Soil Lead Levels Research Articles

Methodologic Strategies for Quantifying Associations of Historical and Contemporary Mortgage Discrimination on Population Health Equity: A Systematic Review.

Mortgage discrimination refers to the systematic withholding of home mortgages from minoritized groups. In recent years, there has been an increase in empirical research investigating associations of historical and contemporary mortgage discrimination on contemporary outcomes. Investigators have used a variety of measurement methods and approaches, which may have implications for results and interpretation. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature that has quantified links between both historical and current mortgage discrimination with contemporary adverse environmental, social, and health outcomes. Our goals were to document the methodology used to measure and assign mortgage discrimination, to assess implications for results and interpretation, and to make recommendations for future work. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, literature searches were conducted in September 2022 using terms that combined concepts of mortgage discrimination, health, and neighborhood environment. In total, 45 papers fit the eligibility criteria. In these, researchers investigated associations between mortgage discrimination and: (1) health outcomes (N = 28); (2) environmental and social exposures including heat, air pollution, greenspace, soil lead levels, and crime (N = 12); and (3) built environment features, including presence of retail alcohol, fast food, and tobacco stores (N = 5). Eleven included studies used Home Mortgage Discrimination Act (HMDA) data to identify racialized bias in mortgage discrimination or redlining, and 34 used Homeowner Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps. The construction and parametrization of mortgage discrimination or redlining and the spatial assignment of HOLC grades to contemporary addresses or neighborhoods varied substantially across studies. Results from our review suggest the need for careful consideration of optimal methods to analyze mortgage discrimination such as HOLC spatial assignment or HMDA index parametrization, contemplation of covariates, and place-based knowledge of the study location.

Microbial strategies for lead remediation in agricultural soils and wastewater: mechanisms, applications, and future directions.

High lead (Pb) levels in agricultural soil and wastewater threaten ecosystems and organism health. Microbial remediation is a cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional physical or chemical methods for Pb remediation. Previous research indicates that micro-organisms employ various strategies to combat Pb pollution, including biosorption, bioprecipitation, biomineralization, and bioaccumulation. This study delves into recent advancements in Pb-remediation techniques utilizing bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, elucidating their detoxification pathways and the factors that influence Pb removal through specific case studies. It investigates how bacteria immobilize Pb by generating nanoparticles that convert dissolved lead (Pb-II) into less harmful forms to mitigate its adverse impacts. Furthermore, the current review explores the molecular-level mechanisms and genetic engineering techniques through which microbes develop resistance to Pb. We outline the challenges and potential avenues for research in microbial remediation of Pb-polluted habitats, exploring the interplay between Pb and micro-organisms and their potential in Pb removal.

“We Called It ‘Cancer Park’”: Soil Contamination and Outdoor Leisure in Southeast Los Angeles

Environmental justice work has long sought to illuminate and challenge the inequitable impacts of pollution. In this case study, we evaluated the impact of soil lead contamination on outdoor leisure in Southeast Los Angeles, where more than 2000 residential properties near a lead-acid battery recycling facility indicated high soil lead levels. This study employed an embedded case study design to (1) evaluate the impact of soil lead contamination on residents’ outdoor leisure and (2) illuminate the socio-political institutions that wield power to shape daily life. Embedded survey results indicated that neither objective nor subjective soil lead measures were associated with outdoor leisure time of adults or children; however, additional forms of evidence illuminated how compounding environmental hazards, inadequate communication, and power inequities shaped outdoor leisure activities in Southeast Los Angeles. These findings sought to critically illustrate that health promoting outdoor leisure spaces are a privilege afforded to some, but not all.

Assessment of lead contamination in soil and tap water in daycare facilities in Addis Ababa: implications for children's health

ABSTRACT In recent years, lead poisoning has been recognized as a serious environmental health problem throughout the world, particularly, for children in developing countries. The objective of the study was to investigate the lead level in the water and soil of daycare facilities in Addis Ababa. Graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrometry was used to analyze the concentration of lead in soil and tap water of 28 daycare centers. The result indicated that the mean levels of lead in soil and water were 0.00237 mg/g and 8.26 μg/L, respectively, which are below the permissible values of 0.1 mg/g and 10 μg/L according to WHO standards. The blood lead levels and exposure to lead in children were calculated using the integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model as per United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines. The mean blood lead level was 1.78 μg/dL, and the model also predicted that 6.497% of the children in the city may have blood lead levels above the Center for Disease Control recommended reference value of 3.5 μg/dL. Even if the values were below the reference, there is no safe blood lead level since even a small amount can have adverse effects on children.

