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Li Z, Sun P, Zhang C, Zhu N, Xu N, Li D, Gao Y, Zhao J. Translocation and transformation of uranium along the aquatic food chain: New insights into uranium risks to the environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135499. [PMID: 39141939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Uranium pollution in aquatic ecosystems poses a threat to organisms. However, the metabolism and toxicity of uranium along aquatic food chains remain unknown. Here, we established an artificial aquatic ecosystem to investigate the fate of uranium along the food chain and reveal its potential toxicity. The results displayed a dose- and time-dependent toxicity of uranium on algae, leading to cell deformation and impeding cell proliferation. When uranium-exposed algae are ingested by fish, uranium tends to concentrate in the intestinal system and bones of fish. Comparatively, direct water uranium exposure resulted in a remarkable uranium accumulation in the head, skin, and muscles of fish, suggesting different toxicity depending on distinct exposure pathways. High-level uranium pollution (20 mg L-1) intensifies the toxicity to fish through food intake compared to direct water exposure. It has also revealed that approximately 25 % and 20 % of U(VI) were reduced to lower valence forms during its accumulation in algae and fish, respectively, and over 10 % of U(IV, VI) converted to U(0) ultimately, through which uranium toxicity was mitigated due to the lower solubility and bioavailability. Overall, this study provides new insights into the fate of uranium during its delivery along the aquatic food chain and highlights the risks associated with consuming uranium-contaminated aquatic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanming Li
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Peipei Sun
- Tianjin University of Science and Technology, College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Tianjin University of Science and Technology, College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Nali Zhu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Nan Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Dongrui Li
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou 311200, China.
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2
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Uduba P, Soares L, Babalola T, Slotnick M, Linder A, Meliker JR. Uranium in Drinking Water and Bladder Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Michigan. HEALTH PHYSICS 2024:00004032-990000000-00180. [PMID: 39102509 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Uranium is naturally occurring in groundwater used for drinking; however, health risks from naturally occurring concentrations are uncertain. Uranium can cause both radiological and chemical toxicity following ingestion. Bladder and kidneys receive a dose when uranium is excreted into the urine. Investigate the association between uranium in drinking water and bladder cancer risk in a case-control study. A population-based bladder cancer case-control study was conducted in 11 counties of southeastern Michigan. A total of 411 cases and 566 controls provided drinking water and toenail samples and answered questions about lifestyle and residential history. Uranium was measured in drinking water and toenails, and its association with bladder cancer was assessed via unconditional logistic regression models. Median uranium concentration in water was 0.12 μg L-1, with a maximum of 4.99 μg L-1, and median uranium concentration in toenails was 0.0031 μg g-1. In adjusted regression models, there was a suggestion of a protective effect among those exposed to the upper quartile of uranium in drinking water (HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.96) and toenails (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45, 0.96) compared to those in the lowest quartile. Our objective is to investigate additional adjustment of drinking water source at home residence at time of recruitment to address potential selection bias and confounding attenuated results toward the null for drinking water uranium (HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.44, 1.05) and toenail uranium (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.20). This case-control study showed no increased risk of bladder cancer associated with uranium found in drinking water or toenails.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lissa Soares
- Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University
| | | | - Melissa Slotnick
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health
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3
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Spaur M, Glabonjat RA, Schilling K, Lombard MA, Galvez-Fernandez M, Lieberman-Cribbin W, Hayek C, Ilievski V, Balac O, Izuchukwu C, Patterson K, Basu A, Bostick BC, Chen Q, Sanchez T, Navas-Acien A, Nigra AE. Contribution of arsenic and uranium in private wells and community water systems to urinary biomarkers in US adults: The Strong Heart Study and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:77-89. [PMID: 37558699 PMCID: PMC10853483 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00586-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (As) and uranium (U) in the United States (US) occurs from unregulated private wells and federally regulated community water systems (CWSs). The contribution of water to total exposure is assumed to be low when water As and U concentrations are low. OBJECTIVE We examined the contribution of water As and U to urinary biomarkers in the Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS), a prospective study of American Indian communities, and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a prospective study of racially/ethnically diverse urban U.S. communities. METHODS We assigned residential zip code-level estimates in CWSs (µg/L) and private wells (90th percentile probability of As >10 µg/L) to up to 1485 and 6722 participants with dietary information and urinary biomarkers in the SHFS (2001-2003) and MESA (2000-2002; 2010-2011), respectively. Urine As was estimated as the sum of inorganic and methylated species, and urine U was total uranium. We used linear mixed-effects models to account for participant clustering and removed the effect of dietary sources via regression adjustment. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) urine As was 5.32 (3.29, 8.53) and 6.32 (3.34, 12.48) µg/L for SHFS and MESA, respectively, and urine U was 0.037 (0.014, 0.071) and 0.007 (0.003, 0.018) µg/L. In a meta-analysis across both studies, urine As was 11% (95% CI: 3, 20%) higher and urine U was 35% (5, 73%) higher per twofold higher CWS As and U, respectively. In the SHFS, zip-code level factors such as private well and CWS As contributed 46% of variation in urine As, while in MESA, zip-code level factors, e.g., CWS As and U, contribute 30 and 49% of variation in urine As and U, respectively. IMPACT STATEMENT We found that water from unregulated private wells and regulated CWSs is a major contributor to urinary As and U (an estimated measure of internal dose) in both rural, American Indian populations and urban, racially/ethnically diverse populations nationwide, even at levels below the current regulatory standard. Our findings indicate that additional drinking water interventions, regulations, and policies can have a major impact on reducing total exposures to As and U, which are linked to adverse health effects even at low levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Spaur
