Mean Concentrations Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Concentration of heavy metals in soil and leaves of Conocarpus Erectus Tree: A Biomonitoring Study, Ahvaz, Iran.

Heavy metals biomonitoring was performed using the Conocarpus erectus tree in Ahvaz city. Composite leaf and soil samples were collected from 23 selected stations. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe and Mn) in leaf and soil samples, and bioavailability of metals in soil samples were determined. Examination of soil physicochemical parameters proved neutral to slightly alkaline nature, and low organic matter content in the soil samples. The mean concentration of heavy metals in soil was: Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu. Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals was in the range of safe to low risk (RI < 150). Although the concentration of metals in the more polluted areas was higher in both leaf and soil samples, there was no significant relationship between the concentrations of metals in the leaf and soil samples. This relationship is even lower between the bioavailable component of metals in the soil and the concentration of metals in the leaves. Transfer factor values based on total contents of metals in soil samples indicated that Conocarpus erectus is mostly contaminated with Zn and Cu. The results of Accumulation factor of plant revealed that Pb, Zn, and Fe were mostly enriched in the plant by anthropogenic activities. MAI values in heavy and light traffic, and industrial areas were 11.88, 8.01 and 8.15, respectively. In general, it is evident that the Conocarpus erectus leaves accumulate heavy metals in polluted areas, so it can be used as a bioindicator of air pollution with heavy metals in regions with similar conditions.

Use of Vetevera Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) in a Constructed Wetland to Remove Heavy Metals from Kege Wet Coffee Processing Plant, Dale Woreda, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Conventional methods for removing heavy metals from contaminated water are prohibitively expensive and, more significantly, ineffective, especially when the concentration of heavy metals is low. This paper evaluated the use of vetevera grass in a constructed wetland to remove Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Pb, and Zn metals from Kege Wet Coffee Processing Plant, Dale Woreda, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia using a two vertical flows constructed wetland of 132 square meters in size with Eleven meters in length and 12 meters wide. The 11m * 3m * 1m open space between two constructed wetlands is developed. The second wetland was built, and it serves the same purpose as the previous one but discharges water into the river. The construction of the wetland is performed by digging 20 cm wide, and 30 cm apart furrows. vetiveria grasses was planted at 20 cm intervals. Heavy metals (Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Pb, and Zn) were measured from soil and plant samples from the inlet to the outlet sampling sites using standard procedures from two compartments (soil, and macrophytes) of constructed wetland. Findings indicated that Ca (460.0 ppm) had the highest mean concentration of heavy metals, whereas Ni (0.50 ppm) had the lowest in the soil sample. Metal absorption by vetiver grass is the highest concentration found in plant tissues grown in the following order k &gt; Ca &gt; Na &gt; Mn &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt;Ni &gt;Cr in shoots. The order of the heavy metal contents in the roots of vetiver grass was k &gt; Ca &gt; Na &gt; Mn &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt;Ni &gt;Cr. The plant was found to be effective at transferring Mn and Ni from the roots to the shoots based on translocation and bioconcentration, whereas it served as a potential phytostabilizer for Ca, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Na, and Zn since the TF values are lower than 1, which show that vetiver grass prefers to accumulate heavy metals in the roots rather than the shoot and so supports its potential for phytostabilization. From the present study, it was evident that vetiver grass is an ideal candidate for wastewater treatment using constructed wetland technology.

