Health Risk Implications Research Articles

Radon Concentration Assessment in Urban Romanian Buildings: A Multistory Analysis

Radon (Rn 222) is a significant contributor to natural radiation exposure in residential environments such as single-family houses and multistory buildings. This study monitored radon activity concentration (RAC) in 455 apartments in 30 multistory buildings in Buzău, Romania. Integrated measurements of the RAC using CR-39 nuclear track detectors were conducted for a period of 3 to 4 months. The results revealed that the RAC varies between buildings, with an annual average between 33 and 77 Bq/m3. This variation may be attributed to poor ventilation and the chimney effect in common ventilation ducts, which may facilitate radon displacement vertically. Also, apartments with low occupancy or inadequate ventilation showed higher radon levels of up to 285 Bq/m3. The study highlights the potential risk of increased radon exposure in energy-efficient buildings due to poor ventilation, emphasizing the need for special attention to radon mitigation measures in building design. The results emphasize that the RAC is influenced by building characteristics, room use, and ventilation, with significant implications for health risks in urban residential environments.

Assessment of manganese accumulation in dryland wheat grains via plastic film mulching: Implications for human health risk in multi-site studies

Crop manganese (Mn) accumulation and the associated human health risks stemming from excessive intake of high Mn crop foods have attracted attention. However, there is limited information available concerning the impact of plastic film mulching (PFM) on Mn concentration in cereal grains and the health risks associated with Mn intake by the human body. Field experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016 at seven sites in the drylands of a typical wheat-growing region in China to assess the effect of PFM on grain Mn concentration, Mn accumulation and distribution in winter wheat plants, and the potential risk of Mn intake and optimal grain intake for human health. The multi-site study results revealed that grain Mn concentration and bioavailability were significantly higher under PFM compared to no mulching. Similarly, PFM was found to enhance aboveground Mn accumulation at the anthesis stage by 17.5 %, Mn harvest index by 3.9 %, grain Mn accumulation by 28.9 %, and available Mn concentration in the soil by 10.9 %. The increased uptake and accumulation of Mn in wheat plants, leading to elevated grain Mn concentration, were primarily attributed to the improved availability of Mn and moisture in the soil under PFM treatment. Furthermore, a health risk assessment indicated that long-term consumption of whole wheat grains from PFM treatment could potentially pose a non-carcinogenic risk of Mn for children and adolescents residing in rural areas. Therefore, this study established upper limits for daily consumption of whole wheat grains based on the specific needs of local residents. The findings of this research underscore the potential health risks associated with consuming grain crops grown in PFM crop production systems.

Impact of microplastics pollution on ciprofloxacin bioaccumulation in the edible mussel (Perna viridis): implications for human gut health risks

Antibiotics and microplastics are prevalent pollutants in mariculture. Consuming contaminated bivalves can potentially endanger human health, but the impact of microplastics on antibiotics bioaccumulation in bivalves and the related health risks to consumer health risks is not fully understood. We obtained bivalves from a mariculture farm and set up exposure scenarios with ciprofloxacin (1μg/L) alone, microplastics (0.6mg/L) alone, or their combination on mussels for 2-weeks. We investigated ciprofloxacin accumulation and analyzed the effects of these pollutants on detoxification and intestinal microbiome changes. Furthermore, potential food safety hazards related to ingestion of antibiotic-tainted bivalves were also assessed. We found that the accumulation of the ciprofloxacin in bivalves was significantly aggravated by the presence of microplastics. There was a significant increase in the production of antioxidant substances in the host's haemolymph, and an enhanced synthesis of antioxidants by the predicted metabolic functions of the intestinal microbiome. Concomitantly, microplastics exacerbated intestinal dysfunction, with a reduction in beneficial Spirochaetes and an increase in pathogenic bacteria Treponema, which may lead to deterioration of detoxification in the host. Additionally, an assessment of human gut health risks was conducted on the residual ciprofloxacin in bivalves combined with human consumption habits. The estimated target hazard quotients and cancer risk were below safety thresholds, directly consuming contaminated bivalves poses little toxicity. However, with raw mussels consumption, the dietary exposure doses of ciprofloxacin to human gut microbiome exceeded minimal selective concentrations for resistance. This could promote the growth of potentially resistant bacteria, indicating a risk of antibiotic resistance.

