Assessment Of Heavy Metal Levels Research Articles

Spatial variations and health risk assessment of heavy metal levels in groundwater of Qatar

The present work’s objective is to give a comprehensive overview of the quality of groundwater in Qatar in terms of heavy metals content as well as investigating the cause and effect of the elevation in their levels above the WHO/US-EPA standards. The scope of the study included (1) physical and chemical analysis of 82 groundwater samples collected from various locations around Qatar, (2) development of ArcGIS maps depicting the variations in the levels, (3) assessment of the human health risks associated with the existing levels using three of the most used models which are: Hazard index (HI), Nemerow comprehensive pollution index (NCPI) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). There is no extensive study ever reported to assess the health risks linked with the consumption of groundwater characterized with such heavy metals levels in Qatar. The chronic daily intake (CDI) of the investigated heavy metals (Ag, Mn, Cr, V, Mo and Sr) through ingestion and dermal pathways had a range of 1.4 × 10–5–6.7 × 10–1 mg/kg/day while the NCPI’s range was reported at 0–4.39. Moreover, the HI and ILCR were found to have a range of 0–3.2 and 5.6 × 10–4–5.5 × 10–2, respectively. The assessment of health risks, conducted in the present work, could be beneficial in building the baseline of heavy metals levels in groundwater in Qatar. This will also help in the determination of any future contamination of groundwater.

Assessment of heavy metal levels in polyculture fish farms and their aquatic ecosystems: an integrative study addressing environmental and human health risks associated with dam water usage.

This study examines the levels of heavy metals in polyculture fish (Labeo rohita, Cyprinus carpio, and Catla catla), water, and sediment in Tanda Dam, Kohat, Pakistan, aiming to understand environmental and health risks. Samples of fish, water, and sediment were collected from 3 fish farms, and heavy metal concentrations were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results reveal that C. catla exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of Zn than other fish species. Conversely, C. carpio showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Cu, As, and Ni than other species. The heavy metal hierarchy in C. carpio was found to be Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Mn > As > Ni. While heavy metal levels in L. rohita and C. catla generally fell within reference ranges, exceptions were noted for Zn, Pb, and Cd. Conversely, in C. carpio, all metals exceeded reference ranges except for Cu and Ni. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated a close relationship between water and sediment. Additionally, cluster analysis suggested that C. catla formed a distinct cluster from L. rohita and C. carpio, implying different responses to the environment. Despite concerns raised by the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Contamination Factor (CF), particularly for Cd, which exhibited a high CF. Furthermore, Hazard Index (HI) values for all three fish species were below 1, suggesting low health risks. However, elevated Igeo and CF values for Cd suggest significant pollution originating from anthropogenic sources. This study underscores the importance of monitoring heavy metals in water for both environmental preservation and human health protection. Future research efforts should prioritize pollution control measures to ensure ecosystem and public health safety.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Apple, Orange, and Watermelon Retailed Along Roadsides in Okinni, Egbedore Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria

The escalating concern of heavy metal contamination in fruits underscores the need to evaluate associated health risks linked to their consumption. This study undertook assessment of heavy metal levels in commonly consumed fruits (orange, watermelon, and apple) retailed by roadside vendors in Okinni, Egbedore Local Government Area, Osun State. Data collection encompassed a meticulously designed questionnaire while 27 fruit samples (nine fruit each) were randomly procured from diverse market for laboratory analysis. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation, were computed for each heavy metal. The study discerned that majority of vendors predominantly procured their fruits from local farms, implemented the use of fertilizers or pesticides, employed baskets for storage and transportation, and generally held positive perspectives regarding the safety of fruits dispensed by roadside vendors. The results of heavy metal concentration averages in the sampled fruits fell within the permissible limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for safe levels in food. However, noteworthy concentrations of certain heavy metals, particularly As and Cr, were identified, signaling potential health risks for consumers. These findings underscore the ongoing necessity for rigorous monitoring and regulation of heavy metals in food, coupled with adherence to recommended dietary guidelines and safety standards to safeguard public health.

