Levels Of Nickel Research Articles

Comparing Sensor Fusion and Multimodal Chemometric Models for Monitoring U(VI) in Complex Environments Representative of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel.

Optical sensors and chemometric models were leveraged for the quantification of uranium(VI) (0-100 μg mL-1), europium (0-150 μg mL-1), samarium (0-250 μg mL-1), praseodymium (0-350 μg mL-1), neodymium (0-1000 μg mL-1), and HNO3 (2-4 M) with varying corrosion product (iron, nickel, and chromium) levels using laser fluorescence, Raman scattering, and ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared absorption spectra. In this paper, an efficient approach to developing and evaluating tens of thousands of partial least-squares regression (PLSR) models, built from fused optical spectra or multimodal acquisitions, is discussed. Each PLSR model was optimized with unique preprocessing combinations, and features were selected using genetic algorithm filters. The 7-factor D-optimal design training set contained just 55 samples to minimize the number of samples. The performance of PLSR models was evaluated by using an automated latent variable selection script. PLS1 regression models tailored to each species outperformed a global PLS2 model. PLS1 models built using fused spectra data and a multimodal (i.e., analyzed separately) approach yielded similar information, resulting in percent root-mean-square error of prediction values of 0.9-5.7% for the seven factors. The optical techniques and data processing strategies established in this study allow for the direct analysis of numerous species without measuring luminescence lifetimes or relying on a standard addition approach, making it optimal for near-real-time, in situ measurements. Nuclear reactor modeling helped bound training set conditions and identified elemental ratios of lanthanide fission products to characterize the burnup of irradiated nuclear fuel. Leveraging fluorescence, spectrophotometry, experimental design, and chemometrics can enable the remote quantification and characterization of complex systems with numerous species, monitor system performance, help identify the source of materials, and enable rapid high-throughput experiments in a variety of industrial processes and fundamental studies.

Evaluation of Phytochemical and Antioxidant Potential of Lepidagathis Pungens Nees: A Therapeutic Application

ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING OF LEPIDAGATHIS PUNGENS NEES: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS FOR THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
 
 Abstract:
 This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties, heavy metal content, inorganic elements, extract parameters, and antioxidant activities of Lepidagathis pungens Nees, a plant with potential health-promoting properties. The physicochemical analysis revealed the presence of ash values, moisture content, total fiber content, swelling index, and foaming index. Heavy metal content analysis showed that cadmium, nickel, mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic levels were within the safe limits set by the World Health Organization, indicating the plant's safety for consumption. The presence of various essential inorganic elements such as calcium, chloride, copper, iron, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium was also confirmed. Five different solvent extracts, including Oil ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and absolute ethanol extracts of the plant were obtained. from the whole plant, and their extractive values, colors, odors, and consistencies A determination was made. The methanol and aqueous extracts had the highest extractive values. The fluorescent analysis of the whole plant powder revealed various colors under daylight, long UV, and short UV light, depending on the solvent used. The antioxidant properties of the Lepidagathis pungens Nees extracts were assessed through their product scavenges superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and lipid peroxidations. An aqueous and methanol extract demonstrated the highest scavenging activities across all concentrations for both Lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radicals. The scavenging activity increased in an inverse relationship between dose and response. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of Lepidagathis pungens Nees as a source of antioxidant compounds, particularly in methanol and aqueous extracts. The safety profile and presence of essential inorganic elements in the plant suggest its potential for use in traditional medicine or as a dietary supplement. Further research into the Inhibitors of antioxidant activity: specific compounds could lead to the development of health-promoting products or therapeutic interventions utilizing the extracts' antioxidant properties.

Association Between Multiple Heavy Metal Exposures and Cholesterol Levels in Residents Living Near a Smelter Plant in Korea.

Considering the interactions between heavy metals, a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of exposure to various types of co-interacting heavy metals on health is required. This study assessed the association between dyslipidemia markers and blood mercury, lead, cadmium, iron, zinc, and nickel levels in residents of an abandoned refinery plant. A total of 972 individuals (exposed group: 567, control group: 405) living near the Janghang refinery plant in the Republic of Korea were included. Blood mercury, lead, cadmium, iron, zinc, nickel, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured. The combined effect of the six heavy metals on dyslipidemia markers was evaluated using a Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model and compared with the results of a linear regression analysis. The BKMR model results were compared using a stratified analysis of the exposed and control groups. In the BKMR model, the combined effect of the six heavy metals was significantly associated with total cholesterol (TC) levels both below the 45th percentile and above the 55th percentile in the total population. The combined effect range between the 25th and 75th percentiles of the six metals on TC levels was larger in the exposed group than that in the total population. In the control group, the combined effects of the changes in concentration of the six heavy metals on the TC concentration were not statistically significant. These results suggest that the cholesterol levels of residents around the Janghang refinery plant may be elevated owing to exposure to multiple heavy metals.

