Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a global health concern with limited therapies. Among its causes, arsenic (AS)-induced AKI (AI-AKI), exemplified by the antitumor agent arsenic trioxide (ATO), represents an emerging clinical challenge. Despite its clinical efficacy in treating AI-AKI, the protective mechanism of Chuanhuang Fang III (CHF) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of CHF against AI-AKI. Classic AI-AKI rat model was established, and subsequently treated with graded doses of CHF. CHF constituents were identified. Renal pathology, renal function, and AKI biomarkers were detected. Mitochondrial quality control-related parameters were detected as follows: 1) transmission electron microscopy was employed to assess mitophagy; 2) Western blotting was performed to evaluate mitochondrial dynamics- and mitophagy-related proteins, while differential gene expression and pathway enrichment were analyzed by RNA-sequencing; 3) mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ROS levels were measured in freshly isolated renal cortical mitochondria by JC-1 staining and flow cytometry. The HK-2 cell line was used to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of AI-AKI, and the effect of antioxidant NAC was observed simultaneously. ATO exposure resulted in increased serum creatinine, mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated mitochondrial ROS levels, and promoted apoptosis, autophagy, and mitophagy in renal tubular epithelial cells. It also downregulated the mitochondrial fusion protein OPA1 and upregulated the fission protein Drp1. These effects correlated with the activation of the PINK1/Parkin mitophagy pathway, as well as increased expression of BNIP3, NIX, LC3B and Bax, and decreased anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that the key signaling pathways in AI-AKI were associated with mitophagy, autophagy, mitochondrial function and apoptosis. CHF attenuated AI-AKI by regulating OPA1/Drp1 balance and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and counteracted the associated pathological processes. In vitro experiments using the HK-2 cell line provided further evidence supporting the in vivo findings. The pathogenesis of clinical-dose ATO-induced AKI involves OPA1- and Drp1-mediated mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy in renal tubular epithelial cells, CHF ameliorated this injury by restoring mitochondrial quality control, highlighting its therapeutic potential against AI-AKI.

The present work aims to investigate the heavy metal concentrations of the major rock units that exposed in El-Sid area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt, and determine the hotspots areas with higher concentration levels in the investigated area. Concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), sulfur (S) and Arsenic (AS) were measured in the heavy mineral fractions of representative samples by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The mapping of heavy metal concentrations was created by the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method. The highest concentrations of Fe, Zn and Pb were in Cataclastic granite, Monzo-Syenogranite and Qz-monzodiorite, while S is only detected in serpentinite after dunite rock. The present results showed that As was not detected in present samples. The lowest concentration of Fe was in carbonate rock stained with iron oxide and pyroxenite, Zn was in porphyritic meta-andesite, carbonate rock stained with iron oxide, serpentinite rocks and pyroxenite, and Pb was in serpentinite after dunite, serpentinite after pyroxenite with talc carbonate and pyroxenite. The results of the present study elucidate concentration levels of investigated heavy metals in rock units of the present area and refer to the hotspots areas with higher levels.

ConspectusNitrides represent a class ofchemical compoundsof high scientificand technological relevance. Nevertheless, due to the challengingsynthetic conditions, essentially related to the stability of theN2 molecule, nitrides have remained largely unexploredcompared with the corresponding oxides.The laser-heated diamondanvil cell (LH-DAC), providing accessto the GPa pressure range and temperatures as high as several thousandsof K, has dramatically changed the rules of the game, unveiling thermodynamicconditions in which N2 becomes unstable and polymerizesinto extended crystalline phases. A variety of N-compounds have beenindeed synthesized by laser-heating the corresponding elements ina N2 environment under high-pressure (HP) conditions.Nevertheless, only recently group 15 elements heavier than N havebeen targeted by this method, and excluding α-P3N5 and γ-P3N5, crystalline pnictogennitrides have remained essentially unknown.Since the discoveryof phosphorene, while the quest for 2D materialshas raised the interest for group 15 xenes and their N-doping as akey development, the inherent tendency of pnictogens to adopt crystallinelayered structures persisting at high pressure has increased focuson binary N-compounds with heavier pnictogens, with implications forfundamental chemistry and potential applications.In this scenario,the discovery of the pseudo simple-cubic (p-sc)structure in the phase diagram of P, and, a few years later, the high-pressure–high-temperature(HP-HT) synthesis of PH3 from the elements and the discoveryof the crystalline van der Waals (vdW) compound (PH3)2H2 have further reconnected the HP behavior ofP to that of lighter N.These experimental studies, highlightingconsistency in the structuraland reactive properties of group 15 elements at high pressure, togetherwith additional theoretical and computational insights, have openednew perspectives and motivated further investigations about the existenceof crystalline pnictogen nitrides.Indeed, not only α-and γ-P3N5, but also three other crystallinepolymorphs of phosphorus nitride(δ-P3N5, PN2, and α′-P3N5), have been synthesized by the direct HP-HTchemical reaction of P and N2 in a LH-DAC.Movingdown in group 15, the same method has led to the discoveryof the first crystalline nitrides of arsenic (AsN) and antimony (Sb3N5), whose existence has always represented anopen question in inorganic chemistry, and to the structural characterizationof two crystalline polymorphs of bismuth nitride (BiN).ThisAccount provides an overview of the recent progress in thehigh-pressure and high-temperature synthesis of crystalline pnictogennitrides, demonstrating the effective activation of a direct chemistrybetween N and heavier pnictogens. The presented results mark fundamentaladvancements in the chemistry of group 15 elements and pioneer thediscovery of new advanced pnictogen-based materials of energetic andtechnological relevance, potentially recoverable under ambient conditionsas stable or metastable systems.

