression in response to IL-4/IL-13 in 3D. Meanwhile, we also find that the CCL19/CCL20 ratio is reverted in 3D under IFNγ/LPS stimulation. 3D also induces the priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome resulting in an increased IL-1β and IL-6 secretion. These results give the molecular basis for assessing collagen induced immunomodulation of human macrophages in various physiological and pathological contexts such as cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammasomes are protein complexes that produce IL-1β in response to damage or pathogens. As such, inflammasomes are involved in several types of hepatic fibrosis. However, the mechanisms by which these complexes drive the liver's fibrogenic status remain unclear. We co-cultured differentiated macrophages (the THP-1 cell line or human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs)) with human hepatic fibroblasts (either the LX-2 cell line or primary human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)). The inflammasome pathway was activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, and the HSCs' responses were analyzed. Our results show that co-culture of HSCs with THP-1 cells upregulated transcription of the genes coding for metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-9. After inflammasome pathway activation, the HSCs' phenotype was the same in the presence of THP-1 cells or MDMs (i.e. upregulation of MMP-3, MMP-9, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β). We found that two cytokines were involved in these changes: IL-1β regulated MMP-3 and IL-1β mRNA expression, whereas TNF-α regulated MMP-9 mRNA expression. Experiments with primary cells revealed that a general inflammatory environment is responsible for the downregulation of pro-fibrotic markers. Our present results suggest that inflammasome pathway activation in macrophages leads to a pro-inflammatory environment for HSCs leading to MMP/TIMP imbalance and enhanced fibrolytic properties. • The involvement of the inflammasome pathway in liver fibrosis has been reported in many different animal models. However, the precise mechanism by which the inflammasome drives the MMP/TIMP imbalance and the fibrogenesis has yet to be characterized. • The present study investigated the influence of secreted factors obtained from macrophages on human hepatic myofibroblasts. • We found that these cells are able to respond to TGF-β1 stimulation and develop pro-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory phenotypes. • However, direct incubation of these cells with IL-1β or TNF-α elicits the opposite phenotype with downregulation of the myofibroblast differentiation marker α-SMA and also stimulates a pro-fibrolytic response with the upregulation of MMPs. • These data suggested that activated HSCs (i) are important players in the inflammation process of the liver, and (ii) contribute to the regression or perpetuation of fibrosis by regulating MMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria interact with a multitude of other organisms, many of which produce antimicrobials. Selection for resistance to these antimicrobials has the potential to result in resistance to clinical antibiotics when active compounds target the same bacterial pathways. The possibility of such cross‐resistance between natural antimicrobials and antibiotics has to our knowledge received very little attention. The antimicrobial activity of extracts from seaweeds, known to be prolific producers of antimicrobials, is here tested against Staphylococcus aureus isolates with varied clinical antibiotic resistance profiles. An overall effect consistent with cross‐resistance is demonstrated, with multidrug‐resistant S. aureus strains being on average more resistant to seaweed extracts. This pattern could potentially indicate that evolution of resistance to antimicrobials in the natural environment could lead to resistance against clinical antibiotics. However, patterns of antimicrobial activity of individual seaweed extracts vary considerably and include collateral sensitivity, where increased resistance to a particular antibiotic is associated with decreased resistance to a particular seaweed extract. Our correlation‐based methods allow the identification of antimicrobial extracts bearing most promise for downstream active compound identification and pharmacological testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous interaction between human activities and environment leads to adopting a broad approach for studying watershed systems. Undoubtedly, designing an efficient but also sustainable river-basin management plan requires considering the ecosystem, the economic and social aspects related to the use of natural resources. Given the practical and theoretical relevance that stakeholders' participation has achieved in the frame of new approaches for watershed management, this paper aims to identify the possibility of implementing a collaborative strategy in the particular case of the Sauce Grande River Basin (SGRB), Argentina. Such implementation requires the fulfilment of some key conditions that heighten or hinder their execution. Our results indicate that, although the complexity of the basin makes necessary the implementation of a collaborative plan, it is not plausible in the short term. Some issues, such as the engagement of all stakeholders (inside and outside the basin), and the simplification and coordination of the norms and levels of decision making, should be taken into account for implementing a collaborative management in the basin. Otherwise, the implementation could have a non-expected result on the socio-ecological system, generating an immediate reject to more participative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single crystal X-ray diffraction structure for a new cocrystal of C-propyl pyrogallol[4]arene and the pharmaceutical gabapentin is discussed. Slight changes in solvent environment can lead to large changes in structure of the cocrystal. Variation of the parameters of cocrystallization of pyrogallolarenes with gabapentin leads to the novel structure presented herein [space group P-1, a = 11.7633(9) Å, b = 15.6968(12) Å, c = 17.8554(14) Å, V = 2977.06 Å3. α = 71.987(2)°, β = 82.735(3)°,γ = 71.812(3)°]. In this manuscript we present the solvent parameters that led to a new cocrystallization structure of C-propyl pyrogallol[4]arene and the pharmaceutical gabapentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorine pollutants, emitted from numerous anthropogenic actions, can enter the surrounding environment and lead to soil pollution by fluorine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the remediation possibility and efficiency of fluorine contaminated soil by EDR (electrodialytic remediation) with the 2-electrolysis compartment, compared to EDR with 3-electrolysis compartment. Four runs of EDR experiments were carried out using the 3-compartment (run A, run C) and 2-compartment electrolysis bath (run B, run D). Important electrodialytic parameters such as electric current, electroosmotic flow, the removal efficiency and energy consumption were investigated. The results showed that the removal efficiency of fluorine in run A, B, C and D was 61.6%, 80.5%, 49.1% and 58.8%, respectively. And 2-electrolysis compartment positively affected the fluorine removal because of higher electric current and soil pH, which led to more desorption of F ions from the contaminated soil and more electro-migration of F ions into the electrolyte, but 2-electrolysis compartment consumed more energy (run A: 0.13 kwh kg−1, run B: 0.24 kwh kg−1, run C: 0.08 kwh kg−1 and run D: 0.12 kwh kg−1). After EDR, fluorine of contaminated soil was mainly bound to stable and low toxic RESF (the residual fraction of fluorine). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber surfacing is often used in playgrounds due to its potential injury prevention benefits and as a way to recycle waste tires. Available research on chemicals in recycled rubber has focused on synthetic turf applications, but is limited for playground rubber surfacing. Potential lead contamination from vulcanizing agents used in rubber surfacing are a possible concern; however this has not been researched. We examined levels of lead in poured-in-place rubber and compared them to levels in soil, sand, and wood mulch materials from 28 randomly selected playgrounds in Boston, MA, USA using X-ray fluorescence. To evaluate the association between material type and lead concentrations, we conducted a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and built a linear regression model controlling for distance to major roadway, neighborhood-level status as an environmental justice area, peeling paint on the playground, and rubber condition. Average lead levels were 65.7 μg/g for soil, 22.0 μg/g for rubber, 8.5 μg/g for sand, and 9.0 μg/g for mulch. Our finding of lower concentrations of lead in sand and mulch compared to rubber and soil should be used to inform playground design to optimize children’s health, alongside other chemical and safety considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract New scientific discoveries for new applications of materials (e.g., metals) lead to extensive industrial use of these materials, which in turn, has significant negative health and environmental impacts. Governments use legislation as a management tool to control the usage of certain materials to lower contamination. This study investigates the level of metal contamination over a period of 12 years to observe the dynamic changes in response to new legislation or industrial improvements. Metals (i.e., Pb, Zn, Co, Cu) associated with urban roadside dust in 21 sites in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were analyzed during the period of 2001–2013. Three main conclusions were drawn from this study: 1) Phasing out leaded gasoline was an effective tool to control Pb contamination. The average Pb concentration in the city was 37 times higher in 2001 compared to that in 2013. Twenty-nine percent of the investigated sites were at a significant health risk in 2001 compared to none in 2013. 