Heavy Metal Burden Research Articles

Toxic heavy metals content in different agrochemicals available in markets of Bangladesh and their loads to the agricultural lands.

A study was conducted to determine the concentration of toxic heavy metals in various agrochemicals available in Bangladesh and to assess the burden of these metals on agricultural soils. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to measure the content of 4 toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni) in the aqueous extract of various agrochemicals. There were significant differences in the amounts of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni in different brands of insecticides (mean < 0.01, 3.16, 17.32, and 47.33 µgg-1), fungicides (mean 12.42, 10.19, 9.63, and 243.34 µgg-1), phosphatic fertilizers (mean 25.43, < 0.01, 206.33, and 210.69 µgg-1), micronutrient fertilizers (mean 0.68, < 0.01, 43.43, and 65.79 µgg-1), and plant hormones (mean < 0.01, < 0.01, 9.90, and 43.08 µgg-1). The concentrations of Cd and Ni were on anaverage higher in phosphatic fertilizers, which exceeded the maximum acceptable limit of fertilizers in Bangladesh by 2.5 and 4.2 times, respectively. The study also revealed that the burden of toxic heavy metals from agrochemicals on farm soils was in the following order: phosphatic fertilizers > fungicides > micronutrient fertilizers > plant hormones > insecticides. Among the toxic heavy metals, Ni posed the highest burden on Bangladeshi farm soils due to a single application of different agrochemicals in a year. The average total burden of each metal in the soils of Bangladesh showed a decreasing trend in the order of Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb, resulting in a total metal burden of 22.88gyear-1ha-1. Finally, the study recommended that certification about the content of metals be made mandatory for agrochemical manufacturing firms to ensure that their products entering in Bangladeshi markets are free from toxic metals.

Pronounced declines in heavy metal burdens of Minnesotan mammals over the last century

Humans have drastically altered the ecology of heavy metals, which can have negative effects on animal development and neural functioning. Many species have shown the ability to adapt to anthropogenic increases in metal pollution, but such evolutionary responses will depend on the extent of metal variation over space and time. For terrestrial vertebrates, it is unclear how metal exposure has changed over time: some studies suggest metal content peaked with the enactment of policies controlling lead emissions, while other studies suggest metal levels peaked at least a century earlier. We used 162 specimens of four mammal species (a mouse, shrew, bat, and squirrel) to ask how metal content of the fur and skin has changed over a 90-year time period, and impacts on individual performance (body size and cranial capacity). Using ICP-MS, we show that for lead, cadmium, copper, and chromium, there were significant declines in metal content in mammal tissue over the 90-year time period, with lead levels five times lower now than in the early 1900s. Importantly, metal content began to drop well before the pollution regulation of the 1970s. Effects of time greatly outweighed any effects of an individual living near a human population center. Surprisingly, there were no effects of body metal content on body size, and only manganese was negatively related to relative cranial capacity. Taken together, these results suggest that present day populations of mammals are experiencing levels of heavy metal exposure that are less stressful than they were 100 years ago. In addition, temporal decreases in metal loads likely partly reflect global patterns of pollution decline that affect atmospheric metal deposition rather than local point sources of exposure.

Heavy Metal Contamination Risks in Environmental and Vegetable Samples around a Metal Workshop in Kofar Marusa, Katsina Metropolis