The immune system of fish is severely impacted by heavy metal pollutants that enter the aquatic system, reducing their survival and resistance to diseases. Arsenic is a widespread heavy metal that contaminates aquatic bodies, impacts fish health, and hinders the sustainability of aquaculture. In the current investigation, we studied the arsenic-hazard consequences on the hematology, serum immunological responses, antioxidant activity, autophagy-related genes, splenic architecture, and protection against Aeromonas sobria in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Additionally, we proposed the ameliorative potential of genistein as a feed additive against arsenic exposure. For this purpose, 160 fish were equally set into four groups, each with four replicates for sixty days. The C (control) and GN (genistein) groups were fed basal diets fortified with 0 and 500mg genistein/kg diet and were not exposed to arsenic. However, the AS (arsenic) and AS + GN (arsenic + genistein) groups were reared under arsenic conditions (10µg/L of As2O3) and fed on identical diets as the C and GN groups. The outcomes revealed that arsenic exposure induced hematological disorders and anemic conditions in Nile tilapia. The serum immunological and splenic antioxidant enzymes (phagocytic activity, nitric oxide, lysozymes, complement 3, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione S-reductase, and reduced glutathione) were substantially lowered, and the malondialdehyde level was increased in the arsenic-exposed fish. Arsenic exposure down-regulated the splenic expression of antioxidant enzymes while upregulated the autophagy-related genes (Beclin-1 and AKT-1) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes (ATF-6, XBP-1, JNK, and BIP). The arsenic-exposed fish showed the lowest survivability (66.7%) when challenged with A. sobria relative to the control (80%). The dietary intervention of genistein in the Nile tilapia diet mitigated the arsenic-induced hematotoxic, immunotoxic, oxidative stress, autophagy, and ER stress consequences. The histological picture of the spleen and the survivability of the arsenic-exposed fish were restored by feeding on the genistein-fortified diet. Genistein is a promising feed additive for counteracting the harmful effects of arsenic in Nile tilapia, which helps in sustainable aquaculture development.

Toxic metals and metalloids food contamination is a source of health risks; this study evaluated lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (AS) contamination in the meat, liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs of guinea pigs raised on a farm near a mini mineral concentrator and with pastures irrigated with wastewater in the Central Andes of Peru. The risk of consuming these elements was estimated in the Peruvian population aged 2 to 85 years, whose consumption is 660 g/per capita/year. The quantification of Pb, Cd, and As was carried out via Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The heart had 3.3, 4.3, 7.3, and 81 times more Pb than the liver, lung, kidneys, and meat. The liver had 1.02, 2.22, 9.15, and 722.5 times more Cd than the kidneys, heart, lungs, and meat, respectively. The kidneys had 1.16 and 1.72 times more As than the liver and heart, respectively. The Target Hazard Quotient (TQH) and Hazard Index (HI) for Pb, Cd, and As, were <1 in the entire population, and there was no risk from their consumption. The cancer risk values found in the study are within the tolerated ranges. The findings expand the scientific basis for the safe and innocuous production of guinea pigs in the Central Andes of Peru and provide evidence to establish limits on water, soil, pastures, and agri-food products.

