Concentrations Of Toxic Trace Elements Research Articles

Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of trace elements in Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) from selected inland water bodies.

The presence of toxic trace elements (TEs) has resulted in a worldwide deterioration in freshwater ecosystem quality. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of TEs, including chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), in water, sediment, and organs of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) collected from selected inland water bodies in Tamil Nadu, India. The water samples exhibited a range of concentrations for TEs: Cr varied from 0.014 to 5.193µg/L, Ni ranged from 0.283 to 11.133µg/L, As ranged from 0.503 to 1.519µg/L, Cd from 0.001 to 0.616µg/L, and Pb ranged from non-detectable (ND) to 6.103µg/L. The concentrations of TEs in sediment were found to vary within the following ranges: 5.259 to 32.621mg/kg for Cr, 1.932 to 30.487mg/kg for Ni, 0.129 to 0.563mg/kg for As, 0.003 to 0.011mg/kg for Cd, ND to 0.003mg/kg for Hg, and 0.404 to 1.575mg/kg for Pb. The study found that the accumulation pattern of TE in fishes across all selected areas was liver > bone > gill > muscle. The organs had TE concentrations of Cr (ND-0.769mg/kg), Ni (ND-1.053mg/kg), As (0.002-0.080mg/kg), Pb (ND-0.411mg/kg), and Hg (ND-0.067mg/kg), which was below the maximum residual limit prescribed by EC and FSSAI. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of TEs exhibited a greater magnitude in comparison with the biota-sediment accumulation factor due to the higher concentration of TEs in fish and lower level in water. The assessment of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks suggests that the consumption of Tilapia from the study region does not pose any significant risks.

Distribution and bioaccumulation of trace elements in two Cyprinidae fish species in the Indus river, Pakistan, including the impact of hydraulic structure on macroinvertebrates' biodiversity

The concentration of trace elements (chromium, lead, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron) was determined in water, sediment and tissues of two Cyprinidae fish species - Labeo rohita and Tor putitora – collected from the eight sampling stations of Indus River in 2022 for four successive seasons (autumn, winter, spring, summer), and also study the present condition of macroinvertebrates after the construction of hydraulic structure. The obtained results of trace element concentrations in the Indus River were higher than the acceptable drinking water standards by WHO. The nitrate concentration ranges from 5.2 to 59.6 mg l−1, turbidity ranges from 3.00 to 63.9 NTU, total suspended solids and ammonium ions are below the detection limit (<0.05). In the liver, highest dry wt trace elements (μg/g) such as Cr (4.32), Pb (7.07), Zn (58.26), Cu (8.38), Mn (50.27), and Fe (83.9) for the Labeo rohita; and Tor Putitora has significantly greater accumulated concentration (Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) in muscle and liver than did Labeo rohita species. Additionally, lower number of macroinvertebrates were recorded during the monsoonal season than pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Local communities surrounded by polluted environments are more probably to consume more fish and expose them to higher concentrations of toxic trace elements (lead and copper). The findings also provide a basis for broader ecological management of the Indus River, which significantly influenced human beings and socioeconomic disasters, particularly in the local community.

Concentrations of Lead and Arsenic in Mother's Milk and Children's Blood in Peruvian Breastfeeding Dyads.

Toxic trace elements could enter human milk through mothers' food consumption, drinking water, air, or incidental soil ingestion, and are of concern to the nursing infant. To determine the concentration of toxic trace elements (lead and arsenic) in Peruvian mothers' milk and their association with blood concentrations in their own infants 3-20 months old. This exploratory, cross-sectional study, carried out in Peru, included breastfeeding mother/child dyads (N = 40). Following standardized protocols, biospecimens of human milk and child's blood were collected. Lead and arsenic concentrations in milk were above the method detection limits in 73% and 100% of samples with median concentrations of 0.26 µg/L (IQR = 0.10, 0.33 µg/L) and 0.73 µg/L (IQR = 0.63, 0.91 µg/L), respectively. Concentrations of lead and arsenic in blood were 2.05 µg/dL (SD = 1.35), and 1.43 µg/dl (geometric mean: SD = 1.39), respectively. Blood lead concentrations in 12.5% (n = 5) of the samples were above the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reference value (< 3.5 µg/dl), and over half of arsenic concentrations were above the acceptable levels of < 1.3 µg/dl (Mayo Clinic Interpretative Handbook). Our results showed that for every one-month increase in age, lead blood concentrations increased by 0.1 µg/dl (p = 0.023). Additionally, every 1 µg/L increase in the mother's milk arsenic was associated with a 1.40 µg/dl increase in the child's blood arsenic concentration. Implementing effective interventions to decrease the toxic exposure of reproductive-aged women is needed in Peru and worldwide.

