1
|
Poku PA, Addai-Arhin S, Nimako C, Arrazy S, Agustiani T, Jeong H, Agusa T, Ishibashi Y, Kobayashi J. Health and environmental risk assessment of mercury in outdoor and indoor dust in artisanal and small-scale gold mining area in Amansie-west district in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:303. [PMID: 39001906 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution around artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas has been of much concern. Many studies have reported elevated Hg concentrations in environmental media, but studies on dust relating to inhalation exposure of Hg around ASGM area are limited. In this study, we investigated Hg in indoor and outdoor dust to reveal environmental and human health risk around ASGM in Amansie West district, Ghana. Indoor and outdoor dust samples were collected from Manso Abore and Manso Nkwanta in Ashanti Region. Concentration of Hg in the samples were analyzed using a direct Hg analyzer. The mean and median value of Hg concentration in the indoor dust (n = 31) were 2.2 ± 3.6 mg/kg and 0.72 mg/kg respectively while that of the outdoor dust (n = 60) were 0.19 ± 0.48 mg/kg and 0.042 mg/kg, respectively. The mean and median Hg concentration in indoor dust were about 11 and 17 times higher respectively than that in the outdoor dust. The Hg concentration in the indoor dust was statistically significantly higher than that of the non-miner in Manso Abore (p < 0.05) but was not significant in Manso Nkwanta, probably due to higher mining activity. The geo-accumulation index of the outdoor dust ranged from unpolluted to extremely polluted while that of the indoor dust ranged from moderately polluted to extremely polluted. Health risk assessments suggested that there was no potential non-carcinogenic health effect for Hg exposure relating to the dust to residents living in rooms of miners and non-miners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Adu Poku
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Tsukide 3-1-100, Higashi-Ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan
| | - Sylvester Addai-Arhin
- Pharmaceutical Science Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kumasi Technical University, P. O. Box, 854, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Collins Nimako
- Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 8, Nishi 5, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0808, Japan
| | - Syafran Arrazy
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Islamic State University of North Sumatra, Medan, 20353, Indonesia
| | - Tia Agustiani
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Tsukide 3-1-100, Higashi-Ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan
- National Research and Innovation Agency, Habibie Building M.H Thamrin Street Number 8, Central Jakarta, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Huiho Jeong
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Tsukide 3-1-100, Higashi-Ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Agusa
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Tsukide 3-1-100, Higashi-Ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ishibashi
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Tsukide 3-1-100, Higashi-Ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan
| | - Jun Kobayashi
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Tsukide 3-1-100, Higashi-Ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu R, Hu B, Dannenmann M, Giesemann A, Geilfus CM, Li C, Gao L, Flemetakis E, Haensch R, Wang D, Rennenberg H. Significance of phosphorus deficiency for the mitigation of mercury toxicity in the Robinia pseudoacacia L.- rhizobia symbiotic association. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133717. [PMID: 38325100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133717] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N2)-fixing legumes can be used for phytoremediation of toxic heavy metal Mercury (Hg) contaminated soil, but N2-fixation highly relies on phosphorus (P) availability for nodule formation and functioning. Here, we characterized the significance of P deficiency for Hg accumulation and toxicity in woody legume plants. Consequences for foliar and root traits of rhizobia inoculation, Hg exposure (+Hg) and low P (-P) supply, individually and in combination were characterized at both the metabolite and transcriptome levels in seedlings of two Robinia pseudoacacia L. provenances originating from contrasting climate and soil backgrounds, i.e., GS in northwest and the DB in northeast China. Our results reveal that depleted P mitigates the toxicity of Hg at the transcriptional level. In leaves of Robinia depleted P reduced oxidative stress and improved the utilization strategy of C, N and P nutrition; in roots depleted P regulated the expression of genes scavenging oxidative stress and promoting cell membrane synthesis. Rhizobia inoculation significantly improved the performance of both Robinia provenances under individual and combined +Hg and -P by promoting photosynthesis, increasing foliar N and P content and reducing H2O2 and MDA accumulation despite enhanced Hg uptake. DB plants developed more nodules, had higher biomass and accumulated higher Hg amounts than GS plants and thus are suggested as the high potential Robinia provenance for future phytoremediation of Hg contaminated soils with P deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715 Chongqing, China; College of Resources and Environment, Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715 Chongqing, China.
| | - Michael Dannenmann
- Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research, Atmospheric Environmental Research (IMK-IFU), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kreuzeckbahnstrasse 19, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Anette Giesemann
- Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christoph-Martin Geilfus
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Hochschule Geisenheim University, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany
| | - Canbo Li
- Shanghai OE Biotech. Co., Ltd., No. 1188, Lianhang Rd., Minhang district, Shanghai 201212, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715 Chongqing, China; College of Resources and Environment, Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Robert Haensch
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715 Chongqing, China; Institute for Plant Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Humboldtstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Heinz Rennenberg
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715 Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang C, Xia T, Zhang L, Chen Z, Zhang H, Jia X, Jia L, Zhu X, Li G. Mercury pollution risks of agricultural soils and crops in mercury mining areas in Guizhou Province, China: effects of large mercury slag piles. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:53. [PMID: 38245580 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01841-z] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The historical large mercury slag piles still contain high concentrations of mercury and their impact on the surrounding environment has rarely been reported. In this study, three different agricultural areas [the area with untreated piles (PUT), the area with treated piles (PT), and the background area with no piles (NP)] were selected to investigate mercury slag piles pollution in the Tongren mercury mining area. The mercury concentrations of agricultural soils ranged from 0.42 to 155.00 mg/kg, determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry of 146 soil samples; and mercury concentrations in local crops (rice, maize, pepper, eggplant, tomato and bean) all exceeded the Chinese food safety limits. Soil and crop pollution trends in the three areas were consistent as PUT > PT > NP, indicating that mercury slag piles have exacerbated pollution. Mercury in the slag piles was adsorbed by multiple pathways of transport into soils with high organic matter, which made the ecological risk of agricultural soils appear extremely high. The total hazard quotients for residents from ingesting mercury in these crops were unacceptable in all areas, and children were more likely to be harmed than adults. Compared to the PT area, treatment of slag piles in the PUT area may decrease mercury concentrations in paddy fields and dry fields by 46.02% and 70.36%; further decreasing health risks for adults and children by 47.06% and 79.90%. This study provided a scientific basis for the necessity of treating large slag piles in mercury mining areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Tianxiang Xia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Lina Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China.