Standards for levels of lead in soil and dust around the world

Abstract Lead poisoning is a serious environmental health problem in every country in the world. Exposure to lead results in neurocognitive and behavioral changes, has adverse effects on the immune system, causes anemia, hypertension and perturbs other organ systems. The effects of lead poisoning are most critical for children because their bodies are growing and developing, and particularly because agents that reduce cognitive function and attention span as well as promote disruptive behavior will have life-long consequences. Lead exposure, especially to children, is a major health disparity issue. If the next generation starts with reduced cognitive ability, there will be significant barriers for development of skills and country-wide development. While there are many sources of exposure to lead, the commonest source is lead in soil and dust. Since lead is an element, it does not go away and past releases of lead into the environment remain as soil and dust contamination. This is an especially important route of exposure to children because children regularly play in soil and are exposed via hand-to-mouth activity. In addition to indoor sources of lead, contaminated soil is tracked on shoes or feet and blown by air currents into homes, accumulating in household dust which is a major source of exposure for both children and adults. The purpose of this review is to determine standards presumed to be health protective for lead and dust in different countries. We find that many countries have no standards for lead in soil and dust and rely on standards set by the World Health Organization or the US Environmental Protection Agency, and these standards may or may not be enforced. There is considerable variation in standards set by other countries.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals and Their Genotoxic Potential in Medicinal Plant Verbacsum speciosum Schrad.

Background: Nowadays, the contamination of soil, water, and plants by heavy metals (HMs) presents a notable environmental problem. Methods: Lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) levels in soil and Verbacsum speciosum populations were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and meiosis in pollen mother cells (PMCs) was examined through the squash technique to evaluate genotoxic effects. Results: The results showed that Pb and Zn concentrations in the soil and, roots, and aboveground portions of all Verbacsum speciosum populations within the mining area exceeded permissible thresholds significantly. Particularly, the contaminated soil displayed average Pb and Zn concentrations of 3527.4±0.7 and 1671.4±0.5 mg/kg, respectively. The roots of Verbacsum speciosum plants closest to the mine exhibited the highest levels of Pb and Zn, measuring 204±0.05 mg/kg and 570±0.16 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, the above-ground parts of the plants showed Pb and Zn concentrations of 312±0.12 mg/kg and 519±0.17 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, the transfer factor (TF) for both Pb and Zn was found to be above one, indicating substantial accumulation of these metals in the above-ground portions. The presence of Pb and Zn also resulted in abnormalities during meiosis. As the distance from the mine increased, a decrease in the occurrence of meiosis abnormalities and an increase in the meiotic index (MI) were observed. Conclusion: These results highlight the potential risks to human health posed by industrial wastewater and the natural presence of HMs in soil. The ability of these metals to accumulate in plants and interfere with their meiosis underscores the importance of addressing and mitigating these hazards.

Mulch Madness: A Community–Academic Partnership for Lead Poisoning Prevention

Abstract: Background: Soil constitutes a major source of childhood lead exposure, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Mulching offers a low-cost interim control. Objectives: A community–academic partnership was established for lead poisoning prevention, with a three-fold aim: (1) control soil lead hazards by applying mulch, (2) identify home lead hazards with screening kits, and (3) connect residents to resources to address lead hazards. Methods: Student volunteers canvassed neighborhoods one month prior to the annual event. They requested consent for mulching, distributed lead screening kits, and screened residents for grant eligibility. Soil samples were collected from each home before mulching. According to principles of community-based participatory research, materials and plans were iterative, guided and adjusted by neighborhood association feedback, and detailed reports about home lead results were shared with each participating resident. Composite neighborhood data and survey results were shared with volunteers and community partners. Results: The project was evaluated in the third (41 homes) and fourth (48 homes) years of implementation. Before mulching, the median soil lead level was over 400 ppm, and after mulching, it was less than 20 ppm. Lead screening kits identified widespread lead hazards in paint, soil, and dust, but not water. Challenges remain in (a) increasing child blood lead testing and (b) increasing submissions for city grant funding for lead abatement. Evaluation surveys indicate a sense of ownership in the project among community partners and high levels of engagement among students. Conclusions: Community–academic partnerships are an effective tool for lead poisoning prevention, generating evidence for public health action.