Variation in essential mineral element and toxic trace element concentrations in the seeds of Sri Lankan rice varieties as affected by milling and soil fertility

Concentration of mineral elements in rice seeds may vary depending on the soil fertility status and seed polishing (milling). In order to test this, 54 rice varieties were grown in the fields used to cultivate rice either with or without applying fertilizers for over 40 years. Part of the seeds collected from those varieties was polished before using for element analyses using ICP-MS while the rest considered as unpolished seeds. When comparing unpolished rice seeds produced at fertilized and unfertilized sites, the concentrations of Mg, Ca, K, Mn, Co, Cu, As and Cd were decreased, and the concentrations of Na, Al, Fe, Zn, and Mo were unchanged from fertilized to unfertilized sites. When comparing unpolished and polished rice seeds produced at fertilized and unfertilized sites, seed Mg, K, Mn, Fe, Co and Zn concentrations were higher in unpolished seeds than those in polished seeds, and the concentrations of Na, Al, Mo, Cd, As and Pb were similar between polished and unpolished seeds. Estimated values revealed that rice contributed 4–15% of the daily requirement of Fe, Cu, Zn, and 50–60% Mo irrespective of the soil fertility and polishing. Seed concentrations of As, Pb and Cd were lower than the maximum allowable levels. However, rice consumption contributed to the daily intake of 4–8 µg as, 2–6.5 µg Cd, and 19–25 µg Pb. Improving soil fertility is required to enrich rice seeds with most of the micronutrients and the milling should be done with much care to minimize nutrient loss in human diet.

Relationship of bioelemental status and changes in the functional state of the lungs in EMERCOM firefighters of Russia

BACKGROUND: Firefighters are characterized by constant interaction with smoke and various combustion products, which, entering the body can, affect the state of the respiratory system.&#x0D; AIM: To study the relationship of the bioelemental status with alterations in the functional state of the lungs in firefighters of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.&#x0D; METHODS: The work analyzed the data of 97 people from the territorial fire departments of the city of Saint Petersburg, directly involved in firefighting. The firefighters underwent a comprehensive medical examination, including an assessment of the bioelemental status in hair samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.&#x0D; RESULTS: As a result of the study, an increase in the content of toxic trace elements in firefighters was revealed in comparison with persons who did not participate in extinguishing the fire. Against the background of an increase in toxic trace elements, there was a decrease in vital ones. The relationship between the concentration of toxic trace elements and the state of the bronchopulmonary system in firefighters was revealed. The interrelation of the concentration of aluminum, silver and cadmium with a decrease in the diffusion capacity of the lungs, broncho obstructive changes and pulmonary fibrosis is shown. A significant increase in the content of silver was found in firefighters with broncho-obstructive changes compared to those with normal bronchial conduction.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The study illustrated the relationship between the levels of silver, aluminum, and cadmium and development of functional changes in the lungs..

Hair Toxic Trace Elements of Residents across the Caspian Oil and Gas Region of Kazakhstan: Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the content of toxic trace elements, such as aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), in the hair of the adult population of western Kazakhstan and the distance of their residence from oil and gas fields. The cross-sectional study included 850 adults aged 18–60 years. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure the level of Al, As, Be, Cd, Hg, and Pb in hair. The relationship between the concentration of toxic trace elements in the hair and the distance from oil and gas fields was assessed in three groups (<16 km, 16–110 km, and >110 km), using multiple linear regression analysis. The highest concentration of Hg = 0.338 μg/g was determined in the group living near oil and gas fields (0–16 km), whereas the lowest concentration of Al = 3.127 μg/g and As = 0.028 μg/g was determined in participants living at a long distance (more than 110 km) (p < 0.001). The concentration of Al (−0.126 (CI: −0.174; −0.077)), Hg (−0.065 (CI: −0.129; −0.001)), and Pb (0.111 (CI: 0.045; 0.177)) is associated with the distance to oil and gas fields. The obtained data indicate a change in the toxic trace element content in the hair of residents in the Caspian region of western Kazakhstan, a change that is most pronounced in residents living in the zone of oil and gas pollution. The distance to the oil and gas fields affects the content of toxic elements in scalp hair. In particular, the concentration of Al and Hg is associated with a decrease in the distance to oil and gas fields, while the concentration of Pb is associated with an increase in the distance to these fields. The lowest content of Al and As was determined in the hair of study participants living in the most remote areas (more than 110 km from oil and gas fields). Our results demonstrate the need for the biomonitoring of toxic elements to determine long-term temporal trends in the impact of chemicals on public health in western Kazakhstan.

