Accumulation Of Toxic Elements Research Articles

Multicontamination Toxicity Evaluation in the Model Plant Lactuca sativa L.

Many contaminated soils contain several toxic elements (TEs) in elevated contents, and plant-TE interactions can differ from single TE contamination. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of combined contamination (As, Cd, Pb, Zn) on the physiological and metabolic processes of lettuce. After 45 days of exposure, TE excess in soil resulted in the inhibition of root and leaf biomass by 40 and 48%, respectively. Oxidative stress by TE accumulation was indicated by markers-malondialdehyde and 5-methylcytosine-and visible symptoms of toxicity (leaf chlorosis, root browning) and morpho-anatomical changes, which were related to the change in water regime (water potential decrease). An analysis of free amino acids (AAs) indicated that TEs disturbed N and C metabolism, especially in leaves, increasing the total content of free AAs and their families. Stress-induced senescence by TEs suggested changes in gas exchange parameters (increase in transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration), photosynthetic pigments (decrease in chlorophylls and carotenoids), a decrease in water use efficiency, and the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II. These results confirmed that the toxicity of combined contamination significantly affected the processes of lettuce by damaging the antioxidant system and expressing higher leaf sensitivity to TE multicontamination.

Review of soil environment quality in India near coal mining regions: current and future predictions.

Production and utilization of coal are one of the primary routes of accumulation of Toxic Elements (TEs) in the soil. The exploration of trends in the accumulation of TEs is essential to establishing a soil pollution strategy, implementing cost-effective remediation, and early warnings of ecological risks. This study provides a comprehensive review of soil concentrations and future accumulation trends of various TEs (Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Cu, Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn, and As) in Indian coal mines. The findings revealed that average concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Co surpass India's natural background soil levels by factors of 2, 4.05, 5.32, 1.77, 9.6, and 6.15, respectively. Geo-accumulation index values revealed that 27.3%, 14.3%, and 7.7% of coal mines are heavily polluted by Ni, Co, and Cu, respectively. Also, the Potential Ecological Risk Index indicates that Cd and Ni are primary contaminants in coal mines. Besides, the health risk assessment reveals oral ingestion as the main exposure route for soil TMs. Children exhibit a higher hazard index than adults, with Pb and Cr being major contributors to their non-carcinogenic risk. In addition, carcinogenic risks exist for females and children, with Cr and Cu as primary contributors. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that TEs (except Cd) accumulated in the soil from anthropogenic sources. The assessment of future accumulation trends in soil TE concentrations reveals dynamic increases that significantly impact both the ecology and humans at elevated levels. This study signifies a substantial improvement in soil quality and risk management in mining regions.

Toxicity of vapor-gas flows from technogenic substance

The relevance. Vapor-gas flows from technogenic substances (storage wastes of the mining industry), carrying a high amount of potentially toxic elements, are a big problem for the environment and the population, because metals and metalloids in the composition of emanations are in an easily digestible bioavailable forms and are able to easily penetrate into living organisms. The main aim of this study is an assessment of toxicity for living organisms of air mixtures containing gaseous products emitted by a surfaces of mine tailings freely located near settlements and under the influence of climatic factors and microorganisms. Methods. Carrying out experiments with white rats male Wistar, analysis of organs for the content of a wide range of elements by ICP-MS on a NexION 300D mass spectrometer (PerkinElmer, USA) (PNL GGC IShPR TPU). In the experiment, a pooled sample of the waste substance was used. The sample was analyzed for the content of oxides of the silicate group by XRF using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer ARL-9900-XP (Thermo Electron Corporation, Switzerland) at the Laboratory of X-ray Spectral Analysis Methods of the IGM SB RAS; elemental analysis was carried out by ICP-MS using an ELAN-9000 DRC-e instrument Perkin Elmer, USA (HAC Plasma). Results. Under the influence of vapor-gas emanations from the substance of arsenide tailings of the Tuvacobalt plant on a group of rats male Wistar, pathological changes occurred in the experimental group. Small foci of hemorrhages formed in the lungs, the tissues became edematous and inflamed. The liver of all animals increased, the share structure became sharply expressed, the color became light beige. Single hemorrhages were found in the kidneys. The vessels of the meninges are dilated, petechial hemorrhages are observed. The synthetic function of cells and the stability of cellular and intracellular membranes were disrupted, first of all, the endothelium of blood vessels was affected, the physiological functioning of organs and tissues was disrupted with the accumulation of intermediate products of biochemical reactions, determined macroscopically. Also, dystrophy of internal organs was determined, in particular, the liver, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Elemental analysis of animal organs showed the accumulation of toxic elements in comparison with the control group. The most characteristic elements, the excess of which was recorded in most cases, are mercury and arsenic. They were unevenly distributed throughout the organs. Mercury accumulated mainly in the lungs, kidneys and liver, while arsenic accumulated mainly in the liver and brain. This may indicate the entry of mercury and arsenic ions in a biologically available form into the bloodstream by inhalation, and local irritating and toxic effects on the lungs were not prevailing, and the liver was the most damaged organ according to the results of toxicochemical and morphological studies. The homeostasis of micro and macro elements is finely regulated, and any concentration imbalance in the form of a deficiency leads to a progressive decrease and disruption of normal biological function, to severe physiological and clinical outcomes, which we observed from the results of the experiment. The data obtained proved the acute toxic effect of vapor-gas flows on living organisms, and also confirmed the possibility of the removal of many chemical elements in easily accessible and assimilable forms.

