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Teschke R. Copper, Iron, Cadmium, and Arsenic, All Generated in the Universe: Elucidating Their Environmental Impact Risk on Human Health Including Clinical Liver Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6662. [PMID: 38928368 PMCID: PMC11203474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans are continuously exposed to various heavy metals including copper, iron, cadmium, and arsenic, which were specifically selected for the current analysis because they are among the most frequently encountered environmental mankind and industrial pollutants potentially causing human health hazards and liver injury. So far, these issues were poorly assessed and remained a matter of debate, also due to inconsistent results. The aim of the actual report is to thoroughly analyze the positive as well as negative effects of these four heavy metals on human health. Copper and iron are correctly viewed as pollutant elements essential for maintaining human health because they are part of important enzymes and metabolic pathways. Healthy individuals are prepared through various genetically based mechanisms to maintain cellular copper and iron homeostasis, thereby circumventing or reducing hazardous liver and organ injury due to excessive amounts of these metals continuously entering the human body. In a few humans with gene aberration, however, liver and organ injury may develop because excessively accumulated copper can lead to Wilson disease and substantial iron deposition to hemochromatosis. At the molecular level, toxicities of some heavy metals are traced back to the Haber Weiss and Fenton reactions involving reactive oxygen species formed in the course of oxidative stress. On the other hand, cellular homeostasis for cadmium and arsenic cannot be provided, causing their life-long excessive deposition in the liver and other organs. Consequently, cadmium and arsenic represent health hazards leading to higher disability-adjusted life years and increased mortality rates due to cancer and non-cancer diseases. For unknown reasons, however, liver injury in humans exposed to cadmium and arsenic is rarely observed. In sum, copper and iron are good for the human health of most individuals except for those with Wilson disease or hemochromatosis at risk of liver injury through radical formation, while cadmium and arsenic lack any beneficial effects but rather are potentially hazardous to human health with a focus on increased disability potential and risk for cancer. Primary efforts should focus on reducing the industrial emission of hazardous heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Teschke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, 63450 Hanau, Germany; ; Tel.: +49-6181/21859; Fax: +49-6181/2964211
- Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical Faculty, Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, 60590 Hanau, Germany
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Landires I, Castillero I, Ramos I, Núñez-Samudio V. Mining threatens health of Panama's environment. Science 2023; 382:1007-1008. [PMID: 38033073 DOI: 10.1126/science.adm7959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Iván Landires
- Instituto de Ciencias Médicas, Las Tablas, Los Santos, Panama
| | - Irene Castillero
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Panama, Panama City, Panama, Panama
| | - Isaías Ramos
- Centro de Incidencia Ambiental de Panama (CIAM), Panama City, Panama, Panama
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Caraba IV, Caraba MN, Hutanu D, Sinitean A, Dumitrescu G, Popescu R. Trace Metal Accumulation in Rats Exposed to Mine Waters: A Case Study, Bor Area (Serbia). TOXICS 2023; 11:960. [PMID: 38133361 PMCID: PMC10748338 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) levels were measured in the Bor City water supply system (control) and two watercourses exposed to mining wastewaters, i.e., the Lutarica River (one site) and the Kriveljska River (two sites). The same parameters were determined in the brain, heart, lungs, stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, and testes of male Wistar rats given water from these sources for 2 months. Water Cu, Fe, Cd, and Pb were outside the safe range, excepting the reference site. Significant impacts on intra-organ metal homeostasis were detected, especially in the brain, stomach, kidneys, and testes. The dynamics and magnitude of these changes (versus controls) depended on the target organ, analyzed metal, and water origin. The greatest number of significant intra-organ associations between essential and non-essential metals were found for Cd-Zn, Cd-Cu, and Cd-Mn. A regression analysis suggested the kidneys as the most relevant organ for monitoring water manganese, and the stomach and brain for lead. These results highlight the environmental risks associated with mining wastewaters from the Bor area and could help scientists in mapping the spatial distribution and severity of trace metal contamination in water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Valeriu Caraba
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (I.V.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Marioara Nicoleta Caraba
- Department Biology-Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi 16, 300315 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Delia Hutanu
- Department Biology-Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi 16, 300315 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Adrian Sinitean
- Department Biology-Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi 16, 300315 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Gabi Dumitrescu
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (I.V.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Roxana Popescu