Assessment of the water quality in the coastal Yaqui valley (Mexico): implications for human health and ecological risks.

This study examines the water quality in the Yaqui Valley in Mexico, a semi-arid region impacted by mining, agriculture, and aquaculture. Contamination sources, health risks and ecological impacts are investigated. Freshwater was found to be contaminated by dissolved As, presumed to result from mining activities in the mountains. Drainage water revealed an overall contamination by dissolved As and by suspended particles enriched with Al, Fe and Mn, associated with runoff processes. Intermittent contamination of drainage water by Cu, K+, NO3- and PO43- is attributed to the use of fertilizers or pesticides. In the coastal area, drainage water contains high concentrations of Na, Ca, SO42- and Cl, related to salinization processes, as well as higher concentrations of dissolved As, related to solid/liquid interactions that are enhanced by salinization. This drainage water discharges into the bay, degrading the seawater quality and increasing ecological risks. Outputs of this study can serve as a reference for the protection of this economically important coastal ecosystem. Concerning health risks, this study demonstrates that groundwater is also contaminated by dissolved As, believed to be associated with transfers from the geological basement to the dissolved phase of water, and other major chemicals related to salinization processes. The findings indicate that ingesting the groundwater poses a significant risk to human health with a primary exposure risk associated with dissolved As, particularly among children. This study presents crucial data for the Yaqui population, water managers and researchers, and provides novel insights into the management and mitigation of the identified risks.

Assessment of trace element occurrence in Nile Tilapia from the Rosetta branch of the River Nile, Egypt: Implications for human health risk via lifetime consumption

River pollution can harm human health through direct contact, drinking water, and the consumption of contaminated fish and irrigated agricultural products. Surface water and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) samples were collected monthly from July 2022 to June 2023 at three sites (El-Rahawy, Sabal, and Tala) along the Rosetta Nile branch in Egypt to monitor the presence of eight trace elements. The potential human health risks from consuming contaminated fish were also assessed. Iron and manganese were consistently detected in all water samples across most seasons and locations, with concentrations generally below the WHO permissible levels. All 72 analyzed fish muscle samples were found to contain trace elements. The mean concentrations of metals in the fish muscle samples, in descending order, were: iron > zinc > copper > manganese > tin > antimony > lead > mercury. Significant spatial and seasonal variations were observed in both water and fish samples. El-Rahawy was identified as the most contaminated site, with summer exhibiting the highest contamination rate compared to other seasons. Fish samples collected from El-Rahawy demonstrated the highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) values for most elements, particularly mercury, lead, iron, manganese, and antimony. Target hazard quotient (THQ) calculations for the trace elements in Nile tilapia muscles revealed that all trace elements, except antimony, had THQ values below 1, suggesting that consuming Nile tilapia from these sites is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. However, THQ values for antimony exceeded the threshold of 1, indicating a potential health risk for consumers. Although the detected trace elements in the fish were below the permissible toxicity limits, some could pose a future threat to human health, necessitating further studies, ongoing monitoring, and preventive measures.