The rhizosphere microbiome reduces the uptake of arsenic and tungsten by Blechnum orientale by increasing nutrient cycling in historical tungsten mining area soils

The growth of pioneer plants in metal mining area soil is closely related to their minimal uptake of toxic elements. Pioneer plants can inhibit the uptake of toxic elements by increasing nutrient uptake. However, few studies have focused on the mechanisms by which the rhizosphere microbiome affect nutrient cycling and their impact on the uptake of toxic elements by pioneer plants. In this study, we selected Blechnum orientale to investigate the potential roles of the rhizosphere microbiome in nutrient cycling and plant growth in a historical tungsten (W) mining area. Our results showed that while the arsenic (As) and W contents in the soil were relatively high, the enrichment levels of As and W in the B. orientale were relatively low. Furthermore, we found that the As and W contents in plants were significantly negatively correlated with soil nutrients (S, P and Mo), suggesting that elevated levels of these soil nutrients could inhibit As and W uptake by B. orientale. Importantly, we found that these nutrients were also identified as the most important factors shaping rhizosphere microbial attributes, including microbial diversity, ecological clusters, and keystone OTUs. Moreover, the genera, keystone taxa and microbial functional genes enriched in the rhizosphere soils from mining areas played a key role in nutrient (S, P and Mo) bioavailability, which could further increase the nutrient uptake by B. orientale. Taken together, our results suggest that rhizosphere microorganisms can improve pioneer plant growth by inhibiting toxic element accumulation via the increase in nutrient cycling in former W mining areas.

Interaction between soil water saturation and toxic element accumulation in woody plants (Freiberg region, Germany)

ABSTRACT Relationships between soil water saturation (SWS) and the accumulation of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in soils and aboveground biomass of Populus tremula and Salix caprea were explored. SWS was computed with the hydrological model ParFlow/CLM and compared to data from field observations. Plant and soil samples collected at the main pollution sources contained the highest concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb. S. caprea contained higher concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb than P. tremula. In both species, metal(loid) concentrations in leaves were significantly higher than in branches. At strongly mining-affected locations, metalloid concentration in the trees largely reflected the pollution levels in the soil. In remote study locations, the soil–plant transfer of Cd and Pb was affected by water saturation: element accumulation increased significantly with soil moisture. Results demonstrate that coupling field observations with hydrological modelling is a promising approach for estimating element accumulation.

