Concentrations Of Toxic Metals Research Articles

Habitat-specific allocations of elements in Atriplex lentiformis seeds hint at adaptation to metal toxicity.

Self-sustaining vegetation in metal-contaminated areas is essential for rebuilding the ecological resilience and community stability in degraded lands. Metal-tolerant plants originating from contaminated post-mining areas may hold the key to successful plant establishment and growth. Yet, little is known about the impact of metal toxicity on reproductive strategies, metal accumulation and allocation patterns at the seed stage. Our research focused on metal tolerant Atriplex lentiformis, examining the effects of toxic metal(loid) concentration in soils on variability in its reproductive strategies, including germination patterns, elemental uptake, and allocation within the seeds. We employed advanced imaging techniques like synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM; 2D scans and 3D tomograms) combined with ICP-MS to reveal significant differences in metal(loid) concentration and distribution within the seed structures of A. lentiformis from contrasting habitats. Exclusive Zn hotspots of high concentrations were found in the seeds of the metallicolous accession, primarily in the sensitive tissues of shoot apical meristems and root zones of the seed embryos. The findings of this study offer novel insights into phenotypic variability, metal tolerance and accumulation in plants from extreme environments. This knowledge can be applied to enhance plant survival and performance in land restoration efforts.

Monitoring and Assessment of the Quality of Chlorinated Water in Schools

All water destined for human consumption must be subjected to disinfection processes via chlorination with the aim of eliminating the risk of the transmission of waterborne diseases. However, the treatment of water using this method leads to the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs), which are toxic compounds that may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin, increasing the risk of carcinogenic and mutagenic processes. High trihalomethane concentrations in water may be directly related to physicochemical properties, such as temperature, pH, hardness, and potentially toxic metal concentrations. In this work, physicochemical characterization was performed and water quality was assessed with regard to the presence of trihalomethanes in 17 samples collected from points before and after storage in reservoirs. Atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine potentially toxic metals and the measurement of physicochemical properties demonstrated that all results were in accordance with the standards established by Brazilian legislation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine levels of trihalomethanes in the water samples (trichloromethane, bromodichloromethane, chlorodibromomethane, and bromoform), which were also in accordance with the limits established by Brazilian legislation. Hierarchical clustering on principal components confirmed changes in the water quality depending on location. This work constitutes a paradigm for future studies on the monitoring of toxic organic compounds in water to avoid health problems in humans and animals.

Understanding the detrimental effects of heavy metal pollution in shrimp farming and treatment methods – a review

Abstract High levels of heavy metals in the environment pose a significant risk to the aquatic ecosystem and its organisms. The non-biodegradable nature and lengthy persistence of heavy metals in the environment lead to toxicity in shrimp. Using aquatic animals as bio-indicators of metal contamination provides valuable data on acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic species and environmental quality. This review aims to provide insights into the sources, impacts, diseases and mitigation strategies related to heavy metal pollution in shrimp farming and the dangers to humans. Shrimp growth and development at each stage exhibit distinct responses to toxicity, which can vary depending on the species, types of metals, their mechanisms of action, as well as the concentration of heavy metals and duration of exposure. While several heavy metals are considered essential nutrient elements that enhance shrimp growth and feed efficiency, exceeding the maximum tolerable limit threatens shrimp health, human consumers, and ecological systems’ stability. Shrimp species subjected to lethal toxic metal concentrations experience significant effects on accumulation in histopathology. Heavy metal toxicity has been linked to high mortality rates, malformation rates, oxidative stress, moulting issues, and decreased reproduction with increasing concentrations in shrimp. Various methods have been reported for removing heavy metal ions from aquatic environments, including filtration, adsorbents, removal efficacy, operating conditions, and the pros and cons of each technique. Therefore, this review provides an overview of how heavy metals can affect shrimp physiology and dangers to consumers. It aims to increase awareness about the importance of preventing and regulating their contamination in aquatic environments.

Heavy metals bioaccumulation in free-ranging South American rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) in Southeastern Brazil.