Concentration levels and pollution status of selected heavy metals in active dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the extent of concentration exposure of As, Cu, Cr, Ni and Mn in the soils of five active dumpsites located at (Eliozu, Oyibo, Eneka, Eleme and Woji) in the city of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria to evaluate the pollution indices of heavy metals. Soil samples were collected randomly at the quadrant from the dumpsite while control samples were collected from farmland 25 km away from the dumpsite. Some physiochemical parameters (pH, TOC and CEC) of the soils were evaluated using standard techniques, while the heavy metal concentrations were evaluated using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The pollution levels of soil heavy metals were assessed using several pollution indices. The mean concentration of heavy metals (mg/kg) ranged between As (ND – 0.45), Cr (ND – 2.21), Cu (6.05 – 51.87), Mn (3.24 – 37.91), Ni (ND – 13.50) across the studied dumpsites. The heavy metal levels in soil samples observed were in the order of Cu &gt; Mn &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; As (Eleme), Cu &gt; Mn &gt; As &gt; Ni &gt; Cr (Eliozu), Cu &gt; Mn &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; As (Eneka), Cu &gt; Mn &gt; Cr (Oyigbo), Cu &gt; Mn &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; As (Woji), Cu &gt; Mn &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; As (Control Site). The pH results were relatively acidic across the studied dumpsites ranging from 5.7±0.58 to 6.63± 0.02, while the TOC levels were low to moderate showing no wide disparity in the values. The Cation exchange capacity (CEC) showed a range of 13.98±0.186 (Eneka) to 20.98±0.061 cmol/kg (Woji) across the studied dumpsites. The Igeo values except for Ni, Cu and Mn at Eneka dumpsite, Cr and As in all the studied dumpsites revealed moderate to heavy contamination. Pollution load index (˃ 1) was in the studied dumpsites which implies that there is heavy metal pollution across the studied dumpsites. Anthropogenicity indicates that human activity is mostly responsible for the increase in metals in the studied area. Low ecological risk indices for the heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn, As) were found in all the sampling locations except for copper in Oyibo dumpsite. According to the findings, there is a low to moderate level of heavy metal pollution in the soils from the dumpsite, which can deteriorate the food ecosystem if adequate measures are not put in place.

Ecological pollution features and health risk exposure to heavy metals via street dust and topsoil from Nkpor and Onitsha in Anambra, Nigeria.

The manuscript presents the investigation results on the pollution and risk of metal mines, and it is considered an important report on environmental pollution near mines in Nigeria, with archival value. The research involved soil sampling and heavy metal analysis for about 12 months in three metal mines. Based on these results, the paper provides information on pollution levels and hazards using well-known methods like pollution and ecological risk indexes. The increasing population in urban communities attracted by various industrial, economic and social activities causes contamination of atmospheric environment that can affect human health. We investigated heavy metal distributions, correlation coefficient among elements, ecological indices and probable health risk assessment in street dust and topsoil from Nkpor and Onitsha urban suburb, Nigeria. The mean concentration of heavy metals in car dust from Onitsha and Nkpor suburb follows thus: Fe > Mn > Cu > As > Pb > Ni > Cr. The decreasing trend of heavy metal in rooftop dust from both area: Fe > Mn > Cu > Pb > As > Ni > Cr whereas metal contents in topsoil were: Fe > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > As for both areas. The degree of pollution indices was characterized by contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation factor (I-geo), pollution load index (PLI), Nemerow (PN), ecological and potential ecological risk index (ER and PERI) which indicated low pollution in the urban street environment. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) showed that the estimated heavy metals displayed sources from atmospheric deposition, natural origin and anthropogenic sources. Risk assessment revealed that ingestion of dust and soil was the significant route for heavy metals exposure to the populace followed by inhalation, then dermal contact. Considering all factors, non-cancer risk was more prominent in children than adults and no significant health hazard could be attributed to both aged groups as of the period of study except for As and Ni that needs constant monitoring to avoid exceeding organ damaging threshold limit of 1 × 10-4.

Evaluation of Coastal Sediments for Heavy Metal Contamination, Bhavnagar Coast, Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat, India

ABSTRACT This research examined heavy metals distribution and potential environmental impact in seven locations along the Bhavnagar coast in Gujarat, India. The study used several analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and correlation analysis to investigate the harmful heavy metals present in the area. To evaluate the possible risk of Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Fe to the marine environment, pollution indices such as contamination factors (Cf), enrichment factor (Ef), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk factor (Er), ecological risk index (RI) and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) applied. Based on the results, the mean concentration of heavy metals was ranked in the following order (mg/kg): Fe (561.4) > Mn (58.9) > Cr (42) > Zn (12.5) > Pb (8.2) > Ni (7) > Cu (5.2) > Co (2.7) > Cd (.3). Compared to the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, the results showed a diluting impact on heavy metal concentrations during the monsoon season. The spatial distribution of the heavy metals indicated that the geogenic source and anthropogenic source were the primary contributors to pollution in the studied region. Principal component analysis suggests that Cd, Pb, Co and Cr may have come from shipbreaking activities, municipal discharge and industrial operations. Cf, Igeo, and Ef demonstrated no pollution to moderate pollution, with a maximum contribution of Cd, and the coastal sediment poses a minimal ecological risk for all heavy metals investigated. Shipbreaking, urban runoff, salt-marine, and agricultural runoff release toxic metals into the coastal environment. In conclusion, the information obtained from this geochemical characterization could be valuable to policymakers and stakeholders in developing effective management measures for the Bhavnagar coastal region, Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat, India.