INVESTIGATION OF SURFACE SOIL NICKEL CONTENT: A CASE STUDY OF ADIYAMAN PROVINCE

INVESTIGATION OF SURFACE SOIL NICKEL CONTENT: A CASE STUDY OF ADIYAMAN PROVINCE

Concentrations of Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Groundwater from Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State Nigeria

The concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Total Hydrocarbons contents (THCs) and heavy metals in groundwater from parts of Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State were determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy for PAHs, Spectrophotometer for THC and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for heavy metals. The results showed maximum mean levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (0.642 ppm) and Total Hydrocarbons content (3.23±4.24 ppm), Manganese (0.705±0.125), Iron (0.217±0.300), Lead (0.355±0.488), Chromium (0.096±0.132) and Nickel (0.151±0.149) mg/L. The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon levels were above permissible limits and the Total Hydrocarbons content levels were above acceptable limits in some stations. Lead and nickel levels were above standard limits in some stations. The high levels of lead and nickel portend toxic and carcinogenic risks in some stations, especially to the environment and children in the study areas. The results showed that Groundwater in the study area is poor for drinking purposes in some areas and can pose health hazards in the area if consumed without proper treatment. Thus, adequate treatment of the groundwater in the affected areas is recommended.

Comparative Assessment of Heavy Metals Loads in the Shoot of Selected Tree Plants and their Accumulation Potential in Kazaure, Jigawa Nigeria

The environment is often beautified by the presence of tree plants which consist of the shoot and the root. These plants contain organs often referred to as above ground organs (shoot) and below ground organ (root). In this study, the plant organs of five different plants including Adansoniadigitata, Anacardiumoccidentale, Azadirachtaindica, Eucalyptus globulus, and Parkiabiglobosa were sampled to investigate the levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). The sampled parts were transported in polythene bags to the laboratory where they were sorted, pretreated, stored and digestedwith10 cm3 of 6M nitric acid. The digested samples were subjected to analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the heavy metals (HMs). The results revealed that all the above ground organs of these plants accumulated HMs at varying levels. The leaf samples of the all tree plants accumulated higher concentrations of the HMs than the bark samples except in P. big lobosa (7.07 ± 0.42 mg/Kg, Co [leaf]; 14.10 ± 0.62 mg/Kg, Co [bark]). The results revealed that the leaves portion contained more of the essential heavy metals (EHMs) than the bark samples of the tree plants. A. indica has the highest bio-indication potential while E. globulus exhibited the least potential based on the above ground organs analysis. The translocation factors of the NHMs (Cr and Pb) were below unity. The translocation factors well above unity suggest better phytoextraction capability of the tree plants. All the plants potentially accumulated the metals at varying levels irrespective of the different geographical locations, morphological and biomass variations of the tree plants.

Гормональные, биохимические показатели и уровни микроэлементов крови у молодых женщин с субклиническим гипотиреозом в сочетании с носительством антител к тиреопероксидазе

