Concentration Levels of Trace Elements in Carrots, Onions, and Potatoes Cultivated in Asopos Region, Central Greece

Geochemistry and origin of inorganic contaminants in soil, river sediment and surface water in a heavily urbanized river basin

Understanding the geochemistry and contamination of rivers affected by anthropogenic activities is paramount to water resources management. The Asopos river basin in central Greece is facing environmental quality deterioration threats due to industrial, urban and agricultural activities. Here, the geochemistry of river sediments and adjacent soil in terms of major and trace elements (Al, Ca, Mg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and the geochemical composition of surface water in terms of major ions, trace elements and nutrients along the Asopos river basin were determined. In addition, this study characterized potential nitrate sources through the analysis of stable isotope composition of NO3- (δ15Ν-ΝΟ3- and δ18Ο-ΝΟ3-). Results indicated that specific chemical constituents including nutrients (NO2-, NH4+, PO43-) and major ions (Na+, Cl-) were highest in the urban, industrialized and downstream areas. On the other hand, nitrate (NO3-) concentration in river water (median 7.9 mg/L) showed a decreasing trend from the upstream agricultural sites to the urban area and even more in the downstream of the urban area sites. Ionic ratios (NO3-/Cl-) and δ15Ν-ΝΟ3- values (range from +10.2 ‰ to +15.7 ‰), complemented with a Bayesian isotope mixing model, clearly showed the influence of organic wastes from septic systems and industries operating in the urban area on river nitrate geochemistry. The interpretation of geochemical data of soil and river sediment samples demonstrated the strong influence of local geology on Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni content, with isolated samples showing elevated concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, mostly within the industrialized urban environment. The calculation of enrichment factors based on the national background concentrations provided limited insights into the origin of geogenic metals. Overall, this study highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to assess the impact of the geological background and anthropogenic activities on river waters and sediments.

Assessment of Contents and Health Impacts of Four Metals in Chongming Asparagus-Geographical and Seasonal Aspects

In this paper, the contents of four typical metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, and As) in asparagus, water, and soil from Chongming Island were quantitatively determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The contents of these metals in asparagus showed a common rule of Pb > As > Cd > Hg in different harvest seasons and regions. Significant seasonal differences were found in the contents by difference analysis, but no obvious regional differences were observed. Furthermore, the asparagus did not accumulate these four metals from the soil in Chongming Island by the assessment of bio-concentration factor. The asparagus was proved safe by the analysis of single-factor pollution index and Nemerow pollution index. Through combining the analysis of the above indexes and the geological accumulation index, we found that 51.62% of soil samples were mildly polluted by cadmium. The results of health risk analysis showed that the risk value of children was higher than that of adults under oral exposure, but the four metals in asparagus possessed no obvious risk to health. The above assessments illustrate that the daily consumption of asparagus in Chongming Island will not cause potential health impacts. It is of benefit to ensure the quality and economic interests of asparagus planting in Chongming Island through the investigation of this study.

Hair biomonitoring and health status of a general population exposed to Nickel

An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted in a Greek population, being orally exposed to Ni via food consumption, in order to investigate possible health effects and to evaluate hair Ni concentration as a biomarker of exposure. The study population consisted of 139 men and 155 women, aged 25-69. Socio-demographics, lifestyle, dietary habits, occupational and medical history data were recorded through a personal interview. Hematological and biochemical examinations were conducted in blood specimens. Metals - Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu and Zn - were determined in hair samples. Women were characterized by higher Ni and Cu hair concentrations, while men by higher Cr and Hg. Factors affecting hair metal concentrations were identified to be dietary habits, consumption of local crops, occupation and smoking. Hair element content in the study population was comparable to the "reference ranges" reported in Europe, except for Ni, found higher in a fraction of our population. Men in the upper quartile of hair Ni distribution are at higher risk for abnormal high cholesterol, LDL, albumin and calcium, with odds ratios (OR) varying between 3.5 and 6.2. Accordingly, high hair Ni content in women is associated with abnormal glucose (OR=3.9), triglycerides (OR=3.1) and low abnormal sodium (OR=4.3). The study provides evidence of the suitability of hair analysis in assessing environmental exposure to Ni and supports the use of hair Ni content as a valuable and relatively inexpensive tool of biomonitoring, to identify people at risk for certain biochemical alterations.

