High Levels Of Cu Research Articles

Construction of pyrimidine derivatives-copper enzyme mimics as colorimetric sensing elements for efficient detection of phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide

As concerns about environmental pollution grow, the rapid identification and quantification of pollutants have become increasingly vital. In this work, a series of pyrimidine derivatives-Cu enzyme mimics (Cytosine-Cu, Cytidine-Cu, and CMP-Cu) with laccase- and peroxidase-like activity were prepared through the coordination of Cu2+ with different pyrimidine derivatives (PDs). The PDs-Cu enzyme mimics contain high levels of Cu+ and N − Cu coordination structures, which provide sufficient catalytic sites for the substrates. Compared with natural enzymes and other nanozymes, PDs-Cu demonstrate superior substrate affinity, catalytic efficiency, stability, and resistance to interference. It was found that PDs-Cu enzyme mimics have different catalytic activities towards different phenolic compounds. Therefore, a three-channel colorimetric sensor array (CSA) was successfully developed utilizing PDs-Cu as the sensing elements. The CSA can accurately identify different phenolic compounds and their mixtures in seawater and simulated wastewater. Additionally, a colorimetric method for detecting H2O2 in eye drops was developed, featuring a detection range of 0.1–10.0 μM and a limit of quantification of 0.1 μM. This research not only provides a flexible protocol for regulating the catalytic activity of enzyme mimics, but also provides important inspiration for the development of methods for rapid identification and detection of contaminants in the environmental water.

Melamine enhancing Cu-Fenton reaction for degradation of anthracyclines

Melamine (MA) enhanced Cu-Fenton process was developed for the degradation of anthracyclines. Taking daunorubicin (DNR) degradation as an example, we found that the initial first-order apparent constant of Cu2+/MA/H2O2 system with a molar ratio of 1:8 for Cu2+:MA was 5.2 times higher than that of conventional Cu2+/H2O2 system. The in-situ reductive coordination between Cu2+ and MA facilitated the generation and stabilization of Cu+ species, thereby accelerating the rate-limiting step of Cu2+/Cu+ conversion and maintaining high levels of Cu+ during the degradation process. Moreover, pre-synthesized Cu+-MA complexes (e.g., CM-250) further enhanced the efficiency of the Cu-Fenton reaction by increasing both the Cu+ proportion and MA chelation. The apparent activation energy for DNR degradation in CM-250 mediated Fenton reaction (15.9 kJ mol−1) was lower than that in systems involving Cu2+/MA (41.2 kJ mol−1) and Cu2+ (65.6 kJ mol−1). Enhanced generation of various reactive oxygen species (·OH,·O2-, and 1O2) was confirmed, with 1O2 playing a dominant role, significantly improving both degradation rate and mineralization degree for DNR. MA-enhanced Cu-Fenton process also offers a convenient alternative to effectively remove other anthracyclines and organic micropollutants, holding great promise for advancing advanced oxidation processes as well as practical large-scale degradation applications targeting multiple pollutants.

Evaluation of the Adriatic Sea pollution using mesozooplankton as an environmental indicator

The Adriatic Sea is an enclosed basin threatened by marine pollution due to its hydrographic features and anthropogenic pressure. Although zooplankton has been worldwide regarded as an immediate warning signal of contamination, limited information is available on the contamination of these organisms at the Adriatic level. Hence, this study provides comprehensive data on the presence and levels of multiple pollutants in zooplankton collected from 46 locations. With regards to legacy contaminants, both PCB and DDT levels have declined since the 1980s. Specifically, most samples were characterized by low DDT contamination (average of 3 ± 2.7 ng g− 1 dry weight) and only few of these accumulated levels of concern for what concerns PCB, pointing out possible hotspots of contamination in the central-eastern Adriatic Sea. As regards metal(loid)s, the Metal Pollution Index identified areas of concern in the north Adriatic Sea (Gulf of Venice) with high levels of Co, Cu, Hg, Cr and Pb; in the Central Adriatic Sea (Tremiti islands) with high levels of Co, Ni, Hg, Cr and Pb; in the Southern Adriatic Sea (Taranto and offshore Corfu), with high levels of most metal(loid)s, especially Cr, Ni and Zn. Certain metal(loid)s (e.g. Cd, Pb and Hg) have declined over time and most of them are lower than well-known contaminated worldwide marine ecosystems. Only Cu appears to be particularly high in the Mediterranean zooplankton. Overall, this work suggests a general improvement of the status of contamination of the Adriatic Sea.

