Differences In Cadmium Concentrations Research Articles

Interest and limitations of a lead, cadmium, and arsenic leachability study to estimate the toxicity of ancient ceramics (Ecuador & Ghana)

From 34 ceramic sherds excavated from 6 archaeological sites in Ecuador and Ghana, we tried to determine whether these ceramics previously intended to be in contact with food were safe regarding lead, cadmium and arsenic migration. We anticipated ceramics leachability results may be noticeably different with respect to country of origin and presence/absence of slip. Eighteen Equatorian and 16 Ghanaian pieces were immersed into 4% acetic acid. Leached Pb, Cd and As were measured using Inductively-Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) on a NexION® 5000 triple-quadrupole ICP. No sample exceeded the concentration limits for lead and cadmium. 2 samples exceeded the arsenic limit. Statistically significant differences for distributions of lead and cadmium concentrations, and for lead leachability were highlighted between Ecuadorian and Ghanaian samples. Differences in cadmium concentrations and lead leachability were found between slipped and bare samples. Though, our study proved to be limited as regards long-term passage through the ground, cracks, experimental vs. real life conditions of use and validity of regulatory limitations. With the exception of two sherds exceeding the arsenic toxicity limit, our study enabled us to conclude that the tested ceramics did not present worrying levels of toxicity, within the limits of a retrospective analysis.

Drastic difference in cadmium concentration in mussels (Mytilus chilensis) observed between seasons in natural bed and aquaculture systems in Chile.

Globally, Chile is the second largest producer of mussels, with 99% of production concentrated in the inland sea of the Los Lagos Region, Southern Chile. This study reveals that seasons produce a drastic difference in the cadmium concentration (Cd) in marine mussels in bay, channel, and fjord ecosystems in this area. As the global mussel industry continues its rapid expansion, a complete understanding of cadmium pathways is critical in order to minimize the cadmium content in harvests. In this study, biweekly sampling was conducted in Chiloé (Southern Chile), during five consecutive seasons from June 2014 to November 2015. Cadmium in the soft tissues (ST) and in the content of the digestive gland (CDG) of Mytilus chilensis were investigated, in addition to resuspensions and seston to determine the effect of the seasons on metal bioassimilation capacity. In spring, the (Cd) between CDG and ST varied by approximately 2mg Cd kg-1 dry mass (DM). In summer and autumn, the (Cd) in CDG increased from 3 to 6mg Cd kg-1 while the (Cd) in ST decreased from 2.5 to 1.5mg Cd kg-1 DM. The three ecosystems showed the same cadmium bioconcentration trends in all seasons, revealing coherent global trends. These findings should caution the industry and coastal populations about the seasonal variability and intensity of cadmium metal transfer to biofilters, especially because of the adverse effects of cadmium consumption on human health. Additionally, this study found that mussels in natural beds concentrate more Cd (> 1mg Cd kg-1 DM) than in industrial facilities. Multiregression analysis showed and explained the cadmium in CDG for three ecosystems: channel (R2 0.9537), bay (R2 0.5962), and fjord (R2 0.4009). The independent variable nocturnal seston was able to explain the increase in cadmium.

Beach-cast as biofertiliser in the Baltic Sea region-potential limitations due to cadmium-content

Macroalgal mass blooms and accumulating beach-cast are increasing problems in many coastal areas. However, beach-cast is also a potentially valuable marine bioresource, e.g. as a biofertiliser in coastal agriculture. One limiting factor in use of beach-cast as a fertiliser is uncertainty regarding the cadmium (Cd) concentration depending on beach-cast composition and location. In this study, chemical analyses were performed on beach-cast from Burgsviken Bay off Gotland, in the Baltic Sea. The results revealed large variations in cadmium concentration depending on sampling location and beach-cast composition, with levels ranging between 0.13 and 2.2 mg Cd/kg dry matter (DM). Of 15 beach-cast samples analysed, one had a cadmium content above the Swedish statutory limit for sewage sludge biofertiliser (2 mg Cd/kg DM) and four had values above the limit suggested by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency for 2030 (0.8 mg/kg DM). Species-specific analysis revealed that eelgrass (Zostera marina) contained significantly higher cadmium concentrations than filamentous red algae species (Ceramium and Polysiphonia spp.). Avoiding eelgrass-rich beach-cast by seasonal timing of harvesting and monitoring differences in cadmium concentrations between harvesting sites could thus facilitate use of beach-cast as biofertiliser.

