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Liu K, Fan P, Jia Z, Wang Z, Qi S. Analysis of four heavy metal concentrations in sediments fromthe Jiaozhou Bay, China by visible and near infrared spectroscopy (225-975 nm). SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 316:124367. [PMID: 38692111 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
As an important component ofbiogeochemical cyclein coastal ecosystems, sediments are the sink of heavy metals. Therefore, distribution and dynamics of heavy metals in sediments could assess ecological quality and predict ecological risks. In the new era, rapid and green technology are highly needed, especially that could determine multi-parameters simultaneously. Here, we explored a new method to rapidly determine concentrations of heavy metals in sediments by visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (VIRS).We sampled sediments in the Jiaozhou Bay, China, collected their reflectance spectra, and measured concentrations of four heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, and Zn). Heavy metal models were established and evaluated using substances highly correlated with heavy metals. This study provides an effective reference for rapid analysis of As, Cr, Cu, and Zn simultaneously in sediments, at least in the Jiaozhou Bay, and for ecological environment protection and resource development of the Jiaozhou Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Liu
- Institute of Oceanographic Instrumentation, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Qingdao 266061, China; Key Laboratory for Ocean Environment Monitoring Technology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Pingping Fan
- Institute of Oceanographic Instrumentation, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Qingdao 266061, China; Key Laboratory for Ocean Environment Monitoring Technology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266061, China.
| | - Zongchao Jia
- Institute of Oceanographic Instrumentation, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Qingdao 266061, China; Key Laboratory for Ocean Environment Monitoring Technology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Zijian Wang
- Institute of Oceanographic Instrumentation, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Qingdao 266061, China; Key Laboratory for Ocean Environment Monitoring Technology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Suiping Qi
- Institute of Oceanographic Instrumentation, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Qingdao 266061, China; Key Laboratory for Ocean Environment Monitoring Technology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266061, China
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2
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Soto-Jiménez MF, Roos-Muñoz S, Soto-Morales S, Gómez-Lizarrága LE, Bucio-Galindo L. Environmental and health implications of Pb-bearing particles in settled urban dust from an arid city affected by Pb-Zn factory emissions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21287. [PMID: 38042928 PMCID: PMC10693616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal-rich particles originating from non-ferrous metallurgical activities are the primary source of atmospheric metals in urban environments. These particles vary in size, morphology, and elemental compositions and they undergo weathering processes that alter their composition and affect their toxicity. This study focuses on lead (Pb)-rich particles in settled urban dust within an arid and dusty city, Torreón in North Mexico, affected by Met-Mex Peñoles complex, one of the world's largest Ag-Cd-Pb-Zn smelting and refining facilities in operating since 1901. Torreón is characterized by arid conditions, temperature fluctuations, and low humidity. Dry atmospheric particles were collected in 2015 and 2017 from Torreón's urban area within a 3 km radius of the Met-Mex Peñoles complex. We used various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) to determine the size, morphology, elemental composition and mineralogy of Pb-bearing particles. Our analysis revealed a range of Pb-bearing particle sizes and morphologies with varying Pb (0.3 to 51-87.2%) and other element contents, such as As (0.04 to 1-3.4%), Cd (0.4 to 3.3-5.1%), Cu (0.51-14.1%), Hg (ND-0.6%), and Zn (1.7 to 79-90.3%). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of Pb and Zn sulfides, Pb carbonates, Pb sulfate, and Pb oxides in urban dust, both as individual particles and agglomerates. Primary Pb minerals were linked to fugitive feed concentrates and smelter flue gas at Met-Mex Peñoles, while secondary Pb minerals, like Pb carbonates, Pb sulfate, and Pb oxides, resulted from direct emissions and weathering processes. Compared to galena, secondary Pb minerals exhibit higher chemical availability in the environment, posing greater risks to the environment and human health. As the particles analyzed are presumed to be resuspended rather than freshly emitted by Met-Mex, the presence of secondary Pb minerals in settled urban dust is predominantly linked to weathering processes. The physical and chemical transformations in Pb-rich particles contribute to increased Pb bioavailability and toxicity in urban dust, with substantial implications for environmental and human health. These findings highlight the potential consequences of weathered Pb-rich particle in urban areas, particularly in the arid and dusty city of Torreón.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Soto-Jiménez
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México.
| | - S Roos-Muñoz
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Mazatlán, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
| | - S Soto-Morales
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - L E Gómez-Lizarrága
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, México
| | - L Bucio-Galindo
- Laboratorio de Cristalografía y Materiales Naturales, Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, México
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3
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Choi SH, Choi KH, Won JU, Kim H. Impact of multi-heavy metal exposure on renal damage indicators in Korea: An analysis using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35001. [PMID: 37832107 PMCID: PMC10578771 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) is associated with renal tubular damage. People living near refineries are often exposed to multiple heavy metals at high concentrations. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between combined urinary Cd, As, and Hg levels and renal damage markers in 871 residents living near the Janghang refinery plant and in a control area. Urinary Cd, As, Hg, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) levels were measured. The combined effects of Cd, As, and Hg on renal tubular damage markers were assessed using linear regression and a Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model. The results of the BKMR model were compared using a stratified analysis of the exposure and control groups. While the linear regression showed that only Cd concentration was significantly associated with urinary NAG levels (β = 0.447, P value < .05), the BKMR model showed that Cd and Hg levels were also significantly associated with urinary NAG levels. The combined effect of the 3 heavy metals on urinary NAG levels was significant and stronger in the exposure group than in the control group. However, no relationship was observed between the exposure concentrations of the 3 heavy metals and urinary β2-MG levels. The results suggest that the BKMR model can be used to assess the health effects of heavy-metal exposure on vulnerable residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Haeng Choi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hi Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Uk Won
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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Sánchez-Rodríguez BL, Castillo-Maldonado I, Pedroza-Escobar D, Delgadillo-Guzmán D, Soto-Jiménez MF. Association of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension with arsenic in drinking water in the Comarca Lagunera province (north-central Mexico). Sci Rep 2023; 13:9244. [PMID: 37286701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic endemic regional hydroarsenicism (CERHA) is a global issue that affects over 200 million people exposed to arsenic (As) in drinking water. This includes 1.75 million individuals residing in La Comarca Lagunera, a region in north-central Mexico. Arsenic levels in this region typically exceeds the WHO guideline of 10 µg L-1. Biochemical alterations related to the human As metabolism may increase the risk of overweight and obesity (O&O), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (AHT). In our study, we investigated the role of As in drinking water as a risk factor for these metabolic diseases. We focused on populations with historically moderate (San Pedro) and low (Lerdo) drinking water As levels and people with no historical evidence of As water contamination. The exposure assessment to As was based on measurements of the drinking water (medians 67.2, 21.0, 4.3 µg L-1) and urinary As concentrations in women (9.4, 5.3, 0.8 µg L-1) and men (18.1, 4.8, 1.0 µg L-1). A significant correlation between As in drinking water and urine evidenced the As exposure in the population (R2 = 0.72). Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals evidenced higher chances of being diagnosed with T2D (1.7, 1.2-2.0) and AHT (1.8, 1.7-1.9) in individuals living in San Pedro than those in Lerdo. Still, there was no significant association with obesity. Individuals living in CERHA towns were found to have a higher risk of obesity (1.3-1.9), T2D (1.5 to 3.3), and AHT (1.4 to 2.4) compared to those residing in non-CERHA towns. Finally, obesity is more probable in women [inverse of OR and 95%CI 0.4 (0.2-0.7)] compared to men, while men is more likely to be diagnosed with T2D [OR = 2.0 (1.4-2.3)] and AHT [OR = 2.0 (1.5-2.3)] than women, independently of the municipality.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | - I Castillo-Maldonado
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | - D Pedroza-Escobar
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Unidad Torreon, Torreon, Mexico
| | - D Delgadillo-Guzmán
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Unidad Torreon, Torreón, Mexico
| | - M F Soto-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Av. Joel Montes Camarena, 82040, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
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5
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Shi T, Zhang J, Shen W, Wang J, Li X. Machine learning can identify the sources of heavy metals in agricultural soil: A case study in northern Guangdong Province, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 245:114107. [PMID: 36152430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Source tracing of heavy metals in agricultural soils is of critical importance for effective pollution control and targeting policies. It is a great challenge to identify and apportion the complex sources of soil heavy metal pollution. In this study, a traditional analysis method, positive matrix fraction (PMF), and three machine learning methodologies, including self-organizing map (SOM), conditional inference tree (CIT) and random forest (RF), were used to identify and apportion the sources of heavy metals in agricultural soils from Lianzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Based on PMF, the contribution of the total loadings of heavy metals in soil were 19.3% for atmospheric deposition, 65.5% for anthropogenic and geogenic sources, and 15.2% for soil parent materials. Based on SOM model, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Zn were attributed to mining and geogenic sources; Cr, Cu and Ni were derived from geogenic sources. Based on CIT results, the influence of altitude on soil Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn, as well as soil pH on Cd indicated their primary origin from natural processes. Whereas As and Pb were related to agricultural practices and traffic emissions, respectively. RF model further quantified the importance of variables and identified potential control factors (altitude, soil pH, soil organic carbon) in heavy metal accumulation in soil. This study provides an integrated approach for heavy metals source apportionment with a clear potential for future application in other similar regions, as well as to provide the theoretical basis for undertaking management and assessment of soil heavy metal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taoran Shi
- School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- Guangdong Province Academic of Environmental Science, Guangzhou 510045, China
| | - Wenjie Shen
- School of Earth Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources Exploration, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Guangdong Province Academic of Environmental Science, Guangzhou 510045, China
| | - Xingyuan Li
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, 730000, China.