Sustainable Alkali-Activated Slag Binders Based on Alternative Activators Sourced From Mineral Wool and Glass Waste

In the present study, four different locally available waste glass materials (bottle glass-BG, glass wool-GW, stone wool-SW and cathode-ray tube glass-CRTG) were treated with hot concentrated potassium hydroxide (KOH) in order to obtain alternative alkali activators (AAAs). We evaluated the suitability of the solutions obtained for use as AAAs in the production of AAMs. AAMs were prepared using electric arc furnace slag and selected AAAs with a higher content of dissolved Si. We evaluated the performance of the AAMs in comparison to that of slags activated with KOH or potassium-silicate (K-silicate). The compressive strength of the AAMs prepared with KOH-based AAAs were high when Si and Al were simultaneously abundant in the AAA (9.47 MPa when using the activator sourced from the CRTG), and low with the addition of KOH alone (1.97 MPa). The AAM produced using commercial K-silicate yielded the highest compressive strength (27.7 MPa). The porosity of the KOH-based AAM was lowest when an alternative BG-based activator was used (24.1%), when it was similar to that of the AAM prepared with a K-silicate. The BG-based activator had the highest silicon content (33.1 g/L), and NMR revealed that Si was present in the form of Q0, Q1 and Q2. The concentrations of toxic trace elements in the AAAs used for alkali activation of the slag were also determined, and leaching experiments were performed on the AAMs to evaluate the immobilisation potential of alkali-activated slag. In the SW AAAs the results show acceptable concentrations of trace and minor elements with respect to the regulations on waste disposal sites, while in the activators prepared from BG, CRTG and GW some elements exceeded the allowable limits (Pb, Ba, Sb, and As).

An Assessment of the Phytoremediation Potential of Planted and Spontaneously Colonized Woody Plant Species on Chronosequence Fly Ash Disposal Sites in Serbia-Case Study.

In this study, the potential of planted (Tamarix tetrandra Pall. ex M.Bieb. and Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and spontaneously colonized (Amorpha fruticosa L. and Populus alba L.) woody species for the phytoremediation of potentially toxic trace elements (TEs) such as As, B, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn, from the chronosequence fly ash (FA) deposit lagoons (L1 and L2) at the ‘Nikola Tesla A’ Thermal Power Plant (TENT-A) in Serbia were analyzed. The differences in the pseodototal and bioavailable (DTPA-extractable) concentrations and mobility (AR index) of TEs in FA at the examined lagoons are a result of the time-conditioned influence of weathering (3 and 11 years respectively) and vegetation development on changing the basic physical and chemical properties of FA (texture, pH, EC, CEC, C, N, and bioavailable P and K) and its toxicity. This resulted in differences in the concentration of TEs in the roots and leaves of the examined plants at L1 and L2. All examined species accumulated Cr the most in the root (BAF > 1 and TF < 1), which suggests that they are good stabilizers of this element. Biological indices for As (BAF > 1 and TF < 1) identified T. tetrandra and A. fruticose as good stabilizers of As. P. alba stood out as accumulating the highest levels of B, Ni, and Zn, T. tetrandra the highest levels of Cu, Mn, and Se, and R. pseudoacacia the highest levels of As and B in leaves (BAF > 1; TF > 1), which makes them good extractors of these elements from the FA at TENT-A. However, due to toxic concentrations of As, B, Se, and Zn in their leaves, they are not recommended for the phytoremediation of the investigated lagoons through the process of phytostabilization. Under conditions of elevated total Cu and Ni concentration in FA, the content of these elements in the leaves of A. fruticosa at both lagoons were within the normal range. This, in addition to a good supply of essential Zn, the stabilization of As and Cr in the roots, an increase in BAF, and a decrease in TF for B with a decrease in its mobility in ash over time, singles this invasive species out as the best candidate for the phytostabilization of TEs in FA at the TENT-A ash deposit site.