Cadmium in the shore crab Carcinus maenas along the Norwegian coast: geographical and seasonal variation and correlation to physiological parameters

Previously, high concentrations of cadmium have been found in the hepatopancreas of the edible or brown crab (Cancer pagurus) sampled from positions north of about 67° N, compared to regions further south along the Norwegian coast, with no clear understanding why. In order to study a similar organism in the same ecosystem, the present study analyzed 210 shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) from four different locations along the Norwegian coast, two in the North and two in the South. The physiological variables size, sex, molting stage, hepatosomatic index, carapace color, and gonad maturation were registered, in attempt to explain the high inter-individual variation in cadmium levels in hepatopancreas. In contrast to the brown crabs, the shore crabs showed no clear geographical differences in cadmium concentrations. This indicates physiological differences between the two crab species. No clear and consistent correlations were found between cadmium levels and physiological parameters, except for sex, where cadmium concentration in hepatopancreas was twice as high in males compared to females. The cadmium levels also varied with season, with approximately 40 and 60% lower cadmium concentration in April than August for male and female shore crabs, respectively. None of the analyzed cadmium concentrations in muscle meat from claws exceeded EUs food safety limit, and low cadmium levels in soup prepared from shore crabs clearly indicated that this dish is not problematic regarding food safety.

Global assessment of cadmium concentrations in the skin of free-ranging sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)

Cadmium is a non-essential, toxic metal found accumulated in the organs of stranded cetaceans. Currently, there is no baseline cadmium concentration reported in a free-ranging, pelagic cetacean. The aim was to determine cadmium concentrations in the skin of free-ranging sperm whales (n=340) collected from 16 regions around the world during the voyage of the Odyssey (2000–2005) considering region, gender, and age in males. Cadmium was detected in 81% of skin biopsies with a mean of 0.3±0.04μg/g ww (0.02 to 12.4μg/g ww). These concentrations were higher than reported in literature in toothed whale skin (0.002–0.1μg/g ww). Concentrations by region were significantly different (p<0.0001) with the highest mean in Maldives and the Sea of Cortez (0.8 and 0.6μg/g ww, respectively). There was no significant difference in cadmium concentration by gender (p=0.42). Cadmium is known to have a long biological half-life, and cadmium concentrations in males were significantly higher in adults with a mean of 0.3μg/g ww compared to subadults with 0.2μg/g ww (p=0.03). Selenium, an element that binds to cadmium inhibiting its toxicity, had a moderately positive correlation with cadmium (r=0.41). Mercury, a toxic metal that positively correlates with cadmium in cetacean tissue, had a weakly positive relationship (r=0.20). The regional baselines reported in this study may be used to develop residue criteria for prediction of toxicological risk in sperm whale skin. Additionally, this study shows the extent of cadmium exposure in a pelagic cetacean that has global distribution.

Hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera against cadmium toxicity in rats.

Aim:The present investigation has been conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera against cadmium-induced toxicity in rats.Materials and Methods:For this study, 18 Wistar albino rats were taken. Control group, Group I rats were given cadmium chloride @ 200 ppm per kg and Group II rats were treated with M. oleifera extract @ 500 mg/kg along with cadmium chloride @ 200 ppm per kg (daily oral for 28 days). On 29th day, animals were slaughtered and various parameters were determined. Serum biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters, histomorphological examination were carried out with estimation of cadmium concentration in liver tissues.Results:Oral administration of cadmium chloride @ 200 ppm/kg for 28 days resulted in a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), significant (p≤0.01) increase of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increase in cadmium accumulation in liver. Treatment with M. oleifera @ 500 mg/kg significantly (p<0.01) decreased the elevated ALP, AST, ALT, LPO levels and increase in SOD levels, and as compared to cadmium chloride treated group. However, there was no significant difference in cadmium concentration in liver when compared with cadmium chloride treated group.Conclusion:The study conclude that supplementation of M. oleifera (500 mg/kg), daily oral for 28 days has shown protection against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity.

