Excess Chromium Research Articles

Возрастные и половые особенности содержания химических элементов в волосах жителей г. Уфы

The formation of the elemental status of the human body living in a certain region de-pends on the biogeochemical, ecological and geographical factors of the area, nutrition, and pro-fession. The content of chemical elements in the body and their ratio are an indicator of human health. For residents of the city of Ufa, a large industrial center of the Republic of Bashkortostan, References intervals for the concentration of macro- and microelements in hair have been developed. However, to identify deficiencies, excesses or imbalances of chemical elements in the body, it is necessary to take into account gender and age differences. In this regard, the purpose of this work was to study the age and gender characteristics of the content of macro- and microelements in the hair of residents of a large industrial city. The content of 12 chemical elements in the hair of residents of the city of Ufa of the age groups - 18-29 years, 30-44 years, 45-65 years and over 65 years old was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using devices with flame and electrothermal atomization. In all age groups, a deficiency of zinc and copper was detected in the hair of both men and women against the background of excess chromium, lead and manganese. Median concen-trations of iron, magnesium, cadmium, mercury and arsenic are within the 25-75 centile range. A deficiency of calcium in the hair of men under 65 years of age was revealed; in women it was found in the range of References values. An excess of 4-11% of the upper limit of permissible Ni content in men was esTableished. There is a tendency towards higher accumulation of cadmium, lead and arsenic in the hair of the male population. In women over 65 years of age, the minimum levels of essential elements are determined - calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper, in men of this age - copper, iron and manganese. Toxic elements cadmium, lead and arsenic accumulate to their maximum at 65 years of age and older. The results of the study can be used as an additional method for determining the charac-teristics and time of onset of various diseases, as well as for the medical correction of diselementoses and enriching diets with essential micronutrients. Keywords: macroelements, microelements, hair, age, residents of Ufa.

Ecological and chemical assessment of the state of the Desna river by bottom sediments on the example of the Bryansk region, Non-Chernozem region of the Russian Federation

Studies of the state of bottom soils of the city Desna river (Bryansk) were carried out as part of the recommended studies of state environmental monitoring. The purpose of the work is to identify the current state of the urban watercourse on the basis of ecological and analytical indicators of bottom soils for diagnosing the state of the surface waters of the Desna river. The study of the bottom sediments of the Desna river in the reference areas (cross-sections) showed that the content of heavy metals is within the normal range. The exception is the section of the river in the background region. The excess of concentrations for cobalt and chromium is 8.0 and 1.1 times from the established standards. The highest content of titanium oxide, chromium and cobalt was noted in samples on the right bank of the Desna river in the background area, which indicates that the area is silty. On average, the excess of chromium in spring was 7.5 times, and in summer - 8 times. For cobalt, the excess of the indicator compared to the maximum allowable amounted to 1.1 times throughout the entire spring-summer period. For the first time, the data of three-year studies on the state of bottom sediments are summarized, allowing the development of effective environmental programs and the creation of a constantly updated monitoring base.

Fe-biochar for simultaneous stabilization of chromium and arsenic in soil: Rational design and long-term performance

Excess chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) coexist in soil such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) contaminated sites, leading to high risks of pollution. Fe-biochar with adjustable redox activity offers the possibility of simultaneous stabilization of Cr and As. Here, a series of Fe-biochar with distinct Fe/C structure were rationally produced for the remediation of Cr and As contaminated soil (BCX-Fe, X represented the biomass/Fe ratio). Adsorption tests showed that maximal adsorption of BC5-Fe for Cr(VI) and As(III) reached 73.7 and 81.3 mg/g. A 90-day soil remediation experiment indicated that the introduction of 3% (w/w) Fe-biochar reduced the leaching state of Cr(VI) by 93.8–99.7% and As by 75.2–95.6%. Under simulated groundwater erosion for 10 years and acid rain leaching for 7.5 years, the release levels of Cr(VI) and As in the BC5-Fe remediated soil could meet the groundwater class IV standard in China (Cr(VI)<0.1 mg/L, As<0.05 mg/L). Accelerated aging tests demonstrated that BC5-Fe had long-term Cr and As stabilization ability. The quenching experiment, EPR, and XPS suggested that the corrosion products of Fe dominated the adsorption and redox reactions, while the O groups acted as electron transfer stations and constituted redox microcirculation in the synchronous uptake of Cr/As. Based on these insights, we believe that our study will provide meaningful information about the application potential of Fe-biochar for the heavy metal contaminated soil remediation.

