Mean Concentrations Of Cd Research Articles

Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, Ghana

The prime goal of this study was to assess the surface water quality and the associated health risks for residents in the Tano South Municipality, Ghana. The WHO drinking water criteria were compared with the findings of an analysis of eight surface waters for parameters such as physiochemical parameters, nutrient levels, and concentrations of selected metals. An evaluation was performed regarding the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with metal exposure by oral and dermal absorption. The estimated water quality index indicated that seven water samples were deemed unsuitable for human consumption, while one sample indicated very low water quality. The fluoride levels in all water samples were below the limit of detection, although it guards against dental caries. All of the water samples had mean concentrations of Cd and Fe above WHO guideline values, while one water sample had a Pb concentration that was higher than recommended. Principal component analysis showed that aside from the natural source, human-induced sources such as runoff of excess chemicals and soil erosion from adjacent farm soils were responsible for the substantial levels of contaminants in surface water samples. There was a possibility of non-carcinogenic consequences for children in seven out of eight water samples. However, cancer risk for Cd and Pb was not likely for adults and children in the study area. Findings serve as a representative case study for other districts and call on water managers to treat surface waters to guard against harmful health consequences and safeguard the designated buffer zones.

Pollution characteristics, bioavailability, and risk assessment of heavy metals in urban road dust from Zhengzhou, China.

To analyze contamination levels, spatial distribution characteristics, bioavailability, and risks of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb), 65 road dust samples were collected and tested by ICP-MS from Zhengzhou in October 2023. The mean concentrations of most heavy metals, except Ni, exceeded their corresponding background values, with the mean concentration of Cd being 7.43 times that of its background. Spatially, for most heavy metals, higher concentrations were concentrated within the central area, and notable pollution hotspots emerged in proximity to construction area. Cr, Ni, Cu, As, and Pb were mostly bound to residual fraction with lower bioavailability, while Cd and Zn were mainly in exchangeable fraction with higher bioavailability. The enrichment factor, geo-accumulation, contamination factor, and pollution load index indicated that Cd and Hg were highly contaminated, particularly Cd, yet the study area remained moderately polluted. The average RI value of 384.66 indicated a considerate ecological risk, and Cd caused the highest potential ecological risk. Both of the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were insignificant, however, the human health risk of Cr, As, and Pb demand attention. The research results can provide theoretical basis and data support for the pollution prevention and control of urban environment of Zhengzhou.

Trace element concentrations and associated human health risk assessment in canned tuna, city of Neyshabur, Iran

Seafood is considered a healthy and nutritious food, but the presence of toxic substances in such foods is a serious problem. The present study aimed to analyze the concentration of some toxic metals in seafood and evaluate their noncarcinogenic risks to consumers. Samples were digested according to the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) standard. The heavy metals concentration of Cd, Ni, Hg, Pb, and Sn in 30 canned tuna samples were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The mean concentrations of Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, and Hg were 0.7, 0.49, 1.03, 0.31, and 0.12 µg g− 1, respectively. Based on these results, the concentrations of Cd, Sn, and Hg in samples met the required standards. However, the concentrations of Ni and Pb in some samples were higher than the permissible limits. The mean values of Sn, Ni, Pb, Hg, and Cd in samples followed a decreasing order. Since the values of the health risk index for these samples were lower than the HI and HRI risk threshold (<1), they can be consumed without any problems arising. Highlights The metal concentration was measured in the four most popular brands of canned fish sold in Neyshabur City, Iran. Some samples exceeded the maximum permissible level of nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). A significant correlation was observed between Ni concentration with Pb and Hg concentrations and Pb concentration with Cd concentration. The values of the health risk index (HRI) for noncarcinogenic health risks were lower than 1. The calculated Hazard index (HI) for adult and child consumers was less than 1. The HI values were greater for children than for adults.