Levels of Cadmium, Copper, and Lead in Soils and Cassava Tubers Grown in Machakos County, Kenya

Levels of Cadmium, Copper, and Lead in Soils and Cassava Tubers Grown in Machakos County, Kenya

A SYSTEMS APPROACH ON THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON RESIDENTS OF VINE CITY IN ATLANTA GA

Abstract There are three interlocking factors impacting the health of older-adults. First is food access, the ecologies of their community and the systems they interact with. In the community of this study the local grocery store closed limiting food access. The ecology of the environment is a heat island; which leads to the incidence of higher mortality amongst other health effects. The interacting systems are the economy, ageism, classism, racism, and, sexism. This conceptual model encapsulates the environment impacting one community of older adults in Atlanta, GA from a mixed methods study employing survey and photoelicitation with the purpose of examining the facilitators and barriers to healthy eating by senior-center clients served by Open Hand Atlanta; a meals and nutrition education provider. Descriptive statistics showed food insecurity to be double that of older adults statewide (19%), 7.9 % reporting consuming at least 5 cups of fruit and vegetables per day, and participants were mostly black women (79 %) . Additionally, residents also live in a community where a portion has been deemed a toxic Superfund site because of elevated levels of lead in soil. The model, therefore, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how the health of older adults is impacted by a multitude of systems and climate change. It can be used as a guide for other communities, community-dwelling older adults, and older-adult service providers. Furthermore, this model illustrates the systems impacting the health of older southern adults.

PENGARUH FITOREMEDIASI TANAMAN LOKAL TERHADAP KADAR TIMBAL (Pb) TANAH DI LAHAN PENIMBUNAN LIMBAH PERTAMBANGAN EMAS PT. ANTAM

Gold mining is closely related to land degradation caused by heavy metals such as lead (Pb), which are non-degradable, non-essential, and immobile. This study aims to compare soil lead levels before and after phytoremediation using local plants. Plant species consist of white teak (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) Pulai (Alstonia scholaris L.R.Br.), ganitri (Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb.), pine (Pinus merkusii Jungh), rasamala (Altingia excelsa N.) and puspa (Schima wallichii K.) with the planting position on the upper terrace, middle terrace and lower terrace. Soil characteristics observed were texture, spH, and lead content. The two-sample pair test (paired t-test) on the soil before and after phytoremediation had a significant effect on soil lead content (Sig. 1- tailed).

Bioaccumulation of Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic in a Mining Area and Its Associated Health Effects.

Soil contamination is associated with a high potential for health issues. This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and its associated health impact among residents near a mining area. We performed environmental monitoring by analyzing lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) levels in soil and rice samples, as well as biomonitoring by analyzing blood and urine samples from 58 residents living near the mine. Additionally, concentration trends were investigated among 26 participants in a 2013 study. The Cd and As levels in the soil samples and Cd levels in the rice samples exceeded the criteria for concern. The geometric mean blood Cd level (2.12 μg/L) was two times higher than that in the general population aged > 40 years. The blood Cd level showed decreasing trends from the previous measurements of 4.56-2.25 μg/L, but was still higher than that in the general population. The blood and urine Cd levels were higher in those with a low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than in those with normal eGFR. In conclusion, heavy metals from mining areas can accumulate in soil and rice, adversely impacting human health. Continuous environmental monitoring and biomonitoring are required to ensure the safety of residents.