Physiological responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) against chromium toxicity

Plant scientists are most concerned about metal toxicity and detoxification strategies because metals accumulate in plants and enter the food chain. To provide scientific references on metal detoxification strategies, we investigated the defense mechanism of chickpea as it can grow properly in a chromium-contaminated environment. Chickpea plants were grown on the hydroponic solution treated with chromium, and different biochemical analyses were conducted to determine the physiological responses to chromium toxicity. When the roots of chromium-treated seedlings were compared to control plants, they contained a significant amount (six times more) of chromium, but its translocation to shoots was limited, indicating the retention of excess chromium in roots. The reason behind this retention is chromium adsorption on the root surface as an attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) study reveal that roots induce divergent functional groups. Furthermore, the catalase (1.12 ± 6 × 10−2 U/min/mg) and peroxidase (0.97 ± 8 × 10−2 U/min/mg) enzyme activities play a partial role in removing oxidative stress in roots. However, no effective roles of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) and citric acid (CA) were observed in this mechanism. Findings of this study suggest that root-induced functional groups provide negative charges for the binding of chromium cations, resulting in the adsorption of chromium on the root surface. Adsorption of chromium due to surface charges preventing the entrance of chromium into plants may provide an avoidance strategy against chromium toxicity in local chickpea plants.

Groundwater quality assessment in proximity to solid waste dumpsite at Uruli Devachi in Pune, Maharashtra.

Industrialization and population growth lead to changes in the quantity as well as composition of the solid waste produced in a city. This further leads to environmental pollution and deterioration of soil as well as groundwater quality in many cities. Improper management of solid waste results in several challenges for the city inhabitants, predominantly those living around these solid waste dumpsites. If not handled properly, these dumpsites have the potential of polluting various air, water sources, land, and even vegetation. The current study was carried out for Uruli-Devachi dumpsite at Pune, Maharashtra with an objective to evaluate the groundwater quality and to confirm whether it is suitable for drinking. Samples of groundwater were taken from distinct locations including two bore and seven open wells for conditions before and after the monsoon. To ascertain the groundwater suitability for drinking, the physico-chemical characteristics were compared with Indian Standards. The chemical characteristics showed presence of excess chloride, BOD, TSS, zinc, and chromium, which can be attributed to landfill leachate joining the groundwater. The study shows that the borewells around the dumpsite are critically polluted and cause of pollution being leachate coming from the dumpsite. The periodic addition of the solid waste in the dumpsite shall further lead to deterioration of the groundwater quality in the surrounding areas; therefore, suitable steps are necessary to avert further aggravation of the problem.

Prenatal exposure to excess chromium attenuates transcription factors regulating expression of androgen and follicle stimulating hormone receptors in Sertoli cells of prepuberal rats

We have reported that gestational exposure to hexavalent chromium (CrVI) represses androgen receptor (Ar) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (Fshr) in Sertoli cells (SCs) of adult rats, while the mechanism underlying remains obscure. We tested the hypothesis “transient gestational exposure to CrVI during the critical embryonic windows of testicular differentiation and growth may have adverse impact on transcription factors controlling the expression of Ar and Fshr in SCs of the F1 progeny”. CrVI (K2Cr2O7) was given through drinking water (50 ppm, 100 ppm and 200 ppm), to pregnant rats from gestational day 9–14 (testicular differentiation) and 15 to 21 (prenatal differentiation and proliferation of SC); male progenies were sacrificed on postnatal day 30 (Completion of postnatal SC maturation). A significant increase in free radicals and decrease in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were observed in SCs of experimental rats. Real time PCR and western blot data showed decreased expression of Ar, Fshr, Inhibin B, Transferrin, Androgen binding protein, Claudin 11 and Occludin in SCs of experimental rats; concentrations of lactate, pyruvate and retinoic acid also decreased. Serum FSH, luteinizing hormone and estradiol increased, whereas testosterone and prolactin decreased in experimental rats. Western blot detection revealed decreased levels of transcription factors regulating Fshr viz., USF-1, USF-2, SF-1, c-fos, c-jun and GATA 1, and those of Ar viz., Sp-1, ARA54, SRC-1 and CBP in experimental rats, whereas the levels of cyclinD1 and p53, repressors of Ar increased. ChIP assay detected decreased USF-1 and USF-2 binding to Fshr promoter, and binding of Sp-1 to Ar promoter. We conclude that gestational exposure to CrVI affects SC structure and function in F1 progeny by inducing oxidative stress and diminishing the expression of Ar and Fshr through attenuation of their specific transcriptional regulators and their interaction with the respective promoter.

