Mixtures Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Probabilistic ecotoxicological risk assessment of heavy metal and rare earth element mixtures in aquatic biota using the DGT technique in coastal sediments

Heavy metals (HMs) are routine contaminants due to their extensive use worldwide. Rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging contaminants because of their global exploitation for use in the high-tech sector. Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) are an effective method for measuring the bioavailable component of pollutants. This study represents the first assessment of the mixture toxicity of HMs and REEs in aquatic biota using the DGT technique in sediments. Xincun Lagoon was chosen as the case study site because it has been contaminated by pollutants. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) analysis reveals that a wide variety of pollutants (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, InHg, Co, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) are primarily impacted by sediment characteristics. Appraisal of single HM-REE toxicity reveals that the risk quotient (RQ) values for Y, Yb and Ce notably exceeded 1, demonstrating that the adverse effects of these single HMs and REEs should not be ignored. The combined toxicity of HM-REE mixtures in terms of probabilistic ecological risk assessment shows that the Xincun surface sediments had a medium probability (31.29%) of toxic effects on aquatic biota.

Toxicity of single and ternary mixtures of heavy metals and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid to Chlorella vulgaris alkaline phosphatase activity

The influence of mixtures of metals and pesticide on the activity of algal hydrolytic enzyme alkaline phosphatase was investigated. Toxicity of unary and ternary combinations of Copper (Cu2+), Zinc (Zn2+), Lead (Pb2+), Chromium (Cr2+), Cadmium (Cd2+) ions and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was assessed via inhibition of phosphatase enzyme activity of Chlorella vulgaris. The effects of the amalgamated ternary mixtures were studied in their fixed percentage ratio of 20:40:40 and 40:30:30. Results obtained showed that all the unary heavy metal ions were toxic to algal phosphatase activity, with a concentration dependent inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity. The analysis of eco-toxicity concentration (EC50) of toxicant ternary mixtures of metals/ pesticides mixtures in 20:40:40 ratios show that the ternary mixtures 2,4-D/Pb2+/Cd2+and 2,4-D/Zn2+/Cd2+ were more toxic, followed by 2,4-D/Cu2+/Cr2+, 2,4-D/Pb2+/Zn2+, 2,4-D/Cu2+/Zn2+ and 2,4-D/Cu2+/Cd2+. Whereas among the 40:30:30 mixture ratios 2,4-D/Pb2+/Cd2+ and 2,4-D/Zn2+/Cd2+ were most toxic. The decline in the trend of their toxicity strength was followed by 2,4-D/Cu2+/Cr2+, 2,4-D/Cu2+/Zn2+, 2,4-D/Cu2+/Cd2+, 2,4-D/Cu2+/Pb2+ and 2,4-D/Pb2+/Zn2+. In addition, the least toxic amongst them were the 2,4-D/Pb2+/Cr2+, 2,4-D/Zn2+/Cr2+ and 2,4-D/Cr2+/Cd2+ ternary mixtures. Toxicity index analysis of the mixture interaction effect showed that the mixtures of heavy metals with 2,4, D were mostly antagonistic with toxic index (TI) >>1, However, exceptions were the 2,4-D/Pb2+/Cd2+ and 2,4-D/Pb2+/Cd2+mixture which were additive and synergistic with TI=1 and TI<1 respectively. From the foregoing study, the toxicity of the mixtures exhibited largely sigmoidal relationship, increased composition of heavy metal in the mixture resulted in a potentiation of 2,4-D toxicity. These results indicate that mixtures of heavy metals with largely non-toxic 2,4-D may pose ecological risk to freshwater microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, presenting antagonistic, additive and synergistic toxicity interactions based on their relative occurrence in the mixture.

Associations of metal mixtures with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: NHANES 2003-2018.