Μetal Uptake by Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Irrigated with Water Polluted with Chromium and Nickel

The water aquifers of the regions of Asopos River in Viotia and Messapia in Evia (Greece) have been contaminated with hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) and bivalent nickel (Ni (II)). Given that these areas are the two biggest tuber producing regions of Greece, in our previous work, the cross-contamination of the food chain with these two heavy metals was quantified. In the present study, the potential of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cultivation in these regions is evaluated. The scope of our study was to investigate the uptake of chromium and nickel by sunflower, in a greenhouse experiment. The study included two cultivation periods of plants in six irrigation lines with different levels of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) ranging from 0 μg/L (control) to 10,000 μg/L. In all plant parts, statistically significant increased levels of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) were found when compared to control ones. Also, a positive correlation, both for Cr and Ni, between levels of heavy metals in irrigation water and plants was observed. Following European Food Safety Authority recommendations, the obtained oil was evaluated as safe for consumption, therefore, sunflower cultivation could be a valid bioremediation solution for the Asopos and Messapia regions.

Chemometric determination of the shelf life of opened cans using the migration of specific metals as quality indicators

The aim of this work is the evaluation of quality indicators for the estimation of the shelf life of opened cans using the migration of specific metals as variables. For this reason the determination of targeted analytes such as: Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn and Sn in different canned samples (cardoon, tuna, green and red beans, corn, and fungi) by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (Perkin Elmer, SIMAA 6000) was developed and validated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed in order to examine the correlation between the content of metals and metalloids and the storage time of opened cans. The results showed that there is a strong correlation between metal concentration and storage time, especially for Fe and Sn. The storage time ranged from hours to days and the vast number of collected data sets, led to reliable conclusions about the evaluation of a new shelf life indicator. Principal component analysis indicated the appropriate storage time for opened cans, where no significant migration was observed.

Assessment of cadmium content of potato grown in Weining County, Guizhou Province, China

A total of 54 soil and 54 potato samples have been collected from Weining County to evaluate the accumulation of cadmium in potatoes. The concentrations of the total Cd and the available Cd in the soil samples have been detected. The total concentrations of Cd were from 0.41 to 10.0 mg/kg with an average value of 2.60 mg/kg in soil. The concentrations of available Cd in the soil were 0.07 to 3.47 mg/kg with an average value of 0.59 mg/kg. The concentration of the available Cd showed a good linear positive correlation with the total Cd content in the soil. For the 54 potato samples, the Cd concentrations were from 0.023 to 0.18 mg/kg with an average value 0.083 mg/kg (fresh weight).The bioconcentration factor (BCF) values of Cd in potatoes, based on dry weight, were from 0.02 to 0.96 with an average value 0.24. The uptake of cadmium by plants is dependent on various soil and environmental factors. A regression model to predict the concentration of cadmium in Weining potatoes based on soil properties and elevation was developed. The results showed the elevation and the soil pH played an important role and had a negative influence on the uptake of Cd by potato in Weining County. The mean intake of Cd by adults through consumption of potato from Weining would be 5.9 μg/day, and it is well below the provisionally tolerable daily intake for Cd (70 μg/day).

Carotenoids and Antioxidant Enzymes as Biomarkers of the Impact of Heavy Metals in food Chain

Antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) and carotenoids lutein and β-carotene are often used as biomarkers of metal contamination of water and agricultural soils. In this study, the effects of heavy metals present in irrigation water on the aforementioned carotenoids of potatoes Solanum tuberosum L. and carrots Daucus carota L., cultivated in a greenhouse and irrigated with a water solution including different levels of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) were investigated. These results were compared to the levels of the same metabolites that had been assessed in market-available potato and carrot samples. The findings indicated that the levels of the examined metabolites on the treated with Cr and Ni samples, resemble the levels of the same parameters in the market samples, originating from polluted areas. Therefore, the antioxidant enzymes, catalase and peroxidase, and the carotenoids, lutein and β-carotene, could be handled as indicators of heavy metal pollution.

Concentration levels of selected essential and toxic metals in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) of West Gojjam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most widely used as a staple food crop for human diets. It is an excellent source of minerals. In this study, contents of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb in potato cultivars cultivated in Yilmana Densa, and Mecha districts of the West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. A 0.50 g oven-dried potato sample was digested using a mixture of 10 mL HNO₃:HClO₄ (4:1 v/v) at 120 °C for 3 h. The concentration ranges in dry weight basis in decreasing order were: Mg (420–438 mg/kg) > Ca (176–254 mg/kg) > Fe (27.3–90.4 mg/kg) > Zn (20.6–77.7 mg/kg) > (2.00–17.4 mg/kg) for Pb. The toxic heavy metal Cd was below the limit of detection in all the analyzed samples (<0.1 mg/kg). The Mg found in highest contents while Fe was the most abundant microelement. The Cd was found below the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of WHO/FAO and European Commission (EC) while Pb was above the limit. A wide range of variations was observed in the metal contents of potato cultivars collected from the two districts. Potato cultivars grown in West Gojam zone of Ethiopian could contribute a substantial amount of Fe and Zn together with the major elements, Ca and Mg to the individual’s daily dietary needs if consumed on a regular basis.

