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Wei R, Meng Z, Zerizghi T, Luo J, Guo Q. A comprehensive method of source apportionment and ecological risk assessment of soil heavy metals: A case study in Qingyuan city, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163555. [PMID: 37080314 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The study combined multiple models to provide a deeper understanding to soil heavy metal contamination and source information, which are essential for controlling pollution and reducing human health risks. In this study, the agricultural soils were collected from the Qingyuan City of China as an example. The multiple models (APCS/MLR, PMF, and GDM) were used to identify and quantitatively apportion the main sources of heavy metal pollution in the area. The results showed that Cu (56.4 %), Ni (70.9 %), B (44.5 %), and Cr (72.8 %) were associated with natural sources, such as soil parent material and soil-forming processes. However, Pb (41.2 %), Zn (61.8 %), Hg (67.0 %), and Cd (69.6 %) were associated with agricultural activities, atmospheric deposition, vehicle exhaust emissions, and vehicle tires, while Mo, Se, and Mn were possibly derived from natural sources, including rock weathering and soil parent materials. Additionally, the network of environmental analysis revealed that soil microbes are far more sensitive to soil heavy metal pollution than herbivores, vegetation, and carnivores. This study can serve as a guideline for reducing the ecological and health risks associated with heavy metals in soil by controlling their preferential sources. Environmental implication Combining multiple models is more effective approach to wide understanding of heavy metal contamination and source information, which is essential for controlling pollution and reducing human health risks. Based on multiple models (APCS/MLR, PMF, and GDM) and network environ analysis, a comprehensive method for apportioning soil heavy metal sources and assessing ecological risk had been provided. Further, the present study can be a guideline for reducing ecological and health risks by heavy metals in soil by controlling preferential sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfei Wei
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Zirui Meng
- School of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Teklit Zerizghi
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jie Luo
- College of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China
| | - Qingjun Guo
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Moltedo G, Catalano B, Martuccio G, Sesta G, Romanelli G, Lauria A, Berducci MT, Parravano R, Maggi C, Simbula G, Vignoli L, Onorati F, D'Antoni S. Processes involved in biochemical response to pesticides by lizard Podarcis siculus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810) – A field study. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 467:116491. [PMID: 36990228 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Although reptiles are non-target organisms of pesticide applications, their ecological niche and trophic role suggest that the use of these compounds in agriculture can have toxicological effects on them. Our recent field study on Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus in hazelnut orchards evidenced that the use of pesticides-mixtures, consisting of thiophanate-methyl (TM), tebuconazole (TEB), deltamethrin (DM), lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT), besides copper sulphate, induced an increase of the total antioxidant capacity toward hydroxyl radicals and caused DNA damage; however, it did not cause neurotoxicity, and did not induce the glutathione-S-transferases' activities. These results raised some questions which were answered in this study by carrying out analyses on 4 biomarkers and 5 chemical substances in the tissues of non-target organisms coming from treated fields: cytochrome P450, catalase, total glutathione, and malondialdehyde, TM, TEB, DM, LCT and Cu. Our results highlighted a partial accumulation of different chemicals, the involvement of two important mechanisms of defence, and some cellular damages after exposure to the considered pesticides. In details, 1) LCT and DM were not accumulated in lizard muscle, copper remained at basal levels, whereas TM and TEB were uptaken with a partial metabolization of TM; 2) the cytochrome P450 and the catalase were involved in lizard biochemical responses to pesticides-mixtures used for "conventional" farming treatment; 3) "conventional" treatment with pesticides caused damage to lipids, besides DNA, probably related to the excess of hydroxyl radicals.