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Haonan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xiaoyang Jia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Lin Jia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Guangbing Li
- Tongren Environmental Science and Technology Consulting Center, Tongren, 554399, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang Y, Yi J, Li X, Li F. Transcriptomics and physiological analyses reveal that sulfur alleviates mercury toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 135:10-25. [PMID: 37778787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most dangerous contaminants and has sparked global concern since it poses a health risk to humans when consumed through rice. Sulfur (S) is a crucial component for plant growth, and S may reduce Hg accumulation in rice grains. However, the detailed effects of S and the mechanisms underlying S-mediated responses in Hg-stressed rice plants remain unclear. Currently, to investigate the effects of S addition on rice growth, Hg accumulation, physiological indexes, and gene expression profiles, rice seedlings were hydroponically treated with Hg (20 µmol/L HgCl2) and Hg plus elemental sulfur (100 mg/L). S application significantly reduced Hg accumulation in Hg-stressed rice roots and alleviated the inhibitory effects of Hg on rice growth. S addition significantly reduced Hg-induced reactive oxygen species generation, membrane lipid peroxidation levels, and activities of antioxidant enzymes while increasing glutathione content in leaves. Transcriptomic analysis of roots identified 3,411, 2,730, and 581 differentially expressed genes in the control (CK) vs. Hg, CK vs. Hg + S, and Hg vs. Hg + S datasets, respectively. The pathway of S-mediated biological metabolism fell into six groups: biosynthesis and metabolism, expression regulation, transport, stimulus response, oxidation reduction, and cell wall biogenesis. The majority of biological process-related genes were upregulated under Hg stress compared with CK treatment, but downregulated in the Hg + S treatment. The results provide transcriptomic and physiological evidence that S may be critical for plant Hg stress resistance and will help to develop strategies for reduction or phytoremediation of Hg contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Huang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-Environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-Environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jicai Yi
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fangbai Li
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-Environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-Environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Senila M, Levei EA, Frentiu T, Mihali C, Angyus SB. Assessment of mercury bioavailability in garden soils around a former nonferrous metal mining area using DGT, accumulation in vegetables, and implications for health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1554. [PMID: 38036722 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12144-2] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic, non-essential element for living organisms, frequently present in high concentrations in soils from industrial areas. The total, dissolved, and labile Hg concentrations in garden soils and their accumulation in edible vegetables (onion, garlic, lettuce, and parsley) grown on contaminated soils in localities situated a former mining area were evaluated. The labile Hg fraction was estimated by diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT). The soil-to-vegetable transfer factors, as well as the health risk by exposure to Hg, were calculated based on the labile Hg concentration in soil. The total Hg concentration in soil varied widely (0.11-3.77 mg kg-1), Hg in soil solution ranged between 2.14 and 20.2 μg L-1 and labile Hg between 1.13 and 18.6 μg L-1. About 36-96% (84% on average) of the Hg concentration in soil solution was found in labile form. Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlations between the labile Hg concentration in soil and Hg accumulated in vegetables. The hazard indices showed that, although the study area is affected by legacy pollution, exposure to soil and consumption of locally grown vegetables do not pose health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marin Senila
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Erika Andrea Levei
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Frentiu
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Mihali
- Faculty of Sciences, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Baia Mare, Victoriei 76, 430122, Baia-Mare, Romania
| | - Simion Bogdan Angyus
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu X, Wang YQ, Dong CY, Hu CP, Zhang LN, Gao ZY, Li MM, Wang SS, Yan CH. Determinants affecting the blood mercury levels of preschool children in Shanghai, China: A cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:90980-90992. [PMID: 37468774 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Infants and children are vulnerable to mercury (Hg)-induced toxicity, which has detrimental effects on their neurological development. This study measured blood Hg levels (BMLs) and identified potential factors influencing BMLs, including demographic and socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, and daily dietary habits, among 0 to 7-year-old children in Shanghai. Our study recruited 1474 participants, comprising 784 boys and 690 girls. Basic demographic and lifestyle information were obtained and blood Hg were analyzed using the Direct Mercury Analyzer 80. The blood Hg concentrations of children in Shanghai ranged from 0.01 to 17.20 μg/L, with a median concentration of 1.34 μg/L. Older age, higher familial socioeconomic status, higher residential floors, and a higher frequency of consuming aquatic products, rice, vegetables, and formula milk were identified as risk factors. Other potential influencing factors including the mother's reproductive history (gravidity and parity), smoking (passive smoking), supplementation of fish oil and calcium need to be further investigated. These findings can be useful in establishing appropriate interventions to prevent children's high blood Hg concentrations in Shanghai and other similar metropolitan cities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu-Qing Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chen-Yin Dong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Ping Hu
- Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-Na Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Yan Gao
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Ming Li
- Children's Health Department, Shanghai Center for Women and Children's Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Su-Su Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chong-Huai Yan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ruiz R, Estevan C, Estévez J, Alcaide C, Sogorb MA, Vilanova E. Reference Values on Children's Hair for 28 Elements (Heavy Metals and Essential Elements) Based on a Pilot Study in a Representative Non-Contaminated Local Area. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098127. [PMID: 37175834 PMCID: PMC10179086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098127] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have been published, and laboratories offer services of measuring elements in hair as biomarkers of environmental exposure and/or control of essential elements (trace or macro). These reported values can have only sense if compared with adopted reference values. In this work, we propose provisional reference values based on a pilot child population. The concentrations of 28 elements were measured in children's hair samples. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a typical child population in the Mediterranean region void of excessive pollution problems to analyze 419 hair samples of children aged 3-12 years. Children were selected by a simple random method from eight primary education schools in different municipal districts, which included urban, rural and industrial areas. Samples of around 100 mg were washed and acid digested by an optimized procedure. All measures were performed using ICP-MS with Sc, Y and Re as internal standards. The statistical analysis was performed by two approaches: (a) considering all the data and (b) without outliers (second-order atypical data) to compare them with other published studies. The distribution curves in all the elements studied were asymmetric and did not fit the theoretical normality distributions. Therefore, the analysis based on percentiles was more appropriate. In most elements, only slight differences were observed with sex or age, which did not justify proposing separate reference ranges. From the results of this study, provisional reference values are proposed following two criteria: (a) simple application of the table of percentiles built by removing outlier values and (b) values after a detailed analysis case-by-case, considering other data as the distribution profile and other published data of each element. Although the pilot sample was from a limited area, it was carefully selected to be representative of a general non-contaminated population. With this limitation, the proposed reference values might be useful for researchers and physicians until a wider geographical study is available for a large number of elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiz
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Carmen Estevan
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Jorge Estévez
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Carolina Alcaide
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Miguel A Sogorb
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Eugenio Vilanova
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen L, Mao X, Li Z, Pan Y, Cao M, Zhang X, Wang P, Liang Y, Zhang Q. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans and mercury in vegetable of the contaminated Ya-Er Lake area: Concentrations, sources, and health risk. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114374. [PMID: 36508824 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114374] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Ya-Er Lake is a seriously polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) and mercury (Hg)-contaminated lake by pesticide and chlor-alkali plants in China. The oxidation pond method has been conducted to control pollution, moreover, the contaminated sediment was dredged and stacked, becoming a sediment stack yard for vegetable cultivation. To assess effects of oxidation pond method and dredging programme on pollution management and long-term risks of PCDD/Fs and Hg, the concentrations of PCDD/Fs, total Hg (THg), and methylmercury (MeHg) in soil and vegetable sampled from the sediment stack yard were measured and analyzed. Significantly positive relationships between concentrations of PCDD/Fs (p < 0.01), THg, and MeHg (p < 0.05) in edible parts of vegetable and soil were found, suggesting that bioaccumulation from contaminated soil derived from sediment dredging is important sources of PCDD/Fs and Hg in vegetable. Much higher PCDD/Fs (12 ± 9 pg/g dw) and Hg (THg, 0.14 ± 0.23 μg/g dw; MeHg,12.63 ± 13.31 ng/g dw) levels in vegetable were found compared with those from other contaminated regions, indicative of serious PCDD/Fs and Hg pollution in vegetable harvested from contaminated soil. Finally, the calculated provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) values showed higher health risk of PCDD/Fs and Hg exposure to local residents through consumption of purple and white flowering stalk, and oilseed rape. Our study established a good model to evaluate the long-term risks of PCDD/Fs and Hg. Moreover, the results indicate that the oxidation pond method and dredging programme were not effective to remove PCDD/Fs and Hg in sediment, which shed new light on management strategy of PCDD/Fs and Hg pollution in contaminated regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lufeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaowei Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zhunjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Mengxi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Pu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China.
| | - Yong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China.
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang Y, Li F, Yi J, Yan H, He Z, Li X. Transcriptomic and physio-biochemical features in rice (Oryza sativa L.) in response to mercury stress. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136612. [PMID: 36179923 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136612] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic and nonessential element for organisms, and its contamination in the environment is a global concern. Previous research has shown that Hg stress may cause severe damage to rice roots; however, the transcriptomic changes in roots and physio-biochemical responses in leaves to different levels of Hg stress are not fully understood. In the present study, rice seedlings were exposed to 20, 80, and 160 μM HgCl2 for three days in hydroponic experiments. The results showed that the majority of Hg was accumulated in rice roots after Hg exposure, and the 80- and 160-μM Hg stresses significantly increased the root-to-shoot translocation factors relative to 20-μM Hg stress, resulting in elevated Hg concentrations in rice shoots. Only the 160-μM Hg stress significantly inhibited root growth compared with the control, while photosynthesis capacity in leaves was significantly reduced under Hg stress. RNA transcriptome sequencing analyses of the roots showed that common responsive differentially expressed genes were strongly associated with glutathione metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and secondary metabolite metabolism, which may play significant roles in Hg accumulation by rice plants. Nine crucial genes identified by protein-protein interaction network analysis may be used as candidate target genes for further investigation of the detoxification mechanism, encoding proteins involved in jasmonic acid synthesis, sugar metabolism, allene oxide synthase, glutathione peroxidase, dismutase, and catalase. Furthermore, physio-biochemical analyses of the leaves indicated that higher production of reactive oxygen species was induced by Hg stress, while glutathione and antioxidant enzymes may play crucial roles in Hg detoxification. Our findings provide transcriptomic and physio-biochemical features of rice roots and shoots, which advance our understanding of the responsive and detoxification mechanisms in rice under different levels of Hg stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Huang
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fangbai Li
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
| | - Jicai Yi
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Huili Yan
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Zhenyan He
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kumar V, Radziemska M. Impact of physiochemical properties, microbes and biochar on bioavailability of toxic elements in the soil: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:3725-3742. [PMID: 34811628 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of toxic elements (TEs) in the ecosystem exhibits detrimental effects on the human health. In this paper, we debated remediation approaches for TEs polluted soils via immobilization methods employing numerous amendments with reverence to type of soil and metals, and amendment, immobilization competence, fundamental processes and field applicability. We argued the influence of pH, soil organic matter, textural properties, microbes, speciation and biochar on the bioavailability of TEs. All these properties of soil, microbes and biochar are imperative for effective and safe application of these methods in remediation of TEs contamination in the ecosystem. Further, the application of physiochemical properties, microbes and biochar as amendments has significant synergistic impacts not only on absorption of elements but also on diminution of toxic elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Kumar
- Department of Botany, Government Degree College, Ramban, Jammu, 182144, India.