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ronald A Glabonjat
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathrin Schilling
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa A Lombard
- U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, Pembroke, NH, USA
| | - Marta Galvez-Fernandez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wil Lieberman-Cribbin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn Hayek
- Columbia Water Center, Columbia Climate School, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vesna Ilievski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olgica Balac
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chiugo Izuchukwu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Patterson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anirban Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin C Bostick
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY, USA
| | - Qixuan Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany Sanchez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne E Nigra
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Martinez-Morata I, Sobel M, Tellez-Plaza M, Navas-Acien A, Howe CG, Sanchez TR. A State-of-the-Science Review on Metal Biomarkers. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023; 10:215-249. [PMID: 37337116 PMCID: PMC10822714 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00402-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Biomarkers are commonly used in epidemiological studies to assess metals and metalloid exposure and estimate internal dose, as they integrate multiple sources and routes of exposure. Researchers are increasingly using multi-metal panels and innovative statistical methods to understand how exposure to real-world metal mixtures affects human health. Metals have both common and unique sources and routes of exposure, as well as biotransformation and elimination pathways. The development of multi-element analytical technology allows researchers to examine a broad spectrum of metals in their studies; however, their interpretation is complex as they can reflect different windows of exposure and several biomarkers have critical limitations. This review elaborates on more than 500 scientific publications to discuss major sources of exposure, biotransformation and elimination, and biomarkers of exposure and internal dose for 12 metals/metalloids, including 8 non-essential elements (arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, tin, uranium) and 4 essential elements (manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc) commonly used in multi-element analyses. RECENT FINDINGS We conclude that not all metal biomarkers are adequate measures of exposure and that understanding the metabolic biotransformation and elimination of metals is key to metal biomarker interpretation. For example, whole blood is a good biomarker of exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and tin, but it is not a good indicator for barium, nickel, and uranium. For some essential metals, the interpretation of whole blood biomarkers is unclear. Urine is the most commonly used biomarker of exposure across metals but it should not be used to assess lead exposure. Essential metals such as zinc and manganese are tightly regulated by homeostatic processes; thus, elevated levels in urine may reflect body loss and metabolic processes rather than excess exposure. Total urinary arsenic may reflect exposure to both organic and inorganic arsenic, thus, arsenic speciation and adjustment for arsebonetaine are needed in populations with dietary seafood consumption. Hair and nails primarily reflect exposure to organic mercury, except in populations exposed to high levels of inorganic mercury such as in occupational and environmental settings. When selecting biomarkers, it is also critical to consider the exposure window of interest. Most populations are chronically exposed to metals in the low-to-moderate range, yet many biomarkers reflect recent exposures. Toenails are emerging biomarkers in this regard. They are reliable biomarkers of long-term exposure for arsenic, mercury, manganese, and selenium. However, more research is needed to understand the role of nails as a biomarker of exposure to other metals. Similarly, teeth are increasingly used to assess lifelong exposures to several essential and non-essential metals such as lead, including during the prenatal window. As metals epidemiology moves towards embracing a multi-metal/mixtures approach and expanding metal panels to include less commonly studied metals, it is important for researchers to have a strong knowledge base about the metal biomarkers included in their research. This review aims to aid metals researchers in their analysis planning, facilitate sound analytical decision-making, as well as appropriate understanding and interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martinez-Morata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 1107, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Marisa Sobel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 1107, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Maria Tellez-Plaza
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 1107, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Caitlin G Howe
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Tiffany R Sanchez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 1107, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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5
