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Li B, Guo X, Zhang X, Leng S, Ma N, Wu X. A new strategy to stabilize the heavy metals in carbonized MSWI-fly ash using an acid-resistant oligomeric dithiocarbamate chelator. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133686. [PMID: 38359762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Fly ash (FA) derived from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) requires safe handling before landfilling due to its extremely high salt content and the risk of leaching heavy metals (HMs) under acidic conditions. Herein, aimed at improving the acid stability of dithiocarbamates, a cost-effective oligomeric dithiocarbamate (ODTC) was developed to stabilize HMs from carbonated MSWI-FA. Spiking of 3.6 wt% ODTC reduced the HM leaching below landfill standards in China, even across the pH range of 2.0-13.0 or 8-week exposure to the natural environment. Stabilization decreased the acid-soluble/exchangeable fractions of Cd, Pb, and Zn from 22.2%, 4.49%, and 21.9% to 0.14%, 0.11%, and 12.2%, respectively, resulting in safe levels for Pb and Cd with risk assessments. Compared to DDTC and SDD, ODTC exhibited higher stability under acidic conditions after chelation with the HMs, minimized the risk of HM leaching, and significantly reduced stabilization costs. In-depth studies proved that the stabilization mechanism involved the ability of ODTC to chelate HMs strongly and form acid-resistant ODTC-HM complexes, agglomeration of the MSWI-FA grains to encapsulate the ODTC-HM complexes, transformations of the HMs from acid-soluble species to stable oxidizable and residual species, and specifically ODTC reducing high-valent Pb to more stable Pb(II) species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xuejun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Xiangyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Siwen Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Na Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Wagale M, Dandin S, Bokil S, Sathe S. Potential use of fly ash in structural fill application: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:90-108. [PMID: 38036910 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30968-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Globally, over the years, fly ash (FA) has been successfully used in structural fills as a substitute for conventional infill material. As per the global industry trends and forecast report, the utilization rate of FA in 2021 was 74% in China, 65% in India, and 70% in the United States (US). Despite substantial research being done on the usage of FA as a substitute all over the world, only up to 15% by mass of total produce has been utilized as a replacement for infill soils. This indicates that there is a lot of potential for increased usage. From the view point of increasing the utilization rate, the present study focuses on summarizing the geotechnical properties of FA by taking strength characteristics into account as compared to conventional infill material. Moreover, this review underlines the chemical composition, index, and engineering properties. Firstly, it reviews the current state of the application of FA in structural fills by considering 141 articles that have been published since 2004 to till date. Secondly, it emphasizes the limited literature available on structural fill applications of FA. It also recommends the classification of FA besides the existing ASTM codes. Moreover, considering future research, this review also highlights the gaps in the previous studies, such as the need for amendments in existing standard codes for FA utilization as structural fill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makrand Wagale
- Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, 411038, India.
| | - Shahbaz Dandin
- Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, 411038, India
| | - Shantini Bokil
- Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, 411038, India
| | - Sandeep Sathe
- Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, 411038, India
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3
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Chen Y, Fan Y, Huang Y, Liao X, Xu W, Zhang T. A comprehensive review of toxicity of coal fly ash and its leachate in the ecosystem. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115905. [PMID: 38171230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Coal fly ash (CFA), a byproduct of coal combustion, is a hazardous industrial solid waste. Its excessive global production, coupled with improper disposal practices, insufficient utilization and limited awareness of its inherent hazards, poses a significant threat to both ecological environment and human health. Based on the physicochemical properties of CFA and its leachates, we elucidate the forms of CFA and potential pathways for its entry into the human body, as well as the leaching behavior, maximum tolerance and biological half-life of toxic elements present in CFA. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current strategies and methods for mitigating the leaching of these harmful elements from CFA. Moreover, we systemically summarize toxic effect of CFA on organisms across various tiers of complexity, analyze epidemiological findings concerning the human health implications resulting from CFA exposure, and delve into the biotoxicological mechanisms of CFA and its leachates at cellular and molecular levels. This review aims to enhance understanding of the potential toxicity of CFA, thereby promoting increased public awareness regarding the disposal and management of this industrial waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yingjie Fan
- Chongqing Research Center for Jialing River Development, Institute of Intelligent Manufacturing and Automotive, Chongqing Technology and Business Institute, Chongqing 401520, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoling Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Wenfeng Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; JINSHAN Science & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401120, China.