| | - Maja Radziemska
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang W, Li F, Gao L, Sun G, Cui Z, Chen F, Li P, Feng X, Shang L. Understanding the excretion rates of methylmercury and inorganic mercury from human body via hair and fingernails. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:59-67. [PMID: 35934466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury (Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare the differences between hair and fingernail, and further understand the excretion rates of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (IHg) via hair and fingernails, the total mercury (THg), MeHg, and IHg concentrations in paired hair and fingernail samples were investigated through paired samples collected from two typical mining areas, Wanshan mercury mine area (WMMA) and Hezhang zinc smelting area (HZSA). The positive correlation in THg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations (p <0.01) between hair and fingernail samples indicated that those two biomarkers can be corrected in application of assessing human Hg exposure. Compared to fingernails, the hair was suggested to be a more sensitive biomarker as the concentration of THg, MeHg and IHg were 2 ∼ 4 times higher than those in fingernails. Furthermore, the amounts of THg, MeHg, and IHg excreted via hair were 70 ∼ 226 times higher than that excreted via fingernails, and the hair plays a more important role than fingernails in the excretion of Hg from human bodies. Present study therefore provides some new insights to better understand the fate of human assimilated Hg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fen Li
- College of Tea (Pu' er), West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Dali 665000, China
| | - Lingjian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Zikang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengfeng Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Lihai Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Myanmar and Other Southeast Asian Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106290. [PMID: 35627826 PMCID: PMC9142007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most harmful metals and has been a public health concern according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the world’s fastest-growing source of Hg and can release Hg into the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Hg has been widely used in ASGM industries throughout Southeast Asia countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand. Here, 16 relevant studies were systematically searched by performing the PRISMA flow, combining the keywords of “Hg”, “ASGM”, and relevant study areas. Mercury concentrations exceeding the WHO and United States Environmental Protection Agency guideline values were reported in environmental (i.e., air, water, and soil) and biomonitoring samples (i.e., plants, fish, and human hair). ASGM-related health risks to miners and nonminers, specifically in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, were also assessed. The findings indicated severe Hg contamination around the ASGM process, specifically the gold-amalgamation stage, was significantly high. To one point, Hg atmospheric concentrations from all observed studies was shown to be extremely high in the vicinity of gold operating areas. Attentions should be given regarding the public health concern, specifically for the vulnerable groups such as adults, pregnant women, and children who live near the ASGM activity. This review summarizes the effects of Hg in Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries. In the future, more research and assessment will be required to investigate the current and evolving situation in ASGM communities.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang G, Zhou X, Li X, Wang L, Li X, Luo Z, Zhang Y, Yang Z, Hu R, Tang Z, Wang D, Wang Z. Gaseous Elemental Mercury Exchange Fluxes over Air-Soil Interfaces in the Degraded Grasslands of Northeastern China. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:917. [PMID: 34571793 PMCID: PMC8464985 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that may potentially have serious impacts on human health and ecologies. The gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) exchanges between terrestrial surfaces and the atmosphere play important roles in the global Hg cycle. This study investigated GEM exchange fluxes over two land cover types (including Artemisia anethifolia coverage and removal and bare soil) using a dynamic flux chamber attached to the LumexR RA915+ Hg analyzer during the growing season from May to September of 2018, in which the interactive effects of plant coverage and meteorological conditions were highlighted. The daily mean ambient levels of GEM and the total mercury concentrations of the soil (TSM) were determined to be 12.4 ± 3.6 to 16.4 ± 5.6 ng·m-3 and 32.8 to 36.2 ng·g-1, respectively, for all the measurements from May to September. The GEM exchange fluxes (ng·m-2·h-1) during the five-month period for the three treatments included the net emissions from the soil to the atmosphere (mean 5.4 to 7.1; range of -27.0 to 47.3), which varied diurnally, with releases occurring during the daytime hours and depositions occurring during the nighttime hours. Significant differences were observed in the fluxes between the vegetation coverage and removal during the growing months (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that the Hg fluxes were positively correlated with the solar radiation and air/soil temperature levels and negatively correlated with the air relative humidity and soil moisture under all the conditions (p < 0.05). Overall, the results obtained in this study demonstrated that the grassland soil served as both a source and a sink for atmospheric Hg, depending on the season and meteorological factors. Furthermore, the plants played an important inhibiting role in the Hg exchanges between the soil and the atmosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Xuhang Zhou
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Xu Li
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Xiangyun Li
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Zheng Luo
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Yangjie Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Zhiyun Yang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Rongfang Hu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Zhanhui Tang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Deli Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun 130117, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Du B, Li P, Feng X, Yin R, Zhou J, Maurice L. Monthly variations in mercury exposure of school children and adults in an industrial area of southwestern China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110362. [PMID: 33169691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that rice consumption can be the major pathway for human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in inland China. However, few studies have considered the susceptible population of school children's exposure through rice ingestion. In this study, monthly variations in total Hg (THg)/MeHg concentrations in rice, fish, hair, and urine samples were studied to evaluate the Hg (both THg and MeHg) exposure in Guiyang, a typical industrial area with high anthropogenic emission of Hg. A total of 17 primary school (school A) students, 29 middle school (school B) students, and 46 guardians participated in this study for one year. Hair THg, hair MeHg, and urine THg concentrations ranged from 355-413 ng g-1, 213-236 ng g-1, and 469-518 ng g-1 Creatinine (ng·g-1 Cr), respectively, and no significant differences were observed between different genders and age groups. Hair and urine Hg concentrations showed slightly higher values in the cold season (October to February) than the hot season (March to September), but without significant difference. High monthly variability of individual hair and urine Hg concentrations suggested that long-term study could effectively decrease the uncertainty. The school students showed significantly higher urine THg concentrations than adults due to children's unique physiological structure and behaviors. Probable daily intake (PDI) of MeHg via rice and fish ingestion averaged at 0.0091, 0.0090, and 0.0079 μg kg-1 d-1 for school A students, school B students, and their guardians, respectively, which means that 86%, 84%, and 87% of the PDI were originated from rice ingestion, respectively. Therefore, more attention should be paid to children as a susceptible population. The results indicated low risk of Hg exposure via rice and fish consumption for urban residents in a Chinese industrial city.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, IRD-CNRS-Université Toulouse, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