Effects of aluminium on antioxidative system in native species of the Brazilian Tropical Dry Forest (Caatinga)

ABSTRACT Changes in soil resulting from agricultural practices can lead to acidification and the accumulation of toxic elements, such as Al3+. In acidic soils, aluminium solubility decreases nutrient availability, causing biochemical and morphophysiological changes that impede plant growth. This study aimed to determine how native species respond to the effects of Al3+ and its impact on their persistence in the environment. Soil samples were collected in areas with and without Al3+ in a natural regeneration zone. Leaves of three herbaceous species prevalent in the rainy season underwent biochemical analysis. The results revealed that Al3+ influenced enzymatic activity in Ayenia erecta, reducing superoxide dismutase and increasing ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. Pavonia varians exhibited an accumulation of H2O2 and a reduction in ascorbate peroxidase, while Sida galheirensis demonstrated an accumulation of sucrose and a reduction in proline levels in areas affected by Al3+, without changes in enzymatic activity or the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The presence of 0.31 cmolc/dm³ of Al3+ was insufficient to induce lipid peroxidation in the studied species. Overall, the species responded differently to aluminium, impacting oxidative stress and potentially influencing their survival in the environment. These results provide insights into conservation practices and sustainable management in arid areas.

Mineral profile and heavy metals bioaccumulation in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, L.) larvae and frass across diverse organic substrates

Organic wastes from vegetable mix (V) and butchers (B) were used as substrates (V100%, V75%+B 25%, and V50%+B50%) for Hermetia illucens to assess the mineral profile of the larvae and frass, and the potential bioaccumulation of toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb, Hg). The V100 larvae had the highest concentrations of all minerals, except for Se and P, higher in the control group (poultry diet as substrate) (p < .01). The V50B50 and V75B25 larvae showed lower (p < .01) mineral concentrations than the other groups. The V50B50 group had the highest (p < .01) bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for Cd (8.52%), the V100 for Pb (p < .01). The equations to estimate the mineral content of larvae from the substrate were significant only for Ca and Mg (p < .05). The V100 frass had the highest (p < .01) levels of As, Cd, Pb, Fe, K and Mg, while the control group showed the highest (p < .01) levels of Se, Zn, Ca, P and K. Toxic elements can accumulate in black soldier fly larvae and frass, with the exception of Hg. However, organic wastes from V and B had a very low content of toxic elements and that strongly reduced the risk of excessive bioaccumulation in larvae. Indeed, the content of toxic elements in larvae is lower than the maximum values established for feed materials by EU regulations. In conclusion, organic substrates from vegetables or butchery wastes can be used for BSF larvae growth without the risk of accumulation of toxic elements.

Изучение элементного статуса населения различных промышленных районов как индикатора экологического загрязнения

Today, studies of the content and effect of chemical elements on the body are relevant. It is especially important to conduct such research in areas exposed to negative environmental factors (for example, industrial pollution of the atmosphere, soil pollution with chemicals, etc.). At the same time, fluctuations in the content of trace elements in the environment inevitably affect living organisms, including humans. Thus, the accumulation of toxic chemical elements in environmental objects is highly likely to lead to an imbalance in the elemental composition of the human body. At the same time, there is not only an excess content of heavy metals, but also a deficiency of essential trace elements. All this affects human health, body functioning, immunity, etc. Therefore, the accumulation of chemical elements in the human body should be investigated in order to correct the elemental status. Also, the assessment of the content of elements in the human body and its individual biosubstrates can serve to monitor the environmental situation in a particular territory. Keywords: ELEMENTAL STATUS, INDUSTRY, TRACE ELEMENTS, HEAVY METALS, TOXIC ELEMENTS

VARIABILITY OF THE TRACE ELEMENT COMPOSITION OF UNDERGROUND AND ABOVEGROUND SHOOTS OF NONEA ROSSICA STEV.

To create phytomedicines for the treatment of dyselementoses with reproducible pharmacological effects, it is necessary to know within what limits the content of microelements can vary in commercial thickets of herbs. The aim this work was to determine variability of the content of microelements in the underground and aboveground organs of Nonea rossica Stev.The above-ground and underground shoots of the plant was collected on the territory of the Novosibirsk region. The content of plant biogenic elements B, K, P, V, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Si, Zn, Ni, Co and toxic elements was determined by mass spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma. The main statistical parameters – the mean value, the coefficient of variation and confidence intervals were defined and they were analyzed for homogeneity using the Wilcoxon test.As a result of the research, it was found that N.rossica naturally absorbs microelements that are biogenic for the plant organism, which accumulate in the aboveground organs of the plant and their quantitative content have little variability .Exogenous pollution makes a significant contribution to the accumulation of toxic elements and conditionally toxic elements, which leads to a large variability of their quantitative content.

