Cd Levels Research Articles

Distribution and risk assessment of metals in the aquatic environment following the installation of a low lying bridge in Yeongrang Lake, Sokcho, Gangwon State, South Korea

In November 2021, a bridge was constructed over Yeongrang Lake by placing large cement blocks on the lakebed, leading to ecological consequences. Thus, this study assessed the distribution of metals to evaluate the risk in the aquatic environment of the lake. Ten metals were monitored in water, sediment, and fish samples across four seasons. The samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after treatment with nitric acid. During the sampling period, the distribution of metals in water followed the order of Fe > Cu > Al > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cd > V, while in sediment, it was Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > V > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd. Cu and Cd levels exceeded the criteria and threshold effect levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Although no significant seasonal variations were observed, the ecological risk was considered significant. Situated near the East Sea, the lake has shown signs of salinization after the construction of the bridge. Cu, Mn, and Zn exhibited the highest bioconcentration factors in both benthic and floating fish. Nevertheless, an improved sampling strategy is necessary to verify the bioconcentration of metals in fish in future studies. The hazard index exceeded 1 in a human risk assessment related to fish consumption. However, the actual risk is anticipated to be lower, considering the fish consumption pattern. This study highlights the importance of management actions in reducing ecological risks.

Blackfordia virginica in Non-Native Distribution Range: A Potential Food Source for Humans?

The seasonal occurrence of the Black Sea jellyfish Blackfordia virginica Mayer, 1910 blooms is a reason of concern in the Guadiana estuary in the South of Portugal (South-West Europe), causing considerable economic and ecological impacts to fisheries. Due to jellyfish biochemical properties, they may represent an opportunity as an alternative food source for humans. In this context, this work evaluated the nutritional profile of B. virginica (proximate composition, amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids methyl ester content). Blackfordia virginica biomass may be adequate for human consumption, as it has nutritional properties resembling other edible jellyfish species, with relevant levels of minerals, moderate content in crude protein, low-fat content, and a low energetic value. The high Cd levels in the biomass of B. virginica from the Guadiana Estuary may compromise its safety as a food source. Moreover, if these jellyfishes are proven as an edible invasive species, their management through fisheries should evaluate the cost effectiveness of investments.

Synergistic Effect of Biochar, Phosphate Fertilizer, and Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria for Mitigating Cadmium (Cd) Stress and Improving Maize Growth in Cd-Contaminated Soil.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination threatens human health and plant growth due to its accumulation in edible parts. The sole application of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), biochar (BC), and phosphorus (P) effectively mitigates Cd's adverse effects in contaminated agricultural systems. However, further investigation into their combined impacts on Cd toxicity and maize (Zea mays) production is essential. This study evaluates the synergistic effects of PSB (10 g kg-1 of Bacillus megaterium), BC (5% w/w), and P (0.8 g kg-1) on soil properties and the morphological and physiological traits of maize cultivated in agricultural soil contaminated with Cd (20 mg kg-1). The study revealed that Cd toxicity negatively impacts soil properties, reducing shoot and root biomass, lowering chlorophyll content, and heightening oxidative stress levels. Conversely, the combined use of P, PSB, and BC markedly improved soil properties, increasing the organic matter by 175.94%, available K by 87.24%, and available P by 306.93% compared to the control. This combination also improved maize growth metrics, with increases in aboveground dry biomass (92.98%), root dry biomass (110.33%), chlorophyll a (28.20%), chlorophyll b (108.34%), and total chlorophyll (37.17%). Notably, the treatment reduced Cd concentrations in maize leaves by 61.08% while increasing soil Cd levels by 31.12% compared to the control group. Overall, the synergistic effect of P-BC-PSB is an eco-friendly strategy for mitigating Cd toxicity in contaminated soil. However, further studies are required to explore its effects and molecular mechanisms on other crops.