Anthropogenic activities are the main sources of soil, air, and water pollution by metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), the metalloid arsenic (As), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). The goal of this study was to assess the presence and concentration of toxic (As, Cd, Pb, and Cr) and essential metals (Mg, Zn, and Cu) in the liver and kidneys from 96 free-ranging rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) from Minas Gerais (Brazil). Bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in males and heavier rattlesnakes (those with body weight above the average of the study population). Average ± standard deviations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Mg, Zn, and As in the general population (n = 96) were 3.19 ± 2.52; 5.98 ± 8.49; 0.66 ± 1.97; 3.27 ± 2.85; 776.14 ± 2982.92; 27.44 ± 29.55; and 0.32 ± 1.46; respectively. Bioaccumulation of some metals correlated positively with changes in hematologic and serum biochemical parameters. Results of this study were contrasted with previous studies assessing metal bioaccumulation in other species of terrestrial or aquatic snakes. Considering their position in the food chain and the broad range of bioaccumulation of both toxic and essential metals observed in this study, rattlesnakes may function as highly relevant biological sentinels for environmental pollution.

Occurrence of heavy metals coupled with elevated levels of essential elements in chocolates: Health risk assessment

The presence of contaminants in cacao-derived products, especially in chocolates, has raised concerns regarding food safety and human health. The study assessed the concentration variation of 16 elements in 155 chocolate samples from the US market by cacao content and country of geographic origin. The study further examined the potential health risks posed by toxic metals and determined the contribution of essential elements to the Daily Recommended Intake (DRI), estimated based on an ounce (∼28.4 g) of daily chocolate consumption. Dark chocolates with ≥50 % cacao exhibited consecutively increasing mean levels from 1.2 to 391 µg/kg for U, Tl, Th, As, Pb, Se, Cd, and Co. Similarly, Ni, Sr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Ca, and Mg had mean concentrations from 4.0 to 1890 mg/kg. Dark chocolates sourced from Central and South America exhibited the highest mean levels of Cd, and South America samples also contained elevated Pb, whereas those from West Africa and Asia had low Cd and Pb, respectively. Cacao contents showed increasingly strong association with Cd, Co, Mn, Sr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Mg (r = 0.60–0.84), and moderately with Se, Fe, As, and Tl (r = 0.35–0.49), indicating these elements are primarily derived from cacao beans. Weak association of cacao contents with Pb, Th, and U levels (r < 0.25), indicates post-harvest contaminations. Hazard Quotient (HQ) > 1 was found only for Cd in 4 dark chocolates, and Hazard Index (HI) > 1 for cumulative risk of Cd, Pb, Ni, As, and U was found in 33 dark chocolates, indicating potential non-carcinogenic risks for 15 kg children but none for 70 kg adults. Dark chocolate also substantially contributed to 47–95 % of the DRI of Cu for children and 50 % for adults. Dark chocolates also provided notable Fe, Mn, Mg, and Zn contributions to the DRI. These essential elements are recognized to reduce the bioavailability of toxic metals such as Cd, Pb, or Ni, thereby potentially lowering associated health risks. This study informs consumers, food industries, and regulatory agencies to target cacao origins or chocolate brands with lower toxic metal contents for food safety and minimizing adverse health effects.

Potential Toxic Metal Concentration and Risk Assessment in Agricultural Soil and Lentil Crop (Lens culinaris Medik) in Dawunt Woreda, Northwest Wollo, Ethiopia

Health implications for the population due to consuming contaminated crops have been a great concern worldwide. This study aimed to measure the levels of potential toxic elements in lentils and their growing soil in Dawunt Woreda, Ethiopia. Accordingly, 15 soil samples along with the lentil samples were collected to measure the level of potential toxic elements, including chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co), by using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer and for assessing the potential ecological and human health risk. The wet digestion method using aqua regia (HCl/HNO3 3 : 1) was employed for soil and lentil sample preparation. The mean concentrations of Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Cr in the lentil sample were 60.4, 9.68, 0.75, 5.7, 0.25, 0.9, and 1.15 mg/kg, respectively. In soil, the mean concentrations of Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Cr were 649, 19.9, 3.32, 40.0, 15.2, 1.83, and 69.1 mg/kg, respectively. All of the potential toxic metals in agricultural soil and lentil samples were found to be below the reference level set by the World Health Organization, except Cd, in the soil samples. Five single metal and three cumulative pollution index parameters were employed for the data and results showed that Fe, Cu, and Cr moderately pollute the soil and are highly contaminated by Cd. The cumulative pollution indices also confirmed that the extent of soil pollution varied from highly contaminated to moderate contamination. The possible health risks at various exposure routes have also been estimated. The single-metal and cumulative-metals health risks (cancer and noncancer) of adults and children due to chronic exposure to soil and consumption of lentils were estimated using the health quotient and health index values as per the United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Thus, the results revealed no significant adverse health risks (cancer and noncancer) for adults and children. Therefore, the inhabitants in the study area have no significant health impacts due to either the consumption of lentil crops or exposure to agricultural soil particles.

