1
|
Zondo SG. Metal content, bioaccumulation, translocation, and health risk assessment of root vegetables grown in KwaZulu-Natal small-scale farms of South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:752. [PMID: 39028326 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12920-8] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Metal uptake by vegetables is becoming a threat to the life of consumers. Therefore, continuous monitoring of metals in vegetables and soils is becoming a necessity. In this study, the occurrence of 18 metals in amadumbe (Colocasia esculenta L.), sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), and carrots (Daucus carrota L.) grown in small-scale South African agricultural farms was monitored using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. All the 18 investigated elements were detected in soils and different vegetative plants parts. Bioaccumulation factors indicated the transfer of selected metals from soils into the plant roots. Toxic metals Cd, Cr, and Pb had their concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible levels set by the World Health Organization in the edible parts of all root vegetables. Cd and Pb varied between 18.89 and 19.19 mg kg-1 and 10.46 and 11.46 mg kg-1, respectively, while Cr remained constant at 16.78 mg kg-1. The exact metals together with As and Ni had their total hazard quotients exceeding the threshold value of 1, which indicated that the daily consumption of the investigated root vegetables is likely to pose health risks to both adults and children. Therefore, this study points out to a possibility of toxic health effects that could arise when these vegetables are consumed daily.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandisiwe G Zondo
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Private Bag X6005, Hilton, 3245, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vishwakarma SK, Patil A, Pandey A, Arya M. Biosorption of Heavy Metal (Mn 2+) by Thermophilic Bacterial Strains Isolated from Surya Kund Hot Spring, Yamunotri, Uttarakhand. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:2518-2533. [PMID: 37659051 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04682-9] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
This investigation aimed to identify the bioremediation potential of Mn2+-resistant bacterial strains cultured from the Surya Kund hot spring, Yamunotri, Uttarakhand. In this study, eight heavy metal-resistant isolates belonging to two phyla, i.e., Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, were investigated for their Mn2+ biosorption potential. The metal tolerance potential of all the thermophilic bacterial strains was determined by MIC. Bioremediation assay of these metal-resistant strains was performed for Mn2+ through the live and dead biomass of the bacterial cell. The evaluation of the bioremediation rate of metal ions through bacteria was done by AAS. All the selected bacterial strains were evaluated with effective biosorption rates for Mn2+. Acinetobacter sp. LSN-10 (YII-1) has been showing the highest potential for the removal of Mn2+ in both live (41.202%) and dead biomass (64.721%) conditions. The bioremediation rate of dead biomass was observed quite higher in comparison to bioremediation through live bacterial cells in the maximum number of isolates. This study may provide a new eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to dealing with metal toxicity. However, further investigation is needed to identify the most effective applications and potential limitations of this method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shailesh K Vishwakarma
- Department of Biotechnology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Anjali Patil
- Department of Biotechnology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Anita Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be) University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248002, India
| | - Mamta Arya
- Department of Biotechnology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pipite A, Siro G, Subramani R, Srinivasan S. Microbiological analysis, antimicrobial activity, heavy-metals content and physico-chemical properties of Fijian mud pool samples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158725. [PMID: 36108855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The hot springs are home to a rich bacterial diversity which could be the source of enzymes, antibiotics and many other commercially important products. Most of the hot springs present in Fiji are unexplored and their analysis of microbial diversity could be of great interest in facilitating various industrial, agricultural and medicinal applications. This study is an attempt to evaluate the heavy metal concentration and to analyze the comprehensive bacterial diversity of two Fijian thermal mud pools, namely Sabeto and Tifajek. The two hot springs have a pH of 7.28 to 7.19 and a temperature of 32.2 to 38.8 °C, respectively. Mean metal concentrations of the studied mud samples ranged from 4.758 to 6.870 mg/kg and followed a decreasing sequence as Fe > Mn > Zn > Na > Ni > Cd > Ca > Cr > Cu. Levels of Fe, Na, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cd, Ca, Cr, Cu in the mud pool samples were within World Health Organisation (WHO) limits, while Cd was above regulatory limits. The heavy metals analysis results showed that both mud pools had high values for Cd, above the WHO limit of 3 mg/kg. In addition, 8 strains of actinomycetes were successfully identified for the first time in the Sabeto mud pool, where most of them showed antibacterial activity. The genetic identification of most isolates was determined in BLASTn analyses of their 16S rRNA sequences. Isolates were identified as that of Streptomyces, Nocardia and Rhodococcus genus. Further, AntiSMASH results of the closest relatives of cultured actinobacteria have shown to produce antibiotics, natural pesticides and other compounds of various usage. This study also found no fecal coliforms and supports existing knowledge and practice of using Fijian thermal mud pools for their therapeutic properties. Overall, the presented work indicated that the studied mud pools have therapeutic properties, harboring wealth of bacteria with antibiotic profiles and were risk free from health-related issues of heavy metals and disease-causing pathogens. It provides great insight into the studied mud pools which serves as a baseline from which further heavy metal monitoring or mitigation programs and microbial researches can be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atanas Pipite
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS), The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji
| | - Galana Siro
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS), The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji
| | - Ramesh Subramani