2) The new substitutes of Zn oxides and new limitations of the Zn content in the rubber industry were effective at controlling the Zn contamination in the urban environment. The average Zn concentration of the city was 8 times higher in 2001 compared to that in 2013. Eighty-one percent of the investigated sites in 2001 were considered to be very highly contaminated (CF > 6) compared to none in 2013. 3) The lack of legislation regarding the Co-content in fossil fuels was probably the main reason for the enhancement of the Co contamination in the whole city, with an increase in the average Co concentration >3 times in 2013 compared to that in 2001. Likewise, the health risk index was increased by ∼3 times from 2001 to 2013. For Cu, the average Cu concentration in 2001 was almost twice that in 2003 and 2013. Legislation has been observe to be an effective management tool for controlling metal contamination. Highlights • Phasing out leaded gasoline was an effective tool to control Pb contamination. • Reducing Zn content in the rubber industry justifies the dramatic drop of Zn in the city. • The average Pb concentration in the city was 37 times higher in 2001 compared to 2013. • The average Zn concentration of the city was 8 times higher in 2001 compared to 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • MANIV can safely stabilize and modulate the breathing pattern. • Volume-controlled mode stabilizes the breathing pattern in respect with physiology. • Shallow-controlled mode lowers the motion amplitude by increasing the breathing rate. • Slow-controlled mode gives more reproducible breath holds than voluntary breath holds. • MANIV improves intra- and inter-session reproducibility. • Photon- and proton-therapy can benefit of this active breathing management technique. Abstract Background and purpose When using highly conformal radiotherapy techniques, a stabilized breathing pattern could greatly benefit the treatment of mobile tumours. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility of Mechanically-assisted non-invasive ventilation (MANIV) on unsedated volunteers, and its ability to stabilize and modulate the breathing pattern over time. Materials and methods Twelve healthy volunteers underwent 2 sessions of dynamic MRI under 4 ventilation modes: spontaneous breathing (SP), volume-controlled mode (VC) that imposes regular breathing in physiologic conditions, shallow-controlled mode (SH) that intends to lower amplitudes while increasing the breathing rate, and slow-controlled mode (SL) that mimics end-inspiratory breath-holds. The last 3 modes were achieved under respirator without sedation. The motion of the diaphragm was tracked along the breathing cycles on MRI images and expressed in position, breathing amplitude, and breathing period for intra- and inter-session analyses. In addition, end-inspiratory breath-hold duration and position stability were analysed during the SL mode. Results MANIV was well-tolerated by all volunteers, without adverse event. The MRI environment led to more discomfort than MANIV itself. Compared to SP, VC and SH modes improved the inter-session reproducibility of the amplitude (by 43% and 47% respectively) and significantly stabilized the intra- and inter-session breathing rate (p < 0.001). Compared to VC, SH mode significantly reduced the intra-session mean amplitude (36%) (p < 0.002), its variability (42%) (p < 0.001), and the intra-session baseline shift (26%) (p < 0.001). The SL mode achieved end-inspiratory plateaus lasting more than 10 s. Conclusion MANIV offers exciting perspectives for motion management. It improves its intra- and inter-session reproducibility and should facilitate respiratory tracking, gating or margin techniques for both photon and proton treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate how the efficiency is affected on the noise environments in the controlled remote state preparation protocol, where the several realistic scenarios, i.e., a part or all of the qubits are subjected to the same or different types of noise, are considered. We find that more noise or less entanglement of qubits environment lead to more efficiency in terms of average fidelity. We show that it is better way to subject the qubits in different noise channels in order to increase the fidelity of the controlled remote state preparation protocol. By using a non-maximally three-qubit pure entangled state as quantum channel, furthermore, we could realize a perfect controlled remote state preparation by choosing the right noisy environments and adjusting their relations in terms of noisy rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • An approach for providing real world data into driving simulator domain is presented. • The approach is explained with details about the data format and guideline examples. • The guidelines were validated by applying them on a complex urban reference track. • Developed guidelines and intermediate data format are provided for free. Abstract Development of driver assistance and automation systems relies on domain-specific formats for the geometrical and logical representation of road networks in simulation environments. The trend to simulate real world urban environments leads to increasing demands for such data which cannot be derived easily from cadastral or open source geodata. In contrast, specific surveying directly into these domain-specific formats quickly becomes time- and cost-consuming. The DLR in partnership with OEMs developed guidelines and a simplified data format to facilitate surveying into an intermediate, discrete geodata format which meets the requirements of both the governmental and the driving simulation domain. The intermediate format should serve as a data hub from which specific simulation formats can be derived automatically through the developed processing tool chain. In this article the need of such an approach is discussed, the data format and the guidelines explained as well as the feasibility and effort of this approach is examined in an urban use case in Germany covering the dedicated surveying of road sections followed by automatic processing into OpenDRIVE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of analyzing the long-term variations in the strain rate of a TiNi element during martensitic transformation cycling have been reported. It is shown that the factors involved in the formation of the state of the environment lead to unstable operation of functional technical elements similar to those based on titanium nickelide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ascribing to their significant differences in physicochemical properties, it is extremely challenging to treat complex wastewater containing more than one class of pollutants via one-step treatment. Here, we focused on disposal of complex wastewater bearing organic dye and heavy metal by using adsorptive method. Thus, by combining the advantages of polyethyleneimine (PEI), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as well as Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles, a versatile β-CD and PEI bi-functionalized magnetic nanoadsorbent (Fe 3 O 4 -PEI/β-CD) with spatially separated sorption sites was successfully constructed for simultaneous capture of methyl orange (MO) and Pb(II) in complex wastewater. In this setting, β-CD cavities and positively charged N-containing groups of PEI were mainly responsible for removal of MO via host-guest inclusion and electrostatic attraction, respectively, and oxygen-bearing groups on the edge of β-CD as well as the free amino moieties in PEI acted as the active sites for Pb(II) uptake. In their individual mono-pollutant system, the adsorption processes can be better described via applying pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Interestingly, presence of MO in Pb(II)-MO binary system significantly promoted the uptake of Pb(II). But the coexisting Pb(II) had almost no effects on MO uptake. Such results demonstrated that both MO and Pb(II) could be simultaneously and synergistically removed by Fe 3 O 4 -PEI/β-CD through multiple mechanisms (such as electrostatic attraction, host-guest inclusion, chelating, etc.). Particularly, the excellent regeneration and stability make Fe 3 O 4 -PEI/β-CD an ideal integrative adsorbent for purification of actual wastewater contaminated by