Identification Priority Source of Heavy Metals in Urban Soils Based on Source-specific Ecological Risk Analysis in a Typical Tourist City

To understand the pollution status, distribution characteristics, and pollution sources of soil heavy metals in tourist cities in northwest China, the soil content of heavy metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the main areas of Dunhuang City was collected and analyzed. The soil heavy metal pollution level was quantitatively evaluated by the methods of the geo-accumulation index and improved Nemerow pollution index, and the sources of heavy metal pollution were quantitatively analyzed using cluster analysis and the positive matrix factorization （PMF） model. The contribution rate of each pollution source to ecological risk was determined by combining the PMF model and comprehensive ecological risk index. The results showed that except for the mean contents of As and Ni, the mean contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn were all higher than the background values in Gansu Province. However, the average content of the eight elements was lower than the screening value of construction land in the Standard for Soil Pollution Risk Control of Soil Environmental Quality Construction Land （trial） （GB 36600-2018）. Among them, the enrichment of Cd, Pb, and Hg was more serious, and the exceedance rate was higher than 90%. The results of the geo-accumulation index indicated that urban soils were mainly polluted by Hg in the study area, and Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn pollution also existed in different degrees. The improved Nemerow pollution index illustrated that the comprehensive pollution degree of the soil was clean to moderate pollution, and the overall pollution was light pollution. Based on the PMF model, we could conclude that soil heavy metals in the study area were affected by natural sources, industrial deposition sources, industrial sources, traffic sources, and comprehensive sources, and the contribution rates were 29.28%, 25.86%, 20.13%, 16.5%, and 8.23%, respectively. The specific source-integrated ecological risk assessment model found that the industrial deposition source contributed the most to the ecological risk in the study area and could be regarded as the priority control pollution source, and Hg was considered to be the priority control pollution element for ecological risk.

Heavy metal accumulation and food safety of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) amended by bioslurry and chemical fertilizer application.

The accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plant tissue is a serious concern since it impacts both soil quality and food safety. This study evaluated the accumulation of heavy metals and the food quality of lettuce as a result of the application of chemical fertilizer (CF) and bioslurry (BS). The treatments were CF (158 kg ha-1 NPS and 200 kg ha-1 urea), BS (5 ton ha-1), and control with no fertilizer, laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were analyzed for their physico-chemical characteristics. The concentrations of 10 heavy metals (As, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, and Cr) in the agricultural soil, bioslurry, and lettuce tissue were determined. Both the BS and CF reduced the concentrations of most heavy metals in the agricultural soil, particularly As, Pb, and Cd. Only the mean concentration of Cd in the agricultural soils exceeded the threshold level set by WHO/FAO (2011) for agricultural soils. Similarly, the concentration of As, Pb, and Cd in lettuce tissue grown in BS-treated soils and the concentration of As in agricultural soils surpassed the limit set for vegetables. Given the toxicities of As, Cd, and Pb, as well as the effect on food safety, human health, and the environment, it is unsafe to cultivate lettuce using either the agricultural soil or BS in the study area.

Environmental Cadmium Exposure Induces an Increase in Systolic Blood Pressure by Its Effect on GFR

Chronic exposure to the nephrotoxic metal pollutant, cadmium (Cd), has been associated with hypertension, but the mechanism by which it raises blood pressure is not understood. We hypothesize that exposure to Cd reduces the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which in turn causes a rise in blood pressure. Data were collected from 447 Thai subjects with a mean age of 51.1 years, of which 48.8% had hypertension, 15.4% had diabetes, and 6.9% had an estimated GFR (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (low eGFR). More than half (58.8%) and 23.9% had moderate and severe tubular proteinuria, respectively. The mean blood and urinary Cd concentrations were 2.75 and 4.23 µg/L, respectively. Doubling of body burden of Cd increased the prevalence odds ratios (POR) for low eGFR and severe tubular proteinuria 41% and 48%, respectively. The POR for hypertension rose twofold in those with blood Cd levels of 0.61–1.69 µg/L or urinary Cd excretion levels ≥ 0.98 µg/g creatinine. In the hypertensive group, the eGFR was inversely associated with age (β = −0.517), the Cd excretion rate (β = −0.177), and diabetes (β = −0.175). By mediation analysis, an increase in SBP was attributable totally to the effect of Cd on GFR. Thus, blood pressure appeared to rise as GFR fell. This finding is consistent with the well-known role of the kidney in long-term blood pressure regulation, and explains a universally high prevalence of hypertension among patients with low eGFR.