An Q, He X, Zheng N, Hou S, Sun S, Wang S, Li P, Li X, Song X. Physiological and genetic effects of cadmium and copper mixtures on carrot under greenhouse cultivation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111363. [PMID: 32977082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The exposure to combinations of heavy metals can affect the genes of vegetables and heavy metals would accumulate in vegetables and thereby indirectly affecting human health. Exploring the links between genetic changes and phenotypic changes of carrot under the combined pollution of Cd and Cu is of great significance for studying the mechanism of heavy metal pollution. Therefore, this study examined the effects of mixtures of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) on physiological measures (malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, and antioxidant enzyme) and expression of growth-related genes (gibberellin gene, carotene gene, and glycogene) in carrot under greenhouse cultivation. The results showed in the additions with mixtures of Cd and Cu at higher concentration, the MDA content increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas the proline content was not significantly different from those in the control. In the mixed treatments with high Cd concentrations, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly lower than that in the control (p < 0.05); whereas the activity of peroxidase (POD) increased to different degrees compared to the control. In the additions with mixtures of Cd and Cu, compared with the control, the expression of the gibberellin gene was downregulated from 1.97 to 20.35 times (not including the 0.2 mg kg-1 Cd and 20 mg kg-1 Cu mixture, the expression of gibberellin gene in this treatment was upregulated 1.29 times), which lead to decreases in the length and dry weight of carrots. The expression of the carotene gene in mixed treatments downregulated more than that in single treatments, which could reduce the ability of carrots to resist oxidative damage, as suggested by the significant increase in the MDA content. In the addition with mixtures of Cd and Cu, compared with the control, the expression of the glycogene was downregulated by 1.42-59.40 times, which can cause a significant reduction in the sugar content in carrots and possibly further reduce their ability to resist heavy metal damage. A cluster analysis showed that in the additions with mixtures of Cd and Cu, the plant phenotype was affected first, and then with increases in the added concentration, the expression of genes was also affected. In summary, in the additions with mixtures of Cd and Cu, plants were damaged as Cd and Cu concentrations increased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qirui An
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Xiaolan He
- Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China; Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Shengnan Hou
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Siyu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Sujing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Penyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Xue Song
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xu Z, Lu Q, Xu X, Feng X, Liang L, Liu L, Li C, Chen Z, Qiu G. Multi-pathway mercury health risk assessment, categorization and prioritization in an abandoned mercury mining area: A pilot study for implementation of the Minamata Convention. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127582. [PMID: 32758782 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This is a systematic study of human health risk assessment (HHRA) and risk categorization for inorganic mercury (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in Hg mining areas. A multi-pathway exposure model coupled with Monte Carlo simulation was constructed for the Wanshan Hg mining area (WSMM), Southwestern China, with consideration of oral ingestion (foodstuffs, water and soil), dermal contact (water and soil), and inhalation (gaseous Hg and particulate Hg). The results show that dietary intake (food and water), gaseous Hg inhalation, oral ingestion of soil particles, dermal contact, and particulate Hg inhalation comprised 88.3-96.3%, 3.49-6.14%, 0.14-5.3%, 0.02%, and <0.01% of total IHg ingestion, respectively. As expected, rice consumption contributed the highest proportion (86.3-92.7%) of MeHg. The study shows that the elevated MeHg exposure risk is the most significant issue in Hg mining areas. In addition, Hg risk categorization and prioritization in the WSMM are established for the first time based on rice-based exposure doses of IHg and MeHg. Target areas for future treatment and/or remediation are characterized according to thresholds of reference dose and provisional tolerable weekly intake for exposure doses, as well as risk screening values and risk control values for contaminated soil. The proposed multi-pathway exposure model is strongly recommended for the HHRA of Hg-contaminated sites worldwide and helps facilitate the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qinhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Longchao Liang
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chan Li
- School of Chemical and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Chemical and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jiménez-Oyola S, García-Martínez MJ, Ortega MF, Bolonio D, Rodríguez C, Esbrí JM, Llamas JF, Higueras P. Multi-pathway human exposure risk assessment using Bayesian modeling at the historically largest mercury mining district. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 201:110833. [PMID: 32535368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The largest mercury (Hg) mining district in the world is located in Almadén (Spain), with well-known environmental impacts in the surrounding ecosystem. However, the impact of mercury on the health of the inhabitants of this area has not been documented accordingly. This study aims to carry out a probabilistic human health risk assessment using Bayesian modeling to estimate the non-carcinogenic risk related to Hg through multiple exposure pathways. Samples of vegetables, wild mushrooms, fish, soil, water, and air were analyzed, and adult residents were randomly surveyed to adjust the risk models to the specific population data. On the one hand, the results for the non-carcinogenic risk based on Hazard Quotient (HQ) showed unacceptable risk levels through ingestion of Hg-contaminated vegetables and fish, with HQ values 20 and 3 times higher, respectively, than the safe exposure threshold of 1 for the 97.5th percentile. On the other hand, ingestion of mushrooms, dermal contact with soil, ingestion of water, dermal contact with water and inhalation of air, were below the safety limit for the 97.5th percentile, and did not represent a risk to the health of residents. In addition, the probabilistic approach was compared with the conservative deterministic approach, and similar results were obtained. This is the first study conducted in Almadén, which clearly reveals the high levels of human health risk to which the population is exposed due to the legacy of two millennia of Hg mining.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain; Escuela Superior Politécnica Del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María-Jesús García-Martínez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marcelo F Ortega
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Bolonio
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Rodríguez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - José-María Esbrí
- Department of Geology and Mining Engineering, Escuela Universitaria Politécnica de Almadén, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Plaza Manuel Meca, 13400, Almadén, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Juan F Llamas
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Higueras
- Department of Geology and Mining Engineering, Escuela Universitaria Politécnica de Almadén, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Plaza Manuel Meca, 13400, Almadén, Ciudad Real, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ma RF, Cheng H, Inyang A, Wang M, Wang YS. Distribution and risk of mercury in the sediments of mangroves along South China Coast. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:641-649. [PMID: 32562144 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02238-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The importance of mangrove was widely reported. However, the potential risks of pollutants (e.g., Hg) accumulated in the mangroves are often ignored. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the distribution and risk of mercury (Hg) in the sediments of mangroves along South China Coast. Results showed that concentrations of total Hg ranged from 0.0815 to 0.6377 mg/kg, with an arithmetic mean value of 0.2503 mg/kg. The contamination index (Pi) showed mild pollution toxicity risks in NS, slight toxicity risks in DZG, QZ, SY, ND, GQ, TLG, and free pollutions in BMW, SJ, ZJK and BLHK. NS, DZG and SY scored the highest values of Igeo among the eleven mangrove regions studied, indicating moderate to heavy pollution inputs in these regions. As for the distribution of Hg in the sediments along tidal gradient, concentrations of Hg in the sediments sharply increased from seaward mudflat to landward mangrove, corresponding with the increases of TOC. In summary, the present data indicated that mangrove ecosystem is efficient in Hg reservoir. However, the potential ecological risks of Hg, especially in some mangrove regions easily affected by human activities, should be noted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Fei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510301, Guangzhou, China
- Marine Biology Research Station at Daya Bay, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518121, Shenzhen, China
- College of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, 710119, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510301, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Aniefiok Inyang
- State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510301, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Wang
- School of Chemistry and Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, 550025, GuiYang, China
| | - You-Shao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510301, Guangzhou, China.
