Search

Coastal wetlands play a vital role in the migration and transformation of heavy metal pollutants in watersheds. There were 30 surface sediment samples that were analysed to investigate the distribution and ecological risks of heavy metals in the coastal wetlands around the Bohai Sea. Our results showed that the average concentrations of Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd in these wetlands were 17.92 ± 5.81, 50.29 ± 20.50, 31.53 ± 9.71, 25.37 ± 4.29, 80.13 ± 15.11, and 0.92 ± 0.54 mg/kg, respectively. Relative to other wetlands, Pb (25.43 ± 2.68 mg/kg) and Cd (1.67 ± 0.06 mg/kg) contents were higher in the Liaohe Delta wetland (LHDW). Cu (28.44 ± 3.71 mg/kg), Cr (83.11 ± 5.80 mg/kg), and Ni (45.91 ± 3.02 mg/kg) contents were higher in the Yellow River Delta wetland (YRDW). The Zn (120.86 ± 7.41 mg/kg) content was higher in the Qilihai wetland. Heavy metal concentrations in coastal wetland sediments are shown to be positively correlated with organic matter content. Our results showed that the concentration of heavy metals decreases with increasing sediment particle size. In this study, Cd showed the highest pollution index and, therefore, more attention should be paid to the potential ecological risks of Cd in coastal wetlands around the Bohai Sea, especially in the LHDW and YRDW.

The adverse effects of antimony (Sb) pollution on ecosystems and human health caused by its use, enrichment, and bioaccumulation have become global environmental problems, particularly in China. Based on a scientometric analysis of the research topics and evolution of Sb pollution, 210 peer-reviewed articles across 264 locations in China were selected to analyze Sb concentrations, changes, and risks in different environments (i.e., soil, sediment, and water). Substantially elevated concentrations were reported in the chosen environments throughout the studied literature, with approximately 36.6%, 41.3% and 20.8% of the soil, water and sediment sampling sites, respectively, exceeding the national and international guidelines. Although Sb concentrations were stable in water and sediment, those in soil slightly increased slightly over the past two decades. The majority of studies and the highest Sb concentrations were typically concentrated in Hunan, Guangxi, and Guizhou, where most Sb deposits and intensive mining and smelting activities are concentrated. A temporal analysis over three crucial periods of the Sb industry further indicated that Sb concentrations and pollution had increased in several provinces in recent years. The estimated risk quotient, using Monte Carlo simulations, indicated that species were markedly affected by Sb contamination, with 21.6% of events occurring in the high-risk category. The ingestion of contaminated soils posed the highest potential health risk to the population, with 47.9% of the events indicated to represent at least a low risk. Risks of water ingestion were estimated to exist in 4.9% of the simulated exposure events. More environmental campaigns for Sb pollution control are urgently needed, especially in Sb hotspots, to reduce environmental pressure and avoid direct and indirect hazards to organisms and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic elements that pose a potential threat to human health are found as impurities in various cosmetic products. In this study, the inorganic profile of 19 elements (Li, B, Mg, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in 90 cosmetic products (lipsticks, lip glosses, lip pencils and eye shadows) were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after microwave acid digestion method and hazard indices (HI) of 9 toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, As, Hg, Sb, and Al) were calculated for the assessment of theoretical health risk. Satisfactory method performance parameters were found for each analyte. The results were compared with the maximum permissible limits set by regulatory agencies; 38 of 41 lip products (92.68%) and all eye shadows (n = 49) exceeded the established limits. The HI was found to be ≥ 1 in 82.76% of lip products for oral exposure, whereas HI was ≤ 1 for dermal exposure in all lip products (n = 41) and only one eye shadow sample was ≥ 1 (2.04%). Remarkable results were also detected for 19 elements in this study, which conducted a comprehensive inorganic profiling for the first time. Wide-range concentrations of Mg, Al, Ba, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Sr elements were remarkable. HI values were firstly brought out in this study, although Al, as a well-known toxic element, has not been listed in regulations yet. In conclusion, it is obviously seen that continuous monitoring of cosmetics is crucial not only for toxic elements but also for other essential or non-toxic elements to prevent consumers from long-term exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological and human health risks of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) in soils around tungsten (W) mining sites have often disregarded the presence of W. In this study, we aimed to investigate the concentrations of 10 HMs (including W and other accompanying elements) in 18 agricultural soil samples obtained around a W mining site in southern Jiangxi, China. Furthermore, we determined the contamination status, source identification, and ecological and health risks of HMs in soils. Our findings revealed that HMs were extensively accumulated in soils within the study area, with the highest mean concentrations of W found. W concentrations were above background values at all sites. Multivariate analysis revealed that W mining activities, including extracting and transporting W ore, were the primary source of HMs in the soil (61.40%). The ecological risk assessment revealed that the potential ecological risk across the survey area exhibited a high risk, and the cadmium (Cd) and W should be prioritised as control pollutants for soils around the W mine site. The human health risk assessment displayed that 73.43% of children with an unacceptable non-carcinogenic risk, and W contributed the most to the overall non-carcinogenic risk (42.32%), followed by Cd and arsenic (As). In addition, 22.03% of children and 13.4% of adults were under a significant carcinogenic risk. Overall, our findings emphasise the importance of considering element W in future studies investigating the contamination of HMs around W mining areas. As such, we calculated a safe limit value for element W in soil (141.01 mg/kg) to facilitate the conservation and development of soils in W mining areas in China. Our study provides valuable information for pollution prevention and soil contamination risk mitigation in W mining areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sole biochar addition or exogenous melatonin application can decrease cadmium (Cd) toxicity in polluted soils and improve plant performance and growth. Yet the additive effects of biochar and melatonin application on plant growth, oxidative stress modulation and Cd absorption remain unclear. We conducted a pot experiment to study the combined effects of melatonin, biochar and Cd stress on pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedling growth, antioxidant enzyme activities, photosynthesis parameters and Cd uptake. Results showed that Cd addition significantly decreased pea growth, chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (gs), and increased intercellular CO2 concentration (ci) and oxidant enzyme activities when compared to non-Cd contaminated treatment. Exogenous applications of the biochar or melatonin alone significantly decreased the harmful effects of Cd stress and promoted pea seedling growth. Moreover, soil remediation with biochar could more effectively improve pea growth, chlorophyll contents, and photosynthesis parameters and contribute to Cd immobilisation; the melatonin treatment alone could more effectively increase antioxidant enzyme activities. The treatments of biochar and melatonin showed an additive result and had the largest promoting in pea growth, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowest Cd contents in pea tissue and soil. These results indicate that the combined use of melatonin and biochar is more effective at reducing Cd uptake by pea tissues and alleviating Cd harm to pea plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dried fish is a crucial protein source for coastal populations in developing countries, but it is becoming increasingly contaminated with heavy metals due to the use of traditional drying methods. This study assessed Cd, Cr, Pb, and Mn levels and their health risks in four commonly consumed dried fish species (Harpodon nehereus, Trichiurus lepturus, Penaeus affinis, and Amblypharyngodon mola) from the central coast of Bangladesh. Results showed Mn levels (17.47 ± 4.69 mg/kg) exceeded FAO limits (4.35 mg/kg), with the highest concentrations in H. nehereus. Cd levels (0.24 ± 0.16 mg/kg) in A. mola were also above safety thresholds. Lead was found in all species except P. affinis, with the highest concentration in A. mola (0.432 ± 0.06 mg/kg), which was within safe limits. Risk assessments revealed higher health risks for children, with elevated Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values compared to adults. H. nehereus had the highest THQ values for Cr (0.0014 mg/kg) and Mn (0.00044 mg/kg). Multivariate analyses indicated contamination from both anthropogenic and natural sources. The study stressed the need for better monitoring and mitigation to ensure the safety and nutritional value of dried fish.

Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed, Reynoutria japonica or Polygonum cuspidatum) is considered an extremely invasive plant worldwide and a bioindicator of heavy metals. Yet, its potential as a crop for honeybees is still underevaluated. This study employs atomic absorption spectrometry to quantitatively analyze the concentration of macro-elements, namely, calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg); micro-elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se); and trace elements, i.e., cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in different anatomic parts of Fallopia japonica (FJ) plants (roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves) and their traceability into honey. This research encompasses a thorough examination of samples collected from the northwestern and western part of Romania, providing insights into their elemental composition. The results showed that the level of trace elements decreases in terms of traceability in honey samples (Pb was not detected in any of the analyzed samples, while Cd had a minimum content 0.001 mg/kg), ensuring its quality and health safety for consumption. Moreover, the data generated can function as a valuable resource to explore the plant's positive eco-friendly impacts, particularly in relation to its honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 30 soil samples were collected from the agricultural area of Huainan of Anhui Province, China. The concentrations of six toxic trace elements were determined, the distribution characteristics and chemical speciation were analyzed, the pollution status and potential ecological risk of trace elements were comprehensively evaluated by single factor index, geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), the potential ecological risk index and RAC code method. Results showed that the average concentrations of Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cd in soil were 20.19±8.20, 18.17±4.67, 37.61±10.85, 10.76±3.73, 40.61±15.06, 0.14±0.05 mg/kg, respectively. With increasing soil depth, the concentration of Cr increases while Cd and Pb decrease. It is speculated that Cd and Pb were affected by anthropogenic activities. All the trace elements mainly associate with the residual fraction indicating lower mobility and Cd exists in a relative higher carbonate bound form suggesting it pose a great mobility and bioavailability. The single factor index and the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicate that pollution caused by Cd to a certain degree of pollution, while pollution caused by other elements belong to the level of uncontaminated. The results of the potential ecological risk index and RAC also shows that Cd has an extremely strong potential ecological risk. Attention should be paid to the pollution caused by Cd. This study provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of soil pollution and for agricultural products safety in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, different pollution indices and a receptor model have been used to quantify eco-environmental and health risk assessments as well as identify the sources of potentially toxic elements in soil along the Barapukuria Coal Mine (BCM). Individual indices include enrichment and contamination factors showing the soil samples are moderately to highly contaminated by arsenic, cobalt, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc and heavily contaminated by sulfur. According to the geo-accumulation index, there is significant pollution with arsenic (1.24 ± 0.38), lead (1.49 ± 0.58), cobalt (1.49 ± 0.58), and sulfur (1.63 ± 0.38). Modified hazard quotient and ecological risk factor values also suggest low to moderate environmental risk hazards from the same elements. The nemerow pollution index, pollution load index, nemerow risk index, ecological risk index, and toxic risk index of soil range from 1.65 to 3.03, 0.82–1.23, 11–26, 77–165, and 6.82–11.76 suggest low toxic risk and moderate pollution, among other synergistic indices. Health risk assessment indicates that iron poses lower cancer risk for children than adults, while both face unacceptable cancer risks from inhaling chromium, cobalt, or arsenic. Principal component and phylogenetic cluster analysis extracted by the multiple linear regression with the absolute principal component score (APCS-MLR) model refer to the fact that manganese, iron, titanium, and nickel have originated from geogenic sources, while coal mine effluents enrich elements like arsenic, chromium, zinc, lead, uranium, sulfur, thorium, and zinc and phosphorous sourced from agriculture. In addition, geogenic and anthropogenic sources, including mine and agriculture activities, could potentially pollute the soil and ecosystem. The findings are crucial for regional and national planners in devising strategies to mitigate potentially toxic element pollution in soil along coal mine areas.

This work discusses the differences in the removal efficiency of heavy metals in soils along the China-Russia crude oil pipeline in different vegetation backgrounds. In this paper, two representative forest types, birch forest and larch forest, were selected for replicated sampling and experimental study in the soil of disturbed and undisturbed areas along the pipeline, respectively. The results showed that after ten years of vegetation restoration, the amount of heavy metals in the soil of birch and larch forests decreased, the Cu content in the soil under the background of the birch forest was higher than that of the larch forest, while the Zn, Mn and Pb contents were lower than that of the larch forest. The order of decreasing magnitude was Mn, Pb, Zn and Cu, and the overall decreasing rate of heavy metal content in larch forest soil was more obvious. The above conclusions indicate that vegetation restoration is an effective measure to alleviate soil heavy metal pollution.