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Berntsson E, Vosough F, Noormägi A, Padari K, Asplund F, Gielnik M, Paul S, Jarvet J, Tõugu V, Roos PM, Kozak M, Gräslund A, Barth A, Pooga M, Palumaa P, Wärmländer SKTS. Characterization of Uranyl (UO 22+) Ion Binding to Amyloid Beta (Aβ) Peptides: Effects on Aβ Structure and Aggregation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2618-2633. [PMID: 37487115 PMCID: PMC10401651 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Uranium (U) is naturally present in ambient air, water, and soil, and depleted uranium (DU) is released into the environment via industrial and military activities. While the radiological damage from U is rather well understood, less is known about the chemical damage mechanisms, which dominate in DU. Heavy metal exposure is associated with numerous health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent age-related cause of dementia. The pathological hallmark of AD is the deposition of amyloid plaques, consisting mainly of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides aggregated into amyloid fibrils in the brain. However, the toxic species in AD are likely oligomeric Aβ aggregates. Exposure to heavy metals such as Cd, Hg, Mn, and Pb is known to increase Aβ production, and these metals bind to Aβ peptides and modulate their aggregation. The possible effects of U in AD pathology have been sparsely studied. Here, we use biophysical techniques to study in vitro interactions between Aβ peptides and uranyl ions, UO22+, of DU. We show for the first time that uranyl ions bind to Aβ peptides with affinities in the micromolar range, induce structural changes in Aβ monomers and oligomers, and inhibit Aβ fibrillization. This suggests a possible link between AD and U exposure, which could be further explored by cell, animal, and epidemiological studies. General toxic mechanisms of uranyl ions could be modulation of protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Berntsson
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Faraz Vosough
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andra Noormägi
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kärt Padari
- Institute
of Molecular and Cell Biology, University
of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Fanny Asplund
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maciej Gielnik
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus
University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Suman Paul
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jüri Jarvet
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vello Tõugu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Per M. Roos
- Institute
of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- University
Healthcare Unit of Capio St. Göran Hospital, 112 81 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maciej Kozak
- Department
of Biomedical Physics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznań, Poland
- SOLARIS
National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian
University, 31-007 Kraków, Poland
| | - Astrid Gräslund
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Barth
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute
of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Peep Palumaa
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Sebastian K. T. S. Wärmländer
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Huang L, Sun G, Xu W, Li S, Qin X, An Q, Wang Z, Li J. Uranium uptake is mediated markedly by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and induce dose-dependent toxicity in HK-2 cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023:104171. [PMID: 37295740 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the endocytosis mechanisms of uranium uptake in HK-2 cells and its toxic effects. Our results demonstrated that uranium exposure impairs redox homeostasis and increases the permeability of the cell membrane and mitochondrial membrane, which may induce cell apoptosis by cytochrome-c leakage. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased after uranium exposure, which may be involved in the process of intracellular mineralisation of uranium, leading to severe cell necrosis. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that the clathrin-mediated endocytosis process contributed substantially to uranium uptake in HK-2 cells and the total uranium uptake was highly correlated with cell viability, reaching a high correlation coefficient (r= -0.853) according to Pearson correlation analysis. In conclusion, the uptake of uranium into mammalian cells was mainly facilitated by the clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway and induced dose-dependent cellular toxicity, including redox homeostasis imbalance, membrane injury, cell apoptosis and necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Huang
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Ge Sun
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Wenli Xu
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Shufang Li
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiujun Qin
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Quan An
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Zhongwen Wang
- Department of Radiation Safety, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| | - Jianguo Li
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
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7
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Yusuf I, Hansson E, Eriksson M, Roos P, Lindahl P, Pettersson HBL. Particle Size Dependent Dissolution of Uranium Aerosols in Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids. HEALTH PHYSICS 2023; 124:285-300. [PMID: 36727932 PMCID: PMC9940842 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Uranium aerosol exposure can be a health risk factor for workers in the nuclear fuel industry. Good knowledge about aerosol dissolution and absorption characteristics in the gastrointestinal tract is imperative for solid dose assessments and risk management. In this study, an in vitro dissolution model of the GI tract was used to experimentally study solubility of size-fractionated aerosols. The aerosols were collected from four major workshops in a nuclear fuel fabrication plant where uranium compounds such as uranium hexafluoride (UF 6 ), uranium dioxide (UO 2 ), ammonium uranyl carbonate, AUC [UO 2 CO 3 ·2(NH 4 ) 2 CO 3 ] and triuranium octoxide (U 3 O 8 ) are present. The alimentary tract transfer factor, f A , was estimated for the aerosols sampled in the study. The transfer factor was derived from the dissolution in the small intestine in combination with data on absorption of soluble uranium. Results from the conversion workshop indicated a f A