Evaluation of the Concentrations of Nitrate, Nitrite and Heavy Metals in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Irrigated along the Amba Stream Lafia, Nasarawa State

The concentrations of nitrate, nitrite and heavy metals were evaluated in the soil and edible portion of Spinach, irrigated along the Amba stream, Lafia, Nasarawa State. Nitrate, nitrite and heavy metals in the soil and spinach samples were determines using Spectrophotometric method. The mean concentrations (± Standard deviation) of nitrate ranged from 3042.91±1.62mgkg-1 to 4977.26±9.57mgkg-1, for Spinach while 5899.20±58.98mgkg-1 to stipulated by WHO and EC respectively. Mean of nitrite concentrations (NO2) (± standard deviation) ranged from 0.00029±0.00002mgkg-1 to 00102±0.00001mgkg-1 for all the spinach, while 0.00332±0.00002mgkg-1 to 0.00903±0.00002mgkg-1 for all soil were all below the mg/kg maximum specified by WHO. NO3 levels were generally higher than NO2.The mean concentrations of heavy metals ranged from Cd (1.29±0.01 mg/kg) to Fe (281.60±1.65 mgkg-1) for spinach while Cd (0.93±0.32 mgkg-1) to Fe (1084.1±1.73 mgkg-1) for soil. The values in spinach exceeded the permissible limit set by FAO. Transfer factors for the anions between the soil and spinach identify the efficiency of a spinach species to accumulate a given anion. There was positive correlation at p = 0.05 between the anions in the spinach. The transfer factors calculated were lower for all metals except cadmium (1.39).

GIS-based assessment of groundwater vulnerability to heavy metal contamination via water quality pollution indices in urban Aligarh, India

Abstract The study presents an assessment of groundwater vulnerability due to heavy-metal contamination using Heavy Metal Pollution and Contamination Index of Urban Aligarh. Globally, hazardous compounds in industrially contaminated sites are pressing and high-priority issue. A detailed risk assessment was carried out to determine the potential health hazards linked to locations that were recently polluted. A total of 17 groundwater samples were taken from hand-pump and 20 industrial drainage samples were collected from selected areas of Aligarh. The concentration of heavy-metals in the collected samples analyzed were shown on maps using ArcGIS software and interpreted for Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPIx) and Contamination Index (CDx). These analyzed values were subsequently compared with the permissible limits established by the agencies like EPA, WHO, and BIS. The mean concentration of heavy-metals in groundwater of different locations was observed as follows particular sequence: Ni (1.40), Cu (0.58), Zn (0.06), Fe (0.08), Mn (0.04), Cr (0.001), Pb (0.00025) mg/l. Additionally in industrial effluent, Cr (18.3), Ni (13.34), Mn (1.16), Cu (1.99), Pb (1.2), Fe (6.3), Zn (0.51) mg/l. According to HPIx, the analysis reveals 64.7%, of visited areas belonged to have safe groundwater. Conversely, a smaller proportion, 35.3%, was found falling into heavy metal-polluted group.

Elemental and Ecological Health Risk Assessment of Wastewater and Soils Collected During the Wet Season at Selected Industrial Sites in Kano Nigeria

In this study, the elemental analysis of soils and effluents collected from selected manufacturing industries in Kano metropolis of Nigeria West Africa for the wet season of 2020 has been carried out using standard analytical methods, Analar grade reagents and approved calibrated equipment. All samples were analyzed in triplicates and the outcome values are presented as mean concentration in mg/kg. The mean concentration of heavy metals evaluated such as Co, Cd, Cr, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni and Pb show mixed levels (excessive, moderate and normal levels) when compared to the recommended levels by NESREA. Contamination factor (CF) and contamination degree (Cd) was determined for investigated elements in all 58 samples. CF for Ni, Pb, Fe, Mn and Zn were all ˂ 1, implying no potential ecological risk contamination. Enrichment factor (EF) was calculated to determine anthropogenic input of metals in all the samples investigated. High enrichment factor for samples MW, MS, ADS, FS, PPS, MW, DW, PPW, MyW, DFS, DS, AS, LZS, 7upW, and DFW (67.2 % of the samples), The mean concentration of the metals is an indication of pollution was tested with a high implication outcome most likely, when samples are continuously emptied into the environment untreated. Safe to remind us that heavy metals are toxic with excessive human health risks.