Speciation of arsenic in milk from cows fed seaweed.

Including seaweed in cattle feed has gained increased interest, but it is important to take into account that the concentration of toxic metals, especially arsenic, is high in seaweed. This study investigated the arsenic species in milk from seaweed-fed cows. Total arsenic in milk of control diets (9.3 ± 1.0 μg As kg-1, n = 4, dry mass) was significantly higher than seaweed-based diet (high-seaweed diet: 7.8 ± 0.4 μg As kg-1, P < 0.05, n = 4, dry mass; low-seaweed diet: 6.2 ± 1.0 μg As kg-1, P < 0.01, n = 4, dry mass). Arsenic speciation showed that the main species present were arsenobetaine (AB) and arsenate (As(V)) (37% and 24% of the total arsenic, respectively). Trace amounts of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and arsenocholine (AC) have also been detected in milk. Apart from arsenate being significantly lower (P < 0.001) in milk from seaweed-fed cows than in milk from the control group, other arsenic species showed no significant differences between groups. The lower total arsenic and arsenate in seaweed diet groups indicates a possible competition of uptake between arsenate and phosphate, and the presence of AC indicates that a reduction of AB occurred in the digestive tract. Feeding a seaweed blend (91% Ascophyllum nodosum and 9% Laminaria digitata) does not raise As-related safety concerns for milk. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Relationships between high-concentration toxic metals in sediment and evolution of microbial community structure and carbon-nitrogen metabolism functions under long-term stress perspective.

Microorganisms are highly sensitive to toxic metal pollution and play an important role in the material cycling and energy flow of the water ecosystem. Herein, 13 sediment samples from Junchong Reservoir (Guangxi Province, China) were collected in December 2021. The spatial distribution of pollution levels for toxic metals and the effects of toxic metals on the composition, functional characteristics, and metabolism of microorganisms were investigated. The results demonstrated that the area is a proximate area to industrial zones with severity of toxic metal pollution. Their mean concentrations of As, Cu, Zn, and Pb were up to 128.79mg/kg, 57.62mg/kg, 594.77mg/kg, and 97.12mg/kg respectively. There was a strong correlation between As, Cu, Zn, and Pb, with the highest correlation coefficient reaching 0.94. As the level of toxic metal pollution increases, the diversity and abundance of microorganisms gradually decrease. Compared to those with lower pollution levels, the Shannon index in regions with higher pollution levels decreases by up to 0.373, and the Chao index decreases by up to 143.507. However, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Patescibacteria, and Chloroflexi increased by 23%, 20%, and 5%, respectively, indicating their higher adaptability to toxic metals. Furthermore, microbial carbon and nitrogen metabolism were also affected by the presence of toxic metals. FAPROTAX analysis demonstrated an abundant reduction of ecologically functional groups associated with carbon and nitrogen transformations under high toxic metal pollution levels. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that carbon fixation and nitrogen metabolism pathways were inhibited with increasing toxic metal concentrations. These findings would contribute to a better understanding of the effects of toxic metal pollution on sediment microbial communities and function, shedding light on the ecological consequences of toxic metal contamination.

Association and mediation analyses among multiple metal exposure, mineralocorticoid levels, and serum ion balance in residents of northwest China