Corrosion state of oil cracking reactors as the main factor of fire and explosion safety during their operation

The corrosion and mechanical properties of the oil catalytic cracking reactor vessel made of stainless steel Y1-T (1X18N9T) after its operation for more than 60 years have been determined. The chemical composition of the reactor metal meets the requirements of GOST and involves the isolation of non-metallic inclusions of manganese sulfide in its structure, which cause the development of pitting, and chromium carbides, which are responsible for the propensity to intergranular corrosion. After long-term operation, the mechanical characteristics of the metal (tensile strength σb, yield strength σt, elongation δ, relative contraction Ψ), determined using cylindrical samples at a temperature of 20 °C (GOST 1497-84) and at an operating temperature of 465 °C (GOST 9651), on the breaking machine TC 110M-50, correspond to the standard values. Metallographic studies carried out using an optical microscope “Axio Observer Z1m « at magnifications of X25, X75, x125, X200, X250, X400, X500, x1000, X2000 showed that long – term operation of the metal at a temperature of 375…425 °C with periodic overheating up to 550…650 °C leads to the release of excess phases, namely, chromium carbides and titanium carbonitrides. The metal grain boundaries are enriched with Cr23C6 carbides, which cause a loss of resistance against intergranular corrosion. Corrosion pitting and weakened metal grain boundaries are promoters of the occurrence of corrosion cracks. The most dangerous areas of large-size equipment are welded joints and zones of thermal influence. A mandatory condition for fire and explosionproof operation of the refinery is periodic diagnostics of the corrosion state of the equipment in order to identify and timely eliminate potentially dangerous areas, the probability of which breaching with subsequent spillage and fire of oil and petroleum products is the highest.

The effectiveness of the preparation “Antistres” for the yield of children for the stiffness of corn hybrids on the soil for excess chromium and nickel

The effectiveness of the preparation “Antistres” for the yield of children for the stiffness of corn hybrids on the soil for excess chromium and nickel

Revealing Molecular Level Indicators of Collagen Stability: Minimizing Chrome Usage in Leather Processing

Chromium(III) sulfate is extensively used in leather processing to stabilize the collagen molecules in hides and skins. Although its excess usage causes severe environmental pollution and health concerns, the role of chromium in stabilizing collagen still remains poorly understood. For the first time, by integrating a number of techniques, including real-time small-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and natural cross-link analysis, we reveal crucial molecular-level indicators of collagen stability. The results indicate that collagen molecules achieve maximum molecular stability at concentrations as low as 1.8 wt % even if excess chromium (>3.7%) is introduced into the collagen matrix. At low concentrations (1.8% to 3.7%), the active amino acid residues are saturated via covalent bonding with chromium. Any excess chromium interacts purely non-covalently with the collagen molecule and, we propose, can be substituted by environment-friendly alternatives. Further, important natural cros...