Characterization and Morphometric Identification of Household Fan Dust and its Human Health-Risk Implications

Characterization and Morphometric Identification of Household Fan Dust and its Human Health-Risk Implications

Assessment of potentially toxic element contents in chickens and poultry feeds from Bangladesh markets: Implications for human health risk

Chicken (Gallus domesticus) is a significant source of animal protein for the people of Bangladesh. However, anthropogenic activity may contaminate chicken meat with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) despite the nutritional benefits. Current work aims to determine the accumulated content of PTEs (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg) in chickens and poultry feeds commercially sold in Bangladesh markets and compare with WHO, FAO, EU, EC, FSANZ standards. Three different chicken varieties, native (local variety, freehand raised), poultry (raised for meat only), and layer chicken (commercially raised for eggs and later used for meat), were investigated, and commercial poultry feeds were used to raise the latter two varieties. The Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg contents (mg kg–1 fresh weight (f.w.) were 0.481–1.067, 0.025–0.118, 0.069–0.319, 0.007–0.071, 0.002–0.019, respectively. In addition, associated health risks due to the PTEs in different varieties of chicken organs, e.g., meat, liver, and kidney, were evaluated. The study suggests that the poultry feeds should be carefully monitored regarding PTEs content to avoid potential human health risks due to chicken consumption in Bangladesh.

Transformations in the Field of Accounting and Their Impact on Accounting Practices: An Analytical Study to Understand Insights and Challenges

This study explores accounting transformations and their impact on practices by understanding the insights and challenges they bring. It analyzes the relationship between technological advancement and traditional accounting methods, focusing on major technological shifts affecting financial data analysis, decision-making, adoption of modern tools, and associated ethical and security challenges. Using an analytical approach, the study uncovers complex effects on accounting practices, offering important insights for professionals, scholars, and policymakers to understand the dynamics between tradition and innovation in accounting. It also highlights the correlation between heavy metal concentrations in the Tigris River, temperature changes, and their broader implications for public health and climate change risks. The study concludes that technological transformations have fundamentally reshaped traditional accounting practices, improving the speed and accuracy of financial data collection and analysis. However, these changes have introduced new challenges related to ethics and security, emphasizing privacy and safety concerns. Moreover, the study underscores significant impacts of technological advancements on financial decision-making and environmental consequences, particularly the increased heavy metal concentrations in the Tigris River due to rising temperatures, affecting aquatic life and public health. This study provides valuable insights for professionals, scholars, and policymakers into the interplay between tradition, innovation in accounting, and the environmental implications for public health.

Particulate matter and black carbon exposure in Seoul subway: Implications for human health risk

Air pollution and the associated health risks to humans caused by exposure to particle matter in enclosed subway systems are currently concerns. This research first time investigated the substantial health hazards (cancerous, non-cancerous, relative risk, and excess mortality rates associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality) posed by metals and black carbon (BC) bound to particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) within subway systems. The Seoul subway system has been found to show notably higher levels of PM (2–1.5 times) and BC (2.3–1.3 times) compared to outdoor environments. Inhalation of PM-containing trace metals such as Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, and BC significantly contributes to cancer risk, irrespective of age or PM type. The risk of developing inhalation-related cancer due to PM10 and PM2.5-bound metals is notably higher (1.2–2 times) within the subway environment compared to outdoors. Inhalation cancer risk levels (ICRBC) associated with PM-bound BC are 1.8 times greater at subway stations compared to outdoor stations, with a strong association (1.93–1.98 times) with PM2.5-bound BC compared to PM10. Notably, PM levels in subway stations have a considerable impact on relative mortality risk, with approximately 1.98 times the observed increase in mortality attributed to PM2.5-bound BC. The trace metals and BC bound to PM that contribute to human health risks might originate from vehicle emissions. This includes both surface and underground transportation systems. These findings underscore the significance of addressing air quality within subway systems to mitigate health risks.