Soil contamination with heavy metals is a major problem that is increasing everywhere in the globe. This problem has drastically impacted the whole world including human and environmental health in the past 30 years. There are a number of strategies to remediate soil that is contaminated with heavy metals such as physical, biological and chemical, and these can be used individually and sometimes with one another to tackle this issue. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and arsenic (AS) are often more effectively transmitted with the help of chemical and physical methods such as immobilization and soil cleaning due to low biological acid levels and strong soil binding. In contrast, metals such as cadmium (CD) and zinc (Zn) are more mobile, and are suitable for biological approaches, including Phytoremediation &amp; microbial therapy. Mercury (Hg) remains a challenge due to the conversion and complex transformations in environments to improve all methods. This review summarizes the toxic effects of heavy metal contaminated soil in different parts of earth. Microbes are used to change the concentration of heavy metals in soil to improve the ability of plants to grow in healthy way. This paper reviews about the mechanisms and strategies to remediate the contaminated soil. This paper discusses necessary technologies used for remediation of soil and also mentioning about the types and methods. There are so many microbes and plants that can be used as the best options for removing toxic heavy metals from soils because conventional and physical approaches can be expensive and ineffective in areas with low metal toxicity, where phytoremediation and bioremediation are considered as eco-friendly approaches.

This systematic review aimed to identify the heavy metal contents of Bangladeshi vegetables and evaluate the subsequent health hazards of these heavy metals. Relevant studies were obtained from systematic searches of electronic databases. Average (mean) concentrations of Arsenic (AS), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), and Copper (Cu) in the vegetables were calculated on a fresh-weight basis. The health hazards associated with these metals’ intake were assessed using estimated daily intake (EDI) and carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks were measured as the target cancer risk (TR), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The results showed that the mean concentration of As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cu was 0.02–0.45, Not detectable (ND)-9.45, 0.00–0.51, 0.05–2.19, 0.28–43.43, Not detectable (ND)-5.80, 2.005–175.77, and 0.20–23.85 mg/kg of fresh vegetables respectively. The concentrations of As, Pb, and Cd were higher than the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) in the vegetables. However, all the metals were consumed daily in amounts below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) for all vegetables. THQ values for all metals except As and Pb were below the safety level (THQ &amp;lt;1) in all the vegetables. Potential non-carcinogenic risk (THQ &amp;gt;1) was posed by As and Pb in some vegetables like cabbage, string bean, bottle gourd, green papaya, sponge gourd, etc. The TR levels of As, Cd, Cr, and Ni were higher than the acceptable levels (10−4) for most vegetables, suggesting that long-term exposure to these toxic metals may raise the risk of developing various malignancies, including stomach and lung cancer. An integrated approach is required to address the contamination burden to preserve the health of the consumers.

Arsenic (ARS) is a toxic heavy metal that poses a significant concern for both animal and human health. The study investigated the ameliorative effect of myricetin (MRC) against arsenic-induced immune dysfunction, oxidative stress, hematological changes, hepatic and renal injuries, and inflammatory gene expression in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: the control group (CON) received orally administered distilled water (1 ml/rat), and the ARS group received 10 mg/kg orally, the MRC group received 5 mg of MRC/kg orally, and the co-treated group (ARS+MRC) received 10 mg/kg of ARS and 5 mg/kg b.w. of MRC orally. The results showed that co-treatment of ARS-exposed rats with MRC significantly corrected erythrocyte parameters (except MCV) and leukocyte parameters (except basophils; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ARS group significantly reduced total proteins and globulins while significantly increasing liver functions and uric acid levels (p < 0.05). Co-administration with MRC significantly mitigated the heart indices (gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatine phosphokinase, CK, lactate dehydrogenase) and lipid dysfunction caused by ARS exposure (p < 0.05). In ARS-exposed rats, there was a significant reduction in antioxidant enzymes and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM), as well as significantly increased oxidative stress (p < 0.05). The MRC treatment effectively restored the redox status and immune variables that were disrupted by ARS exposure. Serum levels of nitric acid and lysosome were significantly lower, while levels of IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were higher in the ARS group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Immunohistopathology revealed that the expression of Cox2 in kidney and liver tissues varied from mild to moderate in the ARS+MRC group. Furthermore, the ARS-induced upregulation of mRNA levels of inflammatory genes such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6 in hepatic tissues and MRC significantly attenuated this elevation. These findings suggest that ARS has detrimental effects on blood hematology and health, triggering specific inflammatory genes and indicating the genotoxicity of ARS. However, co-treatment with MYC can mitigate these negative effects. MRC exhibits a significant protective effect against ARS due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Arsenic (AS) is a metalloid element that widely exists and can cause different degrees of liver damage. The molecular mechanism of arsenic-induced liver injury has yet to be fully elucidated. Clinically, glutathione (GSH) is often used as an antidote for heavy metal poisoning and hepatoprotective drugs. However, the hepatoprotective effect of glutathione remains unknown in arsenic-induced liver injury. The regulatory relationship between Foxa2 and XIAP may play an important role in mitochondrial survival and death. Therefore, we took Foxa2-XIAP as the axis to explore the protective mechanism of GSH. In this study, we first established a mouse model of chronic arsenic exposure and examined liver function as reflected by quantitative parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Also, redox parameters in the liver were measured, including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosin, and glutathione peroxidase. RT-qPCR and western-blotting were used to detect the levels of related genes and proteins, such as Foxa2, XIAP, Smac, Bax, Bcl2, Caspase9, and Caspase3. Subsequently, GSH was administered at the same time as high arsenic exposure, and changes in the above parameters were observed. After a comprehensive analysis of the above results, we demonstrate that GSH treatment alleviates arsenic-induced oxidative stress and inhibits the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, which can be regulated through the Foxa2 and XIAP axis. The present study would be helpful in elucidating the molecular mechanism of arsenic-induced liver injury and identifying a new potential therapeutic target. And we also provided new theoretical support for glutathione in the treatment of liver damage caused by arsenic.