Prevalence of Cadmium and Lead Residues in Fried Meat (Suya) Sold in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study is novel as it provides the first comprehensive analysis of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contamination in various types of suya meat in Kaduna, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Unlike previous research, this study uniquely examines multiple animal sources and local government areas, offering a detailed comparison of contamination levels across species and regions. Additionally, the findings highlight the widespread public health risk due to Cd and Pb levels exceeding international safety standards, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory measures to mitigate environmental pollution and protect public health. Full Abstract Heavy metals are of public health concern worldwide due to their damaging effects on human and animal health. The study was aimed at analyzing the presence of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) residues in suya meats; cattle meat (beef), sheep meat (mutton), goat meat (chevon), fowl meat (chicken) and dog meat sold in the Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State. A descriptive-quantitative research design was used, with fifty samples collected from four Local Government Areas (Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna North and Kaduna South). Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometery was used to analyze and quantify the presence of these heavy metals. Microsoft Excel (Version 2019) and one-way ANOVA are the statistical tools used for result analysis and Cd and Pb were found to be present in all the suya samples analyzed. The results showed statistical significance (p&lt;0.05) between the overall mean concentration of Cd (0.049 mg/kg) and Pb (0.44 mg/kg) in the samples. Even though the mean concentration of Cd in suya samples varied with regards to which the animal originates viz: cattle (0.033 mg/kg), sheep (0.058 mg/kg), goat (0.048 mg/kg), dog (0.04 mg/kg) and chicken (0.078 mg/kg); likewise that of Pb: cattle (0.47 mg/kg), sheep (0.41 mg/kg), goat (0.41 mg/kg), dog (0.39 mg/kg) and chicken (0.51 mg/kg); the animal species from which the meat used in making the suya had no statistically significant influence on the heavy metal content of the meat (p˃0.05). The mean concentration of Cd and Pb obtained within the study areas, in mg/kg were: Chikun (0.046 and 0.43), Igabi (0.044 and 0.43), Kaduna North (0.054 mg/kg) and (0.49 mg/kg), Kaduna South (0.053 mg/kg) and (0.41 mg/kg) respectively. The mean concentration of cadmium and lead in the suya samples was above the permissible limits set by EC and FAO limits of 0.01ug/g lead and 0.003ug/g for cadmium (FAO, 1983), indicating the general contamination of suya meats by heavy metals. The study recommends public measures to minimize environmental pollution and bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb to prevent related ailments and mortality; enforcing regulations governing industrial activities and waste disposal to protect the public from heavy metals pollution.

Potential ecological and human health risk assessments of soil heavy metals in orchards of Antalya province in Türkiye

ABSTRACT Agricultural inputs containing heavy metals are used intensively in Türkiye. However, studies on the assessment of the effects of heavy metals on the environmental and human health risks of agricultural areas in Türkiye are very limited. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations, sources and potential ecological and human health risks of heavy metals in soils from orchards in Antalya, Türkiye. A total of 127 soil samples were collected and analysed for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). The mean concentrations of total Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were found to be 4.54, 64.68, 145.80, 94.00, 23.92, 28264, 763.30, 44.91, and 63.67 mg kg−1, respectively. The mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Cu and Mn of soils were higher than the European soil mean values. Enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF) values of soils indicate serious enrichment for Cd, Pb and Ni. According to the principal component analysis, Cd concentration in the soil from was anthropogenic sources, Ni, Cr and Pb from both anthropogenic and lithogenic origin while other heavy metals from natural sources. Total hazard index (THI) values of heavy metals were <1, suggesting that there were currently absent non-carcinogenic health risks to residents through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. Hazard index (HI) indicated that children (3.75) were sensitive 9.4 times more than adults (0.40) to non-carcinogenic risks of heavy metals. The carcinogenic risk values of Cd, Cr, Co and Ni were acceptable range and not expected carcinogenic risks.