Egg Quality and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Meat, Eggs and Inner Organs of Laying Ducks Fed under a Conventional Feeding in Lombok, Indonesia

The search for alternative protein sources for duck feed is important considering its high cost. An experiment involving 100 forty-wk-old laying ducks was conducted for eight weeks to study the effects of fresh water fish (sapu-sapu fish -SSF) as single protein sources on egg quality and heavy metal concentration. The SSF levels were 28 and 35% of the feed and the remaining constituent was rice bran with metabolizable energy approximately 2,943 and 2,934 kcal/kg, respectively. Fresh water fish did not effect on egg quality measured except egg weight and shell thickness (63.2±0.30 to 67.9±0.22g) and shell thickness (0.50±0.04 to 0.52±0.04g) with increasing dietary SFF(P&lt;0.05). Mean concentrations of heavy metals in local duck samples decreased in the order kidney&gt;liver&gt;egg&gt;meat for Pb and liver&gt;kidney&gt;meat&gt;egg for Cu. Lead concentrations in meat, eggs, liver and kidney were 1.267± 0.825, 1.311±0.737, 1.762±0.729 and 2.172±0.770 mg/kg respectively. These values were higher than the admissible amounts under the Indonesian National Standards (1.0 mg Pb/kg) and FAO (0.1 mg Pb/kg). Accumulation of Cu in the meat, eggs, liver and kidney was 12.798±4.181, 7.011±1.949, 30.165±16.561 and 14.392± 4.208 mg/kg respectively. These levels were also higher than that recommended by the European Commission. The conclusion of this study proved that feeding SSF to laying ducks raised by small farmers contained a significantly high concentration of heavy metals not appropriate for human consumption when high levels of SSF was fed

Monitoring Toxins and Human Health Risk Assessment of Clarias Gariepinus from Nwangele River in Imo State, Nigeria

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental contaminants which have caused worldwide concerns as toxic pollutant. This study reports the concentrations of 8 PAHs and 4 heavy metals (Al, As, Pb, and Hg) in clarias gariepinus collected from Nwangele River in Imo State Nigeria. The mean concentration of heavy metals was between 0.06-2.67 mg/kg, with Arsenic having the highest concentration. Daily intake of heavy metals was estimated using daily fish consumption of 0.03643kg/person/day from literature. Referenced oral dose RfD for the four metals were: 0.043, 0.003, 0.004, 0.0001 respectively. Health Risk index (HRI) of heavy metals were &lt; 1 for Al and Pb, but were very high for As and Hg. For PAHs, concentrations showed 13, 4.5, 36.6, 19.6, 80.9, 50.2, 5.1, and 22.4 mg/kg for fluorine, phenanthrene, anthracene, benzo(k) flouranthene, benzo(a) pyrene, benzo (b) flouranthene, pyrene, and dibenzyl (a-h) anthracene respectively. The study indicated that with reference to Al and Pb, fish from the river were safe for consumption. Conversely, the fish were unsafe with reference to concentrations of PAHs, As, and Hg. The study recommended prevention measures towards water pollution and consumer awareness of health hazard in consuming contaminated fish

Health Risks Associated with the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Sediment, Water, and Carp Reared in Treated Wastewater from a Slaughterhouse