- ANAPATMOL Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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Zhu H, Liu X, Wang Q, Zhang B, Xu C, Wang Z, Chen H. Heavy metals pollution of soil in central plains urban agglomeration (CPUA), China: human health risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:8063-8079. [PMID: 37530923 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01711-8] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study conducted the concentration evaluation, pollution assessment, source analysis, and risk assessment of heavy metals in the soil of the CPUA, China, to contribute to the smooth construction of urban agglomeration. Elevated levels of mean concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) in the soils were shown compared to background values. Cu and zinc (Zn) and also lead (Pb) and Cd exhibited spatial similarity. Manganese (Mn) and Cr exhibited point source characteristics such as the concentrations at a point much higher than the surrounding area. The potential ecological risk in the northern region belonged to the moderate risk level category. Cd contributed over 90% to the potential ecological risk. The health risk among children was higher than that among adults. The major exposure pathways were different for adults and children. Exposure, as shown using Hazard Index (HI), to adults was mainly through the skin contact route, while to children was through both the skin contact and ingestion route. The primary CR (carcinogenic risk) to adults was through the inhalation route, while that to children was through the ingestion route. In both children and adults, Cr was the main contributor to HI and CR. According to the Monte Carlo simulation results, the cumulative probability of exceeding the critical value of HI for children was approximately 2.8-3.0 times that for adults. According to the sensitivity analysis results, non-carcinogenic risk prevention should begin mainly by reducing exposure duration and skin contact. The cancer risk may be reduced primarily by decreasing the exposure duration and controlling ingestion. The PMF (Positive Matrix Factorization) source analysis revealed that Pb mainly came from transportation sources. In addition, Cu, Pb, and Mn were derived mainly from agricultural sources. Cr was derived mostly from a natural source, and Cd originated mainly from an industrial source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huina Zhu
- School of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- School of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Wang
- School of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Baozhong Zhang
- School of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chunhong Xu
- School of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- School of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyu Chen
- School of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
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Caraba IV, Caraba MN. Effects of Feeding Management System on Milk Production and Milk Quality from Sheep of the Turcana Breed. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2977. [PMID: 37760377 PMCID: PMC10525387 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182977] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Milk and dairy products are among the foods preferred by consumers, as they are rich in nutrients, have high biological values, are easily accessible, and present a low risk to health. This study aimed to comparatively analyze the milk from sheep of the Turcana breed that were subjected to different feeding systems. The milk from the sheep was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively; in this sense, the following were determined: daily milk production (DMY), physical parameters (pH, freezing point), chemical composition (lactose (L), fats (F), total proteins (TP), non-fat solids (Snf)), the content of heavy metals and trace elements (Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb), and microbiological parameters (the number of somatic cells (SCC), the total number of aerobic mesophilic germs that develop at 30 °C (NTG), the number of coliform bacteria (CT), the number of Staphylococcus aureus). Administration of the fodder complex produced, on the farm determined a slight quantitative increase in milk production, as well as in fat, protein and lactose content. The content of trace elements Zn, Fe, and Mn registered increases in milk samples from sheep that were administered the fodder complex. The content of heavy metals did not indicate any source of pollution in the grazing area. Furthermore, the microbiological parameters were within the allowed limits, indicating a good general state of health at the emergency level and the absence of microbiological contamination of the milk samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Valeriu Caraba
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, RO 300645 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Marioara Nicoleta Caraba
- Department Biology-Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry-Biology-Geography, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi 16, RO 300315 Timisoara, Romania
