Cadmium Cd Research Articles

Heavy metals contamination levels in the products of sugar industry along with their impact from sugar to the end users

ABSTRACT The aim of the current case study is to sequentially assess the heavy metals (HMs) cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in five products (raw juice, bagasse, mud-cake, refined sugar and molasses) along with the effluents of the selected sugar industry (SSI) Sindh, Pakistan. Estimations of daily intake and possible toxic risk of HMs by the consumption of sugar of SSI to end-user (families of SSI workers) of age group of 2.0–5.0, 6.0–15.0, 16.0–30.0 and 31.0–50.0 years were conducted. The high contents of HMs were observed in molasses followed by mud-cake and bagasse (raw waste). The raw juice of sugarcane and refined/white sugar showed the lowest levels of these HMs. The low levels of HMs in effluents of SSI might be to their separation at different stages of sugar processing and refining into the mud-cake, bagasse and molasses. The calculated daily intake of Fe and Zn from refined/white sugar to various study groups was found to be adequate based on the recommended levels by Food and Nutrition Board (FNB). The estimated weekly intake (WI) for Cd and Pb by the consumption of SSI sugar was significantly lower (2–5 times) than the provisional acceptable WI of Cd and Pb by WHO from foodstuff. The potential toxic risk study of Cd and Pb revealed that the studied subjects were not at potential toxic risk by the consumption of SSI sugar.

A Glucuronic Acid-Producing Endophyte Pseudomonas sp. MCS15 Reduces Cadmium Uptake in Rice by Inhibition of Ethylene Biosynthesis.

Dynamic regulation of phytohormone levels is pivotal for plant adaptation to harmful conditions. It is increasingly evidenced that endophytic bacteria can regulate plant hormone levels to help their hosts counteract adverse effects imposed by abiotic and biotic stresses, but the mechanisms underlying the endophyte-induced stress resistance of plants remain largely elusive. In this study, a glucuronic acid-producing endophyte Pseudomonas sp. MCS15 alleviated cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rice plants. Inoculation with MCS15 significantly inhibited the expression of ethylene biosynthetic genes including OsACO3, OsACO4, OsACO5, OsACS2, and OsACS5 and thus reduced the content of ethylene in rice roots. In addition, the expression of iron uptake-related genes including OsIRT1, OsIRT2, OsNAS1, OsNAS2 and OsYSL15 was significantly downregulated in the MCS15-inoculated roots under Cd stress. Similarly, glucuronic acid treatment also remarkably inhibited root uptake of Cd and reduced the production of ethylene. However, treatment with 1-aminocyclopropyl carboxylic acid (ACC), a precursor of ethylene, almost abolished the MCS15 or glucuronic acid-induced inhibition of Cd accumulation in rice plants. Conversely, treatment with aminoethoxyvinyl glycine (AVG), an inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis, markedly reduced the Cd accumulation in plants. Taken together, our results revealed that the endophytic bacteria MCS15-secreted glucuronic acid inhibited the biosynthesis of ethylene and thus weakened iron uptake-related systems in rice roots, which contributed to preventing the Cd accumulation.

Exogenous proline mitigates toxic effects of cadmium via the decrease of cadmium accumulation and reestablishment of redox homeostasis in Brassica juncea

BackgroundAs a vital osmoticum, proline has an important role in enhancing the tolerance of plants to environmental stress. It is unclear whether the application of exogenous proline can improve the tolerance of Brassica juncea to cadmium (Cd).ResultsThis study investigated the effects of different concentrations of proline (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/L) under Cd stress at different times (0 d, 2 d, and 7 d) on the growth and physiology of B. juncea. Treatment with exogenous proline not only increased the content of proline in B. juncea but also alleviated Cd-induced seedling growth inhibition via the maintenance of higher photosynthetic pigment content and cell viability and a decrease in the content of Cd. Moreover, it increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio to reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Compared with other concentrations, 60 mg/L of exogenous proline was the most effective at mitigating Cd toxicity in B. juncea.ConclusionsExogenous proline treatment enhanced the tolerance to Cd via a decrease in Cd accumulation and reestablishment of the redox homeostasis in B. juncea.