The Impact of Lake Ecosystems on Mineral Concentrations in Tissues of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.).

Simple SummaryFish are a source of minerals that is highly favored by consumers in most parts of the world. However, these minerals become toxic upon high-level intake and can accumulate toxic trace elements in different tissues. Nevertheless, mineral distribution in fish tissues is poorly evaluated. Analyzing tissue mineral distribution would help us to understand the physiological role of each tissue and the impact of the ecosystem on mineral and toxic trace element accumulation in the tissues. We evaluated the differences in mineral and toxic trace element concentrations of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) tissues from three aquatic ecosystems. Distinct differences were observed between tissues in Nile tilapia; in addition, these concentrations were substantially affected by the lake the fish were caught from. The accumulation of elements toxic to humans, such as aluminum, should be monitored and, in particular, controlled when rearing these fish in aquaculture. Further investigation is warranted to identify the origin of the very high intestinal Fe concentration in all fish samples, which coincided with high concentrations of Al.This study evaluates the differences in mineral and toxic trace element concentrations of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) tissues from three aquatic ecosystems in Ethiopia—Lake Ziway, Lake Langano, and Gilgel Gibe reservoir—with a focus on edible (fillet) and discarded (digestive tract, gills, skin, and liver) parts. A total of sixty (n = 60) Nile tilapia samples were collected, comprising twenty (n = 20) fish from each lake, and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All elements varied markedly among tissues and between the lakes. Some differences in element concentrations were attributed to differences in nutrient load in the ecosystems and the function of the tissues. For instance, the calcium concentrations in skin and gill were distinctly higher in fish from calcium-rich Lake Langano. The d iscarded parts were richer in essential trace elements, showing an opportunity to promote their use in human nutrition to increase the intake of important minerals. However, the accumulation of elements toxic to humans, such as aluminum, should be monitored and, in particular, controlled when rearing these fish in aquaculture.

Decontamination potential of five native plants in Maharlu Wetland, Iran

This study investigates the level of toxic trace elements (TTE) in the rhizosphere soil and tissues of five native plants and their phytoextraction/phytostabilization potential growing in Maharlu Lake wetland, in Southern Iran. The study anticipated by determination of 11 potentially TTE concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the soil, soil extract, and the plants’ dry matter (root and shoot). Pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), bioconcentration factor (BCF), bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC), and translocation factor (TF) were applied in the study. Two main results were pointed out in this study. Firstly, the result of pollution indexing and total and phyto-availability concentrations of TTE showed that some of them in the rhizosphere soil are problematic in the Maharlu wetland, in particular for Mo, Pb, Zn, and As. Secondly, the result of the correlation coefficients and phytoremediation indexing revealed that TTE accumulation in the plant tissues, not only depends on the concentration in the soil extract but is also plant-specific. Moreover, the results suggested that Halopeplis sp. has the potential for phytoextraction of Cd and Mo in the contaminated wetlands. Novelty statement: This manuscript addresses the toxic trace elements concentration in rhizosphere soil and tissues of five native plants and their phytoextraction/phytostabilization potential: Maharlu wetland in southern Iran.

Ovarian follicular fluid: an innovative approach to assess internal dose for reproductive epidemiology

Ovarian follicular fluid serves as a biological window revealing metabolic processes in the microenvironment of a maturing oocyte, and so may offer a more accurate biomarker of biologically effective dose than more traditional compartments, such as blood and urine. Investigators have measured myriad environmental pollutants in ovarian follicular fluid (FF), including toxic trace elements. As a plasma ultrafiltrate, FF content reflects both blood concentrations and in situ physiology. Evidence suggests substantial follicle-to-follicle variability in the concentrations of some analytes, necessitating a “one follicle-one oocyte” approach for investigating associations between exposure and reproductive endpoints. We collected individual FF specimens from up to four follicles, two from each ovary, among 56 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with fresh embryo transfer. We determined toxic trace element concentrations using inductively coupled plasma with tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) and linked individual oocytes and embryos to the corresponding FF specimen. We used linear mixed regression models to evaluate associations between natural log transformed FF As, Cd, Pb, and Hg as predictors of IVF outcomes, adjusted for other toxic trace elements, age, race, smoking, and seafood consumption. Median FF As (0.34 μg/L), Cd (27.3 ng/L), Pb (0.06 μg/L), and Hg (0.34 μg/L) concentrations were similar to or lower than those reported previously. Greater FF Cd was associated with a lower probability for a symmetric embryo per 1 ng/L (RR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.17-0.76). Greater FF Pb (1 μg/L) was associated with lower probabilities for a fertilized oocyte per 1 μg/L (RR=0.56, 95%CI=0.25-1.24), although the association was non-linear, and with live birth per 1 μg/L (RR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.53-0.99). Greater Hg was associated with a lower probability of implantation per 1 μg/L (RR=0.31, 95%CI: 0.09-1.06), although the association was non-linear. Our results suggest that FF toxic trace elements may affect IVF outcomes, including live birth, even at comparatively low doses.

