Average Concentrations Of Zinc Research Articles

Content of Mineral Elements in the Traditional Oštiepok Cheese.

Oštiepok is traditional half-fat semi-hard cheese manufactured in Slovak Republic. In this research, we have analyzed the content of macro-elements (calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium) and micro-elements (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc) in Oštiepok cheese samples collected from various parts of Slovak Republic. The analysis of Oštiepok cheese samples (n = 19) was carried out by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The macro-element concentrations in the investigated samples varied quite significantly with the highest values recorded for sodium with its average concentration of 8083 mg kg-1. The second highest macro-element concentration was observed for calcium with the average concentration of 6850 mg kg-1. Average concentration of zinc was 23.2 mg kg-1; iron, 14.1 mg kg-1; and copper, 10.0 mg kg-1. The concentration of macro- and micro-elements varied from sample to sample, but we can conclude that the traditional Oštiepok cheese is a suitable source of some minerals important for human health. Based on the RDA, the exposure amounts of analyzed samples are low, and no element can be referred to as significant since none reaches 15% of the nutrient reference values, according to EC Regulation 1169/2011.

Health risk analysis of Elemental component of respirable particulate matter in an urban area in South Africa

TPS 761: Health effects of pollution sources and components, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 28, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is an indicator of air pollution, and a key environmental and public health threat. The paucity of studies in South Africa on the toxicity of the heavy metal content of PM2.5 represents a significant gap in knowledge. This study determined the cancer and non cancer health risks associated with exposure to PM2.5-bound heavy metal in an industrial area in Pretoria. Methods: The study comprised three parts: (i) ambient air monitoring for PM2.5; (ii) sampling and analyses of PM2.5 for its the heavy metal content; and (iii) application of the human health risk assessment model of the United States Environmental Protection Agency for estimating the health risks among specified age groups. Samples of PM2.5 were collected during winter and summer on 47 mm glass fibre filters for 16 weeks. The filters were analysed for heavy metals using standard methods. Estimates of cancer and non-cancer risks were determined. Results: The mean winter (38.20±8.4 μg/m3) and summer (22.3±4.1 μg/m3) concentration levels of PM2.5 levels were lower than the stipulated 40 μg/m3 daily limit. However, the carcinogenic risks of exposure to PM2.5 were higher than the standard value (10−6 to 10-4). The average concentrations of Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Lead and Zinc in PM2.5 exceeded the recommended safe limits. The carcinogenic risks from Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel and Lead through the inhalation, ingestion and dermal pathways were higher than the acceptable limits for all age groups. Conclusion: Human exposure to an ambient concentration of PM2.5 and its heavy metal contents will induce cancer and non-cancer morbidities even at levels below regulatory standards. This is a pointer for policymakers to advance the course for the formulation of regulatory standards for PM2.5-bound heavy metal in South Africa.

Environmental and Health Implications of the Correlation Between Arsenic and Zinc Levels in Rice from an Arsenic-Rich Zone in Cambodia.

Background.In parts of Cambodia, irrigation of rice with groundwater results in arsenic accumulation in soils and rice, leading to health concerns associated with rice consumption. In Bangladesh and China, low zinc levels in rice have been found in regions where arsenic levels in rice are high. Furthermore, there have been claims that zinc deficiency is responsible for stunting of children in Cambodia. There are limited data on zinc in Cambodian rice, but in rural Asia, rice is the major source of zinc.Objectives.To provide a preliminary evaluation of the zinc content in rice grain in Preak Russey, an area with elevated levels of arsenic. The importance of zinc in rice for infants was also assessed.Methods.Rice cultivation was evaluated in sixty farms along the Mekong River in Cambodia. Analyses for metals, total arsenic, and arsenic species in the water and rice were conducted at the University of Ottawa, Canada by inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry. Analysis of total zinc and arsenic in soils were analyzed in Phnom Penh using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Total zinc in rice was also measured by XRF analysis.Results.Rice in the Preak Russey area contained zinc with ½ to ¼ of the 1987 Codex standard for rice in Infant Formula. Moreover, our average zinc concentration in rice samples was less than a third that recommended for zinc fortification in rice by the United Nations World Food Programme. There was a significant (α=0.05) negative correlation between the arsenic and zinc content of rice with the lowest zinc levels occurring near the irrigation wells, the source of arsenic. There was a significantly higher content of zinc in rice from farms that fertilized with cow manure.Conclusions.Handheld XRF spectrometers are useful tools for detection of zinc levels in rice. The potential for zinc deficiency in farmers in areas of Cambodia with arsenic toxicity is high.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Soil pollution evaluation and health risk assessment of heavy metals around Douroud cement factory, Iran