Arsenic (AS), an environmental contaminant, is a known human carcinogen that can cause cancer of the lung, liver, and skin. Furthermore, AS induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairments in mammalian cells. However, limited information is available on the effect of AS exposure on oocyte maturation of porcine, whose anatomy, physiology, and metabolism are similar to those of human. Therefore, we examined the effect of AS exposure on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes and the possible underlying mechanisms. Cumulus-cell enclosed oocytes were cultured with or without AS for maturation, and then were used for analyses. This study indicated that AS under a concentration of 1 μM significantly increased the abnormal expansion of cumulus cells and the number of oocytes maintained in meiotic arrest. In addition, AS exposure significantly reduced subsequent development of embryos and increased the rate of apoptosis of blastocysts following parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Moreover, AS exposure induced oxidative stress with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased glutathione (GSH), leading to reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial quantity, DNA damage, excessive autophagy activity, and early apoptosis in porcine oocytes. Taken together, the results demonstrated that AS exposure exerts several negative effects, such as meiotic defects and embryo developmental arrest by causing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis via inducing oxidative stress.

Remediation of mine polluted soil with nano-enhanced materials: Development of extreme learning machine approaches

Arsenic (AS) toxicity is considered as one of the biggest environmental issue and a major public health problem. In this chapter we have summarized the impact of AS contamination on human health. A perusal of literature reveals that exposure to higher concentrations of AS is serious for a number of reasons. Such exposure for a longer period leads to ill effect on several organ systems of the human body. The adverse effects of inorganic AS cause many human diseases, human sufferings and increased human mortality and also affect various age groups variously. Population of some countries are more vulnerable to AS contamination problems. Studies have revealed the mechanisms of many AS induced diseases particularly cancer, cardiovascular effects, immunological effects and neurological effects in human. This article presents the scientific information emerged especially during the last two decades in the field of the ecotoxicological properties of AS and the potential mechanism of AS-induced toxicity, with a special emphasis on AS-induced carcinogenesis.

Epidemiological studies have proven that exposure to Arsenic (AS) leads to the development of many neurological disorders. However, few studies have investigated its molecular mechanisms in the brain. Our previous work has revealed nitric oxide (NO)-mediated apoptosis and SNO reprogramming in the cortex following arsenic treatment, yet the role of NO and S-nitrosylation (SNO) in AS-mediated neurotoxicity has not been investigated. Therefore, we have conducted a multidisciplinary in-vivo study in mice with two different doses of Sodium Arsenite (SA) (0.1 ppm and 1 ppm) in drinking water. We used the novel SNOTRAP-based mass spectrometry method followed by the bioinformatics analysis, Western blot validation, and five different behavioral tests. Bioinformatics analysis of SA-treated mice showed significant SNO-enrichment of processes involved in mitochondrial respiratory function, endogenous antioxidant systems, transcriptional regulation, cytoskeleton maintenance, and regulation of apoptosis. Western blotting showed increased levels of cleaved PARP-1 and cleaved caspase-3 in SA-treated mice consistent with SA-induced apoptosis. Behavioral studies showed significant cognitive dysfunctions similar to those of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A comparative analysis of the SNO-proteome of SA-treated mice with two transgenic mouse strains, models of ASD and AD, showed molecular convergence of SA environmental neurotoxicity and the genetic mutations causing ASD and AD. This is the first study to show the effects of AS on SNO-signaling in the striatum and hippocampus and its effects on behavioral characteristics. Finally, further investigation of the NO-dependent mechanisms of AS-mediated neurotoxicity may reveal new drug targets for its prevention.