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS), The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji
| | - Sathiyaraj Srinivasan
- Department of Bio & Environmental Technology, Division of Environmental & Life Science, College of Natural Science, Seoul Women's University, 623 Hwarangno, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-774, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maphuhla NG, Lewu FB, Oyedeji OO. Enzyme Activities in Reduction of Heavy Metal Pollution from Alice Landfill Site in Eastern Cape, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12054. [PMID: 36231352 PMCID: PMC9565107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912054] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are unbreakable, and most of them are poisonous to animals and people. Metals are particularly concerning among environmental contaminants since they are less apparent, have extensive effects on ecosystems, are poisonous, and bioaccumulate in ecosystems, biological tissues, and organs. Therefore, there is a need to use biological agents and phytoremediation processes such as enzymes because they have a high potential for effectively transforming and detoxifying polluting substances. They can convert pollutants at a detectable rate and are potentially suitable for restoring polluted environments. We investigated heavy metal concentrations in different soil samples collected in four sections in Alice and determined the enzyme activity levels present in the soil. The Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to check whether there was any relationship between heavy metal concentrations and enzyme activities in the soil. Samples were randomly collected in three weeks, and the microwave digestion method was used for sample treatment and preparation. Quantitation was achieved by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The enzyme assay through incubation method was implemented for discovering the four selected enzymes (urease, invertase, catalase, and phosphatase), and their activity levels were examined colorimetrically by colorimetry spectrophotometer. The ICP-MS results revealed 16 predominating elements, namely: Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sr, and Zn, and the presence of a non-mental, which is phosphorus (P), and a metalloid in the form of silicon (Si) in all soil samples. Significant differences in metal concentrations were observed among the collection sites. The Al, Fe, K, Mg, and Ca concentrations were above WHO's permissible limits. While Ba, Mn, Na, and P were in moderate concentration, Cu, Cr, Co, Zn, Sr, and Ni were in small amounts recorded mostly below the permissible values from WHO. Four soil enzyme activities were determined successfully (urease, invertase, phosphatase, and catalase). A negative non-significant correlation existed between urease, invertase, phosphatase enzyme activity, and the concentration levels of all selected metals (Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Cr, Sr, and Zn. In contrast, the content of catalase activity was associated non-significantly but positively with the range of selected heavy metals. This study suggests proper monitoring of residences' areas, which can provide detailed information on the impact of high heavy metal content on people's health. They are easily dispersed and can accumulate in large quantities in the soil. The necessary implementation of waste management programs will help the municipality adopt a strategy that will promote recycling programs and protect the residence health from this threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nontobeko Gloria Maphuhla
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
| | - Francis Bayo Lewu
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wellington Campus, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Wellington 7655, South Africa
| | - Opeoluwa Oyehan Oyedeji
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Durowoju OS, Ekosse GIE, Odiyo JO. Occurrence and Health-Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Geothermal Springs within Soutpansberg, Limpopo Province, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4438. [PMID: 32575720 PMCID: PMC7344734 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Geothermal springs are natural geological phenomena that occur throughout the world. South Africa is blessed with several springs of this nature. Limpopo province contains 31% of all geothermal springs in the country. The springs are classified according to the residing mountain: Soutpansberg, Waterberg and Drakensberg. This study focused on the geothermal springs within the Soutpansberg region; that is, Mphephu, Siloam, Sagole and Tshipise. The study was aimed at assessing the occurrence and potential health risk associated with drinking water from geothermal springs within Soutpansberg. Geothermal springs and boreholes were sampled for a period of 12 months (May 2017-May 2018) to accommodate two major seasons in the study areas. The physicochemical and trace metal compositions of the geothermal springs and boreholes (tepid and hot) were analyzed using ion chromatography (IC) (Dionex Model DX 500) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Trace metal concentrations of the geothermal springs and boreholes were within permissible drinking water guidelines by the South African National Standards (SANS) and World Health Organisation (WHO), with exception of mercury (Hg), which is high in summer season. The bioaccumulation from regular consumption could, however, result in negative effects. Pearson's correlation revealed that there is a direct relationship between temperature and pH, and some of the trace metals (V, Zn, Hg, Pb). This implies dissolution of minerals (rock-water interaction) under slightly high temperature. Multivariate statistics further elucidate the relationship and possible sources of the trace metals. Therefore, it can be inferred that the rock-water interaction is the main geochemical process governing the release of trace metals in groundwater. Hazard Index values for both children and adults were higher than 1, and this implies that the communities are at high risk of non-cancer health effects. Further, As, Cr and Cd were found to be the highest contributors to the potential cancer risk in the study areas, with children having a higher risk than adults. Therefore, there is a need for clinical/epidemiological study, and regular monitoring and control measures, to verify actual prevalence of cancer and protect human health, particularly the children, within the study areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olatunde Samod Durowoju
- Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;
| | - Georges-Ivo Ekosse Ekosse
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;
| | - John Ogony Odiyo
- Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gao Z, Xu H, Zhang P, Ji D, Xia L, Wang X, Li B, Dou M, Xu Y. Variations in bacterial community structures during geothermal water recharge-induced bioclogging. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2020; 55:629-637. [PMID: 32036743 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2020.1724744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing bacterial communities is of great significance for targeted control of bacteria-induced clogging during geothermal water recharge. Based on a series of laboratory-scale percolation experiments, the variations in bacterial community diversity, composition, and structure were investigated during simulated geothermal water recharge using high-throughput sequencing technology. The Chao, Shannon, and Evenness indexes were used to quantify the richness, diversity, and evenness of the bacterial community, respectively. The results show that the richness of the bacterial community initially increased and then decreased in the sand columns during the experiments of geothermal water recharge, while the changes in bacterial diversity and evenness were not apparent. A variety of bacterial phyla were found, among which Proteobacteria was predominant (88.31%), followed by Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes (4.23%, 3.44%, and 2.49%). For the non-Proteobacterial phyla, Actinobacteria gradually disappeared while Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were detected during the percolation experiments. This study implies that, despite the variations in the bacterial community, a core group of bacteria persists during geothermal water recharge, and thus a targeted control of bacteria-induced clogging during geothermal water recharge should be feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongjun Gao
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Hailong Xu
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- The Second Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, Dezhou, China
- Shandong Provincial Research Cerner of Geothermal Resources and Reinjection, Dezhou, China
| | - Deshuai Ji
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Lu Xia
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Li
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Minyue Dou
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
BLOOD LEAD AND ZINC LEVELS AND THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH OF FREE-LIVING SMALL CARNIVORES IN TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA. J Wildl Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-11-273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
8
|
Hydrochemical Processes and Isotopic Study of Geothermal Springs within Soutpansberg, Limpopo Province, South Africa. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9081688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Geothermal springs and boreholes within the Soutpansberg Group were sampled and analysed for their major ion chemistry and stable isotope compositions in order to ascertain the possible sources and geochemical processes of the waters. The temperature of the geothermal springs ranges from 41 °C to 49 °C (thermal/hot waters) and 53 °C to 69 °C (scalding/hyperthermal waters). The major water types are Na-Cl and Na-HCO3, which are typical of marine and deep groundwaters influenced by ion-exchange processes. The hydrochemical parameters suggest that thermal gradient, carbonate weathering, mineral dissolution, ion exchange, and evaporation are the main geochemical processes controlling the geothermal springs. The δ18O and δ2H values vary from −5.82‰ to −4.82‰ for δ18O and −33.5‰ to −24.6‰ for δ2H for all the geothermal spring water. The isotopic ranges of the groundwater are relatively smaller and more depleted than those of rainwater (δ2H = −9.8‰ and δ18O = −2.7‰). The δ2H and δ18O signatures reveal a significant infiltration before evaporation. The δ2H and δ18O values further confirm that the waters are of meteoric origin, which implies that modern rainfall is the fundamental component of recharge derived from the infiltration of local precipitation with significant contribution of another type of water in the deeper part of the aquifer. These results provide further insight into this basement aquifer, which is a vital resource for the region.
Collapse
|
9
|
Vongdala N, Tran HD, Xuan TD, Teschke R, Khanh TD. Heavy Metal Accumulation in Water, Soil, and Plants of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill in Vientiane, Laos. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 16:E22. [PMID: 30577663 PMCID: PMC6339154 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill in Vientiane, Laos, which receives > 300 tons of waste daily, of which approximately 50% is organic matter, has caused serious environmental problems. This study was conducted to investigate the accumulated levels of heavy metals (HMs) (cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in water (surface and groundwater), soil, and plants between dry and wet seasons according to the standards of the Agreement on the National Environmental Standards of Laos (ANESs), Dutch Pollutant Standards (DPSs), and the World Health Organization (WHO), respectively. Although no impact of pollution on the surface water was observed, the levels of Cr and Pb in the groundwater significantly exceeded the basics of ANESs and WHO in both seasons. The pollution caused by Cd and Cu reached the eco-toxicological risk level in the landfill soils and its vicinity. The vegetable Ipomoea aquatica, which is consumed by the nearby villagers, was seriously contaminated by Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn, as the accumulation of these toxic metals was elevated to much greater levels as compared to the WHO standards. For the grass Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), the quantities of HMs in all plant parts were extreme, perhaps due to the deeper growth of its rhizome than I. aquatica. This study is the first to warn of serious HM pollution occurring in the water, soil, and plants in the MSW landfill of Vientiane, Laos, which requires urgent phytoremediation. The indication of what sources from the MSW principally cause the pollution of HMs is needed to help reduce the toxicological risks on Lao residents and the environment in Vientiane as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noudeng Vongdala
- Graduate school for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8529, Japan.
| | - Hoang-Dung Tran
- Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 702000, Vietnam.
| | - Tran Dang Xuan
- Graduate school for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8529, Japan.
| | - Rolf Teschke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, D-63450 Hanau, Germany.
| | - Tran Dang Khanh
- Agricultural Genetics Institute, Pham Van Dong, Tu Liem, Hanoi 123000, Vietnam.
| |
Collapse
|