Effect of composted organic amendments and zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth and cadmium accumulation by wheat; a life cycle study.

Cadmium (Cd) availability in arable soils is a serious issue while little is known about the role of co-composted organic amendments and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) foliar spray on biomass and Cd accumulation in wheat grains. The current study investigated the soil application of organic amendment (composted biochar and farmyard manure) at a level of 0, 1, and 2% w/w and foliar spray of ZnO-NPs (0, 100, and 200mg/L) on biomass, yield, and Cd in wheat grains cultivated in an aged Cd-contaminated agricultural soil. The results indicated that organic amendment increased the biomass, chlorophyll concentrations, yield, and activities of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase of wheat while decreased the electrolyte leakage and Cd concentrations in different parts of wheat such as shoots, roots, husks, and grains. This effect of organic amendment was further enhanced by the foliar spray of ZnO-NPs in a dose-additive manner. Cadmium concentration in grains was below threshold level (0.2mg/kg DW) for cereals in combined application of 200mg/L ZnO-NPs and 1% organic amendment as well as in higher treatment (2%) of organic amendment and NPs. Thus, combined use of organic materials and NPs might be a suitable way of reducing Cd and probably other toxic trace element concentrations in wheat and other cereals.

Contributions of artifactual materials to the toxicity of anthropogenic soils and street dusts in a highly urbanized terrain

A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the presence of fly ash and other artifactual materials (AMs) significantly increases the toxicity of urban soil and street dust. AMs were distinguished as artifacts (artificial particles > 2 mm in size), and particulate artifacts (≤2 mm in size); street dust was the <63 μm fraction of street sediments. Reference artifacts, street dusts, and topsoils representing different land use types in Detroit, Michigan were analyzed for miscellaneous radionuclides, trace elements, magnetic susceptibility (MS), and acetic acid-extractable (leachable) Pb. Background levels were established using native glacial sediments. Street sediments were found to have a roadside provenance, hence street dusts inherited their contamination primarily from local soils. All soils and dusts had radionuclide concentrations similar to background levels, and radiological hazard indices within the safe range. Artifacts, fly ash-impacted soils and street dusts contained elevated concentrations of toxic trace elements, which varied with land use type, but none produced a significant amount of leachable Pb. It is inferred that toxic elements in AMs are not bioavailable because they are occluded within highly insoluble materials. Hence, these results do not support our hypothesis. Rather, AMs contribute to artificially-elevated total concentrations leading to an overestimation of toxicity. MS increased with increasing total concentration, hence proximal sensing can be used to map contamination level, but the weak correlation between total and leachable Pb suggests that such maps do not necessarily indicate the associated biohazard. Home site soils with total Pb concentrations >500 mg kg−1 were sporadically toxic. Thus, these results argue against street dust as the local cause of seasonally elevated blood-Pb levels in children. Lead-bearing home site soil tracked directly indoors to form house dust is an alternative exposure pathway.