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6
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Swaringen BF, Gawlik E, Kamenov GD, McTigue NE, Cornwell DA, Bonzongo JCJ. Children's exposure to environmental lead: A review of potential sources, blood levels, and methods used to reduce exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112025. [PMID: 34508773 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lead has been used for thousands of years in different anthropogenic activities thanks to its unique properties that allow for many applications such as the manufacturing of drinking water pipes and its use as additives to gasoline and paint. However, knowledge of the adverse impacts of lead on human health has led to its banning from several of its applications, with the main goal of reducing environmental pollution and protecting human health. Human exposure to lead has been linked to different sources of contamination, resulting in high blood lead levels (BLLs) and adverse health implications, primarily in exposed children. Here, we present a summary of a literature review on potential lead sources affecting blood levels and on the different approaches used to reduce human exposure. The findings show a combination of different research approaches, which include the use of inspectors to identify problematic areas in homes, collection and analysis of environmental samples, different lead detection methods (e.g. smart phone applications to identify the presence of lead and mass spectrometry techniques). Although not always the most effective way to predict BLLs in children, linear and non-linear regression models have been used to link BLLs and environmental lead. However, multiple regressions and complex modelling systems would be ideal, especially when seeking results in support of decision-making processes. Overall, lead remains a pollutant of concern and many children are still exposed to it through environmental and drinking water sources. To reduce exposure to lead through source apportionment methods, recent technological advances using high-precision lead stable isotope ratios measured on multi-collector induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) instruments have created a new direction for identifying and then eliminating prevalent lead sources associated with high BLLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Swaringen
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Emory Gawlik
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - George D Kamenov
- Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nancy E McTigue
- Cornwell Engineering Group, 712 Gum Rock Ct, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
| | - David A Cornwell
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Cornwell Engineering Group, 712 Gum Rock Ct, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
| | - Jean-Claude J Bonzongo
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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7
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Gillings MM, Fry KL, Morrison AL, Taylor MP. Spatial distribution and composition of mine dispersed trace metals in residential soil and house dust: Implications for exposure assessment and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 293:118462. [PMID: 34742822 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118462] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Trace metal exposure from environmental sources remains a persistent global problem, particularly in communities residing adjacent to metal extraction and processing industries. This study examines front yard soil and house dust from 62 residences throughout the Australian Ag-Pb-Zn mining city of Broken Hill to better understand spatial variability in metal distributions, compositions and exposures across an industrially polluted urban environment. X-ray fluorescence analysis of paired soil/dust samples indicated that geomean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cu (32/113), Zn (996/1852), As (24/34) and Pb (408/587) were higher in house dust while Ti (4239/3660) and Mn (1895/1101) were higher in outdoor soil. Ore associated metals and metalloids (Mn, Zn, As, Pb) in soil and house dust were positively correlated and declined in concentration away from mining areas, the primary source of metalliferous emissions in Broken Hill. The rate of decline was not equivalent between soil and house dust, with the indoor/outdoor concentration ratio increasing with distance from mining areas for Zn/Pb (geomean = 1.25/1.05 (<1 km); 2.14/1.52 (1-2 km); 2.54/2.04 (>2 km)). House dust and Broken Hill ore Pb isotopic compositions (206Pb/207Pb; 208Pb/207Pb) were more similar in homes nearest to mining areas than those further away (geomean apportioned ore Pb = 88% (<1 km); 76% (1-2 km); 66% (>2 km)), reflecting spatial shifts in the balance of sources contributing to indoor contamination. Incorporation of house dust Pb reduced overestimation of IEUBK modelled blood Pb concentrations compared to when only soil Pb was used. These findings demonstrate that even in contexts where the source and environmental burden of metals are relatively apparent, geochemical relationships and exposures between outdoor and indoor environments are not always predictable, nor easily disaggregated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max M Gillings
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Kara L Fry
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Anthony L Morrison
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
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Xu L, Dai H, Skuza L, Wei S. Comprehensive exploration of heavy metal contamination and risk assessment at two common smelter sites. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131350. [PMID: 34265711 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the horizontal, vertical and fractional distribution of heavy metals in the soil and the pollution and risk assessment of two smelter sites in Daye (a Cu smelter) and Zhuzhou (a Zn oxide smelter). Nine sampling points were reasonably established at each site, and nine soil samples were collected in each soil profile, with a total of 81 samples at each site. The results indicated that only As concentration was exceeded in most of the samples from the Daye site, and several were contaminated with multiple heavy metals, i.e. As, Cd and Pb; the values exceeding the standard were significant. Most of the samples at the Zhuzhou site were contaminated with many heavy metals, i.e. As, Cd, Pb and Ni. With increasing depth, the proportion of the acid-soluble and reducible heavy metal fraction decreased, while the proportion of the oxidized and residual fraction increased. The pollution index (PI) indicated that As at all positions, and Cd and Pb at several positions at the Daye site, as well as Cd and Pb at all points of Zhuzhou should have received more attention. The Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) showed that a few sampling points in Daye were severely polluted, i.e. the points D5 with the value of 77.49 and the point D7 with 62.33, were more than the threshold value with 3 of severe pollution. Almost all sampling points in Zhuzhou were severely polluted, but the pollution degree was slightly lower than at Daye. The hazard index (HI) indicated the potential non-carcinogenic risk at the Daye and Zhuzhou sites. These values were unacceptable for both adults and children. The carcinogenic risk (CR) index indicated that the potential carcinogen risk due to As and Ni contamination were unacceptable at both sites, especially for children with 9.27E-03 and 1.99E-03 of As and Ni at Daye site, while 4.55E-03 and 4.09E-03 at Zhuzhou site. Strict control of industrial waste residues and smelters emissions into the soil is necessary to avoid further aggravation of heavy metal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Huiping Dai
- College of Biological Science & Engineering, Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Bio-resources, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China.
| | - Lidia Skuza
- Institute of Biology, Centre for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, 71-415, Poland
| | - Shuhe Wei
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Fry KL, Gillings MM, Isley CF, Gunkel-Grillon P, Taylor MP. Trace element contamination of soil and dust by a New Caledonian ferronickel smelter: Dispersal, enrichment, and human health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117593. [PMID: 34245983 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metallurgical industries remain a considerable source of trace element contamination and potential human health risk. Determination of sources is a key challenge. With respect to the South Pacific's largest and longest operating metallurgic smelter in Nouméa, New Caledonia, determining the environmental impact and subsequent human health risk associated with local ferronickel smelting is complicated by natural geological enrichment of Ni and Cr. This study applies a multi-method and multi-matrix approach to disentangle smelter emissions from geogenic sources and model the consequent health risk from industrial activity. Dust wipes (n = 108), roadside soil (n = 91), garden soil (n = 15) and household vacuum dust (n = 39) were assessed to explore geospatial trace element (As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, V and Zn) variations across outdoor and indoor environments. Enrichment factors (EF) identified elevated levels of smelter-related trace elements: S (EF = 7), Ni (EF = 6) and Cr (EF = 4), as well as Zn (EF = 4). Smelter-related elements in soil and dust deposits were negatively correlated with distance from the facility. Similarity of Pb isotopic compositions between dust wipes, surface soil and vacuum dust indicated that potentially toxic trace elements are being tracked into homes. Non-carcinogenic health risk modelling (Hazard Index, HI) based on 15 spatial nodes across Nouméa revealed widespread exceedance of tolerable risk for children (0-2 years) for Ni (HI 1.3-15.8) and Mn (HI 0.6-1.8). Risk was greatest near the smelter and to the north-west, in the direction of prevailing wind. Given the elevated cancer risk documented in New Caledonia, disentanglement of environmental from industrial sources warrants further attention to ensure community health protection. Our analysis illustrates how the confounding effects from complex environmental factors can be distilled to improve the accuracy of point source apportionment to direct future mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Fry
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - M M Gillings
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C F Isley
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P Gunkel-Grillon
- Institute of Exact and Applied Sciences (ISEA), University of New Caledonia, BPR4 98851 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia, France
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, New South Wales, Australia.
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Toyomaki H, Yabe J, Nakayama SMM, Yohannes YB, Muzandu K, Mufune T, Nakata H, Ikenaka Y, Kuritani T, Nakagawa M, Choongo K, Ishizuka M. Lead concentrations and isotope ratios in blood, breastmilk and feces: contribution of both lactation and soil/dust exposure to infants in a lead mining area, Kabwe, Zambia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117456. [PMID: 34052649 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) poses a serious public health concern. Breastmilk may be a possible source of Pb exposure in infants, as Pb can be transferred from the maternal blood to breastmilk. The present study was undertaken to determine the Pb exposure and the contribution of lactation as one of the exposure pathways to infants in a Pb mining area, Kabwe, Zambia. Blood, breastmilk and infants' feces were collected from 418 pairs of infants and mothers. The Pb concentrations, isotope ratios in the samples, and biochemistry in mothers' plasma were analyzed. The overall mean of blood lead levels (BLLs) in infants and mothers were 18.0 and 11.3 μg/dL, respectively. High Pb concentration in breastmilk (range: 0.4-51.9, mean: 5.3 μg/L) above the WHO acceptable level between 2 and 5 μg/L were found and could be one of the sources of Pb exposure in infants. The Pb isotope ratios in infants' feces were the most similar to Pb ratios in the soil samples. The results suggest that infants are also exposed to Pb from the environment. Pb exposure in infants through breastfeeding and soil ingestion could potentially exceed daily intake of Pb which causes neurodevelopmental toxicity. In contrast to the high BLLs in mothers, the plasma biochemical profiles of most analyzed parameters were interestingly within, or close to, the standard reference values. Our data suggest that environmental remediation is urgently needed to reduce the Pb exposure in infants and mothers from the environment in Kabwe in parallel with chelation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruya Toyomaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - John Yabe
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Zambia; Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Shouta M M Nakayama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan.