Industrial activates have contaminated the soils around the industries to some pollutants such as heavy metals. Nowadays, among the different industries, cement factories are of major environmental pollutant sources. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the soil pollution to heavy metals around Douroud cement factory in terms of geo-accumulation index, pollution index, and integrated pollution index. Also, a health-risk assessment was carried out. Sampling was performed at intervals of 500 m, 1250 m, and 2000 m from the factory site. Soil samplings were taken from the depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm from the top surface. The health-risk assessment regarding soil around the factory was assessed based on the USEPA procedure. The study results showed that the average concentrations of chromium, nickel, copper, lead and zinc in the soil around the cement factory were 115.77 mg/kg, 139.07 mg/kg, 80.47 mg/kg, 56.27 mg/kg, and 135.73 mg/kg, respectively. Also, the results showed that the concentration of the heavy metals in the top soil was significantly higher than subsurface sampling layers. Furthermore, the findings showed that the concentrations of all evaluated heavy metals were higher than the USEPA standard. The pollution index values in the soil around the cement factory were Cu > Pb > Zn > Ni > Cr. Based on this study, the daily intake rate of all the elements by oral ingestion route was higher than the inhalation and dermal contact routes. The hazard quotient values of all metals in all studied sampling points were < 1.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentration and Its Consumption Risk in Trout Fish (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)

Background: Nowadays, the pollution of aquatic ecosystems caused by entry of heavy metals is an issue that makes it essential to check the wholesome of the aquatic animals that are consumed by human. When these metals enter the canvas of aquatic organisms, cause tension due to bioavailability, and their toxicity leads to teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects in living organisms Methods: Thirty rainbow trout were prepared from each fishing farm pond which are located in Sanandaj (Nanale Village) and Kamyaran (Diwaznaw Village). Then, samples were prepared using acid digestion method in the laboratory and the concentration of these metals was measured using atomic absorption spectrometer (Phonix 986). The achieved data were analyzed using SPSS software.. Results: The average concentration of the copper in liver and muscle tissues was 1. 53 and 0.15, for magnesium 3.7 and 7.57, for iron 0.28 and 0.6, for zinc 4.52 and 1.05, and for Nickel was 0.04 and 0.03 micro grams per a gram of fresh weight. The maximum daily consumption allowance was 888.7 grams for adults and 177.77 for children Conclusion: The average concentration of copper, iron, zinc, nickel and magnesium in muscle tissue of rainbow trout compared to international standards, is slightly lower than that at current consumption rates, long-term health risks to consumers is realized.

Studies on heavy metals contents of Osun River at the pre-urban settlement and across Osogbo City, Nigeria

ABSTRACTHeavy metals were analysed in Osun River (Nigeria) between 2017 and 2018. Concentrations of the heavy metals were in the increasing order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > (Ni, Cr) > (Cd, Co). Iron made up 76% of the total heavy metals measured. Activities at Swanlux Farm (a major oil palm farm) seemed to impart on Osun River as the highest Fe concentration (2.55 mg/L) was measured near the farm. In the urban settlement, average zinc concentration was almost double (0.37 mg/L) of that found in the pre-urban area (0.25 mg/L). The pre-urban settlement had lower concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd, signifying the effects of anthropogenic activities. Cu and Mn were found in a similar trend in the river; Coker village had their highest concentrations. Use of agrochemicals was conceivably the major source of Cu and Mn at the river sampling point as cocoa farms are predominant in the area. Osun River use for agricultural/irrigational purposes should be with continuous monitoring.

