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Gaberšek M, Gosar M. Oral bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements in various urban environmental media. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:259. [PMID: 38900276 PMCID: PMC11190014 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
An important aspect of geochemical studies is determining health hazard of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Key information on PTEs behaviour in the human body in case of their ingestion is provided with the use of in vitro bioaccessibility tests. We analysed and compared oral bioaccessibility of a wide range of PTEs (As, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cu, Hg, La, Li, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Zn), including some that are not often studied but might pose a human health hazard, in soil, attic dust, street dust, and household dust, using Unified BARGE Method (UBM). Additionally, feasibility of usage of scanning electron microscope techniques in analyses of solid residuals of UBM phases was tested. Results show that bioaccessible fractions (BAFs) of PTEs vary significantly between individual samples of the same medium, between different media and between the gastric and gastro-intestinal phases. In soil, attic dust and street dust, bioaccessibility of individual PTE is mostly higher in gastric than in gastro-intestinal phase. The opposite is true for PTEs in household dust. In all four media, with the exception of Pb in household dust, among the most bioaccessible PTEs in gastric phase are Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. During the transition from the stomach to small intestine, the mean BAFs of most elements in soil, attic dust, and street dust decreases. The most bioaccessible PTEs in gastro-intestinal phase are Cu, Cd, Ni, and As. Micromorphological and chemical characterisation at individual particle level before and after bioaccessibility test contribute significantly to the understanding of oral bioaccessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gaberšek
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva Ulica 14, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mateja Gosar
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva Ulica 14, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Claes H, Cappuyns V, Swennen R, Meyer R, Seemann T, Stanjek H, Sindern S, Tock P. Importance of arsenic bioaccessibility in health risk assessment based on iron "Minette" rocks and related soils. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115567. [PMID: 37864967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Total element concentrations by themselves are not always good predictors of toxicity and are therefore not suitable for eco- and/or human toxicological risk determination. In addition, despite the growing call for harmonization, countries show significant variation in risk assessment tools, screening/background values, protocols and legal management of soils. By incorporating mobility and bioaccessibility/availability into soil risk assessments, location-specific physico-chemical and geological conditions can be considered in routinely applied general risk assessment methodologies. Minette soils and rocks are a great case in point since they often are associated with high geogenic As concentrations and consequently potential risks. Minette iron ores form the world largest Fe ore deposits since the "great oxidation". For the first time, oral bioaccessibility during direct ingestion was assessed on Minettes from Luxembourg by applying the in vitro Solubility/Bioavailability Research Consortium (SBRC) method. Out of > 180 samples, 25 representative samples were selected providing a unique dataset which showed an average gastric bioaccessibility of ∼10% (7.8 ± 4.0 mg/kg) of the total As-concentration, with a maximum of 45% (17.9 mg/kg). Of importance is that bioaccessibility of As in Minette rocks and soils are controlled by, and can be estimated from, lithology, mineralogy and total Ca content. Soils and ooid grainstones with an iron oxide or clayey matrix, are characterized by average gastric bioaccessible As concentrations < 6 mg/kg. Gastric As bioaccessibility is highest in Fe-bearing calcite-cemented bioclastic grainstones (∼12 mg/kg). Importantly, for all samples the maximal bioaccessible As concentrations remain below the threshold from which significant adverse non-carcinogenic and/or carcinogenic health effects are expected. These new results are in strong contrast with what total As concentrations might suggest. Considering bioaccessibilities, consequently, can help to avoid disproportionate, costly and environmentally impacting risk management strategies. Furthermore, this study illustrates the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration between geo- and health scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Claes
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Clay and Interface Mineralogy, RWTH Aachen University, Bunsenstrasse 8, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Valérie Cappuyns
- Centre for Economics and Corporate Sustainability (CEDON), KU Leuven, Warmoesberg 26, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rudy Swennen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Romain Meyer
- Service géologique du Luxembourg, Rue chemin de Fer 23, 8257 Bertrange, Luxembourg
| | - Timo Seemann
- Clay and Interface Mineralogy, RWTH Aachen University, Bunsenstrasse 8, 52072 Aachen, Germany
| | - Helge Stanjek
- Clay and Interface Mineralogy, RWTH Aachen University, Bunsenstrasse 8, 52072 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven Sindern
- Institute of Applied Mineralogy and Economic Geology, RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstrasse 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Pol Tock