The effect of toxic element multicontamination on photosynthetic responses was observed in a greenhouse hydroponic culture of lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa var. capitata). The experiment focused only on the combined effect of selected toxic elements without the influence of soil, due to the hydroponic conditions. Pre-cultivated (six-true-leaf stage) plants were grown in control and contaminated hydroponic culture for 14 d. The mix of toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in the contaminated solution corresponded to the water-soluble fraction of soil from the anthropogenically contaminated Litavka River area, Czech Republic. The plant response was measured by determining the toxic element contents, dry biomass, and gas-exchange parameters. Lettuce accumulated toxic elements predominantly in the roots, with low translocation to the leaves. The uptake of toxic elements harmed photosynthesis and caused a decrease in net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance. Consequently, the whole dry biomass of the plants decreased. The results show that contamination in hydroponic conditions had an irreversible effect on plant fitness due to direct contact between the roots and contaminated solutions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of trace elements in 150 samples of fruit juices (traditional and commercial) and the determination of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. We used from inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to assess the element of concentration in the samples after microwave digestion (Ethos Up Mileston) process. The highest mean concentration was 273.8 ± 2.4 μg/L is related to Cu in traditional juice samples (Pomegranate) and the lowest was 0.3 μg/L is related to Cr in commercial juice samples (Grape). Heat-map analysis was also carried out for the clustering of trace elements. The Monte–Carlo simulation results revealed that the trend of target hazard quotient (THQ) for metals in all samples was Pb > Hg > Cd > As > Ni. The concentration of toxic elements in juice samples was sufficiently low, and all of the juices sold in Tehran were safe for consumers, but their presence in these juices cannot be neglected as long-term exposure can significantly influence human health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serpentine soils are contaminants of naturally occurring metal-rich agricultural and fallow lands due to erosion of the serpentine site with consequences and deterioration of soil, water quality, and water sources in the ecosystem. The harsh climatic conditions due to the high concentration of potential toxic elements, organic pollutants, and acidity make it difficult to cultivate and establish vegetation on serpentine or adjacent land. Recently, biochar amendments have emerged in the area of soil remediation technology with the suitability and potential to promote seed emergence, plant growth, biomass productivity, and vegetation cover on contaminated soils such as serpentine soil. By enhancing the buffering capacity of the soil through pH, soil nutrients and water holding capacity stimulate the diversity and function of microbes. In this review, we have conferred the physicochemical aspects of serpentine soil, heavy metal contaminants, and their consequences, especially in crop production and phytotoxicity. Another, the assessment of biochar preparation using various types of feedstock, their characteristics, and the application for the amendment of serpentine soils has been deliberated. The restoration of sites with a high fraction of heavy metal contaminents and organic pollutants associated with serpentine soils using biochar has been highlighted for its importance. In line with the possibility of expanding the cultivated area, future research directions have been suggested in field trials, advances in biochar production, and environmental risk assessment. In addition, the applicable mechanisms have prerequisites to accelerate the efficiency of biochar amendments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to analyze Cu, Fe, and Pb contamination in sediments and also phytoremediation ability of bulrush (Typha Latifolia) and one-rowed water-cress (Nasturtium microphyllum) along the Jajrood River, Iran in 2022. In so doing, a total of 60 sediment and macrophyte samples were collected from four sites. The contents of the analyzed elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Also, the values of pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), bioconcentration factor (BCF), bioaccumulation factor (BAF), transfer factor (TF) and metal accumulation index (MAI) were calculated. The results demonstrated that the average contents of Cu, Fe, and Pb were lower than those in the background, which presumably demonstrated natural sources of these metals. The greatest concentrations of analyzed elements for all the sediment and macrophyte samples were observed in specimens collected from S4 located at the end of the river, indicating the impact of anthropogenic entries from upstream areas on elemental accumulation in downstream section of the river. The values of PI reflected slight contamination. The higher BCF and lower translocation TF values of Fe and Pb in T. Latifolia and also Cu in N. microphyllum imply that these species could be suitable for their phytostabilization of above-mentioned elements from the sediment. This study provides evidenceas to the efficiency of T. Latifolia and N. microphyllum in bioremediation of Cu, Fe, and Pb in contaminated aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of rice production to meet food needs for the increasing population is a general problem faced in wetland development for agriculture. The use of industrial waste, such as coal fly ash (CFA), could effectively improve the soil properties of wetlands. In this study, CFA with an amount of 2% (weight/volume) or 240 g was added to 12 L of three different soils collected from the rice fields (peatland, swampland, and rainfed field) in a 15-L pot, and then incubated in the greenhouse for 15 days. The soil pH, concentrations of NH4+-N, NO3--N, exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and available phosphorus in the soil were quantified following the completion of the incubation. Rice seedlings were planted in each pot, and after 90 days, the growth and yield variables were observed. The results showed that CFA application enhanced the concentrations of NH4+-N, NO3--N, and available phosphorus in peatland and swampland, the rice fields that contain high organic carbon (C), which ultimately leads to increasing rice growth and yield. The application of CFA to rice fields containing low organic carbon did not improve available nitrogen and phosphorus nor enhance the growth and yield of rice. Results of this study indicate an important role of soil organic C content in the rice fields in controlling the effect of CFA on nutrient availability, growth and yield of rice.

Cadmium (Cd) is a ductile metal in the form of a blueish or silvery-white powder. It is naturally found in soil (about 0.2 mg/kg), minerals, and water. Cd belongs to the group of toxic, carcinogenic, and stimulating elements. Its biological half-life in the human body ranges from 16 to even 30 years on average. Some lung diseases (such as emphysema, asthma, and bronchitis) and high blood pressure are thought to be related to slow poisoning. The symptoms of cadmium poisoning may vary depending on the time of exposure, the type of diet, and the age and health status of the exposed people. For non-smokers and non-occupational exposures, the only source of exposure is diet. The FAO/WHO recommends that the tolerable cadmium intake for an adult is approximately 0.4–0.5 mg/week (60–70 µg per day). Cadmium is primarily absorbed through the respiratory system (about 13–19% of Cd from the air), but it can also enter through the digestive system (about 10–44%), when dust is mixed and swallowed with saliva. The amount of accumulated Cd ranges from 0.14 to 3.2 ppm in muscles, 1.8 ppm in bones, and 0.0052 ppm in the blood. People who are most frequently exposed to heavy metals should be continuously monitored in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as well as to implement effective preventive measures and improve public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, enrichment factor (EF) and pollution load index were utilized to explore the contamination characteristics of toxic elements (TEs) in park dust. The results exhibited that park dust in the study area was mainly moderately polluted, and the EF values of dust Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and Sb were all > 1. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb increased with the decrease of dust particle size. The investigation results of chemical speciation and bioavailability of TEs showed that Zn had the highest bioavailability. Three sources of TEs were determined by positive matrix factorization model, Pearson correlation analysis and geostatistical analysis, comprising factor 1 mixed sources of industrial and transportation activities (46.62%), factor 2 natural source (25.56%) and factor 3 mixed source of agricultural activities and the aging of park infrastructures (27.82%). Potential ecological risk (PER) and human health risk (HHR) models based on source apportionment were exploited to estimate PER and HHR of TEs from different sources. The mean PER value of TEs in the park dust was 114, indicating that ecological risk in the study area was relatively high. Factor 1 contributed the most to PER, and the pollution of Cd was the most serious. There were no significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults in the study area. And factor 3 was the biggest source of non-carcinogenic risk, and As, Cr and Pb were the chief contributor to non-carcinogenic risk. The primary source of carcinogenic risk was factor 2, and Cr was the cardinal cancer risk element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of population expansion through economic growth and development has been identified as one of the key drivers of both water and sediment contamination from potentially harmful elements (PHEs). This presents a major hazard not only to aquatic ecosystems but local riparian communities and beyond who rely heavily on this natural resource for drinking water and fish—a valuable source of dietary micronutrients and protein. The present study measured biogeochemical concentration of PHEs in water, sediment and fish from locations pooled into four zones within Winam Gulf and Lake Victoria area of Kenya. Captured fish were used as a sentinel receptor of lake health to evaluate potential risks to fisheries and aquaculture food security. In water, concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) were observed above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) maximum contamination level drinking water guidelines (MCL), with aluminium (Al) observed above the Aquatic Life Criteria in all four zones. Similarly, sediment concentrations in all four zones exceeded the US EPA Effects range low (ERL) threshold guidelines for Cu, nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and Pb, with Cu, Zn and Pb classed at moderate contamination levels using the contamination factor. Fish tissue concentrations from the four zones were calculated using recommended daily intakes (RDI) and for PHEs as provisional maximum tolerable intakes (PMTIs) and indicated most macro- and micronutrients were at or below 10% RDI from aquaculture and wild fish, with Se indicating a greater RDI (16–29%) in all the zones. Contributions of PHEs to PMTIs were below threshold guidelines for both aquaculture and wild fish with only Cd, Cr and Pb levels being above the PMTI thresholds. There is a need to assess the long-term effects of persistent anthropogenic PHE input into Winam Gulf and the wider Lake Victoria basin. Continued monitoring of PHEs using both historical and more recent data will enable future management policies to be implemented through improved mitigation strategies to reduce their impact on water quality, fish health and subsequent human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngeal cancer, a rare form of head and neck cancer, is more common in men, and various factors play important roles in its etiology. In the current study, trace elemental contents in the scalp hair of laryngeal cancer patients and healthy subjects were evaluated. Selected essential and toxic elements were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry after the hair samples were digested with HNO3–HClO4. The mean/median levels of Pb in the scalp hair of patients were significantly higher than the healthy donors, but Sr, Zn, and Co exhibited comparatively lower levels in the laryngeal cancer patients. In comparison to healthy donors, the correlation pattern among the elements in the hair of the patients exhibited diverse mutual relationships. The multivariate apportionment of the elemental levels in the scalp hair of both donor groups was significantly divergent. The average elemental levels varied significantly among the cancer types (glottic, supraglottic, transglottic, and subglottic) as well as the cancer stages (I, II, III, IV). The average levels of the elements also exhibited considerable variations depending on the donors' habitat, gender, food, and smoking habits. Overall, the study revealed significantly divergent disparities among the elemental contents in the scalp hair of the laryngeal cancer patients in comparison with counterpart controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of toxic element multicontamination on photosynthetic responses was observed in a greenhouse hydroponic culture of lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa var. capitata). The experiment focused only on the combined effect of selected toxic elements without the influence of soil, due to the hydroponic conditions. Pre-cultivated (six-true-leaf stage) plants were grown in control and contaminated hydroponic culture for 14 d. The mix of toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in the contaminated solution corresponded to the water-soluble fraction of soil from the anthropogenically contaminated Litavka River area, Czech Republic. The plant response was measured by determining the toxic element contents, dry biomass, and gas-exchange parameters. Lettuce accumulated toxic elements predominantly in the roots, with low translocation to the leaves. The uptake of toxic elements harmed photosynthesis and caused a decrease in net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance. Consequently, the whole dry biomass of the plants decreased. The results show that contamination in hydroponic conditions had an irreversible effect on plant fitness due to direct contact between the roots and contaminated solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of rice production to meet food needs for the increasing population is a general problem faced in wetland development for agriculture. The use of industrial waste, such as coal fly ash (CFA), could effectively improve the soil properties of wetlands. In this study, CFA with an amount of 2% (weight/volume) or 240 g was added to 12 L of three different soils collected from the rice fields (peatland, swampland, and rainfed field) in a 15-L pot, and then incubated in the greenhouse for 15 days. The soil pH, concentrations of NH4+ -N, NO3–-N, exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and available phosphorus in the soil were quantified following the completion of the incubation. Rice seedlings were planted in each pot, and after 90 days, the growth and yield variables were observed. The results showed that CFA application enhanced the concentrations of NH4+ -N, NO3–-N, and available phosphorus in peatland and swampland, the rice fields that contain high organic carbon (C), which ultimately leads to increasing rice growth and yield. The application of CFA to rice fields containing low organic carbon did not improve available nitrogen and phosphorus nor enhance the growth and yield of rice. Results of this study indicate an important role of soil organic C content in the rice fields in controlling the effect of CFA on nutrient availability, growth and yield of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploitation of the vast reserve of geothermal energy for power generation and direct use has been elevated to the top of China's energy agenda, while the environmental impacts and human health risk have received little attention. This review systematically summarizes the environmental and human health impacts of geothermal utilization in China, and identifies the key technologies and policy measures that can be implemented to mitigate them. Geothermal fluids are typically enriched with a range of dissolved species and non-condensable gases, which originate from magma degassing and/or water-rock interaction under high temperature and pressure, and often low pH conditions in the reservoirs, and their releases could pollute local surface water, groundwater, soil, and air, and adversely affect biodiversity. The toxic elements (primarily As and F) could negatively impact the health of people living in geothermal areas through contaminated surface water, groundwater, and food crops. Among the gaseous pollutants, hydrogen sulfide often poses the most significant health concern, while radon might pose potentially significant radiological risk to the workers of geothermal spa and hot spring facilities. Improper disposal of the geothermal wastes enriched with natural radionuclides might elevate the radiation exposure of workers at geothermal facilities and people living in their vicinity. To minimize the potential environmental impacts and human health risk from large-scale expansion of geothermal exploitation, heat-extraction-only technologies should be promoted, while geothermal facilities should actively adopt pollution control and prevention measures. Government regulation and supervision can further ensure the negative environmental and human health impacts are adequately mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils are extremely important in the assessment of contamination and pollution of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This article aimed to evaluate the effects of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils from direct influence areas of hydroelectric power plants. The Foz do Rio Claro hydroelectric power plant, in the Goiás State/Brazil, was used as enterprise model for referencing other studies about environmental pollution and impact around the world. The PTEs evaluated were cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg), in 10 different points of the study area. Soil concentrations were compared to the list of soil guiding values provided by Conama Resolution and Cetesb, which have reference values for prevention and investigation of soils. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cd at the sampling point 06 were higher than soil backgrounds, with maximum values of 222, 103, 40.3, and 13 mg kg−1, respectively. Detailed qualitative evaluation of contamination levels was performed from the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and pollutant load index (PLI). In general, the elements Cu, Ni, and Zn in relation to the guiding values showed concentrations lower than the value of investigation, and Cd showed concentrations higher than the value of investigation. According to Igeo, EF, CF, and PLI for Cd, the impacts of this PTE are high and the level of environmental contamination in soils is significant and harmful to the biota. Finally, hydroelectric power plant areas need to be monitored and remediated to avoid pollution and impact for the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is a fast-growing and nutritious leafy vegetable. The seed population density needs to be known appropriately to obtain the optimal yield of marketable sizes plants. The residue of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae culture has been recognized as a potential source of nutrients for cultivating red spinach plants. This study was designed to search for the best combination of plant population density and BSF concentration to obtain the optimal marketable yield of the red amaranth plant. In addition, an accurate leaf area estimation of the red amaranth plant was also developed using leaf dimensions as a predictor with several regression models. Two experiments were conducted. Firstly, the BSF residue was applied at a high rate (up to 50%) using a floating culture system. Application of the residue at the rate of 30% and higher significantly inhibited the growth of the red amaranth. Secondly, the application rate was reduced to 10% and 20%, and the experiment was conducted using the conventional cultivation system. Results indicated that the optimum application rate of the BSF residue was 10% for enhancing growth. Application of seed density at 30 mg/dm² produced an optimum marketable yield of the red amaranth since a higher population density causes plant-plant competition. Thus, creating high size variability within the population or reducing the average size of the harvested plants. Lastly, the leaf area of red amaranth can be accurately estimated using the leaf length x width (LW) as a predictor using the zero-intercept linear regression model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The threat to the quality and safety of agricultural products from toxic elemental pollution is a critical contemporary problem. Extensive mining and lax management in the Xiaoqinling gold-mining area from 1986 to 2000 have increased the toxic element concentrations in soils, groundwater, and crops around the mines. Long-term excessive intake of Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn can cause serious life-threatening human diseases, such as hydromelalgia, lead poisoning, Itai Itai disease, chronic rhinopathy, and acute hemolysis. Influenced by local environmental conditions, toxic elements in soils and crops enter the food chain and endanger human health. To determine the health risks from toxic elements introduced by mineral exploitation in Xiaoqinling, soil, wheat, and corn samples were analyzed for Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Cu, and Zn content. The contamination risks of toxic elements in soils were assessed using the single pollution index and risk assessment code method. The human health risks from toxic elements through wheat and corn consumption were evaluated using transfer factor (TF) and hazard quotient (HQ). The results indicated severe Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn accumulation in the mining-affected soils. The TF revealed a relatively easier transformation of Cd, Zn, and Cu from soil to crops, and the HQ showed a high risk of Pb intake from wheat and corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

' The aim of this study was to clean up toxic element polluted soil in Madaka, Niger State, Nigeria. Standard techniques were used to determine the soil physicochemical properties. To aid the plants (Melissa officinalis L and Sida acuta) during the remediation process, standard methods were used to make chicken dropping vermicompost and goat manure vermicompost. M. officinalis L mopped up toxic elements in the first location (Angwan Kawo), with concentrations of cadmium, arsenic, and lead ranging from 0.007 to 0.33 mg/kg, 0.09 to 4.39 mg/kg, and 0.07 to 10.35 mg/kg, respectively, while toxic elements, cadmium, arsenic, and lead in S. acuta, ranged from 0.002 to 0.43 mg/kg, 0.27 to 3.79 mg/ kg, and 1.68 to 10.7 mg/kg, respectively. The two plants mopped up toxic elements at different rates in the second location of the polluted soil (Angwan Magiro). Cadmium, arsenic, and lead concentrations in M. officinalis L ranged from 0.03 to 0.41 mg/kg, 0.65 to 4.65 mg/kg, and 1.93 to 11.49 mg/kg, respectively, while toxic element concentrations in S. acuta ranged from 0.06 to 0.66 mg/kg, 0.68 to 4.64 mg/kg, and 1.53 to 11.53 mg/kg, respectively. Melissa officinalis L and Sida acuta were found to be the most suitable plants for phytoextraction of toxic element-contaminated sites because their bioconcentration factor, translocation factor, and biological accumulation coefficient were all greater than one (> 1), and both plants had bioconcentration and translocation factor < 1; they were also classified as phytostabilizers. As a result, the plants could be used to clean up Madaka soil polluted with toxic element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The geological structure of the Shikoku region, Japan, reflects the continental plate subduction zone into oceanic plates and has formed many small-scale mining spots. This rare geological formation has a potential of natural leaching risk of toxic elements. This study aims to estimate the background level of toxic elements in subsurface soils and discuss about the effect of mobility and bioavailability from surface geology with their influence on human health. Materials and methods: The typical subsurface soil samples from major lithologies were collected based on fundamental land classification and analyzed leaching properties and chemical contents of toxic elements. Risk assessment of 12 elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sb, Pb, and U) in the soil was analyzed based on exposure scenario to the human body. The risk associated with each element was calculated by dividing the exposure pathway into crops, groundwater, direct intake, and inhalation. The risk index of toxic elements was evaluated as a percentage of TDI (tolerable daily intake) or RfD (reference dose). Results and discussion: High content of chromium, nickel, copper, and zinc was detected in the subsurface soils, reflecting the geological condition and the old mining and smelting operations. Chromium, copper, and zinc were evaluated to have lower risk index value even in the high-content region, compared to nickel, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, iron, and manganese. The accumulation of nickel and cadmium was affected by bioavailability in soil media. The results of risk analysis showed that the minor elements indicated no risk in the present land use, but higher-risk regions for nickel, chromium, arsenic, and antimony (major element, manganese and iron) were suggested to be avoided for using groundwater as drinking water, and the soil rich in selenium was not suitable for farmland, in case land use changed in the future. Conclusions: The wide research field was investigated on subsurface soils to make clear the effect of the geological background level of toxic elements. The macroscale elemental accumulation reflected the mobility and bioavailability of the elements under the soil environment. The risk assessment mapping did not entirely correspond to the geochemical contents in soils, due to the difference of leaching properties and effective exposure pathway of each toxic element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open-pit coal mining causes land and soil degradation and negatively affects soil properties. It is of great importance to determine variabilities in soil properties of the abandoned area after the mine is closed and to bring it back to nature by implementing appropriate rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate plant nutrient availability and toxic element pollution in an abandoned coal mine site. The results indicated that the amounts of plant-available P and K are quite low (<90 kg P2 O5 ha–1) and low to moderate (<170 kg K2 O ha–1), respectively. The concentrations of plant available Fe (>4.5 mg kg–1) and Cu (>0.2 mg kg–1) are too high in the whole study site. Soils in the study area generally have low organic matter content with ranging from 0.42% to 3.67%. Toxic element concentrations, especially Ni (>75 mg kg–1) and Cr (>100 mg kg–1), are extremely above the optimum levels, posing a great risk in the open-pit area (abandoned), the dump sites and the coal storage area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Current Social & Economic Processes / Jelenkori Társadalmi és Gazdasági Folyamatok is the property of University of Szeged, Faculty of Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Urban areas face numerous provocations, such as air, water, and soil