Essential trace elemental levels (zinc, iron and copper) in the biological samples of smoker referent and pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Tuberculosis is one of the major causes of illnesses and deaths throughout world particularly in Asia. Smoking is linked with tuberculosis recurrence and its mortality and may influence bacteriological conversion, clinical symptoms and treatment outcome. The aim of current study was to estimate association among essential trace elements {zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu)} in human biological samples particularly blood, serum, scalp hair, saliva, sputum, and nasal fluid of smoking and nonsmoking pulmonary tuberculosis patients (n = 165, age ranged 16-35 years) residents of Hyderabad, Pakistan. The biological samples of age matched healthy controls were chosen as referents of both genders (n = 171) for the comparison purpose. The human biological samples were wet digested in microwave oven by 65 % HNO3 and 30 % H2O2 with (2:1) ratio. The concentrations of elements in acid digested samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The average zinc and iron concentration was lower, while level of copper was higher in the biological samples of pulmonary Tuberculosis patients as compared to referent subjects (p < .001). It was also concluded as a result of Zn and Fe deficiency combined with high contact of copper due to smoking of tobacco can be synergistic with the risk factors related with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Determination of Heavy elements in Drinking Water from Different Regions of Baghdad City (Iraq) Using EDXRF Spectrometer

It was calculated the average concentrations of elements manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium and lead in the sixteen samples of drinking water (tap water), were collected from different areas in the Baghdad city. The Results indicated that the average of concentrations of the elements Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni and Cd (0.44ppm, 0.49ppm, 0.04ppm, 0.17ppm and 1.2ppm respectively) higher than permissible limit while the concentrations of elements Cu and Zn (0.11ppm and 0.14ppm respectively) were lower than the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) standards (1ppm and 3ppm) respectively for drinking water and the concentration of Arsenic in the nuclear lab sample in college of sciences - Mustansiriyah University was higher than permissible limit. &#x0D; All the drinking water samples were analyzed and determined the physical and chemical properties such as Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The highest value was (1064μS/cm) in Al-Tuwaitha sample and the lowest value (531μS/cm) in Al-Sadr City (Sector 7) sample for the Electrical Conductivity. The pH values ranged from (7.0-8.2). The average levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), the highest value was 550 mg/L in the Diyala Bridge sample while the lowest value 276mg/L in Al-Sadr City (Sector 7) sample. The results were compared with national and international standards, and it’s also showed that the values of the parameters within the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) standards, except the Electrical Conductivity values for some samples were higher than permissible limit. According to these results, all the water projects must be monitored as well as using the proper and modern techniques for treatment the drinking water.

LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS IN PSEUDOTOLITHUS ELONGATUS FROM BADAGRY MARKET, NIGERIA

Fish plays a significant role in food and nutrition security across the world, especially in Nigeria, where the people consume fish as a major supplement to carbohydrate-based diets. Although the fish Pseudotolithus elongatus is present in Badagry coastal waters, it is one of the popular imported fish into Nigeria and has a high price in Badagry market because of its characterized good flavor and palatability. However, there are no recent reports on the safety of consuming this fish. In this study, 182 specimens of fresh P. elon-gatus purchased from Badagry market during October 2016 to April 2017 were examined for heavy metal composition (iron, copper, zinc, chromium, and lead) to assess their safety levels for human consumption. Samples were digested using the FAO and APHA procedures, while heavy metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectropho-tometer. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA. The average concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) detected in the entire content of P. elongatus were 14.55±1.17, 0.20±0.02, 3.92±0.61, 0.06±0.02, and 0.35±0.02 mgkg−1, respectively. These concentrations were below the maximum limits recommended in fish and fishery products by the WHO and the FAO. Thus, this study confirms the safety of consumption of this fish from Badagry market. Nevertheless, sellers and processors must embrace hygienic practices to avoid contamina-tion of the fish.

Serum Concentration of Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese, and Cu/Zn Ratio in Children and Adolescents with Myopia