Sources of exposure to lead in Arctic and subarctic regions: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Understanding lead exposure pathways is a priority because of its ubiquitous presence in the environment as well as the potential health risks. We aimed to identify potential lead sources and pathways of lead exposure, including long-range transport, and the magnitude of exposure in Arctic and subarctic communities. A scoping review strategy and screening approach was used to search literature from January 2000 to December 2020. A total of 228 academic and grey literature references were synthesised. The majority of these studies (54%) were from Canada. Indigenous people in Arctic and subarctic communities in Canada had higher levels of lead than the rest of Canada. The majority of studies in all Arctic countries reported at least some individuals above the level of concern. Lead levels were influenced by a number of factors including using lead ammunition to harvest traditional food and living in close proximity to mines. Lead levels in water, soil, and sediment were generally low. Literature showed the possibility of long-range transport via migratory birds. Household lead sources included lead-based paint, dust, or tap water. This literature review will help to inform management strategies for communities, researchers, and governments, with the aim of decreasing lead exposure in northern regions.

A chemometrics-based approach for the chemical prediction of lead (Pb) levels in surface soil, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

High levels of trace metals in top soil may impose serious health problems to humans and the environment. Thus, there is a need to assess the geochemical conditions of surface soils where various human activities are intensified. This study aims to evaluate contaminations associated with trace metals within Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The study also aims to hyphenate the results into a chemometrics-based approach for predicting the concentration of lead (Pb) due to its toxicity. No previous work was found on Pb prediction in top soils using chemometrics-based approach. Surface soil samples were collected from the different zones and analyzed in the laboratory for their trace metals’ constituents. According to the study’s findings, all trace metals were below international allowable metals with the highest mean concentration of Ba (309.7 mg/kg), Zn (7.9 mg/kg), and Cr (10.2 mg/kg) in industrial, agriculture and residential areas, respectively. The prediction steps involve the application of two AI-based techniques; Gaussian process regression (GPR) and Least-square (L-Boost), as well as a linear Step-Wise-Linear Regression (SWLR). The modelling was featured in two scenarios, M1 and M2, based on the input–output relationship designated according to the correlational feature extraction approach. The performance results of the models indicate that the second scenario (M2) showed higher performance skills than the first scenario (M1) in all three approaches. Overall, the performance accuracy of the models showed that the non-linear GPR-M2 showed higher performance accuracy than all the model combinations applied in the current work with 99% accuracy and an MSE of 0.012.

Lead exposure is correlated with reduced nesting success of an urban songbird

Lead exposure is a concern in urban ecosystems, with physiological and behavioral effects well documented in humans. Wildlife inhabiting urban ecosystems are also exposed to lead, yet little work has documented the sublethal effects of lead exposure in urban wildlife. We studied northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) in three neighborhoods of New Orleans, Louisiana, two with high soil lead and one with low soil lead, to better understand how lead exposure may influence mockingbirds' reproductive biology. We monitored nesting attempts, measured lead concentrations in blood and feathers of nestling mockingbirds, documented egg hatching and nesting success, and assessed rates of sexual promiscuity in relation to neighborhood soil lead levels. We found that nestling mockingbirds’ blood and feather lead levels reflected the soil lead levels of their neighborhoods and nestling blood lead levels were similar to those of adult mockingbirds in the same neighborhoods. Nest success, as evaluated by daily nest survival rates, was higher in the lower lead neighborhood. Clutch sizes varied substantially across neighborhoods, but rates of unhatched eggs did not covary with neighborhood lead levels, suggesting that other drivers are influencing variation in clutch sizes and hatching success in urban habitats. At least one-third of nestling mockingbirds were sired by an extra-pair male, and there was no relationship between extra-pair paternity rates and neighborhood lead levels. This study provides insight on how lead contamination may influence reproduction in urban-dwelling wildlife and suggests that nestling birds could serve as useful bioindicators of lead levels in urban neighborhoods.