Optimizing multi-surface modelling of available cadmium as measured in soil pore water and salt extracts of soils amended with compost and lime: The role of organic matter and reactive metal

The effectiveness of strategies to reduce cadmium (Cd) availability for crop uptake can be assessed using various measures of Cd availability, such as Cd concentration in pore water and Cd extracted with salt solutions. This study evaluated the performance of multi-surface modelling (MSM) to predict dissolved Cd in two Irish tillage soils treated with lime, zinc (Zn) and spent mushroom compost (SMC). Predictions were assessed against Cd measured in three solution media, i.e., 1 mM Ca(NO3)2 and 0.1 M CaCl2 extractions, as well as in soil pore water. Results indicate that reactive soil organic matter (SOM) may be underestimated using a single 0.1 M NaOH extraction in the investigated soils, leading to substantial overestimation of dissolved Cd by MSM, particularly at higher pH. Repeating the 0.1 M NaOH extraction three times substantially improved model predictions. Additionally, using reactive Cd determined by isotopic dilution instead of 0.43 M HNO3 improved model predictions for one of the soils that was rich in manganese (Mn) oxides, revealing a possible role of Mn oxides in determining the reactive Cd fraction. After optimizing reactive SOM and reactive Cd, residuals between predicted and measured Cd showed an increasing trend along with increasing solution pH and decreasing dissolved Cd. This is likely related to Cd binding to high affinity sites due to uncertainties in the binding parameters for these sites and/or to slow desorption kinetics for Cd bound to these sites. Despite significant variations in solution properties, including higher dissolved Ca and reactive dissolved organic matter (DOM), 1 mM Ca(NO3)2 extracts exhibited similar extractable Cd levels, model performance, and Cd speciation compared to soil pore water especially at higher pH. Thus, 1 mM Ca(NO3)2 can be a reliable proxy for soil pore water in assessing Cd availability for crop uptake in soils with circumneutral to alkaline pH.

Chlorogenic acid alleviates cadmium-induced neuronal injury in chicken cerebral cortex by inhibiting incomplete autophagy mediated by AMPK-ULK1 pathway

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that has neurotoxic properties, which poses serious threats to human health and the development of poultry farming. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a dietary polyphenol exhibit various biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy regulation. In addition, CGA can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective effects. This study explored the mechanism of CGA in alleviating Cd-induced cerebral cortical neuron injury in chickens. The results showed that in vivo, CGA reduced the Cd level and alleviated Cd-induced histopathological and ultrastructural damages in the chicken cerebral cortex. Further research has found that CGA alleviated Cd-induced incomplete autophagy and activation of the AMPK-ULK1 pathway. In vitro, AMPK inhibitors (Compound C) could alleviate Cd-induced incomplete autophagy in chicken cerebral cortical neurons. In addition, CGA alleviated the decreased viability, incomplete autophagy, and activation of the AMPK-ULK1 pathway induced by Cd in chicken cerebral cortical neurons. In summary, CGA can alleviate Cd-induced cerebral cortical neuron injury in chickens, which is related to CGA alleviating Cd-induced incomplete autophagy by inhibiting the AMPK-ULK1 pathway.

High efficiently removal of Cd(II) in environmental water samples by nano-particle supported ionic liquid material

Ionic liquids have been considered as green solvent for metal ion extraction. However, the high cost, low efficiency and hard phase separation limit their application. In this work, nano SiO2 supported ionic liquid (SiO2@NH-IL) prepared via simple homogeneous sol-gel method was used for adsorptive removal of Cd(II) from water sample. The material was characterized by XRD, TEM and FT-IR and zeta potential analysis. The adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm and reusability as well as the adsorption mechanism were investigated. The effects of solution pH and temperature were also studied. It was found that this nano-adsorbent could be used to remove trace level of Cd(II) efficiently due to the strong coordination of Cd(II) with the ionic liquid. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies showed that the adsorption rate increased with the increase of temperature, the maximum adsorption capacity was 112.13 mg g−1 at higher temperature (i.e. 80 °C), and the adsorption equilibrium could achieve in 30 min. The nano-adsorbent could be easily regenerated by 0.5 mol L−1 of HCl and reused as least ten adsorption/desorption cycles. The as-prepared nano-adsorbent are potential candidate for adsorptive removal of Cd(II) in polluted wastewater, especially with higher temperature.