Many studies have been devoted to investigating the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SH), thyroid gland (TG) autoimmunity, and blood trace elements; however, the data presented in these studies are often contradictory. Aim of study. To identify the factors associated with SH in combination with the presence of Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab). Design. Single-center, observational, single-cohort, cross-sectional, and uncontrolled study. Materials and Methods. This study analyzed 859 women aged 18–45 with SH and without TG dysfunction. Based on thyroid function and TPO-Ab status (presence (+) or absence (–)), four study groups were formed: Group 1 — Euthyroidism and TPO-Ab(–) (n = 503); Group 2 — Euthyroidism and TPO-Ab(+) (n = 164); Group 3 — SH and TPO-Ab(–) (n = 128); Group 4 — SH and TPO-Ab(+) (n = 64). Determination of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and TPO-Ab levels in serum was provided by enzyme immunoassay on the Evolis Robotized System using the test systems "Thyroid-ELISA-TSH, 0.23–3.4 µIU/ml", "Thyroid-ELISA FT4, 10–23.2 pmol/l", and "Thyroid ELISA-TPO-Ab < 30 U/ml". The reference values were taken from the instructions of the manufacturer Alkor Bio Group (Russia). Measurement of element concentrations was conducted on the atomic absorption spectrometer "МГА-915МД" from Lumex (Russia). Logistic regression analysis with a series of univariate and multivariate models was performed to determine independent predictors of the likelihood of SH and TPO-Ab positive status (relative to euthyroid and TPO-Ab negative individuals). Results. In young women, a decrease in FT4 is associated with increasing age, elevated levels of TSH, TPO-Ab, mercury, decreased heart rate, and reduced levels of thyroglobulin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), manganese, nickel, selenium, lead, and the triglyceride/glucose index. An increase in TSH is associated with lower levels of ALP, manganese, and nickel, and higher mercury levels. The likelihood of having SH combined with the presence of TPO-Ab, compared to the group without thyroid dysfunction and elevated antibodies, increases with reduced concentrations of iodine (odds ratio (OR) = 0.739; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.618–0.884, p = 0.001), selenium (OR = 0.987; 95% CI: 0.976–0.998, p = 0.018), and zinc (OR = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.997–0.999, p = 0.023), and with elevated lead levels (OR = 1.106; 95% CI: 1.006–1.217, p = 0.038). In a multivariate regression model, the probability also increases with decreased iodine and cadmium levels, and elevated lead levels. Conclusion. Reduced concentrations of iodine, selenium, and zinc, along with elevated blood lead levels, are factors associated with the activation of thyroid autoimmunity and the presence of SH in combination with elevated TPO-Ab levels. Keywords: thyroid gland, thyroid function hormones, microelements, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, young age, women.

Assessment of heavy metal and radioactive element levels in the ovarian follicular fluid of pregnant and non-pregnant Kyrgyz breed mares

Objective: In the current study, we aimed to ascertain the levels of heavy metals and radioactive elements in the ovarian follicular fluids of pregnant and non-pregnant Kyrgyz mares. Materials and Methods: To this end, follicular fluids were obtained from 49 Kyrgyz mares aged 3–5 years. The mares were in various stages of pregnancy (Group 1, n = 27) or were non-pregnant (Group 2, n = 22). We measured the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), antimony (Sb), cobalt (Co), potassium (K), uranium (U), nickel (Ni), and thorium (Th) in follicular fluids using atomic emission mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the data were statistically analyzed according to whether the mare was pregnant or not, the pregnancy stage, the presence or absence of the corpus luteum in the ovaries, the corpus luteum’s diameter if present, and the presence or absence and diameter of follicles. Results: We found that K levels were higher in non-pregnant mares (0.00564 ± 0.000590 ppm, p = 0.009). Furthermore, Ni (0.01033 ± 0.001880 ppm, p = 0.07) and K (0.00563 ± 0.000498 ppm, p = 0.026) levels were higher in mares with a follicle diameter of 1–3 cm. However, these results did not change according to the month of pregnancy, number of follicles, presence or absence of the corpus luteum in the ovaries, number of corpora lutea, and their diameters. Conclusion: Thus, we concluded that heavy metal and radioactive element levels in the ovarian follicular fluids of Kyrgyz mares do not significantly change with pregnancy status, and there are limited detrimental effects of pollution on the follicular fluids.

Determination of metals in different tissues of Trachurus trachurus from the Marmara Sea and evaluation of their health risks

The present study aimed to determine the differences in metal levels of Aluminum (Al), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), İron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) between muscle and liver tissues of Trachurus trachurus, the correlation of metal accumulation in tissues with fish length and weight was examined. Health risks and nutritional adequacy were evaluated based on metal levels accumulated in fish muscle. The results demonstrated that fish liver accumulated higher metal levels than muscle. The investigation revealed that the majority of metals present in the tissues of the fish did not exhibit a significant correlation with their size (p>0.05). It can be concluded that fish are not an adequate source of these nutrients because their nutrient levels are below reference values. The fish were found to be nutrient deficient, as the levels of nutrients were below reference values. The estimated daily intakes of all metals accumulated in muscle were below reference doses. The target hazard coefficient and target hazard index values were less than 1. Lifetime carcinogenic risk values were below 10-4, and total carcinogenic risk values were within the acceptable range. Pb and Cd concentrations in muscle exceeded the tolerable limit. The daily amount of fish that could be consumed without non-carcinogenic health risk was 181 grams for Cd and 295 grams for Pb. The daily amount of fish that could be consumed without carcinogenic health risk was 1.21 grams for Cd and 231 grams for Pb.

