Pb-210 in rock and soils of the semi-arid agreste region of Pernambuco, Brazil

Factors Affecting Toxic and Essential Trace Element Concentrations in Cow's Milk Produced in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

The aim of this study was to provide information on the levels of toxic (Cd and Pb) and essential (Cu, Fe, and Zn) elements in cow's milk produced in the State of Pernambuco (Brazil). A total of 142 samples of raw milk were collected, and the concentrations of essential and toxic elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. In almost 30% of the samples analyzed, the Pb content exceeded the maximum level established in the Brazilian legislation (0.05 mg/L). By contrast, in all the samples, the Cd content was below the maximum allowable level (0.02 mg/L). The essential trace elements Cu, Fe, and Zn were generally present at lower concentrations than reported in other studies and can be considered within the deficient range for cow's milk. Statistical and chemometric procedures were used to evaluate the main factors influencing the metal concentrations (proximity to major roads, presence of effluents, and milking method). The study findings demonstrate that the proximity of the farms to major roads influences the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cu and that this is the main factor explaining the Pb content of milk. In addition, the presence of effluents influenced the concentrations of Cu, while no relationship between the metal content and the milking method was observed. Thus, in accordance with the study findings, the consumption of cow's milk produced in the region can be considered a risk to public health due to the high concentrations of Pb and the low concentrations of other essential minerals such as Cu, Zn, and Fe in some of the milk samples.

Natural radioactivity in Brazil: a systematic review

Natural radioactivity is a public health concern worldwide. Its deleterious effects are largely associated with emitting ionizing particles which generate innumerable toxicological consequences to human being. The present study aimed to describe the research state of the art on natural radioactivity in Brazil through a systematic review limited to articles published in the twenty-first century in the PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 55 research articles were considered for this purpose. Based on the collected sample types, the radiation analysis in most of the scientific reports was performed on solid samples (soil/sediment/rocks), followed by water and air. In fact, most of the available information came from geological studies. A wide range of concentrations and a variety of radionuclides have been assessed, with radium being the most cited. Most of the studies described radiation levels above the international guidelines, and consider the Brazilian territory as a high natural background radiation region (HNBR). In comparison with other HNBR areas, the scientific information about the related risks to human health is still scarce. There is uncertainty about the real impact of natural radioactivity on human health, as there is a lack of scientific information for most of the country about this issue. The analysis and comparison of the available information highlights the potential risks linked to natural radioactivity and the need to incorporate suitable environmental management policies about this issue.

Estimation of dose due to ingestion of (210)pb in milk from dairy cattle in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, Brazil

(210)Pb is widely distributed in the environment. In this context, the aim of this research has been: (1) to determine (210)Pb concentrations in milk and dairy products from farms located in the cities of Pedra and Venturosa in Pernambuco, Brazil; and (2) to calculate the dose due to the ingestion of (210)Pb in these products. The ion exchange resin method was used and the concentration of (210)Pb varied from 62 to 650 mBq l(-1) in fresh milk, from 202 to 1,494 mBq kg(-1) in curdled cheese and from 11 to 253 mBq l(-1) in milk whey. The estimated dose due to ingestion of milk and dairy products in this region was 0.2 Sv, which is at least two orders of magnitude above the maximum recommended levels.