Heavy metal mitigation in soil and plants using organic and inorganic amendments alone and in combination

The use of organic and inorganic amendments like stilbite-zeolite (SZ) and nano-biochar (NBC) in phytoremediation holds immense promise, long-term stability, and its effectiveness necessitate comprehensive research. This study aimed to evaluate their potential in mitigating heavy metal contamination in soil and plants. Our results shows that SZ and NBC treatments significantly impacted heavy metal levels, notably reducing arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) accumulation in plant tissues. The treatments exhibited varying degrees of effectiveness in reducing heavy metal levels. Notably, SZ2 treatment decreased As and Pb levels by 33.33% and 20%, respectively, while NBC3 achieved even greater reductions, lowering As by 53.33% and Pb by 30%. Moreover, SZ2, SZ5, and NBC3 treatments halved Cd levels, showcasing their potential in mitigating heavy metal contamination in rice. However Hg levels remained largely unaffected, except for NBC1, which unexpectedly doubled its concentration. In soil, SZ2 treatment significantly reduced metal concentrations, particularly Cd (66.8% reduction) and Hg (70.7% reduction). Conversely, SZ3 and SZ7 treatments increased metal concentrations, suggesting that certain zeolite applications might enhance metal bioavailability. NBC treatments showed varying effectiveness, with NBC3 being the most effective, substantially reducing As, Pb, and Cd levels.

Sufficient manganese supply is necessary for OsNramp5 knockout rice plants to ensure normal growth and less Cd uptake

The development of crop cultivars with less Cd uptake in roots and accumulation in shoots is a most efficient and environment-friendly approach to deal with soil Cd contamination. Recently repression of Nramp5 expression or its knockout is commonly recognized to be efficient for reducing Cd accumulation in plants, but such mutant plants suffer from manganese deficiency. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of exogenous Mn addition in mitigating Cd stress in a japonica rice cultivar Xidao 1 (Wild Type, WT) and its OsNramp5 knockout mutant. Exposure to Cd stress resulted in notable low photosynthetic rate, growth inhibition, and high Cd accumulation in rice seedlings. Although the mutant plants contained much lower Cd concentration in both roots and shoots than the WT plants, their growth was significantly inhibited relative to the WT plants under the normal condition. Exogenous application of Mn (40 μM) dramatically reduces root and shoot Cd concentrations and alleviates the toxic effect of Cd stress in both rice types, with the mutant plants demonstrating lower Cd concentration and less Cd toxicity in comparison with WT plants. The alleviation of Cd toxicity by Mn addition was more effective in higher Cd level (1.0 μM) than in lower Cd level (0.1 μM). Mn increases the expression of OsNramp5 and other genes, including OsHMA2, OsHMA3, OsIRT1, and OsIRT2, which encode ion transporters related to Mn uptake and transportation, and meanwhile reduces Cd uptake and accumulation in rice seedlings. In short, the knockout of OsNramp5 results in the significant reduction of Cd uptake, but accompanies with Mn deficiency in rice plants, which can be efficiently overcome through exogenous Mn addition.

Health Effects of Heavy Metal Exposure Among E-waste Workers and Community-dwelling Adults in Thailand: A Cross-sectional Study.

Global concern is increasing about the health effects of electronic waste (e-waste). This study examines the health impacts of heavy metal (HM) exposure among e-waste workers (EWWs) and community-dwelling adults (CDAs) in Northeastern Thailand and identifies factors associated with adverse health outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 164 EWWs and 164 CDAs. A survey was employed to collect data on participant characteristics, symptoms, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. Urine samples were analyzed for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels using atomic absorption spectrometry. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors impacting health. Across all participants, urinary Pb and Cd levels ranged from 5.30 to 29.50 µg/g creatinine and from 0.60 to 4.00 µg/g creatinine, respectively. The most frequently reported health issues pertained to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at 38.70%, central nervous system (CNS) issues at 36.60%, and skin disorders at 31.10%. Multivariable analysis indicated that the presence of MSDs was significantly associated with exposure to Pb and Cd. Poor sleep quality (PSQ) was significantly linked to CNS problems, while body mass index was significantly related to skin disorders. Factors including primary education level or below, smoking, cleaning the house more than 3 times weekly, and PSQ were significantly linked to depression. Anxiety was significantly associated with PSQ. Environmental exposure to Pb and Cd can have adverse health impacts in the form of MSDs. Depression and anxiety are common conditions among CDAs. Public health officials should monitor HM exposure and mental health within the community.