A method for heavy metal estimation in mining regions based on SMA-PCC-RF and reflectance spectroscopy

Heavy metal contamination has long been a concern of intense research within the field of environmental protection. The exacerbation of heavy metal pollution due to mineral resource over-exploitation and the implementation of agricultural modernization has further emphasized the need for rapid monitoring. Although traditional geochemical survey methods have been deemed reliable, they lack the ability to conduct non-destructive and rapid surveys of large areas due to their high cost, low real-time capability, and cumbersome operations. We collected 120 soil samples in the field using Xin'an County, Henan Province as the research region, and obtained hyperspectral curves and contents of the samples using the spectrometer and chemical analysis. After preprocessing the spectral curves, we used the slime mold algorithm (SMA) to preselect feature wavebands, and then the mathematically transformed method was used to improve their correlation. Next, we calculated the correlation coefficients of these wavebands with six heavy metals, and the final modeled wavebands were obtained through precise feature selection based on the criterion that the correlation coefficient’s absolute value exceeded 0.298. The inversion model was also established by using adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), gradient boosted decision tree (GBDT), random forest (RF), and partial least squares (PLS). The results indicated that SMA-PCC can effectively downscale the high-dimensional hyperspectral data and obtain the feature wavebands with a high contribution to the modeling. We also observed that the mathematical transformation method improved the relevance between heavy metal elements and spectra. Among the four models, RF showed better overall inversion accuracy for all heavy metals (i.e., Zn: RAdaBoost2=0.85,RGBDT2=0.56,RRF2=0.89,RPLS2=0.57). This paper showcases that the algorithm presented can provide meaningful technical guidance for the large-scale investigation and assessment of heavy metal levels in soil.

A holistic approach to the assessment of heavy metal levels and associated risks in the coastal sediment of Giresun, southeast Black Sea

A seasonal study was conducted to assess the levels, sources, and potential ecological risks of heavy metals (HM) in coastal sediments along the Giresun Coast, located on the southeast coast of the Black Sea. The mean concentrations of HMs as mg/kg were ranked as Fe (27646.37) > Al (27348.55) > Mn (571.87) > Zn (94.16) > Cr (60.64) > Cu (45.66) > Pb (41.37) > Ni (27.29) > Co (14.47) > As (7.36) > Cd (0.20), respectively. At all stations through the year, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni were in “the minimum enrichment” class as evaluated by the enrichment factor (EF). As assessed by the contamination factor (CF), all HM levels except Pb, Fe and Cu were “low” or “moderately polluted” at all stations and seasons. With the exception of Cd levels, all HMs in all seasons and stations pointed out “low ecological risk” according to the ecological risk index (Eri). According to the sediment quality guidelines, Ni, Cu and Pb were observed to pose a high ecological risk to habitat. The combined risk assessment indices pointed out low to moderate ecological risk. The study concluded that the region is subject to minimum anthropogenic disturbances in the aquatic environment.

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Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental problem in freshwaters, potentially impacting public health, water quality and ecosystem integrity worldwide. However, the potential public health risks associated with heavy metal accumulation in water, sediment and commercial fish samples remain unclear. Here we assessed the concentrations and distribution of five heavy metal of public health importance (Iron, Copper, Zinc, Lead and Copper) in water, sediment, and edible organs (muscles, liver, gills, and intestines) of the African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus obtained from aquaculture ponds. Water, sediment, and fish samples were randomly collected from commercial fishponds across different five locations in Ondo. Metal concentrations in water, sediment and fish samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS, Model AA-680/ Shimadzu). Mean metal levels observed in water, sediment and fish samples were compared with recommended regulatory guidelines for human consumption. Our results showed mean concentrations for all metals in water exceeded recommended permissible limits in freshwater bodies and aquatic biota, presumably suggesting potential risks for human consumers. Heavy metal levels in sediment samples indicated Fe was maximally accumulated, followed by Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. The highest and least accumulations for all the metals were recorded in the gills, and in the liver respectively. Higher concentrations of metals observed in gills corroborate the fact that the gill is a major route for heavy metal accumulation in fish whereas the reduced concentration of metals observed in the liver may be associated with enhanced detoxification mechanism in the liver. These results suggest that fish obtained from these aquaculture ponds may be unsafe for human consumption. Hence, we recommend a periodic assessment of heavy metal levels in commercial fish samples as a major regulatory priority.