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Zerizghi T, Guo Q, Tian L, Wei R, Zhao C. An integrated approach to quantify ecological and human health risks of soil heavy metal contamination around coal mining area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 814:152653. [PMID: 34954188 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil heavy metals harm ecological biodiversity and human health, and quantifying the risks more accurately is still obscure. In this study, a network environ analysis was applied to quantify risks between ecological communities based on control allocation and human health risk models to calculate human health exposure risks from soil heavy metals around Greenside coal mining in South Africa. Ecological and human health risks were apportioned using PMF model. Results showed assessed heavy metals (mean) exceeded local background content with a cumulative of moderately polluted using pollution load index (PLI). Total initial risk (Ri), the risk to biological organisms from direct soil exposure, was 0.656 to vegetation and 1.093 to soil microorganisms. Risk enters the food web via vegetation and harms the whole system. Integrated risks (initial, direct, and indirect) to vegetation, herbivores, soil microorganisms, and carnivores were 0.656, 0.125, 1.750, and 0.081, respectively, revealing that soil microorganisms are the most risk receptors. Total Hazard Index (HIT) was <1 for adults (0.574) whereas >1 for children (4.690), signifying severe non-cancer effects to children. Total cancer risk (TCR) to children and adults surpassed the unacceptable limit (1.00E-04). Comparatively, Cr is a high-risk metal accounted for 63.24% (adults) and 65.88% (children) of the HIT and 92.98% (adults) and 91.31% (children) of the TCR. Four sources were apportioned. Contributions to Ri (soil microorganisms and vegetation) from F3 (industrial), F4 (atmospheric), F2 (coal mining), and F1 (natural) were 42.20%, 24.56%, 23.55%, and 9.68%, respectively. The non-cancer risk from F3 (37.67% to adults and 38.40% to children) was dominant, and TCR to children from the sources except F1 surpassed the unacceptable limit. An integrated approach of risk quantification is helpful in managing risks and reducing high-risk pollution sources to better protect the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teklit Zerizghi
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Hamelmalo Agricultural College, National Commission for Higher Education, Keren, P.O. Box 397, Eritrea
| | - Qingjun Guo
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Liyan Tian
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Rongfei Wei
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Changqiu Zhao
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Scheun J, Campbell R, Ganswindt A, McIntyre T. Hot and bothered: alterations in faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations of the sungazer lizard, Smaug giganteus, in response to an increase in environmental temperature. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2021.1980103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Scheun
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - R Campbell
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A Ganswindt
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - T McIntyre
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Silva JM, Navoni JA, Amaral VS, Freire EMX. Cytogenetic analysis of nuclear abnormalities in the erythrocytes of gecko lizards (Phyllopezus periosus) collected in a semi-arid region of northeast Brazil: Possible effects of natural background radioactivity. Mutat Res 2021; 865:503346. [PMID: 33865540 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
High natural-background radioactivity levels occur in the semi-arid region of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil. We have studied the lizard Phyllopezus periosus, an endemic species of the Brazilian caatinga with saxicolous habitat, as a bioindicator of environmental quality. Specimens were collected in three areas, an environmental protection area and two areas recognized as having high natural background radiation, one of these being a mining area. Level of metals and gamma radiation emitters present in the water sources potentially used by the lizards were measured. The biological endpoints assessed were micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in blood samples. Significant differences in background radioactivity levels were found among the assessed areas. Statistically significant differences in micronuclei and nuclear abnormality frequencies were seen, among the study areas and a relationship between radioactivity level and genetic damage was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadna Maria Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio, Ambiente da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Júlio Alejandro Navoni
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio, Ambiente da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Uso Sustentável de Recursos Naturais do Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, IFRN, Brazil
| | - Viviane Souza Amaral
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio, Ambiente da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, UFRN, Brazil
| | - Eliza Maria Xavier Freire
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio, Ambiente da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, UFRN, Brazil.