MO and Pb(II). Thus, this study provides some insights into designing a well-performed and easily recyclable adsorbent for simultaneous and synergetic capture of both organic and inorganic contaminants in complex wastewater. Graphical abstract A versatile β-CD and PEI bi-functionalized magnetic nanoadsorbent with spatially separated sorption sites (denoted as Fe3O4-PEI/β-CD) was successfully constructed for simultaneous removal of methyl orange (MO) and Pb(II) from complex wastewater through multiple mechanisms (such as electrostatic attraction, host-guest inclusion, chelating, etc.). Image 1 Highlights • A novel dual-functionalized magnetic nanosorbent (Fe 3 O 4 -PEI/β-CD) is synthesized. • As-obtained sorbent can simultaneously remove MO and Pb(II) from model wastewater. • Synergistic removal of MO and Pb(II) is from presence of diverse adsorption sites. • Resulting adsorbent could be regenerated and reused for model wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Water washing of air pollution control residues removes 23% of the mass. • Most Cl and significant proportions of Na, K and Ca are removed. • Al, Si, Mg, Fe and potential pollutants are concentrated. • Pb is mainly in glass, with some PbSO 4 , and small amounts of PbO and PbCl 2. • Pb-glass may partly dissolve and convert to PbO, or leach, in water washing. Abstract Changes in elemental and mineralogical composition, and lead speciation, of air pollution control residue (APCR) from municipal solid waste incineration, due to treatment by water washing, were investigated in this work and are reported in the context of a review of the literature. Water washing was shown to substantially modify the nature of APCR by: 1) removing 23% dry mass soluble salts to disagglomerate particles and significantly reduce concentrations of the associated major elements, and increase concentrations of insoluble matrix elements and potential pollutants; and 2) respeciating elements to form new phases. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) showed that the 500 mg/kg of Pb in raw and washed APCR were comprised mainly of Pb-glass, with some PbSO 4 , and small amounts of PbO and PbCl 2. Semi-quantitative linear combination fitting suggests that the glass in the APCR may be unstable and release Pb under the alkaline pH of water washing, to reprecipitate as PbO. Chemical analysis suggests that some Pb may be removed by washing. Scientific understanding of the composition of raw and washed APCR, and particularly the speciation of potentially toxic metals, such as Zn and Pb, can help in developing effective element recovery and residue treatment, utilization or disposal strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the use of the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) to create personal narratives within a peer led environment, and the ways in which it can encourage reflection, self-advocacy and healing. Suggestions for further developments are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the sixteenth century the Spanish Empire would find itself owner and conqueror of the largest deposits of primary silver and mercury in the world, a geopolitical conjunction which would lead to the use of mercury at an industrial scale in the production of plata de azogue (silver by mercury) from silver sulfide deposits found in the Americas. Thus, two refining processes, the millennia-old two-stage smelting process based on lead and high temperatures, and the upstart based on mercury sine igne (without fire), came to share in nearly equal parts the aggregate global production of silver from the sixteenth to the final decade of the nineteenth century. These processes relied on the extensive use of two of the heavy metals most toxic to humans, and their anthropogenic emissions to the environment have caused impacts lasting over subsequent centuries. However, the successful use of haifuki-hō (smelting-cupellation process) in Japan to produce silver from silver sulfide ores with 0.2 percent silver content demonstrates that the extensive use of mercury by Spanish refiners in the New World was not the consequence of the geochemistry or silver content of the ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead is a widely spread environmental pollutant and its concentration is dramatically increasing in our ecosystems. Jordan is facing this significant problem because of the dramatic increase in population size, especially due to the crisis of Syrian refugees. In this study, nine barleys (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes (two cultivars and seven landraces) were grown under controlled growth conditions, and checked for their tolerance responses against two levels of lead nitrate (0 and 7 mM) in terms of growth (germination, shoot and root length) and biochemical (proline content and lipid peroxidation) responses. Genetic variation between barley landraces was also assessed using ISSR-PCR and results indicated genetic variability among the studied barley landraces. A toxic effect of lead on seed germination, root and shoot systems for all tested genotypes coupled with alterations in biochemical content were observed. LR4 and LR5 showed high growth rates, high proline content and low MDA level compared to the rest of genotypes. Therefore, LR4 and LR5 might be the most appropriate genotypes to be used in future breeding programs to produce lead-tolerant barley cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of lead (Pb) shot in shooting activities, including at former shooting ranges, continues to pose environmental risks. The La Crosse River Marsh (located in Wisconsin, USA) is a biologically diverse urban riparian wetland with a legacy of Pb-contaminated sediment resulting from its use as a trap shooting range from 1929-1963. Within the shot fall zone, shot densities exceed 43,000 pellets/m2 and surface sediments exceed 25,000 mg/kg in some areas. This study used the Zebrafish as a model to determine the acute toxicity of these contaminated sediments. Zebrafish were exposed to sediments containing approximately 13 to 13,450 mg/kg Pb for 5 days (8-120 hr post-fertilization). The toxic responses to sediments were non-monotonic. Only exposure to sediments containing “mid-range” concentrations of Pb (4580 mg/kg) induced mild skeletal malformations and a sluggish C-start response indicating that Pb was marginally bioavailable. Expression of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) also indicated the potential for uptake of Pb from sediments. Our findings suggest that Pb within the La Crosse River Marsh sediments is not readily bioavailable to Zebrafish, and while this metal poses a minimal acute toxicological risk, toxicity due to chronic exposure of low concentrations of Pb is possible. Further, our data demonstrated that induction of ALA-D gene expression in Zebrafish embryos shows promise as an alternative to ALA-D enzyme activity as a biomarker for acute Pb exposure under lab conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study models previously unknown domestic geographical transfers of toxic substances in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) by using the minimum distance and maximum flow (MDMF) algorithm. Using lead scrap as a typical case, the results present a complete picture of domestic geographical transfers in China: (1) the total interprovincial transfer of lead scrap is 996 k tonnes, accounting for 63% of total lead recycled; (2) lead scrap transfers between 4 pairs of provinces are more than 100 k tonnes with an average distance per k tonne of lead scrap transferred of 967 km; and (3) using outdated processing technology, national pollutant emissions of lead, CO 2 and SO 2 resulting from these transfers can reach 50, 497, and 105 k tonnes, respectively. In addition, if provinces recycle locally generated and imported LAB at a ratio below 1:1, or 50% imported LAB, using the advanced process, emissions can be reduced. The domestic geographical transfer model has the following advantages: (1) it is helpful for the geographic distribution and capacity planning of WEEE recycling plants; and (2) it provides a method that may be less time-consuming in estimating the external quantified environmental responsibility of the WEEE generating provinces. Highlights • Modeling domestic geographical transfers of toxic substances in WEEE using the MDMF algorithm. • Results present a complete picture of domestic geographical transfers of lead scrap in China. • Offer potential to facilitate the geographic distribution and capacity planning of recycling plants. • Quantify environmental responsibilities of exporting provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third and second most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide in males and females, respectively. Despite prominent progress in diagnosis and treatment, the recurrence rates are still high. A tumour hypoxic environment leads to an increase in glycolytic metabolism. The crucial intermediate component of glycolysis, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), could play a significant role in cancer progression. An increased level of GAPDH has been described in oncogene-induced transformation and anti-apoptotic function. In