Heavy metals content in fresh tuna and swordfish caught from Hindian and Pacific Oceans: Health risk assessment of dietary exposure.

Yellowfin tuna and swordfish are seafood commodities commonly caught from deep oceans worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of three heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in yellowfin tuna and swordfish. The results are expected to provide consumers with information on the safety of consuming or exporting these fishes caught in the Hindian and Pacific Oceans. Fresh yellowfin and swordfish were obtained from fishermen's catches in FAO Fishing Zone 57 (Indian Ocean) and 71 (Pacific Ocean) and then collected at Benoa Harbor, Bali Province. The comparative method was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in each fish. Furthermore, heavy metal concentrations, including Pb, Cd, and Hg, were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis. These results were then used to assess the safety of these fishes by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotients-total target hazard quotients (THQs-TTHQs). The analysis showed that none of the samples exceeded the threshold levels for the three heavy metals, which was specified by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) and European Commission Regulation (CR) No. 1881/2006. The EDI and provisional tolerable weekly index (PTWI) obtained in this study were still in the safe range. However, the PTWI values for Pb in yellowfin tuna product from the Indian Ocean were higher (0.0038 mg/kg) compared to the recommended standard for the adult population. The THQ-TTHQ values of fish caught from these oceans were also within the acceptable range specified by the two agencies, indicating that they are safe for consumption by people with various age groups and for export purposes. The average levels of three heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg) in muscle samples of yellowfin tuna and swordfish caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were within the acceptable range as specified by the SNI and CR No. 1881/2006. Furthermore, the EDI and THQs values indicated that fishes caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were safe for consumption. This research is still limited to assessing two capture fisheries commodities. Further research is needed on the assessment of heavy metal levels in other capture fisheries commodities in this capture zone.

Assessment of heavy metal levels in roll-your-own cigarette and water pipe tobacco blends

The increased consumption of roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes and water pipe (hookah), both globally and in Bulgaria, necessitated the current investigation aimed at the assessment of heavy metal levels in the tobacco blends used in those products. The concentrations of Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni were determined by AAS in five brands of RYO tobacco (R1-R5) and seven brands of water pipe tobacco (W1- W7), all distributed on Bulgarian market. The average heavy metal contents (mg/kg) in the two types of tobacco blends, RYO and water pipe, respectively, were as follows: Mn - 214.20 and 37.89; Zn - 31.90 and 134.87; Cu - 12.06 and 10.07; Cd - 0.80 and 1.33; Pb - 1.60 and 3.57; Ni - 1.36 and 0.80. RYO cigarette tobaccos contained higher concentration of Mn, Cu and Ni, while water pipe tobaccos - Zn, Cd and Pb. Strong correlations were found between Cu and Zn (r=0.81), Cu and Cd (r=0.90) in RYO tobacco blends, and between Cu and Zn (r=0.86) - in water pipe blends, respectively. The results from the study give reason to recommend that this information be provided to the consumers, who consider the regarded tobacco products as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes.

Assessment of heavy metal levels and associated human health risk in dust from high and low traffic transport stations in the Tamale metropolis, in the northern region of Ghana

Assessment of heavy metal levels and associated human health risk in dust from high and low traffic transport stations in the Tamale metropolis, in the northern region of Ghana

Assessment of heavy metal levels in an urban river in the Philippines using an unconstrained ordination- and GIS-based approach: evidence of the return of past pollution after the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