Multi-Elemental Analysis of Human Optic Chiasm—A New Perspective to Reveal the Pathomechanism of Nerve Fibers’ Degeneration

The effect of metals on the functioning of the human eye is multifactorial and includes enzyme activity modulation, trace metal metabolic pathways changes, and cytotoxic activity. Functional dysfunctions appear mostly as a result of the accumulation of toxic xenobiotic metals or disturbances of micronutrients’ homeostasis. So far, the affinity of selected metals to eye tissues, i.e., the cornea, choroid, lens, and anterior chamber fluid, has been most studied. However, it is known that many eye symptoms are related to damage to the optic nerve. In order to fill this gap, the aim of the study is to perform a multi-element analysis of tissue collected postmortem from optic chiasm and optic nerves. A total of 178 samples from 107 subjects were tested. The concentrations of 51 elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after the wet-mineralization step. In terms of elemental composition, the optic chiasm is dominated by two trace elements, i.e., iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), besides macro-elements Ca, K, Na, P, and Mg. The subjects formed a homogeneous cluster (over 70% subjects) with the highest accumulation of aluminum (Al). The remaining two departing clusters were characterized by an increased content of most of the elements, including toxic elements such as bismuth (Bi), uranium (U), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd). Changes in elemental composition with age were analyzed statistically for the selected groups, i.e., females, males, and subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and without AUD. A tendency of women to lose Se, Cu, Zn, Fe with age was observed, and a disturbed Ca/Mg, Na/K ratio in subjects with AUD. Although the observed trends were not statistically significant, they shed new light on the risks and possible pathologies associated with metal neurotoxicity in the visual tract.

Ultrastructural analysis of cadmium-induced toxicity and its alleviation by antioxidant quercetin in caprine testicular germ cells in vitro

ABSTRACT Increasing evidence has demonstrated that cadmium (Cd), a common environmental toxicant, has been associated with testicular toxicity. Quercetin, an efficient flavonoid, has been shown to exert cytoprotective effect in numerous pathological processes. The current study has employed ultrastructural analysis to examine the Cd-induced toxicity in goat testicular tissue along with the ameliorative action of quercetin in a dose- and time-dependent manner in-vitro. Results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that at lower selected concentrations (10 and 50 µM), Cd induced apoptosis-mediated cytotoxicity in testicular tissue as supported by presence of various morphological attributes of apoptosis in testicular germ cells such as condensed and marginated chromatin followed by breakdown of chromatin material, swollen mitochondria, and vacuolization. At 100 µM concentration, along with apoptosis, Cd-induced cytotoxicity in testicular tissue was associated with induction of necrosis also. However, the simultaneous supplementation of antioxidant quercetin has markedly abrogated the testicular cytotoxicity as shown by restoration of Cd-evoked aberrant ultrastructure of testicular germ cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, providing a basis for future studies to involve quercetin in management of Cd-induced reproductive toxicity in males.

Desirable bonding interactions between organo-functional triazinedithiol groups and heavy metal ions for significantly improved adsorption or dispersion property

Effective bonding interactions between various organo-functional groups and metals can contribute to novel materials or fancy performances. In order to reveal the superiority of triazinedithiolsilanes with di-sulfydryl groups over the conventional mercapto silanes with mono-sulfydryl, and amino silanes with mono-amine, for the first time, the above three silanes have been chemically anchored onto cutting-edge dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres (DMSNs) for performance comparison. The three composite materials have been designed to serve as not only the adsorbents to remove heavy metal cadmium Cd(II), but also the catalyst-supports to load and disperse metal (noble metal Ag, Pd, and base metal Ni) nanoparticles (NPs). The abilities of triazinedithiol-functionalized DMSNs are far superior to the other two specimens both in Cd(II) capture and metal dispersion, owing to the specific nature of triazinedithiol group. The qe values of triazinedithiol-, mercapto-, and amino-functionalized DMSNs can reach to 1280, 816, 900 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, triazinedithiol-functionalized DMSNs could disperse metal NPs more uniformly that the conventional silane-modified ones. It is expected that triazinedithiolsilane compounds could faultlessly replace conventional mercapto silanes in some practical application fields and would shine brilliantly in the future.