The purpose of the present study was the assessment of the serum concentration of antioxidant microelements-zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and Cu/Zn ratio in children and adolescents with myopia. Eighty-three children were examined (mean age 14.36±2.49years) with myopia. The control group was 38 persons (mean age 12.89±3.84years). Each patient had complete eye examination. The serum concentration of zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu/Zn ratio, which is the indicator of the oxidative stress, was also calculated. The average serum concentration of zinc in myopic patients was significantly lower (0.865±0.221mgL-1) in comparison to the control group (1.054±0.174mgL-1). There was significantly higher Cu/Zn ratio in myopic patients (1.196±0.452) in comparison to that in the control group (0.992±0.203). The average serum concentration of selenium in the study group was significantly lower (40.23±12.07μgL-1) compared with that in the control group (46.00±12.25μgL-1). There were no essential differences between serum concentration of copper and manganese in the study group and the control group. Low serum concentration of zinc and selenium in myopic children may imply an association between insufficiency of these antioxidant microelements and the development of the myopia and could be the indication for zinc and selenium supplementation in the prevention of myopia. Significantly, higher Cu/Zn ratio in the study group can suggest the relationship between myopia and oxidative stress.

Trace Metals Contamination of Bottom Sediments of Abu Dhabi Area, UAE

Seventy nine bottom sediment samples were collected from Abu Dhabi area from Ghantoout area in the north east from Abu Al Abyad island to determine the regional distribution of concentration of trace metals and pollution levels in the studied area. In general, a negative correlation has been reported between trace metals concentration and total organic matter with the exception of Cu, Zn, Co and Cr. A negative relation between trace metals concentrations and carbonate content was also found in the area of study. The present study focuses on the levels of copper, lead, iron, manganese, nickel, cadmium, zinc and vanadium in order to assess the extent of the environmental pollution and to discuss the origin of these contaminants in the sediments. The average concentrations of copper, zinc, lead, iron, manganese nickel, cadmium and vanadium are 4.65, 11.94, 1.91, 2800, 92.26, 10.55, 0.082 and 11.43 g/g respectively. These values are within the permitted levels in the marine activity areas and industrial activity areas, which means that trace metals are not derived from the pollutant sources.

The Expression of Zinc Transporters Changed in the Intestine of Weaned Pigs Exposed to Zinc Chitosan Chelate.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc chitosan chelate (CS-Zn) on zinc transporter expression and content of tissue zinc in weaned piglets. A total of 90 weaned pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allocated to treatment groups with supplementation of 100mg/kg zinc as ZnSO4, 100mg/kg zinc as mixture of ZnSO4 and chitosan, or 100mg/kg zinc as CS-Zn, respectively. After 30days of trial, 18 piglets (six pigs per treatment) were killed and the samples of duodenal mucosa were taken for analysis of zinc transporter mRNA expressions and protein abundance. The results show that CS-Zn more effectively increases (p<0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) and serum zinc concentration. Zinc concentration in the liver and kidney did not differ between treatments. The mRNA expressions of ZnT1, ZIP4, and ZIP5 in CS-Zn treatment were all upregulated (p<0.05) than ZnSO4 or mixture of ZnSO4 and chitosan groups. ZnT1 abundance was greater (p<0.05) with CS-Zn as compared with ZnSO4 and mixture of ZnSO4 and chitosan treatments, whereas ZIP4 and ZIP5 abundance was higher (p<0.05) in ZnSO4 group. The results indicate that CS-Zn is more effective in serum zinc accumulation, and it might regulate zinc homeostasis by affecting zinc transporter mRNA expression and absorption mechanism might be different with ZnSO4.

Phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated buriganga riverbed sediment by Indian mustard and marigold plants

Locally available Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and Marigold (Tagetes patula) plants can be used in a cost‐effective, environment‐friendly approach for treatment of landfills developed using heavy metal contaminated Buriganga riverbed sediments. In this study heavy metal uptake by Indian mustard and Marigold plants from heavy metal contaminated Buriganga riverbed sediments were assessed. Initial characterization of the Buriganga riverbed sediments showed concentrations of chromium, lead, copper, and zinc in the sediments higher than the toxicity reference values given for these heavy metals in soil for terrestrial plants, and soil invertebrate. The average background concentration of chromium, lead, copper, and zinc in the Buriganga riverbed sediments were found to be 141.5 mg/kg, 34.9 mg/kg, 38.7 mg/kg, and 287.5 mg/kg, respectively. Hence the newly developed area using such landfills poses a great threat to the surrounding flora and fauna. It was observed that both Indian mustard and Marigold plants accumulated these heavy metals in different parts of the plant from the contaminated sediments and were able to maintain a growth rate of more than 90% compared to that in noncontaminated soil. The results indicated rapid phytoextraction of most heavy metals by the Indian mustard during its final growth phase, whereas rapid phytoextraction of most heavy metals was observed in case of Marigold in its initial growth phase. Total chromium, lead, copper, and zinc uptakes (in mg/kg of plant dry weight) by Indian mustard plant in 12 weeks were 102.6, 28.9, 53, and 1861.5, respectively. The uptakes (in mg/kg of plant dry weight) of the same heavy metals by Marigold plant in 12 weeks were found to be 112.3, 104.25, 82.5, and 716.75, respectively. Marigold showed higher uptake efficiency for chromium, lead, and copper, while Indian mustard was found to be more efficient for zinc uptake. Hence both of these plants can be appropriately used as necessary for treating heavy metal contaminated landfills developed using Buriganga riverbed sediments. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 117–124, 2016