- Marine Biology Research Station at Daya Bay, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518121, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang Q, Li Z, Feng X, Li X, Wang D, Sun G, Peng H. Vegetable Houttuynia cordata Thunb. as an important human mercury exposure route in Kaiyang county, Guizhou province, SW China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 197:110575. [PMID: 32302857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of mercury (Hg) contaminated vegetable is one important pathway of Hg expose to humans. In this study, Hg contents in a popular vegetable, Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT), and its growing soils in Kaiyang county in Guizhou province of southwest China were investigated. Health risk related to Hg exposure through consumption of this vegetable was evaluated for the first time. Hg contents in HCT were found to be much higher in three towns in western Kaiyang county (42.3 ± 48.2 μg/kg, FW), where former Hg mines located, than that in other towns (7.6 ± 5.0 μg/kg, FW). Hg contents in HCT were also higher than in the other five vegetables (Chinese cabbage, Lettuce, Tomato, Carrot and White radish). Consumption of HCT may account for 37.4-61.1% of total vegetable Hg intake of local people in Kaiyang county. Hg concentration in HCT positively correlated with that in soil (r2 = 0.311, p < 0.01), especially, the labile Hg species (FC1, r2 = 0.796, p < 0.01) and the elemental Hg that is bound to the crystalline oxides (FC3, r2 = 0.711, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with Hg that is bound to humic and fulvic complexes (FC2, - 0.304). Estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) results shown that Hg expose risk is much higher for children than adults, likely due to their different eating habits and the amount of snack intake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Wang
- Department of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi 563006, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, PR China.
| | - Zhonggen Li
- Department of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi 563006, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, PR China
| | - Xinbing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi 563006, P.R. China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huihui Peng
- Department of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi 563006, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shahid M, Khalid S, Bibi I, Bundschuh J, Khan Niazi N, Dumat C. A critical review of mercury speciation, bioavailability, toxicity and detoxification in soil-plant environment: Ecotoxicology and health risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:134749. [PMID: 32000322 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination by a non-essential and non-beneficial, although potentially toxic mercury (Hg), is becoming a great threat to the living organisms at a global scale. Owing to its various uses in numerous industrial processes, high amount of Hg is released into different environmental compartments. Environmental Hg contamination can result in food chain contamination, especially due to its accumulation in edible plant parts. Consumption of Hg-rich food is a key source of Hg exposure to humans. Since Hg does not possess any identified biological role and has genotoxic and carcinogenic potential, it is critical to monitor its biogeochemical behavior in the soil-plant system and its influence in terms of possible food chain contamination and human exposure. This review traces a plausible link among Hg levels, its chemical speciation and phytoavailability in soil, accumulation in plants, phytotoxicity and detoxification of Hg inside the plant. The role of different enzymatic (peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (glutathione, phytochelatins, proline and ascorbic acid) antioxidants has also been elucidated with respect to enhanced generation of reactive radicles and resulting oxidative stress. The review also outlines Hg build-up in edible plant tissues and associated health risks. The biogeochemical role of Hg in the soil-plant system and associated health risks have been described with well summarized and up-to-date data in 12 tables and 4 figures. We believe that this comprehensive review article and meta-analysis of Hg data can be greatly valuable for scientists, researchers, policymakers and graduate-level students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, Vehari-61100, Pakistan.