other studies, GAPDH has been involved in apoptosis induction. Aim: We examined colorectal adenocarcinoma samples to assess the immunoexpression of GAPDH protein. We also evaluated the correlation between the expression of GAPDH protein and apoptotic parameters including expression of Bcl2 and Bax. Material and methods: Paraffin sections were incubated for 60 min with primary antibody against GAPDH, Bcl-2, and Bax. Results: Results of our study have shown that GAPDH expression in colorectal cancer is upregulated. We revealed significant positive correlation between expression of this protein and grade and size of tumour, and regional lymph node involvement. In the case of apoptosis-associated proteins, e.g. Bcl-2 and Bax, we found negative correlations between expression of these proteins and grade and size of tumour, lymphovascular invasion, and regional lymph node involvement. Finally, we demonstrated that GAPDH up-regulation is connected with down-regulation in Bcl-2 and Bax. Conclusions: Up-regulation of GAPDH protein and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bax may result in increased of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead pipe has been banned for distributing drinking water in the 1980s and partial replacement of lead pipes with stainless steel pipes has been practiced in many Asian countries. Due to the different potentials of lead and stainless steel, galvanic corrosion may take place. The extent of lead release and effects of water chemistry on this process, however, are largely unknown. The objectives of this study are to characterize lead release resulting from galvanic connection between lead and stainless steel, the effects of pH, chloride and sulfate concentrations on this process, and the effectiveness of using orthophosphate to mitigate this problem. The experiments were conducted by connecting aged lead pipes to stainless steel fittings and placing the couple in different water conditions. The results of this study demonstrated that lead release significantly accelerated when lead and stainless steel were galvanically connected and the rate of lead release accelerated with decreasing pH and increasing chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio (CSMR). Orthophosphate could effectively reduce lead release but CSMR needs to be considered since water with a higher CSMR still caused more lead release when galvanic corrosion took place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of three Ca-containing amendments (dolomite, slaked lime, and limestone) on soil water soluble Pb (Pb-w) levels, Pb accumulation by two rice plants (TJ-8, japonica and II-3301, indica), and the factors affecting Pb-w were investigated. Pot experiment was performed under waterlogged conditions using Pb-contaminated soil collected from an agricultural field near a mine. It was found that the soil amendments significantly reduced Pb content in the rice plants in the order dolomite > slaked lime > limestone, irrespective of rice cultivar. The Pb content of brown rice with the added soil amendments was lower than that of the recommended limit (0.2 mg kg −1 , GB2762-2017) except for cultivar II-3301 with slaked lime. There was a significant positive correlation between the Pb content of the roots, stems, leaves, and grains and the soil Pb-w levels. The amendments reduced soil Eh, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the pore water and increased soil pH. The total organic carbon (TOC) in the pore water significantly decreased for II-3301 but not for TJ-8 at the ripening stage after addition of the amendments. Among soil Eh, pH, TOC, Fe, and Mn in the pore water, Fe and Mn were the most influential in lowering soil Pb-w levels. The amendments inhibited the formation of iron plaques on the root surface and reduced Pb adsorption. The Pb content of the roots was positively correlated with that in iron plaque. These findings are significant as they imply that the application of Ca-containing amendments in Pb-contaminated paddy soils near mines is an effective approach for in situ immobilization of Pb and reduction in Pb levels in the edible parts of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead wheel weights (LWWs) have been banned in Europe, and some US States, but they continue to dominate the market in Canada. Exposure to lead is associated with numerous health impacts and can result in multiple and irreversible health problems which include cognitive impairment when exposure occurs during early development. Such impacts incur high individual and social costs. The purpose of this study was to assess the costs and public health benefits of a Risk Management Strategy (RMS) that would result from a LWW phase-out in Canada and compare this to a Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario. The contribution of LWWs to lead concentrations in media including roadway soil/dust, ambient and indoor air, and indoor dust were estimated. The Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model for Lead in Children (IEUBK) was used to develop estimates for the blood lead levels (BLLs) in children (μg/dL) associated with the BAU and the RMS. The BLLs estimated via the IEUBK model were then used to assess the IQ decrements associated with the BAU that would be avoided under the RMS. The subsequent overall societal benefits in terms of increased lifetime earning potential and reduced crime rate, were then estimated and compared to industry and government costs. LWWs form 72% of the Canadian wheel weight market and >1500 tonnes of lead as new LWWs attached to vehicles enters Canadian society annually. We estimate that 110–131 tonnes of lead in detached WWs are abraded on roadways in Canada each year. A LWW phase-out was predicted to result in a drop in pre-school BLLs of up to 0.4 μg/dL. The estimated net benefits associated with the RMS based on cognitive decrements avoided and hence increased lifetime earning potential (increased productivity) and reduced crime are expected to be: C$248 million (8% discount rate) to C$1.2 billion (3% discount rate) per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to low levels of lead in children can cause cognitive deficits (reduced IQ) and behavioral changes such as reduced attention span and increased antisocial behavior. There are no mandatory limits on lead in paint in Israel, with the exception of paints used on toys and children's furniture. However, paints in playgrounds and public areas may be a source of exposure to lead in young children. In this study, we quantified lead concentrations in painted surfaces in public playgrounds and public areas, and in spray paints in Israel, using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Lead was detected in 43/48 (90%) of surfaces; concentrations exceeded the US regulatory limit for lead in paint (90 ppm) in 4/5 (80%) of tested surfaces on wooden picnic tables and benches, and 22/25 (88%) of surfaces in playgrounds. In 15 surfaces, lead concentrations were 10–700 times higher than the US limit. Out of 11 spray paints sampled, three (27%) had concentrations above the US standard for residential paints. In order to prevent exposure of the general public to lead in playgrounds and public areas and in spray paints, we recommend an integrated approach, including regulatory restrictions (mandatory lead limit of 90 ppm in all paints except labeled industrial paints); awareness raising in the public and in national agencies and local authorities responsible for maintenance in playgrounds, schools and public areas; and encouragement of voluntary measures by industry to prevent sale of industrial paints for use in areas accessible to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, the feasibility of applying a natural adsorbent with Fe 3+ modification (Fe 3+ -modified argillaceous limestone, FAL) on the competitive adsorption of heavy metals (i.e., Cd 2+ , Pb 2+ and Ni 2+ ) was evaluated. The current results revealed an efficient adsorption on Cd 2+ , Pb 2+ and Ni 2+ in mono-metal system. Further experiments demonstrated a high selectivity of Pb 2+ during the competitive adsorption of Cd 2+ , Pb 2+ and Ni 2+ . The adsorption selectivity of the metal ions followed the order of Pb ≫ Cd > Ni. In addition, both pH and ionic strength are important factors affecting the metal adsorptions. It is interestingly that various NOMs (i.e., humic acid (HA) and glycine (Gly)) exerted different effects on the adsorption behaviors, probably due to the different affinities for Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ and Ni 2+ and the redistribution of newly-formed metal-DOM complexes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis together with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis revealed that the metal adsorptions were mainly regulated via the synergistic mechanisms of ion exchange by Na + , Ca 2+ , and Al 3+ , precipitation to form CdCO 3 and Pb 2 (OH) 2 (CO 3 ) 2 , as well as complexes of FAL-OPb and FAL-ONi by hydroxyl groups on the surface of FAL. The application of FAL would be a promising option in leading to an efficient heavy metal removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims at the development of an electrochemical affinity biosensor