in line with what is recommended (0.004) by the ICRP for inhalation exposure to Type M materials. Obtained transfer factors, f A , for the powder preparation and pelletizing workshops where UO 2 and U 3 O 8 are handled are lower for inhalation and much lower for ingestion than those recommended by the ICRP for Type M/S materials f A = 0.00029 and 0.00016 vs. 0.0006 and 0.002, respectively. The results for ingestion and inhalation f A indicate that ICRP's conservative recommendation of f A for inhalation exposure is applicable to both ingestion and inhalation of insoluble material in this study. The dissolution- and subsequent absorption-dependence on particle size showed correlation only for one of the workshops (pelletizing). The absence of correlation at the other workshops may be an effect of multiple chemical compounds with different size distribution and/or the reported presence of agglomerated particles at higher cut points having more impact on the dissolution than particle size. The impact on dose coefficients [committed effective dose (CED) per Bq] of using experimental f A vs. using default f A recommended by the ICRP for the uranium compounds of interest for inhalation exposure was not significant for any of the workshops. However, a significant impact on CED for ingestion exposure was observed for all workshops when comparing with CED estimated for insoluble material using ICRP default f A . This indicates that the use of experimentally derived site-specific f A can improve dose assessments. It is essential to acquire site-specific estimates of the dissolution and absorption of uranium aerosols as this provides more realistic and accurate dose- and risk-estimates of worker exposure. In this study, the results indicate that ICRP's recommendations for ingestion of insoluble material might overestimate absorption and that the lower f A found for inhalation could be more realistic for both inhalation and ingestion of insoluble material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtisam Yusuf
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Edvin Hansson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB, Bränslegatan 1, 72136 Västerås, Sweden
| | - Mats Eriksson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Roos
- European Spallation Source ERIC, P.O Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Patric Lindahl
- Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, 17116 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan B. L. Pettersson
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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8
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Adsorption properties of amine modified lignin-hydrogel composite for uranyl ions: Theoretical and experimental insights. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2023.100924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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9
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Mishra E, Schultz CM, Lai RY, Dowben PA. Coordination Chemistry of Uranyl Ions with Surface-Immobilized Peptides: An XPS Study. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248960. [PMID: 36558092 PMCID: PMC9784848 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248960] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The coordination chemistry of uranyl ions with surface immobilized peptides was studied using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). All the peptides in the study were modified using a six-carbon alkanethiol as a linker on a gold substrate with methylene blue as the redox label. The X-ray photoemission spectra reveal that each modified peptide interacts differently with the uranyl ion. For all the modified peptides, the XPS spectra were taken in both the absence and presence of the uranium, and their comparison reveals that the interaction depends on the chemical group present in the peptides. The XPS results show that, among all the modified peptides in the current study, the (arginine)9 (R9) modified peptide showed the largest response to uranium. In the order of response to uranium, the second largest response was shown by the modified (arginine)6 (R6) peptide followed by the modified (lysine)6 (K6) peptide. Other modified peptides, (alanine)6 (A6), (glutamic acid)6 (E6) and (serine)6 (S6), did not show any response to uranium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Mishra
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Theodore Jorgensen Hall, 855 North 16th Street, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0299, USA
| | - Cody M. Schultz
- Department of Chemistry, Hamilton Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0304, USA
| | - Rebecca Y. Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Hamilton Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0304, USA
| | - Peter A. Dowben
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Theodore Jorgensen Hall, 855 North 16th Street, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0299, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Schilz JR, Dashner-Titus EJ, Simmons KA, Erdei E, Bolt AM, MacKenzie DA, Hudson LG. The immunotoxicity of natural and depleted uranium: From cells to people. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116252. [PMID: 36152676 PMCID: PMC10044422 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Uranium is a naturally occurring element found in the environment as a mixture of isotopes with differing radioactive properties. Enrichment of mined material results in depleted uranium waste with substantially reduced radioactivity but retains the capacity for chemical toxicity. Uranium mine and milling waste are dispersed by wind and rain leading to environmental exposures through soil, air, and water contamination. Uranium exposure is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes in humans, yet there is limited understanding of the effects of depleted uranium on the immune system. The purpose of this review is to summarize findings on uranium immunotoxicity obtained from cell, rodent and human population studies. We also highlight how each model contributes to an understanding of mechanisms that lead to immunotoxicity and limitations inherent within each system. Information from population, animal, and laboratory studies will be needed to significantly expand our knowledge of the contributions of depleted uranium to immune dysregulation, which may then inform prevention or intervention measures for exposed communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi R Schilz
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America.