| | - Sana Khalid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, Vehari-61100, Pakistan
| | - Irshad Bibi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- UNESCO Chair on Groundwater Arsenic within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
| | - Nabeel Khan Niazi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Camille Dumat
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Travail Organisation Pouvoir (CERTOP), UMR5044, Université J. Jaurès - Toulouse II, 5 allée Machado A., 31058 Toulouse, cedex 9, France; Université de Toulouse, INP-ENSAT, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, France; Association Réseau-Agriville (http://reseau-agriville.com/), France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Astolfi ML, Protano C, Marconi E, Massimi L, Piamonti D, Brunori M, Vitali M, Canepari S. Biomonitoring of Mercury in Hair among a Group of Eritreans (Africa). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061911. [PMID: 32183479 PMCID: PMC7143335 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Small-scale or artisanal mining, using gold-mercury amalgamation to extract gold from ore, is a significant source of exposure for the workers and nearby populations. Few studies on hair mercury (Hg) have been conducted in Africa despite the fact that Africa has several gold deposits. No studies have been conducted in Eritrea that is one of the emerging gold producing countries in Africa. The aim of the study was to assess the Hg concentration in hair samples (n = 120) of a population living in Asmara, capital of Eritrea, and to evaluate the influence of some factors on the Hg levels in hair. Information on age, height, weight, occupation, smoking and fish consumption of participants were collected via questionnaire. Hair Hg concentration was significantly higher among women compared to men (p < 0.001) and among women preparing spicy products in Medeber market compared to those who did other jobs (p = 0.010). These results highlight the need for routine biomonitoring surveys and for health promotion campaigns devoted to local decision makers and workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649913384
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Daniel Piamonti
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Science, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Brunori
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Science, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (E.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (S.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yang B, Gao Y, Zhang C, Zheng X, Li B. Mercury accumulation and transformation of main leaf vegetable crops in Cambosol and Ferrosol soil in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:391-398. [PMID: 31792793 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06798-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Leaf vegetables serve as an important food for the local residents in China. This paper focuses on the uptake, accumulation, transfer, and mercury (Hg) sensitivity of leafy vegetables. Two types of soil (an alkaline Cambosol and an acid Ferrosol) and eleven species of leafy vegetable, namely, Spinach, Tung choy, Leek, Fennel, Coriander, Chinese flowering cabbage, Wuta-tsai, Pakchoi, Chicory, Crown daisy, and Lettuce, were selected to investigate their sensitivity to Hg accumulation in a greenhouse pot experiment. Three Hg concentration treatments were carried out as control (background values), low concentration (1.5 times standard value), and high concentration (2 times standard value) as adjusted by the soil pH. Hg concentrations of more than half vegetable samples grown in Cambosol (collected from Shandong Province) reached or exceeded the maximum permissible food safety levels (10 μg kg-1) according to the General Standard of Contaminants in Food in China (GB 2762-2012), while only about 15% in Ferrosol (collected from Jiangxi Province). Meanwhile, Hg bio-concentration factors (BCF) in all treatments were < 1, while Hg translocation factors (TF) in most treatments were < 1. Correlation analysis among soil, root, and edible plant parts revealed that the principal source of Hg in leafy vegetables was most likely from Hg-contaminated soils. Species sensitivity distribution (SSD) models were constructed and their simulated curves indicated that sensitivity to Hg was highest in Pakchoi in low Hg-contaminated soils, and Chicory in highly Hg-contaminated soils. Therefore, Hg concentration is mostly accumulated in roots of leafy crops, which reduces the risk of Hg bioaccumulation in edible portion of vegetables, and (2) Brassicaceae vegetables are mostly less sensitive to soil Hg contamination. Our results provide effective guidance for the selection of leafy vegetables for cultivation and daily consumption that minimizes health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chunxue Zhang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Xiangqun Zheng
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Girault F, Perrier F. Radon emanation from human hair. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 660:421-428. [PMID: 30640110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.429] [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: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bio-indicator of long time exposure to pollutants, human hair is studied in contaminated areas. The number of studies on background environments remains small, and factors impacting human hair radioactivity in contaminated and background areas remain poorly known. Radon-222, a radioactive noble gas of half-life 3.8 days, is the alpha decay daughter of radium-226 in the uranium-238 chain. Radon emission depends on radium concentration (CRa) and probability of decaying radium to liberate radon (i.e., the emanation coefficient E). The radon-222 emanating power (i.e., radon emanation or effective radium-226 concentration, ECRa) is measured in the laboratory from human hair of a cohort of 93 individuals living in uranium non-contaminated areas using a high-sensitivity method based on 371 long accumulation sessions. E of human hair is also determined. ECRa values from human hair are heterogeneous, ranging from 0.059 ± 0.008 to 3.7 ± 0.1 Bq kg-1 (mean: 0.484 ± 0.006 Bq kg-1). We find 2.6 ± 0.1 and 2.5 ± 0.1 times larger values for females than males and for color-treated than natural hair, respectively. By contrast, E is homogeneous (mean: 0.33 ± 0.11; n = 9). Our data suggest a different behavior of accumulation/elimination processes of heavy elements in females and non-negligible radium concentration in hair dye products. Our results demonstrate 226Ra-238U disequilibrium in human hair, indicating secondary radium intake, and that ECRa mainly depends on CRa. Other factors such as age and sampling time are also studied. The impact of factors on ECRa from human hair in uranium non-contaminated areas is ordered as follows: (body site?) > sex > hair dyeing > dietary/drinking habits > natural color > time period > geographical location > age. Any human hair-based study should take into consideration these factors. Our method, cost-effective and easy to implement, may be applied to large numbers of samples for large-scale epidemiological studies, and may also be useful for criminal investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Girault
- Physics of Natural Sites, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Paris Diderot, CNRS UMR 7154, F-75005 Paris, France.