Abstract Assessment of urban river sediment quality is paramount to understanding the impacts of urbanization on aquatic ecosystems and public health. The study evaluated the health impacts and sources of heavy metal pollutants in the Mangonbangon river, Tacloban City. With the abundance of heavy metal contaminants in the river sediment (Fe&amp;gt;Mn&amp;gt;Zn&amp;gt;Cu&amp;gt;Cr&amp;gt;Ni&amp;gt;Co), Hazard indices (HIs) ranged from 0.04 to 0.10 for adults and 0.31 to 0.90 for children suggesting little or no non-carcinogenic effects to the population. Lifetime cancer risk (LCR) is below the tolerable threshold of 10−4, with Co contributing 61% of the cancer risk. Using unconstrained ordination and the GIS-based method (UOGM), we showed two non-multidimensional scaling groups of pollutants distributed based on dwelling density, presence of informal settlers, and types of activity at the sample sites. Given that sampling was performed three years after the city-wide destruction by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), our analysis indicates the return of anthropogenic activities and pollution-related health problems in Tacloban. Our results reinforce the urgent need for proper river management and economic zoning to help curb the rapidly growing heavy metal pollution problem at its earliest stage.

Sources of sedimentary organic matter and assessment of heavy-metal levels in estuarine sediments after Fundão dam breach

Mining tailing is one of many anthropogenic stressors affecting estuarine systems around the world. On the November 5, 2015, the Fundão dam breached, releasing 52 million m3 of iron mining residues affecting Doce River until its estuary, spreading a large plume along the Brazilian coast. The present study characterizes the impact of the mining tailing in these environments and the changes in sedimentary organic matter (SOM) sourced at Doce River estuary (DRE) and adjacent estuaries over time. Three sediment cores and surface sediment samples were collected along the coast of Espírito Santo State. Elemental (C, N) and stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) fingerprint methods were used to characterize sedimentary organic matter sources. The indexes of sedimentary organic matter stability (recalcitrance index) were quantified by FTIRS technique. Besides, WDXRF analyzes were carried out to statistically determine metal baseline levels and assess the present and past pollution degrees of sediments using pollution indexes (PLI). Results indicate that Doce River estuary significantly provides Fundão dam's tailings (77 % ± 9 %) to the coastal region, with a PLI categorized as moderately polluted to highly polluted (PLI = 3.1), even two years after the dam breach. Estuaries north from Doce River Estuary presented a more significant influence of marine organic sedimentation sources with lower PLI (unpolluted). In contrast, estuaries south from DRE presented greater terrestrial influence with higher PLI values (unpolluted to moderate polluted). Further, changes in SOM stability were noticed mainly at Doce River Estuary, where the recalcitrance index did not show the expected natural pattern. Finally, the findings indicate that Fundão dam failure had a significant impact on Doce River Estuary sediment quality at different moments after Fundão breach, and this ecosystem is expected to continue to suffer from this indefinitely. However, the direct effect of tailings deposition was not observed in the sampled estuaries, PLI shows that ecosystems in the south already suffer from other pollution sources, which increases the environmental risks in a possible tailing deposition scenario.

Assessment of heavy metal levels and fatty acid compositions of some krill oil capsules marketed in Turkey

Krill oil has many positive health effects since it is rich in omega-3, phospholipids and astaxanthin. In recent years, as a result of rapid population growth and industrialization, the toxic heavy metal levels have increased especially in aquatic environments. Therefore, it is also possible to take up heavy metals to the human body through food supplements such as krill oil. This study aims to determine the fatty acid composition and the amounts of lead, mercury and cadmium in five different krill oil capsules. A total of 35 fatty acids were analysed. It was determined that the five different krill oil capsules met a proportion of daily recommended omega-3 fatty acid (EPA + DHA) and omega-6 fatty acid intake. Mercury levels were &amp;lt;0.2 µg/kg, cadmium levels &amp;lt;3 µg/kg and lead levels &amp;lt;3 µg/kg in all samples. It was observed that the heavy metal amount was below the limits specified by the Turkish Food Codex Contaminants Regulation. Based on the evaluation of the data obtained from our study, reliable krill oil capsules may be recommended for those who consume less than the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids, and for the vegetarians.