Detection of Heavy Metals in Some Edible Grains Obtained from Two Markets in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

This study investigated the level of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn) in grains sold in Central and Muda Lawal markets in Bauchi. Our objectives include assessing heavy metal concentrations in the grains and evaluating associated health risks. We utilized Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry following acid digestion of grains to determine heavy metal concentrations. In Central market-sourced crops, the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn were 0.06, 0.49, 0.21, 1.16, 0.15, and 0.17mg/kg respectively. Meanwhile, crops from Muda Lawal market exhibited mean concentrations of 0.06, 0.58, 0.17, 1.62, 0.1, and 0.22 mg/kg for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn levels were below the permissible limits. However, Fe exceeded permissible limits in small beans, Syria maize, and white guinea corn from Central market, as well as in Syria maize, Pearl millet II, and white guinea corn from Muda Lawal market. The daily intake of Cd, Cu, and Pb from most studied crops exceeded the oral reference dose, posing potential health risks. Conversely, Cr, Fe, and Zn intake levels were within acceptable limits, posing minimal health risks. Hazard quotient and hazard index values were below 1, suggesting that crop consumption is unlikely to pose health risks.

Management of heavy metals in rice (Oryza sativa) soils by silicon rich biochar materials

Multiple heavy metals have contaminated soils with a combination of ecological consequences that make soil remediation more challenging. An experiment was conducted during 2022–23 at University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Hue city, Vietnam to evaluate the potential of silicon rich biochar from rice (Oryza sativa L.) husk and peanut shell in the remediation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) present in rice soils of central Vietnam. A total of 20 samples of rice soil were taken from two distinct locations, Quang Tho commune and Thuy Phuong ward, Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam to measure the quantity of heavy metals and evaluate the level of pollution. Silicon is a beneficial element and its external application as fertilizer seems impractical. Therefore, in this study, the effects of different silicon-rich materials [rice husk biochar (RHB) and peanut shell biochar (PSB)] at 6 different rates (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%) were determined in reducing heavy metal (Cd and Pb). The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in soil samples ranged between 0.56–22.14 mg/kg; 19.48–81.30 mg/kg; 23.26–48.54 mg/kg and 28.47–55.12 mg/kg, respectively. Cd and Pb toxicity in rice soil samples was greater in Thuy Phuong ward than the average shale values. Considering the pollution load index (PLI), a total of 6 sites in Thuy Phuong ward had values &gt;1.0 indicating pollution load in the respective sites, and Cd, Pb were the major contaminants in soils of the study area. The addition of silicon-rich materials decreased the contents of Cd and Pb in rice soils with adsorption efficiency from 22.83–38.54% and 30.69–31.53% in rice husk biochar (RHB); 20.47–29.55% and 26.77–27.87% in peanut shell biochar (PSB), respectively. Thus, RHB could be more effective to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals when compared to other silicon-rich materials.

Heavy Metals in Blood Serum of Smokers and Non-smoking Controls

Background:: Background Method:: In this study, performed in Al-Najaf during 2023, concentrations of three heavy metals - cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) – were investigated in two groups: cigarette smokers, and non-smokers (the control group) by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Participants in this experiment were categorized into five age groups: 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and 61- 70. Results:: The results showed that smokers displayed significantly higher blood serum concentrations of all heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb) compared to non-smokers Furthermore, it is found that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Pb for smokers were 0.873±0.619 ppm, 1.957±0.883 ppm, and 0.043±0.021 ppm, respectively. For non-smokers, they were 0.197±0.165 ppm, 0.159±0.105 ppm, and 0.031±0.016 ppm, respectively. These differences were statistically significant. Overall, the mean heavy metal levels displayed a descending order in the present study, i.e. Cd &gt; Cr &gt; Pb." Conclusion:: The concentrations of Cd and Cr in all samples of the present study were higher than the biological limit according to ACGIH. Therefore, Cd and Cr were the most critical metals accumulated in the blood of cigarette smokers. Additionally, the findings have indicated that the analysis of blood serum samples can serve as a reliable indicator for establishing the association between cigarette smoking and the presence of heavy metals.

Comparison of Heavy Metals in Urine Samples of Smoker and Non-smoker Persons.