The use of purified slaughterhouse wastewater in carp ponds, and the use of wastewater from the pond for the irrigation of agricultural fields, was the basis for the construction of an integrated system of agricultural production as a sustainable solution for the food and fish production industries. The negative side of such integrated production systems is the concern related to the safety of fish meat produced in such a system. The aim of this research was to determine the concentration of heavy metals and metalloids in the wastewater from the slaughterhouse, in the pond water and sediment, in the carp tissue and in the water leaving the pond, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated system and the safety of the produced fish. Sampling was carried out in spring and autumn. The mean concentrations in all water samples (µg/L) were: As (12–125), Cd (0.12–4.2), Hg (1.14–14.21), Pb (&lt;0.1–17.2), Cu (&lt;0.1–44.6), Fe (17.02–425.2) and Zn (2.91–186.2), with the highest numbers in the wastewater, where it was above the prescribed limit values for the wastewater discharged from the slaughterhouses into natural recipients in both samplings. The efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant for heavy metals and metalloids was very high, in the range of 87% to 98%. The water from the pond corresponded to class 3 in terms of the concentration of heavy metals and metalloids both in spring and autumn, and can be used freely for breeding cyprinid fish species. The water from the irrigation canal corresponded to class 2/3 and can be used for irrigation. The mean concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids in the sediments (mg/kg) were: As (3.00–4.88), Cd (0.16–0.96), Hg (0.21–1.47), Pb (0.77–2.29), Cu (49.60–60.90), Fe (3.94–5.32) and Zn (92.8–115.20). The content of heavy metals in different organs of carp differed significantly depending on the season. The trend of heavy metal accumulation in common carp muscles in spring was: Zn &gt; Fe &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Hg &gt; Cd &gt; As, and in autumn: Zn &gt; Fe &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; As &gt; Cd &gt; Hg. Metal concentrations in the examined fish samples were far below the WHO guidelines. It can be concluded that carp produced in a pond supplied with purified wastewater from the slaughterhouse industry, in terms of the concentration of residues of the tested heavy metals and metalloids, is safe for human consumption.

Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination Using Biosensors and a Multi-Branch Integrated Catchment Model in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia

Metal pollution in rivers from untreated industrial and domestic wastewater is a major issue in economically developing countries worldwide. The Awash River Basin in Ethiopia is one of those rivers that faces rising heavy metal concentrations due to poor wastewater management and loose law enforcement controlling effluent discharge into rivers. In this study, surface water and wastewater samples were collected within the Awash River Basin, with metals analysis using ICP-MS techniques. Acute toxicity of water was determined using new molecular biosensor technology based on engineered luminescent bacteria. A multi-branch Integrated Catchment Model (INCA) for metals, including Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Manganese, and Zinc was applied to the Awash River Basin to simulate the impact of tannery discharge on the river water pollution levels and to evaluate a set of treatment scenarios for pollution control. Results show that all samples from tannery wastewater have high levels of metals, such as Chromium and Manganese with high levels of toxicities. River water samples from upper Awash near Addis Ababa showed elevated concentrations of heavy metals due to the untreated wastewater from the dense population and a large number of industries in that area. The modeling scenarios indicate that improved wastewater management will reduce the metal concentration significantly. With a 50% reduction in effluent concentrations, the mean concentrations of heavy metals (such as Chromium) over two years would be able to reach 20 to 50% reduction in river water samples.

Magnetic and Geochemical Properties of Zagreb City Area Soils

This study was performed to derive the first insight into the distribution of low-field volume magnetic susceptibility (MS) throughout Zagreb city, based on in situ field measurements. The most interesting locations were selected for soil sampling and their geochemical contents were determined using ICP-OES. A geostatistical approach was applied to the MS and geochemical results. A median of 0.245 × 10−3 SI units was proposed as the average MS value in Zagreb. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in Zagreb’s soils (in µg/g) are Pb (36.82), Zn (87.77), Cu (30.84), Cd (0.66), Cr (29.04), Co (11.89), and Ni (28.40), and these measurements are relatively low in comparison to the Croatian legislation and the European and world average. Boxplot analyses demonstrate that 45% of the studied elements do not feature any anomalies, while most of the remaining elements indicate only one weak anomaly located at the same site as the MS anomalies. Our statistical analysis found significant correlations between MS and the following elements: Cd, Co, Fe, Mn, Na, Pb, Sb, and Zn. In situ MS measurements proved to be an efficient tool for the initial screening of large areas with elevated concentrations of heavy elements, enabling the cheap and fast assessment of the state of the environment.

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTENTS CONTAMINATION FROM THE DUMP SITES IN SOILS FROM OKENE, KOGI STATE, NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA.