The hepatotoxicity of exposure to a single heavy metal has been examined in previous studies. However, there is limited evidence on the association between heavy metals mixture and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This study aims to investigate the associations of 13 urinary metals, individually and jointly, with NAFLD, MAFLD, and MAFLD components. This study included 5,548 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2018. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the associations between individual metal exposures and MAFLD, NAFLD, and MAFLD components. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Quantile-based g-computation (QGC) were used to investigate the association of metal mixture exposure with these outcomes. In single metal analysis, increased levels of arsenic [OR 1.09 (95%CI 1.03-1.16)], dimethylarsinic acid [1.17 (95%CI 1.07-1.27)], barium [1.22 (95%CI 1.14-1.30)], cobalt [1.22 (95%CI 1.11-1.34)], cesium [1.35 (95%CI 1.18-1.54)], molybdenum [1.45 (95%CI 1.30-1.62)], antimony [1.18 (95%CI 1.08-1.29)], thallium [1.49 (95%CI 1.33-1.67)], and tungsten [1.23 (95%CI 1.15-1.32)] were significantly associated with MAFLD risk after adjusting for potential covariates. The results for NAFLD were similar to those for MAFLD, except for arsenic, which was insignificantly associated with NAFLD. In mixture analysis, the overall metal mixture was positively associated with MAFLD, NAFLD, and MAFLD components, including obesity/overweight, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. In both BKMR and QGC models, thallium, molybdenum, tungsten, and barium mainly contributed to the positive association with MAFLD. Our study indicated that exposure to heavy metals, individually or cumulatively, was positively associated with NAFLD, MAFLD, and MAFLD components, including obesity/overweight, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. Additional research is needed to validate these findings in longitudinal settings.

Pregnancy and lactation mixed exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury alters maternal-offspring single heavy metal load: A factorial design

Environmental exposure to heavy metal mixture of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) would induce hazardous health effects. However, there is a paucity of data on how exposure to heavy metal mixture alters the metabolic dynamics of individual metals. Considering that the dose plays a key role in determining the toxicity of heavy metals, we performed a factorial design with three heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Hg) at low exposure levels. Female rats were exposed to Pb, Cd, and (or) Hg from successful mating until pup weaning. Their concentrations in maternal blood, breast milk, and postnatal day 0 (PND0) and PND21 offspring blood and whole brain were measured. Using ANOVA analysis, Pearson correlation, and structural equation model, we demonstrated the complex interactions among heavy metals during their absorption, mother-offspring transport, and target organ accumulation. Among all the explored samples, almost all the highest Pb, Cd, and Hg levels were observed in their respective single heavy metal exposure groups. In addition, Hg was found could antagonize the transport of Pb or Cd, when they cross the placental barrier and blood-brain barriers (BBB). However, the effect of Hg no longer presented when they are absorbed through the digestive system. The antagonistic effect of Pb on Cd was observed when they cross the placental barrier. In addition, Cd was also found to compete the transport pathway of Pb when they cross the BBB after birth. Compared to Pb and Hg, we found that the transport efficiency of Cd in the digestive system was lower, whereas the chelation of Cd by the placental barrier was better. This preliminary information may help researchers to explore the mechanism underlying the hazardous effects of heavy metal mixture exposure, or for regulatory agencies to revise guidelines for heavy metal exposure.

Heavy metals in riverine/estuarine sediments from an aquaculture wetland in metropolitan areas, China: Characterization, bioavailability and probabilistic ecological risk

Aquaculture wetlands, particularly those located within urban areas, are fragile ecosystems due to urban and aquaculture impacts. However, to date, there are no reports on the combined toxicity of heavy metal mixtures in aquatic biota in sediments from aquaculture wetlands in metropolitan areas. Thus, the characterization, bioavailability, and ecological probability risk of heavy metals were studied in the riverine/estuarine sediments of the Rongjiang River in an aquaculture wetland in Chaoshan metropolis, South China. In the study area, the average total concentrations (mg/kg) were 2.38 (Cd), 113.40 (Pb), 88.27 (Cr), 148.25 (Ni), 62.08 (Cu), 125.18 (Zn), 45,636.44 (Fe), and 797.18 (Mn), with the Cd pollution being regarded as extremely serious based on the enrichment factor (EF). There are two main sources of heavy metals in the study area; Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe and Mn are mainly from domestic waste, while Cr, Cd and Cu are possibly associated with industrial production activities. The bioavailability of most heavy metals accounted for more than 20% of the total concentration. The combined toxicity of heavy metal mixtures based on probabilistic risk assessment suggests that the surface sediments of the Rongjiang River and its estuary had a 15.71% probability of toxic effects on aquatic biota.