Assessment of Industrial Waste on Soil Pollution in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the effect of industrial waste on soil pollution in Asaba, Delta State. The procedure adopted the ex post facto research model comprising a comprehensive range of simultaneous measures of industrial waste collection and soil quality in the selected industrial areas in Asaba. Industries in Asaba were selected based on the nature and type of industrial waste generated at random. Six existing industrial locations in Asaba were selected. The collected soil samples were used to investigate the soil pH, Zinc, Lead, Chromium, Silver and Copper concentration levels of the soils. Multiple regression was used to ascertain the effect of industrial waste on the soil in Asaba. 188071 Kg of industrial waste containing flammable, corrosive and toxic substances were generated at industrial landfills in Asaba. The industrial waste generated exceeds WHO standards. This is an implication that the industrial waste generated in Asaba is hazardous. The study revealed that most soils in industrial dumpsites are acidic and this is a reflection of the industrial waste's corrosive ability. Soils in the industrial dump sites are very high in Zinc, lead and chromium contents. Asaba Expressway 2 industrial dump sites have the highest amount of zinc and lead content, while Summit Junction industrial dump site has the highest content of silver. At a P<0.05 significance level, the calculated F value is 3.11 while the critical table value is 41.95. Thus, the toxicity in the soils in Asaba is significantly dependent on the chemical (Zinc, lead and Chromium) properties of industrial waste generation. Furthermore, as Zinc, lead and Chromium properties in industrial waste increase, the toxicity of the soil increases as well. Thus polluting the soils in Asaba industrial areas. The results obtained from this study portrayed that the Zero waste approach would be the recommended choice for sustainable waste management.

Urban Soil Safety Policies: The Next Frontier for Mitigating Lead Exposures and Promoting Sustainable Food Production.

Urban soils bear the persistent legacy of leaded gasoline and past industrial practices. Soil safety policies (SSPs) are an important public health tool with the potential to inform, identify, and mitigate potential health risks faced by urban growers, but little is known about how these policies may protect growers from exposures to lead and other soil contaminants. We reviewed and evaluated 43 urban agriculture (UA) policies in 40 US cities pertaining to soil safety. About half of these cities had a least one SSP that offered recommendations or provided services for soil testing. Eight cities had at least one SSP containing a requirement pertaining to any topic (e.g., soil testing, a specific best practice for growing). We found notable inconsistencies across SSPs for “acceptable” levels of lead in soils and the activities and behaviors recommended at each level. We specify research needed to inform revisions to US Environmental Protection Agency guidance for lead in soils specific to UA. We conclude with a series of recommendations to guide the development or revision of SSPs.

Use of Radioisotope Ratios of Lead for the Identification of Historical Sources of Soil Lead Contamination in Santa Ana, California.

Lead (Pb) is an environmental neurotoxicant that has been associated with a wide range of adverse health conditions, and which originates from both anthropogenic and natural sources. In California, the city of Santa Ana represents an urban environment where elevated soil lead levels have been recently reported across many disadvantaged communities. In this study, we pursued a community-engaged research approach through which trained “citizen scientists” from the surrounding Santa Ana community volunteered to collect soil samples for heavy metal testing, a subset of which (n = 129) were subjected to Pb isotopic analysis in order to help determine whether contamination could be traced to specific and/or anthropogenic sources. Results showed the average 206Pb/204Pb ratio in shallow soil samples to be lower on average than deep samples, consistent with shallow samples being more likely to have experienced historical anthropogenic contamination. An analysis of soil Pb enrichment factors (EFs) demonstrated a strong positive correlation with lead concentrations, reinforcing the likelihood of elevated lead levels being due to anthropogenic activity, while EF values plotted against 206Pb/204Pb pointed to traffic-related emissions as a likely source. 206Pb/204Pb ratios for samples collected near historical urban areas were lower than the averages for samples collected elsewhere, and plots of 206Pb/204Pb against 206Pb/207 showed historical areas to exhibit very similar patterns to those of shallow samples, again suggesting lead contamination to be anthropogenic in origin, and likely from vehicle emissions. This study lends added weight to the need for health officials and elected representatives to respond to community concerns and the need for soil remediation to equitably protect the public.

Lead Levels in a Potters Population and Its Association With the Use of Different Glazes: Cross-Sectional Evaluation of the Approved Pottery Program.