Comparison of surface structures of corundum Cr2O3(0 0 0 1) and V2O3(0 0 0 1) ultrathin films by x-ray photoelectron diffraction

Thin Cr2O3(0 0 0 1) layers are formed by oxidation of a Cr(1 1 0) single crystal. This surface is further modified by growing an epitaxial ultrathin V2O3(0 0 0 1) film by reactive vapor deposition. Synchrotron based soft-x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron diffraction are used to characterize the surface layers of these two corundum-structured oxides. By comparison of experimental XPD patterns with simulated electron multiple scattering calculations, two distinctively different surface terminations are extracted for the two oxides. While for V2O3 we confirm the previously proposed vanadyl-terminated surface structure, we propose a new surface structure for Cr2O3 that consists of excess chromium atoms occupying interstitial sub-surface sites.

Laser-induced precipitation of (W1- xCrx)2C: Mixed carbide phase for improved wear resistance of thermally sprayed hardmetal coatings

The mixed hemicarbide phase (W1-xCrx)2C is introduced in this work as an appropriate substitute for the pure tungsten carbide WC in thermally sprayed hardmetals acting as wear resistant coatings for various industrial applications. Dedicated laser post-treatments turn out to be most suitable means to precipitate the desired mixed carbide phase from the binder matrix of Cr3C2-37WC-NiCoCrFe coatings, which is left after spraying with considerable degree of supersaturation with excess tungsten, chromium and carbon from spraying-induced carbide dissolution. Major improvements of the coatings resistance against abrasive wear under high-stress conditions at room temperature and at 800°C as well as under low-stress ASTM G65 conditions can be attained by the laser post-treatments, so that the performance of industrial benchmark coatings of WC-10Co4Cr and Cr3C2-25NiCr can be nearly met or surpassed respectively.

Transient gestational exposure to drinking water containing excess hexavalent chromium modifies insulin signaling in liver and skeletal muscle of rat progeny

Chromium (Cr), an essential micronutrient potentiates insulin action, whereas excess hexavalent Cr (CrVI) acts as an endocrine disruptor. Pregnant mothers living in areas abutting industries using the metal and chromite ore dumps are exposed to ground water contaminated with Cr. Nevertheless, the impact of prenatal exposure to excess CrVI on insulin signaling in the progeny remains obscure. We tested the hypothesis “transient gestational exposure to drinking water containing excess CrVI may modify insulin signaling during postnatal life”. Pregnant Wistar rats were given drinking water containing 50, 100 and 200 ppm CrVI (K2Cr2O7) from gestational day 9–14 encompassing the period of organogenesis; the male progenies were tested at postnatal day 60. Neither fasting blood glucose nor oral glucose tolerance was altered in CrVI treated progeny. Nevertheless, western blot detection pointed out attenuated expression level of insulin receptor (IR), its downstream signaling molecules (IRS-1, pIRS-1Tyr632, Akt and pAktSer473) and organ specific glucose transporters (GLUT2 in liver and GLUT4 in gastrocnemius muscle), along with a significant increase in serum insulin level in male progenies exposed to CrVI. While 14C-2-deoxy glucose uptake increased in the liver, the same decreased in the skeletal muscle whereas, 14C-glucose oxidation recorded a consistent decrease in both tissues of CrVI exposed rats. These findings support our hypothesis and suggest that transient gestational exposure to excess CrVI may affect insulin signaling and glucose oxidation in the progeny, predictably rendering them vulnerable to insulin resistance.

Effects of Chromium Ore Tailings on Growth and Physiological Activities of Mesua ferrea L.

ABSTRACTA greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using a native ornamental plant, Mesua ferrea L. as phytostabilizer for chromium ore tailings (COT) and to assess the metal accumulation capacity. Different ratios of soil and COT were taken in pots and sowed with seeds of M. ferrea. Plants were harvested at various intervals and separated into roots and shoots for analysis of metal concentrations and physiological characteristics of the plants. The study revealed that the plant has great tolerance and stronger ability to accumulate Cr. The results suggested an increase in growth, chlorophyll content, antioxidant activities, as well as metal accumulation capacity of M. ferrea with increasing proportion of COT in the soil. This indicates the plant's efficiency to overcome any stress generated due to excess of chromium as well as other heavy metals. The order of accumulation of heavy metals was observed to be Fe>Cr>Ni>Cd>Co. The accumulation of Cr was higher in root compared to that in shoot. M. ferrea has found to be potential as a native species candidate for phytostabilization of chromium mine tailings.