Synthesis of RGO/γ-Fe2O3 nanocomposite for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions

Abstract Reduced graphene oxide/maghemite (RGO/γ-Fe2O3) material was successfully synthesized by combining the modified Hummers method with co-precipitation (RGO 10 wt.%). γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with a particle size of ∼14.8 nm were distributed on the surface of RGO sheets. Results of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis showed that RGO/γ-Fe2O3 had a mesoporous structure and a narrow capillary size distribution curve at about 13 nm. The specific surface area of the RGO/γ-Fe2O3 was 168 m2·g−1. The RGO/γ-Fe2O3 nanocomposite was used to adsorb arsenic As(V) and a mixture of heavy metals (As(V), Cr(VI), Pb(II), and Fe(III)) in water. The maximum adsorption efficiency of As(V) reached 98.9% after 45 min with an adsorption capacity of 5.93 mg·g−1, higher than the simultaneous adsorption of the four metal ions. Competitive adsorption decreased in the order As(V), Cr(VI), Pb(II), and Fe(III). Therefore, RGO/γ-Fe2O3 could be used as an effective adsorbent to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Simultaneous removal of As(V) and Pb(II) using highly-efficient modified dehydrated biochar made from banana peel via hydrothermal synthesis

Efficient removal of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) from industrial wastewater has long been a critical environmental issue due to their serious risk to human health. Therefore, in this work, a modified banana peel biochar (MBPB) was prepared by mixing calcium nitrate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, sulfuric acid, ferric nitrate with dehydrated banana peel biochar as adsorbent for As(V) and Pb(II) removal in wastewater, and their absorption mechanism was investigated. SEM-EDS, TEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, BET, kinetic, and isothermal characteristics of MBPB and pristine banana peel biochar (PBPB) were conducted. The behavior of both metal ions on MBPB and PBPB was well explained by the pseudo-second-order kinetic with Langmuir and Freundlich models. We found that the two biochar’s behaviors were mixture processes of monolayer and multilayer adsorption, achieving maximum capacities as determined by the Langmuir model of 39.5 mg g−1 (MBPB-As), 33.2 mg g−1 (MBPB-Pb), 30.8 mg g−1 (PBPB-Pb), and 23.5 mg g−1 (PBPB-As), with maximum efficiencies of 98.7% (MBPB-As) and 90.3% (MBPB-Pb) under optimum conditions. Thermodynamic tests showed that As(V) and Pb(II) removal on MBPB was a spontaneous and endothermic physisorption process. MBPB showed great reusability in As(V) and Pb(II) removal, with removal rates as high as 71.4% and 66.5% after five cycles, respectively. Selective adsorption of As(V) and Pb(II) was also investigated on MBPB, and the removal rate was still high in the mixture of heavy metals. These findings provide a feasible method for the environmental-benign utilization of banana peel as a low-priced adsorbent in wastewater treatment.

Interactions between cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic and depression: A molecular mechanism involved

BackgroundWe aimed to assess the interactions between mixed heavy metals, genes, and miRNAs implicated in depression development and to design and create miRNA sponges. MethodsThe key data-mining approaches in this study were the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), MIENTURNET, GeneMania, Metascape, Webgestalt, miRNAsong, and Cytoscape software. ResultsA mixture of cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic was related to the development of depression. Even though the genes acquired from the heavy metals of depression studied were different, the “selenium micronutrient network”, “vitamin B12 and folate metabolism”, and “positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation” pathways were highlighted. The heavy metal mixture altered the genes SOD1, IL6, PTGS2, PON1, BDNF, and ALB, highlighting the role of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, paraoxonase activity, neurotrophic factors, and antioxidants related to depression, as well as the possibility of targeting these genes in prospective depressive treatment. Chr1q31.1, five transcription factors (NR4A3, NR1H4, ATF3, CREB3L3, and NR1I3), the “endoplasmic reticulum lumen,” “blood microparticle,” and “myelin sheath”, were found to be important chromosomal locations, transcription factors, and cellular parts linked to depression and affected by mixed heavy metals. Furthermore, we developed a network-based approach to detect significant genes, miRNA, pathways, and illnesses related to depression development. We also observed eight important miRNAs related to depression induced by mixed heavy metals (hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-132-3p, hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-204-5p, hsa-miR-206, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, and hsa-miR-26a-5p). In addition, we created and evaluated miRNA sponge sequences for these miRNAs in silico. LimitationsA toxicogenomic design in silico was used. ConclusionsOur findings highlight the importance of oxidative stress, notably SOD1 and the selenium micronutrient network, in depression caused by heavy metal mixtures and provide additional insights into common molecular pathways implicated in depression pathogenesis.