| | - Yared B Yohannes
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan; Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kaampwe Muzandu
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan; The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Zambia
| | - Tiza Mufune
- Ministry of Health, District Health Office, Kabwe, Zambia
| | - Hokuto Nakata
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan; Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, South Africa; Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kuritani
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Nakagawa
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kennedy Choongo
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Zambia; Fiji National University, College of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Koronivia Campus, Suva, Fiji
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
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11
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Castro-Larragoitia J, Morton-Bermea O, Pérez-Rodríguez RY, Razo-Soto I, Montes-Ávila I, Hernández-Álvarez E, Arellano-Álvarez ÁA. Metal(loid) exposure on children from a historical metallurgical site. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:2803-2817. [PMID: 33411168 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00795-w] [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: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The data obtained in this study represent a comprehensive assessment of human exposure to metal(loids) enriched in the environment, derived from metallurgical activities in Cedral, a town in North-Central Mexico. A multi-elemental analysis (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Sb) shows high metal(loid) content in environmental media (tailings samples, dust samples and particulate matter < 2.5 µm collected in the urban area). Blood samples from school-age children were collected and analyzed to determine exposure levels. The assessment of the data obtained from this study shows that Sb and Cd are highly enriched elements in the environment of Cedral; their respective levels in the blood samples analyzed are 10.9 and 11.3 times higher than their pediatric reference levels. The statistical analysis indicates a strong relationship between metal(loid)s in blood samples and both dust and PM2.5 samples, which reveal that ingestion and inhalation could represent important exposure routes for metal(loid) intake. Continuous monitoring in the area is paramount to assess the health impact posed by the different routes of exposure. It is also important to implement health education programs to decrease the population's exposure to metal(loid)s and to design urgent remediation measures, to be implemented as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Castro-Larragoitia
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Manuel Nava 8, 78290, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
| | - Ofelia Morton-Bermea
- Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04150, Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | | | - Israel Razo-Soto
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Manuel Nava 8, 78290, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Isidro Montes-Ávila
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Manuel Nava 8, 78290, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
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12
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Soto-Jiménez MF, Flegal AR. Inventory of Pb emissions from one of the largest historic Pb smelter worldwide: 118-year legacy of Pb pollution in northern Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:20737-20750. [PMID: 33409992 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11788-8] [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: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The atmospheric Pb emissions (1901-2019), from one of the world's largest non-ferrous metallurgical complexes (Met-Mex in Torreón, México), were estimated based on historical records of modifications in the design, processes, and production volumes. Eight historical periods, with differing amounts of Pb emissions, were distinguished: (1) Essentially no controls (1901-1960); (2) migration to limited controls (1961-1972) by conversion to a Pb-Zn smelter-refining complex and installation of SO2 collectors in 1961-1963; (3) completion to limited control (1973-1977) by the installation of a third H2SO4 collector and a low-efficiency filtration system; (4) maintenance of limited control with no changes (1978-1987); (5) migration to strict control (1988 to 1998) by updating H2SO4 collectors and installation of fertilizer and SO2 liquid extraction plants; (6) completion to strict control (1999-2000) by the installation of state-art technology filtration systems and roofing working areas; (7) migration to abatement (2001-2003) by implantation of good management practices; and (8) maintenance of abatement following good management practices (2004-2019). Based on differences between those periods, we reconstructed the evolution of the Pb emission reduction efficiency (ER in %) and Pb emission factors (EF in gram/ton) for the Torreón complex. Pb emitted by the complex over the past 118 years totaled 23,350-27,580 t, with most of it (63-75%) occurring when emission controls were negligible (pre-1960 period). In comparisons with other facilities worldwide (e.g., the USA, Canada, and Europa), the modification in Met-Mex for control the Pb emission occurred several years. Emissions from the primary Pb-Zn smelter-refining are released mostly to the atmosphere from the sintering, smelting, drossing, and refining. While Pb emissions from the facility have declined by over an order of magnitude to contemporary levels (≤ 12.6 t/year), the current Pb rates still account for atmospheric Pb levels that are 2-3 times higher the USEPA standard and still constitutes a major health threat in Torreón.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Federico Soto-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, UNAM, Av. Joel Montes Camarena s/n Centro, 82040, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - Arthur Russel Flegal
- Institute of Marine Science, WIGS, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
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13
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Jo H, Kim G, Chang J, Lee K, Lee C, Lee B. Chronic Exposure to Lead and Cadmium in Residents Living Near a Zinc Smelter. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041731. [PMID: 33579011 PMCID: PMC7916774 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to measure lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure levels in residents living near a zinc (Zn) smelter in Seokpo-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, South Korea, and identify factors affecting exposure. Residents aged ≥20 years living within 3 km and ≥30 km away from the smelter were classified as the exposure group (n = 549), and the control group (n = 265), respectively. Data were obtained through a questionnaire survey. Blood Pb levels in the exposure group (4.19 µg/dL) were higher than in the control group (2.70 µg/dL). The exposure group (1.32 µg/L) also had higher urinary Cd concentrations than the control group (0.80 µg/L). Male sex, older age, previous work at the smelter, smoking, and proximity to the smelter were associated with higher blood Pb levels on multivariate analysis; urinary Cd concentration was significantly higher in women, those who were older, those with experience of working in a Zn smelter or mine, those with proximity to the Zn smelter, and those who consumed locally grown vegetables. In conclusion, Zn smelters are major source of Pb and Cd pollution and require ongoing public health management to prevent potential adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- HyeJeong Jo
- Environmental Health Research Department, Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Korea; (H.J.); (G.K.); (J.C.); (C.L.)
| | - GeunBae Kim
- Environmental Health Research Department, Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Korea; (H.J.); (G.K.); (J.C.); (C.L.)
| | - JunYoung Chang
- Environmental Health Research Department, Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Korea; (H.J.); (G.K.); (J.C.); (C.L.)
| | - Kwan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University, Kyungju 38066, Korea;
| | - ChulWoo Lee
- Environmental Health Research Department, Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Korea; (H.J.); (G.K.); (J.C.); (C.L.)
| | - BoEun Lee
- Environmental Health Research Department, Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Korea; (H.J.); (G.K.); (J.C.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Thinh NV, Osanai Y, Adachi T, Vuong BTS, Kitano I, Chung NT, Thai PK. Removal of lead and other toxic metals in heavily contaminated soil using biodegradable chelators: GLDA, citric acid and ascorbic acid. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:127912. [PMID: 33297011 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the level of contamination of agricultural soil near an old recycling lead smelter in Vietnam and proposed an effective treatment for the remediation of the soil. The analysis of soil samples using an ICP-MS method revealed that the soil in the area was heavily contaminated by heavy metals, especially lead (Pb) with concentrations in surface soil of >3000 μg g-1. High concentrations of metals, including Pb, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), were found in whole soil profile. The FE-EPMA and Laser-Raman spectrometer results suggested that iron minerals and carbon materials in the soil are the important hosts of the toxic metals. Subsequently, a series of washing experiment were performed on the soil using biodegradable chelators, including N, N-dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid tetrasodium salt (GLDA), ascorbic acid and citric acid. The results showed that the mixture of GLDA-ascorbic (100 mM: 100 mM) can be considered as a potential candidate for Pb and Zn removal, which removes approximately 90% of Pb and 70% of Zn. Meanwhile, a mixture of GLDA-citric would be preferred for Cu removal based on its greater extraction efficiency compared to other mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Van Thinh
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan; Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan; Consulting Center of Technological Sciences for Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Yasuhito Osanai
- Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Adachi
- Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Bui Thi Sinh Vuong
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Ippei Kitano
- Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Nguyen Thuy Chung
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
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15
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Fry KL, Wheeler CA, Gillings MM, Flegal AR, Taylor MP. Anthropogenic contamination of residential environments from smelter As, Cu and Pb emissions: Implications for human health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 262:114235. [PMID: 32146362 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Communities in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) are disproportionally affected by industrial pollution compared to more developed nations. This study evaluates the dispersal and associated health risk of contaminant-laden soil and dust at a copper (Cu) smelter in Tsumeb, Namibia. It is Africa's only smelter capable of treating complex Cu ores that contain high arsenic (As) contents (<1%). The analyses focused on the primary trace elements associated with ore processing at the smelter: As, Cu, and lead (Pb). Portable X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) of trace elements in soils (n = 83) and surface dust wipes (n = 80) showed that elemental contamination was spatially associated with proximity to smelter operations. Soil concentrations were below US EPA soil guidelines. Dust wipe values were elevated relative to sites distal from the facility and similar to those at other international smelter locations (As = 1012 μg/m2 (95% CI 687-1337); Cu = 1838 μg/m2 (95% CI 1191-2485); Pb = 1624 μg/m2 (95% CI 862-2385)). Source apportionment for Pb contamination was assessed using Pb isotopic compositions (PbIC) of dust wipes (n = 22). These data revealed that the PbIC of 73% (n = 16/22) of these wipes corresponded to the PbIC of smelter slag and tailings, indicating contribution from industrial emissions to ongoing exposure risk. Modeling of carcinogenic risk showed that dust ingestion was the most important pathway, followed by inhalation, for both adults and children. Dermal contact to trace elements in dust was also determined to pose a carcinogenic risk for children, but not adults. Consequently, contemporary smelter operations remain an ongoing health risk to the surrounding community, in spite of recent efforts to improve emissions from the operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L Fry
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Cassandra Anne Wheeler
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Max M Gillings
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - A Russell Flegal
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, WIGS, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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16
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Natasha, Dumat C, Shahid M, Khalid S, Murtaza B. Lead Pollution and Human Exposure: Forewarned is Forearmed, and the Question Now Becomes How to Respond to the Threat! RADIONUCLIDES AND HEAVY METALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21638-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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17