Toxic metals are vital risk factors affecting serum ion balance; however, the effect of their co-exposure on serum ions and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. We assessed the correlations of single metal and mixed metals with serum ion levels, and the mediating effects of mineralocorticoids by investigating toxic metal concentrations in the blood, as well as the levels of representative mineralocorticoids, such as deoxycorticosterone (DOC), and serum ions in 471 participants from the Dongdagou–Xinglong cohort. In the single-exposure model, sodium and chloride levels were positively correlated with arsenic, selenium, cadmium, and lead levels and negatively correlated with zinc levels, whereas potassium and iron levels and the anion gap were positively correlated with zinc levels and negatively correlated with selenium, cadmium and lead levels (all P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in the mixed exposure models considering all metals, and the major contributions of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and selenium were highlighted. Significant dose–response relationships were detected between levels of serum DOC and toxic metals and serum ions. Mediation analysis showed that serum DOC partially mediated the relationship of metals (especially mixed metals) with serum iron and anion gap by 8.3% and 8.6%, respectively. These findings suggest that single and mixed metal exposure interferes with the homeostasis of serum mineralocorticoids, which is also related to altered serum ion levels. Furthermore, serum DOC may remarkably affect toxic metal-related serum ion disturbances, providing clues for further study of health risks associated with these toxic metals.

Impact of fly ash deposition on plants diversity, metal content, and associated risk on grazing ruminants in the vicinity of Morupule power station, Botswana

Fly ash (FA) deposition originating from power stations and unprotected dumpsites, have been found to affect plant communities, potentially causing environmental degradation and food chain contamination. An analysis of plant composition, heavy metal concentration in plants and soil within 40 kilometers of the Morupule dumpsite was conducted to evaluate the impact of FA disposal. In addition, risks to the ruminants grazing in this area, were assessed. The windward transect had significantly higher species diversity and richness than the leeward transect, especially in areas closer to the dumpsite. This could be attributed to the inability of some plants to tolerate higher concentrations of toxic metal and alkalinity in areas near the dumpsite. In this study, average concentrations in plants of Cr (546.11 mg kg−1), Mn (905.69 mg kg−1), and Cu (128 mg kg−1) were above toxicity levels of 75-100 mg kg−1 for Cr, 400 mg kg−1 for Mn, and 100 mg kg−1 for Cu. Although the quantities of these metals were above the maximum allowable daily consumption, calculations of the daily plant intake by grazing animals in this area revealed a potential danger of exposure to Cr and Cu. Particularly in areas that were nearest to the FA dumpsite, ruminants grazing on the leeward transect were more exposed to Cu than Cr toxicity. Overall, it was found that FA deposition damaged the plant community and put grazing ruminants at greater danger. However, more investigation is required to pinpoint the precise level of hazardous metals found in the grazing animals in this area.

Brick sand particles as an adsorbent in column chromatography to remove heavy metals from solution

The column chromatography method was used with brick sand particles as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals (Cr, Fe, and Pb) from the aqueous solution. These metals can pollute water, and soil and also come in contact with the food chain, causing life-threatening health issues in the human body. The pore volume and the specific surface area of the brick sand particles were determined using the standard method which was 44.41% and 29.4 m2/g respectively. The different concentrations of toxic metals in the water solution were considered to determine the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent. The adsorption methods were able to remove about 94% of Cr, 24% Pb, and 69% Fe from the aqueous solution. From the investigation results, we may conclude that raw brick sand particles can play a vital role as an adsorbent in the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated wastewater. Moreover, the saturated adsorbent can be used as an element of construction materials to prevent further pollution. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 59(1), 47-54, 2024

Coal-Derived Humic Substances: Insight into Chemical Structure Parameters and Biomedical Properties.

An investigation was carried out on humic substances (HSs) isolated from the coal of the Kansk-Achinsk basin (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia). The coal HSs demonstrate the main parameters of molecular structure inherent to this class of natural compounds. An assessment was performed for the chemical, microbiological, and pharmacological safety parameters, as well as the biological efficacy. The HS sample meets the safety requirements in microbiological purity, toxic metals content (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic), and radionuclides. The presence of 11 essential elements was determined. The absence of general, systemic toxicity, cytotoxicity, and allergenic properties was demonstrated. The coal HS sample was classified as a Class V hazard (low danger substances). High antioxidant and antiradical activities and immunotropic and cytoprotective properties were identified. The ability of the HS to inhibit hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anion radicals was revealed. Pronounced actoprotective and nootropic activities were also demonstrated in vivo. Intragastric administration of the HS sample resulted in the improvement of physical parameters in mice as assessed by the "swim exhaustion" test. Furthermore, intragastric administration in mice with cholinergic dysfunction led to a higher ability of animals with scopolamine-induced amnesia to form conditioned reflexes. These findings suggest that the studied HS sample is a safe and effective natural substance, making it suitable for use as a dietary bioactive supplement.

