High Levels Of Pb Research Articles

Effects of heavy metals in acute ischemic stroke patients: A cross-sectional study.

Cerebrovascular disease is the second commonest cause of mortality globally and among the commonest causes of disability. However, research executed to probe the heavy metal exposure–stroke incidence relationship is scarce. Accordingly, we executed our study to probe the relationship of heavy metal concentrations (ie, concentrations of lead [Pb], mercury [Hg], cadmium [Cd], and arsenic) in the serum and urine of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with several patient variables.For enrollment, we chose patients who had a first AIS within 7 days after the onset of a stroke. Thus, 33 newly diagnosed patients with AIS were recruited. We determined the aforementioned metals’ concentrations by executing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We also gauged the association between such metal concentrations and patient variables by employing Spearman correlation coefficient. To examine the differences in metal concentrations between the different variables, we implemented an independent Mann–Whitney U test.In our cohort analysis, we noted serum Pb and Cd concentrations to be positively correlated with serum creatinine and hemoglobin. Serum and urine Cd concentrations had a negative correlation with impaired HbA1c in AIS patients. Urine Hg had a positive correlation with C-reactive protein in the participants. Participants who smoked or consumed alcohol had significantly higher Pb and Cd levels in serum than did those who neither smoked nor drank. Patients with AIS who smoked or consumed alcohol had high levels of serum Pb and serum Cd than did those who did not. Patients with AIS who consumed alcohol had significantly higher Pb and Hg urine concentrations than did those who did not.Our study indicated that serum Cd and Pb elevation increased the AIS risk in southern Taiwan patients.

Association of the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy with congenital heart defects in offspring: a prospective cohort study.

To study the association of the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy with congenital heart defects (CHD) in offspring, and to establish a model for predicting the probability of CHD based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy. Based on the prospective birth cohort study in Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital in 2010-2012, a nested case-control study was conducted for the follow-up observation of 14 359 pregnant women. Among the pregnant women, 97 pregnant women whose offspring were diagnosed with CHD during follow-up were enrolled as the CHD group, and 194 pregnant women whose offspring had no CHD were selected as the control group. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure the levels of heavy metals and trace elements in maternal blood samples and fetal umbilical cord blood samples. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between heavy metal and trace elements and CHD in offspring. A nomogram model for predicting the probability of CHD in offspring was established based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy. Compared with the control group, the CHD group had significantly higher levels of aluminum (Al), natrium (Na), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), stannum (Sn), stibium (Sb), barium (Ba), and thorium (Th) in maternal blood samples (P<0.05), as well as significantly higher levels of Al, zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), kalium (K), Ca, Ti, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), Se, Sr, argentum (Ag), cadmium (Cd), Sn, and plumbum (Pb) in umbilical cord blood (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in the Sb level in maternal blood was associated with the increase in the risk of CHD in offspring [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65-14.07, P=0.004], while in umbilical cord blood, the high levels of Al (aOR=4.22, 95%CI: 1.35-13.16, P=0.013), Mg (aOR=8.00, 95%CI: 1.52-42.08, P=0.014), and Pb (aOR=3.82, 95%CI: 0.96-15.23, P=0.049) were significantly associated with the risk of CHD in offspring. The levels of Al, Th, and Sb in maternal blood and levels of Al, Mg, and Pb in umbilical cord blood were included in the predictive model for CHD in offspring based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy, and the calibration curve of the nomogram predictive model was close to the ideal curve. Increases in the levels of Al, Th, Sb, Mg, and Pb during pregnancy may indicate the increase in the risk of CHD in offspring, and the nomogram predictive model based on these indices can be used to predict the probability of CHD in offspring.