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study focuses on the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in vegetables irrigated near a metal workshop in Kofar Marusa, Katsina Metropolis. By quantifying the concentrations of various heavy metals in commonly consumed vegetables, the research shows significant variations in metal uptake among different vegetable types, with cress and spinach posing the highest health risks. The study uses Health Risk Index (HRI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) calculations to show the potential health hazards, particularly for children, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks in affected communities. Full Abstract Heavy metal contamination from Metal workshop activities poses health risks by accumulating in crops and entering the food chain. This study quantified heavy metal concentrations and health risks in commonly consumed vegetables irrigated near a metal workshop in Kofar Marusa, Katsina Metropolis. Samples from the cultivation areas of Cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, and cress were analyzed. After acid digestion, the amounts of heavy metals were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Copper (0.123 mg/kg), manganese (0.431 mg/kg), and nickel (0.539 mg/kg) were greatest in spinach. Manganese (0.374 mg/kg) and cobalt (1.474 mg/kg) levels were higher in cress. Lettuce had the highest iron concentration (6.028 mg/kg) and the lowest metal levels. Lead (11.68 mg/kg) and chromium (2.276 mg/kg) were both high in Cabbage, and nickel (0.526 mg/kg) and lead (4.24 mg/kg) were noteworthy in tomatoes. Among the Health Risk Index (HRI) calculated, cress reached 17.967 for adults. Children's exposure to heavy metals for Cobalt (Co) and Lead (Pb) through cabbage consumption showed the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for Co (0.089) and Pb (0.036), significantly higher than those for adults. The Cumulative Lifetime Cancer Risks showed that Cress posed the highest risk for both adults and children, followed by spinach. The study revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations taken up among different types of vegetables, portraying potential health risks associated with its consumption. It also suggested that the consumption of vegetables cultivated through irrigation near the metal artisanal site may contribute to the bioaccumulation of heavy metals burden among the population. The study brought to light the wide range of heavy metal uptake in vegetables as well as the possible health hazards associated with eating produce grown close to the metal workshop.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Capoeta tinca fish and health risk assessment

The This study evaluates the potential human health risks associated with five heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Cr) in Capoeta tinca fish. It assesses the heavy metal burden in the muscle, gill, and liver tissues of C. tinca, and estimates the potential health risks for consumers by employing estimated daily intake (EDI) and standard hazard ratios (THQ) related to heavy metal consumption. Fish and water samples were taken from three different Regions as Sincan Brook (Sivas–Hafik), Habeş Brook (Sivas–Zara), and Tozanlı Brook (Sivas–Hafik), Turkey. The heavy metal concentrations in the brook water were found to be higher than the established safe for safety threshold in all the sampling points. Besides that, the values were observed to be lower than the allowed limits. Considering the fish tissues, the Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations were found to be higher than the safe limits predicted by WHO. The findings indicate that the liver of C. tinca fish exhibited the highest accumulation of heavy metals across all sampling areas. The highest heavy metal concentrations found in fish muscles were found to be (Cu) 2.51 ± 0.91 μg·g-1, (Cr) 0.45 ± 0.03 μg·g-1, (Cd) 0.88 ± 0.04 μg·g-1, (Pb) 2.04 ± 0.03 μg·g-1, and (Zn) 13.12 ± 1.08 μg·g-1. The descending order of heavy metal accumulation in gills was found to be Zn &gt; Cu &gt;Pb &gt; Cd &gt; Cr. Moreover, for each heavy metal, the Bio–concentration factor (BCF) index, Acceptable Daily Intake, EDI, and THQ (&lt;1) values were found to be lower than the limits set in the international standards, indicating that no elements posing a threat to public health were encountered, thus not posing a short–term risk.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Indoor Dust in the Vicinity of Kota Thermal Power Plant under Meteorological Influence at an Industrial City

Nowadays, the assessment of indoor air quality becomes quite significant owing to the extensive residing time spent by people at work place or at office. Keeping this in mind, this study aims at determining concentrations of selected anthropogenic origin metals (Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn) and crustal origin metals (Ca and Fe) in 47 dust samples obtained from indoor environment of houses in the industrial Kota city, India in summer months (March, April and May, 2022) and October 2022 under meteorological influence. On looking at the comparative concentration of the studied anthropogenic origin metals (Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn) Zn is found to be in highest concentration followed by Pb, Cu and Cd respectively. During summer season, meteorological parameters such as speed and direction of wind, relative humidity, temperature have been observed which are found to affect the concentration of metals. The wind rose indicates the sampling sites facing predominant North wind direction (21.20%) from point source Kota Thermal Power Plant (KTPP) in summer were closest to the source and hence encountered the highest metal burden. It is inferred from Enrichment factor, Pearson’s correlations and principal component analysis that coal burning at Kota Thermal Power Plant is the major source of heavy metal burden accompanied by other anthropogenic actions in the study area.

