International Permissible Limits Research Articles

Phytoremediation Characterization of Heavy Metals by Some Native Plants at Anthropogenic Polluted Sites in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Many anthropogenic activities have lately resulted in soil adulteration by heavy metals (HMs). The assessment of native plant species that grow in the polluted environments is of great importance for using these plants in phytoremediation techniques. This study was conducted in three industrial regions in Jeddah city, Wadi Marik, Bahra, and Khumrah, to assess the HM contamination level in them. This study also evaluated the phytoremediation ability of nine plant species collected from the studied regions. Soil physicochemical properties of the studied sites were investigated. Nine HMs, aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and barium (Ba), have been evaluated in the collected soil, plant shoots, and root samples. Total thiol concentration in the plant shoots and roots was determined. The phytoremediation indexes, such as bioaccumulation factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF), were estimated. The results show that the soil of all the explored sites was sandy and slightly alkaline. It was found that Ni, Pb, and Cr were above the international permissible limit in all soil samples. The Wadi Marik region recorded the highest HM concentration compared to the other sites. In the Bahra region, Fe, Zn, Co, and Mn in all collected soil samples were below internationally permissible levels. In Khumrah, the highest concentration of Zn was found in the soil sample collected around F. indica plants, while Fe, Co, and Mn in all collected soil samples were below the international permissible limit. Depending on the BCF calculations, most of the investigated species showed phytostabilization ability for most of the studied HMs. Of them, E. indica, T. nubica, and P. divisum recorded the highest BCF values that ranged from 16.1 to 3.4. The BCF values of the studied HMs reduced in the order of Cr > Zn > Mn > Co > Ba > Fe > Al > Pb. Phytoextration of Co and Cr could be achieved by P. oleracea and F. indica, which showed TF values that reached 6.7 and 6.1, respectively. These plants showed high potential for phytoremediation and can be suggested as protective belts close to the contaminated regions of Jeddah.

Alterations in viscera histoarchitecture and organosomatic index as biomarkers of toxicity induced by Aba-Eku and Olusosun solid waste landfill leachates in Rattus norvegicus.

Solid waste disposal generates leachate, a mixture of deleterious chemical, physical and microbial contaminants, which poses risk to human and wildlife health. Leachate toxicity on relative organ weight and histopathology of important viscera in mammalian body is scarce. Leachate induced toxic effects on organosomatic indices and histopathology of vital mammalian organs were investigated. Wister rats were orally exposed to 1 - 25 % of raw and simulated leachates from Aba-Eku and Olusosun landfills for 30 days. At post-exposure, organosomatic index and histoarchitectural assessment of major viscera (heart, spleen, thymus and lungs) were conducted. The physico-chemical and organic compositions of the leachates were analysed using standard protocol. The tested leachates decreased weekly and terminal body weights, and altered organosomatic index of examined viscera in rats. The histoarchitecture of the investigated viscera revealed pathologies that ranged from mild to severe degeneration, cellular infiltration, haemorrhage, congestion, necrosis, disorganization of tissues and vacuolations. Others include increased histiocytes within the bronchial associated lymphoid, lymphoid depletions, haemosiderin deposits and apoptosis were observed in the examined viscera. Physico-chemical analysis of the leachates showed different concentrations of toxic metals, PAHs and PCBs that were higher than national and international permissible limits allowed in wastewaters. The physico-chemical compositions of the leachates are capable of eliciting the observed alterations in organosomatic indices and histopathological lesions in mammalian viscera. Xenobiotic components of the leachates possibly generated free radicals and/or directly disrupted the organ architectures. These findings suggest health risk to wildlife and human population exposed to emissions from waste landfills.

Measuring the concentration of radon gas at the College of Dentistry- Al-Iraqia University using (CR-39) detector

In this study, the concentration of radon gas was measured at the College of Dentistry-Al-Iraqia University using a nuclear pathway detector (CR-39). The detector was placed at a distance of 160 cm from the ground level. The detector was exposed to alpha fragments for 30 days. The results showed that the concentration of radon gas has Changed from one site to another. It ranged from the lowest (28.418 Bq/m3) to the highest (233.491 Bq/m3), with an average radon concentration equal to (90.279 Bq/m3). All results were within the permissible limit of a scientist except for one sample A2 in the chemistry laboratory, which was higher than the international permissible limits (200-300 Bq/m3) and recorded by the International Commission on Radiological Protection Statement on Radon.