Identification of Lead from Sindur Samples

Sindur powder is often colored with red lead to produce a deep red hue. While many people think that cosmetics are clean, numerous studies have shown that the majority of cosmetics contain heavy metals and other pollutants. The adverse health effects of lead poisoning have been extensively established. A rapid inspection or "search" technique for provisional detection of particles was tried using an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) lead paint commercially provided testing kit for use by state health authorities. Field sampling techniques, besides prediction values aimed at samples containing 3×105 µg/g lead have all been substantially changed. The above-mentioned measures were 100 percent in the samples containing 3×105 µg/g lead, but the Confidence Intervals (CIs) exhibited a considerable variance. Also, concentration of 5,110 µg/g was not to be clearly detected using any field inspection technique. Colorimetric and semi-quantitative XRF tests successfully detected lead in samples with higher Pb levels (&gt;3×105 µg/g lead), but not in those with lower Pb levels. According to the findings, health department inspectors cannot use screening kit as a quick field test for sindur. In a nutshell, these findings highlight the importance of sindur danger monitoring.

Health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in Maros karst groundwater: a Monte Carlo simulation approach

This study investigated potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution in groundwater across the Maros karst area. The groundwater quality was evaluated using three indexing methods, the heavy metal pollution index (HPI), the heavy metal evaluation index (HMEI) and the contamination index ( The levels of PTEs were calculated to determine the noncancer and cancer risks to the residents through ingestion and dermal adsorption. To obtain high-level accuracy in cancer risk estimation, a Monte Carlo simulation model and sensitivity analysis were performed. The mean values of PTEs in rainy and summer season were followed the order of Cr > Pb > Zn > Cu and Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu, respectively. The high level of Pb and Cr were exceeded the permissible limit of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Indonesian Standards. However, TDS, pH, EC and temperature were still in accordance with WHO guidelines. The geostatistical interpolation of HPI, HMEI and revealed that the groundwater quality around Maros karst is low, particularly in Tukamasea and Leang-Leang village. Hazard index values were lower than one, implying no possibility of noncancer risk. The Monte Carlo simulation results with 95% confidence demonstrated children and adults are at risk for developing cancer due to PTE exposure.

Effects of lead and cadmium co-exposure on liver function in residents near a mining and smelting area in northwestern China.

Chronic exposure to environmental cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may have adverse effects on the human health. In this study, we aimed to determine the primary and interactive effects of Cd and Pb exposure on liver function in residents near a mining and smelting area in northwestern China. A total of 451 subjects were recruited, from which blood samples were collected to determine the levels of Cd, Pb, and liver function indices. Additionally, the association between the levels of exposure markers and liver function indices was analysed. Cd and Pb levels were significantly higher in subjects living in the polluted area than in those living in the non-polluted reference area. The liver function levels of subjects in the polluted area were poor compared with those in the reference area. In addition, Cd and Pb levels in the blood were positively associated with gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels and negatively associated with direct bilirubin (DBil) levels. Cd and Pb may be risk factors for abnormal liver function. The risk of abnormal liver function was higher in subjects with moderate Cd and Pb levels, high Cd levels, high Pb levels, and high Cd and Pb levels than in those with low Cd and Pb levels. Our data show that exposure to Cd and/or Pb can cause abnormal liver function. Cd and Pb may have an antagonistic effect on liver function, and high Cd exposure alone has a more profound effect on abnormal liver function compared with co-exposure to Pb and Cd.

Pb and Cd exposure linked with Il-10 and Il-13 gene polymorphisms in asthma risk relevant immunomodulation in children