Lateral stress evolution in chromium sulfide cermets with varying excess chromium

The shock response of chromium sulfide-chromium, a cermet of potential interest as a matrix material for ballistic applications, has been investigated at two molar ratios. Using a combustion synthesis technique allowed for control of the molar ratio of the material, which was investigated under near-stoichiometric (cermet) and excess chromium (interpenetrating composite) conditions, representing chromium:sulfur molar ratios of 1.15:1 and 4:1, respectively. The compacts were investigated via the plate-impact technique, which allowed the material to be loaded under a one-dimensional state of strain. Embedded manganin stress gauges were employed to monitor the temporal evolution of longitudinal and lateral components of stress in both materials. Comparison of these two components has allowed assessment of the variation of material shear strength both with impact pressure/strain-rate and time for the two molar ratio conditions. The two materials exhibited identical material strength despite variations in their excess chromium contents.

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Case Series Of Selenium Toxicity From A Nutritional Supplement

Introduction. Selenium is an essential trace element, but can be toxic in excess. In May 2008, US FDA reported 201 individuals with adverse reactions to liquid nutritional supplements containing excess selenium and chromium resulting in the largest epidemic of selenosis in the history of the United States. Objective. To describe the clinical features, biomonitoring data of selenium levels, and the estimated total dose of selenium ingestions of nine patients with selenium toxicity who presented after use of a liquid dietary supplement with a formulation error. Methods. A retrospective observational case series was performed on nine patients presenting to our medical toxicology clinic between March 2008 and May 2008 with symptoms of selenosis after consuming a nutritional supplement. Institutional IRB approval was obtained for this case series. Results. Supplement testing revealed almost 200 times the reported amount of selenium. There were 5 males and 4 females and their ages ranged from 15 to 57 years (median 46 years, mean 44.2 years). The mean estimated cumulative dose of selenium ingested in our patients was 1.3 gram over a mean period of 37.5 days (10–60 days). In each case, the symptoms of selenium toxicity manifested within 1 week from the start of ingestion. Initial symptoms included alopecia, dystrophic fingernail changes, GI symptoms, and memory difficulties. The initial whole blood selenium concentrations ranged from 150 to 732 mcg/L (reference mean range 123–193 mcg/L) at an average of 27 days post cessation of the formula. The urinary selenium concentrations ranged from 41 to 220 mcg/g Creat (reference < 25 mcg/g Creatinine). None of the patients required more than supportive care for symptoms and none required hospitalization. Conclusion. Selenium is an essential element, which can result in significant toxicity if ingested in large amounts.

Competitive binding of Fe3+, Cr3+, and Ni2+ to transferrin

Competitive binding of Fe(3+), Cr(3+), and Ni(2+) to transferrin (Tf) was investigated at various physiological iron to Tf concentration ratios. Loading percentages for these metal ions are based on a two M(n+) to one Tf (i.e., 100% loading) stoichiometry and were determined using a particle beam/hollow cathode-optical emission spectroscopy (PB/HC-OES) method. Serum iron concentrations typically found in normal, iron-deficient, iron-deficient from chronic disease, iron-deficient from inflammation, and iron-overload conditions were used to determine the effects of iron concentration on iron loading into Tf. The PB/HC-OES method allows the monitoring of metal ions in competition with Fe(3+) for Tf binding. Iron-overload concentrations impeded the ability of chromium (15.0 μM) or nickel (10.3 μM) to load completely into Tf. Low Fe(3+) uptake by Tf under iron-deficient or chronic disease iron concentrations limited Ni(2+) loading into Tf. Competitive binding kinetic studies were performed with Fe(3+), Cr(3+), and Ni(2+) to determine percentages of metal ion uptake into Tf as a function of time. The initial rates of Fe(3+) loading increased in the presence of nickel or chromium, with maximal Fe(3+) loading into Tf in all cases reaching approximately 24%. Addition of Cr(3+) to 50% preloaded Fe(3+)-Tf showed that excess chromium (15.0 μM) displaced roughly 13% of Fe(3+) from Tf, resulting in 7.6 ± 1.3% Cr(3+) loading of Tf. The PB/HC-OES method provides the ability to monitor multiple metal ions competing for Tf binding and will help to understand metal competition for Tf binding.