contamination. Additionally, urban lakes have numerous beneficial services that contribute to urban sustainability. In urban aquatic ecosystems, X-ray fluorescence can provide complex answers regarding the presence of elements associated with environmental risk. The study aimed to screen the elements with different potentials (critical raw materials—CRMs; toxic; potentially toxic) from Phragmites australis leaves along the Colentina urban river. The samples from the peri-urban and urban river courses highlighted the presence of elements with different potentials for ecosystems and human health. The investigated stations were influenced by regional anthropogenic pressures, where P. australis highlighted the absorption of the dominant elements found in the environment. From the total of 56 elements present in the samples, some have structural roles (K, Si, Ca, and Cl), some are from the CRM category, and some are airborne heavy metals and rare metals. Furthermore, among CRMs, cesium, lanthanum, magnesium, phosphorus, vanadium, sulfur, holmium, and titanium were recorded with higher values. Although the values of the elements in the anthropogenic source were in low concentrations, spatial differences were highlighted. The stations in agricultural areas were different from the peri-urban and urban ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal trends (2006–2019) of metals (Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb and Zn) and nonmetals (Br, Cl and Se) were assessed in livers of great egrets (Ardea alba) from São Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil. Male and female concentrations were compared and the relation between body mass and contaminant levels was evaluated as well as the risks of contaminant levels for the birds. Large variations were observed for toxic elements (Cd and Hg) over time. Some specimens presented toxic levels of Hg, Cu, Fe and Zn. Females presented lower concentrations of Br, Co, Cs, Rb, Se and Zn, while body mass and Zn were negatively correlated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef meat contains a wide range of potentially toxic elements (PTEs); some of these are essential such as iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn), while others are non-essential, such as lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd). This paper aimed to evaluate the effect of two kinds of cooking (grilling and boiling) on some PTEs in beef meat consumed in Saida city, Algeria, as well as the assessment of potential health risks related to the consumption of beef meat contaminated with such metals. The samples (n=21) were collected from the main butchers in Saida city to determine the levels of these trace elements using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). The trend of PTEs levels in analyzed raw samples was Cd

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), which is one of the most important members of the legumes family, contains appreciable amounts of high-quality dietary oil and vegetable protein. It can be added to many foods to enhance their levels of high-quality protein in diets lacking in nutrition. In this study, 18 essential elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Cl, Br and I) and 4 non-essential potentially toxic elements (Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in 42 peanut samples from Mediterranean region of Turkey were analysed by using an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The most abundant essential elements of K, P, S, Ca, Mg and Cl were determined with average concentrations of 13437, 5058, 3451, 1786, 1759 and 209 mg kg−1, respectively. The daily intake of potentially toxic elements for an adult person due to the consumption of peanuts was estimated based on the measured concentrations of the potentially toxic elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sn, Cd, Pb, and Hg). The results revealed that peanut samples contain health-enhancing nutritional elements and consumption of peanut samples as food does not pose any health risk for toxic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method with broad applicability for evaluating the content of As, Sb Bi, Hg, Cd, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mn, Ni, Cr, Co and Pb was developed for the characterization of recyclable (bio)polymeric materials of various types and origins based on high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry after high-pressure microwave-assisted wet digestion in H 2 SO 4 –HNO 3 –H 2 O 2 mixture. The limits of detection (LODs) for As, Sb Bi and Hg were in the range 0.005–0.020 mg kg−1 after chemical vapour generation and quartz tube atomization, while for the other elements determined in air-acetylene flame were 0.1–1.5 mg kg−1. The recoveries were in the range 95–105% with extended uncertainty of 9–21% (k = 2). Plastics of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, epoxy resin, polyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene showed higher concentrations of the studied elements, but variable depending on the element, nature and origin of the polymeric materials. Biopolymeric or hybrid polymeric materials could represent a risk for at least one of the elements (As, Sb, Bi and Zn). The recycling of plastics from electronic products, medical activity, food and cosmetics packaging, office supplies and toys generate recyclable materials with concentrations of As, Sb, Bi, Cu and Zn higher than agriculture, domestic activities, and constructions, in which As and Sb were below the method LODs. Chromium, Co and Pb were below LOD in all samples. However, in all the (bio)polymeric recyclable materials considered in this study, the concentrations of the elements were below the limits imposed by European regulations, regardless of their origin and use. Tukey's statistical test showed both significant and not significant differences (p > 0.05) among the content of elements in materials with concentration above the LODs of the method. [Display omitted] • The methods are broadly applicable for elements determination in (bio)polymers. • The methods detection limits are better than those for direct solid/liquid sampling. • Element concentrations in (bio)polymeric materials were statistically evaluated. • Hg, Bi and Zn were determined in most materials, while As and Sb in at most half. • Bioplastics contain at least one of the elements (As, Sb, Bi, Zn, Mn and Sr). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The volatilization ability of toxic elements following the trend of Se > Cd > As. • The element oxides SiO 2 have a strong affinity to elements Cd and As. • The release behavior of As and Cd is mainly attributed to the occurrence states. • Both the occurrence states and lower boiling point jointly determine release of element Se. Briquetting technique can be an excellent energy saving utilization of pulverized coal, and the thermal chemical treatment of briquette has attracted the extensive attention of researchers due to its efficiency and applicability. To reveal the migration and volatilization characteristic of toxic trace elements (As, Se and Cd) during pyrolysis procedure of briquette, this paper studied the effects of mineral composition, pyrolysis parameters and occurrence state on element migration by multidisciplinary methods. Results show that the migration of toxic elements from solid phase to tar and gas phase are accelerated by increasing the pyrolysis temperature. Except for temperature, both the occurrence states and lower boiling point jointly determine release of element Se, while release behavior of As and Cd is mainly attributed to the occurrence states. At the pyrolysis temperature interval of 500–800 °C, the volatilization ability of toxic elements following the trend of Se > Cd > As. The element oxides SiO 2 have a strong affinity to elements Cd and As with high correlation index, which play a key role on Cd and As elements absorption during heat treatment to prevent emission. Due to the easily vaporized characteristics of Se, some other suitable measures should be explored to reduce environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a ductile metal in the form of a blueish or silvery-white powder. It is naturally found in soil (about 0.2 mg/kg), minerals, and water. Cd belongs to the group of toxic, carcinogenic, and stimulating elements. Its biological half-life in the human body ranges from 16 to even 30 years on average. Some lung diseases (such as emphysema, asthma, and bronchitis) and high blood pressure are thought to be related to slow poisoning. The symptoms of cadmium poisoning may vary depending on the time of exposure, the type of diet, and the age and health status of the exposed people. For non-smokers and non-occupational exposures, the only source of exposure is diet. The FAO/WHO recommends that the tolerable cadmium intake for an adult is approximately 0.4–0.5 mg/week (60–70 µg per day). Cadmium is primarily absorbed through the respiratory system (about 13–19% of Cd from the air), but it can also enter through the digestive system (about 10–44%), when dust is mixed and swallowed with saliva. The amount of accumulated Cd ranges from 0.14 to 3.2 ppm in muscles, 1.8 ppm in bones, and 0.0052 ppm in the blood. People who are most frequently exposed to heavy metals should be continuously monitored in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as well as to implement effective preventive measures and improve public health.