Single and joint exposure of Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Cu, and Zn were associated with cognitive function of older adults

Background: Impaired cognitive function following exposure to heavy metals has emerged as a significant global health concern. Nevertheless, the impact of combined exposure to multiple heavy metals on cognitive impairment remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to explore the association between multiple heavy metals exposure and cognitive function to provide theoretical evidence to guide prevention strategies. Methods: The blood levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) and the results of the cognitive function tests were extracted from 811 elderly Americans who completed the NHANES between 2011 and 2014. Quantile regression (QR), restricted cubic splines (RCS), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to explore the individual and joint association between heavy metals exposure and performance in 4 standardized cognitive tests; Item Response Theory (IRT), Delayed Recall Test (DRT), Animal Fluency Test (AFT) and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Results: A negative association was noted between Cd levels and IRT (p = 0.048, 95%CI: -2.7, -0.1). Se concentrations ranging between 2.197 µg/L (95%CI: 0.004, 0.15) to 2.29 µg/L (95%CI: 2.56, 7.64) (log10Se) was postively associated with DSST (p = 0.001 ). Cu was negatively associated with DSST (p = 0.049, 95%CI: -37.75, -0.09), while Zn was positively associated with IRT (p = 0.022, 95%CI: 0.55, 11.73). Exposure to the 6 heavy metals combined showed a positive linear association with IRT, DRT, and a negative linear association with DSST. An interaction between Cd and the other heavy metals (excepted for Pb). Conclusion: Exposure to Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Cu, and Zn was associated with cognitive function. Joint exposure to the 6 heavy metals showed a positive linear association with IRT, DRT, contrarily, a negative linear association with DSST.

Cadmium Contamination in Aquatic Environments: Detoxification Mechanisms and Phytoremediation Approach

The increased presence of cadmium in the environment can lead to its increase in the food chain, particularly due to its accumulation in the consumable parts of plants. For humans, ingesting food containing high levels of Cd is a significant exposure pathway. Being a non-essential and non-metabolized element, it is harmful to microorganisms, animals, plants, and humans, even in minimal concentrations. As a result, there is a need for the remediation of both natural and urban environments. Bioremediation is a sustainable and eco-friendly technique for cleaning up the environment and reducing contamination of living organisms. This review explores the potential of phytoremediation, a bioremediation approach that utilizes plants as agents for decontamination, as a method to restore such areas. Certain plants, particularly macrophytes, are capable of remediating Cd. In response to induced stress, plants activate various tolerance mechanisms, including antioxidant enzyme systems (as peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) as well as non-enzymatic pathways (like phytochelatins). However, a thorough understanding of these tolerance mechanisms is essential for optimizing this method, especially for application in aquatic environments. This study will, therefore, review the existing tolerance and detoxification mechanisms for Cd, along with bioremediation strategies. The application of this eco-friendly approach is highly correlated with the three main areas required for sustainability: economic, environmental and social.

Trachemys dorbigni as a metal(loid) bioindicator: a study in rural and urban areas.

Metals and metalloids are persistent environmental pollutants with the potential for bioaccumulation, posing significant health risks, including genotoxicity. These contaminants are prevalent in industrial and agricultural runoff. This study utilizes Trachemys dorbigni, an aquatic reptile, as a bioindicator to assess environmental contamination by metals and metalloids in both rural and urban settings in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We captured specimens using pit-type traps with barriers (fyke nets), dividing them into two groups: 15 from a rural area and 15 from an urban area. Each animal underwent physical evaluations, and biometric data (weight, total carapace length and width) were recorded to calculate body condition indices. Biological samples were collected via manual restraint, with blood samples drawn from the supraoccipital venous sinus and linear carapace fragments obtained through manual scraping. Water samples from each location were also analyzed. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured in the water, carapace fragments, and blood samples. Cellular damage was assessed through flow cytometry and microscopy, examining erythrocyte disruption, reactive oxygen species, membrane fluidity, DNA fragmentation and micronucleus formation. Urban area samples showed concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg and Ni exceeding national standards set by the Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (CONAMA), with rural areas also showing elevated levels of As, Cd, Hg and Ni. Biometric analysis revealed that rural reptiles had significantly higher weight and carapace dimensions, whereas urban tortoises displayed a higher body condition index and significantly elevated blood levels of Al, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn. The urban tortoises also exhibited higher concentrations of all tested metal(loid) in carapace samples (p < 0.05) and more pronounced cellular damage (p < 0.05), highlighting severe bioaccumulation and associated deleterious effects. Elevated reactive oxygen species levels were noted in rural specimens. This study underscores the impact of water degradation and metal(loid) pollution in urban environments on T. dorbigni, suggesting that carapace tissue analysis can serve as a chronic exposure indicator to these harmful contaminants.

