Biomonitoring Of Metals Research Articles

Human biomonitoring of metals in sub-Arctic Dene communities of the Northwest Territories, Canada

A human biomonitoring project investigating environmental exposures to metals from hair, blood and urine samples was implemented in the Northwest Territories, Canada, between January 2016 and March 2018. This study reports the metal biomarker levels from nine Dene communities located in the Dehcho and Sahtú regions to identify contaminants of interest.Levels of metals in the urine (n = 198), blood (n = 276) and hair (n = 443) samples were generally similar to those seen in other biomonitoring studies in Canada, but lead levels in blood (GM = 16 μg/L; 95th percentile = 71 μg/L) and urine (GM = 0.59 μg/L, 0.69 μg/g of creatinine; 95th percentile = 4.2 μg/L, 4.0 μg/g of creatinine) were higher than those observed in the Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS, cycles 2 and 5). Hair mercury (but not blood mercury) appeared higher than observed in participants from the CHMS cycle 5. The vast majority of participants had biomarker levels below the biomonitoring guidance values established for mercury and lead. Based on a comparative analysis of biomarker statistics relative to a nationally-representative survey, metals and essential trace elements of particular interest for follow-up research include: lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium.This project provided baseline biomarker levels in participating regions, which is essential to track changes in the future, and identify the contaminants to prioritize for further investigation of exposure determinants.

Trace Metals and 210Po Activity Concentrations in Macroalgae (Cystoseira Crinita and Halopteris Scoparia) and Seagrass (Cymodocea Nodosa) in Izmir Bay, Aegean Turkish Coast

Two types of macroalgae (Cystoseira crinita and Halopteris scoparia) and seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) have been evaluated for their bioavailability as biomonitors of trace metals and 210Po in Izmir Bay during the period of October 2017-July 2018. The levels of Al, Fe, Zn, Mn and Pb in the samples were determined using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The activity concentrations of 210Po were measured by alpha spectrometry and the results have shown that C. nodosa were found to accumulate the maximum 210Po concentration in the winter. Besides, macroalgae (C.crinita and H. scoparia) were also found to accumulate 210Po at different levels in the same area. Additionaly, the investigated trace metals were determined in H. scoparia and C. nodosa in the winter. A seasonal fluctuations in trace metals and 210Po concentrations were observed in the study.

Facing the threat: common yellowjacket wasps as indicators of heavy metal pollution

We investigated the common wasp, Vespula vulgaris as a bioindicator and biomonitor of metals in the industrial area. Using traps, we collected 257 yellowjackets along a pollution gradient in the Harjavalta Cu-Ni smelter in Southwest Finland. Our method detected metal elements such as arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg) in wasps. The data analyses revealed V. vulgaris can be a proper indicator for As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb, rather than for Fe and Zn contamination. Body burdens of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb decreased with an increase in distance from smelter. Enrichment factor (EF) followed the pattern Pb ˃ Cd ˃ As ˃ Co ˃ Cu ˃ Ni. The highest bioaccumulation (BAF) values were revealed for Cd (5.9) and the lowest for Pb (0.1). Specially designed software (WaspFacer) allowed revealing body burdens of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb to be associated with rather smaller than more asymmetric facial colour markings in yellowjackets. These results add to the body of literature on how heavy metal contaminants can have tangible phenotypic effects on insects and open future opportunities for using wasps as indicators of metal pollution.

An Impact-Control Study to Assess the Potential Accumulation of Metals and Metalloids from Sewage Effluent and Biosolids to Sydney Rock Oysters, Saccostrea glomerata

Sewage effluent has been identified as a potential source of metal(loid) contamination in the aquatic environment. The Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata, can accumulate most metals and is well established as a biomonitor of metals in the marine environment. To determine if Burwood Beach wastewater treatment works (WWTW) is a source of metal(loid) contamination, S. glomerata was deployed for 6 weeks in effluent receiving waters (Burwood Beach near and Burwood Beach far) and at reference locations (Redhead, Fingal Island 1 and Fingal Island 2) at depths 4, 8 and 12 m. In dried oyster tissue, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was employed to measure concentrations of a suite of metal(loid)s including aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver and zinc. It was found that for all metal(loid)s, S. glomerata tissue concentrations were not significantly higher at Burwood Beach locations in comparison to all reference locations. Concentrations of metal(loid)s were similar to those which have been detected in previous studies of background locations in New South Wales (NSW). Further, all metals fell below National Food Authority maximum residue levels (MRLs), except for arsenic and this does not appear uncommon for concentrations in biota within NSW. Comparisons to historical data suggested that concentrations of metal(loid)s in sewage effluent from Burwood Beach WWTW, assessed via concentrations in oyster tissue, are similar or lower, suggesting that changes in treatment processes initiated in the intervening time have lowered metallic inputs.