Association of urinary heavy metals co-exposure and adult depression: Modification of physical activity

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the association between urinary heavy metal mixture exposure and depression, and the modifying role of physical activity in the effects of heavy metal mixture on depression risk was also considered. MethodsData of this study were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2016. Depression was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire. We first selected 6 (cadmium, cobalt, tin, antimony, thallium, and mercury) from 14 heavy metals through elastic net regression for further analysis. Then binomial logistic regression, generalized additive model, environment risk score (ERS), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were adopted to assess the effects of six metals individual and cumulative exposure on depression risk. Finally, we also examined whether physical activity could mitigate the effects of heavy metal co-exposure on depression risk. ResultsTotally, 4212 participants were included and 7.40% of subjects were with depression. We found urinary tin and antimony were separately associated with increased odds of depression (Sb: OR = 1.285, 95% CI: 1.064–1.553; Sn: OR = 1.281, 95% CI: 1.097–1.495), and a linear dose-response relationship between tin and depression was also noticed (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, urinary heavy metals co-exposure was positively related to depression risk (ERSQ4: OR = 2.691, 95% CI: 1.399–5.174; WQSpositive: OR = 1.465, 95% CI: 1.063–2.021), in which tin, antimony, and cadmium were identified with greater contributions to the overall mixture effect. In both ERS and WQS models, the significant positive association between the metal mixture and depression risk remained only in those who were inactive in physical activity. ConclusionOur study concluded the detrimental effect of heavy metals in combined exposure on the risk of depression, which might be attenuated by physical activity.

Zinc homeostasis may reverse the synergistic neurotoxicity of heavy metal mixtures in Caenorhabditis elegans

Heavy metal mixtures can cause nerve damage. However, the combined effects of metal mixtures are extremely complex and rarely studied. Zinc (Zn) homeostasis plays an integral role in neural function, but the role of Zn homeostasis in the toxicity of metal mixtures is not well understood. Here, we investigated the combined effects of manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) on nerves and the effect of Zn homeostasis on metal toxicity. Caenorhabditis elegans (Maupas, 1900) were exposed to single and multiple metals for 8 days, their movement, behavior, neurons and metal concentration were detected to evaluate the combined effect of metal mixtures. After nematodes were co-treated with metal mixtures and Zn, the nerve function, Zn concentration and redox balance were detected to evaluate the effect of Zn homeostasis on metal toxicity. The results showed that Mn + Pb and Pb + As mixtures induced synergistic toxicity for nematode nerves, which damaged movement, behavior and neurons, and decreased Zn concentration. While Zn supplementation recovered Zn homeostasis and promoted redox balance on nematodes, and then improved the nerve function. Our study demonstrated the combined effects of metal mixtures and the neuroprotective effect of Zn homeostasis. Therefore, assessment of metal mixtures toxicity should consider their interaction and the impacts of essential metals homeostasis.

Essential Trace Elements Prevent the Impairment in the Retention Memory, Cerebral Cortex, and Cerebellum Damage in Male Rats Exposed to Quaternary Metal Mixture by Up-regulation, of Heme Oxygynase-1 and Down-regulation of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related Factor 2-NOs Signaling Pathways