Associations between particulate matter composition and childhood blood pressure — The PIAMA study

BackgroundChildhood blood pressure is an important predictor of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Evidence for an association between ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure and blood pressure is increasing, but little is known about the relevance of different PM constituents. ObjectivesWe investigated the association between particulate matter composition and blood pressure at age 12years. MethodsAnnual average concentrations of copper, iron, potassium, nickel, sulfur, silicon, vanadium, and zinc in particles with diameters of less than 2.5μm (PM2.5) and 10μm (PM10) were estimated by land-use regression modeling for the home addresses of the participants of the prospective PIAMA birth cohort study. Associations between element concentrations and blood pressure measurements performed at age 12years were investigated by linear regression with and without adjustment for confounders. ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounders we found statistically significant positive associations of diastolic blood pressure with iron, silicon, and potassium in PM10 in children who lived at the same address since birth [mean difference (95% confidence interval) 0.67 (0.02;1.31) mmHg, 0.85 (0.18;1.52) mmHg, and 0.75 (0.09;1.41) mmHg, respectively, per interquartile range increase in exposure]. Also, we found marginally significant (p<0.1) positive associations between iron and silicon in PM2.5 and diastolic blood pressure. Part of the observed effects was found to be attributable to NO2, a marker of exhaust traffic emissions. ConclusionsExposure to particulate matter constituents, in particular iron may increase blood pressure in children. The possible association with iron may indicate the health relevance of non-exhaust emissions of traffic.

Particulate matter composition and respiratory health: the PIAMA Birth Cohort study.

Ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure is associated with children's respiratory health. Little is known about the importance of different PM constituents. We investigated the effects of PM constituents on asthma, allergy, and lung function until the age of 11-12 years. For 3,702 participants of a prospective birth cohort study, questionnaire-reported asthma and hay fever and measurements of allergic sensitization and lung function were linked with annual average concentrations of copper, iron, potassium, nickel, sulfur, silicon, vanadium, and zinc in particles with diameters of less than 2.5 and 10 μm (PM2.5 and PM10) at birth addresses and current addresses from land-use regression models. Exposure-health relations were analyzed by multiple (repeated measures) logistic and linear regressions. Asthma incidence and prevalence of asthma symptoms and rhinitis were positively associated with zinc in PM10 at the birth address (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] per interquartile range increase in exposure 1.13 [1.02, 1.25], 1.08 [1.00, 1.17], and 1.16 [1.04, 1.30], respectively). Moreover, asthma symptoms were positively associated with copper in PM10 at the current address (1.06 [1.00, 1.12]). Allergic sensitization was positively associated with copper and iron in PM10 at the birth address (relative risk [95% confidence interval] 1.07 [1.01, 1.14] and 1.10 [1.03, 1.18]) and current address. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second was negatively associated with copper and iron in PM2.5 (change [95% confidence interval] -2.1% [-1.1, -0.1%] and -1.0% [-2.0, -0.0%]) and FEF75-50 with copper in PM10 at the current address (-2.3% [-4.3, -0.3%]). PM constituents, in particular iron, copper, and zinc, reflecting poorly regulated non-tailpipe road traffic emissions, may increase the risk of asthma and allergy in schoolchildren.

Environmental Studies of Thermal Power Station Effluents: (A Case Study of Egbin Thermal Station, Ikorodu).