Assessment of Greywater Reuse in a University Building in a Hyper-Arid Region: Quantity, Quality, and Social Acceptance

Since Tacna is a hyper-arid region, greywater is a potential alternative water source. This study aimed to quantify and characterize greywater in a university building with 732 students, as well as assess their perception of greywater reuse. Water meters were used to calculate greywater quantity. To assess untreated greywater quality, physical–chemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Questionnaires were used to measure students’ acceptance regarding greywater reuse using a Likert scale. The greywater quantity recorded in this study was 426.85 L/d, which is less than reported in previous global research. The greywater quality showed relatively low values regarding physical–chemical parameters; however, microbial contamination was higher compared to international permissible limits for wastewater reuse. Furthermore, it was found that the generated greywater has little biodegradability (0.38). Students disclosed a lower acceptance of reusing untreated greywater compared to a 77.05% acceptance of reusing treated greywater for green areas. According to the greywater characterization, biological treatment will not be enough to ensure environmental protection and user health; thus, physical–chemical treatment will also be needed. The produced greywater quantities would generate a 12.67% water saving if used for toilet flushing. The greywater volume fulfills the whole demand for watering green areas or green roofs. Students would assent to the reuse of treated greywater.

Phytoremediation of Some Trace Metals in Polluted Water Using Duckweed

This research work was aimed at using locally available plants (duckweed) to remove heavy metals in water samples from Woji Creek in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solid, oxidation reduction potential, and electrical conductivity of the water were assessed. The result of the physicochemical parameters showed that the mean value of the electrical conductivity (EC) was highest in June (46. 34±91. 5 µS/cm), temperature was high in June (27.9±1.0 oC), DO was highest in August (9.8±2.0 mg/l), pH had high value for July (7.4±0.7) and TDS for June (3548.0±1638.3 mg/l), which were lower than national and international permissible limit standard except for EC, DO and TDS. The uptake of cadmium by the roots of the duckweed was very high for station 4 (0.7 mg/kg) and shoots for station 4 (2.1 mg/kg). The most uptakes for the Copper by the roots was for station 4 (0.9 mg/kg) and shoot for station 5 (1.3 mg/kg). The percentage of uptake of Cd for the root of the duckweed was 19.3% while the shoots was 32.9% respectively. Cd had the highest accumulation of metals The duckweed plants were significantly good for phytoremediation agents and as such could be employed by industries for such purposes.

Impact of abattoirs and local textile (Adire and Kampala) effluents on Yemoja River in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Discharge of untreated wastewater into water bodies pollutes the receiving waters. This study assessed the impact of abattoir and Kampala designers' effluent discharge on the water quality of the Yemoja River in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Twenty-seven water samples collected at three points, covering 180 m length, for 6 months were assessed for physicochemical parameters and metals and compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) permissible standards. Most discharge point levels were found to be higher than their corresponding upstream and downstream values. Temperature, turbidity, magnesium, alkalinity, DO, TSS, phosphate, lead, BOD and potassium were found to be higher than normal levels for river water as prescribed by the WHO and SON while parameters like TDS, TS, calcium, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, iron and COD were lower than the standards. The total coliform values were higher than both national and international permissible limits, indicating contamination by human sewage or animal droppings. The water quality index indicated polluted water that is unfit for consumption. Findings from this research indicate that butchering and tie-and-dye activities have impacted river Yemoja water quality. Therefore, wastewater from the abattoir and textile industries be treated before discharge into water bodies.

Levels, sources, variations, and human health risk assessment of 90Sr and 137Cs in water and food around Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant (China) from 2011 to 2020.