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Gil-Jiménez E, de Lucas M, Ferrer M. Metalliferous Mining Pollution and Its Impact on Terrestrial and Semi-terrestrial Vertebrates: A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 256:1-69. [PMID: 34724574 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metalliferous mining, a major source of metals and metalloids, has severe potential environmental impacts. However, the number of papers published in international peer-reviewed journals seems to be low regarding its effects in terrestrial wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, our review is the first on this topic. We used 186 studies published in scientific journals concerning metalliferous mining or mining spill pollution and their effects on terrestrial and semi-terrestrial vertebrates. We identified the working status of the mine complexes studied, the different biomarkers of exposure and effect used, and the studied taxa. Most studies (128) were developed in former mine sites and 46 in active mining areas. Additionally, although several mining accidents have occurred throughout the world, all papers about effects on terrestrial vertebrates from mining spillages were from Aznalcóllar (Spain). We also observed a lack of studies in some countries with a prominent mining industry. Despite >50% of the studies used some biomarker of effect, 42% of them only assessed exposure by measuring metal content in internal tissues or by non-invasive sampling, without considering the effect in their populations. Most studied species were birds and small mammals, with a negligible representation of reptiles and amphibians. The information gathered in this review could be helpful for future studies and protocols on the topic and it facilitates a database with valuable information on risk assessment of metalliferous mining pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela de Lucas
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Ferrer
- Applied Ecology Group, Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Seville, Spain
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Silva JM, Navoni JA, Freire EMX. Lizards as model organisms to evaluate environmental contamination and biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:454. [PMID: 32583019 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08435-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination is reaching ever higher levels and affecting several animal populations, including humans. In this context, studies are being developed to monitor and evaluate this environmental problem using bioindicators organisms, in addition to testing the toxicity of contaminants in the laboratory. In this perspective, reptiles are ideal animals for these types of studies, considering that they are ectothermic and have a slower metabolism directly influencing their recovery power, and therefore, they are more sensitive to xenobiotic effects. Among reptiles, lizards are animals that adapt to various environmental conditions, even being found in areas with arid characteristics. Therefore, a literature review was conducted in this study regarding the use of lizards as models for ecotoxicological studies, including biomonitoring, carried out in the last 10 years, with the aim of evaluating them as bioindicators in Brazilian semi-arid region. Studies were found involving ten lizard families, among which the most investigated was Lacertidae. The studies were classified into two categories: organic contaminants (pesticides, petroleum by-products, and explosives) and inorganic contaminants (metals such as zinc, lead and aluminum, and radionuclides). Contaminants directly contributed to DNA damage and to increasing the frequency of micronuclei in exposed animals, histopathological effects, and oxidative stress. The performed analysis highlights the usefulness of lizards as environmental biomonitors. However, the response profile is dependent on the exposure level and route, in addition to the environmental scenario analyzed. Therefore, future studies aimed at evaluating environmental contaminants are required under exposure conditions more related to the environmental reality to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadna Maria Silva
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Laboratório de Herpetologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
- Programa Regional de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente - PRODEMA, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Júlio Alejandro Navoni
- Programa Regional de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente - PRODEMA, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Uso Sustentável de Recursos Naturais, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Eliza Maria Xavier Freire
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Laboratório de Herpetologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
- Programa Regional de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente - PRODEMA, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
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Xie Y, Jiang H, Chang J, Wang Y, Li J, Wang H. Gonadal disruption after single dose exposure of prothioconazole and prothioconazole-desthio in male lizards (Eremias argus). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 255:113297. [PMID: 31610514 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Prothioconazole (PTC) is a widely used triazole fungicide with low toxicity, and its desulfurization metabolite, prothioconazole-desthio (PTC-d), is reported to have higher reproductive toxicity to mammals. However, little is known about the reproductive toxicity, much less endocrine disrupting effect, of these two chemicals on reptiles. In this study, we investigated the effects of single dose of PTC/PTC-d (100 mg kg-1 body weight) exposure on the pathomorphism of testes and epididymides, serum sex steroid hormones (testosterone and 17β-estradiol) and transcription of steroidogenic-related genes (STARD, cyp11A, cyp17, cyp19A, 17β-HSD, 3β-HSD, AR and ER-α) in gonads of male lizards (Eremias argus). Although structural disorder existed in PTC-d exposure group, severe gonadal disruption, especially suppression of spermatogenesis was only observed in testis after PTC treatment, which consequently led to the lack of spermatozoa in epididymal ducts. Consistent with this result, T/E2 value in PTC exposure was elevated to a significant higher level compared with control and continually increased over time, while T/E2 value in the PTC-d exposure group slightly increased only at 12 h. These results demonstrated a more serious disruption of PTC on male lizard gonads than PTC-d. In addition, the expression of cyp17 gene was inhibited at 6 h, however, was induced at 12 h, and exhibited negative correlations with STARD, cyp11A and 3β-HSD after PTC exposure at each timepoint. In PTC-d group, the expression of STARD and 3β-HSD were significantly down-regulated, in contrast, cyp11A and cyp17 were up-regulated, and each gene showed consistent changes over time. For 17β-HSD, no significance was observed in both treated groups. This study was the first to compare the gonadal disruption of PTC and PTC-d in male lizards and elucidated that these two chemicals influenced the physiological function of male gonads through differential transcriptional modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Xie
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan RD 19A, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haotian Jiang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan RD 19A, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Chang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yinghuan Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Jianzhong Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Huili Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing, 100085, China.