Differences in the Synergic Accumulation of Toxic Elements in Pelagic and Benthic Fish from Glacier-Fed Rivers of the Dzungarian Alatau

Abstract The determination of potentially toxic element concentrations in fish is an important topic from the point of view of both nature conservation and human consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of S, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, and P in benthic and pelagic fish species in the Karatal river, which is fed by melting glaciers from the Dzungarian Alatau in Kazakhstan. In September 2022, 48 fish samples were collected. It has been demonstrated that the accumulation of chemical elements in fish species can be explained by both the physiological parameters of the fish species and the influence of glaciers that feed river habitats. The data presented in this study provide a synergistic view of pollutants affecting fish populations. Benthic fish contained more manganese and strontium than pelagic species, while the mutual accumulation of potassium, chromium, rubidium, and molybdenum was higher in pelagic fish. The synergistic concentration of calcium and phosphorus in pelagic fish was higher than that in benthic species, while the amount of zinc and sulfur was higher in benthic animals. Relatively elevated levels of mercury in fish were found. The study contributes to the discussion about the role of glacial environments in loading pollutants to aquatic systems.

Potential toxic elements accumulation in soils and parts of palm (Elaeis guineensis) growing on reclaimed tailings and mined spoils in southwestern Ghana

Potential toxic elements accumulation in soils and parts of palm (Elaeis guineensis) growing on reclaimed tailings and mined spoils in southwestern Ghana

Variability of the Ionome of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in a Dutch National Park, with Implications for Biomonitoring

The ionome—an important expression of the physiological state of organisms—is poorly known for mammals. The focus on particular tissues—such as liver, kidney, and bones—in biomonitoring of environmental pollution and potential deficiencies is based on widely held assumptions rather than solid knowledge of full mammalian ionomes. We examined the full ionome of Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Wild boar (Sus scrofa), two commonly used mammals for biomonitoring, in a Dutch protected nature reserve (Veluwezoom). We used four individuals per species. We dissected 13 tissues and organs from each individuals (eight in total) of each species and measured 22 elemental concentrations in each. We assessed, for each element, how concentrations varied across tissues within and between individuals. Based on existing literature, we put our findings in the context of their function in the mammalian body. We found that the ionome was highly variable between as well as within the two species. For most elements, tissues containing the highest and lowest concentration differed between individuals. No single tissue accurately represented the accumulation of toxic elements or potential deficiencies in the bodies. Our assessment of the element’s biological roles revealed a serious lack of reference values. Our findings imply that analyses of commonly used tissues in biomonitoring do not necessarily capture bioaccumulation of toxins or potential deficiencies. We recommend establishing a centralized database of mammalian ionomes to derive reference values in future. To our knowledge, our study is one of the most complete assessments of mammalian ionomes to date.

Toxic elements pollution risk as affected by various input sources in soils of greenhouses, kiwifruit orchards, cereal fields, and forest/grassland

Increasing food demand has led to more intensive farming, which threatens our ecosystem and human health due to toxic elements accumulation. This study aimed to estimate the vulnerability of different agricultural systems with unequal high fertilizer input practices regarding toxic element pollution in the greenhouse, kiwifruit orchard, cereal field, and forest/grassland. Soil samples were collected from 181 sites across Shaanxi Province, China, and analyzed for selected characteristics and toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn). The contamination factor (CFx) represents the ratio of the measured value of the toxic element in the soil over the soil background values. The CFx values of all the toxic elements were above background values, while Cd and Hg contamination levels were more severe than those of Zn, Cu, As, Cr, and Pb. Kiwifruit orchards and greenhouse soils were contaminated with Cd, Hg, Cu, and Zn, but cereal fields and forest/grassland soils were contaminated with As, Cd, Hg, and Hg. Overall, the cumulative pollution load (PLI) of toxic elements indicated moderate contamination. The cumulative ecological risk (RI) results indicated that greenhouse (178.81) and forest/grassland (156.25) soils were at moderate ecological risks, whereas kiwifruit orchards (120.97) and cereal field (139.72) soils were at low ecological risks. According to a Pearson correlation analysis, Cd, Hg, Cu, and Zn were substantially linked with soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), and total potassium (TK). The primary sources of toxic elements were phosphate and potash fertilizers, manure, composts, and pesticides in a greenhouse, kiwifruit orchards, and cereal fields, whereas, in forest/grassland soils parent material and atmospheric deposition were the sources identified by positive matrix factorization (PMF). Furthermore, the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) demonstrated that agriculture inputs largely influenced toxic elements accumulation. We conclude that high fertilizer inputs in greenhouse soils should be considered carefully so that toxic element pollution may be minimized.