Radioactivity monitoring around nuclear facilities is crucial to provide important baseline data for effective detection of radioactive leakage to the environment. We aim to establish a baseline study for monitoring radioactive levels of 90Sr and 137Cs around Sammen Nuclear Power Plant (SNPP) and to assess their associated health impact on surrounding residents. In this study, we collected water and food samples around the SNPP from 2011 to 2020 and determined for 90Sr and 137Cs activity concentrations. We statistically analyzed the temporal trends of 90Sr and 137Cs and evaluated their radiation exposure to the local residents. During this period, the activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs varied within 1.2-9.9 mBq/L and 0.10-7.6 mBq/L in water, and 0.037-1.3 Bq/kg and 0.011-0.45 Bq/kg in food, respectively, with no significant seasonal variation trend. All reported activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs were significantly lower than the recommended value of WHO and Chinese national standards. There is no indication of notable radioactive release into the study area due to the operation of SNPP during 2018-2020. The annual effective doses (AEDs) from the ingestion of 90Sr and 137Cs in water and food were well below the international permissible limits, indicating the radiation exposure around SNPP during 2011-2020 was kept at a safe level.

Determination of Uranium Concentrations and 234U/238U Isotopic Ratios in Plants and the Groundwater Used in Their Cultivation in an Area with High Background Radiation

The weathering of rocks and soil causes uranium to collect in groundwater. In this article, we attempted to assess the activity concentrations of uranium and 234U/238U isotopic ratios in various groundwater samples and plants obtained from the Ha’il region, Saudi Arabia. The results showed that the concentrations of 238U ranged between 0.08 ± 0.04 and 1.11 ± 0.06 Bq L−1, with an average of 0.67 ± 0.05 Bq L−1. Activity concentrations of 234U ranged between 0.12 ± 0.01 and 2.2 ± 0.8 Bq L−1, with an average of 1.26 ± 0.11 Bq L−1. The international permissible limit of uranium in groundwater is 0.372 Bq L−1. The 234U/238U activity ratios in the collected groundwater samples ranged between 1.5 ± 0.09 and 2.49 ± 1.27 Bq L−1, with an average of 1.95 ± 0.52 Bq L−1. In fruit-bearing trees, the 234U/238U activity ratios were 1.57 ± 0.84, 2.58 ± 1.01, and 2.69 ± 0.95 Bq L−1 for lemon, fig, and narenj. In fruit-bearing shrubs, the 234U/238U activity ratios were 2.37± 0.69 and 2.68 ± 0.69 Bq L−1 for green pepper and eggplant. Our goal is to increase the understanding of the factors that govern uranium’s activity and isotopic composition to better understand its prospective utilization as a tracer in groundwater chemistry and hydrology, as well as the possibility of exploiting this area for irrigation. In this investigation area, the groundwater and plants were unfit for human consumption.

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazard indices in Cassava Cultivated in Oil Producing Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

The natural radioactivity and radiological hazard indices associated with the consumption of cassava crops grown in five communities with history of oil spillage, gas flaring, oil bunkering activities and operation of illegal artisanal oil refining in Rivers State was assessed and measured with gamma ray spectroscopy. Five samples of cassava crop and five samples of soil were collected from the five communities. The results obtained were used to evaluate the soil-to-cassava transfer factor (TF) due to ingestion of cassava crops/staple foods by inhabitants in the area. The mean activity of soil samples ranged from 17.77±4.20Bq/kg to 31.84±3.20Bq/kg for 238U, 22.75±3.30Bq/kg to 33.82±4.70Bq/kg for 232Th and 110.44±9.60Bq/kg to 483.15±18.20Bq/kg for 40K, and is within permissible standard, but is higher than the mean activity in the control. The mean activity of cassava samples ranged from 6.50±1.30Bq/kg to 29.70±6.20Bq/kg for 238U, 5.80±2.20Bq/kg to 16.50±6.80Bq/kg for 232Th and 383.20±28.10Bq/kg to 482.30±35.80Bq/kg for 40K and is found higher than those of the control samples, and the international permissible limits. The study revealed that although some of the radiological hazard indices in the cassava samples were below the allowable standards, the estimated committed annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk due to ingestion of cassava crops/staple foods is respectively over 2.9 times and 5.9 times higher than the international permissible limit of 0.29mSv/y. The rate of radionuclides transferred from soilto-cassava has mean TF of 232Th < 238U

The Accumulation of Some Heavy Metals in Northern Pike (Esox lucius L., 1758) Inhabiting Sıdıklı Küçükboğaz Dam Lake (KIRŞEHİR)