Heavy metals such as arsenic contribute to environmental pollution that can lead to systemic effects in various body organs. Some medicinal plants such as broccoli have been shown to reduce the harmful effects of these heavy metals. The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of broccoli extract on liver and kidney toxicity, considering hematological and biochemical changes. The experimental study was performed in 28 days on 32 male Wistar rats classified into four groups: the control group (C), a group receiving 5 mg/kg oral arsenic (AS), a group receiving 300 mg/kg broccoli (B), and a group receiving arsenic and broccoli combination (AS + B). Finally, blood samples were taken to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney, as well as serum proteins' concentration. Liver and kidney tissue were fixed and stained by H&E and used for histopathological diagnosis. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) in the AS group compared to other groups. However, in the B group, a significant increase in RBC and WBC was observed compared to the AS and C groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, RBC and WBC levels increased significantly in the AS + B group compared to the AS group (P = 0.046). However, in the AS group, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine levels increased, while total protein, albumin, and globulin decreased. This can be a result of liver and kidney damage, which was observed in the AS group. Furthermore, the increase in the concentration of albumin and globulin in the AS + B group was higher than that in the AS group. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and necrosis of the liver and kidney tissue in the pathological evaluation of the AS group were significantly higher than other groups. There was an increase in superoxide dismutases (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); however, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was seen in the AS + B group compared to the AS group. It seems that broccoli is highly effective at reducing liver and kidney damage and improving the hematological and biochemical factors in arsenic poisoning conditions.

This study attempts to examine the water pollution-economic growth relationship by using the environmental Kuznets curve analysis for the situation in Malaysia. This study estimates a simultaneous equation that is related to the level of pollution, the Gross Domestic Product per capita, and other covariates. Water pollution is measured in terms of Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Cadmium (CD) and Arsenic (AS). The per capita Gross Domestic Product was measured quarterly for the period 1996 to 2018. The study output supports the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis for all measures of water pollutants examined here. The income equation revealed the negative significant impact of pollution, BOD and physical capital's favorable influence on income. From these expected outcomes it is clear that Malaysia's relevant policies should aim primarily to overcome the pollution problems but should not neglect economic growth sustainability. This would include the implementation of policies that do not disregard the needs of economic growth and development; execute strategies that will contribute to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions; improve public awareness on environmental issues in Malaysia; give additional incentives to industries that comply with policy requirements; implement advanced and tertiary pollution control measures to decrease pollution; implementation of financial incentives to encourage invest in appropriate technology especially sewerage systems; and development of a solid monitoring and inventory system to be implemented by the relevant government authorities.Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve, pollution, Gross Domestic ProductJEL Classifications: O11, Q53, Q54, Q56DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.11571

Water pollution due to rapid urbanization and industrialization has become a major issue of concern worldwide. Water plays a vital role in human life, but access to safe drinking water has become a scarce commodity nowadays due to drastically increasing water pollution. Thus, water-borne diseases have become a common health hazard. So, basic monitoring of water quality has been necessitated to observe the level of water pollution. The quality of drinking water is determined by its biological, chemical, and physical features. In this study, the physicochemical and bacteriological analyses of some drinking water sources of Jorhat town were carried out to ascertain their suitability for consumption and other domestic uses. The water samples were collected from different sites based on their use by the local people. The results obtained were compared with WHO potability parameters. The study revealed that most of the samples' physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits except for nitrate, hardness, turbidity in a few samples, which were beyond the permissible limits. Moreover, one groundwater sample was found to contain arsenic which can be a serious health threat if untreated used for a prolonged period. The most probable number (MPN) count from the bacteriological study revealed coliforms in most of the samples. This may be due to poor sanitation and unawareness about personal hygiene and cleanliness. The presence of these bacteria in drinking water increases the risk of water-borne diseases and health issues. The study showed that not all the water samples were potable and fit for drinking as most of the parameters were beyond the permissible limits. Thus, the present investigation suggests that the collected sources' water needs urgent measures to control pollution and to aware the local people to treat the water before using it properly.