Origin, distribution, fate, and risks of potentially toxic elements in the aquatic environment of Bengaluru Metropolis, India

This study probes the water quality, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) concentrations, and the associated environmental and human health implications, in forty one surface water bodies in Bengaluru metropolis, southern India. The pH in 54%, TDS in 63%, Ni in 12%, and U, Mo, Pb, Cr, Co, and Cu in 5% of the forty one water bodies exceed the WHO’s permissible limits for drinking purpose. Total dissolved solids display a significant positive correlation with Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, and Ni, suggesting the association of these elements with particulate matter. Sources of metal pollution include industries in the city's west (high levels of Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, and Cu), traffic in the city Centre (Mo), and geogenic (U) sources in the city's north, east, and south. The degree of contamination is high in 25%, moderate in 10%, and low in 65% of the forty one water bodies, with the highest degree of contamination in Narasappanehalli Lake in the industrial zone, Deepanjali Nagara Lake, and Govindraj Nagar drainage systems. Uranium, Pb, and Mo display a low to medium degree of contamination, whereas Cr, Co, Ni, and Cu display a medium to high degree of contamination. The non-carcinogenic risk through ingestion of contaminated water is medium to high for adults and children and the carcinogenic risk is high in all water bodies. Channels transport contaminated water from Bengaluru water bodies to the Pinakani and Cauvery Rivers and then to the northern Indian Ocean. The states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu rely on water from these rivers for domestic and agricultural use exposing large populations to contaminated waters. Additionally, contaminated waters can negatively impact flora and fauna of Peninsular India as well as the marine biota of the northern Indian Ocean.

Geospatial Approach to Identify the Indicators of Wetland Change: A Study for Kabartal (Ramsar Wetland), India

This study assesses the trend of LULC change in Wetlands from 1989 to 2023 using LANDSAT data for the core wetland zone of 26.02 km2 and the extended buffer zone of 623.08 km2. A physicochemical analysis of soil and water quality was conducted, and geospatial tools such as NDVI, MNDWI, and LULC were used in the study. ICP-OES study shows high levels of Ca, Mg, K, Fe and Cu in soil. Water quality analysis reveals that all parameters are within the permissible limit. Pearson correlation analysis shows a significant positive correlation between precipitation and vegetation cover in the buffer zone and with the water in wetland in the core zone. Nitrate and phosphate have a strong positive correlation with each other in both seasons, implying the same source, which could be due to agricultural runoff. Higher electrical conductivity indicates the presence of mineral ions and is strongly correlated with pH, temperature alkalinity and TDS. NDVI, MNDWI and LULC studies show decreased vegetation and water areas in core and buffer zones. The driving forces of wetland degradation are agriculture and built-up in core and buffer zones. The results of the kappa coefficient show an accuracy of 88%. Conservation strategies should be developed based on the indicators of the driving forces of degradation.