Pike (Esox lucius) samples were obtained from the designated locations of Sıdıklı Küçükboğaz Dam Lake between March 2012 and February 2013. Some heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr and Al) in the muscle, liver, skin, intestine and gills of this fish were measured by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) device and it was observed that heavy metals accumulated at different levels in different tissues of pike. Heavy metal concentration in different fish tissues varied as dry weight Cu: 0.1123-0.3764, Fe: 4.3135-9.505, Mn: 0.5442-0.1684, Zn: 3.3065-2.475, Cr: 0.1889-2.517, Al: 2.17-1.045 µg g-1. When the heavy metal levels in the tissues were compared with the national and international permissible limits, it was seen that the values of all metals in the muscles of the fish were below the determined limit values according to the analysis results. Seasonal changes in metal (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr and Al) concentrations were observed in pike tissues, but it was concluded that these differences would not negatively affect the consumption recommendations based on the levels permitted by FAO/WHO (2020). According to the analysis, it was concluded that the fish collected from this region can be safely consumed by humans and the lake water can be used for irrigation purposes in agriculture.

Bacteriological quality of frozen chicken sold in the capital cities of the South Eastern States of Nigeria

Aims: To determine and compare the bacteriological quality of frozen chicken sold in the Capital cities of the South Eastern States of Nigeria. Method: A total of 150 samples (frozen chicken) were collected from different Capital cities (Abakaliki, Awka, Enugu, Owerri and Umuahia) of the five (5) South Eastern States of Nigeria, which were 30 samples each State. The Aerobic Plate Counts (APC), Total Coliform Counts (TCC), Psychrotrophic Plate Counts (PPC), Escherichia coli counts, Staphyococcus aureus counts and the presence of Salmonella spp were determined by plate count technique using the appropriate media. Colony counts were taken from the plates with the specified number of colonies. Results: For the Capital cities which are Abakaliki, Awka, Enugu, Owerri and Umuahia, the samples mean values for the Aerobic Plate Counts (APC) were 9.61×106, 8.50×106, 6.12×106, 8.10×106 and 6.46×106 respectively, the Total Coliform Counts (TCC) were 4.80×103, 5.59×103, 2.46×103, 2.62×103 and 3.72×103 respectively, the Psychrotrophic Plate Counts (PPC) were 5.71×106, 4.57×106, 4.22×106, 5.53×106 and 4.41×106 respectively, the Escherichia coli counts were 2.33×103, 2.68×103, 1.56×103, 1.80×103 and 2.12×103 respectively, the Staphyococcus aureus counts were 5.58×103, 3.93×103, 4.36×103, 4.16×103 and 4.11×103 respectively and the incidence of Salmonella spp were 19, 13, 6, 15 and 16 respectively. Abakaliki with the highest mean values counts and highest incidence was the Capital with the highest bacterial load/contamination. Awka was the Capital with second most bacterial load. Enugu was the Capital with the lowest bacterial load. Owerri and Umuahia were contaminated but had bacterial load lower than those of Abakaliki and Awka samples. The bacterial load of Owerri and Umuahia tends to be equivalent. The mean values of the Capital cities exceed the international permissible limits and there were presence of Salmonella spp Conclusion: The frozen chicken meats sold in the Capital cities of South Eastern States of Nigeria are highly contaminated and can cause food poisoning when eaten raw or under cooked. Therefore, proper cooking should be done before consumption.

Risk Assessment of NH3 and H2S in Coastal and Complex Sectors in Egypt by Using AirQ+ Software

The aim of the present study is to assess the health risks of NH3 and H2S gases in two different sectors in Egypt, one of them is a complex sector (represents a residential, industrial and agriculture sector) and the other is a coastal tourism sector. Hospital admissions respiratory disease (HARD) cases living in the two Sectors was also estimated during one year, due to exposure to NH3 and H2S gases using the AirQ+ Software. Concentration levels of gaseous pollutants (NH3 and H2S) were measured from December 2019 to November 2020.
 Daily mean concentrations of NH3 and H2S at the mixed sector (68.15, and 50.06 µg/m³, respectively) were higher than those in the coastal sector (23.92 and 24.10 µg/m³, respectively). The daily mean concentrations of NH3 in both sectors were less than the Egyptian and international Permissible limits.
 Non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) of H2S in the mixed region was higher than 1; indicating high adverse chronic health effects occur due to exposure to H2S according to US EPA. In addition, the estimated number of hospital admissions respiratory diseases (HARD) Cases per 100,000 population living were 3 (1 - 6) and 4 (2 - 7) for NH3 and H2S, respectively in the coastal sector, while they were 392 (358 - 410) and 569 (347 - 576) for NH3 and H2S, respectively in the mixed sector. Finally, Air Q+ Software is a valid and reliable tool for estimating short-term risk effects of NH3 and H2S, and can predicts hospital admissions respiratory diseases (HARD) cases attributed to NH3 and H2S gases.