for Pb(II) quantification using a platform that combines glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) and an aqueous dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) covalently modified with cysteine residues (Cys). The biosensing protocol includes the accumulation of Pb(II) at the electrode surface through the affinity interaction promoted by Cys residues at open circuit potential, followed by the reduction of the accumulated Pb(II) at ‐0.900 V and the transduction step performed by linear sweep-adsorptive stripping voltammetry (LSAdSV) in a 0.020 M acetate buffer solution pH 5.00. There is a linear relationship between Pb(II) oxidation peak current and Pb(II) concentration. The dynamic linear range extends from 5.0 to 125.0 μg·L −1 , exhibiting a sensitivity of 0.061 μAμg −1 L and a detection limit of 0.69 μg·L −1 . In addition, the selectivity of the biosensor was evaluated in the presence of high concentrations of possible interferents such as Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Hg(II), Rh(II), Ru(II), Zn(II), Ir(IV), Co(II) and As(III) demonstrating a high discrimination of Pb(II) in complex samples. The sensor was challenged with tap and rain water samples enriched with Pb(II), demonstrating outstanding properties in terms of recovery percentages showing an excellent agreement with ICP- MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background. The lead (Pb) exposure crisis in Flint, Michigan has passed from well-publicized event to a footnote, while its biological and social impact will linger for lifetimes. Interest in the "water crisis" has dropped to pre-event levels, which is neither appropriate nor safe. Flint's exposure was severe, but it was not unique. Problematic Pb levels have also been found in schools and daycares in 42 states in the USA. The enormity of Pb exposure via municipal water systems requires multiple responses. Herein, we focus on addressing a possible answer to long-term sequelae of Pb exposure. We propose "4R's" (remediation, renovation, reallocation, and research) against the Pb crisis that goes beyond a short-term fix. Remediation for affected individuals must continue to provide clean water and deal with both short and long-term effects of Pb exposure. Renovation of current water delivery systems, at both system-wide and individual site levels, is necessary. Reallocation of resources is needed to ensure these two responses occur and to get communities ready for potential sequelae of Pb exposure. Finally, properly focused research can track exposed individuals and illuminate latent (presumably epigenetic) results of Pb exposure and inform further resource reallocation. Conclusion. Motivation to act by not only the general public but also by scientific and medical leaders must be maintained beyond initial news cycle spikes and an annual follow-up story. Environmental impact of Pb contamination of drinking water goes beyond one exposure incident in an impoverished and forgotten Michigan city. Population effects must be addressed long-term and nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic lead use has resulted in widespread environmental lead contamination known to affect wildlife populations worldwide. Ecotoxicological investigations in wild birds have thus far prioritised waterfowl and raptor species and primarily addressed contamination in natural ecosystems. Urban areas are increasingly associated with high levels of heavy metal contamination, however the risk of lead exposure in urban wildlife is less well known. This study investigates lead exposure in an urban population of North Island Kaka ( Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis ), an endemic New Zealand parrot. The inquisitive nature of these birds, an expanding urban population and increased availability of food in the urban environment are the primary factors implicated in their dispersal into urban areas where there is increased exposure to anthropogenic sources of lead. Blood lead concentrations were assessed in free-ranging birds to quantify the prevalence and magnitude of lead exposure. The impact of lead on physiological and neurological function was assessed using behavioural and clinical examinations. Finally, lead stable isotope analysis was employed to investigate lead in roofing material as a potential source of exposure in the urban environment. Results indicate a significant prevalence of lead exposure in this population (43.2%) with a maximum recorded plasma concentration of 50.7 μg/dL. Although no mortality was observed during this study, lead exposure was associated with reduced body condition in kaka. Behavioural changes were present in one individual with the highest recorded blood lead concentration. Lead isotope values of roof-collected rainwater overlapped with kaka blood lead isotope values, suggesting this to be an important source of exposure in this population. The prevalence of lead exposure observed in this study suggests that lead is a toxin of importance to kaka in this urban area. Wildlife intoxications largely result from anthropogenic lead sources and this study identifies a previously undescribed urban source of lead for wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall goal of this study was to use the Rattus spp./ Hymenolepis diminuta model to assess environmental lead pollution in different landscape units of an urban ecosystem. Rats of the genus Rattus were collected from three shanty towns and three residential neighbourhoods of the city of Buenos Aires. Concentrations of lead in the livers of wild rats and in their parasite H. diminuta were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The landscape unit and tissue type had a significant effect on lead concentration, being higher in residential neighbourhoods as well as in H. diminuta tissue. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found for the mean lead concentration in livers between uninfected and infected rats. Since the available information describing heavy-metal pollution within the city of Buenos Aires is scarce, the results of this study allow us to update data about the extent of biologically available lead contamination. Considering that rats and H. diminuta are distributed worldwide, this monitoring system for lead pollution might be applied successfully in other urban ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For removing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from field-contaminated soils, cost-effective soil remediation has been a worldwide concern. As one of the widely employed techniques, chelant-enhanced phytoremediation can remove PTEs with marginal impact on the soil properties, yet the newly formed metal-chelant complexes cannot be completely captured and extracted by the plants. This arouses concerns about downstream migration and secondary contamination of the metal-chelant complexes and free chelant. Organic amendments, such as food waste compost (FWC), may stabilize metals and/or metal-chelant complexes, improve soil properties and plant growth, and reduce waste volume. Therefore, FWC may provide a solution for the migration of metal-chelant complexes and free chelant. Two chelants were selected in this study: EDTA (ethylene-diaminetetraacetic-acid) and its biodegradable isomer EDDS ([ S,S ]-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid). The interactions between FWC and metals, metal-EDTA/metal-EDDS complexes in a field-contaminated soil (mainly by Cu, Zn, and Pb) were investigated. Batch adsorption isotherms indicated a strong adsorption capacity of FWC for uncomplexed Cu, Zn, and Pb ions. Significant adsorption of Pb-EDDS (∼100%), Zn-EDDS (>77%), and Cu-EDTA (36–76%) complexes on the FWC was found at apparent equilibrium. The adsorption capacity of Cu-EDDS (32–38%), Pb-EDTA (∼20%), and Zn-EDTA (∼0%) complexes was limited. However, the co-existence of FWC and EDDS increased the mobilization of Cu and Zn, while the co-existence of FWC and EDTA reduced the available amounts of Cu and Pb in solution. Metal speciation calculation showed that nearly all extracted Cu, Zn, and Pb were complexed with chelants in the solution, while notable amount of dissolved Fe (but not Al and Ca) was associated with dissolved organic matter. In this study, FWC can be useful for minimizing the unintended leaching of Cu- and Pb-EDTA complexes in EDTA-enhanced phytoremediation, yet it might be less suitable for the case of EDDS. A novel integration of recycled waste can enhance the effectiveness of sustainable remediation of contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface paste disposal (SPD) technology has been investigated recently to solve the geotechnical (tailings dam failure) and geochemical (acid mine drainage formation) problems relating to tailings disposal. The tailings dam accidents occurred in the last few years have expedited the researches to search for safer tailings disposal methods in mining industry. The aim of this study is to investigate which parameters affect the geotechnical and geochemical stability of sulphidic paste tailings as SPD. The pH, EC and crack intensity of paste tailings placed in layers were measured to observe how the parameters affect their stability. In this study, it can be seen that solid concentration of the paste material increases above ~80 wt.