Bioaccumulation and Biotransportation of Heavy Metals Along a WaterSoil-Plant-Firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) Food Chain: A Case Study from the Southern Gangetic Plains, West Bengal, India

Residual levels of lead, chromium, cadmium and zinc in water and fish tissue from Ubeji River, Warri and blood samples from residents of Ubeji were analysed. Control water and fish samples were obtained from Eleyele River and blood from residents of Ibadan. All the samples collected were digested using a modified procedure from the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and were subsequently analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Levels of lead and cadmium in Ubeji river were significantly higher than levels in Eleyele River. Fifty fish samples from five species ( Citharinus citharus , Liza falcipinis , Brycinus macrolepidotus , Polydactylus quadrifilis and Tilapia zilli ) were analysed. Lead concentration (ppm) was highest in C. citharus (76.07±161.48) and least in T. zilli (23.16±26.30). Chromium was not detected in B. macrolepidotus , P. quadrifilis and T. zilli . Concentrations of all heavy metals detected, except zinc, in the fish species were higher than WHO permissible limit. Lead, Cadmium and Zinc concentrations in the tissues of the control fish were significantly lower (p>0.05) than those recorded in fish from Ubeji River. There were no statistically significant differences in heavy metal concentration in fish gills and muscle (p>0.05). Lead and cadmium levels in Ubeji river significantly exceeded (p=0.0 and p=0.012) the permissible limits for aquaculture and drinking. Levels of Chromium (1737.17±2996.01), Zinc and Lead (149.35±188.28 and 123.49±350.85 respectively) were significantly high (p<0.05) in the 101 human blood samples screened, while concentrations of Cadmium was comparatively low (10.11±10.71). Lower levels of cadmium, zinc and lead (8.54± 7.49, 79.89±62.65 and 53.46±57.17, respectively) were recorded for the control samples from Ibadan. This study highlights the high levels of heavy metals in the Ubeji River and suggests the need for interventions to stem the tide of pollution in the river. It would also be important to assess health problems that may arise as a result of contact and continuous use of the water. @ JASEM

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene TaqI single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with serum lead (Pb) levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood.Materials and methods: Eighty-one patients who lived in Konya, Turkey for the last 3 years and had delivery at Başkent University Konya Hospital in 2016 were included in this study. Venous blood samples were drawn from each volunteer immediately before giving birth to determine the maternal Pb levels and VDR SNPs. Additionally, umbilical cord blood samples were collected from the umbilical vein into tube with EDTA as an anticoagulant immediately after birth to determine Pb levels of the fetus.Results: The median level of Pb in the maternal blood was 29.00 (Interquartile Range (IQR) = 16.35) μg/L and the median Pb level in the cord blood was 22.50 (IQR = 9.75) μg/L. Blood Pb level of women living in the urban area was significantly higher than in those living in the rural area (Z = 2.118; p = .034). There was a very strong positive correlation between the Pb levels in the maternal blood and in the umbilical cord blood (ρ = 0.825, p < .001, respectively). Regarding VDR SNPs, “TT”, “TC”, and “CC” VDR TaqI genotypes were observed in 28 (34.6%), 45 (55.5%), and eight samples (9.9%), respectively. Pb levels in maternal and cord blood were higher in women with the “CC” VDR TaqI genotype; however, there was no statistically significant difference (p > .05).Conclusions: Although women with the “CC” VDR TaqI genotype had higher maternal and cord blood Pb levels, this was statistically insignificant and therefore, VDR TaqI SNPs did not significantly affect maternal and umbilical cord blood Pb levels.

Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic levels in eggs, feathers, and tissues of Canada geese of the New Jersey Meadowlands

This study assessed the relationship between soil and dust lead (Pb) levels and building material, exterior and interior (including window sill) condition, pet ownership, and the presence of a fireplace. Four dust samples and one soil sample were collected from the homes of 42 preschoolers in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The results of atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed that median Pb levels for both soil and dust were two to ten times higher for homes with wood exteriors. Significant variation in soil and dust Pb levels also occurred as a function of home wall condition. Poorly maintained homes had the highest Pb levels. No consistent significant relationship was observed between home Pb levels and a) the presence of pets and b) the presence of a fireplace. On the whole, households participating in the study had low Pb levels. This finding can be attributed to excellent home upkeep by the part of study participants.