Genetic variants and environmental factor of heavy metal exposure accelerate the risk of immune-mediated respiratory diseases, including asthma in children. This study aims to investigate the effects and interaction of Pb, Cd exposure from e-waste and interleukin (IL)-10, IL-13 gene polymorphisms on interleukin expressions in children. Pb, Cd levels, Il-10 (rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800896) and Il-13 (rs20541, rs1800925) polymorphisms were determined in blood or urine of 155 children (75 from e-waste-exposed area, Guiyu and 80 from reference area, Haojiang). Blood Pb and urine Cd levels of e-waste-exposed children were both higher (mean: 5.89 vs. 3.35 μg/dL; 6.04 vs. 1.82 μg/g, both P < 0.05). Exposed children had a larger proportion of high blood Pb level (> 5.00 μg/dL) (66.67% vs. 4.11%, P < 0.001), but they had no statistically different proportion of high urine Cd level (> 1.00 μg/g creatinine). Median levels of IL-13 decreased (3.674 vs. 4.410 ng/L, P < 0.01), but of IL-10 did not vary in serum of exposed children. The analyses revealed no significant associations of Pb or Cd with Il-10 or Il-13 gene polymorphisms. The high blood Pb and urine Cd level were respectively associated with the low IL-13 ( < 3.696 ng/L) and low IL-10 ( < 0.361 ng/L) level, after adjustment for children's age, gender, and BMI (both P ≤ 0.05). Children homozygous carrying major allele for Il-13 (rs20541 and rs1800925) had additive interactions with high blood Pb level on low IL-13 expression (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 1.96, 14.73 and OR = 8.45, 95% CI: 2.61, 27.32; both P ≤ 0.001). In contrast, no interaction was observed amongst Pb or Cd with Il-10 gene polymorphisms on its expression. Our findings suggest that Pb exposure interacting with Il-13 gene polymorphisms negatively regulates IL-13 expression, which may pose a risk to abnormal asthma-relevant immunomodulation in preschool children.

The assessment of cadmium and lead in organic and conventional root and tuber vegetables from the Serbian market

Global organic agriculture and consumption of organic food has continuously increased over the past decades. The aim of the research was to determine and compare cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations in organic and conventional root and tuber vegetables from the Serbian market. Samples of three root and tuber vegetables commonly consumed in Serbia, including potatoes, carrots and beetroots, were collected at two green markets and four supermarkets in the territory of the city of Belgrade, Serbia. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in fresh weight were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Mean concentrations of Cd and Pb in two types of vegetables were compared by the t-test. Cd and Pb concentrations in both types of vegetables were below allowable limits. Potato mean Cd concentration was significantly lower in the organic than in the conventional type (0.021 mg kg-1 and 0.037 mg kg-1, respectively). In carrots, it was the opposite, Cd concentration was higher in the organic type, but the difference was not significant either between the two types or for beetroots. Results indicated lower Pb levels in organic potatoes and beetroots, and higher Pb levels in organic carrots, but differences between means were not significant in all tested vegetables. Obtained results are not conclusive, but they indicate lower or similar concentrations of both metals in organic vegetables in comparison to conventional types.

Contamination Assessment by Heavy Metals of the Ykem River Sediments (Coastal Meseta, Morocco)

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the degree of pollution of Wadi Ykem through a geochemical study allowing highlighting the physicochemical characteristics as well, the evaluation and the distribution of the heavy metal contents in the sediments. For the environmental assessment of its sediments, a study was carried out to determine the concentrations of major elements and trace elements (Cd, Cr, Al, Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni) during two different hydrological seasons: in summer (June 2017) and in winter (April 2018). In the two campaigns 20 sediment samples were collected in 10 sampling sites. The various sampling sites were distributed upstream and downstream of the Ykem river. These metals were analyzed at CNESTEN using the ICP MS technique. The geo-accumulation index, the Enrichment Factor (EF) and the Pollution Load Index (PLI) were used for the assessment of metallic contamination of the sediments. The results of this study show a homogeneous distribution of the contents of major elements with a dominance of the elements SiO2 and TiO2 in the two campaigns. High Cd contents which exceed the contents of geochemical backgrounds. High levels of Cd, Pb and Al. And low concentrations for (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn) for the two campaigns. The PLI variations show that all the stations have PLI values greater than 1. The Enrichment Factor does not show contamination at all sampling stations. The values of Igeo show levels which vary from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated.