Public health problems caused by toxic elements in mining areas have always been an important topic worldwide. However, existing studies have focused on single exposure routes and common toxic elements, which might underestimate the risks faced by residents. In this study, three typical mining areas in central China were selected to assess the health risks of 14 potentially toxic elements through five exposure routes using Monte Carlo simulations. The results indicated that the 95th percentile non-carcinogenic risk values to humans via rice and vegetable ingestion ranged from 9.8 to 26.0 and 6.2 to 19.0. The corresponding carcinogenic risks ranged from 1.4E-2 to 6.3E-2 and from 2.9E-3 to 2.3E-2, respectively. Therefore, residents face serious health risks. Multi-element analysis showed that cadmium (Cd), boron (B), and arsenic (As) were the main contributors to rice non-carcinogenicity, whereas Cd and nickel (Ni) were the main elements of rice carcinogenicity. B and lead (Pb) played an essential role in the non-carcinogenesis of vegetables, and B, Ni, and Cd played an essential role in carcinogenesis. Accidental ingestion is the main route of soil exposure. In these three areas, the probability of non-carcinogenic risk faced by adults was 40%, 0%, and 1%, respectively, while the probabilities for children were 100%, 62%, and 83%, respectively. Regarding carcinogenicity, the risk for both adults and children was up to 100%. This study emphasizes the overall health risks in polluted areas via multi-route and multi-element analysis. This conclusion is helpful to comprehensively assess the potential health risks faced by residents in mining areas and provide baseline data support and a scientific basis for formulating reasonable risk control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey, as a bioindicator, can be used to determine the level of pollution in the environment with selected pollutants, including heavy metals. Twelve locations were selected for experimental studies near the main sources of pollution: industrial sites, landfills, railways, and highways. The honey samples were burned to ash, and the heavy metals in ashes were determined using aqua regia digestion in the microwave digestion system. The concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Ni) was determined using a Buck Scientific model 210 VGP atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace atomizer and an acetylene-air flame. These median amounts of heavy metals were found in the analyzed honey samples: 0.0030 mg/kg for Cd, 0.0179 mg/kg for Pb, 0.0317 mg/kg for Cr, 0.0999 mg/kg for Cu, and 0.0332 mg/kg for Ni. The obtained results were compared with honey samples research conducted in other countries. It is difficult to compare the level of heavy metal results found in honey from different countries, as the type of honey, soil composition, rainfall, air temperature, the plants from which it was harvested, its vegetation and flowering duration, and the degree of anthropogenic pollution in the area differ. The heavy metal content tested in honey was found to be low, except for the Pb content in one sample of honey, and did not pose a risk to human health. A statistical analysis including average, median, standard deviation, confidence intervals, and Spearman coefficients was performed for the evaluation of the relationships between the heavy metal quantities and the determination of the impact of pollution sources (transport and industry). The correlation analysis showed a strong negative correlation coefficient between heavy metals and distance (r = −0.593 to −0.204). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass fractions of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Mo, Cd, W, Hg, and Pb in soil of the Czech dump-side were measured by instrumental neutron and photon activation analyses (INAA, IPAA) and a thermo-oxidation method. Two fractions from seventeen dumping soils and background samples were tested. The significant source of potential toxic elements as Cr, Co, Cd, and Hg was found. Their increased content contributes to a risk load for the inhabitants living in the observed area. The INAA and IPAA procedure has been verified by analysis of several standard reference materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollutants are associated with potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and natural and/or artificial radionuclides, which can pose a major threat to human and environmental health. Pollens can be utilized as a bioindicator to determine the level of air pollution in urban areas. In this study, the concentrations of PTMs and natural radionuclides in 35 airborne pollen samples of 22 species belonging to Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Araucariaceae, Betulaceae, Salicaceae, and Oleaceae families grown in different urban areas in Turkey were determined using an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. For the first time, non-carcinogenic and radiologic health risk assessments for adults were done, estimating hazard index (HI) and annual effective dose (AED), respectively. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Ti, Sr, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, V and Pb analyzed in airborne pollen samples varied from 52.1 to 3078.0, 26.1 to 159.6, 15.6 to 199.7, 9.1 to 282.2, 1.0 to 128.4, 5.0 to 40.1, 5.4 to 23.6, 40 K (595.8), 232 Th (5.2) and 238 U (11.8), respectively. All HI and AED values revealed a very low non-carcinogenic and radiological health risk due to exposure to all PTMs and radionuclides in the pollen samples studied.

Among the various disposal strategies for sewage sludge (SS), soil application is the most suitable. This study was conducted to evaluate soil amendment with SS (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/kg) and its impact on soil fertility and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth. The SS significantly improved the agromorphological attributes, the number of produced fruits, and the fruit biomass of tomato plants. The 30 g/kg application of SS led to the highest growth rate and fruit yield. Considering the fruits, the best safe enrichment of metal nutrients was recorded at 30 g/kg, with a significant increase in the micronutrient metals Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Fe with 624, 193, 125, 70, and 32%, respectively, compared to the control. The SS amendment enhanced soil fertility, and heavy metals were within the permissible ranges for agricultural soils. Bioaccumulation factors (BFs) indicated that SS application induced the accumulation of most of the studied metals in the roots, and the BF values of Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb were > 1. The current study concluded that recirculating SS nutrient components to agricultural soils could offer a valid solution for the sustainable management of this organic waste and enhance plant-crop productivity.