Research Progress on Migratory Water Birds: Indicators of Heavy Metal Pollution in Inland Wetland Resources of Punjab, Pakistan

The heavy metal burden on natural freshwater ecosystems is uninterruptedly increasing, which could affect their biodiversity, particularly regarding avian species. Three river barrages were selected for the sampling of water birds from autumn 2021 to spring 2022. Seven heavy metals—nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn)—were estimated in the hearts and livers of Fulica atra (Common Coot), Anas strepera (Gad-wall), and Anas crecca (Eurasian Teal) (Linnaeus, 1758) by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations of metals were found to be significantly (p &lt; 0.05) different among the sam-pling sites, species, and tissues. In the livers of F. atra and A. strepera, respectively, the highest mean concentration among the metals belonged to Zn (521 µg/g), and the lowest belonged to Cd (0.17 µg/g). The concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Co were highest in A. strepera heart samples. However, the concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, and Mn were found to be highest in the livers of F. atra. A comparison between both tissues indicated that the concentration of Ni is significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher (except for F. atra from Trimmu barrage) in the livers of water birds and that the concentration of Cd is significantly higher in the hearts of water birds. The mean metal concentrations were higher than the background limits reported in various studies, suggesting that the wintering water birds of Pakistan are under a significant load of heavy metal pollution. Histopathological analysis suggested that the observed heavy metals altered the normal histologies of hearts and livers of Fulica atra (Common Coot), Anas strepera (Gadwall), and Anas crecca (Eurasian Teal) sampled from three wetlands of Punjab Pakistan.

Species Differences and Tissue Distribution of Heavy Metal Residues in Wild Birds.

Birds are useful as bioindicators of metal pollution, but the variety of species and tissue distribution may influence the study of heavy metal burdens in birds. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in wild birds' carcasses to acquire information on species differences and the tissue distribution of metals in wild birds in Thailand. Species differences in metal buildup were observed in the livers and kidneys, but not in the feathers. A significantly higher accumulation of Cd was found in the livers and kidneys of the granivorous birds compared to those in the water birds. In all the groups of birds, the Pb level in the livers (>15 ppm) and feathers (>4 ppm) exceeded the threshold limits, causing potential lead poisoning and disturbing the reproductive success. The Cd accumulation in the kidneys was above 2-8 ppm, indicating increased environmental exposure to Cd in these birds. The Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Fe concentrations in the livers could be estimated using the kidneys, while the Pb level in the liver may be predicted using feathers. Furthermore, water birds' feathers may be potentially appropriate bioindicators for long-term exposure. Research on the origin of metal contamination is needed to reduce the threat of heavy metals to the health of both birds and other wildlife species.

Phycoremediation potential and agar yield of red macroalgae (Gracilaria corticata) against HEDP (hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid) and CAPB (cocoamidopropyl betaine) detergents and the heavy metal pollutants.

The discharge of raw industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastes leads to an increase in heavy metal (HM) burden and detergents in aquatic environs, which can have destructive effects on aquatic organisms. Agarophyte Gracilaria corticata, a major component of seaweed flora of the southern coast of Iran (Bushehr) that contains agar and red pigments, is one of the economically valuable red marine algae. Agar is one of the important polysaccharides with high economic value, widely used in pharmaceutical, medicinal, and cosmetic product manufacturing industries. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of 5 HMs and two common surfactants in household and industrial detergents on the agar yield, appearance color, and the red algae's phycoremediation potential against HMs. The metal ions were Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), and Cr(VI), and the surfactants were HEDP and CAPB. The analysis results of samples cultured for 60 days in seawater and polluted environments showed that G. corticata can accumulate copper and nickel. In the presence of detergents without HMs, the amount of extracted agar significantly increased compared to the control sample with no change in algae color. But with increasing concentration of HMs, the amount of agar in seaweed samples decreased significantly, and the algae discolored from red to dark green or yellowish-green color (signs of death in the algae). These results show that increasing of HM pollution and detergents can lead to toxicological effects and reduce the species diversity of red seaweeds in the future.