Channa punctatus is a common fresh water fish in India and regularly consumed because of its high nutritional value. Heavy metals are common pollutants of the aquatic environment because of their persistent and tendency to concentrate in aquatic organisms. This freshwater fish is continuously exposed to arsenic toxicity as this metalloid enters the body through gills and arsenic contaminated food. Fresh water murrel, C. punctatus were exposed to different sub-lethal concentrations of sodium arsenite for varied span of time in controlled laboratory condition to assess the impact of metalloid toxicity on marker enzymes in gill. Arsenic-induced stress can specifically achieved in fish through elevated level of reactive oxygen species which is responsible for biochemical, cell metabolism and physiological activities. Arsenic induced changes in Acid phosphatase and Alkaline phosphatase activity in gill of freshwater murrel after one week of exposure. Results revealed reduction of Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione-S-transferase activity after 7 days of exposure in sub lethal concentration of sodium arsenite in gill. Result revealed that enzyme assays determination is relevant tool to monitor stress in freshwater ecosystem. The present study is also indicative of immune alteration in C. punctatus that may lead to decline population size in its natural habitat.

Flies’ pollinating prowess, and arsenic’s insidious effects

that has been used for periods. However, most human exposure to arsenic comes from sources such as drinking water, food, dust, and soil, although it is believed that low levels of arsenic are essential nutrients but it as adverse health effects. Although the concentration of exposure in drinking water depends on the determination of the current maximum container level (MCL) of 50 ~ g/1 of arsenic.

Spices in Nigeria have been used for the treatment and alleviation of several ailments, therefore the need to evaluate their antinutritional and nutritional properties. Five Nigerian spices were evaluated for their nutritional and antinutritional compositions to ascertain their medicinal values. These spices were the West African black pepper (Piper guineensce), Negro pepper (Xylopia aethiopica), Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), Castor plant (Ricinus communis) and Hariknot plant (Pergularia deamia). The crude were extracted using standard methods and subjected to phytochemical screening. The results indicated the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Phenols and Steroids. Cardiac Glycosides and Terpenoids were present in Piper guineense, Xylopia aethiopica and Ocimum gratissimum, but absent in Recinus communis and Pergularia deamia. Resin was present in Xylopia aethiopica but absent in the other four extracts. Saponins was present in Piper guineense, Ocimmum gratissimum, Pergularia daemia and Ricinus communis, but absent in Xylopia aethiopica. Proximate analysis result revealed a percentage moisture content of 9.20±0.03% in Piper guineense, 8.80±1.10% in Xylopia aethiopica, 11.90±0.01% in Ocimum gratissimum, 6.90±0.02% in Ricinus communis and 8.80±0.03% Pergularia deamia, percentage ash (1.12±0.04 to 3.46±0.03%), percentage crude fat (2.80±0.03 to 48.16±0.02%), percentage crude fibre (13.00±0.09 to 15.50±0.55%), percentage crude protein (4.81±0.02 to 14.43±0.12%), total percentage carbohydrate (19.38±0.10 to 67.10±0.04%). The Vitamin analysis indicated that, Vitamin A (54.99±0.02 to 94.54±0.11 mg/100g), Vitamin C (1.32±0.36 to 4.97±0.03 mg/100g), and Vitamin E (2.27±0.81 to 5.18±0.03 mg/100g). The elemental analysis showed that Calcium (378.95±0.10 to 6,710.53±0.10 mg/kg), Potassium (400.00±0.32 to 3,000.00+0.32 mg/kg), Manganese (46.32±0.32 to 219.65±0.23 mg/kg), Iron (127.63±0.02 to 417.60±0.04 mg/kg), Zinc (15.71±0.28 to 21.08±0.12 mg/kg). Lead (5.90±0.05 to 11.84±0.02 mg/kg), Nickel (18.46±0.32 to 99.23±0.18 mg/kg), Cadmium (0.41±0.12 to 1.13±0.23 mg/kg), Chromium (2.47±0.09 to 13.37±0.53 mg/kg), Arsenic (0.00 to 16.67±0.45 mg/kg). The nutritional composition of these spices has testify that they can be used successfully as supplements in diets as well as component of pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment and alleviation of common health challenges. The use of these spices is therefore highly recommended in our daily diets.