This research work was carried out to investigate the level of pollution from the Egbin thermal station and their significant effects on the environment. Samples were collected in duplicate at four different locations. The major parameters investigated on analysis include heavy metals, anions and physico-chemical parameters. BUCK 210 VGP flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) model was used for the metal analysis. Iron, zinc and copper are the predominant metals in the samples while chromium was not detected at some of the sampled locations. The average concentrations of zinc, iron, copper and chromium were 0.153 mg/L, 3.635 mg/L, 0.088 mg/L and 0.080 mg/L respectively. The effluents average for temperature, pH, and conductivity were 34 o C, 6.98, 445 S/cm respectively. Hardness, TS, TDS, SS, Alkalinity, acidity, DO, BOD 5 , phosphate, chloride and sulphate concentrations were 47.5 mg/L, 98.75 mg/L, 68.5 mg/L, 30.25 mg/L, 31.90 mg/L. 6.44 mg/L. 5.76 mg/L, 9.61 mg/L, 0.18 mg/L, 40.37 mg/L and 67.41 mg/L respectively. The high concentration of iron, zinc and some of the physicochemical parameters determined in the samples from the Egbin treatment plant and from the point of discharge showed that the effluents from the Egbin thermal station contribute to the pollutants load in the receiving lagoon. Key Words: Effluents, Metals; AAS, Pollutants, Thermal station

폐금속광산 하류 논토양의 중금속 오염도 평가

Abstract BACKGROUND: Most of the tailings have been left without any management in abandoned meta lliferous mines and have become the main source of heavy metal contamination for agricultural soils and crops in the these areas. METHODS AND RESULTS: This experiment was carried out to investigate the assessment of the heavy metal contamination in paddy soils located on downstream of the closed metalliferous mine. The average total concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) in paddy soils were 8.88, 56.7, 809, 754, and 37.9 mg/kg, respectively. Specially, the average concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn were higher than those of warning criteria for soil contamination(4 mg/kg for Cd, 200 mg/kg for Pb, and 300 mg/kg for Zn) in agricultural soil established by Soil Environmental Conservation Act in Korea. The proportions of 0.1 M HCl extractable Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As concentration to total concentration of these heavy metals in paddy soils were 27.7, 21.3, 35.1, 13.8 and 10.5%, respectively. The pollution index of these five metals in paddy soils ranged from 0.42 to 11.92. Also, the enrichment factor (EFc) of heavy metals in paddy soils were in the order as Cd>Pb>Zn>Cu>As, and the enrichment factor in paddy soil varied considerably among the sampling sites. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) of heavy metals in soils were in the order as Cd>Pb>Zn>Cu>As, specially, the average geoaccumulation index of Cd, Pb, and Zn (Igeo 2.49 ～3.10) were relatively higher than that of other metals in paddy soils.

Natural-cause mortality and long-term exposure to particle components: an analysis of 19 European cohorts within the multi-center ESCAPE project.

BackgroundStudies have shown associations between mortality and long-term exposure to particulate matter air pollution. Few cohort studies have estimated the effects of the elemental composition of particulate matter on mortality.ObjectivesOur aim was to study the association between natural-cause mortality and long-term exposure to elemental components of particulate matter.MethodsMortality and confounder data from 19 European cohort studies were used. Residential exposure to eight a priori–selected components of particulate matter (PM) was characterized following a strictly standardized protocol. Annual average concentrations of copper, iron, potassium, nickel, sulfur, silicon, vanadium, and zinc within PM size fractions ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ≤ 10 μm (PM10) were estimated using land-use regression models. Cohort-specific statistical analyses of the associations between mortality and air pollution were conducted using Cox proportional hazards models using a common protocol followed by meta-analysis.ResultsThe total study population consisted of 291,816 participants, of whom 25,466 died from a natural cause during follow-up (average time of follow-up, 14.3 years). Hazard ratios were positive for almost all elements and statistically significant for PM2.5 sulfur (1.14; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.23 per 200 ng/m3). In a two-pollutant model, the association with PM2.5 sulfur was robust to adjustment for PM2.5 mass, whereas the association with PM2.5 mass was reduced.ConclusionsLong-term exposure to PM2.5 sulfur was associated with natural-cause mortality. This association was robust to adjustment for other pollutants and PM2.5.CitationBeelen R, Hoek G, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Stafoggia M, Andersen ZJ, Weinmayr G, Hoffmann B, Wolf K, Samoli E, Fischer PH, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Xun WW, Katsouyanni K, Dimakopoulou K, Marcon A, Vartiainen E, Lanki T, Yli-Tuomi T, Oftedal B, Schwarze PE, Nafstad P, De Faire U, Pedersen NL, Östenson C-G, Fratiglioni L, Penell J, Korek M, Pershagen G, Eriksen KT, Overvad K, Sørensen M, Eeftens M, Peeters PH, Meliefste K, Wang M, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB, Sugiri D, Krämer U, Heinrich J, de Hoogh K, Key T, Peters A, Hampel R, Concin H, Nagel G, Jaensch A, Ineichen A, Tsai MY, Schaffner E, Probst-Hensch NM, Schindler C, Ragettli MS, Vilier A, Clavel-Chapelon F, Declercq C, Ricceri F, Sacerdote C, Galassi C, Migliore E, Ranzi A, Cesaroni G, Badaloni C, Forastiere F, Katsoulis M, Trichopoulou A, Keuken M, Jedynska A, Kooter IM, Kukkonen J, Sokhi RS, Vineis P, Brunekreef B. 2015. Natural-cause mortality and long-term exposure to particle components: an analysis of 19 European cohorts within the Multi-Center ESCAPE Project. Environ Health Perspect 123:525–533; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408095