UTILIZING INDUCED MUTAGENESIS IN KAZAKHSTANI WHEAT BREEDING

Mutagenic effect of physical factors and chemical substances (aziridine or ethylene imine, nitrosoethylurea, nitrosoethyleneurea) leads to increase of the spectrum of hereditary variability for breeding purposes, which however is not studied in full extent. Ecological study of anthropogenic factors action leading to disruption of certain links between chemical elements and their combinations, raise of heavy metals concentration in soil, facilitate examination of mutagenic and toxic properties of heavy metals. Increase in wheat yields by improving its genotype is one of the most urgent problems of agriculture and economy. At present, using traditional methods of selection and genetic studies, such as backcross selection, distant hybridization, and experimental mutagenesis, increased efficiency of obtaining genetically modified and improved forms of wheat [1-5]. Heavy metals are defined as metals having a density higher than 5 g/cm3. Of the total 90 naturally occurring elements divided into three classes by the degree of their threat, 53 are considered heavy metals and few are of biological importance. Accumulation of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) in the environment is now becoming a major cause of environmental pollution. Toxic metals can inactivate proteins, shifting metal cofactors, blocking active centers or causing allosteric changes. Besides, large number of those possesses ability of inducing mutagenic changes, tumors and causing macroscopic changes. Molecular mechanism of heavy metals toxicity is not completely understood. Cd is non-essential element that negatively affects plant growth and development, released into the environment by power stations, heating systems, metal working industries or urban traffic, which has high cumulative effect with almost no biodegradation. In plants it affects such processes as stomata opening, transpiration and photosynthesis, consequently chlorosis, leaf rolls and stunting are the main symptoms of Cd toxicity in plants accompanied by root browning, leaf red-brownish discoloration. It can also reduce the absorption of nitrate from root to shoot by inhibiting the nitrate reductase activity in shoots. The negative effect of Cd on plant growth was accompanied by an increase in dry to fresh mass ratio in all organs. Several researches have suggested that an oxidative stress could be involved in cadmium toxicity, by either inducing oxygen free radical production, or by decreasing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants [6-9]. On the other hand, the use of induced mutagenesis showed high efficiency in the production of forms with high yield, quality bakery, lodging resistance, modified plant height and resistance. And, this paper is an attempt of summarizing results performed by our group in this direction.

Analysis of Metals in Cataract Fluid of Jordanian Patients by Using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

Background: The study was completed to determine the level of the following metals (Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), and Cadmium (Cd)) in different cataractous human lenses. Materials and Methods: Five Samples had collected from the normal individuals healthy people and 25 suffered from cataracts at the Italian Hospital, Al-Karak, Jordan. This study had conducted between November 2020 and October 2021 on 30 individual subjects. Samples fluid from the Cataract sufferers had been gathered, the data was analyzed using Microsoft excels and SPSS software program new version. The trace elements concentration withinside the aspirated fluid were measured with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry – Mass (ICP-MS), best controlled with certified standards. Results: The mean values of copper were (12.9±12.4) and (7.4±9.7) for patients and control groups respectively. The average mean values of Cd were found to be (5.9 ±2.4) and (4.6 ± 2.4). The cadium, copper, manganese, magnesium and potassium levels were significantly higher in the catarctous groups. The others elements were lower in the catarctous group than control. Conclusion: Results showed significant change in some metallic elements concentration with cataract. These consequences can be beneficial for understanding and identifying the reasons that can play a function withinside the initiation and improvement of cataract. These factors deficiency may also have some suggestions to diets and diseases via its appropriate concentrations and its consequences on various organs parameters. It appears that the estimation of serum or plasma concentration of these metals may also assist in research and remedy of other diseases in both genders.

HEAVY METAL CONTENT AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS IN SELECTED ENERGY DRINKS SOLD IN BIRNIN KEBBI, NIGERIA.