A Multidisciplinary Assessment of River Surface Water Quality in Areas Heavily Influenced by Human Activities

The present study could serve as a multidisciplinary approach for the assessment of river surface water quality with the use of chemical and biological methods. Specifically, physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and pesticides were measured in water samples from three different stations (sampling station S1, S2, and S3) along Asopos River (Greece). In parallel, algal species (primary producers)-such as Scenedesmus rubescens and Chlorococcum sp.; consumer invertebrate species, such as the fairy shrimp Thamnocephalus platyurus and the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus; as well as human lymphocytes-were exposed to those samples for assessing their toxic and genotoxic/mutagenic effects. According to the results, although the values of almost all of the physicochemical parameters tested, heavy metals (zinc, cadmium, lead, and mercury) and pesticides were lower than or within the respective environmental quality standards, thus offering no clear evidence for their natural or anthropogenic origin. Values recorded for nickel, chromium, hexavalent chromium, and malathion represent a typical case of mixed influence from natural and anthropogenic enrichments. In contrast, the algal growth arrest, the acute toxic effects on the freshwater invertebrates, and the increased micronuclei frequencies observed in human lymphocytes showed the presence of human-derived hazardous substances, which were hardly determinable with the use of conventional chemical methods. Given that the presence of priority pollutants in river surface waters, heavily burdened by anthropogenic activities, could give no clear evidence for their biological risk, the results of the present study showed that chemical and biological assays should be applied in parallel, thus serving as a reliable tool for the assessment of river water quality.

Aberration of mitosis by hexavalent chromium in some Fabaceae members is mediated by species-specific microtubule disruption

Because the detrimental effects of chromium (Cr) to higher plants have been poorly investigated, the present study was undertaken to verify the toxic attributes of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] to plant mitotic microtubules (MTs), to determine any differential disruption of MTs during mitosis of taxonomically related species and to clarify the relationship between the visualized chromosomal aberrations and the Cr(VI)-induced MT disturbance. For this purpose, 5-day-old uniform seedlings of Vicia faba, Pisum sativum, Vigna sinensis and Vigna angularis, all belonging to the Fabaceae family, were exposed to 250 μM Cr(VI) supplied as potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) for 24, 72 and 120 h and others in distilled water serving as controls. Root tip samples were processed for tubulin immunolabelling (for MT visualization) and DNA fluorescent staining (for chromosomal visualization). Microscopic preparations of cell squashes were then examined and photographed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Cr(VI) halted seedling growth turning roots brown and necrotic. Severe chromosomal abnormalities and differential disturbance of the corresponding MT arrays were found in all mitotic phases. In particular, in V. faba MTs were primarily depolymerized and replaced by atypical tubulin conformations, whereas in P. sativum, V. sinensis and V. angularis they became bundled in a time-dependent manner. In P. sativum, the effects were milder compared to those of the other species, but in all cases MT disturbance adversely affected the proper aggregation of chromosomes on the metaphase plate, their segregation at anaphase and organization of the new nuclei at telophase. Cr(VI) is very toxic to seedling growth. The particular effect depends on the exact stage the cell is found at the time of Cr(VI) entrance and is species-specific. Mitotic MT arrays are differentially deranged by Cr(VI) in the different species examined, even if they are taxonomically related, while their disturbance underlies chromosomal abnormalities. Results furthermore support the view that MTs may constitute a reliable, sensitive and universal subcellular marker for monitoring heavy metal toxicity.

Mitigation measures for chromium-VI contaminated groundwater - The role of endophytic bacteria in rhizofiltration

A constructed wetland pilot with Juncus acutus L. plants was investigated for its rhizofiltration efficiency in treating Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater. Measurements of Cr(VI) and total Cr were performed to estimate the rate of removal. In addition, Cr concentration in plant tissues was measured and the role of endophytic bacteria on plant's tolerance to Cr(VI) toxicity was investigated. The results support that J. acutus is able to rhizofiltrate Cr(VI) from contaminated water with up to 140μg/L while Cr content analysis in plant tissues revealed that the majority of Cr was accumulated by the plants. Moreover, two leaf (Acidovorax sp. strain U3 and Ralstonia sp. strain U36) isolated endophytic bacteria were found to tolerated 100mg/L Cr(VI) while nine root isolates showed resistance to 500mg/L Cr(VI). The endophytic bacteria Pseudomonas sp. strain R16 and Ochrobactrum sp. strain R24 were chosen for Cr(VI) reduction assays. All four strains exhibited a strong potential to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) aerobically. Among them Pseudomonas sp. strain R16 was found able to completely reduced 100mg/L Cr(VI) after 150h of incubation. These results suggest that J. acutus is an excellent choice for CWs whose function is the removal of Cr(VI) from contaminated groundwater for subsequent use in crop irrigation.

