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Santos APR, Silva LZ, Freire BM, da Silva Faria MC, Batista BL, Rocha BA, Barbosa F, Rodrigues JL. Artisanal Gem Mining in Brazil: A Source of Genotoxicity and Exposure to Toxic Elements. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2510. [PMID: 36767878 PMCID: PMC9916162 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposure to toxic metals has led many people around the world to have serious health problems. Mining activities contribute to an increased risk of exposure to these elements. In this work, a study of environmental biomonitoring and routes of exposure to toxic metals in a region of artisanal mining was performed. This study was carried out in the district of Taquaral de Minas, located in the Jequitinhonha Valley in the state of Minas Gerais. The valley is one of the wealthiest and highest gem-producing areas in Brazil. Five artisanal mines were sampled (Bode, Pirineu, Pinheira, Lajedo, and Marmita). Several potentially toxic metals (Be, Zn, Mn, Ba Cd, Hg, and U) were investigated in the soils and dust over the rocks and the soils. Samples from 22 individuals occupationally exposed and 17 unexposed persons, who formed the reference group, were analyzed for trace elements by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The genotoxicity was evaluated by the micronucleus test in buccal mucosa epithelial cells, where the following changes were scored: micronuclei (MN) binucleate (BN) cells and kariolytic (KL) cells. The MN test showed significantly increased frequencies in all alterations of exposed individuals compared to the controls (p < 0.05, Student's t-test). The urine analysis showed levels of Cr, Ni Ba, Pb, and As in the blood, which were higher than the ATSDR recommended levels. The association between the MN test and the trace element concentrations found in the blood and urine was significant (p < 0.05). The higher the number of years of working, the higher the concentrations in the blood were, due to chronic exposure. The results of the present study indicate environmental contamination and a potential risk to the health of miners, suggesting an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Rufino Santos
- Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni 39803-371, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas Zeferino Silva
- Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni 39803-371, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna Moreira Freire
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristina da Silva Faria
- Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni 39803-371, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lemos Batista
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Alves Rocha
- Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida do Cafe s/no, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida do Cafe s/no, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Jairo Lisboa Rodrigues
- Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni 39803-371, MG, Brazil
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Cavalheiro Paulelli AC, Cesila CA, Devóz PP, Ruella de Oliveira S, Bianchi Ximenez JP, Pedreira Filho WDR, Barbosa F. Fundão tailings dam failure in Brazil: Evidence of a population exposed to high levels of Al, As, Hg, and Ni after a human biomonitoring study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112524. [PMID: 34883078 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112524] [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: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On November 5th, 2015, the Fundão mine tailings dam in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, failed, releasing more than 50 million m3 of mud, rich in toxic metals. After that, a massive environmental disaster began with the mud wave flowing more than 600 km, until the mouth of Doce River, in Espírito Santo State, and finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean. A vast area was contaminated, affecting the ecosystem and several communities. Despite the tremendous environmental disaster, little is known concerning the population's exposure to toxic elements yet. METHODS Thus, a cross-sectional study was for the first time conducted in three communities directly affected by the disaster (Regência, Povoação, and Campo Grande) in Espírito Santo State, to evaluate the levels of 11 chemical elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in blood. Sample analysis (n = 300) was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS Our data show high levels of exposure to Al, As, Hg, and Ni. Mean values in blood were 60 μg/L (ranging from 9 to 434 μg/L), 10.9 μg/L (ranging from 5.81 to 269 μg/L), 6.4 μg/L (ranging from 0.05 to 103 μg/L) and 2.7 μg/L (ranging from 0.08 to 21 μg/L) for Al, As, Hg and Ni, respectively. Moreover, after applying a multiple regression model, we found community, drinking water, fish, seafood consumption, and smoking habits associated with metal/metalloid levels in their body. Well and tap water intake were identified as important sources of exposure to aluminum and nickel. CONCLUSIONS Our findings represent health risks to the groups living in the areas affected by the tailings dam failure, calling for further studies to evaluate the potential health effects of high exposure to metals and remediation actions from public health Brazilian authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Cavalheiro Paulelli
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cibele Aparecida Cesila
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Pícoli Devóz
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvana Ruella de Oliveira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Bianchi Ximenez
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter Dos Reis Pedreira Filho
- Fundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho, Ministério do Trabalho e Previdência Social, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Matos ARD, Faria MCS, Freire BM, Pereira RM, Batista BL, Rodrigues JL. Determination of 14 trace elements in blood, serum and urine after environmental disaster in the Doce River basin: Relationship between mining waste and metal concentration in the population. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 70:126920. [PMID: 34963080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to chemical substances after an environmental disaster can cause both toxic effects and changes in the health status of people who live in or have proximity to environments of this nature, so that the concern with populations is growing. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, blood, serum and urine samples were collected from 100 volunteers from Santo Antônio do Rio Doce, eight from Ilha das Pimentas and 50 from the control group; and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for biomonitoring of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Se, Pb, Zn. In addition, a comprehensive questionnaire was applied to collect demographic and socioeconomic information, as well as lifestyle. RESULTS The concentrations of As, Al, Cd, Ni and Mn were above the reference value in some biological matrices, with more pronounced exposure in Ilha das Pimentas. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Co, Pb and Zn showed statistical differences regarding gender in the different biological matrices. The trace elements in the blood, serum and urine showed significant correlations when considering age and habits such as the consumption of cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and fish. The main correlations were observed between Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb in the blood and cigarette consumption. CONCLUSION This is the first study in these regions after the environmental disaster and confirmation of the diagnosis and health care of the participants should be promoted for clinical investigation and the eventual need for treatment. Human biomonitoring demonstrated high concentrations of some toxic elements, with more accentuated exposure in Ilha das Pimentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rodrigues de Matos
- Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Campus Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristinada Silva Faria
- Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Campus Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna Moreira Freire
- Centro de Ciências Humanas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do ABC, UFABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Mendes Pereira
- Centro de Ciências Humanas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do ABC, UFABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lemos Batista
- Centro de Ciências Humanas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do ABC, UFABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Jairo Lisboa Rodrigues
- Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Campus Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni, MG, Brazil.
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Vormittag E, Saldiva P, Anastacio A, Barbosa F. High levels of metals/metalloids in blood and urine of residents living in the area affected by the dam failing in Barra Longa, District, Brazil: A preliminary human biomonitoring study. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 83:103566. [PMID: 33359071 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103566] [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: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fundão mining tailings dam in Mariana District has collapsed in 2015 and caused the biggest environmental disaster in Brazil. Barra Longa District had its urban area invaded by toxic sludge and its population was extensively exposed to it. Blood and urine samples were collected from 11 residents, focused on investigating the presence of metals at the end of an exploratory health study in 507 inhabitants in 2016. Results have shown increased levels of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cooper, lead, manganese and nickel, and zinc defficiency in their body, as well as clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulo Saldiva
- Departamento de Patologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andressa Anastacio
- Instituto de Estudos Avançados (IEA) da Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Depto. de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Bocato MZ, Bianchi Ximenez JP, Hoffmann C, Barbosa F. An overview of the current progress, challenges, and prospects of human biomonitoring and exposome studies. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2019; 22:131-156. [PMID: 31543064 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2019.1661588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Human Biomonitoring (HB), the process for determining whether and to what extent chemical substances penetrated our bodies, serves as a useful tool to quantify human exposure to pollutants. In cases of nutrition and physiologic status, HB plays a critical role in the identification of excess or deficiency of essential nutrients. In pollutant HB studies, levels of substances measured in body fluids (blood, urine, and breast milk) or tissues (hair, nails or teeth) aid in the identification of potential health risks or associated adverse effects. However, even as a widespread practice in several countries, most HB studies reflect exposure to a single compound or mixtures which are measured at a single time point in lifecycle. On the other hand, throughout an individual's lifespan, the contact with different physical, chemical, and social stressors occurs at varying intensities, differing times and durations. Further, the interaction between stressors and body receptors leads to dynamic responses of the entire biological system including proteome, metabolome, transcriptome, and adductome. Bearing this in mind, a relatively new vision in exposure science, defined as the exposome, is postulated to expand the traditional practice of measuring a single exposure to one or few chemicals at one-time point to an approach that addresses measures of exposure to multiple stressors throughout the lifespan. With the exposome concept, the science of exposure advances to an Environment-Wide Association Perspective, which might exhibit a stronger relationship with good health or disease conditions for an individual (phenotype). Thus, this critical review focused on the current progress of HB and exposome investigations, anticipating some challenges, strategies, and future needs to be taken into account for designing future surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Zuccherato Bocato