Influence of an exercise until exhaustion in serum and urinary concentrations of toxic minerals among professional athletes, a preliminary approach

The aim of the present survey was to determine differences in the serum and urinary concentrations of several toxic trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cs and Pb) between long distance runners and non-sportsmen living in the same area of Extremadura (Spain) in basal conditions as well as after the performance of a maximal effort test until exhaustion.21 Spanish national long-distance runners were recruited before the start of their training season and 26 untrained students. All of them had similar ages. The effort test consisted in running on a treadmill incrementally in stages, until exhaustion. Serum and urine analysis of trace metals was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).In the statistics the urine and blood basal concentrations was analyzed first using Student t test. Then the differences between the pre and post-test values were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. The serum concentrations of Be (p < 0.001), Cd (p < 0.01), Cs (p < 0.001) and Pb (p < 0.001) were higher in the athletes than the control groups in basal conditions. In relation to the exercise, the results showed that there were lower serum concentrations of Be, Cd and Pb after the test, but without statistically significance, in both groups. Cs (p < 0.001) concentrations were statistically lower after the exercise tests in both groups, but if the parameters were corrected in relation to hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations the differences were significant only among the athletes.In urine, the concentrations of Be (p < 0.001) and Cd (p < 0.01) were higher among athletes than among controls, being the opposite case for urinary Pb values. In relation to the exercise-induced effect of the test, the results showed that among controls only Cd values were modified, but if creatinine corrections are applied this difference does not reach statistical significance. However, sportsmen suffered a diminution in Be values, that can be observed only if urine values are corrected. Also, an increase in Cd, both in corrected and normal values, was observed, fact that occurred also in the case of Cs, but only if urinary values are corrected.It can be concluded that an incremental exercise to exhaustion among elite athletes of long distance modalities can produce changes in serum and urinary concentrations of toxic trace elements which may reflect an adaptive mechanism to prevent toxicity, and which could be an interesting outcome for physicians in the treatment and prevention of toxic situations.

Leaching characteristic of toxic trace elements in soils amended by sewage sludge compost: A comparison of field and laboratory investigations

A 3-years field test and laboratory leaching test have been conducted to assess the environmental impact of land application of sewage sludge compost in conjunction with wheat and rice crops. Considering the complexity and variability of field conditions, we compared the result of laboratory test with the field test to understand the accuracy and uncertainty associated with using the laboratory test to evaluate the field scenario. The laboratory test with cycling of compost additions and water percolation was a high time-efficient and feasible method to simulate the annually repeated additions of compost in the field application scenario. The results of laboratory test were congruent to the 3-years field test regarding the leaching characteristics and geochemical speciation of toxic trace elements. Both the laboratory and the field test showed that repeated additions of compost to soils can increase leaching concentrations of toxic trace elements at neutral to alkaline pH. Increased toxic trace elements leaching was caused by the increase of organic matter from compost application and organic matter dissolution at alkaline pH. Uncertainties of the laboratory test mainly included the negligibility of crop growth and the strongly reducing condition formed with continuous percolation procedure.

Essential micronutrient and toxic trace element concentrations in gluten containing and gluten-free foods

For individuals following a gluten-free (GF) diet, rice is commonly the major grain. People following a GF diet have a higher arsenic burden than the general population. We conducted a multielemental market basket study of GF and gluten containing ingredients and prepared foods (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Se, Cd, Sb, Pb, total As, As species, total Hg and methylmercury). Foods containing rice were significantly higher in As, Hg and Pb and lower in Se, Fe, Cu and Zn. Wheat-based foods were higher in Cd. Mercury concentrations were low (<3.5 ng/g); speciation was predominantly methylmercury. Arsenic and mercury in rice were correlated. GF foods contained significantly more As and Hg. Eating a wide variety of GF grains may reduce contaminant exposure and increase micronutrient status compared to a rice-based GF diet.

Effect of long-term aerobic, anaerobic and aerobic-anaerobic physical training in seric toxic minerals concentrations

BackgroundMany substances poured out from industries can be toxic to humans and can impair physical performance. Besides, physical training may modify the body concentrations of these substances as a result of physiological adaptations. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine if different modalities of exercise might affect serum concentrations of toxic trace elements in sportsmen. Methods80 Spanish national sportsmen were recruited before the start of their training period. All the athletes had been training regularly for the previous two years with a rigorous training target at high-level competition. 31 sedentary participants from the same geographic area formed the control group. Serum arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, cesium and lead samples were analyzed with an ICP-MS. ResultsSerum concentrations were higher among the sportsmen group than among the control group, being highly significant in cases of Be from 0.043±0.019 to 0.074±0.029μg/L, Cs from 0.693±0.305 to 1.358±0.569μg/L and Pb from 0.162±0.171 to 2.375±1.699μg/L; and significant in the case of Cd from 0.046±0.027 to 0.067±0.059μg/L. However, if they were separated according to different sport modalities, it was found that, although they had higher concentrations than controls, there were elements that changed their concentrations in relation to the metabolic type of activity performed. ConclusionsIn some cases physical exercise induces favorable adaptations to avoid environmental pollution damage. Endurance training (65–75% VO2max) can be considered the most effective exercise to prevent toxicity effects. However, integral-matrixes analysis are required in further research to overcome some controversial behaviors of some elements.