Search for Toxic Trace Elements in Rosa rugosa Thunb. By Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis: Accumulation and Responses to Exposure

Species of the genus Rosa L. are widely used in urban gardening, and they are of considerable interest as plants accumulating heavy metals in an urban environment. Literature data are ambiguous about whether these species accumulate trace and toxic elements. Its fruits are used as medicinal raw materials in folk and official medicine. The purpose of the study is to determine whether this type of wild rose accumulates toxic metals (as well as various macro- and microelements), if so, which ones and in which organs, and to what extent raw materials of the plant can be used. For the first time, multi-element instrumental neutron activation analysis at the reactor IBR-2 of FLNP JINR in Dubna, Russia, was applied to examine accumulation of major and trace elements in various organs of Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Rosaceae family), namely, roots, leaves, fruits and seeds. A total of 33 elements (Al, Ca, Cl, I, Mg, Mn, V, As, Br, K, La, Na, Mo, Sm, U, W, Ba, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hf, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Yb, and Zn) were determined. Samples were taken in the summer-autumn period of 2020, both in the city of St. Petersburg and on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Russia. This research found no critical accumulation of trace and toxic elements in different organs of R. rugose, but revealed quite high accumulation of Fe and Co in urban transport highway area.

Essential and toxic elements in juvenile migratory commercial fish species in the Paraná River alluvial valley (South America): an approach for aquatic environmental monitoring.

The Paraná River is the sixth largest in the world, and the lower section of the river is one of the largest and most productive floodplain wetlands in South America. The alluvial plain is an important habitat for nursery and feeding areas for commercial fish; however, it has been heavily anthropized due to industries, agricultural activities, and the growth and expansion of metropolitan areas. The aim of this study was to determine element accumulation (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in young-of-the-year fish muscle from a floodplain lagoon of the lower Paraná River (Argentina) during summer and winter seasons, in relation with abiotic matrices (water and sediment). Four commercial fish species were assessed: sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus), boga (Megaleporinus obtusidens), dorado (Salminus brasiliensis), and pirapitá (Brycon orbignyanus). The concentrations of eight elements were detected by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In water samples, Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Zn levels were under the permissible limits for aquatic biota protection in both seasons, except for Pb (> 1 μg L-1) and Cu (> 2 μg L-1). In sediment, the average concentrations of all elements were under the limits set by national and international regulatory authorities. Differences in elemental concentrations between species and seasons were found. In general, the levels of elements in water were higher in summer than in winter, while in sediment, the lowest concentrations of elements were detected during the summer. The order of element concentration in fish muscle was Cd (0.01-0.04 μg g-1) < As (0.02-0.16 μg g-1) < Pb (0.03-0.23 μg g-1) < Mn (0.77-4.32 μg g-1) < Cu (1.01-4.07 μg g-1) < Cr (1.09-4.30 μg g-1) < Zn (15.8-31.7 μg g -1) < Fe (12.6-49.7 μg g-1). The accumulation assessment showed that the four fish species significantly accumulate Cr, Cu and Zn, and As and Zn from water and sediment, respectively. The correlation analysis showed a relationship between fish size and As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations. Similarly, the highest values of element concentrations in muscle were detected during the summer when the fishes are early juveniles. The level of As, Cd, and Pb detected in B. orbignyanus, M. obtusidens, and P. lineatus juveniles suggested that these species had the potential to be used as biomarkers for assessing accumulation of toxic elements in the environment. Also, this study reveals that the accumulation patterns differ between size and fish species, which should be a considered insight at the moment of selecting a bioindicator to monitor pollution in the ecosystem.