Using MIR and XRF spectroscopy to develop a heavy metal leaching potential model in Irish top soils

The European Union aim to have all soils healthy by 2050. However, a major challenge to soil health monitoring is identifying key metrics for soil health indicators. Moreover, how to analyse numerous soil properties which are time-consuming, labour intensive and expensive. MIR spectroscopy is a rapid, non-destructive cheaper alternative to wet chemical methods. Here, we combined known soil properties that limit transport of heavy metals (i.e. drainage class, depth, organic matter, particle size/texture, bulk density and cation-exchange-capacity) to develop a topsoil (≤50 cm) leaching potential model (n = 3,515). The study area consisted of mostly grassland soils which had mainly high and moderately low leaching potential (43 and 36 %, respectively), with lower coverage of high and intermediate classes (10 and 11 %, respectively). However, known topsoil prediction models of 5–25 cm (n = 4759) were extrapolated to deeper samples 30–50 cm. As a result, 26 % of samples were identified as ‘out of control’ in peatland transition areas. For full spatial coverage for environmental modelling from spectral data, reference values are needed for the deeper samples in peatland transition areas.Furthermore, this study used a geological survey of the northern half of Ireland at ≤4 km2 resolution to map regions of naturally high levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb by ICP and XRF spectroscopy. Geospatial clipping of heavy metal thresholds showed high coverage of As and Ni in Eastern regions, and Cd in the Midland regions of Ireland. Therefore, it would be useful to include fertiliser loadings, transport pathways or any source/recipient data to assess heavy metal movement throughout the soil profile, particularly in these regions.

Microplastic and heavy metal contamination in sediments of the high-altitude Nundkol Lake of northwestern Himalayas-Kashmir

This study investigates heavy metal and microplastic contamination in the sediment of Nundkol Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake in the northwestern Himalayas. Sediment analysis revealed heavy metal concentrations significantly exceeding background levels, with average concentrations of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and chromium (Cr) recorded at 40.991 ppm, 54.434 ppm, 87,843.59 ppm, 1544.566 ppm, 83.288 ppm, 16.312 ppm, 104.571 ppm, and 106.514 ppm, respectively. Notably, the highest levels of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Pb were observed in sample GL2, indicating potential local geochemical anomalies. The trace elements were quantified using a Graphite Furnace - Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer-PinAAcle 900AA) for high precision.Microplastic analysis revealed an average abundance of 76±12.08 items/kg dry weight, predominantly fibers. The microplastics were mostly red (55.26 %), blue (36.84 %), orange (5.26 %), and green (2.63 %). Raman spectroscopy identified Polyamides (PA) as the predominant type (86.5 %), with the remainder being Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP). The results suggest tourism, fishing, and trekking activities as major contributors to microplastic presence. This study uniquely combines the assessment of heavy metal and microplastic contamination in a high-altitude lake, providing a comprehensive view of pollutant dynamics. The findings highlight the need for tailored mitigation strategies and comprehensive monitoring programs to protect this fragile region. Applications include informing environmental policy, guiding pollution mitigation efforts, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. This study offers valuable insights into the environmental health of high-altitude lakes and underscores the need for efforts to mitigate anthropogenic impacts.

Assessing Trace Metal Contamination and Associated Risks in the Kossan River Ecosystem, Southern Côte d'Ivoire

Trace metals accumulate in aquatic systems and can pose a threat to human health and wildlife. In recent decades, human activity has become the main source of metals in the environment. In order to gain a better understanding of metal contamination in Ivorian rivers impacted by human activity, and to help set up a database, we studied the distribution of arsenics (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the Kossan River. A total of 21 surface water and sediment samples were taken at 7 stations along the River Kossan between March 2019 and July 2020. Total concentrations of the metals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were assessed in surface water. Contamination indices such as EF, CF; Igeo and PLI were calculated to determine the level of sediment contamination. Ecological risk indices Er and RI were used to assess the potential risks associated with metals. The concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn found in surface water samples fell within the following ranges: 2.03 - 17.19, 1.752 - 13.264, 0.067 - 0.774, 17.44 - 2369.11 and 136.72 - 3669.37 µg/L, respectively and in sediment: 0.69 - 4.60, 2.10 - 11.30, 0.13 - 5.00, 1.70 - 28.20 and 4.10 - 90.30 µg/g, respectively. The results showed high levels of As, Cu, Pb and Zn contamination in places, above WHO limits. The calculation of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk indices revealed that arsenic and copper can present major health risks for humans through the consumption of water. Cd concentrations exceeded geochemical background values. The results suggest moderate to very severe Cd contamination of the sediments by anthropogenic origin at certain sampling points. In general, the results of the ecological risk indices revealed low to moderate levels of contamination for metals, with the exception of heavy cadmium contamination in the river. The highest concentrations of trace metals were observed in water and sediment samples collected from stations with high anthropogenic pressure. The continuing intensification of human activity may in the long term present a major risk to man and his environment, hence the need to set up a system for monitoring river watercourses and to develop a system for remediating trace metals in river water such as phytoremediation.