Evaluation of a Method for the Quantification of Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc in Craft Beers Manufactured in Quito, Ecuador.

The brewing process of craft beer can introduce contamination by heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, and Zn from various sources. Cadmium and lead metals are particularly worrisome because of their harmful effects on human health. This study aimed to evaluate a method for quantifying the levels of Cd, Pb, and Zn in craft beer brands sold in the northern region of the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador, using atomic absorption spectroscopy. For confidentiality, the brands were anonymized as Brands A to I. Standard addition curves were employed for metal quantification, with repeatability assessed via the coefficient of variation (CV%) and accuracy determined by recovery (R%). The Cd content in Brands B-G and I was below the threshold established by the Mercosur Resolution Nº 12/11. Additionally, Brands A and D-H complied with the Ecuadorian INEN 2262 standard for maximum Pb concentration in beer. All samples showed Zn levels substantially below the maximum levels permitted by Ecuadorian regulations. Brands A, B, C, and H exhibited the highest concentrations of Cd and Pb.

Deciphering Whether Illite, a Natural Clay Mineral, Alleviates Cadmium Stress in Glycine max Plants via Modulation of Phytohormones and Endogenous Antioxidant Defense System

Globally, cadmium (Cd) stress dramatically reduces agricultural yield. Illite, a natural clay mineral, is a low-cost, environmentally acceptable, new promising method of reducing the heavy metal (HM) stress of cereal crops. In research statistics, there is little research on stress tolerance behavior of Illite (IL) on an experimental soybean plant. In the present study, we took IL and examined it for tolerance to Cd, as well as for other plant-growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics in Glycine max (soybean). The results showed that applying clay minerals in different concentrations enhanced the level of SA (defense hormone) and reduced the level of ABA (stress hormone). Cd 1 mM significantly reduces plant growth by altering their morphological characteristics. However, the application of IL significantly enhanced the seedling characteristics, such as root length (RL), 29.6%, shoot length (SL), 14.5%, shoot fresh biomass (SFW), 10.8%, and root fresh biomass (RFB), 6.4%, in comparison with the negative control group. Interestingly, IL 1% also enhanced the chlorophyll content (C.C), 15.5%, and relative water content (RWC), 12.5%, in all treated plants. Moreover, it resulted in an increase in the amount of superoxide dismutase (SOD), phenolics, and flavonoids in soybean plants, while lowering the levels of peroxidase (POD) and H2O2. Furthermore, compared to control plants, soybean plants treated with the Illite exhibited increased Si absorption and lower Cd levels, according to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Thus, the IL can operate as an environmentally beneficial biofertilizer and sustainable approach under Cd stress by promoting plant development by activating signaling events.

Quantification of toxic metals contamination and health risk assessment in processed and raw dairy products in Abbottabad city

Toxic metal contamination (such as Cd, Cr and Pb) in processed and raw dairy products is an important environmental and public health concern. The accumulation of these metals in dairy products causes health threats to consumers. Various anthropogenic and natural activities discharge metals into the soil, where they are consumed by plants and become a part of the food chain. In addition, there is a considerable risk of metal contamination in dairy products during various business processes. The present study was carried out to determine the quantities of toxic metals found in dairy product samples. These dairy products have been classified into two groups: raw dairy products, which were self-extracted from cows and buffaloes employing adequate hygiene, and processed dairy products, which were bought from the Abbottabad market. These samples were generated using a double acid digestion approach, and toxic metals were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). For health risk assessment, the Health Risk Index (HRI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and the Target Cancer Risk (TCR) indices were used. The relative levels of toxic metals in processed dairy product samples were as follows: Cd levels were highest in cheese (0.106±0.006 mg/kg), followed by butter and desi ghee (0.089±0.066 and 0.074±0.043 mg/kg, respectively). Cr concentrations were maximum in flavored milk (0.471± 0.290 mg/kg) and desi ghee (0.371± 0.01 mg/kg). Pb levels found in cheese were higher (1.753±0.194 mg/kg), then desi ghee and butter (1.025±0.01 and 0.652±0.397 mg/kg, respectively). Toxic metals in raw dairy products were measured in cow samples in the order of Cr ≥ Pb ≥ Cd. In a similar manner for buffalo samples, toxic metals followed the same trend as in cow samples. Though the concentrations of targeted metals in both raw and processed dairy product samples exceeded the threshold levels, the estimated levels of THQ and TCR were within the permissible range. However, our findings suggest that these metals in dairy products should be assessed on a continuous basis, as anthropogenic activities are contributing substantially to metal contamination.