In the present study, we examined adverse effects of metals and metalloids in the Cerebral cortex (CC) and Cerebellum (CE). Group 1 comprised from the controls while other four groups of male Wistar rats were treated with following pattern: Group II (Heavy Metal Mixture HMM only: PbCl2, 20 mg·kg−1; CdCl2, 1.61 mg·kg−1; HgCl2, 0.40 mg·kg−1, and NaAsO3,10 mg·kg−1), Groups III (HMM + ZnCl2); Group IV (HMM + Na2SeO3) and Group V (HMM + ZnCl2 + Na2SeO3) for 60 days per os. HMM promoted oxidative stress in the CC and CE of treated rats compared to controls; moreover, exposure to HMM led to increased activity of the AChE and pro-inflammatory cytokines; also, HMM promoted accumulation of caspase 3 and other transcriptional factors such as Nrf2 and decreased levels of Hmox-1. Essential metals reduced increased bioaccumulation of Pb, Cd, As and Hg in CC and CE caused by HMM exposure. Also, all mentioned adverse effects were diminished by essential metals treatment (Se and Zn). HMM exposed rats had considerably less escape dormancy than controls. Histopathological analysis revealed moderate cell loss at the intermediate (Purkinje cell) and granular layer.Zinc and selenium supplementations could reverse adverse effects of heavy metals at various cellular levels in neurons.

The relationship between co-exposure to multiple heavy metals and liver damage

BackgroundThe impact of heavy metal exposure on human health has attracted widespread attention of researchers, and the impact of heavy metal exposure on liver function has also been confirmed, however, more attention is paid to the impact of single or two heavy metal exposures, and most epidemiological studies focus on heavy metal pollution areas. In this study, rural residents in non-heavy metal-contaminated areas in Northwest China were selected as the research objects to explore the comprehensive effects of co-exposure to multiple heavy metals on the liver, which can provide certain reference and support for related research. ObjectivesThis study used a Bayesian nuclear machine model (BKMR) to evaluate the relationship between exposure to heavy metal mixtures and indicators of liver function in a population in rural Northwest China. ResultsExposure to higher concentrations of metal mixtures was positively correlated with total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase, and negatively correlated with alanine aminotransferase, with Pb contributing the most to indicators of liver function. We also observed a possible interaction of Cd with other heavy metals in the effect of heavy metal mixtures on DB levels. ConclusionsConcurrent exposure to higher concentrations of heavy metal mixtures (Cr, Co, Cd, and Pb) in rural China was associated with indicators representing poor liver function, of which the effect of lead on liver function should be focused. More prospective epidemiological studies and animal experiments need to be carried out to determine this relationship and possible mechanism.

Interaction among Heavy Metals in Landfill Leachate and Their Effect on the Phytoremediation Process of Indian Marigold

Phytoremediation is considered an effective and economical method for metal recovery along with removing toxic chemicals from contaminated soil. The studies done so far concentrate on the factors responsible for uptake of a single heavy metal from the soil. However, in nature, pollutants are generally found as a mixture of various heavy metals. Furthermore, research related to phytoremediation of mixed contaminant sites such as landfills are focused on the selection of plants rather than heavy metal uptake pattern. Thus, it becomes important to understand how phytoremediation processes change in remediating a mixed pollutant with respect to removing single metal contamination. In the present study, the phytoremediation potential of Indian marigold is compared when the soil–metal concentration is individually spiked with Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr salt solution against the remediation potential of marigold when the soil–metal concentration is spiked by landfill leachate (mixture of heavy metal) collected from the Gazipur landfill site, New Delhi, India. The result shows that the rate of metal accumulation is highly sensitive to metal concentration and metal interactions. When the soil–metal concentration is spiked with metal salts, their respective total uptake by marigold follows the order Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni with BCF > 1, TF > 2, and ECf > 1 for Cd and Cr making marigold a hyperaccumulator and with BCF < 1, TF > 2, and ECf < 1 showing an avoidance toward uptake of Pb and Ni. When the heavy metal accumulation pattern is studied for soil–metal concentration spiked by landfill leachate, the order of accumulation follows Cd > Cr > Pb > Ni with BCF > 1, TF > 2, and ECf > 1, and marigold is an accumulator for Cr. BCF > 1, TF < 2, and ECf < 1 stabilizes Cd and Pb add by leachate and there is no uptake of Ni after reaching a tolerance level of 555 µg/kg. The study is useful for understanding change in heavy metals uptake from heterogeneous sites for better landfill management.