Sources and transport pathways of trace metals to the outer continental shelf off South Carolina and Georgia, USA revealed from the otoliths of moray eels

Trace metal concentrations in otoliths of spotted moray eels (Gymnothorax moringa), non-migratory residents of hard bottom reefs at depths of ∼30–70m along the outer shelf adjacent to South Carolina and Georgia, were analyzed to determine if results provide insights into trace metal sources and transport processes in this dynamic region of the shelf. Li and Mg appear to reflect exposure to local sea water circulated through adjacent porous rock outcrops where the eels reside. Concentrations of Mn, V, Cu, and Zn in otoliths appear to be associated with deep water upwelled along the shelf break. Based on 30 years of water temperature data from fishery surveys, Scamp Ridge, located at 32.30 N at a depth of ∼50m, has significantly lower summertime bottom temperature than elsewhere along the shelf edge, indicating locally enhanced upwelling at that location. The highest levels of Cu and Zn and the lowest of Mn and V were also found in otoliths of eels collected in the vicinity of Scamp Ridge. These results indicate that otolith chemistry in eels can reveal fine-scale structure of water mass inputs to the outer shelf of the southeastern US coast.

Heavy metal contents in water extracts of selected medicinal plants used in the folk medicine of Jordan

BackgroundContamination of medicinal plants with heavy metals from environmental sources may severely impact the quality and safety of botanical products. The consumption of botanicals that are contaminated with heavy metals represents a severe health-threatening danger. Study designThe present toxicological study was conducted to determine the heavy metal concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Hg, As, and Cu in selected medicinal plants and their water extracts (infusions) of Achillea santolina L., Amygdalus communis L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Crataegus aronia L., Viscum cruciatum Sieb., and Nepeta involucrata (Bunge) Bornm. collected from different regions in the south of Jordan, including Birkhdad (site 1), Al-Rashadihya (site 2), and Ain-Lahda (sites 3 and 4). MethodsHeavy metal concentrations in the medicinal herbs and their infusions were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometric Analysis (ICP-OES). The correlation between the content of heavy metals in the studied plants, their water extracts, and the surrounding soil environment was also studied. ResultsHigh concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Cu were detected at all investigated sites of soil. They were in the ranges of 8.46 ± 0.02 to 18.36 ± 0.02 ppm (for Ni), 9.47 ± 0.02 to 24.97 ± 0.06 ppm (for Cr), and 9.53 ± 0.01 to 17.05 ± 1.32 ppm (for Cu), respectively. The high levels of Ni, Cr, and Cu are mainly due to the presence of a highway road that is nearby site 3 and the location of a cement factory that is nearby site 2. The potentially toxic elements of Cd, Pb, and As were non-detectable, and very low concentrations of Hg were observed in the range of 0.17 ± 0.01 to 1.82 ± 0.25 ppm in Artemisia herba-alba collected from all studied locations. High Cu concentrations (20.53 to 23.80 ppm) were detected in A. herba-alba collected from sites 1, 2, and 3 and were higher than the reported normal range of (4 to 15 ppm). On the other hand, the raw materials of all studied plants had low Ni, and Cr concentrations within the range of 0.38 (± 0.01) to 4.05 (± 0.16) ppm and 0.35 (± 0.01) to 2.82 (± 0.01) ppm, respectively. Cd and As were non-detectable in all water extracts of all studied plants. The highest Cu contents were observed in the water extracts of A. herba-alba collected from sites 2 and 3 at concentrations of 64.54 ± 6.41 ppm and 62.43 ± 1.85 ppm, respectively. ConclusionsThe heavy metal contamination in a panel of herbal samples was below the legal limit values, except for those plants harvested close to a highway with heavy traffic or a cement factory. This points to the necessity to selecting suitable locations to culture medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. We recommend monitoring the herbal quality concerning heavy metal contamination on a routine basis to assure the safety of herbal products for the sake of patients in Jordan and elsewhere.