Blood Levels of Environmental Heavy Metals are Associated with Poorer Iron Status in Ugandan Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundIron deficiency (ID) and environmental exposure to metals frequently co-occur among Ugandan children, but little is known about their associations, although iron and other divalent metals share the same intestinal absorption transporter, divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). ObjectivesWe examined associations between iron status and blood concentrations of lead, manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and cadmium, both singly and as a mixture. MethodsWe used data on sociodemographic status, iron biomarkers, and blood concentrations of heavy metals collected from a cross-sectional survey of 100 children aged 6–59 mo in Kampala, Uganda. We compared blood concentrations of metals in ID with iron-sufficient children. We examined associations between a metal mixture and iron biomarkers using multiple linear regression and weighted quintile sum regression. ResultsThe median (interquartile range) blood Mn (μg/L) was higher in ID children defined by soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and ferritin (ID compared with iron-sufficient children): (sTfR [21.3 {15.1, 28.8}, 11.2 {8.6, 18.5}], ferritin [19.5 {15.0, 27.2}, 11.2 {8.8, 19.6}]; P < 0.001 for both). Similarly, the median (interquartile range) blood Co (μg/L) was higher in ID children by ferritin ([0.5 {0.4, 0.9}, 0.4 {0.3, 0.5}], P = 0.05). Based on the multiple linear regression results, higher blood Co and Mn were associated with poorer iron status (defined by all 4 iron indicators for Co and by sTfR for Mn). The weighted quintile sum regression result showed that higher blood concentrations of a metal mixture were associated with poorer iron status represented by sTfR, ferritin, and hepcidin, mainly driven by Co and Mn. ConclusionsOur study findings suggest that poorer iron status is associated with overall heavy metal burden, predominantly Co and Mn, among Ugandan children. Further prospective studies should confirm our primary findings and investigate the combined effects of coexposures to neurotoxicants on the neurodevelopment of young children.

Evaluation of the effect of different conventional roof types and industrial activity on harvested rainwater in Southern Nigeria

Harvested rainwater is still the only source of acceptable drinking water for rural communities in Nigeria and in some countries, where there are no water networks and it is the rooftop rainwater harvesting that is being exercised for the potable and non-potable usages. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of roof types and industrial activity on rainwater quality by analysing the physico-chemical/bacteriological characteristics, heavy metals and investigating the metal composition of the roof types. Rainwater was harvested from long-span aluminium, asbestos, corrugated iron, Cameroon zinc, stone-coated tiles roof run-offs and directly from the sky in the urban and rural areas of Imo State between the months of April-July, 2017. The results were compared with water quality standards (NAFDAC, USEPA, WHO and NSDWQ) for drinking water and Water Quality Index (WQI) ratings since there is no standard for rainwater quality. Roofs ages from < 5, 5–10, 15–20, and > 25 years in use were considered. Heavy metals were analysed using Flame-AAS; other parameters were analysed using standard methods. The WQI ratings were calculated using the weighted arithmetic method. Results show mean values ranging from 5.70 to 6.60 for pH, E.coli (not detected) and heavy metals (mg/L) burden of 0.00–0.09 for Pb, Cr (0.00–0.79), Zn (0.00–0.06), Fe (0.00–0.50) and Al (0.00–0.63). The WQI ratings gave excellent water to unfit for drinking water quality in both urban and rural areas. Since the harvested rainwater was not free of contamination, a few helpful recommendations were suggested for positive impacts in Nigeria as a whole.

Studies of Contaminant Factors of Heavy Metals Content in Subsistence Farmlands at Akinyele Local Area in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria Using Geochemical Indices

The consumption of heavy metals through the ingestion of food is a growing concern in developing countries where monitoring of the environmental content of heavy metals has not been given the desired attention. This research work aims at determining the public health risks and safety of farm products in terms of their residual heavy metal burdens from five subsistence farmlands in the Akinyele area. Analysis of concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Fe, and Zn in soil samples from the study area was conducted using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The pH of the samples was measured in situ using pH meter while soil organic matter was determined using the loss of ignition method. Geochemical indices were used to determine the concentration trend of heavy metals in the soil samples. Correlation analysis was performed to establish the relationship between the metals. The concentrations of all the heavy metals were below the maximum permissible limit stated by WHO/FAO. The soil pH ranged from 7.36 to 8.38 indicating that the study area is slightly alkaline. The soil organic matter content ranged from 1.637% to 2.1% indicating that the soil from the study area are mineral soils. Geochemical indices revealed that all the sampling sites were uncontaminated except Site A, B, and E with moderate contamination of Cd. Correlation studies between the analyzed variables revealed the common origin of all metals. The study area can be recommended for farming purposes. However, more farmlands should be tested to determine their residual heavy metal concentrations.

Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Atlantic Horse Mackerel (Trachurus Trachurus) from Cold Storage in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria

Heavy metals can contaminate fish and water which in turn present a risk to humans. The dearth of eco-toxicological data on the heavy metal content in Trachurus trachurus particularly from cold storage in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria, warranted this research, which was achieved via Atomic Absorption Spectrometric technique. The mean concentrations (mg/kg, wet weight) of heavy metals in T. trachurus by cold storage point ranged from 0.242 for Cd at Uselu to 52.98 for Zn also at Uselu with significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in the mean concentrations of heavy metals in T. trachurus between cold storage points. The total toxicity of mixtures (TTM) value for heavy metals was 0.845 while the estimated annual intake (EAI) and estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals peaked for Zn with values of 1.345 mg/person/year and 0.00368 mg/person/day respectively. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values ranged from 0.0000276 (Cd) to 0.0000135 (Zn) with a total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) value of 0.0000267 while the quota for heavy metals in T. trachurus ranged from 0.36% for Cd to 87.80% for Zn. The total heavy metal burden in T. trachurus by cold storage point ranged from 46.95 mg/kg at Oliha to 54.37 mg/kg at Uselu. T. trachurus from cold storage were safe for human consumption with regard to heavy metal levels as International thresholds for heavy metals in fish were not surpassed. It was proffered that continuous monitoring of the heavy metal status of this fish species is maintained in order to protect the health of potential consumers.

Heavy metal contents in bovine tissues (kidney, liver and muscle) from Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Environments prone to naturally non-biodegradable metal pollution have remained hot areas of research. Here, concentrations of Cu, Cr, Cd and Pb in 90 bovine tissue (kidney, liver and muscle) samples collected from Gondar City abattoir and Nara-Awudarda in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia, were investigated. The samples were dry-ashed at 550 °C for 3.45 h, mineralized with 2 mL conc. HNO3, and analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Pattern recognition methods, viz. principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares – discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were employed to investigate heavy metal profiles in bovine tissues and classify them based on their geographic source. Results showed that the mean concentrations of the metals (mg/kg) extended in the range: 1.5–11.5 (Cu), 0.42–1.5 (Pb), BDL–1.05 (Cr) and BDL–0.41 (Cd). The concentrations of Cu and Cd, except Cd in muscle samples from Gondar City abattoir, were below the permissible limits while Pb and Cr, except for Pb in kidney and Cr in all samples at Gondar City abattoir, were above the permissible limits. Hence, it calls for enforceable food safety monitoring practices. PCA visualizes grouping of the studied bovine tissues based on the contents of analyzed metals where liver contained highest concentrations of the studied metals, except for Cd, which was highest in kidney. PLS-DA model clearly classified the tissue samples into two clusters depending on their geographic source. In general, the accumulation burden of heavy metals exhibited tissue-specific and sample source differences, probably due to varied organ functions and environmental conditions.

Risk factor determination and qualitative risk assessment of Mucormycosis in Harbor Porpoise, an emergent fungal disease in Salish Sea marine mammals

Mucorales infections are increasing in frequency and are a One Health pathogen of concern. In humans and domestic animals, risk factors include being immunocompromised, elevated circulating serum iron, contaminated open wounds, or metabolic diseases such as ketoacidosis or uncontrolled diabetes. Mucormycosis was first identified in 2012 in Pacific Northwest marine mammals, predominantly in harbor porpoises. We performed an assessment to determine the overall qualitative risk, or risk score, of mucormycosis in harbor porpoises. Risk factors for this disease are unknown in aquatic mammals. In a separate risk factor analysis, potential risk factors such as pollutants, trace metals (e.g., iron), and co-infection with other pathogens (e.g., viruses and Brucella spp.) were examined in mucormycosis cases and noncases using a matched case-control study design, to determine the presence and strength of association of these factors with mucormycosis. Disease severity (gross and histopathology) and exposure scores were multiplied together to obtain the overall risk scores of 9 -16 which corresponded to moderate and severe, respectively. In the risk factor analysis, the factors most strongly associated with a mucormycosis case, relative to a control, were elevated liver iron, decreased blubber thickness, and the decreased ratio of the sum of PCB congeners/sum of PBDE congeners. The results of this study suggest that mucormycosis may pose an inordinately high risk to harbor porpoises (and potentially sympatric species in the Salish Sea such as southern resident killer whales) based on the detected prevalence and the severity of lesions observed at necropsy. However, the risk may be greater on an individual basis compared to the overall population, and is likely related to other factors such as increased POP and heavy metal burdens.