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Semenova Y, Zhunussov Y, Pivina L, Abisheva A, Tinkov A, Belikhina T, Skalny A, Zhanaspayev M, Bulegenov T, Glushkova N, Lipikhina A, Dauletyarova M, Zhunussova T, Bjørklund G. Trace element biomonitoring in hair and blood of occupationally unexposed population residing in polluted areas of East Kazakhstan and Pavlodar regions. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 56:31-37. [PMID: 31442951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Eastern and North-Eastern regions of Kazakhstan are considered to be environmentally disadvantaged due to industrial pollution and activity of the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. Ferrous metallurgy is represented by the world's largest ferroalloy plant located in Aksu. In addition to a ferroalloy plant, Aksu is the home for the largest thermal power plant in Kazakhstan. OBJECTIVE Biomonitoring of 31 hair and blood trace elements (Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Cs, Co, Ce, Cr, Cu, Eu, Gd, Hf, In, La, Li, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Pb, Sc, Sn, Tl, Th, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr) in non-occupationally exposed population residing in polluted areas of East Kazakhstan and Pavlodar regions. METHODS Five case groups, residing in the vicinity to the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (Akzhar, Borodulikha, and Karaul) or in proximity to industrial plants (Aksu and Ust-Kamenogorsk) have been assessed vs. controls from a rural settlement in Kurchum. In total, 204 hair and blood samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS The observed blood concentrations of trace elements were in agreement with earlier studies on residents of industrially polluted areas. Elevated levels of blood Ba, Mn, Pb, V, and Zn were detected in residents of Aksu and Ust-Kamenogorsk. The elemental composition of head hair was characterized by greater stability between the study sites. CONCLUSION Residency near the former Semipalatinsk Test Site could be considered as safe, while the environmental status of industrial settlements appears to be rather adverse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Semenova
- Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan; CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Lyudmila Pivina
- Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan; CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Alexey Tinkov
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatyana Belikhina
- Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan; CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Anatoly Skalny
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems and Agro-technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
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18
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Early-life Pb exposure as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease: are there hazards for the Mexican population? J Biol Inorg Chem 2019; 24:1285-1303. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-019-01739-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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19
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Taylor MP, Isley CF, Glover J. Prevalence of childhood lead poisoning and respiratory disease associated with lead smelter emissions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 127:340-352. [PMID: 30954720 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The city of Port Pirie in South Australia has been a world leading centre for lead and zinc smelting and processing since 1889 that continues to cause contamination of its environment and resident population. This study quantifies the effect of lead and SO2 emissions from Nyrstar Port Pirie Pty Ltd's smelter on blood lead and respiratory health outcomes, respectively, and establishes what air quality values are required to better protect human health. METHOD Blood lead and emergency department presentation data collected by South Australia Health (SA Health) and lead in air and SO2 data collected by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (SAEPA) were obtained and analysed to quantify health outcomes due to smelter emissions in Port Pirie. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the concentration of lead in air and children's blood lead levels between the years of available data: 2003 to 2017. Ambient SO2 concentrations (SAEPA) measured continuously between 2008 and 2018 were 24-hour averaged and compared to daily local emergency department respiratory presentation rates (available from July 2012 to October 2018). Rates of emergency department respiratory presentations at Port Pirie and regional comparators were calculated as age-standardised rates. RESULTS The data show that increases in ambient SO2 concentrations are associated with increased rates of emergency department respiratory presentations of Port Pirie residents, in which children are over-represented. The 30-day rolling average of respiratory presentations was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with incremental increases in SO2. Analysis of the relationship between lead in air and blood lead shows that annual geometric mean air lead concentrations need to be <0.11 μg/m3 to ensure the geometric mean blood lead of Port Pirie children under 5 years is ≤5 μg/dL. For children aged 24 months, lead in air needs to be no greater than 0.082 μg/m3 (annual geometric mean) to ensure geometric mean blood lead does not exceed 5 μg/dL. CONCLUSION Current smelting emissions continue to pose a clear risk of harm to Port Pirie children. Allowable emissions must be lowered significantly to limit adverse childhood health outcomes including respiratory illness and IQ, academic achievement and socio-behavioural problems that are associated with lead exposure at levels experienced by Port Pirie children. Current SO2 levels are likely to be responsible for increased rates of emergency department respiratory presentations in Port Pirie compared with other South Australian locations. As a minimum, Australian SO2 air quality standards need to be enforced in Port Pirie to better protect human health. Lead in air needs to be approximately 80% lower than the current national standard (0.5 μg/m3) to ensure that the geometric blood lead of children under 5 years is less than or equal to 5 μg/dL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Cynthia Faye Isley
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - John Glover
- Public Health Information Development Unit, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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20
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Dong C, Taylor MP, Zahran S. The effect of contemporary mine emissions on children's blood lead levels. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 122:91-103. [PMID: 30509512 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Broken Hill is home to Australia's oldest silver-zinc-lead mine. However, the precise source of childhood blood lead (PbB) exposures has been subject to considerable debate. Lead sources include natural soil Pb enrichment, legacy deposition, contemporary mining emissions, and Pb-based paint. OBJECTIVE To test whether contemporary mining emissions independently affect childhood PbB in Broken Hill. METHODS Children's (<5 years old) PbB measures from 2011 to 2015 (n = 4852), obtained from Broken Hill Child & Family Health Centre, were analyzed using generalised linear regression models, including covariates of household soil Pb, city dust Pb concentrations (PbD), demographic factors and Pb ore production. Two natural experiments involving wind direction and the 2009 dust storm were examined to test whether the PbB-distance gradient from the mining operations was influenced by contemporary emissions. The influence of contemporary emissions was further interrogated by examining the effect of ore production on PbB and PbD. RESULTS Children living downwind and proximate to the mine had substantially higher PbB outcomes than children similarly distant but upwind. Dust Pb deposition increased significantly with proximity to mining operations as well to Pb production (1991-2013). Average annual PbB correlated with Pb ore production (p < 0.01) with all subsets of children PbB levels responding with near unit elasticity to Pb ore production (p < 0.01). Pre- and post-analysis of the dust storm showed the PbB-distance gradient remained statistically unaltered further confirming contemporary emissions as a source of exposure. CONCLUSIONS Contemporary mining emissions influence children's PbB measures independent of other sources and need to be remediated to facilitate reductions in harmful exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyin Dong
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Energy and Environmental Contaminants Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sammy Zahran
- Department of Economics, Centre for Disaster and Risk Analysis, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Kordas K, Ravenscroft J, Cao Y, McLean EV. Lead Exposure in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Perspectives and Lessons on Patterns, Injustices, Economics, and Politics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2351. [PMID: 30356019 PMCID: PMC6266944 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure is a legacy issue that continues to affect vulnerable population groups globally, but particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICS). We take a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the patterns of lead exposure in these countries, discuss the underlying injustices and socio-political causes, and the economic costs that are associated with exposure. We conclude with some lessons we drew from our discussion of lead across the disciplines and advocate for a number of approaches to solving this ongoing issue. These include (i) biomonitoring that could be integrated into existing health surveys or public health programs targeting young children; (ii) greater civic engagement to push for solutions; and, (iii) environmental control policies that represent a continuum of local, context-specific to broad, national-level, and even global approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Julia Ravenscroft
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Ying Cao
- Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Elena V McLean
- Department of Political Science, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
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Soto-Jiménez MF, Olvera-Balderas D. Geochemical Fractionation and Potential Ecological Risk of Cadmium and Lead in Soils Impacted by Secondary Lead Refinery. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 101:372-379. [PMID: 30039304 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Total and geochemical associations of Cd and Pb were studied on 75 topsoil samples around a small secondary metal recovery factory, which stopped operations in April 2006 due to metal environmental problems in surrounding communities. After a decade, we evaluated the potential ecological risk of Cd and Pb in impacted soils calculating the risk assessment code (RAC) and the risk index (RI) based on the Hakanson method. High concentrations of metals were found in soils around the factory, with dispersion pattern towards the north-west and south-east quadrants. Cadmium was predominant in exchangeable and carbonate fractions, while Pb was more associated to oxides, sulfides and in lesser extent to carbonates. The values of RAC and RI revealed a serious-considerable ecological risk in the surroundings of the land occupied by the factory and toward W-NW and SE. Statistical analyses showed that smelting activities had a great influence on the metals spatial distribution and their geochemical fractions in polluted soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Soto-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 811, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - D Olvera-Balderas
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 811, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
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Green D, Sullivan M, Cooper N, Dean A, Marquez C. A Pilot Study of Children's Blood Lead Levels in Mount Isa, Queensland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1567. [PMID: 29236077 PMCID: PMC5750985 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Mount Isa, Queensland, is one of three Australian cities with significant lead emissions due to nonferrous mining and smelting. Unlike the two other cities with lead mines or smelters, Mount Isa currently has no system of annual, systematic, community-wide blood lead level testing; and testing rates among Indigenous children are low. In previous screenings, this group of children has been shown to have higher average blood lead levels than non-Indigenous children. The first aim of this study was to assess whether parents and children would participate in less invasive, rapid point-of-care capillary testing. The second aim was to measure blood lead levels among a range of children that roughly reflected the percentage of the Indigenous/non-Indigenous population. This pilot study is based on a convenience sample of children between the ages of 12 and 83 months who were recruited to participate by staff at a Children and Family Centre. Over three half-days, 30 children were tested using capillary blood samples and the LeadCare II Point-of-Care testing system. Rapid point-of-care capillary testing was well tolerated by the children. Of 30 children tested, 40% (n = 12) had blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL and 10% had levels ≥10 µg/dL. The highest blood lead level measured was 17.3 µg/dL. The percentage of children with blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL was higher among Indigenous children compared to non-Indigenous (64.2% compared to 18.8%) as was the geometric mean level (6.5 (95% CI, 4.7, 9.2) versus 2.4 (95% CI, 1.8, 3.1)), a statistically significant difference. Though based on a small convenience sample, this study identified 12 children (40%) of the sample with blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL. Due to historical and ongoing heavy metal emissions from mining and smelting in Mount Isa, we recommend a multi-component program of universal blood lead level testing, culturally appropriate follow-up and intervention for children who are identified with blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL. We further recommend focused outreach and assistance to the Indigenous community, and further control of emissions and remediation of existing environmental lead contamination in children's play and residential areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Green
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Systems Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Marianne Sullivan
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA.
| | - Nathan Cooper
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Systems Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Annika Dean
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Cielo Marquez
- Sonic HealthPlus Super Clinic, Ryan Road, Mount Isa, QLD 4825, Australia.