| | - Frédéric Perrier
- Physics of Natural Sites, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, University Paris Diderot, CNRS UMR 7154, F-75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kulikova T, Hiller E, Jurkovič Ľ, Filová L, Šottník P, Lacina P. Total mercury, chromium, nickel and other trace chemical element contents in soils at an old cinnabar mine site (Merník, Slovakia): anthropogenic versus natural sources of soil contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:263. [PMID: 30953219 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7391-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the occurrence and distribution of total mercury (Hg) and other trace elements of environmental concern, such as arsenic (As), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and vanadium (V), in soils from the abandoned Merník cinnabar mine in eastern Slovakia. For this purpose, thirty soil samples from two depth intervals within the mine area (n = 60 soil samples) and additional sixteen soil samples from adjacent areas (n = 25 soil samples) were collected. Total Hg was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, while As and other metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. High mercury concentrations (> 100 mg/kg with a maximum of 951 mg/kg) were observed only in surface soils close to mine waste heaps and adits. Otherwise, Hg concentrations in the majority of surface soils were lower (0.14-19.7 mg/kg), however, higher than Hg in soils collected from sites outside the mine area (0.19-6.92 mg/kg) and even considerably higher than Hg in soils at sites not influenced by the Merník mine. Elevated Cr and Ni concentrations in soils regardless of their sampling sites (mean of 276 mg/kg and median of 132 mg/kg for Cr and 168 mg/kg and 81 mg/kg for Ni, respectively) were attributed to the lithology of the area; the soils are underlain by the sediments of the Central Carpathian Palaeogene, containing a detritus of ultrabasic rocks. As our geochemical data are compositional in nature, they were further treated by compositional data analysis (CoDA). Robust principal component analysis (RPCA) applied on centred (clr) log-ratio-transformed data and correlation analysis of compositional parts based on symmetric balances distinguished very well different sources of origin for the chemical elements. The following three element associations were identified: Hg association with the main source in mining/roasting, Cr-Ni association derived from bedrock and As-Cu-Mn-Pb-Zn-V association (natural background and minor sulphides/sulfosalts in mineralized rocks). The values of geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor suggested that concentrations of Hg in the soils were influenced by human industrial activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsiana Kulikova
- Department of Geochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Edgar Hiller
- Department of Geochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Ľubomír Jurkovič
- Department of Geochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Lenka Filová
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina 1, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Šottník
- Department of Geology of Mineral Deposits, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Petr Lacina
- GEOtest, a.s., Šmahova 1244/112, 627 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li Y, Zhao J, Zhong H, Wang Y, Li H, Li YF, Liem-Nguyen V, Jiang T, Zhang Z, Gao Y, Chai Z. Understanding Enhanced Microbial MeHg Production in Mining-Contaminated Paddy Soils under Sulfate Amendment: Changes in Hg Mobility or Microbial Methylators? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:1844-1852. [PMID: 30636405 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Elevated methylmercury (MeHg) production in mining-contaminated paddy soils, despite the high fraction of refractory HgS(s), has been frequently reported, while the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we hypothesized that sulfate input, via fertilization, rainfall, and irrigation, is critical in mobilizing refractory HgS(s) and thus enhancing Hg methylation in mining-contaminated paddy soils. To test this hypothesis, the effects of sulfate amendment on Hg methylation and MeHg bioaccumulation in mining-contaminated soil-rice systems were examined. The results indicated 28-61% higher net MeHg production in soils under sulfate amendment (50-1000 mg kg-1), which in turn increased grain MeHg levels by 22-55%. The enhancement of Hg methylation by Hg mobilization in sulfate-amended soils was supported by two observations: (1) the increased Hg(aq) release from HgS(s), the dominant Hg species in the paddy soils, in the presence of sulfide produced following sulfate reduction and (2) the decreases of refractory HgS(s) in soils under sulfate amendment. By contrast, changes in the abundances/activities of potential microbial Hg methylators in different Hg-contaminated soils were not significant following sulfate amendment. Our results highlight the importance to consider enhanced Hg mobility and thus methylation in soils under sulfate amendment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics , Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation , Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou 350002 , Fujian China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics , Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
- Environmental and Life Sciences Program (EnLS) , Trent University , Peterborough , Ontario Canada
| | - Yongjie Wang
- School of Geographic Sciences , East China Normal University , Shanghai 200241 , China
| | - Hong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics , Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics , Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Van Liem-Nguyen
- School of Science and Technology , Örebro University , SE-70281 , Örebro , Sweden
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Resources and Environment , Southwest University , Chongqing 400716 , China
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management , Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Umeå SE-90183 , Sweden
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics , Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics , Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Zhifang Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics , Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
León-Cañedo JA, Alarcón-Silvas SG, Fierro-Sañudo JF, Rodríguez-Montes de Oca GA, Partida-Ruvalcaba L, Díaz-Valdés T, Páez-Osuna F. Mercury and other trace metals in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown with two low-salinity shrimp effluents: Accumulation and human health risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:2535-2544. [PMID: 30293006 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Shrimp farming effluents from two sources of low-salinity water, well water (WW) and diluted seawater (DSW) (salinity, 1.7 g L-1; electrical conductivity, 2.7 dS m-1), were used to grow lettuce (L. sativa) in order to assimilate the nutrients present in shrimp effluents and produce edible biomass. The two treatments, WW and DSW, were tested in triplicate. Additionally, one hydroponic system in triplicate was constructed to grow lettuce using a nutritive solution as the control treatment (HS). The production variables of lettuce in the two crop varieties (Parris Island (VPI) and Tropicana M1 (VTM1)) showed a general trend of DSW > HS > WW with regards to the size, weight and total foliage, except for the number of leaves, which was higher with HS treatment than with WW and DSW treatments. The accumulation of Cu, Hg, Mn and Zn in edible lettuce tissue and the health risk by the intake of lettuce were evaluated. Heavy metal concentrations in edible lettuce tissue for the three treatments showed the same trend of Mn > Zn > Cu > Hg, with concentration ranges of 47.1 to 188.7, 35.7 to 66.2, 4.1 to 6.4, and 0.01 to 0.02 mg kg-1 (dry weight), respectively. Such concentrations did not exceed the safe limits (CAC, 1984). The health risk index and target hazard quotient were <1, which indicates that the population exposed to these metals due to intake from lettuce consumption is unlikely to have adverse health effects when shrimp farming effluents are used to grow lettuce plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús A León-Cañedo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Colegio de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Boulevard San Ángel s/n, Fraccionamiento San Benito, Predio Las Coloradas, 80000 Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Suammy G Alarcón-Silvas
- Posgrado en Ciencias en Recursos Acuáticos, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. de los Deportes s/n Ciudad Universitaria, 82017 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Juan F Fierro-Sañudo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Colegio de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Boulevard San Ángel s/n, Fraccionamiento San Benito, Predio Las Coloradas, 80000 Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Gustavo A Rodríguez-Montes de Oca
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Paseo Clausen S/N Col. Los Pinos, C.P. 80000 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | - Tomás Díaz-Valdés
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Km 17.5, Carretera Culiacán-El Dorado, 80000 Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Federico Páez-Osuna
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Joel Montes Camarena s/n, 82040 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico; Miembro de El Colegio de Sinaloa, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|