This study evaluates the heavy metals contents of soils in nine dump sites respectively. A total of twenty-seven samples were collected from the sampling locations and analyzed. Analysis revealed the mean concentration of heavy metals were in sequential order of Cr &gt; Zn &gt; Mn &gt; Cu &gt; Cd. The values of mean concentrations of the heavy metals in all the locations were as follows (Cr 1108.20±2.03), (Zn 510.19±5.86), (Mn 377.25±4.22), (Cu 145.75±4.18) and (Cd 7.88±3.65) exceeded the permissible limits from FAO/WHO. All the locations were heavily contaminated by the anthropogenic activities since geo-accumulation index, contamination factor and degree of contamination values indicated that the selected areas were polluted with the heavy metals detected. The result of this research showed that the sampling locations were heavily contaminated with the heavy metals determined. The environment should be continuously monitored by the relevant Government Agencies to ascertain the level of contamination within a particular period.

Does PM 2.5 and PM 10-associated heavy metals affect short-term and long-term survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest? Four-year study based on regional registry.

This study aims to investigate the effect of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) suspended on particulate matters (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 taking into account clinical factors on 30-day and one-year survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). A retrospective 4-year study that involved patients hospitalized after OHCA. Patients' data were obtained from Emergency Medical Services dispatch cards and the National Health Fund. The concentration of air pollutants was measured by the Environmental Protection Inspectorate in Poland. Among the 948 patients after OHCA, only 225 (23.7%) survived for 30 days, and 153 (16.1%) survived for 1 year. Survivors were more commonly affected by OHCA in urban areas (85 [55.6%] vs. 355 [44.7%]; P=0.013) and had slightly higher one-year mean concentration of As (0.78 vs. 0.77; P=0.01), Cd (0.34 vs. 0.34; P=0.012), and Pb (11.13 vs. 10.20; P=0.015) with no differences in daily mean concentration. Significant differences in mean concentrations of heavy metals and PM 2.5 and PM 10 were observed among different quarters. However, survival analysis revealed no differences in long-term survival between quarters. Heavy metals, PM 2.5, and PM 10 did not affect short-term and long-term survival in multivariable logistic regression. The group of survivors showed slightly higher mean one-year concentrations of As, Cd and Pb, but they also experienced a higher incidence of OHCA in urban areas. There were no differences in long-term survival between patients who suffer OHCA in different quarters. Heavy metals did not independently affect survival.

Heavy metal contamination in rice, pulses, and vegetables from CKDu-endemic areas in Cuttack district, India: a health risk assessment

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) is an emerging public health concern in India. The present study was carried out to investigate the concentrations of potentially toxic heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Hg, and As) in locally grown food crops (rice, pulses, and vegetables) in CKDu prevalent areas of Cuttack district, India.Methods: Exposure risks from food crops were analysed, including estimated daily intake, hazard quotient, hazard index, and carcinogenic risk.Result: The overall heavy metal concentrations in the crop samples were in the following order: Pb&amp;gt;Ni&amp;gt;Cd&amp;gt;Cr&amp;gt;As&amp;gt;Hg. The mean concentration of heavy metals in different crops were as follows, ranked from highest to lowest: spinach, rice, okra, mustard, potato, carrot, tomato, green gram, black gram. A statistical multivariate analysis revealed that the primary sources of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Hg, and As in crop samples were both natural and human activities. For lead, target hazard quotient (THQ) values in rice were greater than 1, indicating significant noncarcinogenic health risks to both adults and children.Discussion: While the majority of the crop samples had Pb levels below the permissible level (10−5), the target carcinogenic risk of Cd was higher than the USEPA threshold value (10−4), showing a cancer risk to adults and children. This study concluded that long-term intake of locally grown food crops may produce a significant health risk to the local inhabitants, and that of regular heavy metal monitoring is strongly recommended in this region.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in Scophthalmus maximus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Black Sea coast: Implications for food safety and human health

The present study aimed to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe) in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) samples collected from the Black Sea coast in 2022. The research involved analysing male and female turbot samples for their potential to accumulate these metals and assessing the associated health risks for different age groups (infants, children, adults). Metal analyses were conducted using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometry (ICP-MS), and risk assessment was performed using the Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Risk Index (RI) methods.Results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in both male and female turbots were consistently below the established safety limits set by national and international regulatory authorities. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and THQ values for all metals were found to be well below the corresponding reference doses, indicating no significant noncarcinogenic health risks associated with turbot consumption. Furthermore, the RI values for metals with available Cancer Slope Factors (CSF) were extremely low, suggesting negligible carcinogenic risk from consuming turbot.