Bio-monitoring of Atmospheric Heavy Metals Deposited on Selected Tree Leaves in Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu

Bio-monitoring of Atmospheric Heavy Metals Deposited on Selected Tree Leaves in Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu

Air pollution tolerance, metal accumulation and dust capturing capacity of common tropical trees in commercial and industrial sites

Total nine tree species of common tropical trees were assessed for their air pollution tolerance, dust capturing capacity and possibility to act as metal bio-monitors in commercial, industrial and control sites. Two seasons sampling was done respectively in monsoon and post-monsoon, to study their seasonal variations. According to Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) values Mangifera indica, Azadirachta indica and Ficus religiosa were the most tolerant species while Ficus bengalensis and Alstonia scholaris were intermediately tolerant towards air pollution. Single factor ANOVA of biochemical parameters between the sampling sites, revealed that APTI of plants did not vary significantly in both the seasons. Site-wise variation was significant both at commercial and industrial sites. The same trend of result was also found in Anticipated Performance Index (API) which also includes other social benefits. So, these species can be recommended for the green belt development in urban commercial and industrial areas. Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa and Mangifera indica were also having the best dust capturing capacity as Scanning Electron Microscope image revealed that they have rough and large surface area of leaf with short petiole and large canopy structure. According to the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and Enrichment Factor (EF) of soil in the sampling sites were found to be contaminated with copper and cadmium. Psidium guajava, Mangifera indica, Alstonia scholaris and Ficus religiosa were found to be good phytoextractors of copper. They did not accumulate cadmium. So, these plants can be recommended as copper bioindicators. However, the metals accumulation efficiencies were high for Mangifera indica and Ficus religiosa.

Spatial biomonitoring of airborne heavy metals emitted from a steel recycling plant

PurposeThe study investigated the heavy metal flux around the vicinity of a steel recycling factory using passive biomonitoring technique with several pollution indices to assess the quality of the ambient environment.Design/methodology/approachThe vegetation around the facility was identified, and the most abundant species were selected for analysis. The collected samples were dried, milled, sieved and analyzed for elemental composition using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF). Pollution indices were used to quantitatively assess the data.FindingsResults show that maximum contamination occurs at the vicinity of factory. Generally, the deterioration of the ambient air around the vicinity of the steel recycling plant decreases with increasing distance from the steel recycling plant. However, for the radius considered in this study – 1 km, the ambient air at 1 km of the steel recycling facility is quickly deteriorating, and there is an urgent need for measures to mitigate the air quality impact of the steel recycling facility.Originality/valueThe study shows that the metal recycling process emits high levels of heavy metals to the environment, and there is an urgent need for personal protective equipment for the human population working in and around the close proximity of the recycling plant.

Effect of trichome structure of Tillandsia usneoides on deposition of particulate matter under flow conditions

The removal of particulate matters (PM) has emerged as one of the most significant issues in public health and environment worldwide. Environmentalists have proposed the use of indoor air-purifying plants as an eco-friendly strategy to resolve PM-related problems and effectively remove fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Among air-purifying plants, Tillandsia usneoides (L.) L. (T. usneoides) has been used as a biomonitor for heavy metals and air pollutants. However, the PM removal effect of T. usneoides and its primary mechanism remain unclear. Here, we investigated the PM removal performance of T. usneoides in a closed chamber under flow conditions, the effects of trichomes, and the array density according to the different types of PM. The chamber with bulk T. usneoides under flow conditions exhibited 16.5 % and 9.2 % higher removal efficiency in PM2.5T. usneoides for incense and A1 rigid PM, respectively, than that without T. usneoides. T. usneoides with trichome structure exhibited larger removal efficiencies of 7% and 2% in PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, than without trichome for incense particles. In addition, the increase in total effective surface was effective for the deposition of both PM types. The increase in effective surface area by trichome structure and array density of T. usneoides is a crucial factor for the deposition of PM.