Potentially toxic elements capture by an active living wall in indoor environments: Effect of species in air phytoremediation

Indoor air pollution is a serious health problem throughout the world. Plants are known to be able to reduce the effect of air pollution and improve indoor air quality (IAQ). The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of four plant species (Tradescantia zebrina hort. ex Bosse, Philodendron scandens K. Koch & Sello, Ficus pumila L. and Chlorophtytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques) planted in an active living wall (ALW) for capturing particle pollutants. The ALW was introduced in a glass chamber and exposed to large (10–40 μm) and fine (1.2–10 μm) airborne particles containing a fixed concentration of potentially toxic elements (Al, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb). The surface particle deposition (sPM) was estimated in the leaves from the four species and the potentially toxic element concentration in the particulate matter (PM) was measured in plants, medium culture and in the ALW support system. The distribution of different particle size fractions differed between species. The capacity to trap particles on leaf surfaces was similar among the species (4.7–13 ng cm−2) except when comparing Tradescantia and Chlorophytum with Ficus, being higher in the latter species. Differences in toxic elements accumulation capacity were observed between species depending on the elements considered. The percentage of reduction in indoor pollution using an ALW was in a range of 65–79% being similar between species. Plants were the most important component of the ALW in terms of accumulation of indoor potentially toxic elements. The data presented here could be used to model the effectiveness of ALW systems schemes in improving IAQ.

Foliar particulate matter retention and toxic trace element accumulation of six roadside plant species in a subtropical city

As a major source of air pollution, particulate matter (PM) and associated toxic trace elements pose potentially serious threats to human health and environmental safety. As is known that plants can reduce air PM pollution. However, the relationship between PM of different sizes and toxic trace elements in foliar PM is still unclear. This study was performed to explore the association between PM of different sizes (PM2.5, PM10, PM>10) and toxic trace elements (As, Al, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, Pb) as well as the correlation among toxic trace elements of six roadside plant species (Cinnamomum camphora, Osmanthus fragrans, Magnolia grandiflora, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum and Pittosporum tobira) in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Results showed that P. macrophyllus had the highest ability to retain PM, and C. camphora excelled in retaining PM2.5. The combination of P. macrophyllus and C. camphora was highly recommended to be planted in the subtropical city to effectively reduce PM. The toxic trace elements accumulated in foliar PM varied with plant species and PM size. Two-way ANOVA showed that most of the toxic trace elements were significantly influenced by plant species, PM size, and their interactions (P < 0.05). Additionally, linear regression and correlation analyses further demonstrated the homology of most toxic trace elements in foliar PM, i.e., confirming plants as predictors of PM sources as well as environmental monitoring. These findings contribute to urban air pollution control and landscape configuration optimization.

Linking Metallic Micronutrients and Toxic Xenobiotics to Atherosclerosis and Fatty Liver Disease-Postmortem ICP-MS Analysis of Selected Human Tissues.

Dyslipidaemia is a disorder of the lipid metabolism, caused mainly by poor eating habits. The most severe consequence of an inappropriate diet is the development of atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis. It is generally believed that a change in nutrition, and increased physical activity can eliminate these health problems. The contemporary research and therapies used to treat dyslipidemia mainly focus on lowering the triglyceride and cholesterol levels. However, disturbances in trace element homeostasis or the accumulation of toxic elements can also affect physiological processes, and be involved in the development of metabolically mediated diseases. The present study aimed to determine the mineral profiles of liver and brain tissues collected at autopsy (n = 39) in groups of people with hepatic steatosis (n = 5), atherosclerosis (n = 9), hepatic steatosis, and atherosclerosis (n = 16), and others without the selected disorders (n = 9). Concentrations of 51 elements were analysed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after the initial wet mineralisation of the samples with nitric acid. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the hepatic steatosis group suffers from a deficiency of important trace elements, such as copper, zinc, and molybdenum (p < 0.05), whereas the group with atherosclerosis is characterised by elevated levels of cadmium in the liver tissue (p = 0.01). Analysing the mean values of the element concentrations measured in 11 brain areas, statistically significant higher levels of calcium and copper (p < 0.001) were found in the atherosclerosis group, compared to the hepatic steatosis group, confirming the involvement of these elements in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In addition, an accumulation of cadmium, lead, titanium, and strontium in the brain tissue was observed in the atherosclerosis group. While the accumulation of individual elements differs in different parts of the brain, the differences in the cadmium content (p < 0.05) between the study groups apply to the whole brain, except for the nucleus accumbens septi area, where a statistically significant titanium accumulation occurs in the atherosclerosis and steatosis groups, compared to the others (p < 0.05). In addition, the disruption of elemental homeostasis in the brain of a single case with bipolar disorder, and a case with hip replacement was observed. Our results confirm the involvement of chemical elements in the pathogenesis of selected metabolic diseases, and the need for further studies in larger populations.