| | - Erica J Dashner-Titus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Karen A Simmons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Esther Erdei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Alicia M Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Debra A MacKenzie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Laurie G Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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Zhang Y, Sun L, Yan Q, Qiu X, Cheng Y, Wang B, Tan X, Fang M, Luck RL, Liu H. Near-infrared fluorescent probe based on cyanine scaffold for sensitive detection of uranyl ions in living cells and water samples. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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12
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Guéguen Y, Frerejacques M. Review of Knowledge of Uranium-Induced Kidney Toxicity for the Development of an Adverse Outcome Pathway to Renal Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084397. [PMID: 35457214 PMCID: PMC9030063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) is a conceptual construct of causally and sequentially linked events, which occur during exposure to stressors, with an adverse outcome relevant to risk assessment. The development of an AOP is a means of identifying knowledge gaps in order to prioritize research assessing the health risks associated with exposure to physical or chemical stressors. In this paper, a review of knowledge was proposed, examining experimental and epidemiological data, in order to identify relevant key events and potential key event relationships in an AOP for renal impairment, relevant to stressors such as uranium (U). Other stressors may promote similar pathways, and this review is a necessary step to compare and combine knowledge reported for nephrotoxicants. U metal ions are filtered through the glomerular membrane of the kidneys, then concentrate in the cortical and juxtaglomerular areas, and bind to the brush border membrane of the proximal convoluted tubules. U uptake by epithelial cells occurs through endocytosis and the sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter (NaPi-IIa). The identified key events start with the inhibition of the mitochondria electron transfer chain and the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, due to cytochrome b5/cytochrome c disruption. In the nucleus, U directly interacts with negatively charged DNA phosphate, thereby inducing an adduct formation, and possibly DNA strand breaks or cross-links. U also compromises DNA repair by inhibiting zing finger proteins. Thereafter, U triggers the Nrf2, NF-κB, or endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. The resulting cellular key events include oxidative stress, DNA strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory effects. Finally, the main adverse outcome is tubular damage of the S2 and S3 segments of the kidneys, leading to tubular cell death, and then kidney failure. The attribution of renal carcinogenesis due to U is controversial, and specific experimental or epidemiological studies must be conducted. A tentative construction of an AOP for uranium-induced kidney toxicity and failure was proposed.
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Response and Dynamic Change of Microbial Community during Bioremediation of Uranium Tailings by Bacillus sp. MINERALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/min11090967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus sp. is widely used in the remediation of uranium-contaminated sites. However, little is known about the competitive process of microbial community in the environment during bioremediation. The bioremediation of uranium tailings using Bacillus sp. was explored, and the bacterial community was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing at different stages of remediation. Bacillus sp. reduced the leaching of uranium from uranium tailings. The lowest uranium concentration was 17.25 μg/L. Alpha diversity revealed that the abundance and diversity of microorganisms increased with the extension of the culture time. The microbial abundance and diversity were higher in the treatment group than in the control group. The dominant species at the phyla level were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the uranium tailings environment, whereas the phylum of Proteobacteria was significantly increased in the treatment group. Based on the genus level, the proportions of Arthrobacter, Rhodococcus and Paenarthrobacter decreased significantly, whereas those of Clostridium sp., Bacillus and Pseudomonas increased dramatically. Hence, the remediation of uranium contamination in the environment was due to the functional microorganisms, which gradually became the dominant strain in the treatment, such as Desulfotomaculum, Desulfosporporosinus, Anaerocolumna, Ruminiclostridium and Burkholderia. These findings provided a promising outlook of the potential for remediation strategies of soil contaminated by uranium. The dynamic characteristics of the microbial community are likely to provide a foundation for the bioremediation process in practice.
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Liao T, Feng T, Li J, Hu J, Yang L, Zhang L. Pilot-scale removal of uranium from uranium plant wastewater using industrial iron powder in the ultrasonic field. ANN NUCL ENERGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2020.107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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15
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Khan A, Wei D, Khuda F, Ma R, Ismail M, Ai Y. Comparative adsorption capabilities of rubbish tissue paper-derived carbon-doped MgO and CaCO 3 for EBT and U(VI), studied by batch, spectroscopy and DFT calculations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:13114-13130. [PMID: 32009233 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07796-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Water pollution due to organic dyes and radionuclides is a challenging issue to the modern world. Cheap and efficient adsorbents are needed for their removal from wastewaters. Carbon-doped magnesium oxide (C-MgO) and calcium carbonate (C-CaCO3) were synthesized by the in situ hydrothermal treatment of Mg(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2 with carbon, and applied for the removal of eriochrome black T (EBT) at pH = 2.0 and uranium (U(VI)) at pH = 6.0. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacities of C-MgO (3.62 × 10-4 mol/g for EBT and 8.10 × 10-4 mol/g for U(VI)) were higher than those of C-CaCO3 (2.53 × 10-4 mol/g for EBT and 5.92 × 10-4 mol/g for U(VI)). The high adsorption capacity of C-MgO was also evidenced with DFT calculations which showed that the sorption energies (ΔE) of C-MgO for EBT (20.62 kcal/mol) and U(VI) (63.41 kcal/mol) were higher than those of C-CaCO3 for EBT (10.21 kcal/mol) and U(VI) (34.29 kcal/mol). In all cases, the electrostatic interactions were involved in the adsorption process. The sorption kinetic data followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The results demonstrate that both C-MgO and C-CaCO3 are reusable and can be effectively applied for the elimination of EBT and U(VI) from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayub Khan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dongli Wei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Fazli Khuda