Physicochemical characterization and determination of trace metals in different edible fats and oils in Bangladesh: Nexus to human health

The study assessed the quality of four different edible fats and oils using standard analytical techniques. The presence of potentially toxic elements was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. This study reveals that edible oils function admirably in terms of physical traits such as moisture content, boiling point, melting point, density, and specific gravity. Some edible fats and oils exceeded the standard limit of moisture, acid value, and peroxide value and these values were found in the range of 0.120–0.760 %, 0.220–2.45 mg KOH/g, and 1.23–21.7 meq/kg respectively. The iodine value for fats showed satisfactory results but for oils observed lower than the standard value varied from 68.2 to 104 g/100 g. The results of saponification value for most of the oils and fats were found satisfactory but others were lower than recommended limits and detected results were in the range of 167–224 mg KOH/g. Trace metals viz. Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Co were measured in all samples and the concentration ranged from 0.070 to 47.0, 0.120–2.44, 0.540–27.1, 0.030–1.87, 0.010–4.63 and 0.060–8.39 ppm for iron, manganese, nickel, lead, copper, and cobalt respectively. The study found high levels of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Co in edible fats and oils in Bangladesh. No Cd was found, and Pb was not present in over half of the samples, which included the majority of mustard oils. The levels of Fe and Ni were higher than advised, but there was no discernible toxicological danger from Cd or Pb. The results of the health risk assessment indicated that there was no risk to children's health and possible hazards to adults' health.

Decreased vascular contraction and changes in oxidative state in middle–aged Wistar rats after exposure to increased levels of dietary zinc

Both copper and zinc are known to be important for maintaining health, but most research has focused on deficiencies of these elements. Recent studies have shown that high levels of Cu can be toxic, especially to the cardiovascular (CV) system. However, little research has been done on the effects of higher levels of Zn on the CV system. In this study, male Wistar rats aged 12 months were given a diet with twice the recommended daily allowance of zinc (31.8 mg/kg of diet) and compared to a control group (15.9 mg/kg of diet) after 8 weeks. Blood plasma and internal organs of both groups were examined for levels of copper, zinc, selenium and iron, as well as several key enzymes. Aortic rings from both groups were also examined to determine vascular functioning. There were very few changes in the vascular system functioning after chronic exposure to zinc, and only one enzyme, heme oxygenase–1 (HO–1) was elevated, whereas vascular contraction to noradrenaline decreased with no changes in vasodilation to acetylcholine. Of the micronutrients, zinc and selenium were elevated in the blood plasma, while copper decreased. Meanwhile, the total antioxidant status increased. These were not observed in the liver. Therefore, it is proposed that there is a mechanism in place within the vascular system to protect against the overproduction of heme, caused by chronic zinc exposure.