Energy drinks are sold worldwide because they boost physical and mental performance. However, studies show that some of them contain high levels of heavy metals, prompting a safety evaluation of all brands of energy drinks. This study evaluated the safety of three brands of energy drinks (Fearless, Monster, and Power Horse) sold in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, with regard to heavy metal concentrations. The heavy metals evaluated are iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb). Samples of the energy drinks were subjected to atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the results were compared with the World Health Organization standards for drinks. The average daily intake (ADI), hazard quotient (HQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) of the heavy metals were also calculated. The levels of Fe, Cu, and Cd were above the permissible limits in all the energy drinks, while zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) were below the permissible limits. The ADI of the heavy metals in the three energy drinks was within the recommended limits. However, the HQ and CR of Cd in all the energy drinks and Pb in Power Horse were beyond the recommended limits (HQ > 1 and CR > 10-6). This suggests that the three energy drinks sold and consumed in Birnin Kebbi may pose health hazards. There is a need to sensitize consumers in the city about the occurrence and risk of heavy metals in energy drinks.

Measurement of heavy metals in soil, plants and water samples based on MWCNTs modified with Bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Heavy metals (HMs) are considered as the major environmental pollutants that accumulated in soil and plant. Consumption of such contaminated plants by humans and animals would ultimately harm the health of communities. This study aims to evaluate the amount of copper(Co), cadmium(Cd), and lead(Pb) in soil and cultivated plants that are irrigated by the city of Zabol’s wastewater. Also, the heavy metals determined in 20 mL of Zabol’s water based on Bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (S4[C3H6Si(OEt)3]2, TEOSiP-TS) modified on MWCNTs as an adsorbent by the uniform dispersive -micro-solid phase extraction (UD-µ-SPE) at optimized pH. In this study, 52 samples including wheat, corn grain, and wild spinach, as well as agricultural soil were selected randomly from three village stations. The concentrations of heavy metals in plants, soils, and water samples were measured using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (F-AAS). By optimizing parameters, the linear range (LR) and the detection limit (LOD) of Cu, Cd, and Pb were obtained 1.5-1000 μg L-1, 1-200 μg L-1, 5-1500 μg L-1 and 0.5 μg L-1, 0.25 μg L-1, 1.5 μg L-1, respectively in water samples (RSD%<2). This study indicates that irrigation of agricultural fields using wastewater causes the accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plants.

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Shellfish in Tanjung Balai Waters

Abstract: Shellfish is a source of toxic heavy metals and the maximum levels of heavy metals allowed in shellfish by BPOM RI are Lead 1.5 mg/kg, Cadmium 1 mg/kg and Copper 20 mg/kg. Heavy metal content in shellfish is influenced by environmental pollution in which the shellfish live. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in three types of shellfish in Tanjung Balai Asahan waters. Shellfish samples were taken from 3 different locations in Tanjung Balai in July 2021. Determination of the levels of heavy metals Pb, Cd and Cu in green mussels, mussels and blood clams was carried out using the AAS method with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) in Green mussels in Tanjung Balai, namely: Pb of 0.273 mg/kg – 0.406 mg/kg, Cd of 0.089 mg/kg – 0.106 mg/kg mg /kg, Cu is 1,864 mg/kg – 2,011 mg/kg. In oyster shells Pb was 0.051 – 0.095 mg/kg, Cd was 0.077 – 0.091 mg/kg, and Cu was 1.024 mg/kg – 1.064 mg/kg. It was concluded that green mussels had the highest heavy metal content. The levels of heavy metals in the analyzed shellfish samples were still below the maximum levels permitted by BPOM RI.
 Keywords: Lead, Cadmium, Copper,Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Shells

Cadmium Pollution Impairs Maize Growth and Uptake of Cationic Essential Nutrients