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4
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Deonarine A, Schwartz GE, Ruhl LS. Environmental Impacts of Coal Combustion Residuals: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1855-1869. [PMID: 36693217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
On-site solid-waste impoundments, landfills, and receiving water bodies have served as long-term disposal sites for coal combustion residuals (CCRs) across the United States for decades and collectively contain billions of tons of CCR material. CCR components include fine particulate material, minerals, and trace elements such as mercury, arsenic, selenium, lead, etc., which can have deleterious effects on ecosystem functioning and public health. Effects on communities can occur through consumption of drinking water, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The structural failure of impoundments, water infiltration, leakage from impoundments due to poor construction and monitoring, and CCR effluent discharges to water bodies have in the past resulted in harmful environmental impacts. Moreover, the risks posed by CCRs are present to this day, as coal continues to account for 11% of the energy production in the United States. In this Critical Review, the legacy of CCR disposal and the concomitant risks posed to public health and ecosystems are assessed. The resiliency of CCR disposal sites in the context of increased frequency and intensity of storm events and other hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, is also evaluated. We discuss the current state of knowledge on the environmental fate of CCR-derived elements, as well as advances in and limitations of analytical tools, which can improve the current understanding of CCR environmental impacts in order to mitigate the associated risks. An assessment of the 2015 Coal Ash Final Rule is also presented, along with needs to improve monitoring of CCR disposal sites and regulatory enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrika Deonarine
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, 911 Boston Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79401, United States
| | - Grace E Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry, Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303, United States
| | - Laura S Ruhl
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
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Hakki SS, Kayis SA, Dundar N, Hamurcu M, Basoglu A, Nielsen FH. Nail Mineral Composition Changes Do Not Reflect Bone Mineral Changes Caused by Boron Supplementation. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:215-219. [PMID: 35157231 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Nails have been found to be a non-invasive and readily available tissue whose mineral content can change because of a change in dietary mineral intake. Thus, this study was undertaken to determine whether boron (B) supplementation would change the concentrations of some mineral elements in nails and whether these changes correlated with changes induced in bone. Female New Zealand White rabbits (aged 8 months, 2-2.5 kg weight) were fed a grain-based, high-energy diet containing 3.88 mg B/kg. The rabbits were divided into four treatment groups: controls receiving no supplemental B (N: 7; C) and three groups supplemented with 30 mg B/L in drinking water as borax decahydrate (Na2B4O7∙10H2O, N: 10; BD), borax anhydrous (Na2B4O7, N: 7; Bah), and boric acid (H3BO3, N: 7; BA). Boron, calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in nails were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Parametric and non-parametric multiple group comparisons and post hoc tests were performed and whether a correlation between nail and tibia and femur mineral elements concentrations were determined. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Boron was not detectable in control nails but was found in the nails of the three B supplemented groups. Boron supplementation markedly increased the Ca concentration in nails with the effect greatest in the BA and BD groups. The P and Mg concentrations also were increased by B supplementation with the effect most marked in the BA group. In contrast, B supplementation decreased the Na concentration with the effect most noticeable in the BD and Bah groups. The Zn concentration in nails was not affected by BA and BD supplementation but was decreased by Bah supplementation. Boron supplementation did not significantly affect the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mo, K, and S in nails. No meaningful significant correlations were found between nail mineral elements and tibia and femur mineral elements found previously. Nails can be an indicator of the response to boron supplementation but are not useful to indicate changes in mineral elements in bone in response to B supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema S Hakki
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Selcuk University, Konya, 42079, Turkey.
- Research Center of Faculty of Dentistry, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Seyit Ali Kayis
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Niyazi Dundar
- Research Center of Faculty of Dentistry, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Hamurcu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Basoglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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Zierold KM, Myers JV, Brock GN, Zhang CH, Sears CG, Sears L. Heavy Metal(loid) Body Burden in Environmentally Exposed Children With and Without Internalizing Behavior Problems. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2022; 14:903-914. [PMID: 38894859 PMCID: PMC11185413 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-022-00469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of internalizing behavior disorders in children is increasing. Reasons for increasing anxiety and depression include several factors with a less studied consideration being the potential neurotoxic effects of environmental exposures. One group at risk for environmental exposures is children living near coal-burning power plants with coal ash storage facilities. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between metal(loid) exposures and internalizing behaviors in children aged 6-14 years. Metal(loid)s in nail samples were determined by Proton-Induced X-ray Emission and internalizing behavior problems were obtained from the parent ratings on the Child Behavior Checklist. Results indicated that concentrations of metal(loid)s in nails differ between children with internalizing behaviors and without internalizing behaviors. Logistic regression models suggested that exposure to zinc and imputed zirconium were associated with internalizing behaviors in children. However, when a sex-metal(loid) interaction term was included, none of the metal(loid)s were associated with internalizing behaviors indicating a role of sex differences in neurotoxicity with zinc and copper showing effects only for males. In all models, greater exposure to traffic was associated with internalizing behaviors. Zinc has previously been shown to increase risk for mental health problems, while zirconium has received less attention. Out findings indicate that environmental exposures of zinc and zirconium deserve further attention in studies of childhood internalizing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M. Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RPHB 534C, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294‑0022, USA