Association analyses between urinary concentrations of multiple trace elements and gastric precancerous lesions and gastric cancer in Anhui province, eastern China.

Limited epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to trace elements adversely impacts the development of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) and gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to estimate the association of individual urinary exposure to multiple elements with GPL and GC. A case-control investigation was conducted in Anhui Province from March 2021 to December 2022. A total of 528 subjects (randomly sampled from 1,020 patients with GPL, 200 patients with GC, and 762 normal controls) were included in our study. Urinary levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), strontium (Sr), and Cesium (Cs) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Four different statistical approaches were employed to explore the risk of GPL and GC with mixed exposure, including multivariate logistic regression, weighted quantile regression (WQS), quantile g-computation (Qgcomp), and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model. The WQS model indicated that urinary exposure to a mixture of elements is positively correlated with both GPL and GC, with ORs for the mixture exposure of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.34-1.61) for GPL and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.27-1.50) for GC. The Qgcomp and BKMR models also demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between the mixture and both GPL and GC. Considering the limitations of case-control studies, future prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the combined effects and mechanisms of trace elements exposure on human health.

Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Tissues of Binni Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi and Water in Al-Dalmaj Marsh/Iraq

The study was conducted in Al-Dalmaj marsh, considered one of the most important wetlands at the national and regional level and represents the most critical environment to form a good stock of Binni Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi in Iraq. The study assessed heavy metals in water and M. sharpeyi by detecting accumulation of (Nickel, Cadmium and Lead) in the tissues of gills, liver, and small intestines during the summer and winter seasons 2022-2023. The study results showed a high concentration of heavy metals in the water during summer compared to winter. Nickel levels ranged (0.19 ±0.627, 0.20 ±0.531) in water for both stations. The highest concentration was (1.339 mg/L) in suspended phase during summer, and ND in dissolved phase in winter, while Cadmium rates were (0.25±0.948, 0.17±0.478) in both stations respectively, the highest concentration was (1.827 mg/L) in suspended phase of station 1 during summer. Both stations ' lead rates were (0.39±1.455, 0.09±1.117). (3.176 mg/L) was the highest concentration in the suspended phase of station 1 during summer, while (0.121 mg/L) was the lowest in the suspended phase in winter. The results showed a sequence of concentrations of heavy metals in M. sharpeyi organs: Gills > Liver ≥ Small Intestines. The highest concentration rate of Nickel (4.109 & 3.692 mg/g) was recorded in small intestines and liver, respectively, during winter, the lowest rate (3.057 mg/g) was recorded in the gills during summer, the total of sedimentation rate of Ni in the liver and intestines was (3.726 mg/g), whereas (3.114 mg/g) in gills. Cadmium recorded an equal value of (0.957 mg/g) representing the highest percentage in the small intestines for both seasons. The highest concentrations (0.906 mg/g) in liver during summer. The total sedimentation rate of Cd in liver and small intestines was (0.852 mg/g), while (0.738 mg/g) was in gills. Lead recorded a high significant rate reaching to (8.501 mg/g) in gills during summer, followed by (6.115 mg/g) and (5.891 mg/g) in the liver and small intestines, respectively. Generally, lead reached the highest value for all elements assessed in fish at (8.501 mg/g) in the gills during summer, while (5.027 mg/g) was the highest rate in the liver during winter, and (3.709 mg/g) was the lowest rate in small intestines during winter. The total sedimentation rate of Pb in liver and small intestines was (5.185 mg/g), and (6.41 mg/g) was in the gills. Cadmium was recorded above the permissible (0.05 mg/g) limit by FAO [25] in the small intestine and liver, whereas lead exceeded the allowable limits (5 mg/g) by FAO/WHO [26]. Accordingly, the intake of these organs is unsafe for humans, and the registration of these high values poses a risk to the survival of this species as it can cause the death of fish in their environment under certain conditions.