Single use plastics are types of plastics discarded after one usage. They are everywhere you go because of their wide range of applications in life. In plastics, additives are incorporated to supplant properties of plastics. One of the common additives is the heavy metals, which could leach out along the plastics lifecycle, thereby creating a problem. This study was stimulated to determine the levels of heavy metals in selected single-use-plastics commonly in contact with food (as containers or wrappings or relations) in Sokoto. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methodology was utilized to determine the levels of copper, chromium, lead, zinc and cadmium. The results for determination of selected heavy metals in selected single use plastics from Sokoto State University, Nigeria were revealed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Therein, the concentrations of copper (Cu) ranges from 0.335+0.002 to 0.540+0.002(ug/kg), levels of cadmium (Cd) ranges from 0.0551+0.003 to 0.0041+0.0003(ug/kg), levels of chromium (Cr) ranges from 0.0959 +0.004 to 0.0265+0.001(ug/kg), levels of lead (Pb) ranges from -1.791+0.02 to -0.0706+0.008(ug/kg). Thus, the results revealed disparity in the levels of the analyzed heavy metals in the selected single use plastics. However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway (T); Cd was highest in Straw (S), and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup (IC) and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. The concentrations of Cupper, Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium in plastic bottle, Takeaway, Straw and lce cream cup, have shown disparity. However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway; Cd was highest in Straw, and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. They levels determined are within the permissible limits.

Errors in agricultural practices increase the toxicity of heavy metals in the food chain at Ishwardi Upazila in Bangladesh

Background: Pollution of aquatic system with heavy metals is one of the important environmental problems that can make toxic marine organisms and aquatic food chain, so it is a risk factor for human health over time. Objective: The present study aimed to the evaluation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) Levels in fillet marine fish (Otolithes ruber and Lutjanus johni) from Persian Gulf. Materials and Methods: At the first, 50 fish samples (O. ruber and L. johni) were collected during winter and spring of 2012 at three different sites from Persian Gulf. The Cd and Pb concentrations were determined with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results expressed in micrograms of metal per dry weight gram of fish (μg/g). Results: The results were validated according to the International Standards Organization 17025 accreditation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software at the significant level of 95%. Maximum Cd and Pb concentration were seen in O. ruber (0.47 μg/g and L. johni (3.12 μg/g), respectively. No significance difference between the fish size and the metal levels for Cd was recorded in fish (P > 0.05). The relationship between the fish size and Pb level in the muscles was positive in two fish species (P

One of the coal mining corporations is in charge of environmental management, which includes managing water resources One of the coal mining corporations is in charge of environmental management, which includes managing water resources. The management of coal mine water that has the potential to become polluted water can be processed into fresh water in a sustainable manner. This indicates that acidic water from coal mines is still handled as waste that must be addressed once more. According Ministry of Health Regulation No. 416 1990 on Water Quality Requirements and Monitoring (Indonesian Government Regulation Ministry of Health related to water quality requirements and water quality monitoring), the purpose of this study is to evaluate the viability of coal mine acidic water quality in comparison to Fe (iron), Mn (manganese) ions, and pH parameters as fresh water. According to the findings of this study into acid mine drainage, the pH of the water in nine study areas in Pucok Reudeup Village, a former coal mining region, is low. The findings of this study on acid mine drainage demonstrate that the pH of the water at nine research sites in Pucok Reudeup a village near a disused coal mine. In nine research locations in Pucok Reudeup Village, a former coal mining area, the pH of the water did not exceed the established freshwater quality requirements (pH water below 6.5 - 9), according to the findings of this acid mine drainage study. Fe parameters that fulfilled the quality requirements were only present at five research sites. High iron concentrations result from Fe 2+ or Fe 3+ ions that cannot obtain oxygen from the environment as well as from the stripping of soil and rocks that are predominately composed of iron minerals, necessitating further management such as aeration. All study sites' Mn (manganese) parameters continue to fall short of the quality requirements outlined in No. Minister of Health Regulation 416 of 1990 Requirements on water quality No. Minister of Health Regulation 416 of 1990 Requirements on water quality and monitoring, that is, always exceeding the quality standard by 0.5 mg/L, except for stations 4, 5 and 6 There are 3 locations of Mn (manganese). In general, it can be concluded that the Fe and pH parameters of the study area still do not meet the freshwater quality standards. While Mn partially meets freshwater quality standards atstations (4, 5 and 6). Stations 1, 2, 3, 7, 9 are always higher than fresh water quality standards. The problem of acid mine drainage requires environmentally friendly water treatment.