Radiation Doses and Risk Assessment Due to Water Intake at Oyo Town, Southwestern Nigeria

From the long standing nature of water usage, water has been has had a significant impact to all great development. Potable water has been recognized as the water intended for human consumption for the purpose of research and other human activities. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified 230Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, 210Po, 232Th, 228Ra, 40 K and 228Th as naturally occurring radionuclide contaminants in water and a possible threat to human existence. This work evaluated the activity concentration of natural radionuclide in ground water, examine radiation doses and the threat due to water intake from Oyo town using a 5 cm × 5 cm solid NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometric manufactured by ORTEC and coupled to a Digital-based multi-channel analyzer (MCA). From the results, 92.5 per percent of 40K, 87.5 per cent of 226Ra and 95 of 232Th was greater than the IAEA safe limit of 1.00 Bql−1limit. The average value of an annual effective dose for adults was 0.17±0.06 mSvy−1 and 0.43±0.17 mSvy−1 for children. Cancer risk assessment was obtained to 2.98 x 10−3 compared to ICRP recommended value of 8.4 × 10−3. Health risk implication resulting from consumption of water from the study area poses no health concern, no artificial radionuclide was detected and the chance of cancer occurrence resulting from drinking water from the study area is stochastic. It is recommended that caution should be taken on the fertilizer application on the farm land. Further research is recommended on the radioactivity measure of the soil and food crops grown in the study area.

Heavy metal and mineral analysis of cultivated seaweeds from Cox’s Bazar Coast, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: a human health risk implication

Seaweeds are grown for their use in food and other sectors, however heavy metals (HMs) contamination raises serious issues for the environment and public health. This study focuses on seaweed samples (Hypnea musciformes and Gracilaria lemaneiformis) collected from the Rezu Khal seaweed culture site, Cox’s Bazar coast, Bangladesh. HMs and minerals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Among the elements examined, H. musciformes displayed the highest mean concentrations of minerals and HMs, including Magnesium (Mg) (8663.00 ± 2302.06 mg/kg), Copper (Cu) (10.59 ± 1.61 mg/kg), Iron (Fe) (7566.29 ± 2842.47 mg/kg), Manganese (Mn) (9.93 ± 2.88 mg/kg), Zinc (Zn) (29.54 ± 7.51 mg/kg), and Nickel (Ni) (11.77 ± 2.63 mg/kg). Conversely, G. lemaneiformis exhibited the highest levels of Calcium (Ca) (798.14 ± 143.40 mg/kg), Lead (Pb) (3.91 ± 1.74 mg/kg), and Chromium (Cr) (0.59 ± 0.30 mg/kg). Specifically, Mg was prominently abundant in H. musciformes, while Cawas more prevalent in G. lemaneiformis. Both seaweed types contained Pb and Cr. None of the elements was significantly different between the species (p < 0.05). The consumers are not exposed to any carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risks related to these concentrations, according to the evaluation of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.

Winter and Summer PM2.5 Land Use Regression Models for the City of Novi Sad, Serbia

In this study, we describe the development of seasonal winter and summer (heating and non-heating season) land use regression (LUR) models for PM2.5 mass concentration for the city of Novi Sad, Serbia. The PM2.5 data were obtained through an extensive seasonal measurement campaign conducted at 21 locations in urban, urban/industrial, industrial and background areas in the period from February 2020–July 2021. At each location, PM2.5 samples were collected on quartz fibre filters for 10 days per season using a reference gravimetric pump. The developed heating season model had two predictors, the first can be associated with domestic heating over a larger area and the second with local traffic. These predictors contributed to the adjusted R2 of 0.33 and 0.55, respectively. The developed non-heating season model had one predictor which can be associated with local traffic, which contributed to the adjusted R2 of 0.40. Leave-one-out cross-validation determined RMSE/mean absolute error for the heating and non-heating season model were 4.04/4.80 μg/m3 and 2.80/3.17 μg/m3, respectively. For purposes of completeness, developed LUR models were also compared to a simple linear model which utilizes satellite aerosol optical depth data for PM2.5 estimation, and showed superior performance. The developed LUR models can help with quantification of differences between seasonal levels of air pollution, and, consequently, air pollution exposure and association between seasonal long-term exposure and possible health risk implications.