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Ran Ma
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Ismail
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuejie Ai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
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Mitrović B, Stojanović M, Sekulić Ž, Andrić V, Vićentijević M, Vranješ B. Toxicity of high uranium doses in broilers and protection with mineral adsorbents. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2019; 58:385-391. [PMID: 30972493 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-019-00790-5] [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: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the uranium distribution and histopathological changes in broiler organs (kidney, liver, and brain) and muscle after 7 days of contamination with high doses of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate (UN), and the protective efficiency of three different mineral adsorbents (organobentonite, organozeolite, and sepiolite). During the 7 days, the UN administration was 50 mg per day, and administration of adsorbents was 2 g per day immediately after UN. In control group where broilers received only UN, histopathological changes such as necrosis of intestinal villi, oedema, vacuolisation and abruption of epithelial cells in renal tubules, oedema and vacuolisation of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, and dystrophic changes in the neurons of the medulla oblongata were observed. In contrast, when the adsorbents organobentonite, organozeolite, and sepiolite were administered, no histopathological changes were observed in liver and brain. The investigated adsorbents showed the highest protective effects in liver (80-92%), compared to the kidney (77-86%), brain (37-64%), and meat (31-63%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Branislava Mitrović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Mirjana Stojanović
- Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Row Materials, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Franše d'Eperea 86, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Živko Sekulić
- Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Row Materials, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Franše d'Eperea 86, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Velibor Andrić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Mihajlo Vićentijević
- Science Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Vojvode Toze 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Borjana Vranješ
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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17
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Evaluation of daily intake for some elements of radiation protection concern by inhabitants of Greater Cairo Area, Egypt. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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18
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Xue JH, Zhang H, Ding DX, Hu N, Wang YD, Wang YS. Linear β-Cyclodextrin Polymer Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as Nanoadsorbent for Highly Effective Removal of U(VI) from Aqueous Solution Based on Inner-Sphere Surface Complexation. Ind Eng Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.8b05453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hua Xue
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
- College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - D. X. Ding
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Nan Hu
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Yong-Dong Wang
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Yong-Sheng Wang
- College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
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19
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Singh P, Tiwari D, Mishra M, Kumar D. Molecular Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Toxicity in Cancer Progression. NETWORKING OF MUTAGENS IN ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-96511-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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20
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Zhang L, Zhang X, Lu Q, Wu X, Jiang T, Mi L, Peng Y. Adsorption of U(VI) ions from aqueous solution using nanogoethite powder. ADSORPT SCI TECHNOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0263617418816202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Goethite is a stable and widespread mineral present in soil with many uses, and it affects the transportation and immobilization of heavy metals in solution. Nanogoethite was synthesized by a chemical precipitation method and used to batch adsorb U(VI) in solution. Adsorption experiments were used to understand the role of nanogoethite in controlling the U(VI) adsorption behavior in soil. The morphology and the crystallinity of nanogoethite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and wide-angle X-ray powder diffractometry, respectively. The results showed that the crystallinity of nanogoethite after the adsorption of uranium did not change, but small particles appeared on the surface of the scales. The surface area was determined from N2 adsorption–desorption experiments using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller to be 81.86 m2/g. The effects of factors such as the contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and the initial concentration of uranium on the adsorption of U(VI) were investigated. The experimental results showed that nanogoethite removed over 85% of the U(VI) in an aqueous 5.0 mg/L U(VI) solution at pH 4.0 and at 298 K. The pseudo-second-order model was used to simulate the adsorption process. The results show that chemisorption plays a major role in the adsorption process. The results of this study suggest that nanogoethite may play a significant role in controlling the migration and transfer of U(VI) in the soil, thus controlling the presence of U(VI) in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiang Zhang
- School of Resources, Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- School of Resources, Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Key Laboratory of Radioactive Waste Treatment and Disposal, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qian Lu
- School of Resources, Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Resources, Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Tianjiao Jiang
- School of Resources, Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Li Mi
- School of Resources, Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Key Laboratory of Radioactive Waste Treatment and Disposal, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ying Peng