Independent, combine and interactive effects of heavy metal exposure on dyslipidemia biomarkers: A cross-sectional study in northeastern China

Dyslipidemia is a common disease in the older population and represents a considerable disease burden worldwide. Epidemiological and experimental studies have indicated associations between heavy metal exposure and dyslipidemia; few studies have investigated the effects of heavy metal mixture and interactions between metals on dyslipidemia. We recruited 1121 participants living in heavy metal–contaminated and control areas in northeast China from a cross-sectional survey (2017–2019). Urinary metals including chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and manganese (Mn) and dyslipidemia biomarkers, namely triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, were measured. The generalized linear model (GLM) was used to explore the association of a single metal with dyslipidemia biomarkers. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and multivariable linear regression were performed to explore the overall effect of metal mixture and the interaction between metals on dyslipidemia. Heavy metal mixture was positively associated with LDL-C, TC, and TG and negatively with HDL-C. In multivariable linear regression, Pb and Cd exhibited a synergistic association with LDL-C in the participants without hyperlipemia. Mn-Cd and Pb-Cr also showed a synergistic association with increasing the level of LDL-C in subjects without hyperlipemia. Cd-Cr showed an antagonistic association with HDL-C, respectively. Cr-Mn exhibited an antagonistic association with decreased HDL-C and TG levels. No significant interaction was noted among the three metals. Our study indicated that exposure to heavy metals is associated with dyslipidemia biomarkers and the presence of potential synergistic or antagonistic interactions between the heavy metals.

Banana peel extract alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress via modulation of the Nrf2/Hmox-1 and NF-κB pathways in thyroid of heavy metal mixture exposed female rats

Introduction This is an evaluation of the effects of banana peel BP extract on the heavy metals’ mixture HMM mediated oxido-inflammatory effects in the thyroid of female albino rats. Methods Five groups (5 female rats/group) were treated as follows for 60 days: Group 1: Deionized water only; Group 2: (Pb, Hg, Mn and Al); Group 3: 200 mg/kg BP extract + HMM; Group 4: 400 mg/kg BP extract + HMM; Group 5: 800 mg/kg BP extract + HMM. On day 60 animals were euthanized, thyroid was harvested and used for, malondialdehyde MDA, nitric oxide NO, antioxidants, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF – α), interleukin 6 (IL – 6), Caspase-3, Nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2), Nuclear factor kappa B (NfkB) and Heme Oxygynase – 1 (Hmox-1) and histopathology. Results There was significant bioaccumulation of Pb, Al, Hg and MN; elevated IL-6 and Tnf-α, MDA and NO, caspase-3 and Nrf2, NF-κB and Hmox-1 in the HMM only group in comparison to the control. There was significant ( p &lt; 0.05) decrease in SOD, CAT GSH activities in HMM only exposed group in comparison to the control deionized water group, whereas BP co-treatment with HMM significantly ( p &lt; 0.05) increased SOD, CAT GSH activities. Co-treatment with BP extract also reversed most of these effects. Discussion and Conclusions BP extract may ameliorate HMM -induced thyrotoxicity in female albino rats by blunting oxido-inflammatory activities.

Prenatal exposure to heavy metal mixtures and anthropometric birth outcomes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNumerous studies have suggested significant associations between prenatal exposure to heavy metals and newborn anthropometric measures. However, little is known about the effect of various heavy metal mixtures at relatively low concentrations. Hence, this study aimed to investigate associations between prenatal exposures to a wide range of individual heavy metals and heavy metal mixtures with anthropometric measures of newborns.MethodsWe recruited 975 mother–term infant pairs from two major hospitals in Israel. Associations between eight heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, and thallium) detected in maternal urine samples on the day of delivery with weight, length, and head circumference at birth were estimated using linear and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models.ResultsMost heavy metals examined in our study were observed in lower concentrations than in other studies, except for selenium. In the linear as well as the BKMR models, birth weight and length were negatively associated with levels of chromium. Birth weight was found to be negatively associated with thallium and positively associated with nickel.ConclusionBy using a large sample size and advanced statistical models, we could examine the association between prenatal exposure to metals in relatively low concentrations and anthropometric measures of newborns. Chromium was suggested to be the most influential metal in the mixture, and its associations with birth weight and length were found negative. Head circumference was neither associated with any of the metals, yet the levels of metals detected in our sample were relatively low. The suggested associations should be further investigated and could shed light on complex biochemical processes involved in intrauterine fetal development.