Possible chemical forms of cadmium and varietal differences in cadmium concentrations in the phloem sap of rice plants (Oryza sativa L.)

In rice (Oryza sativa L.), cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal, is found in phloem sap and eventually accumulates in the grains. To further characterize phloem-transported Cd, the chemical forms of Cd and other metals and varietal differences in phloem sap Cd concentrations were investigated in young rice plants. The size-exclusion chromatography elution times for Cd-bound compounds indicated that phloem Cd in cv. Nipponbare exists mainly as an approximately 13 kDa complex. Protease digestion of rice phloem sap reduced the bound Cd content from 92 to 19%. The remaining Cd may bind to low-molecule SH compounds. An experiment examining in vitro addition of Cd2+ to phloem sap from non-Cd-treated plants revealed that rice phloem sap constitutively contains Cd chelators. The major Cd peak is distinguishable from those of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni and Co, which probably bind to nicotianamine, 2′-deoxymugineic acid, citrate and histidine. The Cd concentrations of the phloem saps in three varieties (Milyang 23, LAC 23 and Koshihikari) grown under the same soil conditions were correlated with their grain Cd concentrations, which had been reported previously, whereas the concentrations of the xylem saps were not. In conclusion, rice phloem sap Cd differs from other metals as it may bind to a novel approximately 13 kDa protein and SH compounds, and the concentration of Cd in rice phloem sap may be a key determinant of its grain content.

Cadmium concentration in muscle, liver and kidney of sheep slaughtered in Falavarjan abattoir, Iran

The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of cadmium in sheep's muscle, liver and kidney from Isfahan and also to compare them with the levels reported in several other countries and with the maximum tolerance levels for the human consumption. The samples of muscle, liver and kidney of 60 animals around 1 to 6 years old were collected from the carcasses slaughtered in Flavarjan abattoir, Isfahan. Samples (acid digested and cadmium concentrations) were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). The mean fresh weight concentrations in muscle, liver and kidney were about 0.0017 mg/kg, 0.0743 mg/kg and 0.02290 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentration of cadmium in tissue samples was generally lower than the maximum acceptable concentration in European Commission (EC). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in cadmium concentration of liver and kidney between various age groups (p < 0.05).

Association between cadmium and breast cancer

Cadmium is a known human lung carcinogen, although some studies indicate a link between cadmium exposure and human breast cancer. The objective of this study was to assess cadmium concentration in breast tissue samples of patients with breast cancer and benign breast tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The concentration of cadmium was determined in breast tissue samples of 21 breast cancer and 19 benign tumor patients. Two samples of breast tissue from each patient, i.e. tumor and normal tissue close to tumor, were taken for the analysis. Cadmium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (Perkin-Elmer, Zeeman 3030). RESULTS. In patients with breast cancer, the mean cadmium concentration was 33.1 ng/g (95% CI, 21.9-44.4) in malignant breast tissue and 10.4 ng/g (95% CI, 5.6-15.2) in normal breast tissue (P=0.002). In patients with benign tumor, the corresponding values were 17.5 ng/g (95% CI, 8.4-26.5) and 11.8 ng/g (95% CI, 5.1-18.5) (P=0.3144). There was a statistically significant difference in cadmium concentration between malignant and benign breast tissues (P=0.009). CONCLUSION. The data obtained show that cadmium concentration is significantly higher in malignant breast tissue as compared with normal breast tissue of the same women or benign breast tissue. Further studies are necessary to determine the association between cadmium concentration in malignant breast tissue and estrogen receptor level, and smoking.

Cadmium and Zinc Accumulation in Aquatic Bryophytes Immersed in the Arkansas River, Colorado: Comparison of Fall versus Spring

ABSTRACT A bryophyte, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, was used as an indicator of heavy metals in the upper Arkansas River below the historical mining district at Leadville, Colorado. Plants were immersed in the river at nine sites near Leadville for 10 days during fall 2000 and spring 2001. Cadmium and zinc tissue-metals in plants were higher in the fall than in spring. The plants showed site-to-site differences in concentrations of cadmium and zinc in the Arkansas River, and metals were markedly higher in California Gulch, a contaminated tributary draining the mining district of Leadville, Colorado. There were strong correlations between total cadmium in Arkansas River water and cadmium in bryophyte tissues and between dissolved and total zinc in the Arkansas River water and zinc in the bryophytes. Our study suggests that bryophytes could potentially be valuable monitoring organisms for assessing site and seasonal bioavailability of metals.

