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Dai L, Wang L, Wan X, Yang J, Wang Y, Liang T, Song H, Shaheen SM, Antoniadis V, Rinklebe J. Potentially toxic elements exposure biomonitoring in the elderly around the largest polymetallic rare earth ore mining and smelting area in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158635. [PMID: 36087673 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158635] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can be released during mining operations and ore processing. The pollution and health risk related to PTEs in total suspended particulates (TSPs) around the largest polymetallic rare earth mining area (Bayan Obo) and smelting area (Baotou) in Inner Mongolia, China, were evaluated. PTEs in the hair of the elderly living in these two areas and a reference area (Hohhot) were also examined. Relationships between PTEs in TSPs and hair with categorical factors (location, gender, etc.) were also modeled. Multivariate statistical analyses were carried out to analyze the possible sources of the PTEs in TSPs. The bubble maps of the concentrations of PTEs indicated that high concentrations of PTEs were near the industrial area where smelting plants and power plants were located. In addition, health risks were assessed for adults in the mining and smelting area. The carcinogenic risk of Cr was high for residents in the study areas. Also, the residents were exposed to a non-carcinogenic risk of Ni. Significant mean value differences were observed between PTEs in the hair of the elderly in Baotou and Hohhot. Results of the linear regression model indicated that around 31 % of the Pb in hair could be explained by the linear regression model, it could be affected by Ni and Zn in TSPs, but location, gender, and sampling time showed no significant contribution. Age was not significantly associated with the PTEs levels in hair in Baotou and Bayan Obo. The results provide important scientific evidence for a better understanding of the effects of PTEs in TSPs in polymetallic ore mining and smelting areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Dai
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lingqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Xiaoming Wan
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hocheol Song
- Department of Environment, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33516, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Vasileios Antoniadis
- Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Greece
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
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Varrica D, Tamburo E, Alaimo MG. Levels of trace elements in human hair samples of adolescents living near petrochemical plants. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:3779-3797. [PMID: 34698985 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is a comparative analysis to investigate human hair metal profiles of adolescents residing near petrochemical plants (Sicily, Italy). We selected the small town of Augusta, Gela, and Pace del Mela, and a control area made up of the towns characterized by low anthropogenic activity. Twenty trace elements were measured in samples of scalp hair from adolescents (11-14 years old) of both genders. Hair samples were cleaned using a rigorous cleaning method, mineralized, and processed for analyses by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In industrial sites, zinc was always the most abundant element, ranging from186 to 217 μg g-1. Following zinc, the elements Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, and Sr were in the range 1-20 μg g-1. The remaining elements had concentrations < 1 μg g-1. The comparison with adolescents living in suburban area highlighted that As, Ba, Mn, Sr, U, and V have the highest median concentrations in an industrial location. An industrial factor (As, Mn, Sr, U, and V) and an urban factor (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, and Sb) were distinguished by the multivariate statistical analysis between a cohort residing in urban and industrial areas. Statistically significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05) between the genders were found for Ba, Mn, Ni, Sr, and V in all industrial sites with median concentrations higher in females' hair than males'. The data confirm that the study areas are heavily affected by industrial and urban emissions of metals and metalloids, representing a potential hazard to the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Varrica
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Elisa Tamburo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Alaimo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
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Aziz MY, Hussain SH, Ishak AR, Abdullah MA, Mohamed R, Ruzi II, Yahaya N, Samad NA, Edinur HA. Heavy Metal Concentrations in Malaysian Adults' Hair and Associated Variables in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:3475-3481. [PMID: 34591221 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The presence of heavy metals in human hair is being tracked to predict health risk, forensics, and environmental monitoring. Heavy metals are typically non-biodegradable and have a lengthy half-life, allowing them to linger in humans and the environment for many years. Heavy metal exposure in hair has been attributed to multiple sources from the environment and food intake. In this study, copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) levels were measured in the scalp hair of 50 individuals in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. In conjunction with sampling, subjects' age, gender, lifestyle, diet, and working environment were also obtained through the questionnaire. The Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) method was used to extract all the metals in the hair samples. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were found to be in the following order (unit of mg/kg): Cr > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cu. Manganese was detected below the limit of quantitation among the elements (< LOQ). All elements except Mn were higher and comparable to the previous studies' international limit values. Cadmium prevalence was substantially associated with age, smoking habit, dyed hair, and working environment in Pearson's correlation analysis (p ≤ 0.05). Zinc was also found to be related to the working environment. Some elements were observed to be statistically related between heavy metals, Cd/Zn, Cd/Ni, Cr/Ni, and Pb/Ni, whereas smoking habit/dyed hair and dyed hair/working environment were the associated factors for metal distribution that were statistically correlated (p ≤ 0.05). To recapitulate, this study found that the distribution of heavy metals in hair was influenced by associated factors and between heavy metals. It has been indicated that heavy metal exposure to humans is influenced by factors such as geographical location, lifestyle, and working environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Yusmaidie Aziz
- Integrative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
| | | | - Ahmad Razali Ishak
- Center of Environmental Health & Safety, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 42300, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Azwat Abdullah
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA, 42300, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rafeezul Mohamed
- Regenerative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universit Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Iqbal Iman Ruzi
- Integrative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Noorfatimah Yahaya
- Integrative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nozlena Abdul Samad
- Integrative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Hisham Atan Edinur