Zn and Se abrogate heavy metal mixture induced ovarian and thyroid oxido-inflammatory effects mediated by activation of NRF2-HMOX-1 in female albino rats

The thyroid is vital for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system since it regulates the metabolism and development of ovary. This is an evaluation of the essential trace elements ETE on the heavy metals mixture HMM mediated oxido-inflammatory effects in the ovary and thyroid of female albino rats. Five groups (5 female rats /group) were treated as follows for 60 days: Group 1: Deionized water only; Group 2: (Pb, Hg, Mn and Al); Group 3: HMM + ZnCl2, 0.80 mg/kg; Group 4: HMM + Na2SeO3, 1.50 mg/kg; Group 5: HMM + ZnCl2, 0.80 mg/kg and Na2SeO3, 1.50 mg/kg combined. On day 60 animals were euthanized, ovary and thyroid were harvested and used for, MDA, NO, antioxidants, TNF-α, IL-6, HMOX-1, Caspase-3, NF-KB, NRF2, HM and histopathology. There was significant bioaccumulation of Pb, Al, Hg and MN; elevated IL-6 and TNF-α, MDA and NO, caspase-3 and NRF2, NFKB and HMOX-1 with significant decrease in antioxidants in the HMM only group in comparison to the control. Co-treatment with ETE reversed most of these effects.ETE may ameliorate HMM -induced ovarian and thyrotoxicity in female albino rats by blunting oxido-inflammatory activities.

Effect of Mixture of Heavy Metals on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Individuals ≥ 18 Years of Age: From Big Data to Molecular Mechanisms Involved

Effect of Mixture of Heavy Metals on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Individuals ≥ 18 Years of Age: From Big Data to Molecular Mechanisms Involved

Banana peel ameliorated hepato-renal damage and exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in metal mixture mediated hepatic nephropathy by activation of Nrf2/ Hmox-1 and inhibition of Nfkb pathway.

This study evaluated the protective role of banana peel extract (BP) on heavy metal mixture (HMM) mediated hepatorenal toxicity using a rat model. Twenty-five female Wistar albino rats were weight-matched and divided into five groups of five female rats each. Group 1(control) received deionized water only. Group 2 received HMM only (20mgkg-1 of Pb, 0.40mgkg-1 of Hg, 0.56mgkg-1 of Mn and 35mgkg-1 of Al). Groups 3, 4 and 5 were co-administered with the same metal mixture with BP at 200, 400 and 800mgkg-1, respectively. Treatments were through oral gavage for 60 days; animals were sacrificed pentobarbital anesthesia and liver and kidney harvested for test. Thereafter, metal levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT), glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), interlukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis alpha (Tnf-α), caspase-3 (Cas-3), Nuclear factor kappa B (Nfkb), Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (Hmox-1) were assayed. HMM group presented higher levels of metal, IL-6 and Tnf-α, MDA, NO, Nfkb and Hmox-1 in HMM group which were significantly reduced by BP. BP was protective against metal mixture induced histopathological distortions. HMM exposure significantly distorted hepatorenal functions and BP treatment reduced metal bioavailability and abrogated most of these alterations.

Simultaneous Adsorption of Cu2+ and Cd2+ by a Simple Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly Bamboo Pulp Aerogels: Adsorption Properties and Mechanisms.

The highly efficient, pollution-free and degradable biomass-based adsorbents used for the purification of wastewater are currently being highlighted in the research. Bamboo is an excellent raw material for pulp production due to its characteristics of fast growth, wide distribution and high cellulose content. In this study, a tannin/chitosan/bamboo pulp aerogel (TCPA), an environmentally friendly, renewable and low-density adsorbent, was synthesized using a simple freeze-drying method and analyzed by FTIR, XPS, SEM, TEM, TGA and surface area and porosity methods. TCPA has a large specific surface area (137.33 m2/g) and 3D porous structure, and its surface has multiple functional groups including amino, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, which lead to a simultaneous absorption effect with Me2+ (Cu2+ and Cd2+). The maximum adsorption capacity for Cu2+ and Cd2+ of the TCPA was 72.73 mg/g and 52.52 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption processes of Me2+ by TCPA follow the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm mode, and the adsorption processes are spontaneous and endothermic. The study provides a promising candidate for the treatment of wastewater containing heavy metal mixtures.