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Analítica e de Sistemas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - João Paulo Bianchi Ximenez
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Analítica e de Sistemas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Christian Hoffmann
- Departmento de Alimentos e Nutrição Experimental Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Analítica e de Sistemas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
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Kumakli H, Duncan AV, McDaniel K, Mehari TF, Stephenson J, Maple L, Crawford Z, Macemore CL, Babyak CM, Fakayode SO. Environmental biomonitoring of essential and toxic elements in human scalp hair using accelerated microwave-assisted sample digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 174:708-715. [PMID: 28199947 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Human scalp hair samples were collected and used to assess exposure to toxic elements and essential elements in the state of North Carolina, USA using accelerated microwave assisted acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The figures-of-merit of the ICP-OES were appropriate for elemental analysis in scalp hair with detection limits as low as 0.0001 mg/L for Cd, good linearity (R2 > 0.9978), and percent recoveries that ranged from 96 to 106% for laboratory-fortified-blanks and 88-112% for sample spike recovery study. The concentrations of essential elements in scalp hair were larger than those of toxic elements, with Ca having the highest average concentration (3080 μg/g, s = 14,500, n = 194). Some of the maximum concentrations observed for As (65 μg/g), Ni (331 μg/g), Cd (2.96 μg/g), and Cr (84.6 μg/g) in individual samples were concerning, however. Samples were statistically analyzed to determine the influence of race, gender, smoking habits, or age on the elemental concentrations in scalp hair. Higher concentrations of essential elements were observed in the scalp hair of Caucasians, females, and non-smokers, and the differences were often significant at a 90% confidence level. Several pairs of essential elements, for example Ca-K, Ca-Mg, and Ca-Zn, were strongly correlated in Caucasian hair but uncorrelated in African-American hair. Similarly, essential elements were strongly correlated in female hair but weakly correlated in male hair. Toxic element pairs (As-Cd, As-Se, Pb-As, and Se-Cd) were strongly correlated in the hair of smokers but uncorrelated in that of non-smokers, suggesting that cigarette smoke is a common source of toxic elements in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Kumakli
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina A&T State University, 601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - A'ja V Duncan
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina A&T State University, 601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Kiara McDaniel
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina A&T State University, 601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Tsdale F Mehari
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina A&T State University, 601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Jamira Stephenson
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina A&T State University, 601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Lareisha Maple
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina A&T State University, 601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Zaria Crawford
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina A&T State University, 601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Calvin L Macemore
- A. R. Smith Department of Chemistry, Appalachian State University, 525 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28608, USA
| | - Carol M Babyak
- A. R. Smith Department of Chemistry, Appalachian State University, 525 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28608, USA
| | - Sayo O Fakayode
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina A&T State University, 601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Nutrient Intake Is Associated with Longevity Characterization by Metabolites and Element Profiles of Healthy Centenarians. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8090564. [PMID: 27657115 PMCID: PMC5037549 DOI: 10.3390/nu8090564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationships between diet and metabolites as well as element profiles in healthy centenarians are important but remain inconclusive. Therefore, to test the interesting hypothesis that there would be distinctive features of metabolites and element profiles in healthy centenarians, and that these would be associated with nutrient intake; the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), total bile acids and ammonia in feces, phenol, p-cresol, uric acid, urea, creatinine and ammonia in urine, and element profiles in fingernails were determined in 90 healthy elderly people, including centenarians from Bama county (China)—a famous longevous region—and elderly people aged 80–99 from the longevous region and a non-longevous region. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis was used for pattern recognition. As a result, the centenarians showed a distinct metabolic pattern. Seven characteristic components closely related to the centenarians were identified, including acetic acid, total SCFA, Mn, Co, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. Their concentrations were significantly higher in the centenarians group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the dietary fiber intake was positively associated with butyric acid contents in feces (r = 0.896, p < 0.01), and negatively associated with phenol in urine (r = −0.326, p < 0.01). The results suggest that the specific metabolic pattern of centenarians may have an important and positive influence on the formation of the longevity phenomenon. Elevated dietary fiber intake should be a path toward health and longevity.