Analysis of Selected Physico-Chemical Parameters, Nutrients, and Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Samples in Halaba Town, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Residents in the Halaba town, SNNPR, Ethiopia have used tap water as the main source of water for their drinking and domestic purposes. However, the Physico-chemical parameters of tap water in Halaba town have not been studied and this study was aimed to investigate some Physico-chemical parameters and selected heavy metals in tap water samples collected from two sampling sites in Halaba town. All the samples were analyzed for selected heavy metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, and some Physico-chemical parameters such as EC, pH, TDS, TH, turbidity, K, Ca, Mg, nitrate, and sulfate using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS) and Paline test methods, respectively. The mean results of the physicochemical parameters investigated in tap water samples collected from two sampling sites were found to be in the range: EC (193.3–323.3) 𝜇S/cm, pH (7.88–7.9), TDS (96.7–175) mg/L, TH (24-30) mg/L, turbidity (3.93–4.53) NTUs, NO3-1(1.64–1.75) mg/L, SO4-2(1.3–3.3) mg/L. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were found to be in the range: Zn (0.05–0.30) mg/L, Fe (0.25–0.50) mg/L, Cu (0.01–0.04) mg/L, Pb (0.01–0.02) mg/L, Ni (1.86–2.4) mg/L, Cr (0.08–0.14) mg/L, Mn (0.001) mg/L, K (44.3–88.7) mg/L, Ca (180–204) mg/L, Mg (6.3–13) mg/L. The study showed that the concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Cr were slightly higher than the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO, USEPA, and EU standards whereas concentrations of K and Ca were found to be higher than the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO. All the other selected physicochemical parameters considered were below the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO. Furthermore, the concentration of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn were found to be below the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO, USEPA, EU, Australian, Iranian, Indian, Malaysian, Newzlandian, and Ethiopian standards. Therefore, citizens in the Halaba town that uses tap water for their day-to-day domestic activities and drinking purpose could potentially expose to health risks due to high levels of Pb, Ni, Cr, K and Ca. So, it is recommended that the tap water in the study area should be treated before being used for drinking and domestic purposes.

Heavy Metal Levels in the Beyler Dam Lake, Kastamonu (Turkey)

In this study, some heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Mn and Zn) were seasonally determined in water to evaluate of the quality of the Beyler Dam Lake. The average concentrations of heavy metals analyzed in water samples for cold and hot season were Cu: 11.53, 13.23; Cd: 0.85, 0.97; Pb: 13.77, 16.26; Cr: 2.88, 3.48; Mn: 1.94, 1.71; and Zn: 7.57, 8.20 ppb, respectively. The annual average (AA) concentrations of heavy metals were Cu: 12.38; Cd: 0.91, Pb: 15.01, Cr: 3.18; Mn: 1.82; and Zn: 7.88 ppb. In general, the heavy metal concentrations were found to be higher in hot season than the cold season. It was observed that none of the heavy metals assessed exceeded the limits specified in the Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulation. The Beyler Dam Lake was classified as Class I for all the heavy metals except Pb for which it was classified as Class II. These results indicate that the lake is not polluted by the heavy metals. However, relatively high Pb levels seek further research to identify the source. The lake water can be used for agricultural activities but should continue to be monitored.

Health Risk Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals in Cocoyam from Three Quarry Sites in Old Netim, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assessed health risk assessment of heavy metals in cocoyam from three quarry sites in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. Cocoyam tubers were obtained from three quarry sites in Oban Okoroba, each 4.5 kilometers apart and 20 kilometers from the control site. Cocoyam tubers were obtained from 0km, 0.2km, 0.4km, and 0.6km. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to determine the content of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As) and Manganese (Mn), showing relative abundance across all sites and samples in the sequence Mn &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; As &gt; Cd. Quarry site D had highest levels of Mn, As and Cu (50.003 ± 5.478 mgkg-1, 0.207 ± 0.184 and 4.522 ± 1.204mgkg-1). Quarry site C and B respectively had the highest levels of Pb and Cd (1.136 ± 0.267 mgkg-1 and 0.041 ± 0.028 mgkg-1). Results of Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Life Carcinogenic Risk (LCR) showed ingestion of cocoyam tubers from Old Netim is safe and devoid of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. THI on the other hand revealed non-carcinogenic threat may result from prolonged ingestion of cocoyam tubers cultivated within quarry sites in Old Netim.