Determination of the Heavy Metal Levels in Panax notoginseng and the Implications for Human Health Risk Assessment

ABSTRACTHigh levels of heavy metals in Panax notoginseng (Sanchi), a valued traditional Chinese medicine, have drawn increasing concern regarding the safe usage of Sanchi preparations. Here, we measured the concentrations of six heavy metals in Sanchi samples from 20 major plantations, investigated the pharmaceutical processes and usages of Sanchi preparations, and assessed the associated potential health risks to consumers. The average concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in the Sanchi samples were 2.7, 3.7, 6.2, 22.1, 2.0, and 1.4 mg/kg, respectively. The hazard quotients (HQs) for these six single metals and the hazard index (HI) of these metals’ combination were all far less than 1, indicating the absence of a non-carcinogenic health hazard to consumers. The carcinogenic risk of As was 2.1 × 10−6, which is higher than the allowable level suggested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency but less than the level suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). The probabilities of consumers’ exposure due to daily medicine consumption exceeding the allowable daily intakes from medicine (ADIsdrug, 1% of the ADI) suggested by the WHO were 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.1%, 0.0%, 1.6%, and 27.3% for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and As, respectively.

Effect of cropping systems on heavy metal distribution and mercury fractionation in the Wanshan mining district, China: implications for environmental management.

The authors studied the concentration of heavy metals and mercury fractionation in contaminated soil in 2 agricultural land use systems (paddy rice and dry land) at the Wanshan mercury mine in China. The average concentrations of chromium, lead, copper, nickel, and zinc were generally lower in paddy rice soil relative to corn field soil. Soil under corn field production was slightly contaminated with lead (22-100 mg/kg), copper (31-64 mg/kg), and nickel (22-76 mg/kg) and moderately contaminated with zinc (112-635 mg/kg). In both soils, correlation of these metals with the titanium concentration in the soil indicates a geogenic origin for each metal (lead, r = 0.48; copper, r = 0.63; nickel, r = 0.47; zinc, r = 0.48). The mercury and antimony concentration in soil was high under both cropping systems, and future remediation efforts should consider the potential environmental risk presented by these metals. The concentration of bioavailable mercury in soil ranged from 0.3 ng/g to 11 ng/g across the 2 cropping systems. The majority of mercury (>80%) was associated with organic matter and the residual fraction. However, soil under paddy rice production exhibited a significantly lower concentration of Fe/Mn oxide-bound mercury than that under corn field production. This may be a function of the reduction of Fe/Mn oxides in the paddy rice soil, with the subsequent release of adsorbed metals to the soil solution. Sequential change from corn field to paddy rice production, as practiced in Wanshan, should therefore be avoided. Mercury adsorbed to Fe/Mn oxides in corn field soil potentially could be released into the soil solution and be made available for biomethylation under the flooded water management conditions of a rice paddy.