Human biomonitoring of metals in workers at the waste-to-energy incinerator of Turin: An Italian longitudinal study.

Evidence of negative health effects of solid waste management is uncertain. Available reviews suggests the use of biomarkers in human biomonitoring (HBM) to detect low exposure levels. In September 2013, a waste-to-energy plant located in the Turin (Italy) went into operation. The SPoTT (acronym for Population health Surveillance in the Turin incinerator's area) monitoring program was set up to assess the potential health impact caused by the plant. The paper illustrates the results of HBM of metals in the workers before the plant went into operation and then at 1 year and 3 years. This study is one of the few focusing on workers with a longitudinal design (the first in Italy). Eighteen metals in urine and lead in blood were determined by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Information on participant habits and other characteristics that could potentially affect metals concentrations were collected via a structured questionnaire. Subjects were classified according to their work role at the facility: administrative staff workers (AW); plant workers (PW). Nonparametric methods were used to evaluate the changes in metals concentration over time. Comparison of the metals concentration in the samples taken at baseline and at the following two-time points shows a general decrease in levels: urinary concentration of beryllium (Be), cobalt (Co), mercury (Hg), Ir, nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), and blood level of lead (Pb) among the PW and Ir and Pd among the AW were significantly lower at T2 versus baseline. A decrease was also recorded in arsenic (As) among the PW and in cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), and zinc (Zn) for both groups, whereas the levels of copper (Cu) and vanadium (V) remained unchanged over time. The downward trend remained also after taking confounding factors into account. The only exceptions were Mn, Pt, Sb among the PW: increase levels between T0 and T2 were recorded, which cannot be specifically attributable to the plant activity. The median urinary and blood concentrations of the metals were lower than those reported in the literature and were below the occupational reference values at all three-time points. Our results are consistent with those reported for the cohort of local residents and with the ambient air measurements.

Mangifera indica L. as Airborne Metal Biomonitor for Regions of the State of Espírito Santo (Brazil)

Inorganic pollutants are continuously introduced into the atmosphere. Bioindicators present an alternative method of monitoring air quality. This work proposes to evaluate the Mangifera indica L. leaves as a biomonitor for air quality. Quantification of aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), sulfur (S), strontium (Sr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn) were determined in leaves of M. indica using optical emission spectrometer inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES). The correlogram analyses demonstrated a strong positive correlation between Al and Fe. Contamination of the soil by vehicles and agricultural chemicals, in synergy with the influence of the winds, may be considered as a source of contamination. Enrichment factor (EF) index was used to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources. Detection of Mn and Cu could be associated with anthropogenic influence, demonstrating M. indica as a feasible tool to biomonitor air quality.

Phytoremediation of heavy metals by four aquatic macrophytes and their potential use as contamination indicators: a comparative assessment

The present study estimated the ability of four aquatic macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Ludwigia stolonifera (Guill. & Perr.) P.H. Raven, Echinochloa stagnina (Retz.) P. Beauv. and Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.) to accumulate Cd, Ni and Pb and their use for indicating and phytoremediating these metals in contaminated wetlands. Three sites at five locations in the Kitchener Drain in Gharbia and Kafr El-Sheikh Governorates (Egypt) were selected for plant, water and sediment sampling. The water in the Kitchener Drain was polluted with Cd, while Pb and Ni were far below the maximum level of Pb and Ni in the irrigation water. In comparison to the other species, P. australis accumulated the highest concentrations of Cd and Ni, while E. crassipes accumulated the highest concentration of Pb in its tissues. The four species had bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) greater than one, while their translocation factors (TFs) were less than 1 for most heavy metals, except Cd in the leaf and stem of E. stagnina and L. stolonifera, respectively, and Ni in the stem and leaf of E. stagnina. The BAF and TF results indicated that the studied species are suitable for phytostabilizing the studied heavy metals, except Ni in E. stagnina and Cd in L. stolonifera, which are suitable for phytoextracting these metals. Significant positive correlations were found between the investigated heavy metals in the water or sediment and the plant tissues. Their high BAFs, with significant proportional correlations, supported the potential of these species to serve as bioindicators and biomonitors of heavy metals in general and in the investigated metals specifically.