Relationship between trace elements and depositional environments in shallow sediments: a case study from Southern Kanto Plain, Central Japan

Underground developments such as subways and shopping facilities have been increasing in number and magnitude in the relatively shallow subsurface of many urban areas where the earth materials commonly are composed of marine sediments. Marine sediments can contain significant amounts of toxic trace elements such as arsenic, boron, and lead. Changes in the subsurface environment caused by excavation and construction in underground developments could potentially cause these toxic elements to be dissolved into pore water of the sediments, which might lead to groundwater pollution. The purpose of this study is to investigate correlations among chemical properties of marine sediments, such as pH and electrical conductivity (EC), concentrations of toxic trace elements, and stratigraphic characteristics of the sediments. We selected three sites with different stratigraphic settings in the southern Kanto Plain around the Tokyo Metropolis. We collected core samples from shallow strata at a site in the Arakawa Lowland, southern Saitama, and at two sites in the Musashino Upland, Middle Tokyo. All sites have both marine and non-marine sediments up to 50–60 m in thickness. We determined trace element concentrations in the pore water, pH, EC, and loss on ignition. The results show that (1) the marine sediments tend to have low pH, high EC, and high sulfur concentration compared to the non-marine sediments (2) the concentration of most of the soluble heavy metals vary depending on the concentration of sulfate, the pH, and the formation processes of the strata, (3) the arsenic concentration is not related to sulfur concentration but apparently to Fe and Al concentrations, (4) the boron concentration is not related to any other properties implying that the boron level is independent of and cannot be predicted by common chemical properties, and (5) for all three sites, concentrations of most of the trace elements, EC, pH, and sulfate concentration were correlated with each other. This study shows that the concentration and potential mobilization of many toxic trace elements in marine sediments could be predicted by easily measurable pore water chemical properties such as pH and EC. This could be useful for predicting and avoiding the risk of groundwater pollution during underground development projects.

Assessment of radioactivity and trace elements of cement produced in Saudi Arabia

Cement is a building material that is commonly used in construction worldwide and is known to contain varying levels of radionuclides and trace metals. It is obvious that radioactivity in cement poses an immediate source of radiation exposure to workers in the cement industry and general public once cement becomes an integral part of the building’s structure. Trace elements present in cement pose an additional health risk not only to workers but also to the surrounding atmosphere. In the present work, radioactivity concentrations and elemental analysis of cement from 9 production sites in Saudi Arabia were performed using gamma-ray spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The average concentrations of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be (±SD) 18.93 ± 7.81, 15.76 ± 8.61, and 114.80 ± 55.51 Bq/kg, respectively. Radium equivalent activities, external hazard indices, and absorbed dose rates were calculated and found to be lower than the recommended limits for safe use of cement as a construction material. The concentrations of twenty major, minor, and trace elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, As, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Pb, U) in cement samples were analyzed. With the exception of chromium (Cr), the concentrations of the toxic trace elements in the cement samples were found to be comparable to those reported in the literature. Although the concentrations of toxic trace elements are low, the prolonged exposure of the workers to cement may increase their health risk.

Essential and toxic trace element concentrations in different commercial veal cuts in Spain

The aim of this study was to evaluate essential and toxic element concentration of ten commercially available veal cuts, together with diaphragm, cardiac muscle and liver tissue from 10 animals of “Galician Supreme Veal”. Essential trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se and Zn) and toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) were determined by ICP-MS. Essential trace element concentrations ranged from 0.002–55.64mg/kg between muscles. Toxic element concentrations were very low, and high numbers of samples showed unquantifiable residues of Cd and Pb. Veal cuts including muscles with a high proportion of oxidative slow-twitch fibers (diaphragm and cardiac muscle) showed significantly higher essential trace element concentrations, the lower concentrations being found in veal cuts including glycolytic fast-twitch fibers (eye round). Our results suggest that essential and toxic trace element concentration could be used as a new meat quality parameter, or to add further value to certain products (i.e. livestock reared on extensive systems with high physical activity).