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Shawahna R, Zyoud A, Naseef O, Muwafi K, Matar A. Salivary Lead Levels among Workers in Different Industrial Areas in the West Bank of Palestine: a Cross-Sectional Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:4410-4417. [PMID: 33394307 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02567-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Saliva is a biofluid that can easily be obtained and used for biomonitoring lead levels in occupationally and environmentally exposed individuals. The aims of this study were to determine salivary lead levels among workers in different industrial areas in the West Bank of Palestine and investigate the association between sociodemographic and occupational characteristics of the workers and their salivary lead levels. Salivary samples were obtained from workers in different industrial areas in metal-free polyethylene tubes. The samples were analyzed for their lead contents using a pre-validated inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method. A total of 97 salivary samples were analyzed. The median salivary lead level was 1.84 μg/dL an IQR of 5.04 μg/dL. Salivary lead levels were significantly higher in workers who were 40 years and older (p value = 0.031), had 3 children or more (p value = 0.048), worked in repair workshops (p value = 0.012), worked in industrial areas for 20 years or more (p value = 0.048), did not consume fruits on regular basis (p value = 0.031), and smoked for 30 years or more (p value = 0.013). Multiple linear regression showed that smoking of 30 years old or more was a significant (p value < 0.001) predictor of higher salivary lead levels. Salivary lead levels among workers from different industrial areas of the West Bank were comparable to those occupationally exposed to lead in more industrialized and urbanized areas of the world. Smoking was a predictor of higher salivary lead levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, New Campus, Building: 19, Office: 1340, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
- An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Ahed Zyoud
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Omar Naseef
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Kamil Muwafi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Abdullah Matar
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Astolfi ML, Vitali M, Marconi E, Martellucci S, Mattei V, Canepari S, Protano C. Urinary Mercury Levels and Predictors of Exposure among a Group of Italian Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249225. [PMID: 33321748 PMCID: PMC7763174 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Urinary mercury (Hg) levels are suitable to assess long-term exposure to both elemental and inorganic Hg. In this study, the urinary Hg levels of 250 children (aged 6–11 years) from three areas with different anthropogenic impacts in the Rieti province, central Italy, were assessed. The Hg concentrations were in the range of 0.04–2.18 µg L−1 with a geometric mean equal to 0.18 µg L−1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–0.20 µg L−1] or 0.21 µg g−1 creatinine (95% CI, 0.19–0.23 µg g−1 creatinine), and a reference value calculated as 95th percentile of 0.53 µg L−1 (95% CI, 0.44–0.73 µg L−1) or 0.55 µg g−1 creatinine (95% CI, 0.50–0.83 µg g−1 creatinine). In all cases, urinary Hg data were below the HBM-I values (7 µg L−1 or 5 µg g−1 creatinine) established for urine, while the 95th percentile was above the German Human Biomonitoring Commission’s RV95 (0.4 µg L−1) set for children without amalgam fillings. A significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between creatinine-corrected results and residence area, with higher urinary Hg levels in children living in the industrial area. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that creatinine was the main predictor of urinary Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-3384
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (E.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (E.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Stefano Martellucci
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, “Sabina Universitas”, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (S.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, “Sabina Universitas”, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (S.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (E.M.); (C.P.)
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Astolfi ML, Pietris G, Mazzei C, Marconi E, Canepari S. Element Levels and Predictors of Exposure in the Hair of Ethiopian Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228652. [PMID: 33233360 PMCID: PMC7700284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Children's development and health may be affected by toxic heavy metal exposure or suboptimal essential element intake. This study aimed to provide updated information regarding the concentrations of 41 elements in children's hair (aged under 18) living in a rural area of the Benishangul-Gumuz region, Ethiopia. The highest average levels (as a geometric mean) for toxic heavy metals were obtained for Al (1 mg kg-1), Pb (3.1 mg kg-1), and Ni (1.2 mg kg-1), while the lowest concentrations among the essential elements were found for Co (0.32 mg kg-1), Mo (0.07 mg kg-1), Se (0.19 mg kg-1), and V (0.8 mg kg-1). Hair analysis was combined with a survey to evaluate relationships and variations among subgroups and potential metal exposure predictors. Females showed significantly higher concentrations for most hair elements, excluding Zn, than males, and the 6-11 years age group reported the highest levels for Be, Ce, Co, Fe, La, Li, Mo, and Na. The main predictors of exposure to toxic elements were fish consumption for Hg and drinking water for Ba, Be, Cs, Li, Ni, Tl, and U. The data from this study can be used to develop prevention strategies for children's health and protection in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-991-3384
| | - Georgios Pietris
- Department of General Surgery, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria of Athens, Mesogion 152, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Corrado Mazzei
- Canon Toshiba Medical Systems s.r.l., Via Canton 115, I-00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
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Astolfi ML, Protano C, Marconi E, Massimi L, Piamonti D, Brunori M, Vitali M, Canepari S. Biomonitoring of Mercury in Hair among a Group of Eritreans (Africa). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061911. [PMID: 32183479 PMCID: PMC7143335 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Small-scale or artisanal mining, using gold-mercury amalgamation to extract gold from ore, is a significant source of exposure for the workers and nearby populations. Few studies on hair mercury (Hg) have been conducted in Africa despite the fact that Africa has several gold deposits. No studies have been conducted in Eritrea that is one of the emerging gold producing countries in Africa. The aim of the study was to assess the Hg concentration in hair samples (n = 120) of a population living in Asmara, capital of Eritrea, and to evaluate the influence of some factors on the Hg levels in hair. Information on age, height, weight, occupation, smoking and fish consumption of participants were collected via questionnaire. Hair Hg concentration was significantly higher among women compared to men (p < 0.001) and among women preparing spicy products in Medeber market compared to those who did other jobs (p = 0.010). These results highlight the need for routine biomonitoring surveys and for health promotion campaigns devoted to local decision makers and workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649913384
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Daniel Piamonti
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Science, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Brunori
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Science, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
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