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Zhang Z, Tang Z, Liu Y, He H, Guo Z, Feng P, Chen L, Sui Q. Study on the Ecotoxic Effects of Uranium and Heavy Metal Elements in Soils of a Uranium Mining Area in Northern Guangdong. TOXICS 2023; 11:97. [PMID: 36850972 PMCID: PMC9962382 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the heavy metal contamination of soil in a uranium mining area in northern Guangdong, a physicochemical evaluation method was used to evaluate the contaminated soil near the pit and tailings pond of the uranium mining area, determine its heavy metal content and evaluate its ecological risk using the Nemerow integrated contamination index, ground accumulation index and potential ecological risk index. The results show that the average content of nine heavy metal elements in the soil of the uranium mining area exceeds the background value of red soil in Guangdong Province. Three pollution evaluation indices all indicate that Cd, As and U have serious pollution and high ecological risk, while the remaining elements are weakly polluted and the potential ecological risk of the six sampling sites all show very strong risk. On this basis, soil ecotoxicity was evaluated using ostracods (Cypridopsis vidua and Heterocypris sp.), Vibrio fischeri and Vicia faba L. Higher concentrations of heavy metals at individual sites (T1, T2, P2) resulted in higher mortality of ostracods, higher inhibition of Vibrio fischeri luminescence and a significant reduction in germination and pigmentation of broad beans. The results of the biotoxicity evaluation were consistent with the results of the physicochemical evaluation, allowing for a more direct and comprehensive evaluation of the ecotoxic effects of uranium and heavy metals in the mine soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Zhang
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhenping Tang
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Rare Metal Minerals Exploitation and Geological Disposal of Wastes, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Hunan Province Engineering Technology Research Centre of Uranium Tailings Treatment Technology, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Haiyang He
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Mining Geotechnical Engineering Disaster Prediction and Control Engineering Technology Research Center, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhixin Guo
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Peng Feng
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Mining Geotechnical Engineering Disaster Prediction and Control Engineering Technology Research Center, Hengyang 421001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment (East China University of Technology), Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Qinglin Sui
- School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
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Chen L, Zhou M, Wang J, Zhang Z, Duan C, Wang X, Zhao S, Bai X, Li Z, Li Z, Fang L. A global meta-analysis of heavy metal(loid)s pollution in soils near copper mines: Evaluation of pollution level and probabilistic health risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155441. [PMID: 35469881 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of the mining industry, the pollution of heavy metal(loid)s in soils near copper (Cu) mining sites is a significant concern worldwide. However, the pollution status and probabilistic health risks of heavy metal(loid)s of soils associated with Cu mines, have rarely been studied on a global scale. In this study, eight heavy metal(loid) concentrations in soil samples taken near 102 Cu mining sites worldwide were obtained through a literature review. Based on this database, the heavy metal(loid) pollution and ecological risk in soils near Cu mines were evaluated. Most of the study sites exceeded the moderately to heavily polluted levels of Cu and Cd; compared to other regions, higher pollution levels were observed at sites in Oman, China, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Soil pollution by Cd, Pb, and Zn at agricultural sites was higher than that in non-agricultural sites. In addition, these heavy metal(loid)s produced a high ecological risk to soils around Cu mining sites in which the contribution of Cd, Cu, and As reached up to 46.5%, 21.7%, and 18.4%, respectively. The mean hazard indices of the eight heavy metal(loid)s were 0.209 and 0.979 for adults and children, respectively. The Monte Carlo simulation further predicted that 1.40% and 29.9% of non-carcinogenic risk values for adults and children, respectively, exceeded the safe level of 1.0. Moreover, 84.5% and 91.0% of the total cancer risk values for adults and children, respectively, exceeded the threshold of 1E-04. Arsenic was the main contributor to non-carcinogenic risk, while Cu had the highest exceedance of carcinogenic risk. Our findings indicate that the control of Cu, Cd, and As should be prioritized because of their high incidence and significant risks in soils near Cu mines. These results provide valuable inputs for policymakers in designing effective strategies for reducing the exposure of heavy metal(loid)s in this area worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Mingxi Zhou
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jingzhe Wang
- MNR Key Laboratory for Geo-Environmental Monitoring of Great Bay Area, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urban Informatics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Spatial Smart Sensing and Services, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhiqin Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chengjiao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiangxiang Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Shuling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiaohan Bai
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Agrosphere (IBG-3), 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Zimin Li
- Universit'e catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Earth and Life Institute, Soil Science, Louvain-La-Neuve 1348, Belgium
| | - Linchuan Fang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China.