Moss, Lichens and Phytobenthos Bioindicators of Pollution

The use of lichens, mosses and phytobenthos as biomonitors of air and water pollution by heavy metals is discussed on the basis of the literature and the author’s own experience. The usefulness of the available monitoring techniques is critically evaluated. Moss and lichens are considered very useful biodindicators especially for large-scale studies of heavy-metal deposition from the atmosphere. National and international organization standardized and shared monitoring protocols. We analysed the recent literature from 2019 to April 2020 and selected some significant case studies that contribute to an improvement of the analytical methods and to a development of new tools. A wide literature reports monitoring of air pollution with moss and lichens, both natural and transplanted. The use of transplanted moss as bioindicator of water pollution is less represented in the available literature. Phytobenthos represents a new frontier in the aquatic ecosystem monitoring and even if a standardized method has not yet been finalized, it represents a potential very useful biomonitor of metals, emergent pollutants and also microplastics in aquatic environment. New tools, new technologies are emerging from recent literature and the relationship between environment and human health starts to be studied from a different point of view.

Performance of two Patagonian molluscs as trace metal biomonitors: The overlap bioaccumulation index (OBI) as an integrative tool for the management of marine ecosystems

In this study, we have investigated Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the biomonitors Mytilus chilensis and Nacella (P) magellanica sampled along seven selected sampling sites along 170 km of the coastal area of the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) in four sampling campaigns: 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2012. The control charts were built by applying Johnson’s probabilistic method for the first time in this marine area. We determined the metal concentration overlap ranges in the selected biomonitors (as well as medians and distribution), and the overlap bioaccumulation index (OBI) with respect to the lowest (OBI-L1) and the highest (OBI-L) extreme values of the overlap metal concentration ranges. The OBI can be used as an integrative tool in the management of prevailing unpolluted/polluted marine coastal ecosystems. It consents to identify the most suitable organisms for managing several environmental conditions where an ecosystem quality control is needed. The OBI-L1 index can be employed as a preventive signal of alarm when the contamination process is in its early stages. For Cd, Ni, Cu and Cr, Nacella showed high OBI-L values that suggest its use as a biomonitor for mainly polluted marine ecosystems, in particular for Cd. Mytilus showed high Cd values for the OBI-L1 which means that this species is highly sensitive to a very low variation of the Cd levels in seawater. The OBI index enhances the observer’s information variety about the performance of the molluscs as metal biomonitors in marine ecosystems. Eventually, here we propose to conceptualize the wide set of biomonitoring knowledge endowment as an open and evolutionary endowment of information variety supporting the environmental management.

Biomonitoring of airborne metals using tree leaves: Protocol for biomonitor selection and spatial trend

In northwest of Iran, airborne particulate matter originated from drying Urmia Lake is threaten the health of surrounding communities due to salt particles and heavy metals. This study aimed to use leave of local trees for biomonitoring of toxic metals and to evaluate tolerance of the trees against air pollution due to greenbelt development. Leaf samples were taken from four dominant tree species including Vitis vinifera, Juglans regia, Ulmus umbraculifera and Popolus alba in two radial distances (5 and 10 km) around the Urmia Lake in 32 sampling sites. The concentration of Cd, Pb, Ni, As, Cu, Zn and Na in the leaves were extracted according to method 3050B defined by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and analyzed by ICP-AES technique. According to the levels of air pollution tolerance index (APTI), Popolus. alba was classified as more sensitive and Vitis. vinifera as moderately tolerant. The accumulation/existence of metals in the leaves can be arranged as follows: Na > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > As > Cd. Our findings showed that Popolus. alba can be applied as a local biomonitor and Vitis. vinifera can be used as a good sink of air pollutants for greenbelt development around the drying Urmia Lake.•The results show that APTI is a suitable index for selection of tree species as biomonitor and green belt development.•Determination of metal concentration level in local tree leaves is suggested as a good tool for mapping of airborne metal.•The local trees can be suitable for development of greenbelt in order to improve air quality, and also for biomonitoring of air pollution.