The ionome and proteome landscape of aging in laying hens and relation to egg white quality.

The ionome is essential for maintaining body function and health status by participating in diverse key biological processes. Nevertheless, the distribution and utilization of ionome among different organs and how aging impacts the ionome leading to a decline in egg white quality remain unknown. Thus, we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to analyze 35 elements and their isotopic contents in eight organs of laying hens at 35, 72, and 100 weeks. Moreover, the magnum proteome, amino acids in egg white, and egg white quality were analyzed in laying hens at three different ages using 4D proteomics techniques, an amino acid analyzer, and an egg quality analyzer. Across the organs, we identified varying distribution patterns among macroelements (Mg24, Ca43/44, K39, and P31), transition metals (Zn64/66, Cu63/65, Fe56/57, and Mn55), and toxic elements (Pb208, Ba137, and Sr86). We observed an organ-specific aging pattern characterized by the accumulation of toxic elements (Pb208, Ba137, and Sr86) and calcification in the small intestine. Additionally, a decrease in the utilization of essential trace elements selenium (Se78/82) and manganese (Mn55) was noted in the oviduct. By analyzing ionome in tandem with egg quality, egg white amino acids, and proteome, we unveiled that the reduction of selenium and manganese concentrations in the magnum during the aging process affected amino acid metabolism, particularly tryptophan metabolism, thereby inhibiting the amino acid synthesis in the magnum. Furthermore, it accelerated the senescence of magnum cells through necroptosis activation, leading to a decline in the albumen secretion function of the magnum and subsequently reducing egg white quality. Overall, this study provides insights into the evolution of 35 elements and their isotopes across 8 organs of laying hens with age. It also reveals the elemental composition, interactions, and utilization patterns of these organs, as well as their correlation with egg white quality. The present study highlights the significance of ionome and offers a comprehensive perspective on the selection of ionome for regulating the aging of laying hens.

The Accumulation of Toxic Elements (Pb, Hg, Cd, As, and Cu) in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in Qianjiang and the Associated Risks to Human Health.

Due to rapidly expanding crayfish consumption worldwide, the food safety of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is of great concern. China is the largest consumer and producer of crayfish globally. As of yet, it is unknown whether the main crayfish production cities in China are within safe levels of toxic heavy metals and metalloids. For 16 consecutive years, Qianjiang city ranked first in China in processing export volumes of red swamp crayfish. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the enrichment levels and associated health risks of the species in Qianjiang. In our research, samples of four crayfish tissues, including the head, hepatopancreas, gills, and muscles, were collected from 38 sampling sites distributed in Qianjiang to evaluate the concentration levels of five heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, As, and Cu). The concentration levels of all five metals in muscle did not surpass the national standard. Furthermore, eight significant correlations have been found. For further in-depth assess risk of crayfish in Qianjiang, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), carcinogenic risk (CR), and estimated maximum allowable consumption rates (CRmm) were evaluated in the abdomen muscle and hepatopancreas. The THQ values for each metal were found to be less than 1, while the CR values were below 10-6. Additionally, the CRmm for adults was determined to be 17.2 meals per month. These findings, based on the analysis of five metallic elements included in this study, suggest that the consumption of crayfish abdomen muscle in Qianjiang does not pose any significant health risks. However, it is noteworthy that certain regions exhibit elevated levels of arsenic in the hepatopancreas, surpassing the national standard, thereby rendering them unsuitable for excessive consumption. In general, the findings can be used to provide guidance for safe dietary practices in China.