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Wu L, Taylor MP, Handley HK. Remobilisation of industrial lead depositions in ash during Australian wildfires. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:1233-1240. [PMID: 28521386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the recycling of lead (Pb) in ash from wildfires, its source and potential contribution to environmental contamination. Ash from wildfires was collected from four Australian sites following uncontrolled fires during 2012 to 2013 close to major urban populations in Sydney (New South Wales), Hobart (Tasmania) and Adelaide (South Australia). The samples were analysed for their total Pb concentration and Pb isotopic composition to determine the sources of Pb and the extent, if any, of industrial contamination and its recycling into the ecosystem. Median ash concentrations (23mg/kg) released from a wildfire close to Australia's largest city, Sydney, exceeded the median ash Pb concentrations from wildfires from the less populated locations of Hobart, Adelaide and NSW Central Coast. Lead isotopic compositions of Duffys Forest wildfire ash demonstrate that anthropogenic inputs from legacy leaded petrol depositions were the predominant source of contamination. Despite the cessation of leaded petrol use in Australia in 2002, historic petrol Pb deposits continue to be a substantial source of contamination in ash: petrol Pb contributed 35% of the Pb in the Woy Woy ash, 73% in Duffys Forest ash, 39% in Forcett ash and 5% in Cherryville ash. The remobilisation of legacy industrial Pb depositions by wildfires in ash results in it being a persistent and problematic contaminant in contemporary environmental systems because of its known toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Wu
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Macquarie University Centre for Energy and Environmental Contaminants, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
| | - Heather K Handley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Macquarie University Centre for Energy and Environmental Contaminants, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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Sariñana-Ruiz YA, Vazquez-Arenas J, Sosa-Rodríguez FS, Labastida I, Armienta MA, Aragón-Piña A, Escobedo-Bretado MA, González-Valdez LS, Ponce-Peña P, Ramírez-Aldaba H, Lara RH. Assessment of arsenic and fluorine in surface soil to determine environmental and health risk factors in the Comarca Lagunera, Mexico. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 178:391-401. [PMID: 28340462 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Total, bioaccessible and mobile concentrations of arsenic and fluorine are determined in polluted surface soil within the Comarca Lagunera region using standardized protocols to obtain a full description of the environmental behavior for these elements. The composition of mineral phases associated with them is evaluated with microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Mineralogical characterizations indicate that ultra-fine particles (<1-5 μm) including mimetite-vanadite (Pb5(AsO4)3Cl, Pb5(AsO4, VO4)3Cl)-like, lead arseniate (Pb3(AsO4)2)-like and complex arsenic-bearing compounds are main arsenic-bearing phases, while fluorite (CaF2) is the only fluorine-bearing phase. Total fluorine and arsenic concentrations in surface soil range from 89.75 to 926.63 and 2.7-78.6 mg kg-1, respectively, exceeding in many points a typical baseline value for fluorine (321 mg kg-1), and trigger level criterion for arsenic soil remediation (20 mg kg-1); whereas fluoride and arsenic concentrations in groundwater vary from 0.24 to 1.8 mg L-1 and 0.12-0.650 mg L-1, respectively. The main bioaccessible percentages of soil in the gastric phase (SBRC-G) are estimated for arsenic from 1 to 63%, and this parameter in the intestinal phase (SBRC-I) fluorine from 2 to 46%, suggesting human health risks for this region. While a negligible/low mobility is found in soil for arsenic (0.1-11%), an important mobility is determined for fluorine (2-39%), indicating environmental risk related to potential fluorine release. The environmental and health risks connected to arsenic and fluorine are discussed based on experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yareli A Sariñana-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Av. Veterinaria S/N, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del Sur, 34120, Durango, DGO, Mexico
| | - Jorge Vazquez-Arenas
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina, Iztapalapa, 09340, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fabiola S Sosa-Rodríguez
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Área de Crecimiento Económico y Medio Ambiente, Av. San Pablo 180, Ciudad de México, 02200, Mexico
| | - Israel Labastida
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Azcapotzalco, Departamento de Energía, Av. San Pablo 180, Ciudad de México, 02200, Mexico
| | - Ma Aurora Armienta
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Geofísica, UNAM, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Antonio Aragón-Piña
- Instituto de Metalurgia, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona No. 550, Lomas 2(da) sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Miguel A Escobedo-Bretado
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Av. Veterinaria S/N, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del Sur, 34120, Durango, DGO, Mexico
| | - Laura S González-Valdez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR, Unidad Durango, Sigma S/N 20 de Noviembre II, Durango, DGO, Mexico
| | - Patricia Ponce-Peña
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Av. Veterinaria S/N, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del Sur, 34120, Durango, DGO, Mexico
| | - Hugo Ramírez-Aldaba
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Av. Veterinaria S/N, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del Sur, 34120, Durango, DGO, Mexico
| | - René H Lara
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Av. Veterinaria S/N, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del Sur, 34120, Durango, DGO, Mexico.
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Vaselli O, Nisi B, Rappuoli D, Cabassi J, Tassi F. Gaseous Elemental Mercury and Total and Leached Mercury in Building Materials from the Former Hg-Mining Area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Central Italy). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E425. [PMID: 28420130 PMCID: PMC5409626 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14040425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mercury has a strong environmental impact since both its organic and inorganic forms are toxic, and it represents a pollutant of global concern. Liquid Hg is highly volatile and can be released during natural and anthropogenic processes in the hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. In this study, the distribution of Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) and the total and leached mercury concentrations on paint, plaster, roof tiles, concrete, metals, dust and wood structures were determined in the main buildings and structures of the former Hg-mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Siena, Central Italy). The mining complex (divided into seven units) covers a surface of about 65 ha and contains mining structures and managers' and workers' buildings. Nine surveys of GEM measurements were carried out from July 2011 to August 2015 for the buildings and structures located in Units 2, 3 and 6, the latter being the area where liquid mercury was produced. Measurements were also performed in February, April, July, September and December 2016 in the edifices and mining structures of Unit 6. GEM concentrations showed a strong variability in time and space mostly depending on ambient temperature and the operational activities that were carried out in each building. The Unit 2 surveys carried out in the hotter period (from June to September) showed GEM concentrations up to 27,500 ng·m-3, while in Unit 6, they were on average much higher, and occasionally, they saturated the GEM measurement device (>50,000 ng·m-3). Concentrations of total (in mg·kg-1) and leached (in μg·L-1) mercury measured in different building materials (up to 46,580 mg·kg-1 and 4470 mg·L-1, respectively) were highly variable, being related to the edifice or mining structure from which they were collected. The results obtained in this study are of relevant interest for operational cleanings to be carried out during reclamation activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Vaselli
- Department of Earth Sciences, Via G. La Pira, 4-50121 Florence, Italy.
- CNR-Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira, 4-50121 Florence, Italy.
| | - Barbara Nisi
- CNR-Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via Moruzzi, 1-56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Daniele Rappuoli
- Unione dei Comuni Amiata-Val D'Orcia, Via del Colombaio, 98-53023 Gallina, Castiglion d'Orcia, Siena, Italy.
| | - Jacopo Cabassi
- CNR-Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira, 4-50121 Florence, Italy.
| | - Franco Tassi
- Department of Earth Sciences, Via G. La Pira, 4-50121 Florence, Italy.
- CNR-Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira, 4-50121 Florence, Italy.
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Vázquez Bahéna AB, Talavera Mendoza O, Moreno Godínez ME, Salgado Souto SA, Ruiz J, Huerta Beristain G. Source apportionment of lead in the blood of women of reproductive age living near tailings in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico: An isotopic study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 583:104-114. [PMID: 28108093 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The concentration and isotopic composition of lead in the blood of forty seven women of reproductive age (15-45y) exposed to multiple sources in two rural communities of the mining region of Taxco, Guerrero in southern Mexico were determined in order to identify specific contributing sources and their apportionment and to trace probable ingestion pathways. Our data indicate that >36% of the studied women have blood lead concentrations above 10μgdL-1 and up to 87% above 5μgdL-1. Tailings contain between 2128 and 5988mgkg-1 of lead and represent the most conspicuous source in the area. Lead contents in indoor dust are largely variable (21.7-987mgkg-1) but only 15% of samples are above the Mexican Regulatory Guideline for urban soils (400mgkg-1). By contrast, 85% of glazed containers (range: 0.026-68.6mgkg-1) used for cooking and food storage are above the maximum 2mgL-1 of soluble lead established in the Mexican Guideline. The isotopic composition indicates that lead in the blood of 95% of the studied women can be modeled in terms of a mixing system between local ores (and derivatives), glazed pottery and Morelos bedrock, end-members, with the two former being largely the most important contributors. Only one sample shows influence of indoor paints. Indoor dust is dominated by ores and derivatives but some samples show evidence of contribution from a less radiogenic source very likely represented by interior paints. This study supports the application of lead isotopic ratios to identify potential sources and their apportionment in humans exposed to multiple sources of lead from both, natural and anthropogenic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analine Berenice Vázquez Bahéna
- UA Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n. Ciudad Universitaria, Chilpancingo, Guerrero C.P. 39090, Mexico
| | - Oscar Talavera Mendoza
- UA Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n. Ciudad Universitaria, Chilpancingo, Guerrero C.P. 39090, Mexico; UA de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Exhacienda S. Juan Bautista, Taxco el Viejo, Guerrero C.P. 40323, Mexico.