Human population is anticipated to increase to 9.8 billion by 2050 and this increase causes a more intensive agricultural production. The soils are polluted as the farming activities are intensified. Fertilizers and the pesticides that are used in agriculture and the imbalanced industrialization cause heavy metals to move into the soil thereby creating soil-environmental pollution. Cadmium (Cd), one of the heavy metals, is also present in the biosphere, enters the soil as a result of natural processes and anthropogenic activities, exerting toxic effects on agricultural products, food chain and living organisms. This highly toxic and dangerous metal has come to the fore with its important role in environmental pollution due to its various usage areas. In this study, the effects of three different Cd doses on the cationic macro and micronutrient content of maize plant was investigated. Cadmium application at 2.5 and 5.0 mg kg-1 decreased shoot dry matter by % 10.8 and % 20.0 respectively compared with control treatment. While the highest macro and micronutrient contents were obtained in the control treatment, the lowest values were obtained in the Cd5 treatment. Cadmium applications were not statistically significant in shoot K, Mg and Ca concentrations but significantly decreased K and Ca contents. Compared with the control treatment, Cd applications at 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg were determined to decrease the K content by % 9.9 and % 18.4 and Ca content by 17.7% and 21.3% respectively. When the Cd concentration and content are determined, the highest values were found to be in the Cd5 treatment. Consequently, increased Cd accumulation in shoots was determined to be associated with decreases in K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn uptake of maize plant. Therefore, close monitoring of nutritional problems that can potentially occur in agricultural areas contaminated with Cd might be beneficial for the evaluation of different solution proposals

Migration and Removal of Labile Cadmium Contaminants in Paddy Soils by Electrokinetic Remediation without Changing Soil pH.

Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) is a viable, advanced cleaning strategy that can permanently reduce the toxicity of soil contaminants. However, EKR is prone to causing changes in soil pH. The negative impacts must be minimized if field-scale application is to be realized. In this study, EKR with polarity reversal was used to avoid soil pH polarization and to clean up cadmium (Cd)-contaminated paddy soils. Results showed that Cd desorbed from oxidizable and residual fractions to labile and easily available parts. Soil moisture content above 0.35 g g−1 was conductive to achieving the desirable Cd-migration rate. The exchangeable Cd phase eventually migrated from both ends of that soil compartment towards the intermediate. Moreover, the addition of citric acid at the concentration of 0.1 mol L−1 was an effective enhancement strategy. The methodology enriched Cd contaminants to specific sites. The technology can be used for electrokinetic-assisted phytoremediation during the rice growing period. Hyperaccumulator is planted in the intermediate area to remove the Cd contaminants. On the other hand, Cd removal is achieved in the region close to the electrodes. The present study provides a theoretical basis for in situ remediation. It has a wider significance for field-scale application.

Barley Growth and Metals Accumulation in Salt-affected Mudflat Amended by Sewage Sludge

ABSTRACT Barley cultivation in salt-affected mudflat can alleviate the growing domestic barley demand and land use conflict. However, the coincidence of barley growing season and salt accumulation period of mudflat limits barley production despite of some natural tolerance to salt stress of barley plant. Sewage sludge can be used as organic modifier for mudflat amendment. In this study, a field experiment was conducted with one-time different sludge input rates to assess the responses of soil fertility factors, barley growth, and accumulation and uptake of metals in soil and barley plant to sewage sludge addition (SSA). The results showed that SSA improved soil physicochemical properties. The biomass and yield of barley grown in sludge-amended mudflat were elevated and the maximum increments were associated with 250 t ha−1 SSA rate. The concentrations of total and available cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) increased in sludge-amended mudflat soil, and SSA rate was the major factor influencing metal concentrations. Sludge addition increased metal concentrations in barley plant, and metals uptake by barley plant were mainly accumulated in barley root. In summary, barley cultivation with relatively high yield and controllable metals risk in salt-affected mudflat can be achieved under one-time sludge addition even in salt accumulation period.