Material identification and heavy metal characteristics of plastic packaging bags used in Chinese express delivery

With the rapid development of China’s express delivery services, environmental concerns have increased owing to the use of plastic packaging bags (PPBs) which have a heavy metal (HM) content due to the incorporation of scrap plastics in the production process. We sourced a variety of PPBs from different express delivery parcels, identified the materials in the samples using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, and conducted HM analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that the main material type in the PPBs was polyethylene. The results showed that the potential health concerns were posed by the four HMs (nickel [Ni], copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], and arsenic [As]) presented in the PPB samples. The mean concentrations of HMs in the PPBs were ranked as follows (presented in unit mg kg−1): Zn (120.42 ± 85.15)&amp;gt; Cu (45.21 ± 56.55) &amp;gt; lead [Pb] (6.43 ± 6.57) &amp;gt; Cr (6.03 ± 6.82) &amp;gt; Ni (2.13 ± 2.14) &amp;gt; As (0.19 ± 0.15) &amp;gt; mercury [Hg] (0.17 ± 0.71) &amp;gt; cadmium [Cd] (0.14 ± 0.20). HM content varied according to sample type, with a ranking order of Rm &amp;gt; Pm &amp;gt; Bm, corresponding to the degree of environmental and health risk. For Rm samples, high levels of low-toxicity HMs, such as Zn and Cu were detected, with respective maximum values of 365.9 and 184.2 mg kg−1; furthermore, the levels of high-toxicity HMs (i.e., Cd and Hg) exceeded the standard values set by the express delivery sector (0.5 mg kg−1). Thus, more attention should be paid to the effective management of PPBs for polyethylene-based Rm types, such as the limitation of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Hg. This study provides baseline data regarding HM-incorporating PPBs for stakeholders and is expected to support the formulation of relevant products for use in greener packaging policy and, thus, contributes to the re-assessment of China’s “plastic ban” policy.

The Study of Water Quality in Poultry Farms in Ardestan, Iran

Introduction: The quality of drinking water is of vital importance in breeding chickens. High levels of bacteria, minerals, or other contaminants in the water of poultry farms can have adverse effects on the natural physiology of chickens. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the physical, chemical, and microbial quality of water used in poultry farms in Ardestan, Iran.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on water sources (Wells and Qanats) of 35 poultry farms in Ardestan during the summer of 2021.Water samples were randomly taken and send to laboratory for analysis of physical, chemical, and microbial parameters according to Standard Methods. SPSS 16 software was applied for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: With the exception of sodium, sulfates, and total hardness (TH), all other parameters fell within acceptable standard limits. Some water samples showed elevated levels of total coliforms exceeding the prescribed limits. Furthermore, the mean concentrations of heavy metals, including iron, lead, chromium, and cadmium remained within acceptable levels in all samples.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although the majority of water quality parameters in the studied poultry farms were compatible with standards limits, testing and monitoring the chemical and microbial quality of water in poultry farms is recommended on a regular basis.

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediment Samples from the Mae Chaem River, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Heavy metals are significant environmental pollutants that are recognized as posing a potential health hazard to human beings. We investigated the concentrations of the heavy metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in surface sediments collected from the Mae Chaem River in Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the dry season in 2021. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediments were, in decreasing order, Zn > Cr > As > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd. The mean values of As, Cd, Cr, and Cu were determined to be 32.5 ± 18.3, 0.33 ± 0.07, 45.8 ± 11.9, and 21.9 ± 7.42 mg Kg-1, respectively. These levels are higher than their standard levels in Thailand, namely 10.0, 0.16, 45.5, and 21.5 mg Kg-1, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the primary origins of heavy metal contamination are predominantly attributed to residential settlements and agricultural areas. The hazard quotient (HQ) was used to estimate the non-carcinogenic risk of exposure to heavy-metal-bound surface sediments for both children and adults. The results showed that the HQ values for both groups were less than 1.0 (HQ < 1.0), indicating no risk. Moreover, assessment of the long-term risk for ingestion of toxic metals indicated no risk (<10-6) based on the lifetime cancer risk (LCR). However, the LCR values of As and Cr were 5.3 × 10-6 and 2.5 × 10-6, respectively, demonstrating the most elevated LCR among the hazardous metals in terms of children's exposure. Therefore, it is possible that children living in agricultural areas and participating in activities around the study area may be exposed to elevated concentrations of As and Cr.