Whole-Body Toxic Metals and Morphometric Measurements in Brown Shrimp Penaeus aztecus in the Gulf of Mexico

Fishing of the brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus is an important socioeconomic activity, generating income and different jobs for the fishing sector; however, this species is exposed to contaminants such as toxic metals. The objective of this research was to determine the concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni in brown shrimp P. aztecus from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, and to analyse morphometric measurements in this species. The determination of toxic metals in shrimp was carried out according to the method proposed by the USEPA. Sexual identification was carried out by examining the first pleopods of P. aztecus specimens; the stages of maturity and proportion of sexes were also determined, finding specimens at maturity stages I and II. Specimens collected in the Veracruz area presented higher morphometric values, with an average TL of 136.15 mm. It was identified in the same area that the batches were formed by a higher proportion of males at 72.2%. Ni was the metal with the highest concentration in the Veracruz area at 15.5 µg g−1, while Pb had a maximum concentration of 8.3 µg g−1. The concentrations obtained for the toxic metals in the shrimp exceeded the values of the international permissible limits established for Pb and Cd.

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF STREAMBED SEDIMENTS AND FRESHWATER FISH SPECIES OF EDE-ONYIMA LAKE, IN OKARKI-ENGENNI, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Aquatic ecosystems are heavily polluted by potentially toxic substances deposited in the sediment as a result of anthropogenic activities. These substances have the potential to enter the food chain, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. Five trace metals such as chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and Polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are regarded as potentially toxic substances were determined in sediments and soft tissues of three commonly consumed fish species, Ageneiosus ucayalensis, Alestes baremoze, and Clarias gariepinus, collected at six sampling sites in Ede Onyima Creek, Okarki-Engenni, Rivers State, Nigeria. The results of trace metals in sediments showed the following range: Ni (1.25 – 11.90 mg/kg); Pb (0.23 – 20.21 mg/kg), Cd (0.09 – 0.72 mg/kg); Cr (0.25 – 11.96 mg/kg) and PAHs (1.25 – 11.90 mg/kg). The mean whole-body concentration of the analyte in three fish species followed the order: Pb > Ni > Cd > PAHs > Cr. The concentrations of the trace metals in sediment were below the quality guideline values; PAHs, had higher threshold and probable effect concentrations (LEL, TEL-HA28, PEL-HA28), indicating toxicity to benthic organisms. The biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) for the fish species ranked in the following order Cd>Pb> Ni>PAHs> Cr. Trace metal concentrations in the fish species exceeded the international permissible limits, indicating that these species are not suitable for human consumption. The contamination level of analytes was determined using the metal pollution index (MPI), which revealed gross contamination of fish species by Cd and Pb in the order Clarias gariepinus (1.8) > Ageneiosus ucayalensis (1.5) > Alestes baremoze (1.4). Furthermore, the flood event had a significant effect on the sedimentary compartment, remobilizing PTSs availability for fish ingestion while washing away legacy contaminated streambed deposits during baseflow.

Heavy metal pollution in leachates and its impacts on the quality of groundwater resources around Iringa municipal solid waste dumpsite.

Heavy metal pollution in groundwater due to leachates leaking from the Iringa municipal dumpsite was investigated. The pollution was studied by analyzing pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Zn) in leachates collected within the dumpsite and groundwater samples from residential wells close to the dumpsite. The pH of the leachate samples varied from 7.40 to 9.10, implying alkaline behavior and the methanogenic phase of solid waste deposits. The levels of EC, TDS, and heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Zn) in leachates were above the national and/or international standards. On other hand, groundwater samples presented pH values ranging from 7.15 to 7.60 which were within the World Health Organization acceptable limit. The concentrations of EC, TDS, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Zn in most groundwater samples exceeded the national and/or international permissible limits for drinking water. In addition, the water quality indices (WQI) of groundwater samples ranged between 8.30 and 17.90, which implied the excellent quality of groundwater sources. However, the presence of high levels of heavy metals above the permissible limits in both leachate and groundwater samples signified potential risks to the environment and public health. Therefore, the present study calls for proper management of municipal solid waste to reduce the potential risks of further contamination on the groundwater resources and environment around the Iringa municipal dumpsite.