Assessment of organic contaminants at a paint manufacturing site: Implications for health risks and source identification

The daily variation of organic contaminants, both gaseous and associated with suspended particulate matter (PM), was investigated within the estate of the National Company of Paintings in Lakhdaria, Algeria, spanning the period 2014-2015. The research emphasizes the chemical characterization of suspended PM, analyzing a range of organic compounds, including n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and highly polar organics (HPOC), such as phthalate esters and heterocyclic compounds. Vapors of PAHs and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were also analyzed. Low molecular weight compounds were primarily associated with the gas phase (two-ring PAHs, approximately 95%; three-ring PAHs, around 70%), while high molecular weight congeners were mainly associated with the particle phase (six-ring PAHs, 55%). The concentrations of PCBs (ranging from 0.6 to 42 ng m–3) were higher than those reported in other cities in Algeria and Europe. The source reconciliation of organic contaminants through principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the primary sources were petroleum combustion, industrial manufacturing, tobacco smoking, and vehicular traffic. The significance of tobacco smoke was further confirmed by the analysis of PAH diagnostic ratios. Differences in the rates of diagnostic ratios between gaseous and particulate PAHs were attributed to distinct contributions from sources such as industrial processes. Health risks for workers exposed to PAHs and PCBs in PM &lt; 10 μm (PM10) were quantitatively assessed in terms of benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The ILCR presents novel findings showcasing heightened risks among workers exposed to specific PAHs within production areas, whereas those related to PCBs suggested a high potential of health risks for laboratory workers.

Assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in atmospheric dry deposition of Hamedan Metropolis, west of Iran: pollution status, spatiotemporal variation, health risk implications, and source identification.

The present study was designed to assess concentrations, contamination levels, spatiotemporal variations, health hazards and source apportionment of potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and V) of atmospheric dry deposition (ADD) in Hamedan Metropolis. In so doing, a total of 144 atmospheric dry deposition samples were collected from 12 sites during four seasons in 2023. The concentrations of the analyzed PTEs in dry deposition samples were determined using ICP-OES after samples were digested with acid. The results illustrated that the average contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn with 4.52, 0.591, 4.01, 36.5, 42.5, 10.9, 84.6, 69.6, 178, and 3.91mg/kg, respectively, were higher than those in the background samples reported for Iran, which could indicate the anthropogenic origin of these PTEs. The highest quantities of the tested PTEs in various seasons were observed in summer and/or fall samples and their highest amount in various functional regions pertained to the samples collected from the commercial or industrial regions, showing the effect of seasonal changes on emission sources and human inputs. Values of average contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (I-geo), and enrichment factor (EF) ranged from 0.013 to 4.45, - 7.07 to 1.56, and 0.120 to 41.3, respectively, showing 'slight to high' pollution, 'unpolluted to moderately polluted', and 'no enrichment to very severe enrichment' levels, respectively. The pollution load index (PLI) with an average value of 0.680 reflected slight pollution levels in the entire study area. The average hazard index (HI) values of the tested PTEs for the residents were all within the safe limit (< 1). Additionally, the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values showed that the carcinogenic risk of As, Cr and Ni for both target groups were at an acceptable level. Based on the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, non-exhaust emissions and natural sources, fossil fuel combustion and industrial emissions, and traffic sources were identified as the primary contributors to ADD pollution, accounting for 26%, 38%, and 36%, of the total pollution respectively. In conclusion, further research is recommended to investigate the source-oriented ecological and health risks associated with atmospheric dry deposition pollution.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in soils of Jebba Area, Nigeria: Concentrations, source analysis and implications for ecological and human health risks