Sediment Heavy Metal Contents, Ostracod Toxicity and Risk Assessment in Tropical Freshwater Lakes, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT Coimbatore is one of the industrial cities in Tamil Nadu, India, which has been experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth. Coimbatore is also known for its unique freshwater lakes environment and serves as a rich ecosystem. However, the assessment of heavy metal levels in aquatic environments is limited. This study was aimed to investigate physicochemical parameters, heavy metals level and sources, and ecotoxicity in sediments collected from five different lakes in Coimbatore. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in sediments were determined by Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Hg level was measured using Advanced Mercury Analyzer (AMA). The determined heavy metal concentrations in sediments varied significantly according to the lake location and consistent with local human linked anthropogenic activities. The metal concentrations in urban lakes were exceeding both the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) and the probable effect levels” (PELs) mostly; e.g., in sediments from the Lake Ukkadam, the values of 5.08 and 203.32 mg kg-1 dry weight were observed for Hg and Cu, respectively. The ecotoxicity test with ostracods exposed to the sediment samples revealed that mortality ranged between 6 and 23% for countryside lakes and 28 and 88% for the lakes within urban Zone. We used Spearman rank-order correlation and Principal components analysis (PCA) to assess the sources of pollutants and if they related to anthropogenic pressure and eutrophication of lakes. The main sources of heavy metals from studied lakes differed significantly. Urban and industrial effluents were dominant sources in urban lakes. Agricultural runoff, domestic wastes, and natural weathering were responsible for the metal sources in country lakes. This study provides baseline information on the heavy metal pollution status of sediments in the freshwater lakes in Coimbatore, which will be useful for pollution control measures to prevent possible metal sources on these lakes and impose appropriate management practices and continuous monitoring by relevant authorities.

Hygienic Assessment of Heavy Metal Levels in Biological Samples of the Population of Baku

The aim of the study was to determine some heavy metals in human biological samples and to establish the hygienic significance of the obtained data in order to identify possible risks of adverse exposures and to assess the level of environmental pollution of the observed districts with heavy metals. Materials and methods. The studies were conducted in different areas of Baku. Concentrations of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in human blood and hair, as well as in soil samples of residential, industrial and suburban areas were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. Different levels of heavy metals in the studied biological samples were established depending on the area of residence. The highest concentrations were registered in the people dwelling in the industrial area. At the same time, blood concentrations of metals did not exceed corresponding permissible values, regardless of the area of residence. Yet, metal concentrations in human hair with respect to the area of residence of our subjects followed a different pattern: concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr in hair exceeded the minimum values of their reference levels in the residents of all study areas while the concentrations of Ni, Cu, and Zn in hair turned out to be significantly higher than the regulatory levels in those living in the residential and industrial districts of the city. Consequently, the concentrations of all heavy metals measured in human hair of the people dwelling in the urban residential and industrial areas significantly exceeded the corresponding reference levels and correlated (r = 0.90-0.99) with high concentrations of those metals in local soils. Conclusions. The study results enabled us to conclude that a significant excess of the relevant hygienic standards for heavy metals both in human hair and soil in the study areas posed a certain risk of developing environment-related diseases from high outdoor exposures to toxic metals. They also proved the priority importance of testing hair as a reliable diagnostic medium for biological monitoring in hygienic studies.

Assessment of heavy metal levels of Agodi Reservoir in Ibadan, Nigeria

Assessment of heavy metal levels of Agodi Reservoir in Ibadan, Nigeria

Assessment of Heavy Metal Levels in Offal Meats (Kidney and Liver) of Beef Sold at Gwagwalada Market, Abuja, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in kidney and liver of slaughtered cattle.&#x0D; Study Design: Analytical method.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Samples obtained from Gwagwalada abattoir in Abuja, Nigeria and transported University of Abuja, Chemistry Laboratory for analysis. The study lasted for four (4) months.&#x0D; Methodology: Wet digestion of samples followed by metal analysis using Accusys 211 Bulk Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).&#x0D; Results: The empirical results indicated that the mean levels or concentration of these heavy metals in kidney of cattle were 47.75±0.002 mg/g Zn, 279.5±0.084 mg/g Fe, 10.00±0.00mg/g Mn, while Cd and Pb were not detected. The levels or concentration of heavy metals in the liver sample were 0.500=±0.000025 mg/g Cd, 57.00±0.0001 mg/g Zn, 119.5±0.0016 mg/g Fe, 5.75±0.000025 mg/g Mn, Pb was not detected. The concentration of Fe and Mn were found to be high in kidney sample than the liver sample.&#x0D; Conclusion: The evidence from this study revealed the safety of these investigated offal meats as the concentration of these metals in the kidney and liver sample were within the maximum permissible limit according to the European Commission (EC) and FAO/WHO standards.