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Bărbulescu A, Barbeș L, Dumitriu CŞ. Impact of Soil Pollution on Melliferous Plants. TOXICS 2022; 10:239. [PMID: 35622652 PMCID: PMC9147493 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aims at providing bee products and derivatives of medicinal plant consumers with a multifaceted perspective on mineral elements occurring in the soils of two forest zones in the vicinity of North Dobrogea (Romania) by (1) analyzing the pollution levels of the soils at three sites (denoted by DS, PH, and ST) in the study region, using different indicators; (2) providing the results of the transfer of metals from the soil to Sambucus nigra L. (SnL), Hypericum perforatum (Hp), and Tilia tomentosa (Tt). The statistical analysis of the series collected at these locations shows no difference between the elements' concentrations (as a whole). Still, the values of the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) classify the soils as being soils that are moderately to highly contaminated with Cd (and not contaminated with Cu, Mn, or Zn) with respect to the European background values. The cumulative indices-the degree of contamination (DC), the pollution load index (PLI), the Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI), and the potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated the highest contamination in DS (which is a tourist area). To assess the accumulation of different metals in plants, the enrichment factors (EF) were computed. In over 75% of cases, EF was above 1, indicating a high degree of enrichment with different metals. The highest values were those for Cu (41.10 in DS for SnL), and Cd (12.85 in DS for Tt). The results showed that there were different degrees of accumulation between microelements and trace elements in the plants. Tt acted as a bioaccumulator for almost all of the studied elements (K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Cd).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Bărbulescu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Transilvania University of Brașov, 5 Turnului Str., 900152 Brasov, Romania;
| | - Lucica Barbeș
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ovidius University of Constanța, 124 Mamaia Bd., 900527 Constanta, Romania
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Assessment of the Heavy Metal Contamination of Roadside Soils Alongside Buddha Nullah, Ludhiana, (Punjab) India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031596. [PMID: 35162623 PMCID: PMC8834879 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study was carried out to determine the physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal contents in roadside soil samples collected during 2 sampling periods (September 2018 and April 2019) from 8 different roadside sites lying parallel to the Buddha Nullah, an old rivulet, flowing through Ludhiana, (Punjab) India. The contents (mg/kg) of seven metals (cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel and zinc) were estimated using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Among the metals analyzed, the contents of Cd, Co, Cu, Pb and Zn were found above the permissible limits. The results of the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (Cdeg), modified contamination degree (mCdeg), the Nemerow pollution index (PI) and pollution load index (PLI) indicate a moderate to high heavy metal contamination of the analyzed soil samples. The results of the potential ecological risk factor (ERi) and potential ecological risk index (RI) indicate a low to moderate risk of heavy metals in the studied soil samples. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that most of the variables exhibited a statistically significant correlation with one or more variables during the two samplings. Multivariate analysis demonstrates that contents of heavy metals in the study area are influenced by anthropogenic and geogenic factors.
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Human risk associated with the ingestion of artichokes grown in soils irrigated with water contaminated by potentially toxic elements, Junin, Peru. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:5952-5962. [PMID: 34588912 PMCID: PMC8459158 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The contamination of water, air and soil with potentially toxic elements (PTE) compromises the supply of contaminant free food. Vegetables grown in contaminated soils can absorb and accumulate PTE at concentrations that are toxic to human health. In this context, the human risk associated with the intake of artichokes grown in soils irrigated with PTE contaminated water was assessed. 120 samples of surface soil and artichoke heads were collected and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn and As were determined. The results showed that the concentrations of Cu, Fe and Zn in soil did not exceed the standards of the Ministry of Environment of Peru, but they did exceed those of Pb (125.45 mg kg-1) and As (28.70 mg kg-1). The decreasing order of mean PTE concentration in artichoke heads was Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > As, exceeding the permissible levels of FAO/WHO CODEX Alimentarius. However, the concentrations of As comply with the maximum limits of inorganic contaminants in vegetables (0.3 mg kg-1) established in the MERCOSUR regulations. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk of Pb and As indicated that the ingestion of artichoke heads does not represent a health risk.
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