Distribution and Bioaccumulation of Essential and Toxic Metals in Tissues of Thaila (Catla catla) from a Natural Lake, Pakistan and Its Possible Health Impact on Consumers

Although fish are often recommended as a component of a healthy diet, the environmental accumulation of heavy metals in many fish species has been of considerable concern for those weighing the nutritional health benefits against adverse toxic outcome of excess intake of toxic metals. This study aimed to determine the concentration of essential and toxic metals in the tissues of Catla catla in Mangla Lake and to assess the possible risk to the consumers. Fifty samples of Catla catla were collected from Mangla Lake, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and analyzed for eighteen metals including essential and trace metals. The measured range concentrations (µg/g, wet weight) in muscle tissues, in decreasing order, were: K (955–1632), Ca (550–2081), Na (449–896), Mg (129–312), Zn (61.2–215), Fe (11.6–26.8), Sr (2.60–9.27), Pb (1.72–7.81), Se (1.55–3.55), Co (0.12–4.08), Mn (1.04–4.33), Ni (0.69–3.06), Cu (0.88–2.78), Cr (0.45–1.88), As (0.67–1.58), Cd (0.28–0.56), Hg (0.17–0.57) and Li (0.12–0.38). The metal concentrations found in this study were comparatively higher than those reported in literature. A majority of the metals exhibited higher accumulation in gills compared with those in scales and muscles. Mean levels of Pb, As, Co, Mn, Cd, Cr and Zn in Catla catla muscle were found to be exceeding the international permissible limits for the safe human consumption. The condition factor (K), as an indicator of fish health status, indicated that Catla catla of Mangla Lake are in good health condition. The metal pollution index (MPI) of gills (27.9), scales (12.5) and muscle (7.57) indicated low contamination. Moreover, human health risk was evaluated using estimated weekly intake (EWI) and daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TCR). Estimated weekly and daily intake values for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb were higher than provisional permissible tolerable weekly intake and permissible tolerable daily intake while THQ for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Se and Zn was higher than 1. The THQ for As, Hg and Pb was several folds higher than 1, indicative of lifetime non-carcinogenic health risks to the consumers. The hazard index indicated cumulative risk, which greatly increased with increasing fish consumption. Target cancer risk indicated that the people eating the Catla catla from Mangla Lake were exposed to As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb with a significant lifetime carcinogenic risk. In summary, consumption of Catla catla from this lake was found to be associated with an increased lifetime risk to the general health of the consumers.

Assessment of the Contamination of Baghdad Soils with Lead Element

The present study aims to study the content and spatial distribution of lead (Pb) contamination in the soils of some Baghdad cities (Middle of Iraq). Twenty soil samples were randomly collected from different land-use in the studied area at a depth between 5 to 30 cm. Ten samples are collected from Al-Rissafa side areas (Adhamiya, Al-Wazeeria (Battery Manufacturer), Shikh Omer, Ziyouna, Karada, Shaab, Sadr city, Al-Za’franiya, Al-Dora expressway, and Alselikh ) and other ten samples are collected from Al-Krakh side areas Al-Dora, Al-Masafi junction, Al-Dora, Sayidia, Al-Salam university college, Al-Bayaa (Industrial District), Jehad, Amirya, Abu Ghraib, Al-hurriya, and Kadhimiya. The soil samples have been analyzed for the lead (Pb) with the utilization of the X-Ray Fluorescence. Based on the results, there is a notable difference in the concentration of Pb compared with the national and international permissible limits. The mean concentrations of Pb are 19507.5, 12.8, 2.2 mg/kg for industrial, roadside, and agricultural respectively and <1 for commercial, residential, and waste dumping sites. The high Pb concentration in the soils has been related to anthropogenic activities. Further, the spatial analysis map showed the high concentration of Pb distribution in the Al-Rissafa side of Baghdad city. The geoaccumulation factor and contamination factor indicate that all the soil samples are uncontaminated except the industrial sites are very high contamination with Pb. Also, by calculating the potential ecological risk, It has been found there is a very high ecological risk in the industrial sites, while a low ecological risk in other sites in the study area. The results showed that the average concentration of Pb in soil was greater than the global soil average.