This comprehensive research investigates heavy metal contamination in the rapidly developing town of Jebba in north-central Nigeria, which is essential to the nation's economy due to its agro-allied and non-agro-allied businesses. The research focuses on soil samples, collecting and analyzing 137 surface soil samples to assess the presence of 25 distinct metals. After statistical analysis and simple mathematical models are applied to the data, the amounts of harmful metals and their probable causes are revealed. The study identifies geogenic and anthropogenic origins of toxic metals, with some elements exceeding average crustal concentrations. Non-homogeneous metal dispersion is shown in the region by spatial distribution maps. The geo-accumulation index reflects various amounts of contamination, with particular metals posing significant threats to the ecosystem. Additionally, the study compares results with worldwide studies, revealing distinct pollution patterns in Jebba. The research delves into weathering processes, employing chemical indices to quantify the level of soil weathering and uncovering a prominent role of geogenic activities in metal release. Bivariate correlation and principal component analysis indicate links and possibly common sources among heavy metals, emphasizing anthropogenic contributions. In addition, assessments of ecological and medical risks are conducted, indicating possible threats to human wellness and the ecosystem. Children, in particular, are regarded as especially vulnerable to non-carcinogenic health concerns, with various heavy metals posing potential threats through diverse exposure routes. The study emphasizes the need to implement remediation procedures to address the risks to public health and the environment related to metal pollution.

Fate and transport of viable Bacillus anthracis simulant spores in ambient air during a large outdoor decontamination field exercise

ABSTRACT The Wide Area Demonstration (WAD) was a field exercise conducted under the U.S. EPA’s Analysis of Coastal Operational Resiliency program, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard. The purpose of the WAD was to operationalize at field scale aspects of remediation activities that would occur following an outdoor release of Bacillus anthracis spores, including sampling and analysis, decontamination, data management, and waste management. The WAD was conducted in May 2022 at Fort Walker (formerly known as Fort A.P. Hill) and utilized Bacillus atrophaeus as a benign simulant for B. anthracis. B. atrophaeus spores were inoculated onto the study area at the beginning of the study, and air samples were collected daily during each of the different phases of the WAD using Dry Filter Units (DFUs). Ten DFU air samplers were placed at the perimeter of the study area to collect bioaerosols onto two parallel 47-mm diameter polyester felt filters, which were then subsequently analyzed in a microbiological laboratory for the quantification of B. atrophaeus. The study demonstrated the use of DFUs as a rugged and robust bioaerosol collection device. The results indicated that the highest B. atrophaeus spore air concentrations (up to ~ 5 colony forming units/m3) occurred at the beginning of the demonstration (e.g. during inoculation and characterization sampling phases) and generally downwind from the test site, suggesting transport of the spores was occurring from the study area. Very few B. atrophaeus spores were detected in the air after several weeks and following decontamination of exterior surfaces, thus providing an indication of the site decontamination procedures’ effectiveness. No B. atrophaeus spores were detected in any of the blank or background samples. Implications: Following an incident involving a release of Bacillus anthracis spores or other biological threat agent into the outdoor environment, understanding the factors that may affect the bioagent’s fate and transport can help predict viable contaminant spread via the ambient air. This paper provides scientific data for the first time on ambient air concentrations of bacterial spores over time and location during different phases of a field test in which Bacillus atrophaeus (surrogate for B. anthracis) spores were released outdoors as part of a full-scale study on sampling and decontamination in an urban environment. This study advances the knowledge related to the fate and transport of bacterial spores (such as those causing anthrax disease) as an aerosol in the outdoor environment over the course of three weeks in a mock urban environment and has exposure and health risk implications. The highest spore air concentrations occurred at the beginning of the study (e.g. during inoculation of surfaces and characterization sampling), and in the downwind direction, but diminished over time; few B. atrophaeus spores were detected in the air after several weeks and following decontamination. Therefore, in an actual incident, potential reaerosolization of the microorganism and subsequent transport in the air during surface sampling and remediation efforts should be considered for determining exclusion zone locations and estimating potential risk to neighboring communities. The data also provide evidence suggesting that the large-scale decontamination of outdoor surfaces may reduce air concentrations of the bioagent, which is important since exposure of B. anthracis via inhalation is a primary concern.