| | - Ma Elena Moreno Godínez
- UA Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n. Ciudad Universitaria, Chilpancingo, Guerrero C.P. 39090, Mexico
| | - Sergio Adrián Salgado Souto
- UA de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Exhacienda S. Juan Bautista, Taxco el Viejo, Guerrero C.P. 40323, Mexico
| | - Joaquín Ruiz
- Department of Geosciences, The University of Arizona, 1040 E. 4th St. Gould-Simpson Building #77, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Gerardo Huerta Beristain
- UA Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n. Ciudad Universitaria, Chilpancingo, Guerrero C.P. 39090, Mexico
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Olympio KPK, Gonçalves CG, Salles FJ, Ferreira APSDS, Soares AS, Buzalaf MAR, Cardoso MRA, Bechara EJH. What are the blood lead levels of children living in Latin America and the Caribbean? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 101:46-58. [PMID: 28159393 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Information on the prevalence of lead exposure is essential to formulate efficient public health policies. Developed countries have implemented successful public policies for the prevention and control of lead poisoning. In the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Union, for instance, periodically repeated prevalence studies show that blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have decreased overall. Although BLL of Latino children in the U.S. have also dropped in recent years, the geometric mean remains higher than that of white children. Little is known about lead exposure in children in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In this review, we responded to two questions: What is currently known about lead sources and levels in children in LAC? Are there public policies to prevent children's exposure to lead in LAC? METHOD We conducted a literature review covering the period from January 2000 to March 2014 in the PubMed and Lilacs databases to obtain English, Portuguese and Spanish language studies reporting the prevalence of BLLs in children aged 0-18years living in LAC countries. No specific analytical method was selected, and given the scarcity of data, the study was highly inclusive. RESULTS Fifty-six papers were selected from 16 different LAC countries. The children's BLLs found in this review are high (≥10μg/dL) compared to BLLs for the same age group in the U. S. However, most studies reported an association with some type of "lead hot spot", in which children can be exposed to lead levels similar to those of occupational settings. Only Peru and Mexico reported BLLs in children from population-based studies. CONCLUSIONS Most BLLs prevalence studies carried out in LAC were in areas with known emission sources. The percentage of children at risk of lead poisoning in LAC is unknown, and probably underestimated. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish public health policies to quantify and prevent lead poisoning, specifically by prioritizing the identification and control of "hot spots".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cláudia Gaudência Gonçalves
- Departamento de Controle Ambiental/Grupo Técnico Permanente de Áreas Contaminadas - Secretaria do Verde e Meio Ambiente de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Junqueira Salles
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Agnes Silva Soares
- Sustainable Development and Health Equity, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Regina Alves Cardoso
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Maisant SC, Villa AF, Poupon J, Langrand J, Garnier R. L’analyse isotopique du plomb : un outil utile en santé au travail en cas de multi-expositions. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Sharpe AE, Kamenov GD, Gilli A, Hodell DA, Emery KF, Brenner M, Krigbaum J. Lead (Pb) Isotope Baselines for Studies of Ancient Human Migration and Trade in the Maya Region. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164871. [PMID: 27806065 PMCID: PMC5091867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the potential use of lead (Pb) isotopes to source archaeological materials from the Maya region of Mesoamerica. The main objectives were to determine if: 1) geologic terrains throughout the Maya area exhibit distinct lead isotope ratios (206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb), and 2) a combination of lead and strontium ratios can enhance sourcing procedures in the Mesoamerica region. We analyzed 60 rock samples for lead isotope ratios and a representative subset of samples for lead, uranium, and thorium concentrations across the Maya region, including the Northern Lowlands of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, the Southern Lowlands of Guatemala and Belize, the Volcanic Highlands, the Belizean Maya Mountains, and the Metamorphic Province/Motagua Valley. Although there is some overlap within certain sub-regions, particularly the geologically diverse Metamorphic Province, lead isotopes can be used to distinguish between the Northern Lowlands, the Southern Lowlands, and the Volcanic Highlands. The distinct lead isotope ratios in the sub-regions are related to the geology of the Maya area, exhibiting a general trend in the lowlands of geologically younger rocks in the north to older rocks in the south, and Cenozoic volcanic rocks in the southern highlands. Combined with other sourcing techniques such as strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ18O), a regional baseline for lead isotope ratios can contribute to the development of lead isoscapes in the Maya area, and may help to distinguish among geographic sub-regions at a finer scale than has been previously possible. These isotope baselines will provide archaeologists with an additional tool to track the origin and movement of ancient humans and artifacts across this important region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E. Sharpe
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Environmental Archaeology Program, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AES); (JK)
| | - George D. Kamenov
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Adrian Gilli
- Department of Earth Sciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - David A. Hodell
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kitty F. Emery
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Environmental Archaeology Program, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mark Brenner
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - John Krigbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AES); (JK)
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Youn JS, Csavina J, Rine KP, Shingler T, Taylor MP, Sáez AE, Betterton EA, Sorooshian A. Hygroscopic Properties and Respiratory System Deposition Behavior of Particulate Matter Emitted By Mining and Smelting Operations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:11706-11713. [PMID: 27700056 PMCID: PMC5089925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study examines size-resolved physicochemical data for particles sampled near mining and smelting operations and a background urban site in Arizona with a focus on how hygroscopic growth impacts particle deposition behavior. Particles with aerodynamic diameters between 0.056-18 μm were collected at three sites: (i) an active smelter operation in Hayden, AZ, (ii) a legacy mining site with extensive mine tailings in Iron King, AZ, and (iii) an urban site, inner-city Tucson, AZ. Mass size distributions of As and Pb exhibit bimodal profiles with a dominant peak between 0.32 and 0.56 μm and a smaller mode in the coarse range (>3 μm). The hygroscopicity profile did not exhibit the same peaks owing to dependence on other chemical constituents. Submicrometer particles were generally more hygroscopic than supermicrometer ones at all three sites with finite water-uptake ability at all sites and particle sizes examined. Model calculations at a relative humidity of 99.5% reveal significant respiratory system particle deposition enhancements at sizes with the largest concentrations of toxic contaminants. Between dry diameters of 0.32 and 0.56 μm, for instance, ICRP and MPPD models predict deposition fraction enhancements of 171%-261% and 33%-63%, respectively, at the three sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-sang Youn
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Janae Csavina
- National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), 1685 38 Street, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Kyle P. Rine
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Taylor Shingler
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - A. Eduardo Sáez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Eric A. Betterton
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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32
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Kristensen LJ, Taylor MP. Unravelling a 'miner's myth' that environmental contamination in mining towns is naturally occurring. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2016; 38:1015-1027. [PMID: 26919836 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9804-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Australia has a long history of metal mining and smelting. Extraction and processing have resulted in elevated levels of toxic metals surrounding mining operations, which have adverse health effects, particularly to children. Resource companies, government agencies and employees often construct 'myths' to down play potential exposure risks and responsibility arising from operating emissions. Typical statements include: contaminants are naturally occurring, the wind blows emissions away from residential areas, contaminants are not bioavailable, or the problem is a legacy issue and not related to current operations. Evidence from mining and smelting towns shows that such 'myths' are exactly that. In mining towns, the default and primary defence against contamination is that elevated metals in adjacent urban environments are from the erosion and weathering of the ore bodies over millennia-hence 'naturally occurring'. Not only is this a difficult argument to unravel from an evidence-based perspective, but also it causes confusion and delays remediation work, hindering efforts to reduce harmful exposures to children. An example of this situation is from Broken Hill, New South Wales, home to one of the world's largest lead-zinc-silver ore body, which has been mined continuously for over 130 years. Environmental metal concentration and lead isotopic data from soil samples collected from across Broken Hill are used to establish the nature and timing of lead contamination. We use multiple lines of evidence to unravel a 'miner's myth' by evaluating current soil metal concentrations and lead isotopic compositions, geological data, historical environmental assessments and old photographic evidence to assess the impacts from early smelting along with mining to the surface soils in the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Jane Kristensen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Guangorena-Gómez JO, Maravilla-Domínguez A, García-Arenas G, Cervantes-Flores M, Meza-Velázquez R, Rivera-Guillén M, Acosta-Saavedra LC, Goytia-Acevedo RC. Modulation of the immune response by infection with Cryptosporidium spp. in children with allergic diseases. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:468-80. [PMID: 27150641 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that the allergic response can be ameliorated by the administration of pathogen derivatives that activate Toll-like receptors and induce a Th1-type immune response (IR). Cryptosporidium is a parasite that promotes an IR via Toll-like receptors and elicits the production of Th1-type cytokines, which limit cryptosporidiosis. The aim of this study was to investigate allergy-related immune markers in children naturally infected with Cryptosporidium. In a cross-sectional study, 49 children with or without clinical diagnosis of allergies, oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. in the faeces were screened microscopically. We microscopically screened for leucocytes, examined T and B cells for allergy-related activation markers using flow cytometry and evaluated serum for total IgE using chemiluminescence. Children with allergies and Cryptosporidium in the faeces had significantly lower levels of total IgE, B cells, CD19(+) CD23(+) and CD19(+) CD124(+) cells as well as a greater percentage of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ(+) ) and IL-4(+) CD4(+) cells than children with allergies without Cryptosporidium. This is the first description of the modulation of the IR in children with allergic diseases in the setting of natural Cryptosporidium infection. Our findings suggest the involvement of CD4(+) cells producing IL-4 and IFN-γ in the IR to Cryptosporidium in naturally infected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Guangorena-Gómez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Gómez Palacio, Durango, México
| | - A Maravilla-Domínguez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Gómez Palacio, Durango, México
| | - G García-Arenas
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Gómez Palacio, Durango, México
| | | | - R Meza-Velázquez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Gómez Palacio, Durango, México.,Centro de Atención a Metales Pesados, Torreón, Coahuila, México
| | - M Rivera-Guillén
- Centro de Atención a Metales Pesados, Torreón, Coahuila, México.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, México
| | | | - R C Goytia-Acevedo
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Gómez Palacio, Durango, México
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Kim YD, Eom SY, Yim DH, Kim IS, Won HK, Park CH, Kim GB, Yu SD, Choi BS, Park JD, Kim H. Environmental Exposure to Arsenic, Lead, and Cadmium in People Living near Janghang Copper Smelter in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2016; 31:489-96. [PMID: 27051230 PMCID: PMC4810329 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Concentrations of heavy metals exceed safety thresholds in the soil near Janghang Copper Refinery, a smelter in Korea that operated from 1936 to 1989. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of exposure to toxic metals and the potential effect on health in people living near the smelter. The study included 572 adults living within 4 km of the smelter and compared them with 413 controls group of people living similar lifestyles in a rural area approximately 15 km from the smelter. Urinary arsenic (As) level did not decrease according to the distance from the smelter, regardless of gender and working history in smelters and mines. However, in subjects who had no occupational exposure to toxic metals, blood lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and urinary Cd decreased according to the distance from the smelter, both in men and women. Additionally, the distance from the smelter was a determinant factor for a decrease of As, Pb, and Cd in multiple regression models, respectively. On the other hands, urinary Cd was a risk factor for renal tubular dysfunction in populations living near the smelter. These results suggest that Janghang copper smelter was a main contamination source of As, Pb, and Cd, and populations living near the smelter suffered some adverse health effects as a consequence. The local population should be advised to make efforts to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants, in order to minimize potential health effects, and to pay close attention to any health problems possibly related to toxic metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Dae Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Sang-Yong Eom
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyuk Yim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - In-Soo Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hee-Kwan Won
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Choong-Hee Park
- Environmental Health Research Division, Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, Korea
| | - Guen-Bae Kim
- Environmental Health Research Division, Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seung-Do Yu
- Environmental Health Research Division, Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, Korea