Cancer risk (ELCR) and annual gonadotropin equivalent dose (AGED) in macaroni

Natural radioactivity has attracted a lot of attention in the world due to its crucial role in human safety. macaroni (Macaroni) is a dry, hollow pastry, made from cereals such as wheat, rice and barley. Macaroni is one of the basic and important for human beings, as well as its proven usefulness to the general health of human beings. Therefore, the measurement of natural radioactivity is a critical because of its direct impact on human safety. In this research, quantification has been made of natural radionuclide concentrations using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometry. The analyses of samples reveal the mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K% are found to 4.5E-01±0.071, 4.46±0.163 and 2.14±0.021, respectively. RLI,AUI,IC and Iα were also calculated the values ​​were less than one also estimated annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) resulting with an average 302.98±07.59 mSv.y-1 where was higher than globally limits. Consumption of macaroni for adult was found (0.035±0.0015) mSv.y-1 which less than global studies , while the average value of cancer risk ( 1.21E-04±0.000005*10-3 mSv.y-1 Below the international permissible limits. The study can be considered as a basis for future studies on this basic substance in food.

Measurement and Analysis of the Distribution of Pb-214 Lead Isotope in Baghdad Soil using Remote Sensing Techniques

The present research aims to measure concentration of lead Pb214 in soil using remote sensing and GIS, associated radiological hazards in Baghdad, Iraq. Concentration of specific radioactivity of radioactive elements was measured and analyzed naturally and artificially in 48 soil samples for separate sites from Baghdad, Iraq using crystalline spectroscopy to detect germanium. The average radioactivity concentrations of lead were found, as it was found to have varying values ​​from one site to another, as most of them exceeded the international permissible limit, as the highest concentration was recorded at 180 Bq in the sample H28 in Waziriyah district. Battery Lab (1), and the lowest concentration value is 40Bq in (H4, H15, H45) which represents (Dora Expressway, Mansour Street, Fuel Express, and Mahmoudiya Road 2).
 Remote sensing data techniques, and Global Positioning System (GPS) have been used to analyze the effect of the isotopic distribution of heavy bullets for the city of Baghdad. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), concentrations were measured and observed. Results of interpolation maps showed isotope of lead is concentrated in the center and west of Baghdad, and then graded with fewer values in other sites.

Influence of land use and topography on distribution and bioaccumulation of potentially toxic metals in soil and plant leaves: A case study from Sekhukhuneland, South Africa

Potentially toxic metal (PTM) enrichment of the soil-plant system in ultramafic and mining regions is a global concern as it affects the food chain. With expanding mining industry, it is important to assess if anthropogenic factors (i.e., land use practices) have a greater influence in this regard compared to natural factors (i.e., topography). Localities in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa, were selected along an altitudinal gradient (i.e., topography: upper slope, footslope, valley and valley bottom) and a land use profile (i.e., rangelands, gardens, tailings and wastelands) to investigate the distribution of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr and Zn of natural (i.e., ultramafic geology) and anthropogenic (i.e., mining) origin in surface soil and plant leaf tissue. Plant life form was considered as an additional factor to evaluate PTM accumulation in leaves. Findings revealed a wider distribution range for Cr and Ni in the surface soil. Co, Cu, Mg, Mo, Sr and Zn were accumulated (bioaccumulation factor, BAF > 1) in leaf tissue of 74% of the evaluated plants of which 83% were indigenous. Grasses, forbs, dwarf shrubs and shrubs showed the highest accumulation levels. Despite an observed trend in the distribution of PTMs in soils and plant leaves along the altitudinal gradient, no significant differences were determined among the topographic positions. Land use practices, however, differed significantly indicating anthropogenic interference as a predominant determinant of PTM enrichment of soil-plant systems. Metal tolerant dominant plants in Sekhukhuneland could be classified as metallophytes. Indigenous species, accumulators and excluders, showed prospects for phytoremediation and rehabilitation of metal contaminated sites, respectively. Concentrations of Cr and Co in food and medicinal plant leaves exceeded the international permissible limits, which highlighted the necessity to estimate human health risks for PTMs in metalliferous sites.