Assessment of significant metals in effluents, soil, and pond water of tanneries south of capital of Sudan state

In the present study, impact of tannery effluents and their subsequent on accumulation of some metals (Ca, K, Na, Mg, Cl, S, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in water and soil samples in and around South Khartoum industrial area, Khartoum-Sudan were studied. Concentration of metals in tannery effluents (SA), adjacent contaminated pond water (SB), Soil (SC), and uncontaminated water (SD) were assessed by atomic absorption photometer. The results showed high levels of Ca, K, Na, Mg, Cl, S, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn within the water from all sampling point (SA, SB and SC). The investigation exhibited that tanneries wastewater has high mean concentrations of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Pb in all sampling point of effluent, pond water, soil, and uncontaminated water, except Zn which is high only in soil sampling point (SC). The significant metals accumulation displayed a pattern of mean concentration as follow: Soil &gt; Effluent &gt;contaminated pond water &gt; Un contaminated water. Significant metals toxicity levels within the totally different sampling points were compared with water from WHO. Mean metal concentrations in un contaminated water were among the allowable limit set by WHO except for Magnesium (Mg). The comparison indicated that soil (SC) within the neighboring industrial area accumulated metals, enhanced levels of toxic of metals such as Cr, Ni, Zn and Pb, which also demonstrated higher concentration levels in the adjacent contaminated pond water samples. increased levels of poisonous, that additionally incontestable higher concentration levels within the contaminated pond water.

Erythrocyte Index Levels in Metal Smelters Based on Literature Studies

The metal smelting industry tends to have high air Pb levels exceeding the threshold determined by the CDC is 100 g/m3. The smelting dust particles are Pb and SO2 circulating in the air along with combustion fumes is very possible to be inhaled by metal smelters who do not wear proper personal protective equipment. High levels of Pb The air inhaled by metal smelters can affect the health level of workers, one of which is the disruption of the erythropoiesis process which can cause abnormal erythrocyte index levels. This study aims to determine the description of erythrocyte index levels in metal smelters based on literature studies. This research is an observational qualitative research through a literature review approach, with data collection methods that use secondary data from several related scientific journals. Secondary data analysis is descriptive and presented in tabular form. Based on the results of research from three related scientific journals, the average level of the erythrocyte index in metal smelting workers is normochromic normocytic with an average length of work of more than 3.89 years, workers who smoke as much as 78% and those who do not smoke as much as 22%, workers who using PPE as much as 56% and 44% who do not use PPE.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in the coastal sediments of an urbanized atoll in the central Pacific: Majuro Atoll, the Marshall Islands.

Pacific atolls are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Coral reef ecosystems, which are responsible for the island formation and maintenance, can potentially keep pace with rising sea levels. Such ecosystems are sensitive to pollution; however, the sources and levels of atoll pollutants caused by urbanization have rarely been investigated. In this study, we assessed the heavy metal pollution (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) of coastal sediments to evaluate the effects of urbanization on Majuro Atoll, the Marshall Islands. The densely populated area had the most significant pollution with high levels of Pb, Mn, Zn, and Cu due to road traffic activity. Domestic wastewater, a major pollution source in Pacific atolls, was not identified. Remarkably, the Zn and Pb levels in the lagoonal coasts of the remote island area were 697 - 1539 and 22 - 337 times higher, respectively, than in the natural area of Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu. Thus, the remote island and sparsely populated areas were significantly polluted because of the maritime traffic activity in the lagoon and debris accumulation in/around the lagoon. This pollution resulted from improper municipal solid waste management of the main island. The contamination factor, pollution load index, and geo-accumulation index indicated high levels of heavy metal pollution in these areas. Urbanization of the atoll clearly resulted in a distinct heavy metal composition and high pollution levels compared with Funafuti Atoll. These findings emphasize the importance of pollution management in the conservation and rehabilitation of urbanized atolls threatened by future sea-level rises.

Prenatal Lead and Depression Exposures Jointly Influence Birth Outcomes and NR3C1 DNA Methylation.