%, and its shear strength is above 20 kPa. In addition, the pH values reduced from 7.4 to 6.6 and the EC values increased from 2.9 to 3.3 mS/cm in seepage water of the paste layers. According to these values, it can be said that there is a very low environmental risk using the SPD. Results showed the applicability of the SPD method by obtaining geochemical and geotechnical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we review evidence from the social and medical sciences on the causes and effects of lead exposure. We argue that lead exposure is an important subject for sociological analysis because it is socially stratified and has important social consequences—consequences that themselves depend in part on children's social environments. We present a model of environmental inequality over the life course to guide an agenda for future research. We conclude with a call for deeper exchange between urban sociology, environmental sociology, and public health, and for more collaboration between scholars and local communities in the pursuit of independent science for the common good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental fate of lead derived from traffic paint has been poorly studied in developing countries, mainly in arid zones. For this purpose, a developing city located in the Sonoran desert (Hermosillo, Mexico), was chosen to conduct a study. In this paper the lead chromate (crocoite) sources in atmospheric dust were addressed using a combination of Raman microspectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Pb isotope measurements. A high concentration of Pb and Cr as micro- and nanostructured pigments of crocoite is reported in yellow traffic paint ( n = 80), road dust ( n = 146), settled dust in roofs ( n = 21), and atmospheric dust ( n = 20) from a developing city located in the Sonoran Desert. 10 samples of peri-urban soils were collected for local geochemical background. The paint photodegradation and erosion of the asphaltic cover are enhanced by the climate, and the presence of the mineral crocoite (PbCrO 4 ) in road dust with an aerodynamic diameter ranging from 100 nm to 2 μm suggests its integration into the atmosphere by wind resuspension processes. A positive Pb Cr correlation (R 2 = 0.977) was found for all studied samples, suggesting a common source. The Pb-isotope data show signatures in atmospheric dust as a product of the mixing of two end members: i) local soils and ii) crocoite crystals as pigments in paint. The presence of lead chromates in atmospheric dust has not been previously documented in Latin America, and it represents an unknown health risk to the exposed population because the identified size of crystals can reach the deepest part of lungs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) has the potential to be a good biological indicator for toxic exposure because they have an almost similar physiology and behaviour to humans. The objective of this study is to determine the concentration of lead (Pb) in hair samples of long-tailed macaques which were found in and out of the Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP) area. The hypothesis is long-tailed macaques that live in the anthropogenic area (outside KSNP) may be exposed to high levels of lead compared to long-tailed macaques living in the forest area (inside KSNP). Analysis of hair samples were carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study found that the average mean of lead concentration in the anthropogenic area is 6.31 μg/g while for the forest area it is 3.16 μg/g. Lead concentration in the two areas are statistically insignificant. Nevertheless, lead concentration in the anthropogenic area recorded a slightly higher mean concentration than in the forest area. Even so, results of this study indicate that long-tailed macaques in Kuala Selangor are not exposed to high levels of lead. This study is the first in Malaysia to utilise long-tailed macaques as a biological indicator for testing the concentration of toxic substances in the environment. This study is still in its early stages; thus, future research requires improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alternation layered lake sediment that had accumulated over a period of 22 years, from 1990 to 2012, was collected from the Tamagawa Dam Lake, which is located in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture. The lake water is acidified (pH = 4.1) by the inflow of high‐acidic thermal water (pH = 1.2) from the Obuki Hot Spring, the main hot spring in the Tamagawa Hot Spring area. The vertical variations in Si, Al, Fe, Ti, and Pb contents of the sediment were determined by XRF, EPMA, and LA‐ICP‐MS in order to clarify the sedimentation processes of the lake sediment. The layers consisting of the sediment could be mostly classified into three types: dark brown, yellowish brown, and reddish layers. The contents of Si, Al, Fe, and Ti corresponded to the variation in color of each layer in the sample. Based on the Si, Al, and Fe contents in the sediment of Tamagawa Dam Lake, the sources of these elements were classified as detrital origin in dark brown and yellowish brown layers (Si, Al, and Ti) and chemical precipitate origin in reddish layers (Fe). Detrital components were derived from volcanic rocks in the watershed of Tamagawa Dam Lake. The variation of Pb content did not accord with the color of layers. The content of Pb in the sediment of Tamagawa Dam Lake ranges from 45 to 522 ppm. The vertical variation of Pb content in sediment corresponded to the temporal variation of Pb content in thermal water from the Obuki Hot Spring from 1990 to 2012. A large influence of hydrothermal activity of the Tamagawa Hot Spring on the vertical distribution of Pb was found during the active period of the Obuki Hot Spring, resulting in high Pb content within layers at 5–8 cm from the bottom of the sample. T‐Fe2O3‐rich reddish layers were also found in this range. Therefore, it is assumed that T‐Fe2O3 and Pb originated from Obuki Hot Spring and precipitated in Tamagawa Dam Lake. However, no correlation was found between T‐Fe2O3 and Pb contents for any of the dark brown, yellowish brown, and reddish layers. Some layers with high Pb content were also found to have high SiO2 and Al2O3 contents. These findings indicate that there are several possibilities for the sedimentation process of Pb. The sedimentation of Pb as well as that of T‐Fe2O3 in Tamagawa Dam Lake provides a good example of the accumulation of elements by chemical precipitation away from the source of elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of environmental lead exposure in the neuro-endocrine system have been shown to impact the maturation and tempo of puberty development in adolescents. In low and middle income countries very little is known regarding the detrimental health effects of childhood lead exposure with regard to the tempo of puberty development. To help address this gap in data, we examined the association between lead exposure and puberty progression in males and females. Study participants from the urban Birth to Twenty Plus (BT20+) birth cohort in Soweto-Johannesburg, South Africa with data for blood lead levels at age 13 years, cord blood lead levels, pubic hair development and breast development in females, and pubic hair development and genital development in males, were included in this study. The sample comprised 1416 study participants ( n = 684 females). Pubertal development trajectory classes were defined using Latent Class Growth Analysis. Data were examined for (i) an association between cord blood lead levels and pubertal trajectory classes; and (ii) an association between blood lead levels at age 13 years and pubertal trajectory classes. In females, there was an association between adolescent elevated blood lead levels (≥5 μg/dL) and lower level of maturation at age 9 years and slower progression of pubic hair and breast development (relative risk ratio (RRR) = 0.45, p < 0.0001; 95% CI (0.29–0.68)) and (RRR = 0.46, p < 0.01; 95% CI (0.27–0.77)), respectively. In males, elevated blood lead levels at birth were associated with slower tempo of pubic hair development (RRR = 0.20, p < 0.05). Findings from this study suggest a possible role for environmental lead in altering pubertal development in South African adolescents as shown by slower tempo of progression through the Tanner stages pubertal development in females and males. There were also gender-differences between the effects of prenatal and postnatal lead exposure during pubertal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balkans are considered the birthplace of mineral resource exploitation and metalworking in Europe. However, since knowledge of the timing and extent of metallurgy in southeastern Europe is largely constrained by discontinuous archaeological findings, the long-term environmental impact of past mineral resource exploitation is not fully understood. Here, we present a high-resolution and continuous geochemical record from a peat bog in western Serbia, providing a clear indication of the extent and magnitude of environmental pollution in this region, and a context in which