Genotypic Differences in Cadmium Concentration and Distribution of Soybean and Rice

In order to investigate the genotypic differences in seed cadmium (Cd) concentration in soybean and rice, 17 soybean and 49 rice varieties were cultivated in Cd-polluted soils or water culture containing Cd. Significant differences in seed Cd concentration were found among soybean and rice varieties. A high level of inheritance of the seed Cd concentration was revealed for soybean. The physiological mechanism underlying the Cd translocation to shoots and seeds in soybean was involved in Cd retention in the roots. The commercial rice varieties (e.g., Koshihikari) were categorized into the low grain Cd group. On the other hand, several indica or indica-japonica rice varieties accumulated considerably high Cd concentrations in grains as well as straws, when they were cultivated under upland conditions, suggesting that these varieties would be most responsive to phytoremediation of Cd-polluted paddy fields. There was no correlation of the Cd concentration between younger shoots and mature seeds in the rice cultivars, so it may be impossible to use rice for evaluating the genotypic variation in seed Cd concentration using relatively younger shoots. On the other hand, a positive correlation between them was found in the soybean cultivars, so it may be possible to evaluate the genotypic variation in soybean seed Cd concentration using relatively younger soybean shoots. Interactions between Cd and other metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in terms of their uptake and translocation to shoots were found among the rice and soybean cultivars.

Transfer of cadmium and zinc from sewage sludge amended soil through a plant–aphid system to newly emerged adult ladybirds ( Coccinella septempunctata)

An agricultural soil was amended with sewage sludge at rates equivalent to 0, 10 and 30 t (dry solids) ha −1 and the subsequent transfer of zinc and cadmium through a soil–plant–arthropod system was investigated. Zinc concentration in soil, wheat and aphids increased significantly with sludge amendment rate. Zinc was biomagnified during transfer along the pathway, resulting in concentrations in the aphids four times greater than in the soil. Cadmium concentration in the soil was also significantly elevated by the addition of sludge, but there was no significant difference in cadmium concentration in the shoots of wheat plants. Cadmium concentration in aphids followed the pattern found in plants, but again, differences between treatments were not significant. Aphids collected from the plants were subsequently fed to fourth instar Coccinella septempunctata. Consumption of these aphids did not result in significant differences between treatments in the body burden of newly emerged adult C. septempunctata for either metal. Sequestration of cadmium in the pupal exuviae had a greater effect on the body burden of newly emerged adult ladybirds than for zinc. Results are discussed in relation to possible risks posed by the transfer of trace metals via the soil–plant–arthropod system to predatory arthropods.

Genotypic differences in cadmium uptake and distribution in soybeans

In order to investigate the genetic differences in uptake and distribution of cadmium in soybeans, 17 varieties of soybean were grown first in soil and then four or five varieties of soybean were grown in nutrient solution with different levels of cadmium.Significant genotypic differences in seed cadmium levels were found. The seed cadmium concentration was lowest for the En-b0-1-2 soybean variety, and highest for Harosoy, in both field and pot experiments. The seed cadmium levels of Tohoku 128, a cross between Enrei and Suzuyutaka, were intermediate between those of the parents. For four soil types, containing from 0.2 to 6.5 mg kg−1 extractable cadmium, the ranking of soybean genotypes based on seed cadmium level was similar, indicating that there is a genetic factor involved in the varietal differences in cadmium concentration. Among the four soybean varieties tested in one experiment in the present study, the cadmium concentrations in leaves, stems and pods as well as the total cadmium uptake were lowest for En-b0-1-2. These results suggest that cadmium uptake and/or translocation from root to shoot are low in En-b0-1-2. In solution culture containing 100 μg L−1 cadmium, the cadmium concentrations in seeds, stems and pods at the seed maturation stage were also the lowest for En-b0-1-2. In a second experiment, the cadmium concentrations in the leaves, stem and petiole were lower at both 7 and 15 days after the addition of cadmium to the nutrient solution for En-b0-1-2 and Enrei than for Tohoku 128, Suzuyutaka and Harosoy; however, the cadmium concentrations of roots for En-b0-1-2 and Enrei were higher than for the other varieties. We propose that the lower levels of cadmium found in the seeds of certain varieties of soybean result from the combination of lower initial uptake and retention of higher levels of cadmium in the roots, thus limiting its translocation to the shoot.