In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) in the two groups of cigarette smokers and non-smokers in five age range groups were measured. Heavy metal concentrations were collected in participants' urine samples and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results showed that the concentrations of these metals in the urine of smokers were higher than in non-smoker subjects. The mean concentration of Cd, Cr, and Pb for smokers were 1.188 ± 0.931, 1.929 ± 0.940, and 0.069 ± 0.023, respectively, while the mean concentration of Cd, Cr, and Pb for non-smokers were 0.151 ± 0.165, 0.203 ± 0.218, and 0.037 ± 0.030, respectively. The results revealed statistically significant differences when comparing the samples of smokers to the control group in all heavy metals in the present study. Also, the results revealed statistically significant differences in Cd, Cr, and Pb when comparing the samples of smokers to age groups. The trend of metals in urine samples in two groups (smokers and non-smokers) is as follows: Cd > Cr > Pb. The concentration of Cd, Cr, and Pb in all samples of the present study was higher than the biological limit, according to ACGIH. Therefore, Cd, Cr, and Pb were the most critical metals accumulated in the urine of cigarette smokers.

Effect of salinity on the toxicokinetics, oxidative stress, and metallothionein gene expression in Meretrix meretrix exposed to cadmium

To understand the effect of salinity on the toxicokinetics, oxidative stress, and detoxification of cadmium-exposed Meretrix meretrix, M. meretrix were acclimatized to different salinities (8, 14, 20, 26, and 32 ppt) for 14 d, exposed to 10 μg/L Cd for 7 d, followed by a 28-day depuration period. The internal Cd concentration was determined, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured. The mRNA expression levels of antioxidant enzyme (Cu/Zn SOD, CAT) and detoxification-related genes metallothionein (MT) were analyzed. The mean concentrations of Cd in M. meretrix tissues were in the order gill > digestive gland > mantle > axe foot. The Cd uptake rate in the four tissues decreased with increasing salinity (range: 14–26 ppt). The Cd elimination half-lives were the highest at 8 ppt and 14 ppt salinity. Cadmium activated the four oxidative stress-related related enzymes in the gills. At the end of accumulation period, Cd exposure at 20 ppt salinity significantly increased the expression of Cu/Zn SOD. CAT expression was significantly inhibited at 20 ppt salinity, but was induced at 32 ppt. MT mRNA expression was only induced under Cd at 20 ppt salinity. At the end of depuration period, Cu/Zn SOD expression was inhibited at salinities of 8, 14, and 26 ppt. The results indicated that SOD, CAT, GST, MDA, Cu/Zn SOD, CAT, and MT were sensitive to cadmium in a water environment, and can be used as indicators of marine heavy metal pollution.

Potentially toxic elements contamination in the water resources: an integrated risk assessment approach in the upper Citarum watershed area.

The Citarum watershed is West Java Province's most important water resource; hence, harmful compounds should be monitored regularly. This study assessed pollution levels along with ecological and health risks from Cd, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Hg contamination in river water, sediment, groundwater, and soil in Citarum's upper watershed. In river water, the average amounts of Cd, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Hg were 0.002, 0.05, 0.092, 0.649, 0.022, 0.001, and 0.421mg/L. In sediment, they were 7.4, 1175.1, 32,289.9, 37.3, 3.9, and 0.015mg/kg. The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Hg in groundwater were 0.004, 0.046, 0.567, 0.366, 0.019, 0.001, and 0.177mg/L, and in soil, BDL, 10.2, 744.6, 50,094.1, 45.6, 5.9, and 0.015mg/kg. The river water and groundwater were highly polluted by PTEs, with HPI values of 14,733 and 933, respectively. While PTEs pollution levels and risk in sediment and soil were low based on I-geo, CF, PLI, and M-ERM-Q values, PTEs contamination in river water may cause adverse impacts on aquatic living organisms (HQ > 1). The population doing recreational activities in river ecosystems was still safe from non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic impacts due to PTEs exposure from river water and sediment (THI < 1 and TCR value < 1E-04), while the population in the upper Citarum River was not safe from the carcinogenic risk due to PTE exposure from groundwater and soil (TCR > 1E-04). The sensitivity analysis showed that Cd concentration in groundwater is the most influential factor in cancer risk, with a total contribution of 99.9%. Therefore, a reduction in Cd concentration in groundwater is important to reduce cancer risk in the population.