to place archaeological findings. We observe initial evidence of anthropogenic lead (Pb) pollution during the earliest part of the Bronze Age [~3,600 years before Common Era (BCE)], the earliest such evidence documented in European environmental records. A steady, almost linear increase in Pb concentration after 600 BCE, until ~1,600 CE is observed, documenting the development in both sophistication and extent of southeastern European metallurgical activity throughout Antiquity and the medieval period. This provides an alternative view on the history of mineral exploitation in Europe, with metal-related pollution not ceasing at the fall of the western Roman Empire, as was the case in western Europe. Further comparison with other Pb pollution records indicates the amount of Pb deposited in the Balkans during the medieval period was, if not greater, at least similar to records located close to western European mining regions, suggestive of the key role the Balkans have played in mineral resource exploitation in Europe over the last 5,600 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A switchable hydrophilicity solvent (SHS) based liquid phase microextraction (LPME) method was proposed for the preconcentration of trace Pb (II) and Cd (II) followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) detection. The SHS of protonated triethylamine carbonate (P-TEA-C) was synthesized and applied as the extractant, which is environmentally friendly and low cost. Pb (II) and Cd (II) in ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) complex form was extracted into the triethylamine (TEA) phase by converting P-TEA-C to TEA. The vortex led to the rapid formation of fine droplets of the extractant in the aqueous solution, and enlarged contact surface between both immiscible liquids. The factors affecting the microextraction procedure, including sample pH, APDC concentration, volume of SHS and NaOH, sample volume and matrix effect were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, enrichment factor of 50 was achieved with consumption of 10 mL aqueous sample, and detection limits of 16 and 3.9 ng L −1 were obtained for Pb (II) and Cd (II), respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was validated by the analysis of Certified Reference Materials of GSBZ50009-88 environmental water, GBW07605 tea and GBW07601(GSH-1) human hair. The method was also successfully applied for determination of Pb (II) and Cd (II) in water, tea and human hair samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though abundant studies have targeted the characterization of heavy metal adsorption by either clay minerals or bacteria, to date, minimal literature exists which specifically assesses bacteria-clay mineral interactions in the context of metal immobilization. The adsorption of Pb onto montmorillonite, Pseudomonas putida , and their 1:1, 2:1, 6:1 and 12:1 mass ratio composites were investigated by using a combination of atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface complexation modeling (SCM), Pb-L III edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The SCM and EXAFS demonstrated that Pb ions coordinate with phosphoryl and carboxyl functional groups on bacteria at low and high concentrations, respectively. The ITC analysis found adverse enthalpy values for Pb adsorption to permanent (−2.91 kJ/mol) and variable charge sites (6.93 kJ/mol) on montmorillonite. The ternary bridging model, EXAFS and ITC provide molecular and thermodynamic evidences for the formation of enthalpy driven (−4.74 kJ/mol) ternary complex (>AlO-Pb-PO 4 ) in the composites. The proportion for the bridging structures increased at pH > 5 and high bacterial mass ratios. The formation of ternary complex did not result in the enhanced adsorption of Pb on the composites, but promoted the allocation of Pb on the mineral fraction. The results obtained from SCM, EXAFS and ITC may provide an essential assumption for predicting the speciation and fate of Pb in soils and associated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead pollution in Arctic ice reflects midlatitude emissions from ancient lead–silver mining and smelting. The few reported measurements have been extrapolated to infer the performance of ancient economies, including comparisons of economic productivity and growth during the Roman Republican and Imperial periods. These studies were based on sparse sampling and inaccurate dating, limiting understanding of trends and specific linkages. Here we show, using a precisely dated record of estimated lead emissions between 1100 BCE and 800 CE derived from subannually resolved measurements in Greenland ice and detailed atmospheric transport modeling, that annual European lead emissions closely varied with historical events, including imperial expansion, wars, and major plagues. Emissions rose coeval with Phoenician expansion, accelerated during expanded Carthaginian and Roman mining primarily in the Iberian Peninsula, and reached a maximum under the Roman Empire. Emissions fluctuated synchronously with wars and political instability particularly during the Roman Republic, and plunged coincident with two major plagues in the second and third centuries, remaining low for >500 years. Bullion in silver coinage declined in parallel, reflecting the importance of lead–silver mining in ancient economies. Our results indicate sustained economic growth during the first two centuries of the Roman Empire, terminated by the second-century Antonine plague. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes an improved approach to monazite dating by electron microprobe that includes a “monazite age reference correction” (MARC). During analysis, a set of differing monazite standard reference materials with established isotopic ages are measured at the start of the session. These measurements are used to test the analytical set-up and, if necessary, to calculate MARC factors that can be applied to monazite samples. The MARC is not intended as a way to correct systematic errors due to problems in set-up, but rather as a fine-scale adjustment for factors that cannot be readily assessed during single sessions. Long-term, multi-session calculation of MARC factors allows for precise monitoring of anomalous behavior among monazite age reference materials during individual sessions. The method can also assist in the identification of chemical inhomogeneity in monazite, such as that commonly produced by interaction with metasomatic fluids. A representative set of electron microprobe monazite age reference materials are presented, including two ‘reference monazites’ that are good examples of monazite with age disturbance induced by metasomatism. Additional modifications to analytic protocols are proposed, including a) corrections for count rate increases during long beam dwell times, and b) improved estimation of background values at line positions by accounting for the effect of mean atomic number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a testimony of how electron microprobe dating of monazite was developed in the early days of this technique, in the 90's. Five contributions have been collected from Nagoya, Clermont-Ferrand, Orléans, Salzburg, and Amherst. The technique was designed in Nagoya by Professor Suzuki, using an old JXA-5A JEOL electron microprobe. The first results were published in 1991, with great difficulty. Professor Suzuki also created the isochron-like Pb-Th* diagram to present the data. Progressive improvement of the method finally allowed the Nagoya team to date Cenozoic monazite. The technique was re-discovered in Clermont-Ferrand using a Cameca Camebax microprobe. This team demonstrated the accuracy of the method, and proposed statistical tools to improve the precision and to handle multimodal populations. The first results were published in 1993. In Orléans, the French Geological Survey (BRGM) developed the method with a Cameca SX50 to support mapping projects. They developed a new method for calculating the age, and showed that this technique was very efficient for dating monazite in migmatites. In Salzburg, the first results were obtained in 1996, using a Jeol JX 8600. It proved to be very efficient in the Alps to distinguish Cadomian, Ordovician, Variscan and Alpine events. It allowed this team to directly date a monazite-allanite reaction they described for the first time. Finally, the Amherst team investigated in detail the technical issues of electron microprobe monazite dating. They showed that the best analytical procedures must include at least: detailed chemical mapping, several interference corrections and special care for background measurements. With the help of Cameca they designed a specific microprobe for dating, named “Ultrachron”. With this machine, high precision ages can be obtained on well characterized individual grains in thin section, giving birth to a new era in geochronology of complex metamorphic rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several cases have been described in the literature where different ligands enhanced lead (Pb) bioavailability over what would have been expected on the basis of equilibrium models such as the biotic ligand model (BLM). These exceptions compromise the