Soil Fertility Mapping using Geo-spatial Technique for Khapradih Farm, DKS College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh, India

The present study aimed to assess various chemical properties and available macro and micronutrients in the soil. Collection of 101 geo-referenced soil surface samples at 100-meter intervals of the Khapradih Farm of DKS College of Agriculture & Research Station, district Balodabazar-Bhatapara of Chhattisgarh state and examined in the laboratory for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and available macro-nutrients (N, P, K, S) and micro- nutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B). The results showed that the soil was generally neutral in pH, with a range of 5.7 to 7.6. The electrical conductivity indicated non-saline, varying from 0.11 to 0.26 dSm-1. Available nutrients were categorized as low, medium, or high based on nutrient index values. The study revealed that the soil in the area had low levels of available N and S, medium levels of available P and K, and high levels of available Fe, Mn, and Cu. Zn was found to be in the medium category, while B was low. Significant correlations were observed between various physico-chemical properties and available macro and micro nutrients. Using ArcGIS 10.4.1, thematic maps were created, representing the spatial distribution of soil properties and nutrient status. Based on these findings, fertilizer recommendations were developed for major crops grown in the area, resulting in enhanced crop productivity. The study concludes that GPS and GIS-based tools are valuable for soil fertility mapping, monitoring, and site-specific nutrient management, leading to sustainable and optimal crop yields.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in marine mammals: New data and transplacental transfer on threatened species

Coastal areas are affected by urban, industrial and agriculture pollutants runoff, wastewater and stormwater discharges, making this environment the final repository of chemical contaminants. These contaminants have the potential to spread out to the entire food chain, impacting marine life and the quality of their habitat. In this aspect, the concept of marine mammals as bioindicators provides an approach to the degree of contamination in the environment and to the identification and management of multiple sources of contaminants. The present study analyzed several elements like As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in liver tissue from two dolphin species: Sotalia guianensis, a near-threatened species, and the vulnerable Pontoporia blainvillei. In the study, we also investigated if dolphins (population) recorded using the heaviest urban areas have higher concentrations of contaminants in their tissues. Dolphin samples (n = 40 S. guianensis; n = 97 P. blainvillei) were collected by daily monitoring carried out by Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), from stranded individuals found in São Paulo state. The Spearman's rank correlation showed distinct correlations in the accumulation of trace elements by both species, indicating different sources of exposure to the elements studied or distinct biochemical processes between species. Interspecific and intraspecific variations were observed, possibly related to the individual distribution and feeding habits. Correlations were observed between age and concentrations of trace elements, positive for Cd, Hg and Mo. Finally, our findings indicate high levels of Cu, Zn, and concentrations of As, V and Hg in fetuses, in particular, an analysis was performed on a fetus found inside a stranded individual, indicating placental transfer as the first route of exposure for some elements.

Study on the impact of adopting organic practices on the absorption and extractability of Cu and Zn in commercial coffee samples

Although coffee is not a primary source of minerals in the diet, due to its frequent consumption, it can be considered an important source of some micronutrients, highlighting those with antioxidant properties such as Cu and Zn. The availability of nutrients in foods consumed through infusion is related to solubility, which is influenced by the metabolization of these elements by the plant. Several factors can impact this metabolism, including cultivation. This study investigated the influence of cultivation on the absorption and extractability of Cu and Zn in conventional and organic commercial coffee. It was observed that cultivation influences the absorption of the minerals studied in opposite ways: while organic samples have higher levels of Zn, conventional samples have higher levels of Cu. Cultivation does not influence the extractability of Zn in coffee infusions, therefore indicating little influence on the metabolization of this element. Copper metabolism, on the other hand, is influenced by cultivation, with Cu exhibiting greater affinity and lower extractability in organic coffee samples compared to conventional ones.

Bioaccumulation and biological effects of hydrogenated cement particles in the marine bivalve, Mytilusgalloprovincialis