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between seminal plasma cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels and semen parameters in male partners of infertile couples. Two hundred fifty one (251) men recruited with no history of occupational exposure to toxic metals. After semen analysis, seminal Cd and Pb levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Cadmium levels in men with hypospermia was significantly higher than men with normal semen volume (p = .049). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in median seminal Pb levels between men with hypospermia and men with normal semen volume (p = .13). There was no statistically significant association between seminal plasma Cd and Pb levels sperm concentration, motility, morphology and total progressively motile sperm count. These findings suggest that environmental Cd exposure may contribute to low semen volume in male partners of infertile couples. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Toxic metals may adversely affect both male and female reproductive system. What the results of this study add? Seminal plasma cadmium levels in men with hypospermia were statistically significantly higher than men with normal semen volume. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients should be informed about possible adverse effects of toxic metals.

<abstract> <bold>Abstract. </bold>Protection of soil is important to ensure food safety and quality. Soil heavy metal pollution has been making prominent influences on farmland environment and human body through food chain. It is important to explore the migration of heavy metals from soil to vegetables. This study designed experiments to find the migrations from soil to vegetables. A set of soil samples was collected from Xiaotangshan Precision Agriculture Demo Base in Beijing and mixed with Pb(NO₃)₂<monospace>、</monospace>CrCl₃<monospace>、</monospace>CdCl₂solutions at different amount to make certain levels of Pb(0~2000ppm), Cd (0~100ppm) and Cr (0~3000ppm) content. Samples with single and interacted heavy metals pollution were both prepared in this research. Lettuce was selected as the testing vegetable and seeded in each pot. The lettuce crops were carefully managed in a greenhouse at the Base. After 40 days, lettuces were harvested and labeled. The Pb, Cd and Cr content at root, leaf and stem were tested and analyzed separately. It was found that, single and compound of Pb, Cd and Cr heavy metal does great influence to the growth of lettuce; for the distribution of Pb, Cd, Cr in lettuce plants, there were far greater accumulation in roots than stems and leaves when treated with single and compound pollution of Pb. The distribution trend for Cd accumulation was: root > leaf > stem; for the interaction study between Pb, Cd, and Cr pollution, there was an existence of antagonism between Pb and Cd, Pb and Cr. More experiments are needed to explore more information for the heavy metal migration from soil to vegetables in the future. This research provides a reference for the principle study of heavy metals’ migration and distribution in vegetables.

Although insects harbor almost all the terrestrial habitats but occur with negligible abundance in the aquatic environment mainly because of their tracheal mode of respiration. The present paper has attempted to find out the Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) of a major aquatic insect species, Laccotrephesruber which inhabits in higher densities in three distantly located freshwater bodies having contrasting ecological factors overcoming even different environmental odds, especially the loads of two toxic heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg).Collection and preservation of the aquatic insects alongwith estimation of different water quality parameters were made following standard methodologies (APHA, 2005). The heavy metals of the water, soil, selected aquatic plants and insect species were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) from three selected study sites of [(1) a water impoundment – Rissia Dam in Odisha, (2) a large water body at Tamluk, West Bengal, and (3) a large pond at Haldia, West Bengal].In this study, above three study sites were selected in order to determine the concentrations and variation of two heavy metals (Pb and Hg) and their trend of accumulation in water, soil, aquatic plants and one aquatic insect species. After undertaking a yearlong (March’2019 – February’2020) field survey, Bioaccumulation Factors (BAF) of those heavy metals in an aquatic insect species, Laccotrephesruber and were deducted along with the recording ofdifferent pronounced ecological parameters (water quality – pH, temperature, conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids). It was seen that, lead (Pb) was found to be higher than mercury (Hg) in all the structural components (water, soil, vegetation and insect) of the three aquatic ecosystems including within the body of Laccotrephesruber of all (slight exception for soil of Rissia Dam). Besides, the concentrations of both the heavy metals were highest in the study site 3 (within industrial belt) followed by study site 2 (under the human activities) and study site 1 (in the natural undisturbed environment).From the BAFanalysis of Laccotrephesruber, it is seen that – (i) Hg is very bioaccumulative than Pb in Rissia Dam; (ii) Pb is moderately bioaccumulative than Hg in Tamluk; and (iii) Pb is very much bioaccumulative thanHg in Haldia.