Effects of cadmium on oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in Drosophila melanogaster larvae

With the increase of human activities, cadmium (Cd) pollution has become a global environmental problem affecting biological metabolism in ecosystem. Cd has a very long half-life in humans and is excreted slowly in organs, which poses a serious threat to human health. In order to better understand the toxicity effects of cadmium, third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster (Canton-S strain) were exposed to different concentrations (1.125 mg/kg, 2.25 mg/kg, 4.5 mg/kg, and 9 mg/kg) of cadmium. Trypan blue staining showed that intestinal cell damage of Drosophila larvae increased and the comet assay indicated significantly more DNA damage in larvae exposed to high Cd concentrations. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) experiments proved that content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased, which indicated Cd exposure could induce oxidative stress. In addition, the expression of mitochondrial adenine nucleotide transferase coding gene (sesB and Ant2) and apoptosis related genes (Debcl, hid, rpr, p53, Sce and Diap1) changed, which may lead to increased apoptosis. These findings confirmed the toxicity effects on oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in Drosophila larvae after early cadmium exposure, providing insights into understanding the effects of heavy metal stress in animal development.

Slaked lime improves growth, antioxidant capacity and reduces Cd accumulation of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Cd stress

Slaked lime has been used to remediate contaminated agricultural soils as an in situ chemical immobilization amendment for a long time. However, the effects of slaked lime on peanut and soil cadmium (Cd) levels remain poorly understood with respect to remediating Cd-contaminated soil. In this study, six rates of slaked lime (e.g., 0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500 kg ha−1) were applied to evaluate the effects of slaked lime treatments on soil pH and the growth, Cd accumulation and physiology characteristics of peanut, which were in Cd-contaminated soil, and 0 kg ha−1 was taken as the control. The results indicated that slaked lime application significantly increased soil pH and reduced total Cd contents in peanut tissues at all growth stages. As the rates of slaked lime were increased, kernel biomass increased in the maturity stage, which increased peanut yields. The irregular variations in catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities and chlorophyll and malondialdehyde contents that were observed at all growth stages may be due to the interactions among soil pH, Ca nutrients and Cd, etc. In summary, slaked lime is suitable as an in situ chemical immobilization amendment to increase Cd immobilization and peanut yields in Cd-contaminated soil.

Application of the maximum cumulative ratio (MCR) as a screening tool for the evaluation of multiple metal mixtures in shellfish in Chinese population

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects from exposure to multiple metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) that exist in shellfish in Chinese populations, and evaluate the impacts of cumulative exposures among individuals. A total 15,469 individual shellfish samples were analyzed following a protocol for elemental analysis. A total of 25,669 respondents were selected through stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from 31 survey sites in China. Individual shellfish consumption data and body weight were collected and analyzed with a 24-hour dietary recall method on three non-consecutive days. The consumers were divided into two groups: aged 2–12 years group and aged ≥13 years. Exposure levels were estimated based using a semi-probabilistic risk assessment method and cumulative exposures among individual persons using the maximum cumulative ratio (MCR) method. The mean, median and 95th percentile of all metals exposure for age 2–12 years group were higher than age ≥13 years group, but none exceeded the respective reference doses of the metals. The mean hazard indices (HI) of each metal in shellfish for both age groups were less than 1. The MCR values calculated among 1283 consumers ranged from 1.28 to 3.25 with the average MCR value was 2.22. There were 51 (3.98%) consumers in group I, 1186 (92.44%) consumers in group II, 26(2.03%) consumers in group III A, and 20 (1.56%) consumers in group III B. And cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) produced the HQMax that trigged cumulative exposures. It was concluded that heavy metals did not present a potential health risk to people solely through shellfish. The cumulative risks indicated that 7.56% of the surveyed consumers were of concern because of high HI of metals exposure, and Cd, Pb, and Ni made significant contributions to the potential risk.