Assessment of heavy metal levels in blood of metal forging factory workers in nnewi, Anambra state, Nigeria

Background: Heavy metal toxicity has proved to be a major threat to human health as several health risks are associated with it. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study designed to assess the heavy metal levels in blood of metal forging factory workers in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of eighteen (18) apparently healthy subjects from the exposed group (metal forging factory) aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control subjects (comprising of 39 control subjects from Nnewi (N) and 40 control from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. The body mass index (BMI) and length of service (LOS) of the subjects were obtained using structured questionnaire and thereafter, 10ml of venous blood sample was collected from each individual for the assessment of heavy metal levels (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: The result revealed that the body mass index (BMI) of the metal forging factory workers differed significantly compared with control N subjects (24.75±0.38) and E subjects (23.58±0.67) (p5.74±1.21 years. There were significant increases in the mean levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreases in Cu, Zn and Se levels in the metal forging factory workers compared with control subjects (p Conclusion: This study showed elevated levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreased levels of Cu, Zn and Se in the blood of metal forging factory workers. Keywords: Heavy metal, Metal forging factory, Body mass index (BMI), Length of Service (LOS).

Assessment of heavy metal levels in blood of metal fabricating factory workers in Nnewi, Nigeria

Introduction of Study: Heavy metal contamination or toxicity poses serious deleterious effects to human health. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study designed to assess the heavy metal levels in blood of metal fabricating factory workers in Nnewi. A total of 39 apparently healthy individuals in the exposed group (metal fabricating factory workers) aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control individuals (comprising of 39 control individuals from Nnewi (N) and 40 control individuals from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. Demographic data and anthropometric indices (BMI) of participating individuals were obtained using structured questionnaire and thereafter, 10ml of venous blood sample was collected from each individual for the evaluation of heavy metal levels (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: This showed that these workers had an average length of service (LOS) of 11.92±2.77 years with no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) of factory workers compared with control N and E individuals (p>0.05) respectively. Ni, As and Pb levels and Cu, Zn and Se levels were significantly elevated and reduced respectively in factory workers than in controls (p0.05). Conclusion: This study showed elevated levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreased levels of Cu, Zn and Se in the blood of metal fabricating factory workers and this demands urgent attention. Keywords: Metal fabricating factory, Factory workers, Heavy metals, Body mass index (BMI), Age, Length of service (LOS).

Assessment of heavy metal levels in patients with Telogen effluvium- A clinical study

Assessment of heavy metal levels in patients with Telogen effluvium- A clinical study

An assessment of heavy metal levels in brackish water shrimps: Impact on sexes and the relationship between metal pollution index and Fulton's K condition indices

ABSTRACTWe examined the temporal variation of heavy metals in different sexes of three brackish water shrimp species with emphasis on the relationship between Fulton's K condition indices and metal pollution index (MPI). Zn was the most abundant metal followed by Sn, though levels were below the admissible limits (irrespective of gender). Temporal variation of Zn and Pb was significant (p < 0.01). Drier weather conditions influenced Pb accumulation. Temporal variation of Sn was insignificant (p > 0.05), but temporal variation of Hg was significant only in Penaeus monodon (p < 0.0001). However, the relationship between temporal variation of the above-mentioned metals and gender was insignificant except in Penaeus semisulcatus for Pb (p < 0.02) and Sn (p < 0.04) despite no consistent higher bioaccumulation pattern by one particular sex. There were no significant negative correlations between the Fulton's K condition indices and MPI values in the different sexes. MPI values between the two sexes were insignificant. Any differences in the MPI values between the three species were insignificant. Only Penaeus semisulcatus exhibited significant differences (p < 0.022) in Fulton's K condition indices in relation to gender. Fulton's K condition indices are unreliable indicators of metal-induced stress levels in shrimps.