Chromium in drinking water: association with biomarkers of exposure and effect

An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted in Greece to investigate health outcomes associated with long-term exposure to chromium via drinking water. The study population consisted of 304 participants. Socio-demographics, lifestyle, drinking water intake, dietary habits, occupational and medical history data were recorded through a personal interview. Physical examination and a motor test were carried out on the individuals. Total chromium concentrations were measured in blood and hair of the study subjects. Hematological, biochemical and inflammatory parameters were determined in blood. Chromium in drinking water ranged from <0.5 to 90 μg·L-1 in all samples but one (220 μg·L-1), with a median concentration of 21.2 μg·L-1. Chromium levels in blood (median 0.32 μg·L-1, range <0.18-0.92 μg·L-1) and hair (median 0.22 μg·g-1, range 0.03-1.26 μg·g-1) were found within "normal range" according to the literature. Personal lifetime chromium exposure dose via drinking water, calculated from the results of the water analyses and the questionnaire data, showed associations with blood and hair chromium levels and certain hematological and biochemical parameters. Groups of subjects whose hematological or biochemical parameters were outside the normal range were not correlated with chromium exposure dose, except for groups of subjects with high triglycerides or low sodium. Motor impairment score was not associated with exposure to chromium.

Study of the migration phenomena of specific metals in canned tomato paste before and after opening. Validation of a new quality indicator for opened cans

A method for the simultaneous determination of Cd-Pb, As-Cu, Cr-Ni and Fe-Mn in canned tomato paste samples by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was developed and validated. The validation procedure was conducted according to the terms of the European regulation for the official control of contaminants in foods. The validated method was applied for the determination of these metals and metalloids in 13 different tomato paste samples and the results showed that Cd content was higher than the maximum permissible value of 0.050 mg kg(-1) as proposed in European Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 concerning fresh fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, a new quality indicator was evaluated in order to provide information about tomato paste quality and the appropriate storage time of an opened canned tomato paste. Finally, a migration test was accomplished based on the calculation of mass balance and the comparison of the elemental content in canned tomato paste samples and in aseptic paper pack and it was proved that Fe and Pb were the main metals migrating in tomato paste samples.

The uptake of nickel and chromium from irrigation water by potatoes, carrots and onions

Heavy metals, in general, can migrate from polluted soil and/or irrigation water to tuber plants, leading, after chronic consumption, to health problems. The scope of this study was to investigate the uptake of chromium and nickel by carrots (Daucus carrota), onions (Allium cepa) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) in a greenhouse experiment simulating the open-field irrigation conditions in the two biggest tuber producing regions of Greece (Asopos river in Viotia and Messapia in Evia). The study included cultivation of tubers for a period of approximately 4 months in six irrigation lines, each one provided by a water solution containing different levels of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) ranging from 0μg/l (control) to 250μg/l. The soil used was obtained from a certified organic greenhouse. Uptake of Cr was observed in onion leaves between 0 and 10μg/l water concentrations (+109.2 percent, p=0.006), 0μg/l and 20μg/l (+47.5 percent, p=0.006), 0μg/l and 50μg/l (+202.8 percent, p=0.006), 0μg/l and 100μg/l (+89.9 percent, p=0.028), 0μg/l and 250μg/l (+61.3 percent, p=0.009). Uptake of Ni was observed: (a) in onion leaves between 0 and 250μg/l water concentrations (+90.2 percent, p=0.076), (b) in onion shoots between 0 and 10μg/l (+39.1 percent, p=0.045), 0 and 250μg/l (+55 percent, p=0.047) and (c) in potatoes between 0 and 20μg/l (+28.1 percent, p=0.083). Our results suggest that irrigation water containing Cr and Ni can cross-contaminate onions and potatoes cultivated in a soil never previously polluted, anthropogenically, with heavy metals. No such results were found for carrots.

Hexavalent chromium contamination in groundwaters of Thiva Basin, central Greece

There is an increasing concern regarding elevated levels of Cr(VI) in the environment due to its higher mobility and toxicity compared to the trivalent form. Anomalous hexavalent chromium concentrations (up to 212 μg/L) were determined in irrigated groundwaters from the wider area of Thiva Basin (central Greece), frequently exceeding the permissible limit for human consumption (50 μg/L for total Cr). Based on the spatial distribution of Cr(VI) values, two groups of groundwater samples were distinguished, possibly reflecting different natural and/or anthropogenic factors that govern the levels of contamination. The first group is spatially located northwards of Thiva town and is consisted of concentrations that range from 13 to 212 μg/L (median 58 μg/L), while the second group is located near Mouriki village and Cr(VI) values range from <9 to 14 μg/L. The Cr(VI) chemical anomalies represent an important social problem because the agricultural products of this region are a major vegetable supply for Greece, bringing up the urgent need to evaluate the health effects associated with Cr(VI) exposure by ingesting the potentially contaminated foods.