Trade-offs and adaptation to metalliferous soils: The role of soil microbiome in metal tolerance and uptake in Arabidopsis halleri ecotypes from a reciprocal transplant experiment

Soil contamination with trace metal elements is a worldwide issue, prompting research on plant species capable of hyperaccumulating metals to reduce soil toxicity. Previous research suggests that both plant species and their populations can affect soil microbial communities, yet little is known about how different populations of hyperaccumulator species influence these microbial communities to enhance metal-uptake and tolerance. This study evaluated the effect of soil origin, soil microbiome, and plant population on phytoextraction efficiencies of Cd and Zn among four A. halleri populations: two each from metalliferous and non-metalliferous sites. In a controlled transplant experiment, clonal replicates of A. halleri were grown in native and three non-native soils for six months. Biogeochemical analyses of plants and soils were conducted, alongside sequencing of root-associated soil bacterial/archaeal and fungal DNA. Soil treatments primarily differed in pH, total Cd, Pb, and Zn, as well as acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities. A combined effect of soil origin and population was noted for arylsulfatase and β-glucosidase activities, as well as ammonium and nitrate concentrations. Both non-metallicolous and metallicolous populations accumulated high levels of Cd and Zn in metalliferous soils with the non-metallicolous population NM_PL14 outperforming the metallicolous populations in Zn hyperaccumulation. Interestingly, non-metallicolous populations grown in metalliferous soils exhibited no trade-offs in plant performance despite higher Cd and Zn accumulation. Soil origin had a stronger effect on the bacterial/archaeal and fungal community composition than plant ecotype. Partial least square regression models explained 66 % and 79 % of the variability in A. halleri Cd and Zn hyperaccumulation. There was a positive association between Zn-uptake and specific microbial taxa (e.g., Cornebacteriales, Microbacteriaceae, Propionibacteriales, Rhizobiaceae, Basidiomycota, Oidiodendron, Phallaceae) and functional activity (e.g., arylsulfatase, S oxidation) in metalliferous soils. Taken together, our findings suggest that non-metallicolous A. halleri populations may be better suited for Zn phytoextraction applications.

Comprehensive assessment of potential toxic elements in surface dust of community playgrounds in Xi'an, China

To identify the key factors for managing and controlling potential toxic elements (PTEs) in surface dust of urban community playgrounds, this study comprehensively analyzed the content, pollution characteristics, eco-health risks, and sources of commonly concerned PTEs in surface dust of Xi'an community playgrounds. The average levels of Cd, Hg, Cu, Cr, Ba, Zn and Pb in the dust were 2.2, 0.27, 1.4 × 102, 2.1 × 102, 1.7 × 103, 2.9 × 102, 1.5 × 102 mg kg−1, respectively, exceeding the soil background values. The main sources of PTEs in the dust were natural source, mixed source of construction and weathering of entertainment facilities, traffic source, and industrial source, accounting for 24.9%, 45.7%, 18.1%, and 11.3%, respectively. The contamination and ecological risk of PTEs in the dust were elevated, and Cd and industrial source were identified as the primary contributors. The non-carcinogenic risks for different age groups were within a safe range, but the cancer risk was high, especially for toddlers and the elderly. It is worth noting that the cancer risk based on the minimum values of key exposure parameters for toddlers, preschool children, children, and teenagers has exceeded the acceptable level. According to the results of source-oriented health risk assessment, the traffic source was identified as the main contributors of health risk, and Ni was a particularly concerned PTE. These findings can provide the scientific basis for controlling PTEs pollution in urban community playgrounds and the guidance for protecting residents' health.