Oxidative damage induced by chromium (VI) in rat erythrocytes: protective effect of selenium

Excess chromium (Cr) exposure is associated with various pathological conditions including hematological dysfunction. The generation of oxidative stress is one of the plausible mechanisms behind Cr-induced cellular deteriorations. The efficacy of selenium (Se) to combat Cr-induced oxidative damage in the erythrocytes of adult rats was investigated in the current study. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as controls which received standard diet, group II received in drinking water K(2)Cr(2)O(7) alone (700ppm), group III received both K(2)Cr(2)O(7) and Se (0.5Na(2)SeO(3)mg/kg of diet), and group IV received Se (0.5mg/kg of diet) for 3weeks. Rats exposed to K(2)Cr(2)O(7) showed an increase of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels and a decrease of sulfhydryl content, glutathione, non-protein thiol, and vitamin C levels. A decrease of enzyme activities like catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities was also noted. Co-administration of Se with K(2)Cr(2)O(7) restored the parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, our investigation revealed that Se was a useful element preventing K(2)Cr(2)O(7)-induced erythrocyte damages.

Physical setting and natural sources of exposure to carcinogenic trace elements and radionuclides in Lahontan Valley, Nevada

In Lahontan Valley, Nevada, arsenic, cobalt, tungsten, uranium, radon, and polonium-210 are carcinogens that occur naturally in sediments and groundwater. Arsenic and cobalt are principally derived from erosion of volcanic rocks in the local mountains and tungsten and uranium are derived from erosion of granitic rocks in headwater reaches of the Carson River. Radon and 210Po originate from radioactive decay of uranium in the sediments. Arsenic, aluminum, cobalt, iron, and manganese concentrations in household dust suggest it is derived from the local soils. Excess zinc and chromium in the dust are probably derived from the vacuum cleaner used to collect the dust, or household sources such as the furnace. Some samples have more than 5 times more cobalt in the dust than in the local soil, but whether the source of the excess cobalt is anthropogenic or natural cannot be determined with the available data. Cobalt concentrations are low in groundwater, but arsenic, uranium, radon, and 210Po concentrations often exceed human-health standards, and sometime greatly exceed them. Exposure to radon and its decay products in drinking water can vary significantly depending on when during the day that the water is consumed. Although the data suggests there have been no long term changes in groundwater chemistry that corresponds to the Lahontan Valley leukemia cluster, the occurrence of the very unusual leukemia cluster in an area with numerous 210Po and arsenic contaminated wells is striking, particularly in conjunction with the exceptionally high levels of urinary tungsten in Lahontan Valley residents. Additional research is needed on potential exposure pathways involving food or inhalation, and on synergistic effects of mixtures of these natural contaminants on susceptibility to development of leukemia.

Application of an Off‐Gas Analysing System to Control Oxidation during Stainless Steelmaking in an EAF

AbstractDuring stainless steelmaking in the electric arc furnace at Deutsche Edelstahlwerke GmbH, oxygen is injected to oxidize unwanted tramp elements mainly carbon and silicon. Unfortunately the injected oxygen also oxidizes valuable elements such as chromium and iron, which causes an economical loss and has a negative environmental effect. Since the temperature and dilution techniques to minimise chromium oxidation are seldom applied in the electric arc furnace, a new strategy to minimise chromium oxidation has to be developed. This paper proposes a new strategy which involves the use of a continuous off‐gas analysing system to minimise chromium oxidation by monitoring the oxidation products in the off‐gas, i.e. CO and CO2. During stainless steelmaking in the electric arc furnace, for which initial carbon and silicon input cannot be precisely known due to imprecise scrap analysis, the installed off‐gas analysing system should provide precise information concerning an efficient oxygen injection. This would then directly prevents excess chromium and iron oxidation. A continuous off‐gas analysing system installed at Deutsche Edelstahlwerke GmbH delivers a promising result for future applications. During the plant trial, the efficiency of oxygen injection as well as the chromium and iron yields were increased.