- Environment Agency Luxembourg, 1, avenue du Rock'n'Roll, L-4361Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Mohamed DFMS, Kim DY, An J, Kim M, Chun SH, Kwon JH. Simplified Unified BARGE Method to Assess Migration of Phthalate Esters in Ingested PVC Consumer Products. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1907. [PMID: 36767273 PMCID: PMC9914907 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The unified bioaccessibility research group of Europe (BARGE) method (UBM) suggests using in vitro experimental conditions for simulating the release of chemicals from confined matrices, such as soils and sediments, in the human gastrointestinal tract. It contains comprehensive steps that simulate human digestion pathways and has good potential for application in the leaching of plastic additives from accidentally ingested plastic particles. However, its complexity could be a challenge for routine screening assessments of the migration of chemicals from consumer plastic products. In this study, the UBM was modified to assess the migration of plastic additives from consumer products with five model phthalate esters (i.e., dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)) from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The migration of phthalate esters was observed in four digestive phases (saliva, gastric, duodenal, and bile). Three separate experiments were conducted with the addition of (1) inorganic constituents only, (2) inorganic and organic constituents, and (3) inorganic and organic constituents in combination with digestive enzymes. While using enzymes with the UBM solution, the migrated mass for leached compounds was comparatively low (0.226 ± 0.04 μg) in most digestion phases, likely due to a self-generated coating of enzymes on the plastic materials. However, higher mass migration (0.301 ± 0.05) was observed when phthalate esters were analyzed in the UBM solution, excluding the enzymes. A ring test among six independent laboratories confirmed the robustness of the modified method. Therefore, we propose a simplified version of the original UBM designed mainly for the migration of inorganic elements using only the inorganic and organic components of the solution throughout all phases of digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Fahad M. S. Mohamed
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Du Yung Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsung An
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdeahak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhye Kim
- Chemical Products Team, FITI Testing and Research Institute, 21 Yangcheong 3-gil, Cheongju-si 28115, Republic of Korea
| | - Sa-Ho Chun
- Chemical Products Team, FITI Testing and Research Institute, 21 Yangcheong 3-gil, Cheongju-si 28115, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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Gaberšek M, Watts MJ, Gosar M. Attic dust: an archive of historical air contamination of the urban environment and potential hazard to health? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128745. [PMID: 35344891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive study of attic dust in an urban area is presented. Its entire life cycle, from determining historical emission sources to recognising the processes that take place in attic dust and its potential to impact human health is discussed. Its chemical composition and morphological characteristics of individual solid particles reflect past anthropogenic activities. High levels of Be-Cd-Cu-Sb-Sn-Pb-Te-Zn and occurrence of Cu-Zn shavings are typical for an industrial zone characterised by a foundry and a battery factory. High levels of Co-Fe-Mo-Ni-W-Ba-Cr-Mg-Mn-Nb-Ti and occurrence of various solid Fe-oxides, particularly spherical particles, were identified in another industrial zone, which was dominated by the automotive and metal-processing industries. Emissions from coal combustion affected the distribution of S-Se-Hg-Tl-As-Ag-U. The predominant mineral in attic dust is gypsum, which was presumably formed in situ by the reaction of carbonate dust particles and atmospheric SO2 gas. The high oral bioaccessibility of As-Cd-Cu-Pb-Zn in the gastric phase and high bioaccessibility of As-Cu-Cd-Ni in the gastrointestinal phase were identified. Determined characteristics of attic dust and identified possibilities of prolonged human exposure to it indicate that attic dust should be treated as an excellent proxy for historical air contamination as well as a potentially hazardous material for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gaberšek
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Michael J Watts
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, United Kingdom.
| | - Mateja Gosar
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
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Thalassinos G, Antoniadis V. Monitoring Potentially Toxic Element Pollution in Three Wheat-Grown Areas with a Long History of Industrial Activity and Assessment of Their Effect on Human Health in Central Greece. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9110293. [PMID: 34822684 PMCID: PMC8624685 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural lands, especially those where wheat is cultivated, in the vicinity of intense anthropogenic activities may be laden with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), resulting in increased risk for human health. In this study we monitored three regions located in central Greece, currently cultivated with wheat: Domokos and Eretria, two areas with abandoned chromium mines, but never studied before, and the industrial area of Volos, near a major steel factory. All soils were alkaline with medium CaCO3 content. As expected, Cr was extremely high in the first two areas (705.2 in Eretria and 777.5 mg kg−1 in Domokos); Ni was also found elevated (1227 in Eretria, 1315 in Domokos and 257.6 mg kg−1 in the steel factory), while other harmful metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) were rather low. As a result, pollution load index, a cumulative index showing the contamination level of an area, was higher than 1.0 in all three areas (Eretria = 2.20, Domokos = 2.28, and steel factory = 1.61), indicating high contamination and anthropogenic inputs. As for the wheat parts (shoots and grains), they were found to have no elevated concentrations of any of the measured metals in all three study areas, probably due to the alkaline soil pH that decelerates metal mobility. This was also confirmed by the very low soil-to-plant transfer coefficient values for all metals. In assessing the possible risk concerning human health, we found that the soil-to-human pathway would induce no significant risk (exhibited by hazard index of less than 1.0), while the risk from grain-to-human resulted in considerable risk for human health in the steel factory of Volos (where HI > 1.0). Our findings suggest that rural areas never studied before with a history in some offensive anthropogenic activity can prove to be a contamination hotspot; we regard this study as a pivotal for similarly never-visited-before areas casually cultivated with wheat (or other important crops for human nutrition). We further recognize the need for a more in-depth study that would acknowledge the geochemical speciation of the studied metals and also monitor other important crops and their possible uptake of PTEs.
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