Heavy Metal Burden and Health Risk Assessment of Fresh, Frozen and Smoked Fish from a Local Market in Southwest Nigeria

Heavy metals load in fish environment and fish products had been an issue of public concern. The burden of some heavy metals in fresh tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), frozen Herring (Clupea harengus), smoked herring, and associated risk to man was investigated. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine metal concentrations. Standard risk measurement indices [daily metal intake (DMI), hazard quotient (HQ), and health risk index (HRI)] were used. Levels of Mn and Fe were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) among the fish species, while the burden of other metals was low to not detected in the samples. The level of Cu (0.11±0.04), Zn (2.51±0.82), and Fe (8.72±4.41) were recorded in the bones of smoked herrings, while the highest levels of Mg were recorded in fresh tilapia. Gills recorded significantly (p&lt;0.05) high levels of Mg (1.16±0.02), Fe (14.92±0.53), Cu (0.10±0.00), and Zn (1.35±0.04). The muscle of the frozen herring records the highest burden of these metals. Mn, Fe, Cu, and Cd revealed the highest HRI in all fish samples and age categories, especially for nine years old and below children. In conclusion, health fish indicators revealed that Mn, Fe, Cu, and Cd pose a risk to the populace and, with long time consumption, can do more damage to consumers, especially frozen herring.

Cohort Profile Update: the China Metal-Exposed workers Cohort Study (Jinchang Cohort).

The Jinchang Cohort was an ongoing 20-year ambispective cohort with unique metal exposures to an occupational population. From January 2014 to December 2019, the Jinchang Cohort has completed three phases of follow-up. The baseline cohort was completed from June 2011 to December 2013, and a total of 48 001 people were included. Three phases of follow-ups included 46 713, 41 888, and 40 530 participants, respectively. The death data were collected from 2001 to 2020. The epidemiological, physical examination, physiological, and biochemical data of the cohort were collected at baseline and during follow-up. Biological specimens were collected on the baseline to establish a biological specimen bank. The concentrations of metals in urine and serum were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The new areas of research aim to study the all-cases mortality, the burden of diseases, heavy metals and diseases, and the course of the chain from disease to high-risk outcomes using a combination of macro and micro means, which provided a scientific basis to explore the pathogenesis of multi-etiology and multi-disease and to evaluate the effects of the intervention measures in the population.

Biochemical and reproductive biomarker analysis to study the consequences of heavy metal burden on health profile of male brick kiln workers

The present study aims to assess the effect of a heavy metal burden on general health, biochemical parameters, an antioxidant enzyme, and reproductive hormone parameters in adult male brick kiln workers from Pakistan. The study participants (n = 546) provided demographic data including general health as well as body mass index. Blood was collected to quantitatively assess hematological, biochemical, and reproductive hormone parameters as well as heavy metal concentrations using both atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The data showed that 10% of the brick kiln workers were underweight and 10% obese (P = 0.059), with workers also reporting multiple health issues. Heavy metal concentrations utilizing AAS revealed significantly (p = 0.000) higher levels of cadmium, chromium, and nickel, while PIXE detected more than permissible levels of Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Zn, Ti (p = 0.052), Mn (p = 0.017), Fe (p = 0.055), Co (p = 0.011), Ni (p = 0.045), and Cu (p = 0.003), in the blood of kiln workers. Moreover, a significant increase in platelet count (P = 0.010), a decrease in sodium dismutase levels (p = 0.006), a major increase in reactive oxygen species (p = 0.001), and a reduction in protein content (p = 0.013) were evident. A significant increase in cortisol levels (p = 0.000) among the workers group was also observed. The concentration of LH and FSH increased significantly (p = 0.000), while that of testosterone decreased (p = 0.000) in the worker group compared with controls. A significant inverse relationship was found between cortisol, LH (r = − 0.380), and FSH (r = − 0.946), while a positive correlation between cortisol and testosterone was also evident (r = 0.164). The study concludes that increased heavy metal burden in the blood of brick kiln workers exposes them to the development of general and reproductive health problems due to compromised antioxidant enzyme levels, increased oxidative stress conditions, and a disturbing reproductive axis.