The decommissioning and normal functioning of nuclear facilities can result in the production and release of airborne particles in the environment. Aquatic biota are expected to be exposed to these particles considering that nuclear facilities are often located near water bodies. Aerosols, such as cement dust, can interact with radionuclides as well as with heavy metals, and therefore elicit not only radiological impacts but also chemical toxicity. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of hydrogenated cement particles (HCPs) as a first step before evaluating any radiotoxicity of tritiated cement particles in the marine mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis. Responses at different levels of biological organisation were assessed, including clearance rate (CR), tissue specific accumulation, DNA damage and transcriptional expression of key stress related genes. Acute (5 h) and medium-term, chronic (11 d) exposures to 1000 μg L−1 HCPs showed that bioaccumulation, assessed using Cu as a proxy and determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, was time and tissue dependent. The highest levels of Cu were found in the digestive gland (DG) after 11 d. HCP exposure caused changes in the expression of oxidative and other stress-related genes, including mt20 in DG and gst and sod in the gill after 5 h exposure, while an overexpression of hsp70 in the gill was observed after 11 d. Genotoxic effects in haemocytes were observed after 11 d of HCP exposure. Multivariate analysis indicated that oxidative stress is the most probable factor contributing to overall physiological dysfunction. Our results provide a baseline to perform further studies employing tritiated cement particles. Specifically, future work should focus on the DG since only this tissue showed significant bioaccumulation when compared to the negative control.

Geochemical signature identifying features and archaeological structures in eastern Amazonian Terra Preta sites

AbstractThe present work describes the chemistry and mineralogy of soils such as Terra Preta Arqueológica (TPA) or Terra Preta de Índio (TPI) from the Bitoca I and II sites, located in the Salobo Region (Carajás Mineral Province, Pará‐Brazil). The results revealed chemical and mineralogical characteristics that are similar to other TPAs found throughout the Amazon region, such as relatively high levels of Ca (average of 3600 ppm), P (average of 850 ppm), Mn (average of 730 ppm), Zn (average of 55 ppm), and Cu (average of 63 ppm). In soils related to the characteristics of occupation by huts and campfires, the mineralogical composition is represented by quartz, kaolinite, calcite, muscovite, anatase, hematite, goethite, and gibbsite. Amorphous phases have also been identified mainly as calcium phosphates and organic matter (humic and fulvic acids). The analysis of the features/structures described here helped in the identification/verification of areas destined for different activities within the sites.

Metals and metalloid in medicinal plants: occurrence and risk assessment to human health

Aim: This study was aimed at determining the levels of trace elements in six medicinal plants of tropical origin. Methods: The levels of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Albizia glaberrima (AG), Aristolochia ringens (AR), Brysocarpus coccineus (BC), Ipomoea asarifolia (IA), Sansevieria liberica (SL), and Telfairia occidentalis (TO) were determined using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The estimated dietary intakes of the metals, hazard quotients (HQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated. Results: The highest levels of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Fe were detected in IA. BC had the highest levels of Mn and Ni while AR had the highest levels of Cu, Co, and As. However, the levels of the metals were mostly below the permissible limits in the plants. The estimated dietary weekly intakes (EWIs) were below the provisional tolerable weekly intake for each chemical element. The EWIs range values were 21.566–643.114 µg/kg per day (kg is the unit of body weight), 0.008–1.529 µg/kg per day, 0.6–7.815 µg/kg per day, 67.569–215.889 µg/kg per day, 4.305–185.451 µg/kg per day, 0.225–1.704 µg/kg per day, 1.03–10.2 µg/kg per day, 0.933–2.286 µg/kg per day, and 62.554–854.4 µg/kg per day for Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, As, and Fe, respectively. The HQ values of the elements were less than 1 except for Cu in AR (1.321). The values of lifetime cancer risks exceeded the permissible limit in all the plant materials. Conclusions: The findings from the study revealed that the consumption of TO, SL, and AG for medicinal purposes has no inherent non-carcinogenic toxicity while the consumption of AR, IA, and BC has some risks of non-carcinogenic toxic. However, the six plant materials showed inherent risks of carcinogenic events, as such their use for medicinal purposes must be cautious, maybe by reducing both the ingestion rate and the frequency of intake.