Response of sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus L.) to different concentrations of metals and doses of gamma radiation (241Am)

The sunflower crop (Helianthus annuus L.) presents great tolerance to heavy metals and in pre-determined doses of gamma (γ) radiation it presents gains in plant increments. This study aimed to evaluate the response to doses of γ radiation and different concentrations of toxic metals in the vegetative development of sunflower. Mirasol sunflower seeds were subjected to different doses of 241Am γ rays and concentrations of Aluminum, Cerium and Copper (mg L-1). Sunflower plants were evaluated only in the vegetative period for germination, aerial length, root length, aerial and root fresh mass, aerial and root dry mass. The doses of γ radiation promoted increases in the variables in the vegetative phase, especially for 5 and 10 minutes of exposure to γ rays. The concentrations of the toxic elements Al and Ce showed significant differences in all increments, however, doses higher than 85 mg L-1 demonstrated losses in length and mass of sunflower plants. For the Cu element, the doses did not have a significant effect, these being non-significant and the cultivar Mirasol resistant. Future studies should be carried out evaluating the reproductive phase and its gains in increasing biomass and production.

Alkaline Chemical Neutralization to Treat Acid Mine Drainage with High Concentrations of Iron and Manganese

Due to its high acidity and toxic metal content, acid mine drainage (AMD) needs to be properly treated before being discharged into the environment. This study took the AMD collected from one specific mine in China as a sample and investigated the treatment methodology for AMD. The water quality of the AMD was measured, and the sample was treated with caustic soda (NaOH) and shell powder (one kind of conventional neutralizer, mainly composed of CaCO3) by the neutralization method. The results show that the AMD has a relatively low pH (2.16) and contains high concentrations of Fe (77.54 g/L), Mn (621.29 mg/L), Cu (6.54 mg/L), Ca (12.39 mg/L), and Mg (55.04 mg/L). NaOH was an effective neutralizer to treat the AMD and performed much better than shell powder. Various metals were precipitated, in the order of Fe(III), Cu, Fe(II), Mn, Ca, and Mg. The metal removal mechanisms included precipitation, adsorption, and co-precipitation. The optimal reaction conditions were the reaction duration was selected as 5 min and the mass ratio of NaOH to AMD was 0.16:1 (w:v). By this stage, the pH rapidly increased from 2.16 to 8.53 during AMD-NaOH interactions and various metals were efficiently removed (from 86.71% to 99.99%) by NaOH. The residual mass concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Ca, and Mg after the treatment were 1.52, 1.77, 0.10, 1.65, and 2.17 mg/L, respectively. These data revealed that NaOH was a good treatment regent for this kind of AMD, based on the discharge criteria of China (GB28661 2012). Also, the shell powder was a helpful neutralizer for pH adjustment and copper removal. This neutralization method has the advantages of convenient operation, high speed, good effect, simple equipment, and low infrastructure cost. In addition, the resulting neutralized residue is a valuable and high-quality raw material, which can be used in metal smelting and separation.

Air pollution biomonitoring in an urban-industrial setting (Taranto, Italy) using Mediterranean plant species

This study presents the first report on the elemental composition of five Mediterranean plant species (Pinus pinaster, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Nerium oleander, Olea europaea and Pittosporum heterophyllum) to trace industrial emissions in Taranto, Italy, a mixed-use industrial and urban setting. Potential metal sources include vehicular traffic, steel and cement plants, and a petrochemical refinery. Samples were collected from 29 sites covering the Tamburi-Lido Azzurro neighbourhood and the historical quarter Città Vecchia-Borgo. High concentrations of toxic metals were observed in all samples, with marked inter-species variability. Model based clustering identified two distinct groups, one dominated by pine needles with higher metal concentrations than the other group composed of the other four plant species. The contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) indices which use background samples to standardise the level of pollution, were used to remove species effect allowing for direct site comparison. Spatial analysis of CF and PLI data identified pollution hotspots near industrial areas and major roads, with areas of little to no air pollution near green spaces. Statistical analysis of the CFs revealed the contribution of different sources to element emissions. Ni and Cr were primarily emitted from the steel plant and petrochemical refinery, while Fe and Al were associated with road traffic emissions, and geogenic elements Ca, Mg, K, and Na were linked to marine spray and Saharan dust. This study demonstrates that combining multiple plant species with pollution indices can be a cost-effective biomonitoring approach for assessing air pollution and creating a high-density spatial monitoring network.