Many gestational exposures influence birth outcomes, yet the joint contribution of toxicant and psychosocial factors is understudied. Moreover, associated gestational epigenetic mechanisms are unknown. Lead (Pb) and depression independently influence birth outcomes and offspring NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor) DNA methylation. We hypothesized that gestational Pb and depression would jointly influence birth outcomes and NR3C1 methylation. Pregnancy exposure information, DNA methylation, and birth outcome data were collected prospectively from n = 272 mother–infant pairs. Factor analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of NR3C1. Multivariable linear regressions tested for interaction effects between gestational Pb and depression exposures with birth outcomes and NR3C1. Interaction effects indicated that higher levels of Pb and depression jointly contributed to earlier gestations, smaller infant size at birth, and asymmetric fetal growth. Pb and depression were also jointly associated with the two primary factor scores explaining the most variability in NR3C1 methylation; NR3C1 scores were associated with some infant outcomes, including gestational age and asymmetric fetal growth. Pb and depression can cumulatively influence birth outcomes and epigenetic mechanisms, which may lay the foundation for later health risk. As toxicants and social adversities commonly co-occur, research should consider the life course consequences of these interconnected exposures.

Lead, Soils, and Children: An Ecological Analysis of Lead Contamination in Parks and Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Brooklyn, New York.

Although the prevalence of elevated childhood blood lead levels (BLLs) has been declining, there are still an estimated 500,000 children (1 to 5years) with BLLs above the CDC's reference value (≥ 5μg/dL). The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecological association between soil lead (Pb) concentrations in greenspaces in Brooklyn, NY and elevated BLLs of children aged 1 to 5years old. Soil samples (n = 1504) were collected from a wide variety of parks within 43 neighborhood tabulation areas (NTAs) located in Brooklyn, NY, analyzed with a portable XRF with a subset (n = 350), and also analyzed by ICP-MS. Lead concentrations were right skewed with a mean of 160.4ppm and a median of 113.1ppm. The Pb concentration range spanned three orders of magnitude with most samples (66.7%) ≥ 80ppm and 6.7% of samples ≥ 400ppm. Elevated BLL (≥ 5ug/dL) data on children 1 to 5years were obtained from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (2011-2015). Weighted median soil Pb concentrations were calculated for each NTA and stratified into quartiles. The overall median rate of children from 1 to 5years old with BLLs ≥ 5µg/dL was 28.6 per 1000; the median rate was highest (p = 0.070) in the fourth quartile (Pb concentrations ≥ 150ppm) compared to the first quartile (Pb concentrations < 88ppm), 37.2 vs. 28.3 per 1000, respectively. We then used multivariable linear regression to determine the ecological association between BLL rates and soil Pb concentrations. In the final stepwise multivariable regression model, controlling for known risk factors, there was a significant positive association between soil Pb concentrations and increased childhood BLL rates (beta = 0.0008; p = 0.004). Our findings suggest that thereis an ecological association between high soil Pb levels and increased rates of elevated childhood BLLs.

Levels of major and trace metals in eggplant and soil

ABSTRACT. Eggplant is one of the widely used edible vegetables in the world including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the metal contents of eggplants and their corresponding soils collected from five different areas of Ethiopia. Levels of nine selected metals (Na, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd) were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentration ranges (mg/kg) of the metals in eggplant were Na (1,384-1,917) &gt; Ca (110-158) &gt; Fe (55.9-94.8) &gt; Mn (34.5-44.2) &gt; Zn (17.9-29.2) &gt; Cu (4.3-10.0) &gt; Pb (1.8-4.5) and in soil Fe (4,714-5,508) &gt; Na (843-1,120) &gt; Ca (237-788), Mn (617-763) &gt; Zn (50.7-99.4) &gt; Cu (44.8-74.0) &gt; Pb (13.8-15.8), respectively. Ni and Cd were below the detection limit. The results indicated that eggplant is a good source of essential macro and micro metals. It is also free from toxic metal Cd. However, it contains higher level of Pb, well above the WHO/FAO permissible level. The bioavailability of the metals in eggplant was investigated by analysis of soil pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid and salinity. Transfer factor exhibited a higher accumulation of Na from the soil to the eggplant but for the other metals it was &lt; 1.&#x0D; &#x0D; KEY WORDS: Eggplant, Minerals, Soil properties, Transfer factor, Ethiopia&#x0D; &#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 243-255.&#x0D; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.3