Lead levels (Pb) cause adverse effects on health, toxic effects on the gastrointestinal tract, nerves and kidneys. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using activated carbon filters for corn cobs and durian husks in reducing lead (Pb) levels in rainwater that passes over zinc. This type of study is an experiment by comparing the decrease in lead (Pb) levels before and after the filtration of activated carbon of corn cobs and durian husks with adsorption times of 30 minutes and 35 minutes. The results of the study before processing obtained lead (Pb) levels in 3 different locations, namely 0.079 mg / l, 0.053 mg / l, and 0.059 mg / l. After processing the activated carbon of corn cobs and activated carbon of durian skin, it is effective in reducing lead (Pb) levels &lt; 0.05 mg / l in accordance with water quality standards according to Permenkes No. 23 of 2017. This can be seen after filtration of activated carbon of corn cobs with an adsorption time of 30 minutes, which is 91% of 0.007 mg / l in PM houses, and an adsorption time of 35 minutes, which is 100% of 0.0 mg / l in HD houses. Then after filtration of activated carbon durian skin with an adsorption time of 30 minutes, which is 64.4% of 0.021 mg / l in HD houses, and an adsorption time of 35 minutes, which is 60.4% of 0.021 mg / l in SU houses. This research suggests that health agencies provide empowerment to the community about the management of clean water and the use of activated carbon in reducing levels of harmful metals, especially lead (Pb).

The levels of heavy metals and selenium in the eggs and in breast feathers of adult doublecrested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), and franklin's gull (Larus pipixcan) nesting at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall County, northwestern Minnesota were examined. Also examined were metal levels in the feathers of fledgling night herons and gulls, in the feathers of adult and fledgling American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), in eggs of American coot (Fulica americana) and eared grebe (Podiceps caspicus), and in feathers of adult Canada geese (Branta canadensis). These species represent different levels on the food chain from primarily vegetation-eating species (geese, coot) to species that eat primarily fish (cormorant). A clear, positive relationship between level on the food chain and levels of heavy metals occurred only for mercury in feathers and eggs. Otherwise, eared grebes had the highest levels of all other metals in their eggs compared to the other species. No clear food chain pattern existed for feathers for the other metals. For eggs at Agassiz: 1) lead, selenium, and manganese levels were similar to those reported in the literature, 2) mercury levels were slightly higher for cormorants and night herons, 3) all species had higher chromium and cadmium levels than generally reported, and 4) eared grebes had significantly higher levels of cadmium than reported for any species from elsewhere. For adult feathers: 1) gulls had higher levels of lead than the other species, 2) cadmium levels were elevated in gulls and adult herons and cormorants, 3) mercury levels showed an increase with position on the food chain, 4) selenium and chromium levels of all birds at Agassiz were generally low and 5) manganese levels in adults were generally higher than in the literature for other species. Adults had significantly higher mercury levels than fledgling gulls, night herons, and bitterns.

Improved means of transportation have several positive and negative impacts. The most-occurred adverse effects is a decrease in environmental quality. Emissions from vehicles will continue to increase every single day and will be the dominant source of air pollutants. Pb or lead is one of the contaminants of vehicle mobility. Gas station operators are at risk of having high Pb levels in their bodies. This happened because the gas station operators are exposed to Pb for 8 hours/day from motor vehicle emissions as well as gasoline fumes when consumers refuel. This study aims to analyse and determine the lead (Pb) levels in the urine of gas station operators based on their characteristics at Panjang Jiwo and Kalirungkut gas station Surabaya. This research is quantitative research with a descriptive method that compares the results of measurements in the field with the Decree of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 1406 / Menkes / SK / XI concerning the Examination Standard of Black Lead Levels in Human Biomarker Specimen. Measurements were made on the urine of twelve gas station operators at two gas stations. The results of the study showed that the analysis of Pb levels in the urine of twelve respondents was below the threshold value of 0.1 mg/l. There is also a tendency that the longer the service life of the operator and the increasing age, the higher the Pb level in the urine of gas station operators.

A pot culture experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of increasing levels (30.0 and 60.0 mg kg−1 soil) of chromium and lead on the yield, chemical composition of essential oil, and phytoaccumulation of heavy metals of three mint species (Mentha arvensis, M. piperita, and M. citrata). The fresh herbage yield of M. arvensis was not significantly affected by the application of chromium and lead, but its essential oil yield was significantly decreased by the application of chromium and lead as compared to the control. The fresh herbage, root yield, and essential oil yield of M. piperita were significantly increased and those of M. citrata were decreased by the increase in the levels of chromium and lead applications. The levels of α-pinene, β-pinene, sabinene, β-myrcene, limonene, menthone, and isomenthone in M. arvensis and M. piperita oil and of sabinene, pinene, and linalyl acetate in M. citrata oil were considerably affected by the application of chromium and lead to soils as compared to control plants. The concentrations of chromium in shoots and roots of mint species significantly increased as the levels of chromium in soil increased. The increases in the levels of lead in soil enhanced the concentrations of lead in the shoots and roots of mint species as compared to the control. The accumulations of chromium and lead were greater in the roots than in the shoots in all the three species of mint. Mentha piperita was found to be the most suitable crop for cultivation in the chromium- and lead-contaminated soils, followed by M. arvensis and M. citrata.