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Cai D, Li D, Zhao S, Dou X, Wang F, Huang G, Zhao M, Li Q. A correlation between diet and longevity characterization by means of element profiles in healthy people over 80 years from a Chinese longevous region. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 165:18-29. [PMID: 25605035 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0233-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring the element concentrations in the human body is of critical importance for health and longevity. In order to explore the formation mechanism of longevity from the perspective of the body's element loads, this study investigated the prominent feature of element profiles in healthy people over 80 years from Bama County (China), a famous longevous region (LR). The element profiles in nails of elderly people from the LR and a non-longevous region were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, using orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) for pattern recognition. As a result, four characteristic elements closely related to the healthy elderly people from LR, including Cr, Fe, Mn, and Co, were identified. The concentrations of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Co were significantly increased in the LR group (p < 0.05). The values of fold change of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Co were 3.00, 2.46, 2.24, and 2.21, respectively. These characteristic elements could provide an important material guarantee for health and longevity of elderly people in the LR. The further correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between the Sr (r = 0.886), Mn (r = 0.873), Ni (r = 0.786), and Co (r = 0.738) concentrations in nails of elderly people and those in drinking water. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were found between the Se (r = 0.940), Mn (r = 0.833), and Fe (r = 0.733) concentrations in nails and their dietary intake. Consequently, the observations suggested that diet could provide extraordinary reference information in terms of reflecting the feature of element profiles in healthy elderly people over 80 years from the LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Cai
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
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Blanc LR, Moreira FDS, Gonçalves AM, Manchester RSSA, Baroni L, Faria MCDS, Bomfeti CA, Barbosa F, Rodrigues JL. Contamination in a brazilian river: a risk of exposure to untreated effluents. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2013; 42:1596-1601. [PMID: 24216438 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2013.02.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Due to natural or anthropogenic activities, various chemical contaminants, such as toxic metals and organic compounds, enter water systems and can have multiple deleterious effects on many living organisms. The Todos os Santos River (TSR) in Brazil receives a high discharge of untreated effluents from various sources. The purpose of this study was to determine trace element concentrations in water samples from the TSR, evaluate the toxicological effects of these elements by using the (onion) test, and verify the physical-chemical parameters to establish the risk of exposure related to the contaminated river. The samples were taken in 2011 at six selected points (two upstream of an urban area, two in the urban area, and two downstream of the urban area) with physical-chemical parameters evaluated. The concentrations of Al (21.63-1688.84 μg L), P (38.59-1760.87 μg L), and Fe (478.9-8296.3 μg L) were above the maximum levels permitted under Brazilian law (and the World Health Organization); little dissolved O was observed. Based on the test, genotoxic and mutagenic effects may occur in the river and could be due to anthropogenic increases in metal content. These important results have serious implications for the ecosystem as well as the health of the people who use the water.