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Trace Element Deposition in Urban Thessaloniki: A Syntrichia Moss Biomonitoring Study

Urban air pollution, especially from heavy metal (HM) contamination, poses significant risks to human health and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of HM contamination in Thessaloniki, Greece, using Syntrichia moss as a bioindicator to inform urban environmental management strategies. Moss samples were collected from 16 locations representing diverse urban activity zones (motorway, industrial, city center, airport) in March, May, and July 2024. The concentrations of 12 HMs (Al, Sb, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, V, and Zn) were analyzed using ICP-MS, and the contamination factors were calculated relative to controlled moss samples. The results revealed significant spatial variation, with elevated levels of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn, particularly in high-traffic and industrial zones, exceeding the background levels by up to severe and extreme contamination categories. Temporal trends showed decreases in Al, Ba, and Ni from March to July 2024, while Cr and Cu increased, suggesting seasonally varying sources. Multivariate analyses further distinguished the contamination patterns, implicating traffic and industrial activities as key contributors. Syntrichia effectively captures HM contamination variability, demonstrating its value as a cost-effective bioindicator. These findings provide critical data that can guide urban planners in developing targeted pollution mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with the European Green Deal’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.

Evaluating the Effects of Heavy Metals on Seminal Fluid Anti Oxidants Status and Semen Parameters among Males with Infertility at Tertiary Health Centre in Nigeria

Abstract Introduction: There are evidences of a reduction in male fertility potential globally. This, coupled with the limitation of the gold standard investigative tool of male infertility, has become necessary that focus should be on elucidating the aetiopathogenic causes of male fertility. This includes the impact of environmental toxic products such as levels of heavy metals that have been proposed to impact both the sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status. The study assessed how the seminal concentrations of specific heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and Iron affect the seminal fluid analysis (SFA) parameters and seminal antioxidant status of males exhibiting abnormal parameters of sperm, analysing infertile male patients consecutively in a cross-sectional manner, with at least one abnormal SFA parameter, at a tertiary health centre. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty consenting males who have one or several anomalies with sperm characteristics were selected as subjects. Semen samples were collected, processed and centrifuged. The supernatants were analysed for the heavy metals using Buck Scientific 210/211VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers 220GF Graphite Furnace and 220AS Autosampler and seminal Vitamins C and E, using spectrophotometric method and glutathione peroxidase, whereas catalase was analysed using ELISA method. Results: Subjects’ seminal levels of Cd, Fe and Pb were notably greater than those of controls, respectively. In addition, individuals’ levels of seminal antioxidants were noticeably lower than controls. Seminal antioxidant status and Seminal Cd, Fe and Pb were positive and negative significantly correlated with sperm count and active motility, respectively. Conclusion: Laboratory quantification of the seminal concentrations of these heavy metals in the evaluation of males with infertility, especially those still regarded as idiopathic, because of limitations of investigative tools and biomarkers, will be of clinical utility, in both the management and prevention of sperm quality deterioration.

Heavy metal concentrations in soil and ecological risk assessment in the vicinity of Tianzhu Industrial Park, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Industrial parks in China are centers of intensive chemical manufacturing and other industrial activities, often concentrated in relatively small areas. This concentration increases the risk of soil pollution both within the parks and in surrounding areas. The soils of the Tibetan Plateau, known for their high sensitivity to environmental changes, are particularly vulnerable to human activity. In this study, we examined the concentrations (mg/kg) of 10 metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in soils at depths of 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm from the surface at three distances (500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m from the park boundary) on the east, south, west, and north sides of the Tianzhu Industrial Park on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The concentrations of As, Cr, Mn, and Pb were close to the standard reference values for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, while Cu, Ni, Se, and Zn levels were found to be 1.6-2.2 times higher than the reference values. Cd and Hg concentrations were particularly concerning, at 8.0 and 6.5 times higher than reference values, respectively. The potential ecological risk indexes indicated persistent risk levels for Cd and Se across various directions and distances. Variations in soil depth and direction were observed for the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Se, and Zn, underscoring the need for regular or long-term monitoring. Cd, in particular, presents a significant hazard due to its high concentration and its propensity for uptake by plants in the study area.