Cadmium concentration in blood in an elderly urban population.

Concentration of cadmium in blood in an elderly population with a mean age of 87 years was studied in relation to age, blood pressure, BMI, cognitive function, gender and smoking. This population-based study consisted of 804 subjects both men and women. Clinical examination included medical and social history, physical and neurologic examination, and assessment of cognitive functions with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Information on prescription and non-prescription drug use was collected. Anti-hypertensive drugs included all medicines potentially used for treating high blood pressure. Blood pressure was measured. Whole blood from 763 subjects was analysed for cadmium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS) with Zeeman background correction and with a graphite furnace using the L'vov platform technique including quality control. Differences in cadmium concentrations were related to non-smokers (3.9 nmol/l), previous smokers (4.4 nmol/l) and current smokers (7.5 nmol/l). There were no relations between cadmium and age, blood pressure or cognitive functions. In conclusion, increased cadmium levels were found in smokers. A possible contribution from previous occupational exposure needs to be further evaluated.

Cadmium in caribou and muskoxen from the Canadian Yukon and Northwest territories

Cadmium, zinc, copper and metallothionein concentrations were measured in liver and kidney tissue of caribou and muskoxen collected from various sites in the Canadian Yukon and Northwest Territories. Cadmium concentrations in caribou tissues were substantially higher than in muskoxen for all age classes and were comparable to concentrations reported for caribou from northern Quebec and Norway. No geographical site differences in cadmium concentration were observed. Cadmium concentrations were positively correlated with age for both caribou and muskoxen. The highest cadmium concentration observed (166 μg/g dry wt.) was in renal tissue of a 15-year-old caribou. Metal concentrations tended to be higher in spring than in fall for animals of comparable age. Renal cadmium concentrations were highly correlated with metallothionein concentrations, especially for cadmium concentrations exceeding 20 μg/g (dry wt.). It is estimated that the regular weekly consumption of kidney tissue from Arctic caribou of any age, and from muskoxen older than 1 year, will probably cause the WHO provisional weekly tolerable intake of cadmium to be exceeded.

LEVELS OF CADMIUM, LEAD AND ZINC PROTOPORPHYRIN ABSORPTION IN DIFFERENT RISK GROUPS

We studied groups of workers, of pregnant women and of neonates exposed and unexposed to cadmium and lead at their place of work or in the environment. A total of 118 exposed and 28 unexposed workers were studied, together with 90 exposed and 100 unexposed pregnant women and neonates. Concentrations of cadmium and lead in the blood were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. There were significant differences in cadmium concentrations between workers and neonates, and significant differences in lead concentrations between workers and pregnant women. We believe these differences are due mainly to high levels of pollution in the area studied.

Tissue mineral levels in victims of sudden infant death syndrome I. Toxic metals--lead and cadmium.

Lung, liver, kidney, and rib specimens were obtained at autopsy from 66 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) infants and 23 infants who died suddenly from other causes between the ages of 4-26 wk. Tissue levels of lead and cadmium were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy and are expressed as microgram/g dry weight. Because these metals are cumulative with age in storage tissues, the levels were corrected for age (adjusted to age 13 wk). The SIDS liver and rib specimens contained significantly more lead than non-SIDS tissues (liver, 1.095 microgram/g versus 0.761 microgram/g, P less than 0.05; rib, 1.754 microgram/g versus 1.041 microgram/g, P less than 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences in cadmium concentration between the SIDS and non-SIDS tissues. All four tissues showed significant increases with age in both lead and cadmium concentrations in SIDS. The increase in lung lead concentration with age was significantly greater in SIDS than in non-SIDS cases, P less than 0.05. In non-SIDS only kidney cadmium showed an increase with age (P less than 0.0001). These data collectively suggest an increased exposure of the SIDS infant to lead either prenatally and/or postnatally. Any physiologic effects of the increased tissue lead levels are unknown. They may be only a marker of the known epidemiology of SIDS.