- School of Resources, Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Bolt AM, Medina S, Lauer FT, Xu H, Ali AM, Liu KJ, Burchiel SW. Minimal uranium accumulation in lymphoid tissues following an oral 60-day uranyl acetate exposure in male and female C57BL/6J mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205211. [PMID: 30356336 PMCID: PMC6200214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of uranium (U) exist in soil, water, and air in the Southwestern United States due, in part, to waste generated from more than 160,000 abandoned hard rock mines located in this region. As a result, many people living in this region are chronically exposed to U at levels that have been linked to detrimental health outcomes. In an effort to establish a relevant in vivo mouse model for future U immunotoxicity studies, we evaluated the tissue distribution of U in immune organs; blood, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus, as well as femur bones, kidneys, and liver, following a 60-d drinking water exposure to uranyl acetate (UA) in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Following the 60-d exposure, there was low overall tissue retention of U (<0.01%) at both the 5 and the 50 ppm (mg/L) oral concentrations. In both male and female mice, there was limited U accumulation in immune organs. U only accumulated at low concentrations in the blood and bone marrow of male mice (0.6 and 16.8 ng/g, respectively). Consistent with previous reports, the predominant sites of U accumulation were the femur bones (350.1 and 399.0 ng/g, respectively) and kidneys (134.0 and 361.3 ng/g, respectively) of male and female mice. Findings from this study provide critical insights into the distribution and retention of U in lymphoid tissues following chronic drinking water exposure to U. This information will serve as a foundation for immunotoxicological assessments of U, alone and in combination with other metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M. Bolt
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sebastian Medina
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Fredine T. Lauer
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Huan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Abdul-Mehdi Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Scott W. Burchiel
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
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22
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Barkleit A, Hennig C, Ikeda-Ohno A. Interaction of Uranium(VI) with α-Amylase and Its Implication for Enzyme Activity. Chem Res Toxicol 2018; 31:1032-1041. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Barkleit
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph Hennig
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Atsushi Ikeda-Ohno
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
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Martins AC, Gallimberti M, de Oliveira Souza VC, Rocha BA, Barbosa F. Biomonitoring for uranium exposure among young children living in nineteen states across five regions of Brazil. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-5964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Drinking Water Uranium and Potential Health Effects in the German Federal State of Bavaria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14080927. [PMID: 28820453 PMCID: PMC5580629 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14080927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mainly due to its nephrotoxic and osteotoxic potential, uranium (U) increasingly finds itself in the spotlight of environmental and health-related research. Germany decided on a binding U guideline value in drinking water of 10 µg/L, valid since 2011. It is yet widely unknown if and how public health was affected by elevated U concentrations before that. In this ecological study we summarized available drinking water U data for the German federal state of Bavaria (703 analyses in total for 553 different municipalities) at county level (for 76 out of 96 Bavarian counties, representing about 83% of Bavaria's and about 13% of Germany's total population) in terms of mean and maximum U concentration. Bavaria is known to regionally exhibit mainly geogenically elevated groundwater U with a maximum value of 40 µg/L in the database used here. Public health data were obtained from federal statistical authorities at county resolution. These included incidence rates of diagnosed diseases suspected to be potentially associated with chronic U uptake, e.g., diseases of the skeleton, the liver or the thyroid as well as tumor and genito-urinary diseases. The datasets were analyzed for interrelations and mutual spatial occurrence using statistical approaches and GIS as well as odds ratios and relative risks calculations. Weak but significant positive associations between maximum U concentrations and aggregated ICD-10 diagnose groups for growths/tumors as well as liver diseases were observed, elevated incidence rates of thyroid diseases seem to occur where mean drinking water U concentrations exceed 2 µg/L. Here, we discuss obtained results and their implications for potential impacts of hydrochemistry on public health in southeast Germany.
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Bjørklund G, Christophersen OA, Chirumbolo S, Selinus O, Aaseth J. Recent aspects of uranium toxicology in medical geology. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:526-533. [PMID: 28431380 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) is a chemo-toxic, radiotoxic and even a carcinogenic element. Due to its radioactivity, the effects of U on humans health have been extensively investigated. Prolonged U exposure may cause kidney disease and cancer. The geological distribution of U radionuclides is still a great concern for human health. Uranium in groundwater, frequently used as drinking water, and general environmental pollution with U raise concerns about the potential public health problem in several areas of Asia. The particular paleo-geological hallmark of India and other Southern Asiatic regions enhances the risk of U pollution in rural and urban communities. This paper highlights different health and environmental aspects of U as well as uptake and intake. It discusses levels of U in soil and water and the related health issues. Also described are different issues of U pollution, such as U and fertilizers, occupational exposure in miners, use and hazards of U in weapons (depleted U), U and plutonium as catalysts in the reaction between DNA and H2O2, and recycling of U from groundwater to surface soils in irrigation. For use in medical geology and U research, large databases and data warehouses are currently available in Europe and the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | | | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Olle Selinus