| | - John V. Myers
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Guy N. Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charlie H. Zhang
- Department of Geographic & Environmental Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Clara G. Sears
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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Quist AJL, Van Horne YO, Farzan SF, Johnston JE. Metal Exposures in Residents Living Near an Urban Oil Drilling Site in Los Angeles, California. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15981-15989. [PMID: 36288551 PMCID: PMC9670842 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Urban environmental justice communities are potentially exposed to multiple toxic metals, through contaminated air, soil, water, and food. However, information on metals and their sources is lacking. This study uses non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) in a community-based participatory research study to identify potential sources and to understand how these metals cluster in a population near an urban oil drilling site. We recruited 203 Latinx, Black, and Asian residents who lived within 1 km of an oil drilling site in south Los Angeles and collected toenail clippings to assess exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and antimony (Sb). Using NMF, we identified three clusters based on concentrations in the participants' toenails. As, Cd, Pb, and Sb grouped together, indicative of an industrial source. A second grouping was composed of Ni and Mn, which may be related to oil drilling. We also identified a third source factor predominantly driven by Hg and As, which may arise from dietary sources. Utilizing NMF, a dimension reduction method, we identified a source factor high in Ni and Mn in residents living in a neighborhood near an active oil drilling site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbor J. L. Quist
- Department of Population
and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, California90032, United States
| | - Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne
- Department of Population
and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, California90032, United States
| | - Shohreh F. Farzan
- Department of Population
and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, California90032, United States
| | - Jill E. Johnston
- Department of Population
and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, California90032, United States
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Wang P, Cao Y, Luo H, Li T, Yang B, Li H, Liang T, Yu J, Wang L, Ma F, Gu Q, Ding A, Li F. Remarkable enrichment of heavy metals in baghouse filter dust during direct-fired thermal desorption of contaminated soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128301. [PMID: 35183051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on the widely applied technology of direct-fired thermal desorption, taking a site contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as a typical test case. The entire thermal desorption process of contaminated soil is considered in the analysis. The concentration levels and occurrence characteristics of heavy metals in dust traditionally considered to be clean are evaluated, and possible secondary pollution and environmental impacts are explored. The results indicate that, compared with the thermal desorption soil, the dust samples generated in the baghouse filter during the ex situ direct-fired thermal desorption process have higher amounts of heavy metal accumulation as well as altered speciation. In addition, the enrichment characteristics and origins of the heavy metals are analyzed according to the process flow and particle size composition as well as the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and other microscopic research methods. Phenomenon further reveals enrichment of arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr). The findings of this study can provide a scientific basis for the proper disposal and risk management of the dust collected after direct-fired thermal desorption treatment of contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yunzhe Cao
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Huilong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ting Li
- Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, CNNC, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Huiying Li
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Tian Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jingjing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Lina Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Fujun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qingbao Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Aizhong Ding
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Fasheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
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Sears L, Myers JV, Sears CG, Brock GN, Zhang C, Zierold KM. Manganese body burden in children is associated with reduced visual motor and attention skills. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2021; 88:107021. [PMID: 34428495 PMCID: PMC8578377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.107021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is an essential element, however, children with moderate to high Mn exposure can exhibit neurobehavioral impairments. One way Mn appears to affect brain function is through altering dopaminergic systems involved with motor and cognitive control including frontal - striatal brain systems. Based on the risk for motor and attention problems, we evaluated neurobehavioral function in 255 children at risk for Mn exposure due to living in proximity to coal ash storage sites. Proton Induced X-ray Emissions (PIXE) analysis was conducted on finger and toenails samples. Multiple neuropsychological tests were completed with the children. Fifty-five children had Mn concentrations above the limit of detection (LOD) (median concentration = 3.95 ppm). Children with detectable Mn concentrations had reduced visual motor skills (β = -5.62, CI: -9.11, -2.12, p = 0.008) and more problems with sustained attention, based on incorrect responses on a computerized attention test, (β = 0.40, CI: 0.21, 0.59, p < 0.001) compared with children who had Mn concentrations below the LOD. Findings suggest that Mn exposure impacts attention and motor control possibly due to neurotoxicity involving basal ganglia and forebrain regions. Visual-motor and attention tests may provide a sensitive measure of Mn neurotoxicity, useful for evaluating the effects of exposure in children and leading to better treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA..
| | - John V Myers
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Clara G Sears
- Division of Environmental Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Guy N Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Charlie Zhang
- Department of Geography & Geosciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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