Analyzing pesticides and metal(loid)s in imported tobacco to Saudi Arabia and risk assessment of inhalation exposure to certain metals

Exposure to toxic chemicals through smoked tobacco is a significant global public health issue due to their genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. The study aims to (1) measure Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), Nickle (Ni), lead (Pb), and 407 pesticides in tobacco commercialized in Saudi Arabia; and (2) evaluate human health risks associated with smoking tobacco. Thus, we analyzed 60 tobacco samples per brand from eight of the most popular tobacco brands in the Saudi market. The analyzed tobacco contained significant concentrations of toxic metal (loid)s and banned pesticides. Twenty-three out of 407 pesticide residues were found, with an average concentration of 0.004–1.155 µg/g. Average concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Pb for all brands were 0.16, 0.57, 0.75, 1.36, 1.94, 0.01, and 0.37 µg/g, respectively. The risk assessment indicated that high cancer risks are associated with exposure to As, Cd, Cr, and Ni, while lower risks are associated with Pb. Additionally, the potential cancer risk estimated for Cr was higher than other toxic elements. The cumulative cancer risks (95%) under three different cases for all brands were greater than the permissible limits (=10−4). The chances of getting cancer through inhalation of particulate As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb was 4 in 10 000 cases in the best case scenario (1 cigarette per day). Therefore, metal content in cigarette tobacco should be reduced to improve public health. HIGHLIGHTS All tested brands contained banned pesticide residues except for brand C. Tobacco samples contained significant concentrations of toxic metal(loid)s. A high risk of developing cancer is associated with exposure to As, Cd, Cr, and Ni, while a lower risk is associated with exposure to Pb.

Synoviocytes from pigmented villonodular synovitis are less sensitive to cadmium-induced cell death than synoviocytes from rheumatoid arthritis

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare inflammatory articular disease sharing common characteristics with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), notably hyperplasia of the synovium due to a hyperproliferation of synoviocytes, and with cancer owing to mutations of the CSF1/M-CCSF gene. Targeting synovium hyperplasia by the local delivery of Cadmium (Cd) has been already tested in vitro and in vivo models of RA and could be applied to PVNS. PVNS and RA synoviocytes were exposed to low doses of Cd. After different culture time points, a qualitative analysis was done by microscopy and quantitative measurements of apoptosis, cell viability and IL-6 production were carried. IL-6 production by PVNS synovial tissue was also quantified after Cd treatment with or without the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17 + TNF). Addition of Cd induced cell death in both PVNS (1 ppm) and RA (0.1 ppm) synoviocytes, which increased with time and Cd concentrations. Cd increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and decreased cell viability and IL-6 production. In all these experiments, PVNS synoviocytes were tenfold less sensitive to Cd than RA synoviocytes. Cd decreased IL-6 production by PVNS synovial tissue and its effect was enhanced with pro-inflammatory cytokines. In summary, PVNS synoviocytes show resistance to Cd-induced cell death and decreased inflammation. Intra-articular use of Cd could represent a potential therapeutic tool in PVNS.

Binary adsorption of chromium and cadmium metal ions by hemp (Cannabis sativa) based adsorbents

Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and divalent cadmium Cd(II) are among the most dangerous metal ions in aqueous solutions. The removal of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) from aqueous media requires serious attention. This study reports on the potential of adsorbents produced from hemp seeds to simultaneously remove Cr(VI) and Cd(II) from a synthetic aquatic medium. Pristine hemp seeds (PHS) were carbonized to obtain carbonized hemp seeds (CHS). The surface of the CHS was impregnated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles to yield a composite CHN. The biomaterials were characterized by SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD and BET. The characterization revealed that CHS and CHN differed from the PHS adsorbent by exhibiting distinct properties such as higher cation exchange capacity, larger surface area, and porous surface morphology. The SEM images of CHS and CHN were porous. FTIR results of the adsorbents exhibited functional groups such as –OH, –COOH, –C=O and –NH2 that could easily bind to the metals ions. XRD spectra revealed that cellulose materials disintegrated in CHS and CHN. The adsorption data were fitted into kinetics and isotherm models for assessing the uptake mechanism(s). The adsorption rate was rapid in the initial stages until equilibrium was reached after 40 min. The rate data correlated with the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. The average removal efficiency of Cr(VI) was 19.29, 33.43, and 48.28 mg/g and for Cd(II) 20.19, 40.16, and 42.12 mg/g by PHS, CHS, and CHN respectively. CHS and CHN were better adsorbents than PHS.