Analysis of Heavy Metals Contaminating Water and Fish Species in Kwanar-Are Dam, Katsina State, Nigeria

This work is aimed to determine the quantities of heavy metals in the water, and three different fish species (Bugrus bayad, Tilapia, and synoduntis) present in Kwanar Are Dam. In the adjacent villages, the dam provides the main water supply for domestic uses, agriculture, fishing, and drinking. Water and fish samples were examined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) to measure the levels of heavy metals. The water sample tested positive for Cd 0.183 mg/l, Cu 0.286 mg/l, Cr 0.233 mg/l, Mn 0.081 mg/l, Ni 0.179 mg/l, Pb 0.166 mg/l, and Zn 0.145 mg/l, according to the results. Cu, Mn, and Ni were below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels. However, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn exceeded these limits. The levels of heavy metals in the fish samples ranged from 0.275 to 0.581 mg/kg for Cadmium, 0.520 to 0.837 mg/kg for Copper, 0.205 to 0.512 mg/kg for Nickel, 0.205 to 0.512 mg/kg for Lead, and 0.333 to 0.611 mg/kg for Tilapia, Bugrus, and Synoduntis fish, respectively. Chromium, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Zinc, and Manganese levels were lower than copper concentrations. Manganese and nickel concentrations in the fish exceeded what the WHO considered safe. The results of this study show that heavy metals have accumulated in the fish species that live in the Kwanar Are Dam, proving that the dam is contaminated. While some heavy metals in the water and fish samples were within the World Health Organization (WHO)'s (recommended limits), others, including Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn, were over these levels. This suggests a possible health danger for the locals who depend on the dam as their main water source for daily activities.

Erythrocyte Recovery in Oreochromis niloticus Fish Exposed to Urban Effluents.

Urban activities pollute aquatic ecosystems, and the integrity of organisms such as fish. The use of cytological techniques, such as the analysis of blood cellular integrity using the Micronucleus test, can help detect mutagenic damage as a result to urban effluents exposure. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency of micronucleus and other nuclear abnormalities in Oreochromis niloticus fish environmentally exposed to urban effluents in relation to their erythrocyte recovery capacity when exposed to clean water (30 and 45days). The results indicated high copper, dissolved iron, nickel, and thermotolerant coliform levels in the urban stream. There was no difference in the frequency of micronuclei. In contrast, cells with nuclear nuclei, binucleates, kidney-shaped nuclei, notched nuclei, lobed nuclei, and segmented nuclei decreased according to the time the fish were exposed to clean water. When exposed to clean water, we conclude that urban fish recover from genotoxic and cytotoxic damage.

Characterization of nickel levels considering seasonal and intra-individual variation using three biological matrices

Nickel compounds are classified as group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. However, only a few exposure assessment studies have been conducted on such compounds to date. In this study, we investigated the distribution of nickel in three biological types of samples (blood, serum, and urine) and its temporal variability through repeated measurements. From 2020 to 2021, blood and urine samples were collected for four times from 50 healthy participants. Nickel concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and inter-individual correlation was calculated from linear mixed model. The overall geometric mean of nickel was 1.028 μg/L in blood, 0.687 μg/L in serum, and 1.464 μg/L in urine. Blood nickel was the highest in November (blood: 1.197 μg/L), and the geometric mean of nickel concentrations in the serum and urine were the highest in March (serum: 1.146 μg/L; urine: 1.893 μg/L). This matched seasonal trends for fine particulate matter concentrations from 2020 to 2021. Thus, seasonal effects significantly affect nickel levels in blood, serum, and urine. The inter-individual correlations were low as 0.081 for blood and 0.064 for urine. In addition, the correlation of nickel levels between each biological sample was low. It was also found that age, gender, commuting time, and different matrices affect concentrations. Blood and serum nickel levels were high in this study compared to other nationwide data, with urinary nickel ranking the second highest among the six countries examined. Therefore, biomonitoring study in the general population should be conducted, and finding a suitable matrix that can reflect nickel exposure to set exposure guideline levels is imperative.