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Li Y, Zou X, Lv J, Yang L, Li H, Wang W. Trace elements in fingernails of healthy Chinese centenarians. Biol Trace Elem Res 2012; 145:158-65. [PMID: 21882066 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9187-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Trace element concentrations in body tissues of healthy centenarians have not been widely analyzed, yet they can be used as reference data leading to improved assessment of the aging process and monitoring of the micronutrient status of this age group. The present study sought to assess trace element concentrations and behaviors in the fingernails of healthy Chinese centenarians. The effects of gender on element concentrations, which also play an important role in determining the lifespan, were also investigated. Trace elements (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in the fingernails of 78 healthy Chinese centenarians were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The overall reference values obtained in milligram per kilogram are as follows: Ba, 5.10; Cd, 0.031; Co, 0.101; Cr, 0.82; Cu, 3.71; Fe, 154.35; Li, 0.31; Mn, 3.09; Mo, 0.040; Ni, 0.95; Pb, 1.86; Se, 0.44; Sr, 6.20; and Zn, 147.96. Data analysis showed that only Cr and Se concentrations show a normal distribution, and no significant difference between male and female groups was found for any element except Cr. Result also revealed that sufficient Se, Co, and Zn as well as lower or lack of exposure to Cr contribute positively to the lifespan of centenarians. The results suggest that regulating in vivo contents of trace elements, especially Se, Co, and Zn, is reasonable to intervene with geriatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Li
- Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
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Oxidative damage in foundry workers occupationally co-exposed to PAHs and metals. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 213:93-8. [PMID: 20153695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2009.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been reported in foundries. A higher risk for DNA damage or oxidative damage lesions was also found in occupationally PAH-exposed groups. The aim of this study was to assess PAH exposure by urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), a biological exposure marker. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the oxidative damage of foundry workers with different job tasks and the association between 1-OHP, metal exposure and oxidative damage in foundry workers exposed to pervasive carcinogens. A higher concentration of 1-OHP was found in the exposed group (0.322+/-0.289 microg/g creatinine) relative to the control group (0.178+/-0.289 microg/g creatinine) (p<0.05). Moreover, higher levels of 1-OHP were found in workers involved in manufacturing processes (0.346 microg/g creatinine) compared to administrative workers (0.018 microg/g creatinine). A positive correlation was identified between levels of 1-OHP and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), DNA strand breakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) in all study subjects. However, when foundry workers were considered based on their specific job categories, a similar trend for 1-OHP and three oxidative damage markers was only found for DNA strand breakage, but not for 8-OH-dG or MDA. Other factors such as furnace equipment, PAH types, and job categories may contribute to different PAH emissions. The study also suggested that co-exposure to metal and PAHs, and smoking status in foundry industries may also cause the oxidative damage in foundry workers.
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Nunes JA, Batista BL, Rodrigues JL, Caldas NM, Neto JAG, Barbosa F. A simple method based on ICP-MS for estimation of background levels of arsenic, cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, and selenium in blood of the Brazilian population. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2010; 73:878-887. [PMID: 20563921 DOI: 10.1080/15287391003744807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the world, biomonitoring has become the standard for assessing exposure of individuals to toxic elements as well as for responding to serious environmental public health problems. However, extensive biomonitoring surveys require rapid and simple analytical methods. Thus, a simple and high-throughput method is proposed for the determination of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in blood samples by using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Prior to analysis, 200 microl of blood samples was mixed with 500 microl of 10% v/v tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution, incubated for 10 min, and subsequently diluted to 10 ml with a solution containing 0.05% w/v ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) + 0.005% v/v Triton X-100. After that, samples were directly analyzed by ICP-MS (ELAN DRC II). Rhodium was selected as an internal standard with matrix-matching calibration. Method detection limits were 0.08, 0.04, 0.5, 0.09, 0.12, 0.04, and 0.1 microg//L for As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Se, respectively. Validation data are provided based on the analysis of blood samples from the trace elements inter-\comparison program operated by the Institut National de Sante Publique du Quebec, Canada. Additional validation was provided by the analysis of human blood samples by the proposed method and by using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The method was subsequently applied for the estimation of background metal blood values in the Brazilian population. In general, the mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Se in blood were 1.1, 0.4, 890, 9.6, 2.1, 65.4, and 89.3 microg/L, respectively, and are in agreement with other global populations. Influences of age, gender, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and geographical variation on the values were also considered. Smoking habits influenced the levels of Cd in blood. The levels of Cu, Mn, and Pb were significantly correlated with gender, whereas Cu and Pb were significantly correlated with age. There were also interesting differences in Mn and Se levels in the population living in the north of Brazil compared to the south.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana A Nunes
- Laboratorio de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Depto. de Analises Clinicas, Toxicologicas e Bromatologicas, Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas de Ribeirao Preto-USP, Ribeirao Preto-SP, Brazil
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