Assessment of immunomodulatory effects of five commonly used parabens on human THP-1 derived macrophages: Implications for ecological and human health impacts

Parabens are widely used as broad-spectrum anti-microbials and preservatives in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Studies suggest that the utilization of parabens has substantially increased over the past years, particularly during the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although parabens are generally recognized as safe by the U.S. FDA, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential health effects of parabens associated with immunotoxicity. Herein, we comprehensively investigated several key characteristics of immunotoxicants of five commonly used parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and benzyl parabens) in human THP-1 derived macrophages, which are effector cells serving as a first line of host defense against pathogens and tumor immunosurveillance. The results indicate parabens, at concentrations found in humans and biota, significantly dampened macrophage chemotaxis and secretion of major pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), corroborating the mRNA expression profile. Furthermore, some parabens were found to markedly alter macrophage adhesion and cell surface expression of costimulatory molecules, CD80+ and CD86+, and significantly increase macrophage phagocytosis. Collectively, these findings heighten awareness of potential immunotoxicity posed by paraben exposure at biologically relevant concentrations, providing implications for human health and ecological risks associated with immune dysfunctions.

Seasonal dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in a subtropical coastal ecosystem: Implications for environmental health risks

Antibiotic resistance poses a considerable global public health concern, leading to heightened rates of illness and mortality. However, the impact of seasonal variations and environmental factors on the health risks associated with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their assembly mechanisms is not fully understood. Based on metagenomic sequencing, this study investigated the antibiotic resistome, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and microbiomes in a subtropical coastal ecosystem of the Beibu Gulf, China, over autumn and winter, and explored the factors influencing seasonal changes in ARG and MGE abundance and diversity. Results indicated that ARG abundance and diversity were higher in winter than in autumn, with beta-lactam and multidrug resistance genes being the most diverse and abundant, respectively. Similarly, MGE abundance and diversity increased in winter and were strongly correlated with ARGs. In contrast, more pronounced associations between microbial communities, especially archaea, and the antibiotic resistome were observed in autumn than in winter. The co-occurrence network identified multiple interactions between MGEs and various multidrug efflux pumps in winter, suggesting a potential for ARG dissemination. Multivariate correlation analyses and path modeling indicated that environmental factors driving microbial community changes predominantly influenced antibiotic resistome assembly in autumn, while the relative importance of MGEs increased significantly in winter. These findings suggest an elevated health risk associated with antimicrobial resistance in the Beibu Gulf during winter, attributed to the dissemination of ARGs by horizontal gene transfer. The observed seasonal variations highlight the dynamic nature of antibiotic resistance dissemination in coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive surveillance and management measures to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in vulnerable environments.

Bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their human health risks depend on the characteristics of microplastics in marine organisms of Sanggou Bay, China

Microplastics pose a threat to marine environments through their physical presence and as vectors of chemical pollutants. However, the impact of microplastics on the accumulation and human health risk of chemical pollutants in marine organisms remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in marine organisms from Sanggou Bay and analyzed their correlations. Results showed that microplastic and PAHs concentration ranged from 1.23 ± 0.23 to 5.77 ± 1.10 items/g, from 6.98 ± 0.45 to 15.07 ± 1.25 μg/kg, respectively. The microplastic abundance, particularly of fibers, transparent and color plastic debris, correlates strongly with PAH contents, indicating that microplastics increase the bioaccumulation of PAHs and microplastics with these characteristics have a significant vector effect on PAHs. Although consuming seafood from Sanggou Bay induce no carcinogenic risk from PAHs, the presence of microplastics in organisms can significantly increases incremental lifetime cancer risk of PAHs. Thus, microplastics can serve as transport vectors for PAHs with implications for the potential health risks to human through consumption. This study provides new insight into the risks of microplastics in marine environments.

Tackling Arsenic and Mercury Contamination: Implications for Sustainable Mining and Occupational Health Risks

Tackling Arsenic and Mercury Contamination: Implications for Sustainable Mining and Occupational Health Risks