Phytoremediation with Sunflower (Helionthus annus) and Its Capacity for Cadmium Removal in Contaminated Soils

This study assessed the phytoremediation potential of sunflowers for removing cadmium from the soil around a paint manufacturing industry in Eleyele, Ibadan. Background levels of Cd in the topsoil and subsoil were determined. The site was divided into two plots. Organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF) was applied to the first plot, which served as the experimental plot, while the second plot was without OMF and served as the control. Concentrations of cadmium in the plants were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Baseline mean Cd contents were 29.23 mg/kg and 33.30 mg/kg for topsoil and subsoil, respectively. Over the planting period, the sunflower plants removed 53.1% and 51.6% of Cd from the topsoil and subsoil in the test plot, while 40.65% and 47.80% were removed from the topsoil and subsoil, respectively, in the control. Cd absorption from the contaminated soils was found to be translocated to all parts of the sunflower. The concentrations of Cd in the sunflower parts were as follows: root system (10.70 mg/kg), shoot (8.17 mg/kg), leaves (6.43 mg/kg), and seeds (2.52 mg/kg) for the test plot. For the control plots, Cd in the root, shoot, leaves, and seeds were 7.60 mg/kg, 7.43 mg/kg, 4.75 mg/kg, and 2.03 mg/kg, respectively. The study confirmed that sunflowers have the potential to remediate Cd from contaminated soil, and this potential was enhanced by the application of OMF.

Concentrations and health risks of selected elements in leafy vegetables: a comparison between roadside open-air markets and large stores in Johannesburg, South Africa

This study compared concentrations and health risks of selected elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in leafy vegetables (coriander, lettuce, mint, spring onion, swiss chard) from roadside open-air markets (OM) and large stores (supermarkets: SM, vegetable markets: VM) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Along with washed leaves (OMW, SMW, VMW), unwashed OM leaves (OMUW) were assessed to investigate the contribution of deposition. The findings revealed that OMUW leaves had the highest concentrations of all elements. Furthermore, compared with washed leaves, OMUW leaves showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean concentrations of Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb, elements that typify the composition of polluted urban air. Bi- and multivariate analysis indicated anthropogenic origin of most elements in OM leaves and several in SMW and VMW leaves. Although only OMUW leaves exhibited hazard quotient above the safe threshold of 1 for Cd, Cr, As and Ni, hazard index exceeded this safe limit in all samples (OMUW (11.77) > OMW (1.83) > SMW (1.29) > VMW (1.01)). Determined cancer risk for Cd and As was greater than 1 × 10−6 in both washed and unwashed leaves, and the greatest cancer risk was estimated for OM leaves. Thorough washing of OM vegetables with water reduced non-carcinogenic risk (84%) and cancer risk (74‒87%) markedly. In conclusion, residents primarily relying on open-air markets for their regular leafy vegetable supplies might face far more severe lifelong health implications compared to customers of large stores in Johannesburg.

Pollution characteristics of heavy metal(loid)s in soil in China: Implications for health risk assessment and temporal trend analysis

The ecological and human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) have attracted much attentions worldwide. In this study, 153 topsoil samples were collected across China in 2019, aiming to investigate the HMs pollution characteristics. The soil samples were collected from areas such as parks, schools, communities, and rural regions, which were far away from pollution sources of HMs. In order to study the temporal trend of pollution, related studies from 2000 to 2015 in China were also summarized. The findings indicated that Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb were the major HMs with the mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb were 0.40, 36.5, 107, and 33.5 mg/kg, respectively. High background values and metal processing resulted in high total concentrations of Cd, As, Cr, and V especially in Southwest China (such as Guizhou and Yunnan provinces). The result of the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model indicated the primary source of HMs was natural source (45.3%), followed by traffic source (20.6%), industrial source (17.3%), and agricultural source (16.8%). The health risk assessment of HMs indicated that non-carcinogenic risks were minimal, however, carcinogenic risks (95th) for As, Cr, and Cd should attract attentions. Compared with the measurements from 2000 to 2015, the pollution levels of HMs showed a decreasing trend in China in 2019, which indicated the effectives on HMs control along with the implementation of the control policy on soil in China.