development of BLMs for this metal, and mechanistic knowledge of the involved processes is still insufficient. The present study shows that the hydrophilic organic ligand citrate enhances Pb internalization by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for both the wild and the wall‐less strains. Despite the high Pb internalization fluxes shown by this alga, which may be near the limits set by diffusion through the boundary layer, and its capacity to assimilate citrate (and potentially Pb‐citrate complexes), neither of these mechanisms could quantitatively account for the observed increase in Pb internalization in the presence of this ligand. However, algal‐driven pH increases in the boundary layer and concomitant changes in Pb speciation successfully explained the observed results. This study suggests that information on bulk solution chemistry is not enough to predict metal bioavailability for organisms that can substantially modify the chemical composition of their boundary layer, as observed for C. reinhardtii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants such as mold, lead, pesticides, tobacco, and air pollutants has been suggested to impair cognitive development. Evidence is needed from longitudinal studies to understand their joint impact on child development across time.Objective: To study associations between exposure to indoor environmental pollutants or outdoor air pollution during pregnancy and offspring cognitive development trajectories through 7 years.Methods: We included 718 Mexican mother-child pairs. Prenatal exposure to indoor environmental pollutants (mold, ventilation, pesticides, tobacco smoke, and use of vidiartred clay pots) was self-reported by the mothers and integrated into an index, or objectively measured in the case of outdoor air pollutants (nitrogen oxides, benzene, toluene, and xylene). Child global cognitive development was measured at 12, 18, 60, or 84 months. Using Latent Class Growth Analysis, we identified three developmental trajectories (positive = 108, average = 362, low = 248). We used multinomial logistic models to test associations between environmental pollutant score (EPS) or outdoor air pollutants, and cognitive development trajectories.Results: After adjustment for sociodemographic covariates, EPS was associated with the average (OR = 1.26 95%CI = 1.01, 1.55) and low (OR = 1.41 95%CI = 1.11, 1.79) trajectories compared to positive; where a unit increase in EPS means an additional prenatal exposure to a pollutant. There was no association between outdoor air pollutants and cognitive development trajectories.Conclusion: Children of women who reported higher exposure to indoor environmental pollutants during pregnancy were more likely to follow worse developmental trajectories through 7 years. These results support the development and testing of interventions to reduce exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy and early childhood as a potential strategy to improve long-term cognitive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of human impacts on Earth has led to the proposal of a new geologic epoch called the Anthropocene. However markers, recognizable in all records, are required to define this period. Here we combine elemental geochemistry with stable lead (Pb) isotopes and mineralogical analyses to decipher the sources of lead in two exploited ombrotrophic peat bogs (Puścizna Mała and Puścizna Krauszowska) from Southern Poland. The most disturbed parts of the cores, distinguished using bulk density and age–depth models (22–45 cm in PM and 22–46 cm in PK), were excluded from the interpretation. The two studied cores record ca. 2000 years of variations in lead accumulation rates and isotopic compositions. In the lowest part of the cores (2nd to 4th century AD for Puścizna Mała and 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD for Puścizna Krauszowska), the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb ratios (1.188) are consistent with natural supplies from the erosion of the nearby Tatra Mountains. From the 9th to the 19th century AD, 206 Pb/ 207 Pb ratios (1.176–1.179) are similar to the signatures obtained from Polish galena ores. The highest Pb accumulation rates are found around 1950 AD and reflect the primary influence of bituminous coal combustion together with the secondary influence of leaded gasoline. This result agrees with the occurrence and abundance of spheroidal aluminosilicates, an unambiguous marker of human industrial activity and coal burning as well as with the acceleration of Zn, Cd and Fe accumulation rate. Our results provide evidence that similar geochemical patterns exist in both analysed cores despite differences in the history of peatland exploitation. Therefore, given that extra care is taken to identify the disturbed peat layers, exploited peatlands can be used to record past changes in lead isotopic signature during the Anthropocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different activated carbon materials are prepared from a series of solid wastes (sawdust, acrylic fabric, tire powder and rice husk) by combination of the KOH activation method and steam activation method. The influences of several parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage and temperature on adsorption performance of Pb 2 + with those different carbon adsorbents are investigated. The results demonstrate that C rice husk performance well in the adsorption process. In the following, the C rice husk is used to explain the adsorption mechanism of Pb 2 + by SEM-EDS, FT-IR and XPS. The results illustrate that the surface oxygen-containing functional groups such as carboxyl, lactone group, phenolic hydroxyl and other alkaline metal ions like Na + and K + have significant effect on the adsorption process. A reasonable mechanism of Pb 2 + adsorption is proposed that the ion exchange play key roles in the adsorption process. In addition, the effects of Cu 2 + , Zn 2 + on the Pb 2 + adsorption capacity with the four carbon adsorbents are also studied and the results demonstrate that other heavy metals play positive effects on the adsorption of Pb 2 + . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a new cloud point extraction methodology based on the selective preconcentration and the extraction of stable lead in acidic conditions with 4′,4''(5'')-di-tert-butyldicyclohexano-18-crown-6 as a chelating agent was developed, optimized and validated. A mixture of Triton X-114 as non-ionic surfactant and CTAB as cationic surfactant was used to produce micellar structures that incorporate the chelating agent. Phase separation, induced by coacervation, was achieved by increasing the temperature of the system above the cloud point temperature. Pb extraction efficiency was maximized through an optimisation process where the effect of each parameter (i.e. non-ionic and ionic surfactant concentrations, pH, chelating agent concentration and cloud point temperature) on the chemical recoveries of Pb was assessed. Under optimum experimental conditions, the method reaches recoveries greater than 67% for Pb in a variety of complex matrices. In order to facilitate the quantification of Pb by plasma based instrumentations, a back-extraction procedure using aqueous solution of ammonium citrate were performed on the surfactant rich phase in order to reduce the effects on sample introduction and non-spectral interferences. LOD and LOQ of 0.8 µg L −1 and 2.6 µg L −1 , respectively, were determined by ICP-OES for the complete procedure. Using the back-extraction approach, a preconcentration factor of 39 was achieved for an initial sample volume of 195 mL. The ruggedness of the methodology was validated by determining Pb concentration in various environmental and biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smelters, metal refineries and mining operations have all been considered as major sources of metal release into the environment. As a highly toxic and cumulative poison, once in the environment Pb is difficult to remove and can adversely affect human health. Mirabilis jalapa Linn. (The Marvel of Peru) is a fast growing plant that shows potential for phytostabilization of Pb contaminated soils. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was adopted to detect physiological changes in the chemical composition of M. jalapa exposed to six different concentrations of Pb in solution (0, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 μmol L −1 Pb). Results indicated that biomass was reduced in plants grown in Pb treatments compared to controls, although M. jalapa grew typically well at the greatest concentration, 1000 μmol L −1 . The concentration of Pb in plant tissues occurred in the order roots > leaves > stems, with a translocation factor of less than 0.04. The absorbance of dominating bands near 3420, 2920, 1610 and 1060 cm −1 firstly increased but then declined in root tissues; the bands respectively corresponding to organic acids, carbohydrate, protein and amino acids. However, no obvious changes were observed in leaves and stems. The results suggest that M. jalapa can reduce transportation of Pb from roots to shoots, subsequently preventing Pb toxicity in shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]