Poincianella pluviosa as biomonitor of heavy metals in the municipality of Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to determine heavy metal concentrations in the tree bark of the species Poincianella pluviosa in Volta Redonda municipality, Rio de Janeiro. Four sets of barks of eight trees with three replicates each from sectors 1 (W), 2 (S), 3 (E), and 4 (N) of the Volta Redonda center corresponding to the cardinal points were collected. The samples were digested in a nitroperchloric mixture and the lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The cluster analysis (CA) formed 12 groups; among them, group 3 (G3) showed the presence of all seven elements in sector 1 and group 8 (G8) showed the presence of Pb, Zn, Fe, Ni, and Mn in sector 2. Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests showed that all elements presented statistically different values among the four sectors when compared with each other (p > 0.05). Sectors 1, 2, and 3 had the highest concentrations of heavy metals, which are directly associated with vehicle and railroad flow and iron and steel activities that are concentrated in these sectors. Bark can be used as an effective method for the monitoring of air pollution in urban areas.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in mesozooplankton from a human-impacted south western Atlantic estuary (Argentina)

The total metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Fe) in the mesozooplankton (200 μm–2 mm) were studied for a year in a human-impacted estuary strongly affected by urban and industrial discharges located in the South Atlantic. Over the last 25 years, this estuary has been the site of significant anthropogenic impacts including industrial activities, maritime traffic, and regular dredging. A quantitative and qualitative analysis was also carried out to identify the mesozooplanktonic community that was sampled for metal determinations. The mesozooplankton had high concentrations of toxic metals such as Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni, which may indicate that these organisms are strong accumulators of these metals. Also, the analyzed metals had a wide temporal variation, the highest levels being in autumn and spring. The ranges were as follows: cadmium (Cd): 0.3–3.8; copper (Cu): 35.3–226.6; chromium (Cr): 1.4–57.9; iron (Fe): 1060–57370; manganese (Mn): 18–1102; nickel (Ni): 2.8–57.3; lead (Pb): 2.4–66.7; zinc (Zn): 97.6–1872.2 (μg g –1dry weight). Total zooplankton abundance also showed a significant temporal variation and the most important taxa were the copepods Acartia tonsa, Eurytemora americana, the barnacle Balanus spp. (in the nauplius larval stage), and the crab Cyrtograpsus altimanus (in the zoea larval stage).<br/> In zooplankton, all the metals were detected throughout the whole sampling year and at all sampling sites, which suggests the presence of continuous or quasi-continuous sources of these contaminants. Thus, the most abundant zooplankton species could be considered as potential biomonitors for trace metals in heavily impacted marine environments like estuaries.

Active Biomonitoring of Metals with Cultured Anodonta woodiana: A Case Study in the Taihu Lake, China.

Freshwater bivalves (Anodonta woodiana), cultured in the Nanquan Aquaculture Base, were translocated to the water source area of Xidong Waterworks in the Taihu Lake for 18-months to biomonitor 13 metals, and determine the suitability of using these cultures as an indicator of long-term metal contamination. Mussel and water samples were analyzed every 6 months, with the Nanquan Aquaculture Base serving as control. Metal concentrations in water and mussels from both sites were generally within the Chinese permissible levels. Metal pollution indexes between the two sites were similar. However, the metal loads of mussels in the water source area of Xidong Waterworks were 57.3, 1.7, and 295.5-fold higher after 6-, 12-, and 18-months relative to the control mussels from the Nanquan Aquaculture Base, respectively. Moreover, the water area in Taihu Lake was moderately, considerably, and highly contaminated by Cd, Al, and Cu, respectively.