Lead is one of the most harmful toxic metals to humans. In Mexico, though most potters still use a lead-based glazing process, a new lead-free glaze has been introduced to the production of pottery. The Approved Pottery Program (APP) promotes the production of lead-free pottery. As a component of the APP, we aimed to document in this pilot study the blood lead levels (BLLs) of a sample of potters and the association with the type of glaze used. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on information from 46 potters grouped by 26 workshops. We measured general sociodemographic characteristics, capillary BLLs, and the lead levels of the dirt floors of the workshops. The evaluation of associations and comparisons between glaze types was performed based on a regression model clustered by workshop. The median BLL measured was 13.6 μg/dl (IQR: 7.8–20.4 μg/dl), and 70% of the BLLs were greater than 10 μg/dl. Workshop managers presented higher BLLs compared to others working in the same workshop (median of 14.1 μg/dl (IQR: 11.6–25.3 μg/dl) versus 10.1 μg/dl (IQR: 5.2–16.7 μg/dl), respectively). The median BLLs of potters who used lead-free glaze in at least 80% of production were 8.8 μg/dl (95% CI: −17.3 to −0.3 μg/dl) lower than the BLLs of those who used lead-free glaze in less than 30% of production, adjusted by workshop role. Additionally, the lead levels were significantly lower in workshop dirt floors where lead-free glaze was used in at least 80% of the production compared to those that use less than 30% (180 versus 916 mg/kg; p < 0.05). The use of lead-free glaze in the production of pottery was associated with both lower BLLs in potters and lower soil lead levels in the workshop area.

Estimating the Effects of Soil Remediation on Children's Blood Lead near a Former Lead Smelter in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

Background:Lead exposures from legacy sources threaten children’s health. Soil in Omaha, Nebraska, was contaminated by emissions from a lead smelter and refinery. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency excavated and replaced contaminated soil at the Omaha Lead Superfund Site between 1999 and 2016.Objectives:The goal of this study was to assess the association of soil lead level (SLL) and soil remediation status with blood lead levels (BLLs) in children living near or on the site.Methods:We linked information on SLL at residential properties with children’s BLLs and assigned remediation status to children’s BLL measurements based on whether their measurements occurred during residence at remediated or unremediated properties. We examined the association of SLL and remediation status with elevated BLL (EBLL). We distinguished the roles of temporal trend and the intervention with time-by-intervention-status interaction contrasts. All analyses estimated odds ratios (ORs) with a generalized estimating equations approach to ensure robustness under the complex correlations among BLL measurements. All analyses controlled for relevant covariates including children’s characteristics.Results:EBLL () was associated with both residential SLL [e.g., ; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83, 2.19; vs. ] and neighborhood SLL [e.g., (95% CI: 1.62, 2.11; vs. )] before remediation but only with neighborhood SLL after remediation. The odds of EBLL were higher before remediation [OR 1.52 (95% CI: 1.34, 1.72)]. Similarly, EBLL was positively associated with preremediation status in our interaction analysis [interaction (95%CI: 1.02, 1.37)].Discussion:Residential and neighborhood SLLs were important predictors of EBLLs in children residing near or on this Superfund site. Neighborhood SLL remained a strong predictor following remediation. Our data analyses showed the benefit of soil remediation. Results from the interaction analyses should be interpreted cautiously due to imperfect correspondence of remediation times between remediation and comparison groups. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8657

Lead content in soil, plants, rodents, and amphibians in the vicinity of a heating plant's ash waste.

This study supplements previous research focused on environmental condition in the vicinity of waste ash material. The main aim of our study was the comparative analysis of lead levels in soil, plant, and animal organisms in the area of the tailings pond and surroundings, using x-ray. Findings confirm that the level of Pb in the top layer of soil is in the range of 20-135ppm. Lead content in Calamagrostis plant tissues was confirmed only at the tailings pond area, with the highest lead concentrations measured in above-ground components; stems with blooms followed by roots and ground floor sheats. The livers, kidneys, and hearts of Apodemus flavicollis were examined, with findings of higher values in the tailings pond area than in the reference site, and average values of 14.5ppm for livers, 16.0ppm for kidneys, and 16.6ppm for hearts. No significant differences were discovered based on sex and body length/body weight of A. flavicollis individuals. Values for Bombina variegata liver tissue reached an average of 12.3ppm for individuals caught in a water reservoir without ash sediments, versus 15.7ppm in those trapped by the edge of then tailings pond area. Females had lower concentrations of lead than males, but with no statistically significant differences found. Despite lower lead levels in soil and ash than expected, concentrations in mammalian and amphibian organs suggest a possible transition of this element into the food chain, and therefore further research in this area is recommended.