The effect of ascorbic acid and lemon juice on the extraction of metals from green tea, health risk assessment

The total heavy metal concentration (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in green tea leaves and metals leached into tea infusions of pure water with the addition of ascorbic acid and lemon juice at various temperatures (70, 80, and 100 °C) and steeping times (3, 5, and 7 min), were determined. Metal concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and the flame technique (FAAS). Mean total concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn were < LOD, <LOD, 0.198, 4.527, 67.51, 333.7, 2.588, <LOD, 10.23 μg/g, respectively. The highest percentage of extraction in different solutions was in the case of Mn (up to 100%). The risk for adults through consumption of tea was mainly contributed by Mn, and non-carcinogenic hazard quotient (HQ) was slightly higher than 1 when infusions were heated to 100 °C. High percentages of Ni were extracted in pure water compared to water with addition, regardless of tea steeping time, followed by Cu in pure water and water with lemon juice. Fe was poorly extracted in all applied solutions; the highest percentage of extraction (17.21%) was determined in lemon juice solutions of at 100 °C during a steeping time of 7 min.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) as the Biomonitor of Cadmium and Lead Pollution in the Republic of North Macedonia

Until the outbreak of African swine fever in almost the entire Europe and consequently in the Republic of North Macedonia (2022), the population of wild boars was in increase. The biological characteristics of this species make it suitable to be used as a bioindicator for environmental pollution. The concentrations of cadmium and lead (Cd and Pb) were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the liver of free ranging wild boars. Samples were taken from 608 animals, harvested in a period of 7 years (2016-2022), in 11 hunting locations that cover the whole territory of the Republic of North Macedonia. The mean value of Pb in the liver in all hunting areas was 0.225 mg·kg-1 wet weight with range of 0.154-0.722 mg·kg-1, while mean Cd was 0.366 mg·kg-1 and ranged from 0.177 to 0.464 mg·kg-1. A statistically significant difference in Cd was found between the hunting locations, while Pb differed between hunting years. The mean Cd concentrations were significantly higher in Pelagonisko, Krivorečansko and Ohridsko-Prespansko hunting areas than in those from Pološko hunting area, while the mean Pb values in 2019 and 2020 were significantly higher than the mean value determined in 2021. For Cd, 18.2% of the total number of samples exceeds the maximum allowed limit provided in the legislation, while for Pb it was 6.7%. The maximum mean value for Pb (0.336 mg·kg-1) was measured in 2020 and for Cd (0.449 mg·kg-1) in 2016. The mean values for Pb and Cd obtained in this study were in line with data reported for wild boar from other European countries.

Assessment of Health Risks in Wheat Crop Irrigated by Manka Canal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

Background. Manka canal’s metal concentration rises from human activities’ garbage. Untreated water from the canal is used by farmers for local crop irrigation. Immediate action is crucial to assess heavy metal levels and ensure soil suitability for agriculture as metal pollution persists. Purpose. The current study was conducted to assess the health risks associated with metal pollution at Manka Canal, Dera Ghazi Khan. Methods. A total of eighty-four wastewater, soil, and wheat samples were collected from study areas. The collected samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). Results. The significant findings of the study revealed that the concentration of heavy metals in most of the collected samples of soil, water, and wheat was above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. The mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were at relatively higher concentrations, i.e., 4.88, 22.03, 38.2, 89.2, 19.62, and 67.9 mg/kg, respectively, in collected wheat samples. The soil and irrigation water quality metrics had values that exceeded the acceptable thresholds, rendering them unfit for agricultural use. The local community faces an elevated health risk index for both children and adults due to the consumption of wheat crop as HRI is greater than 1 for nonessential elements like Cd and Pb. Conclusion. The study suggested that wastewater irrigation leads to the accumulation of heavy metals in foodstuffs, causing potential health risks to consumers. The gradual accumulation of these contaminants in biological systems finally gives rise to severe health-related issues. Therefore, it is crucial to implement robust wastewater treatment processes and stringent quality control measures to minimize health risks associated with the consumption of crops grown using reclaimed water. Prior to irrigating crops like wheat and vegetables, it is strongly advised to treat municipal wastewater to prevent soil and dietary toxicity from heavy metals.