A comparative study on metal contamination in Estero de Urias lagoon, Gulf of California, using oysters, mussels and artificial mussels: Implications on pollution monitoring and public health risk

The profile of 11 trace metals in two commonly used biomonitors (the native oyster Crassostrea palmula and mussel Mytella strigata) from Estero de Urias lagoon, Gulf of California, were studied for six months, covering both dry and wet seasons. Metal concentrations in these two bivalves were compared with concentrations accumulated by Artificial Mussels (AMs) deployed alongside during the same period. Significant temporal variations in Cd, Cr and Mn were observed in both bivalve species and AMs. Temporal changes were observed for Fe in both bivalve species, Pb in oyster only and Cu in both AMs and oysters, revealing seasonal changes in inputs and/or chemical forms of these metals in the lagoon. Significant correlations for Cd, Cr and Cu were found in mussels and oysters, but their Co, Fe, Mn and Zn profiles were very different, despite these two species being taxonomically closely related and often used as biomonitors for metals. Interestingly, Hg and U were detected in AMs but not in oysters and mussels. The difference in metal profile in oysters, mussels and AMs revealed in the present study clearly showed that different biomonitors and AM take up metals differentially from the same environment, and metal profile in a single biomonitor or AM alone therefore, cannot provide a good estimate on metal concentrations in the ambient environment. As such, different biomonitors and AM should be used in metal monitoring, in order to provide a comprehensive picture on metal levels in aquatic ecosystems. Concentrations of Ni and Pb in oysters, and Cr, Fe and Mn in mussels were among the highest reported in coastal waters worldwide. Concentrations of Pb in oysters exceeded legal limits set for bivalve mollusks in EU. Concentrations of Cr in mussels and oysters exceeded or were very close to, respectively, the legal limit for fish, crab-meat, oysters, prawns, and shrimps in Hong Kong. The results indicate a potential public health risk on human consumption of oysters and mussels commonly harvested from the Estero de Urias lagoon, and corresponding pollution control measures are deemed necessary.

Metal Biomonitoring and Comparative Assessment in Urine of Workers in Lead-Zinc and Steel-Iron Mining and Smelting.

The exposure of heavy metals (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and metalloid arsenicals) and their effects on workers' health from a lead-zinc mine (145 workers) and a steel smelting plant (162 workers) was investigated. Information on subject characteristics was obtained through a questionnaire. We determined the urinary levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and arsenicals (including inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), as were 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and cystatin C. Lead-zinc mine foundry workers had significantly higher concentrations of urinary Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, iAs, and MMA than did steel smelting plant workers. Individuals who had consumed seafood in the previous 3days had higher concentrations of urinary Ni than did individuals who had not consumed seafood. The urinary Cd concentrations in the two groups of factory workers may have been affected by daily smoking. There was no significant difference in urinary 8-OHdG between workers from the lead-zinc mine foundry and the steel smelting plant. Urinary Pb and Cd had significant positive linear dose-dependent effects on 8-OHdG. Urinary cystatin C, a sensitive biological indicator reflecting early renal damage, was found at higher levels in lead-zinc mine workers than in steel smelting plant workers. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age and urinary Cd were significantly associated with urinary cystatin C. These results indicated that workers from lead-zinc mines may be exposed to higher levels of heavy metals which could lead to greater risk of kidney damage.

A comparison of the antioxidant activities and biomonitoring of heavy metals by pollen in the urban environments.

Pollen is one of the most valuable nutrients due to its content and antioxidant activity. In this study, its botanic origin, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA) (in terms of SC50), ferric reducing antioxidant power capacity (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (in terms of SC50), metal-chelating activity (MCA) (%), and heavy metal content were examined to determine the quality of pollen that has been collected from seven different cities of Turkey. According to the melissopalynological analysis, the botanic origin of samples is six uni-flora and one multiflora. The TPC, TFC, HPSA, FRAP, DPPH, and MCA were found between 1360.70-2981.34mg GAE/100g, 74.23-111.74mg CAE/100g, 25.56-30.28μg/mL, 71.92-73.86%, 52.26-53.27μg/mL, and 43.97-65.21%, respectively. When obtained results compared to the standards (Butylated Hydroxy Anisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) and α-Tocopherol (TOC)), pollen samples showed the effective antioxidant properties with respect to HPSA, FRAP, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. In addition, it was observed that honey samples were being contaminated with most of the metals to some extent (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, B, As, Te, U), while some heavy metals (Co, Cd, V, Ga, and Ag) were never determined in all samples. However, Pb was determined only in sample 2 and sample 4, Mo in sample 1 and sample 2. According to meteorological parameters, samples 3, 4, and 5 were distinguished from the other samples. Finally, the data indicate that pollen could be affected by environmental pollutions.