Arsenic intoxication represents a worldwide health problem and occurs mainly through drinking water. Arsenic, a metalloid and naturally occurring element, is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust, whose toxicity depends on the reduction state. The trivalent arsenicals are more toxic than the pentavalent arsenicals. In the trivalent state, inorganic and organic arsenic may react with thiol groups in proteins inhibiting their activity, whereas inorganic arsenic in the pentavalent state may replace phosphate ions in several reactions. Arsenic induces various epigenetic changes in mammalian cells, both in vivo and in vitro, often leading to the development of various types of cancers, including skin, lung, liver, urinary tract, prostate, and hematopoietic cancers. Potential mechanisms of arsenic toxicity in cancer include genotoxicity, altered DNA methylation and cell proliferation, co-carcinogenesis, tumor promotion, and oxidative stress. On the other hand, the FDA-certified drug arsenic trioxide provides solutions for various diseases, including several types of cancers. Detoxification from arsenic includes chelation therapy. Recently, investigations of the capability of some plants, such as Eucalyptus camadulensis L., Terminalia arjuna L. and Salix tetrasperma L., to remove arsenic from polluted soil and water have been studied. Moreover, nanophytoremediation is a green technology including the nanoscale materials used for absorption and degradation of organic and inorganic pollutants, such as arsenic compounds. This brief review represents an overview of arsenic uses, toxicity, epigenetics, and detoxification therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total mercury content in 112 fishery products, purchased from Osaka city during 2013–2018, was measured using a heating vaporization mercury analyzer. The average total mercury content in all tuna processed products was found out to be 0.115 μg/g (median=0.070 μg/g). Notably, albacore tuna exhibited the highest mercury content with an average concentration of 0.301 μg/g (median=0.296 μg/g). The total mercury concentration of the fishery products, except processed tuna and Kezuribushi (comprising shavings of dried and smoked mackerel, sardine, as well as horse mackerel), was generally low (<0.1 μg/g). The provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for mercury as set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives is 4.0 μg/kg body weight/week. On an average, for Japanese diet, the total weekly mercury intake from fishery products for a person weighing 50 kg was estimated to be 0.13 μg/kg body weight/week, which was 3.3% of the PTWI. These values indicate that it was not a problem to consume fishery products normally. However, albacore tuna cans have a relatively high total mercury concentration; thus, pregnant women consuming them daily may exceed the tolerable weekly intake of methylmercury (2 μg/kg body weight/week) as set by the Food Safety Commission of Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this study is on the soil physicochemical, biological, and microbiological processes altered by biochar application to heavy metal (HM) contaminated soils. The aim is to highlight agronomical and environmental issues by which the restorative capacity of biochar might be developed. Literature shows biochar can induce soil remediation, however, it is unclear how soil processes are linked mechanistically to biochar production and if these processes can be manipulated to enhance soil remediation. The literature often fails to contribute to an improved understanding of the mechanisms by which biochar alters soil function. It is clear that factors such as biochar feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, application rate, and soil type are determinants in biochar soil functionality. These factors are developed to enhance our insight into production routes and the benefits of biochar in HM soil remediation. Despite a large number of studies of biochar in soils, there is little understanding of long-term effects, this is particularly true with respect to the use and need for reapplication in soil remediation.

To investigate the effect of microbial inoculum on soil heavy metal immobilisation, pot experiments were conducted with paddy soils contaminated by cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), respectively. The results showed that the inoculation of Rhodopseudomonas palustris was more effective in the immobilisation of Pb and Cd in soils than the composite of R. palustris and Bacillus subtilis. Interestingly, a lower dosage of inoculum immobilised significantly more heavy metals than the higher dosage, potentially due to the competition of bacteria with limited nutrients. The heavy metal contents in rice grains also supported this finding, as less Pb and Cd were accumulated under the lower dosage. However, there were limited effects of microbial inoculations on the immobilisation of Hg and As. In general, our study indicated the effectiveness of R. palustris in immobilising Pb and Cd in soils and highlighted the importance of determining the optimal dosage of inoculum in bioremediation.

Milk is an important component of mammalian metabolism which included micro and macronutrients. The objective of this study was to survey the concentrations of minerals and toxic elements in cow milk samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In this study, it was analyzed the content of sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, cobalt, manganese, nickel, selenium, chromium, titanium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium in cow milk samples (n=25) collected from Kahramanmaraş province of Turkey. The highest levels recorded for potassium, calcium, and sodium with average concentrations of 1587.36, 1157.98, 643.34 mg L-1, respectively. The results revealed that the toxic element levels were below the limit of detection in cow milk samples. Regular element analysis of cow milk, which is the most widely used milk in dairy industry, is important for health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Arsenic toxicity induces a range of metabolic responses in plants, including DNA methylation. The focus of this paper was on the relationship between As-induced stress and plant senescence in the hyperaccumulator Pteris cretica var. Albo-lineata (Pc-Al). We assume difference in physiological parameters and level of DNA methylation in young and old fronds as symptoms of As toxicity. Results The As accumulation of Pc-Al fronds, grown in pots of haplic chernozem contaminated with 100 mg As kg− 1 for 122 days, decreased with age. Content of As was higher in young than old fronds for variants with 100 mg As kg− 1 (2800 and 2000 mg As kg− 1 dry matter, respectively). The highest As content was determined in old fronds of Pc-Al grown in pots with 250 mg As kg− 1. The increase with age was confirmed for determined nutrients – Cu, Mg, Mn, S and Zn. A significant elevation of all analysed nutrients was showed in old fronds. Arsenic accumulation affected DNA methylation status in fronds, but content of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) decreased only in old fronds of Pc-Al (from 25 to 12%). Determined photosynthetic processes showed a decrease of fluorescence, photosynthetic rate and chlorophylls of As treatments in young and old fronds. Water potential was decreased by As in both fronds. Thinning of the sclerenchymatous inner cortex and a reduction in average tracheid metaxylem in the vascular cylinder was showed in roots of As treatment. Irrespective to fronds age, physiological parameters positively correlated with a 5mC while negatively with direct As toxicity. Opposite results were found for contents of Cu, Mg, Mn, S and Zn. Conclusions The results of this paper point to changes in the metabolism of the hyperaccumulator plant Pc-Al, upon low and high exposure to As contamination. The significant impact of As on DNA methylation was found in old fronds. Irrespective to fronds age, significant correlations were confirmed for 5mC and As toxicity. Our analysis of the very low water potential values and lignification of cell walls in roots showed that transports of assimilated metabolites and water between roots and fronds were reduced. As was showed by our results, epigenetic changes could affect studied parameters of the As hyperaccumulator plant Pc-Al, especially in old fronds.

A three-year pot experiment carried out in the vegetation hall in 2014-2016 included studying the enzymatic activity of soil, into which various amounts of copper: (100, 200 and 300 mg Cu/kg soil) and organic materials (cattle manure, chicken manure, post-mushroom substrate) were introduced, used separately, at a soil-introduction dose of 2 g Corg/kg. Copper and organic materials were used once, only in the first year of the study, before sowing test plant orchard grass. In soil collected after the last (fourth) swath of grass in each year of the study, the activity of urease, dehydrogenases, acid, and alkaline phosphatase was determined. Applications of copper to the soil, regardless of its dose, resulted in a decrease in urease, dehydrogenases and alkaline phosphatase and an increase in acid phosphatase activity. The inactivating effect of this metal on the activity of urease, dehydrogenases and alkaline phosphatase increased with the increase of its dose. Organic fertilisation generally increased the enzymatic activity of the analysed soil. In subsequent years of the study, urease and alkaline phosphatase activity decreased, while acid phosphatase activity increased. Dehydrogenase activity did not change significantly in subsequent years of the study.