A Cross‐Cutting Approach for Relating Anthropocene, Environmental Injustice and Sacrifice Zones

AbstractThe Anthropocene is an uneven phenomenon. Accelerated shifts in the functioning of the Earth System are mainly driven by the production and consumption of wealthy economies. Social, environmental and health costs of such industrialization, however, bear on low‐income communities inhabiting severely degraded territories by polluting activities (i.e., sacrifice zones). How global, national and local socio‐economic and governance processes have interacted in perpetuating socio‐environmental inequalities in these territories has been rarely explored. Here, we develop an historical quantitative approach integrating a novel chemostratigraphic record, data on policy making, and socio‐economic trends to evaluate the feedback relationship between environmental injustice and Anthropocene in sacrifice zones. We specifically outline a case study for the Puchuncaví valley ‐one of the most emblematic sacrifice zones from Chile‐. We verify an ever‐growing burden of heavy metals and metalloids over the past five decades paced by the staggering expansion of local industrial activities, which has ultimately been spurred by national and transnational market forces. Local poverty levels have declined concomitantly, but this path toward social equality is marginal as costs of pollution have grown through time. Indeed, national and international pollution control actions appear insufficient in mitigating the cumulative impact brought by highly toxic elements. Thus, our sub‐decadal reconstruction for pollution trends over the past 136 years from a sediment record, emerges as a science‐based tool for informing the discussion on Anthropocene governance. Furthermore, it helps to advance in the assessment of environmental inequality in societal models that prioritize economic growth to the detriment of socio‐environmental security.

The effects of sea turtle and other marine megafauna consumption in northeastern Madagascar

ABSTRACT Sea turtles are essential to the health of marine ecosystems, yet nearly 90% are threatened with extinction. The unsustainable consumption of sea turtles contributes to their global decline. Because sea turtle meat is also high in heavy metals, the monitoring of sea turtle consumption is a priority for both marine conservation and public health. Despite this, sea turtle consumption was understudied along Madagascar’s eastern coastline. We used structured interviews (collected over nine years) in northeastern Madagascar to study the rural consumption of sea turtles and other marine megafauna (including dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Sea turtle consumption is increasing in the southwest Indian Ocean. Over 80% of households ate a mean of 1.47 kg of sea turtle meat per year over the prior decade. The vast majority of sea turtle meat was purchased. Households which were more financially and nutritionally secure ate significantly more sea turtle meat. Sea turtle meat did not provide a significant source of nutrients to insecure households. Thus, its elimination from the diet would be unlikely to economically or nutritionally harm consumers. In fact, sea turtle meat contributed significantly to heavy metal burdens within communities and reducing consumption is a key step toward ensuring both adequate public and environmental health. Social marketing campaigns on the content and effects of heavy metals in sea turtle meat paired with increased heavy metal testing of children and pregnant women, may benefit both local communities and marine conservation.

Human Body Burden of Heavy Metals and Health Consequences of Pb Exposure in Guiyu, an E-Waste Recycling Town in China.

Guiyu accommodates millions of tons of e-waste from overseas and domestic sources each year and is notorious for its e-waste dismantling industry. As a consequence, Guiyu has been described as “the world’s most toxic place” and “junk town”. Informal e-waste recycling activities have caused severe pollution to the local environment and are associated with extensive health problems to the residents. This review provides updated insights on the body burden of heavy metals derived from e-waste and health outcomes resulted from lead (Pb) exposure. The review identified that Guiyu has been highly contaminated by heavy metals, especially Pb. Excessive exposure to Pb has been associated with multi-system and long-term effects in neonates and children, covering nervous, cardiovascular, adaptive immune, and hematologic systems as well as chromosome and DNA damage. Our review indicates strong associations that emphasize the need to develop strong regulations for prevention of exposure and health consequences in Guiyu and similar sites around the world.