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Scheun J, Greeff D, Ganswindt A. Non-invasive monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in urine and faeces of the Sungazer ( Smaug giganteus). PeerJ 2018; 6:e6132. [PMID: 30595985 PMCID: PMC6305116 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing non-invasive techniques for monitoring physiological stress responses has been conducted in a number of mammal and bird species, revolutionizing field-based endocrinology and conservation practices. However, studies validating and monitoring glucocorticoid concentrations in reptiles are still limited. The aim of the study was to validate a method for monitoring glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in urine (uGCM) and faeces (fGCM) of the cordylid lizard, the Sungazer (Smaug giganteus). An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge was conducted on one male and two females with both urine and faecal material being collected during baseline and post-injection periods. Steroid extracts were analysed with four enzyme immunoassays (EIAs)namely: 11-oxoaetiocholanolone, 5α-pregnane-3β-11β-21-triol-20-one, tetrahydrocorticosterone, and corticosterone. A considerable response in fGCM and uGCM concentrations following ACTH administration was observed in all subjects, with the 5α-pregnane-3β-11β-21-triol-20-one and tetrahydrocorticosterone EIAs appearing to be the most suited for monitoring alterations in glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in S. giganteus using faeces or urine as hormone matrix. Both EIAs showed a significantly higher concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites in faeces compared to urine for both sexes. Collectively, the findings of this study confirmed that both urine and faeces can be used to non-invasively assess adrenocortical function in S. giganteus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Scheun
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa.,Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Dominique Greeff
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa.,Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Serrazina DC, Lopes De Andrade V, Cota M, Mateus ML, Aschner M, Dos Santos APM. Biomarkers of exposure and effect in a working population exposed to lead, manganese and arsenic. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2018; 81:983-997. [PMID: 30296394 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2018.1509408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), manganese (Mn) and arsenic (As) are among the major toxicants in mining environments. Miners are commonly and repeatedly exposed to this toxic mixture. Some adverse effects may appear at concentrations below environmental quality guidelines for individual mixture components. Further, Pb, Mn, and As induce common adverse outcomes, such as interferences in the cholinergic system and heme synthesis. It is thus vital to monitor miners through biomarkers (BM), such that subclinical effects may be identified at an early stage. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the exposure of a mining population to these three metals and determine alterations in cholinergic and heme synthesis parameters. Blood and urine samples of workers (n = 60) were obtained from a Portuguese mining industry and compared with a control population (n = 80). The levels of the metals were determined in biological samples, as well as urinary heme precursor levels, delta aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphyrins, and blood acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The miners exhibited significantly higher values of Pb and As in blood and urine compared to control. In the case of Mn near or slightly higher than limit values were found. Our data show that heme precursors may be used simultaneously with metal levels as BMs for multiple metal exposures on an individual basis, resulting in 94.3% and 95.7% accuracy, respectively, in blood and urine, for subjects correctly identified with respect to occupation. This study also revealed that biological monitoring of this working population regarding metal body burden and heme precursor accumulation is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C Serrazina
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- b Faculdade de Ciências , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vanda Lopes De Andrade
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Madalena Cota
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- b Faculdade de Ciências , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Luísa Mateus
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Michael Aschner
- c Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA
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Parusnath S, Little IT, Cunningham MJ, Jansen R, Alexander GJ. The desolation of Smaug: The human-driven decline of the Sungazer lizard ( Smaug giganteus ). J Nat Conserv 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Li J, Chang J, Li W, Guo B, Li J, Wang H. Disruption of sex-hormone levels and steroidogenic-related gene expression on Mongolia Racerunner (Eremias argus) after exposure to triadimefon and its enantiomers. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 171:554-563. [PMID: 28039834 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Triadimefon (TF) is a widely used chiral fungicide with one chiral centre and two enantiomers (TF1 and TF2). However, little is reported about the ecological toxicity of reptiles on an enantioselective level. TF is a potential endocrine disruptor that may interfere with sex steroid hormones, such as testosterone (T) and 17beta-estradiol (E2). In our study, the lizards Mongolia Racerunner (Eremias argus) were orally exposed to TF and its enantiomers for 21 days. Plasma sex steroid hormones and steroidogenic-related genes, including 17-beta-hydroxysteroid (hsd17β), cytochrome P450 enzymes (cyp19 and cyp17), and steroid hormone receptors (erα and Ar) were evaluated. After exposure, the plasma testosterone level in the 100 mg/kgbw group was elevated, while the oestradiol level was reduced. This phenomenon may be caused by the transformation of cyp19, which may inhibit the conversion of testosterone to oestradiol and affect sexual behaviour. In addition, the two enantiomers have different effects on hormone levels, which testified to the previously reported biotoxic dissimilarity between TF1 and TF2 in organisms. Furthermore, the cyp19 mRNA level in liver and gonad of the TF2 and TF group (100 mg/kgbw) were significantly down-regulated, while the cyp17 and hsd17β mRNA levels were up-regulated. The expression of erα and Ar mRNA levels were up-regulated in males but not in females, which may indicate that TF has sex differences on these two genes. As seen from the above results, TF and its enantiomers may have endocrine-disrupting effects on lizards (E. argus) by acting sensitively on sex steroid hormones and steroidogenic-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitong Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing Rd 18, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Rd 19A, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Chang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing Rd 18, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Rd 19A, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing Rd 18, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Baoyuan Guo
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing Rd 18, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianzhong Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing Rd 18, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Huili Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing Rd 18, Beijing 100085, China.