| | - Byung-Sun Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Duck Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
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Brink LA, Talbott EO, Marsh GM, Sharma R, Benson S, Wu WC, Duan C. Revisiting Nonresidential Environmental Exposures and Childhood Lead Poisoning in the US: Findings from Kansas, 2000-2005. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 2016:8791686. [PMID: 27042184 PMCID: PMC4793145 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8791686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although blood lead levels (BLLs) in US children have dramatically declined over the past 40 years, there remain pockets of children living in areas with elevated BLLs. While some increases (≥ 10 μg/dL) may be associated with legacy lead paint, ambient air lead may be contributing to the problem. A deidentified dataset of information on over 60,000 Kansas children under 3 years of age who were tested for BLL was provided through the Kansas Environmental Public Health Tracking Network for the period 2000-2005. Using ArcGIS, we calculated distance (in miles) from a lead-emitting industry referred to as a toxic release inventory (TRI) site. The USEPA TRI database tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health. US facilities in different industry sectors must report annually amount of substances like lead into the environment including their exact location. Distance from a TRI site was inversely related to BLL after controlling for area-level poverty and pre-1950 housing. The results of our evaluation indicate there is a significant relationship between proximity to lead industry and childhood BLLs. Proximity to sources of lead emissions should be evaluated as a possible factor when identifying children for targeted BLL testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ann Brink
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Evelyn O. Talbott
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gary M. Marsh
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ravi Sharma
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacey Benson
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Wen Chi Wu
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chunzhe Duan
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Taylor MP, Mackay AK, Munksgaard NC, Hudson-Edwards KA. Comments on manuscript--Zheng, J., Huynh, T., Gasparon, M., Ng, J. and Noller, B., 2013. Human health risk assessment of lead from mining activities at semi-arid locations in the context of total lead exposure. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 20, 8404-8416. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:19307-19312. [PMID: 25634363 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M P Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - A K Mackay
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - N C Munksgaard
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia
| | - K A Hudson-Edwards
- Research School of Earth Sciences, UCL-Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
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37
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Huang W, Zhang P, Xu H, Chang S, He Y, Wang F, Liang G. A novel route for the removal of bodily heavy metal lead (II). NANOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 26:385101. [PMID: 26317506 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/26/38/385101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The lead ion concentration in bile is considerably higher than in blood, and bile is released into the alimentary tract. Thiol-modified SBA-15 administered orally can combine with lead ions in the alimentary tract. In this paper, the in vitro lead absorption of bile was investigated. This thiol-modified SBA-15 material was used in pharmacodynamics studies on rabbits. The result that the lead content in faeces was notably higher indicates that thiol-modified SBA-15 can efficiently remove lead. The mechanism could include the following: thiol-modified SBA-15 material cuts off the heavy metal lead recirculation in the process of bile enterohepatic circulation by chelating the lead in the alimentary tract, causing a certain proportion of lead to be removed by the thiol mesoporous material, and the lead is subsequently egested out of the body in faeces. The results indicate that this material might be a potential non-injection material for the removal bodily heavy metal lead in the alimentary tract. This material may also be a useful means of lead removal, especially for non-acute sub-poisoning symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weirong Huang
- Laboratory of Nano-Biology Technology, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, People's Republic of China. School of Physics and Electronics Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, 410004, People's Republic of China
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38
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Cao S, Duan X, Zhao X, Wang B, Ma J, Fan D, Sun C, He B, Wei F, Jiang G. Health risk assessment of various metal(loid)s via multiple exposure pathways on children living near a typical lead-acid battery plant, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 200:16-23. [PMID: 25686884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Manufacture of lead-acid batteries is of widespread interest because of its emissions of heavy metals and metalloids into environment, harming environmental quality and consequently causing detrimental effects on human health. In this study, exposure pathways and health risks of children to heavy metal(loid)s (Pb, Cd, As, etc) were investigated based on field sampling and questionnaire. Pb was one of the most abundant elements in children's blood, with an elevated blood lead level of 12.45 μg dL(-1). Soil/dust and food were heavily polluted by targeted metal(loid)s. Food ingestion accounted for more than 80% of the total exposure for most metal(loid)s. The non-cancer risks to children were 3-10 times higher than the acceptable level of 1, while the cancer risks were 5-200 times higher than the maximum acceptable level of 1.0 × 10(-4). The study emphasized the significance of effective environmental management, particularly to ensure food security near battery facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzhen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaoli Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Xiuge Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Beibei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Delong Fan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chengye Sun
- National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Bin He
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Fusheng Wei
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; China National Environmental Monitoring Center, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Li HB, Chen K, Juhasz AL, Huang L, Ma LQ. Childhood lead exposure in an industrial town in China: coupling stable isotope ratios with bioaccessible lead. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:5080-5087. [PMID: 25803404 DOI: 10.1021/es5060622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Fingerprinting based on stable isotopes of lead (Pb) in blood and environmental media helps to identify Pb exposure pathways in children. However, previous studies used stable isotopes of total Pb in media. In this study, a wire rope production town in China (Zhuhang) was selected for investigating the effectiveness of using isotope ratios in bioaccessible Pb to identify childhood Pb exposure pathways. Blood Pb levels of 115 children in Zhuhang were 1.7-20.4 μg dL(-1), averaging 6.1 ± 3.2 μg dL(-1) (mean ± standard deviation), and were ∼1.6 times the national average in China (3.9 ± 1.8 μg dL(-1)). Among different environmental media (housedust, soil, PM10, vegetables, rice, and drinking water), housedust (695 ± 495 mg kg(-1)) and vegetables [0.36 ± 0.40 mg (kg of fresh weight)(-1)] contained elevated Pb concentrations. The isotope ratios ((207)Pb/(206)Pb and (208)Pb/(206)Pb) of total Pb were the highest in housedust (0.8587 ± 0.0039 and 2.1049 ± 0.0087) but lower than blood Pb ratios (0.8634 ± 0.0027 and 2.1244 ± 0.0061). When using bioaccessible Pb in housedust (0.8639 ± 0.0018 and 2.1171 ± 0.0036), the isotope ratios overlapped with blood Pb ratios, suggesting that incidental ingestion of housedust was the predominant contributor to children's blood Pb. Coupling the stable isotope technique with bioaccessible Pb is more reliable for identifying Pb exposure pathways than total Pb determinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Li
- †State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Chen
- †State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- ‡Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Lei Huang
- †State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Lena Q Ma
- †State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
- §Soil and Water Science Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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40
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Sullivan M. Reducing lead in air and preventing childhood exposure near lead smelters: learning from the U.S. experience. New Solut 2015; 25:78-101. [PMID: 25815743 DOI: 10.1177/1048291115569027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood lead exposure and poisoning near primary lead smelters continues in developed and developing countries. In the United States, the problem of lead poisoning in children caused by smelter emissions was first documented in the early 1970s. In 1978, Environmental Protection Agency set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for lead. Attainment of this lead standard in areas near operating lead smelters took twenty to thirty years. Childhood lead exposure and poisoning continued to occur after the lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards were set and before compliance was achieved. This article analyzes and discusses the factors that led to the eventual achievement of the 1978 lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards near primary smelters and the reduction of children's blood lead levels in surrounding communities. Factors such as federal and state regulation, monitoring of emissions, public health activities such as blood lead surveillance and health education, relocation of children, environmental group and community advocacy, and litigation all played a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Sullivan
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, USA
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41
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Qiang L, Yang W, Jingshuang L, Quanying W, Mingying Z. Grain-size distribution and heavy metal contamination of road dusts in urban parks and squares in Changchun, China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2015; 37:71-82. [PMID: 25049053 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-014-9631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Due to rapid urbanization and the scarcity of land, most of the urban parks and squares in cities are built close to major roads or industrial areas, where they are subject to many potential pollution sources, including vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of selected metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd) in road dusts collected in urban parks and squares in Changchun, China, on June 1, 2013 (International Children's Day) and to estimate the pollution sources. The mean Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd contents (70.89, 60.30, 43.56, 23.16, 170.80, and 0.3111 mg kg(-1) dry weight, respectively) in urban dusts were higher than their corresponding natural background values, particularly Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd, which had about 2.5, 1.4, 1.9, and 2.6-fold higher levels, respectively. The results of principal component analysis indicated that Cr and Ni concentrations were mainly of natural origin, while Pb, Cu and Zn were derived from anthropogenic activities, and Cd tended to be from both sources. The geoaccumulation index (I geo) of these metals in the urban dusts under study indicates that they are uncontaminated with Cr and Ni; uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Cu and Zn; and moderately contaminated with Pb and Cd. In addition, five particle sizes were analyzed separately for heavy metal concentrations. In all studied areas, there are large differences in the metal-loading percentage of different particle-size fractions among the samples, and the particles in 250-2,000-μm fraction are dominant in the total metal loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Qiang
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Road, Changchun, 130102, China
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Adlard B, Davis K, Liang CL, S Curren M, Rodríguez-Dozal S, Riojas-Rodríguez H, Hernández-Ávila M, Foster W, Needham L, Wong LY, Weber JP, Marro L, Leech T, Van Oostdam J. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and metals in primiparous women: a comparison from Canada and Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 500-501:302-13. [PMID: 25233368 PMCID: PMC4825328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Under the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and its Sound Management of Chemicals (SMOC) program, a tri-national human contaminant monitoring initiative was completed to provide baseline exposure information for several environmental contaminants in Canada, Mexico and the United States (U.S). Blood samples were collected from primiparous women in Canada and Mexico, and were analysed for a suite of environmental contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene(p,p'-DDE),beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), mercury and lead. A multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was conducted using data from Canadian and Mexican primiparous mothers, adjusting for ethnicity group, age, pre-pregnancy BMI, years at current city and ever-smoking status. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE, β-HCH, and lead were found to be higher among Mexican participants; however, concentrations of most PCBs among Mexican participants were similar to Canadian primiparous women after adjusting for covariates. Concentrations of total mercury were generally higher among Mexican primiparous women although this difference was smaller as age increased. This initial dataset can be used to determine priorities for future activities and to track progress in the management of the selected chemicals, both domestically and on a broader cooperative basis within North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Adlard
- Chemicals Surveillance Bureau, Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9.
| | - Karelyn Davis
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9.
| | - Chun Lei Liang
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9.
| | - Meredith S Curren
- Chemicals Surveillance Bureau, Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9.
| | - Sandra Rodríguez-Dozal
- Environmental Health Department, Center for Population Heath Research, National Institute of Public Health. Av. Universidad #655, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Horacio Riojas-Rodríguez
- Environmental Health Department, Center for Population Heath Research, National Institute of Public Health. Av. Universidad #655, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Mauricio Hernández-Ávila
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Public Health. Av. Universidad #655, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Warren Foster
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 3Z5.
| | - Larry Needham
- National Center of Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lee-Yang Wong
- National Center of Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Jean-Philippe Weber
- Institut national de santé publique, 945 Avenue Wolfe, Québec, QC, Canada G1V 5B3.
| | - Leonora Marro
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9.
| | - Tara Leech
- Chemicals Surveillance Bureau, Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9.