The association between trace metals in both cancerous and non-cancerous tissues with the risk of liver and gastric cancer progression in northwest China

Liver cancer and gastric cancer have extremely high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. It is well known that an increase or decrease in trace metals may be associated with the formation and development of a variety of diseases, including cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contents of aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in cancerous liver and gastric tissues, compared to adjacent healthy tissues, and to investigate the relationship between trace metals and cancer progression. During surgery, multiple samples were taken from the cancerous and adjacent healthy tissues of patients with liver and gastric cancer, and trace metal levels within these samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We found that concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in tissues from patients with liver cancer were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Similarly, patients with gastric cancer also showed lower levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Zn—but higher levels of Cu and Se—compared to the controls (P < 0.05). In addition, patients with liver and gastric cancers who had poorly differentiated tumours and positive lymph node metastases showed lower levels of trace metals (P < 0.05), although no significant changes in their concentrations were observed to correlate with sex, age, or body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression, principal component analysis (PCA), Bayesian kernel regression (BKMR), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and quantile-based g computing (qgcomp) models were used to analyse the relationships between trace metal concentrations in liver and gastric cancer tissues and the progression of these cancers. We found that single or mixed trace metal levels were negatively associated with poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis in both liver and gastric cancer, and the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) of each metal showed that Cd contributed the most to poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis in both liver and gastric cancer (all PIP = 1.000). These data help to clarify the relationship between changes in trace metal levels in cancerous liver and gastric tissues and the progression of these cancers. Further research is warranted, however, to fully elucidate the mechanisms and causations underlying these findings.

A cross-sectional analysis of zinc and copper levels and their relationship to cardiovascular disease risk markers in Qatar biobank participants.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Dietary intake, particularly zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) has been strongly associated with CVD. These trace elements play a crucial role in human enzyme activity, suppressing inflammation, catalyzing lipid metabolism enzymes, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating glucose metabolism. However, imbalances in these elements are linked to cardiovascular disturbances. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between circulating levels of Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio with CVD risk factors in the Qatari population. Bivariate logistic regression, adjusted for age, nationality, gender, and education was performed to examine the impact of Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio (as independent variables) on major CVD risk markers (as dependent variables). Participants in the highest Zn tertiles (T2 and T3) were at greater odds ratio (OR) of unfavorable metabolic functions such as elevated HbA1C [OR = 2.5, p = 0.015 (T2) and OR = 3.2, p = 0.002 (T3)], triglycerides [OR = 2.17, p = 0.015 (T2), and TyG index [OR = 2.21, p = 0.004 (T2), and OR = 2.67, p < 0.001 (T3)] compared to T1. Conversely, they had significantly lower ORs for prolonged prothrombin time [OR = 0.37, p = 0.001 (T3)]. Higher levels of Cu (T2 and T3) had higher OR for elevated HDL-C levels [OR = 1.69, p = 0.046 (T2), and OR = 2.27, p = 0.002 (T3)] and lower OR for elevated levels of triglycerides (OR = 0.4, p = 0.009, T3), diastolic blood pressure [OR = 0.41, p = 0.024 (T2), and OR = 0.47, p = 0.049 (T3)], and creatinine kinase (OR = 0.27, p = 0.014, T3) compared to T1. Higher levels of Cu (T2 and T3) were associated with a higher risk for elevated fibrinogen levels [OR = 3.1, p = 0.035 (T2), and OR = 5.04, p = 0.002 (T3)]. Additionally, higher Zn/Cu ratio (T2 and T3) were associated with lower ORs for elevated fibrinogen levels [OR = 0.3, p = 0.005 (T2), and OR = 0.27, p = 0.005 (T3)] compared to T1, indicating a lower risk of developing CVD. The study reveals a link between Zn, Cu, and the Zn/Cu ratio and cardiovascular disease risk. A higher Zn/Cu ratio may protect against CVD, while elevated Cu levels are linked to obesity, fibrinogen levels, and HbA1C. Maintaining optimal levels of these trace elements, either through diet or supplementation, may help reduce CVD risk.