Seasonal Variations in Heavy Metal Content of Periwinkle Samples obtained from Oil Producing Communities within Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The effects of seasonal variations on the heavy metal content of periwinkle (Littorina littorea) were investigated. Samples were obtained from five stations within the oil producing communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The standard digestion method was used to determine the levels of zinc, lead, nickel, copper, cadmium and chromium with the aid of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). (Cadmium (0.216 – 0.727 ppm) and chromium (0.003 – 0.110 ppm) were significantly higher. Zinc, lead, nickel and copper were below the minimum permissible limits. Results obtained for chromium was significant at p(0.05) for the Pearson correlation coefficient. Oil production increases the concentration of heavy metals in water causing harmful to living and non-living resources. Further studies within the study area will assist in effective monitoring of the environment for sustainable development.

Spatial distribution, ecological risk and health risk assessment of heavy metals in agricultural soil from Ankang basin, Shaanxi Province

In order to assess the heavy metal pollution features, ecological dangers, and health risk status posed to human beings by soils in the Ankang Basin, a study was conducted. This involved the collection of 38 surface soil samples, followed by the determination of elemental levels of arsenic, mercury, copper, cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, and zinc. The concentrations of arsenic, mercury, copper, cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, and zinc were quantified through the collection of 38 surface soil samples. The data obtained from the study was subjected to analysis and evaluation utilizing various academic methodologies, including the geo-accumulation index method, potential ecological risk assessment method, human health risk assessment model, and Monte Carlo simulation method. The findings indicated that the concentrations of the eight heavy metals in the soil above the background levels, with only Cadmium (Cd) marginally surpassing the threshold set for controlling soil pollution risks. The ground accumulation index revealed a higher degree of soil pollution with mercury, cadmium, copper, and zinc components. According to the possible ecological risk index, the presence of mercury and cadmium elements poses significant ecological hazards. The geographical distribution analysis suggests that these risks mostly stem from the combined impacts of human activities and the topographical and geomorphological characteristics of the river valley. The findings of the human health risk assessment indicated that the non-carcinogenic risk fell within acceptable limits. Additionally, it was observed that the carcinogenic risk associated with arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and nickel was comparatively greater for children as compared to adults. The results of the Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the non-carcinogenic hazards have a negligible effect on human health. However, it was seen that arsenic and nickel have a greater likelihood of presenting a substantial carcinogenic risk to humans, particularly in relation to the pediatric population, hence exerting a more pronounced impact on their health. In general, it is observed that conventional deterministic risk assessments tend to overstate the potential health risks associated with a given situation. Conversely, the utilization of Monte Carlo simulations has been found to effectively mitigate uncertainties in health risk assessments. It has been observed that children exhibit a higher vulnerability to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health impacts resulting from exposure to heavy metals present in soil, in comparison to adults. It is recommended that residents prioritize the surveillance of soil heavy metals in relation to potential impacts on human health.

Evaluation of Salivary Nickel and Chromium Level of Iraqi Sample Treated with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

As orthodontic appliances consider one of the esthetic treatment in dentistry, which contain variable amount of Nickel and Chromium in different part of the orthodontic appliance that may release in saliva and affect patient's health, the aim of the study was conducted to evaluate the nickel and chrome concentration level in saliva for orthodontic patients who are treated with nitinol and stainless steel arch wire and compare this concentration with that of control group. Three groups have been studied 1st group and 2nd experimental includes 17 patients with nitinol arch wire and other 17 patients with stainless steel arch wire. The 3rd group was control group includes 17 patients without orthodontic appliance, stimulated saliva collected in sterile screw capped bottle, and kept at (-20 C˚) then allowed to defrost at room temperature, then the concentration of salivary ions of nickel and chromium was measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Descriptive and Inferential statistical analysis has been used. Revealed significant difference in Cr and Ni concentration among three groups. This study proved that with nitinol arch wire the level of Cr and Ni increase in saliva more than that of control and stainless steel group.

Water Physico-Chemical Indicators and Metal Assessment of Teceu Lake and the Adjacent Groundwater Located in a Natura 2000 Protected Area, NW of Romania