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Taylor MP, Mould SA, Kristensen LJ, Rouillon M. Environmental arsenic, cadmium and lead dust emissions from metal mine operations: Implications for environmental management, monitoring and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 135:296-303. [PMID: 25462679 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Although blood lead values in children are predominantly falling globally, there are locations where lead exposure remains a persistent problem. One such location is Broken Hill, Australia, where the percentage of blood lead values >10 μg/dL in children aged 1-4 years has risen from 12.6% (2010), to 13% (2011) to 21% (2012). The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of metal contamination in places accessible to children. This study examines contemporary exposure risks from arsenic, cadmium, lead, silver and zinc in surface soil and dust, and in pre- and post-play hand wipes at six playgrounds across Broken Hill over a 5-day period in September 2013. Soil lead (mean 2,450 mg/kg) and zinc (mean 3,710 mg/kg) were the most elevated metals in playgrounds. Surface dust lead concentrations were consistently elevated (mean 27,500 μg/m(2)) with the highest lead in surface dust (59,900 μg/m(2)) and post-play hand wipes (60,900 μg/m(2)) recorded close to existing mining operations. Surface and post-play hand wipe dust values exceeded national guidelines for lead and international benchmarks for arsenic, cadmium and lead. Lead isotopic compositions ((206)Pb/(207)Pb, (208)Pb/(207)Pb) of surface dust wipes from the playgrounds revealed the source of lead contamination to be indistinct from the local Broken Hill ore body. The data suggest frequent, cumulative and ongoing mine-derived dust metal contamination poses a serious risk of harm to children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Patrick Taylor
- Environmental Science, Department of Environment and Geography, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Simon Anthony Mould
- Environmental Science, Department of Environment and Geography, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Louise Jane Kristensen
- Environmental Science, Department of Environment and Geography, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Marek Rouillon
- Environmental Science, Department of Environment and Geography, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Spear M, Thomas R, Shrader-Frechette K. Commentary: flawed science delays smelter cleanup and worsens health. Account Res 2014; 22:41-60. [PMID: 25275623 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2014.939746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
For 6,000 years, humans have known about smelter hazards. Yet these metals threats continue. Why? This commentary provides one preliminary answer. It (1) summarizes the history of smelter pollution and (2) suggests that at least 3 problems-especially flawed smelter-polluter science-allow continuing health threats. It (3) illustrates this flawed science by using one of the most dangerous of U.S. former smelters, in DePue, Illinois. There polluters are avoiding violating the law yet trying to minimize smelter-caused health threats, thus clean-up costs, by using two questionable scientific claims. The causality-denial claim denies that smelter metals cause neurodegenerative diseases. The biomagnification-denial claim denies that food-chain biomagnification of smelter metals can put citizens at risk. The commentary shows both claims err, and (4) suggests ways to address flawed smelter science and resulting health harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Spear
- a Department of Biological Sciences , University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame , Indiana , USA
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Csavina J, Taylor MP, Félix O, Rine KP, Eduardo Sáez A, Betterton EA. Size-resolved dust and aerosol contaminants associated with copper and lead smelting emissions: implications for emission management and human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 493:750-6. [PMID: 24995641 PMCID: PMC4137906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Mining operations, including crushing, grinding, smelting, refining, and tailings management, are a significant source of airborne metal and metalloid contaminants such as As, Pb and other potentially toxic elements. In this work, we show that size-resolved concentrations of As and Pb generally follow a bimodal distribution with the majority of contaminants in the fine size fraction (<1 μm) around mining activities that include smelting operations at various sites in Australia and Arizona. This evidence suggests that contaminated fine particles (<1 μm) are the result of vapor condensation and coagulation from smelting operations while coarse particles are most likely the result of windblown dust from contaminated mine tailings and fugitive emissions from crushing and grinding activities. These results on the size distribution of contaminants around mining operations are reported to demonstrate the ubiquitous nature of this phenomenon so that more effective emission management and practices that minimize health risks associated with metal extraction and processing can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janae Csavina
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Mark P Taylor
- Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Omar Félix
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Kyle P Rine
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - A Eduardo Sáez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Eric A Betterton
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Weaver VM, Vargas GG, Silbergeld EK, Rothenberg SJ, Fadrowski JJ, Rubio-Andrade M, Parsons PJ, Steuerwald AJ, Navas-Acien A, Guallar E. Impact of urine concentration adjustment method on associations between urine metals and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 132:226-32. [PMID: 24815335 PMCID: PMC4128831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Positive associations between urine toxicant levels and measures of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) have been reported recently in a range of populations. The explanation for these associations, in a direction opposite that of traditional nephrotoxicity, is uncertain. Variation in associations by urine concentration adjustment approach has also been observed. Associations of urine cadmium, thallium and uranium in models of serum creatinine- and cystatin-C-based estimated GFR (eGFR) were examined using multiple linear regression in a cross-sectional study of adolescents residing near a lead smelter complex. Urine concentration adjustment approaches compared included urine creatinine, urine osmolality and no adjustment. Median age, blood lead and urine cadmium, thallium and uranium were 13.9 years, 4.0 μg/dL, 0.22, 0.27 and 0.04 g/g creatinine, respectively, in 512 adolescents. Urine cadmium and thallium were positively associated with serum creatinine-based eGFR only when urine creatinine was used to adjust for urine concentration (β coefficient=3.1 mL/min/1.73 m(2); 95% confidence interval=1.4, 4.8 per each doubling of urine cadmium). Weaker positive associations, also only with urine creatinine adjustment, were observed between these metals and serum cystatin-C-based eGFR and between urine uranium and serum creatinine-based eGFR. Additional research using non-creatinine-based methods of adjustment for urine concentration is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Weaver
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Gonzalo García Vargas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Juárez of Durango State, Durango, Mexico; Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Coahuila, Coahuila, México
| | - Ellen K Silbergeld
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J Rothenberg
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Centro de Investigacion en Salud Poblacional, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jeffrey J Fadrowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Patrick J Parsons
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Amy J Steuerwald
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eliseo Guallar
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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El-Desoky GE, Aboul-Soud MAM, Al-Othman ZA, Habila M, Giesy JP. Seasonal concentrations of lead in outdoor and indoor dust and blood of children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2014; 36:583-593. [PMID: 24213703 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-013-9582-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Because detrimental effects of exposure to lead (Pb) on human health have been observed, we previously investigated concentrations of Pb in water supplies and blood of adult residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The objectives of the present study were to: (1) examine seasonal rates of deposition of Pb in dust in several areas of Riyadh city, (2) measure concentrations of Pb in both outdoor and indoor dust, (3) compare concentrations of Pb in dust in Riyadh with those reported for other cities, and (4) quantify Pb in blood of children living in Riyadh. Mean, monthly deposition of PB in outdoor dust was 4.7 × 10(1) ± 3.6 tons km(-2), with a mean Pb concentration of 2.4 × 10(2) ± 4.4 × 10(1) μg/g. Mean, monthly deposition of Pb in indoor dust was 2.7 ± 0.70 tons km(-2), with a mean concentration of 2.9 × 10(1) ± 1.5 × 10(1) μg Pb/g. There was a significant (P < 0.01) correlation between concentrations of Pb in outdoor and indoor dust. There was no correlation between concentrations of Pb in indoor dust and that in blood of children of Riyadh, whereas there was a weakly significant (P < 0.05) correlation between concentrations of Pb in outdoor dust and that in blood of children. The mean (±SD) concentration of Pb in blood of children in Riyadh was 5.2 ± 1.7, with a range of 1.7-1.6 × 10(1) μg/dl. Concentrations of Pb in blood of 17.8 % of children in Riyadh were greater than 10 μg/dl, which is the CDC's level of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaber E El-Desoky
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Martínez-Alfaro M, Ramírez-García G, Gutiérrez-Granados S, Alcaraz-Contreras Y, Gallegos-Corona MA, de Larrea GZL, Cárabez-Trejo A. Melatonin attenuates the effects of sub-acute administration of lead on kidneys in rats without altering the lead-induced reduction in nitric oxide. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2013; 27:364-9. [PMID: 23992869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to lead induces oxidative stress and renal damage. Although most forms of oxidative stress are characterized by simultaneous elevation of nitrogen and oxidative species, lead-induced oxidative stress is unusual in that it is associated with a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) levels in the kidney. The role of NO in kidney injury is controversial; some studies suggest that it is associated with renal injury, whereas others show that it exerts protective effects. Concentration-dependent effects have also been proposed, linking low levels with vasodilatation and high levels with toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin co-exposure on the lead-induced reduction in renal NO levels. We found that sub-acute intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg/day of lead for 15 days induced toxic levels of lead in the blood and caused renal toxicity (pathological and functional). Under our experimental conditions, lead induced an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in NO. Melatonin co-treatment decreased lead-induced oxidative stress (peroxidation level) and toxic effects on kidneys without altering the lead-induced reduction in renal NO. These results suggest that, in our experimental model, the reduction in renal NO levels by lead exposure is not the only responsible factor for lead-induced kidney damage.
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Do US ambient air lead levels have a significant impact on childhood blood lead levels: results of a national study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 2013:278042. [PMID: 23983719 PMCID: PMC3747402 DOI: 10.1155/2013/278042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although lead paint and leaded gasoline have not been used in the US for thirty years, thousands of US children continue to have blood lead levels (BLLs) of concern. METHODS We investigated the potential association of modeled air lead levels and BLLs ≥ 10 μ g/dL using a large CDC database with BLLs on children aged 0-3 years. Percent of children with BLLs ≥ 10 μ g/dL (2000-2007) by county and proportion of pre-50 housing and SES variables were merged with the US EPA's National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) modeled air lead data. RESULTS The proportion with BLL ≥ 10 μ g/dL was 1.24% in the highest air lead counties, and the proportion with BLL ≥ 10 μ g/dL was 0.36% in the lowest air lead counties, resulting in a crude prevalence ratio of 3.4. Further analysis using multivariate negative binomial regression revealed that NATA lead was a significant predictor of % BLL ≥ 10 μ g/dL after controlling for percent pre-l950 housing, percent rural, and percent black. A geospatial regression revealed that air lead, percent older housing, and poverty were all significant predictors of % BLL ≥ 10 μ g/dL. CONCLUSIONS More emphasis should be given to potential sources of ambient air lead near residential areas.
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50
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Zhu Z, Li Z, Bi X, Han Z, Yu G. Response of magnetic properties to heavy metal pollution in dust from three industrial cities in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 246-247:189-98. [PMID: 23313891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2012.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic method is a reliable and powerful technique for identification of the relative contribution of industrial pollutants. However, it has not been fully applied in urban area impacted by non-ferrous metal (NFM) smelting/processing activities. The aim of this study is to explore the applicability of magnetic methods for detecting heavy metal contamination in dust from three NFM smelting/processing industrial cities (Ezhou, Zhuzhou, and Hezhang) in China. The enhancements of magnetic susceptibility (MS) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) together with heavy metals were significant in the studied areas in comparison with the background values. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that magnetic particles in dust from Ezhou were dominated by spherules, while those from Zhuzhou and Hezhang were mainly consisted of irregular-shaped particles. κ-T curves and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicated that the magnetic particles from Ezhou were dominated by magnetite and metallic iron, whereas those from Zhuzhou and Hezhang were consisted of magnetite and hematite. Our study indicates that magnetic properties of the dust are sensitive to the NFM smelting/processing related heavy metal pollutants. However, the relationship between magnetic parameters and heavy metals was influenced by the presence of metallic iron particles and multi-sources of metal pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongmin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
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