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Abstract
Metals are frequently used in industry and represent a major source of toxin exposure for workers. For this reason governmental agencies regulate the amount of metal exposure permissible for worker safety. While essential metals serve physiologic roles, metals pose significant health risks upon acute and chronic exposure to high levels. The central nervous system is particularly vulnerable to metals. The brain readily accumulates metals, which under physiologic conditions are incorporated into essential metalloproteins required for neuronal health and energy homeostasis. Severe consequences can arise from circumstances of excess essential metals or exposure to toxic nonessential metal. Herein, we discuss sources of occupational metal exposure, metal homeostasis in the human body, susceptibility of the nervous system to metals, detoxification, detection of metals in biologic samples, and chelation therapeutic strategies. The neurologic pathology and physiology following aluminum, arsenic, lead, manganese, mercury, and trimethyltin exposures are highlighted as classic examples of metal-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Caito
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; The Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; The Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Center in Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Gramss G, Voigt KD. Forage and rangeland plants from uranium mine soils: long-term hazard to herbivores and livestock? ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2014; 36:441-452. [PMID: 24096941 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-013-9572-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Metalliferous uranium mine overburden soils integrated into arable land or stabilized by perennial rangeland plants evoke concern about the quality of crops and the exposure of grazing and thereby soil-ingesting (wildlife) herbivores to heavy metals (HM) and radionuclides. In a 2-year trial, thirteen annual and perennial forage and rangeland plants were thus potted on, or taken from, cultivated field soil of a metalliferous hot spot near Ronneburg (Germany). The content of soil and shoot tissues in 20 minerals was determined by ICP-MS to estimate HM (and uranium) toxicities to grazing animals and the plants themselves, and to calculate the long-term persistence of the metal toxicants (soil clean-up times) from the annual uptake rates of the plants. On Ronneburg soil elevated in As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, U, and Zn, the shoot mineral content of all test plants remained preferentially in the range of "normal plant concentrations" but reached up to the fourfold to sixfold in Mn, Ni, and Zn, the 1.45- to 21.5-fold of the forage legislative limit in Cd, and the 10- to 180-fold of common herb concentrations in U. Shoot and the calculated root concentrations in Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn accounted for phytotoxic effects at least to grasses and cereals. Based on WHO PTWI values for the tolerable weekly human Cd and Pb intake, the expanded Cd and Pb limits for forage, and reported rates of hay, roots, and adhering-soil ingestion, the tolerable daily intake rates of 0.65/11.6 mg in Cd/Pb by a 65 kg herbivore would be surpassed by the 11- to 27/0.7- to 4.7-fold across the year, with drastic consequences for winter-grazing and thereby high rates of roots and soil-ingesting animals. The daily intake of 5.3-31.5 mg of the alpha radiation emitter, U, may be less disastrous to short-lived herbivores. The annual phytoextraction rates of critical HM by the tested excluder crops indicate that hundreds to thousands of years are necessary to halve the HM and (long-lived) radionuclide load of Ronneburg soil, provided the herbage is harvested at all. It is concluded that the content in Cd/As, Cd, and Cu exclude herbage/Ronneburg soil from the commercial use as forage or pasture land soil for incalculable time spans. Caution is required, too, with the consumption of game.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Gramss
- Institute of Geosciences, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Burgweg 11, 07749, Jena, Germany,
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