This study closely analyzes the water quality dynamics of Teceu Lake, situated in a Natura 2000 protected area in Romania. The research investigates seasonal variations and interconnections with groundwater, assessing various ecological impacts. The main physico-chemical indicators of water, such as electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), oxygen saturation (OS), temperature, pH, turbidity, ammonium concentration (NH4+), nitrates (NO3−), nitrites (NO2−), orthophosphates (PO43−), water hardness, alkalinity (A), and chlorides (Cl−), were measured over the January–December 2022 period. Metal concentrations for both major metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al) and trace metals (Li, Ga, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Ti, Mo, Sr, Ba) were assessed. The evolution of the physico-chemical indicators revealed an increase in nutrient compounds (ammonium and phosphates) during the spring and autumn months. The EC values ranged from 180–444 μS/cm for the lake and 1575–2480 μS/cm for groundwater. The pH values (7.12–7.96) indicated a slightly alkaline environment. DO levels (6.79–11.21 mg/L) indicated good water quality. Chlorides exceeded levels in drinking water in some instances. Water hardness varied due to pH, temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Metal composition revealed diverse levels of aluminum, barium, nickel, copper, zinc, and manganese, which carries implications for environmental and human health. The water quality index (WQI) score, which is based on major ions, indicated that 93% of the groundwater samples were classified as excellent and good for drinking. WQI, based on the main physico-chemical indicators, revealed that 79.17% of the Teceu Lake-water samples and 41.66% of the groundwater samples gathered were classified as good quality; the difference indicated poor quality, especially in autumn. Q- and R-mode cluster analyses revealed distinct clusters for seasonal months and sampling points, suggesting shared sources and geological influences. Notable connections between physico-chemical indicators and metal content were identified, emphasizing the need for a tailored conservation strategy. Correlation analyses highlighted both positive and negative relationships between metal pairs. Understanding these parameters is vital for water resource management and preserving biodiversity in the region. The results of this study are important for monitoring pollution in Lake Teceu and might prompt local communities and authorities to take measures to reduce and prevent pollution.

Anthropogenic Sources and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mine Soils: A Case Study of Bontesso in Amansie West District of Ghana

Contamination of the environmental receptors with heavy metals due to mining is a major topical environmental issue in Ghana. This research investigates the possible ecological and human health risks of heavy metal impacts due to mining in the Amansie West District in Ghana. A total of 18 soil samples were taken from the Bontesso illegal mining site in the district and analyzed for the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). From principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation coefficient analysis, the metals are derived from multiple sources, with substantial levels of correlations. Using geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cd), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk index (Er), and noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, respectively, the impacts of As (12.2 mg/kg) and Cd (1.3 mg/kg) are above the WHO stipulated limit. Findings for pollution indices indicate moderate contamination, while HQ < 1 for inhalation and dermal exposure route, except for ingestion which is HQ > 1. Based on the USEPA standard, the carcinogenic risk of the pollutants for humans is higher than the range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Furthermore, the ingestion route represents the highest contributor to cancer risk with arsenic posing the greatest risk. The results so far suggest that chemical components gradually accumulate and thus emphasize the importance of implementing the necessary mitigation methods to minimize the impacts of illegal mining activities in the study area.

Heavy Metals in Wetland Ecosystem: Investigating Metal Contamination in Waterbirds via Primary Feathers and Its Effect on Population and Diversity

Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems that provide feeding and nesting grounds for diverse species of waterbirds. The quality of wetland habitat may have an impact on the density, diversity, and species richness of waterbirds. Toxic metal contamination is one of the most significant threats to wetland habitats. Feathers are a key indicator of heavy metal contamination in avian communities as a non-invasive method. We examined the levels of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) using ICP-AAS and standards of digestion procedure from the primary feathers of 10 distinct species of waterbirds. The study was conducted at four wetlands, viz., Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Ramsar site); Pallikaranai Marshland (Ramsar site); Perunthottam freshwater lake (unprotected wetland), Tamil Nadu and the Pulicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh, (Ramsar site), India. The Large crested tern had higher concentrations of As, Co, Cr, and Ni. Cu was greater in the Indian pond heron, and Zn was higher in the Grey heron. The accumulation of metals differed among the waterbirds (p < 0.05), and the inter-correlation of metals found positive influences between the tested metals, i.e., Co was positively associated with As, Cr had a positive correlation with As and Co, and Ni was positively correlated with As, Co, Cr, and Cu. In contrast, Pb had a positive association with Cu and Ni. The Zn was associated with Co, Cr and Cu. The level of metals in waterbirds was Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd > As. The results showed that metal levels in the primary feathers of waterbirds were greater than the other species of waterbirds examined across the world. Thus, the study emphasizes that managing wetlands and controlling pollution is crucial to saving waterbirds; otherwise, the population and diversity of waterbirds will decline and become a significant threat to waterbird communities.