Apatite U‐Pb Dating with Common Pb Correction Using LA‐ICP‐MS/MS

Apatite is a ubiquitous accessory mineral in various rocks (e.g., igneous, metamorphic and clastic sedimentary rocks). However, precise and accurate U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS dating of apatite is often compromised by high common Pb levels. Among the different common Pb correction methods, the main advantage of the 204Pb correction method is that it does not assume U/radiogenic Pb concordance. However, 204Pb is difficult to measure using ICP‐MS instruments because of the isobaric interference of 204Hg on 204Pb. We overcome this limitation by using a reaction cell sandwiched between two quadrupoles within an ICP‐MS, which can allow the online chemical separation of two different elements. Ammonia reacts efficiently (&gt; 98%) with Hg while isotopes of Pb are not affected. The approach was tested on eight apatite reference materials (McClure Mountain, NW‐1, UWA‐1, Otter Lake, Slyudyanka, MK‐1, Durango and Fish Canyon Tuff) for which there are independent constraints on the U‐Pb crystallisation age, by comparing U‐Pb dating results employing different reaction gas mixes (NH3‐N2O and NH3 only) in two laboratories. Based on the U‐Pb data and SEM analyses on each sample, we can exclude apatite inter‐ and intra‐grain U‐Pb age heterogeneity, except for a c. 4% variability of ages in the Otter Lake sample. Our results show that accuracy and precision for U‐Pb dating are not measurably affected by different reaction gases, and we accurately reproduce ages of numerous independently characterised apatites within 4% of the reference ages, and the age reproducibility is typically better than 2%.

Chronic exposure to lead acetate promotes changes in the alveolar bone of rats: microstructural and physical-chemical characterization.

There are a few data relating to the effects of lead (Pb) exposure on the alveolar bone, which has very distinct morphophysiological characteristics and is of great importance in the oral cavity. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the changes promoted after long-term exposure to Pb in the microstructure of the alveolar bone of rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats were exposed to 50 mg/kg/day of lead acetate for 55 days. These animals were euthanized and had their mandible removed. Each mandible was divided into hemimandibles, and the alveolar bone was used for bone lead quantification, crystallinity analysis, microstructure evaluation by the percentage of bone volume (BV/TV), number of trabeculae (Tb.N), thickness of the trabecular (Tb.Th), and trabecular space (Tb.Sp). Morphometric analysis of the exposed root area was also performed. Long-term exposure to Pb resulted in high levels of Pb in the alveolar bone but showed no changes in the organization of crystallinity. The microstructural analyses showed a reduction of BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N and increase of Tb.Sp parameters, resulting in an increase in the exposed root area and an alveolar bone loss in height. The findings of this study reveal the ability of Pb to alter the alveolar bone microstructure after long-term exposure to the metal, possibly due to changes in tissue homeostasis, contributing to the reduction of bone quality.

Selected Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in the Serum of Postoperative Gastric Cancer Patients and Their Relationship to CEA

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second and fourth most prevalent cancer in men and women, respectively, and is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Many studies have shown that heavy metal exposure and trace element levels in the body are the most critical etiologies for cancer development. As a result, the goal of our research was to assess the imbalances in the serum concentrations of selected elements (Cu, Co, Se, Ni, Cd, and Pb) in post-operative GC patients against healthy participants/ controls. Methods: The metal levels were determined using a nitric acid/perchloric acid-based wet digestion technique and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, Serum levels of CEA were measured using a two-site immunoenzymometric assay, which is performed entirely in the AIA-PACK SLa test cups. Results: Pb, Cd, and Ni concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the blood of GC patients than in the blood of controls, but Cu and Co levels were significantly lower in the blood of GC patients than in the blood of controls. In the blood of post-operative GC patients, correlation analysis revealed a positive association between CEA-Cd, CEA-Pb, and CEA-Ni, while the correlation was negative for CEA-Cu. These findings were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: According to our findings, low Co and Se levels, as well as high Pb and Cd levels, may have a role in the development of stomach cancer.