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Innlandet Hospital Trust and Hedmark University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Banning A, Pawletko N, Röder J, Kübeck C, Wisotzky F. Ex situ groundwater treatment triggering the mobilization of geogenic uranium from aquifer sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 587-588:371-380. [PMID: 28237470 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) concentrations in groundwater extracted for drinking water usage from a Quaternary fluvial aquifer partly exceed the German drinking water guideline of 10μgL-1. Responsible sources and mobilization processes were unknown and gave rise to this study. Land use of the watershed is mainly agricultural leading to groundwater nitrate concentrations >50mgL-1 and a need for water treatment prior to utilization as drinking water. This is successfully accomplished by addition of nutrients triggering bacterial nitrate reduction, followed by the addition of NaOH for water softening and CO2 for pH adjustment, with subsequent reinfiltration into the aquifer. Three boreholes were drilled to obtain a total of 127 solid samples from Quaternary and underlying Tertiary sediments. Geochemistry and mineralogy were assessed using elemental analysis (CS, ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to complement hydrochemical data and unravel U occurrence in the subsurface. Solid phase U fractionation was characterized by a sequential extraction procedure, U remobilization potential by a 137days column experiment. Shallow Quaternary sediments yielded low U contents <1μgg-1, higher values were found in depths of more than 20m below ground surface. Here, strata of elevated Corg and Cinorg contain up to 14μgg-1 U, mainly bound in organic and carbonate fractions. Groundwater U concentrations >10μgL-1 almost exclusively appear in this same depth range, and only in wells influenced by water treatment runoff. Results suggest that the applied water treatment approach triggers U remobilization from geogenic sources in the aquifer. The most probable mechanism is dissolution of U bearing calcite induced by CO2 application; redox reactions and pH-driven desorption appear to play a minor role in mobilization. We conclude that groundwater treatment should carefully account for unwanted hydrogeochemical side effects triggering the mobilization of geogenic trace elements such as uranium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Banning
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hydrogeology Department, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Nadine Pawletko
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hydrogeology Department, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Julia Röder
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hydrogeology Department, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Christine Kübeck
- IWW Water Centre, Water Resources Management, Moritzstr. 26, 45476 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Frank Wisotzky
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hydrogeology Department, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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Liesch T, Hinrichsen S, Goldscheider N. Uranium in groundwater--Fertilizers versus geogenic sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 536:981-995. [PMID: 26170113 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.05.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to its radiological and toxicological properties even at low concentration levels, uranium is increasingly recognized as relevant contaminant in drinking water from aquifers. Uranium originates from different sources, including natural or geogenic, mining and industrial activities, and fertilizers in agriculture. The goal of this study was to obtain insights into the origin of uranium in groundwater while differentiating between geogenic sources and fertilizers. A literature review concerning the sources and geochemical processes affecting the occurrence and distribution of uranium in the lithosphere, pedosphere and hydrosphere provided the background for the evaluation of data on uranium in groundwater at regional scale. The state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, was selected for this study, because of its hydrogeological and land-use diversity, and for reasons of data availability. Uranium and other parameters from N=1935 groundwater monitoring sites were analyzed statistically and geospatially. Results show that (i) 1.6% of all water samples exceed the German legal limit for drinking water (10 μg/L); (ii) The range and spatial distribution of uranium and occasional peak values seem to be related to geogenic sources; (iii) There is a clear relation between agricultural land-use and low-level uranium concentrations, indicating that fertilizers generate a measurable but low background of uranium in groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Liesch
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Division of Hydrogeology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | - Sören Hinrichsen
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Division of Hydrogeology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Nico Goldscheider
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Division of Hydrogeology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Šömen Joksić A, Katz SA. Chelation therapy for treatment of systemic intoxication with uranium: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2015; 50:1479-1488. [PMID: 26305139 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.1071154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Elevated levels of naturally occurring uranium have been found in small geographic areas throughout the world. Exposure of the general public to uranium is most often by the ingestion of food and water containing natural uranium from the hydrogeological environment, but this likelihood is remote. However, the risk is increased in regions where uranium is mined, milled, processed and/or fabricated as well as in the vicinity of former battlefields where depleted uranium munitions were deployed. Exposure in such cases is by the inhalation route. Internalized uranium is a long-term hazard the toxicity of which depends upon the dose and the dose rate as well as other parameters such as the chemical form and site of deposition of the uranium and the physiology of the host. The radiological toxicity and the chemical toxicity of uranium and its compounds are responsible for kidney damage and lung cancer. The vulnerable groups are the very young and the very old, individuals predisposed to hypertension or osteoporosis and individuals with chronic kidney disease. Those subject to long-term exposure from internalized uranium are a greater risk for the long-term implications. The accumulation of uranium may be mitigated by decreasing its absorption, distribution and deposition and increasing its elimination with chelating agents. The formation of soluble chelates may enhance the mobilization of uranium deposited in tissue and expedite its transport to and elimination from the renal system. The focus of this review is on the use of chelating agents to enhance decorporation of uranium thereby reducing the risk of intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Šömen Joksić
- a National Institute of Public Health, RU Koper , Koper , Republic of Slovenia
- b University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences , Izola , Republic of Slovenia
| | - Sidney A Katz
- c Department of Chemistry , Rutgers University , Camden , New Jersey , USA
- d University of Nova Gorica, School for Environmental Sciences , Nova Gorica , Republic of Slovenia
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