Evaluation of heavy metals contamination in Rabbit Fish (Signus Sutor) from selected landing sites in Zanzibar, Tanzania

The increase of heavy metals concentrations in aquatic and terrestrial environments and their toxicity is of global concern. The bioaccumulation of toxic metals in fish poses a serious risk to human health when consumed. This study assessed the quality of Rabbit fish (Signus Sutor) and their associated health risks from four landing sites (namely Malindi, Mazizini, Kizimkazi and Matemwe) in Zanzibar. The concentrations of toxic metals, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and Arsenic (As), in the fish muscle were scrutinized using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The detected mean concentration (mg/kg) of Pb, As, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Ni at Malindi were 0.25±0.14, 2.22±0.44, 0.02±0.02, 0.01±0.00, 0.02±0.02 and 0.00±0.00 respectively; at Kizimkazi were 0.39±0.39, 2.30±0.44, 0.11±0.01, 0.07±0.04, 0.17±0.13 and 0.15±0.04 respectively: at Matemwe were 0.38±0.12, 0.52±0.14, 0.04±0.02, 0.05±0.01, 0.65±0.21 and 0.09±0.03 respectively; and Mazizini were 0.21±0.12, 5.56±1.37, 0.02±0.02, 0.03±0.01, 0.05±0.02 and 0.15±0.05 respectively. The mean concentration levels detected for all the elements in the fish gathered from all four landing sites were below international and local maximum (FAO/WHO) permissible limits for human consumption, except for Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). The study also investigated the relationship between fish size and metal concentration which shows a positive correlation for Cu and Ni. However, it was negative for the remaining metals, possibly due to ecological and metabolic differences. The study emphasizes the necessity for regular monitoring of the marine environment and enforcement of hygienic regulations, as well as the treatment of land-based pollutants before they are discharged into the marine environment to protect fish quality.

Evaluation of Toxic Heavy Metal Concentration in Aquifer System for Groundwater System Development Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques

&lt;p&gt;Groundwater is a vital resource for human consumption. The study aimed to evaluate toxic metal concentrations in groundwater systems and determine pollutant sources using multivariate methods including cluster analysis (CA), principal factor analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlation coefficient (r). The results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO 2017) and Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS 2012) standards, indicating that Al concentration observed within prescribed values and other Cd, As, Zn, Pb, and Cu were less than the acceptable values, as well as the rest of Fe, Mn, and Ni levels in groundwater were mostly within acceptable values. The PCA results showed three factors (F1, F2, and F3) were responsible for the data structure, which was specified as 37.954%, 23.331%, and 16.132%, as well as total variance of dataset associated with 77.416%, respectively. Factor 1 showed strong positive loading (Cu, Pb, Zn), 2 (Al, Mn), and 3 (As, Ni), which demonstrated the contaminants source from natural and agricultural activities. Moreover, CA results revealed three clusters indicating low to high water pollution due to rock weathering and anthropogenic activities. Overall, results showed that 50% of groundwater samples were acceptable for potable and agricultural uses. Therefore, groundwater treatment is necessary before any use.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D;

Hydrogeochemical investigation of irrigation water in the vicinity of metallic ore deposits in Kiraz‐İzmir, Turkey: Understanding the crucial nexus between “geology and food safety”

AbstractThe increasing drought due to climate change poses a threat to issues such as safe and accessible drinking water, food safety, and protection from diseases. The provision of water supply is vital for agricultural and livestock activities, which are commonly practiced around natural ore deposits. Examining traditional “irrigation water quality” methods alone is insufficient; investigating potentially toxic metal content in the region's waters is vital, especially around metallic ore deposits. This study focused on the Kiraz district in Turkey, known for its agricultural activities, to assess the impact of geogenic water pollution on irrigation water quality and its implications for food safety and human health. Geology determines nutrient availability, water resources, and land suitability for agriculture. Conventional irrigation water quality parameters indicate groundwater suitability for irrigation in the study area, considering Na%, sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, permeability index, Kelly ratio, magnesium hazard, and potential salinity. However, when examining the potential toxic metal content in the region, it was determined that the values of Al ranged from 96 to 8676 ppb, Ni values ranged from 27 to 360 ppb, and Sb concentrations varied between 9 and 53 432 ppb. Utilizing geogenically contaminated water for irrigation and its indiscriminate use in livestock, dairy, and food industries can lead to foodborne illnesses (cancer, endocrine disruptors, tuberculosis, antimony spots, thyroid tumors, goiter, neurologic and cardiovascular diseases) that endanger human health. The use of low‐quality water throughout the agricultural sector and food production chain increases food safety risks.

Evaluation of Health Risks Attributed to Toxic Trace Elements and Selenium in Farmed Mediterranean Mussels from Türkiye and Bulgaria.

Farmed mussels accumulate contaminants from their production environment rather than releasing them into water. This study reveals potential health risks associated with selenium, cadmium, mercury, and lead resulting from the consumption of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) cultured along the coasts of Türkiye and Bulgaria. The concentrations of Se and toxic trace metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The detection limits (LOD) were 0.100, 0.015, 0.025, and 0.180µg/kg for Se, Cd, Hg, and Pb, respectively. The mean Se concentrations were between 1.305 and 1.957µg/g, and toxic metals were below the maximum limits. Due to Turkish and Bulgarian consumers' limited mollusk consumption, mussels could only provide a maximum of 7.35% of the daily Se need. THQ and TTHQ of Se, Cd, and methyl-Hg were below 1, indicating that farmed mussels were safe for consumption. Percent PTWI values were calculated only for Cd and MeHg, as the PTWI value for Pb was discarded by the authorities and not determined for Se. Accordingly, weekly mussel consumption did not pose any risks. The margin of exposure approach was used to evaluate Pb intake. MOE-SBP and MOE-NE were significantly higher than 10, designating no significant health risks. Long-term consumption of mussels also does not pose a carcinogenic risk regarding the TR index calculated between 10-5 and 10-6 for Pb. Positive HBVSe (10.13-37.27) indicated that Se in mussels overcame Hg-related potential health concerns. Consequently, mussels grown in Türkiye and Bulgaria did not pose a risk for human consumption, based on current risk analysis methods.

Impact of grazing around industrial areas on milk heavy metals contamination and reproductive ovarian hormones of she-camel with assessment of some technological processes on reduction of toxic residue concentrations

Heavy metals are one of the most toxic chemical pollutants of the environment. Their hazards not restricted to human but extend to animal productivity and reproductively. The present study aimed to assess the impact of grazing around industrial areas on the levels of copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) residues in milk samples collected from dromedary she-camels and studying their effects on some ovarian hormones. In addition, the study aimed to investigate methods of removal of the toxic concentrations of these heavy metals in milk by applying different technological processes. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 dromedary she-camels, 15 grazing in non-industrial areas (group A) and 15 grazing in industrial areas (group B). Detection of the levels of these heavy metals in milk was done. Ovarian hormones investigation on the blood was performed. Different technological processes such as boiling, skimming and fermentation were applied to all contaminated samples to reduce the toxic concentrations of these heavy metals. Results revealed that all examined milk samples in both groups contained Cu, while 40% of group A and 100 % of group B contained Al residues with different concentrations. The levels of Cu and Al residues in samples of group A not exceeded the maximum residual limit (MRL) set by World Health Organization (WHO) while 60% and 100% of milk samples in group B contained Cu and Al residues exceeded MRL, respectively. Technological processes induce variant changes in the levels of these metals in milk. Heat treatment of milk in Al vats leads to leaching of Al from containers to the milk causing significant increase in Al load, while Cu level was not significantly affected. Boiling in stainless-steel containers decreased the levels of Al and Cu but in non-significant levels. Regarding skimming process, small amount of Cu and Al escaped into the skimmed milk while greater amount were recovered in the cream. Fermentation by probiotic bacteria showed that milk fermentation has non-significant effect on Cu and Al levels. Investigation of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) revealed presence of a signification reduction in the levels of these hormones in group B compared to group A. In addition, a negative correlation was found between these heavy metals and ovarian hormones concentrations in the blood. It is concluded that grazing of dromedary camels around industrial areas induce heavy metals toxicity represented by excretion of these metals in milk and significant reduction on ovarian function showed by reduction of estrogen and progesterone levels. Technological processes such as skimming decreased the levels of Al and Cu residues in milk.