Pb Levels Research Articles

Using portable X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis to explore porous skeletal lesions: Interplay of sex, age at death, and cause of death.

Search for possible associations between bone elemental concentration and the presence of porous skeletal lesions (PSLs), considering the sex, age, and cause of death (COD) of the individuals. The sample comprised 107 non-adult individuals (56 females, 51 males) aged 0-20 (x̄ = 13.2, SD = 5.8) from the Coimbra and Lisbon Identified Skeletal Collections. Cribra cranii, orbitalia, humeralis, and femoralis were recorded as present/absent, and elemental concentrations were assessed by portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF). A multivariate statistical approach was applied. Well-preserved skeletons with minimal diagenesis showed no sex-related elemental variations or PSL associations. In contrast, age-at-death correlated with elevated Ca, P, Sr, and Pb levels. Cribra cranii increased with age while other cribra declined post-adolescence. Higher concentrations of Fe and lower of S were linked to cribra cranii. Respiratory infections as COD increased the odds of expressing cribra femoralis (OR = 5.25, CI = 1.25-15.14), cribra cranii (OR = 2.91, CI = 0.97-8.69), and cribra orbitalia (OR = 2.76, CI = 1.06-7.24). Feasible pXRF results and low cribra intraobserver error assure replicability. Elevated Ca, P, and Sr in older individuals may relate to skeletal growth, while increased Pb suggests bioaccumulation. Cribra's increase with age reflects different rates of marrow conversion and bone remodeling. Higher Fe and lower S in individuals with cribra cranii possibly reflects poor nutrition, early alcohol use, and sideroblastic anemia, aligning with 19th-20th-century Portugal's living conditions. Respiratory infections increased cribra expression, revealing intricate interplays among inflammation, anemia(s), marrow expansion, and diet. This research highlights a complex scenario and blazes a new path for cribra interpretation.

Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead Levels in School Meals and Their Risk Assessment in Municipalities in Bahia, Brazil

Background: School meals represent a significant supply of nutrients for children in Brazil, especially those in conditions of social vulnerability. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in meals served in public elementary schools in four municipalities in the state of Bahia, Brazil, and assess the risk posed to children’s health. Methods: Ninety-six samples were collected from 16 schools, freeze-dried, and subjected to microwave-assisted digestion. The As, Cd, and Pb levels were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The risk assessment was based on calculating each element’s hazard quotient (HQ). Results: None of the samples reached or exceeded the tolerable levels for the elements analyzed. Pb was the metal that obtained the most significant result, reaching maximum levels of 39–157 µg·kg−1. Conclusions: No element exceeded the PTWI proposed by JECFA; thus, the toxic metal content in school meals poses a negligible risk to children’s health.

Enhancing the phytoextraction efficiency of heavy metals in acidic and alkaline soils by Sedum alfredii Hance: A study on the synergistic effect of plant growth regulator and plant growth-promoting bacteria

Plant growth regulators (PGR) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have the potential in phytoremediation of heavy metals (HMs) contaminated soils. However, their sole application may not yield the optimal results, thus necessitating the combined application. The present study aimed to enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of Sedum alfredii Hance (S. alfredii) in acidic and alkaline soils through the combination of PGR (Brassinolide, BR) and PGPB (Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. fluorescens). The combination of BR and P. fluorescens (BRB treatment) effectively increased the removal efficiency of S. alfredii for Cd, Pb, and Zn by 355.2 and 155.3 %, 470.1 and 128.9 %, and 408.4 and 209.6 %, in acidic and alkaline soils, respectively. Moreover, BRB treatment led to a substantial increase in photosynthetic pigments contents and antioxidant enzymes activities, resulting in a remarkable increase in biomass (86.71 and 47.22 %) and dry mass (101.49 and 42.29 %) of plants grown in acidic and alkaline soils, respectively. Similarly, BRB treatment significantly elevated the Cd (109.4 and 71.36 %), Pb (174.9 and 48.03 %), and Zn levels (142.8 and 104.3 %) in S. alfredii shoots, along with cumulative accumulation of Cd (122.7 and 79.47 %), Pb (183.8 and 60.49 %), and Zn (150.7 and 117.9 %), respectively. In addition, the BRB treatment lowered the soil pH and DTPA-HMs contents, while augmenting soil enzymatic activities, thereby contributing soil microecology and facilitating the HMs absorption and translocation by S. alfredii to over-ground tissues. Furthermore, the evaluation of microbial community structure in phyllosphere and rhizosphere after remediation revealed the shift in microbial abundance. The combined treatment altered the principal effects on S. alfredii HMs accumulation from bacterial diversity to the soil HMs availability. In summary, our findings demonstrated that synergistic application of BR and P. fluorescens represents a viable approach to strengthen the phytoextraction efficacy of S. alfredii in varying soils.

Biologically active substances and safety of apples of different varieties of the Ural selection

Fresh apple fruits contain various components, including mono-, di- and polysaccharides, organic acids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, polyphenols, protein, vitamins, and macro- and microelements humans need. The purpose of the research was to study the biologically active substances and safety of apples of five varieties of winter and autumn ripening: Pervouralskaya, Krasa Sverdlovskaya, Blagovaya Vesti, Sverdlovchanin, Ekrannoe - to identify the most valuable fruits from the standpoint of modern nutritionology. The apple trees grew in equal climatic and agrotechnical (drip irrigation and fertigation) conditions IP GK(F) H Filippova A.A. (Chelyabinsk region, Kaslinsky district, Grigoryevka village). It was found that the content of insoluble dietary fiber in apples of the studied varieties did not have sharp fluctuations; the variability of the indicator was 14.3%. On the contrary, the amounts of vitamin C, pectin, polyphenols, and flavonoids had significant variability - up to 275, 100, 61, and 50%, respectively, depending on the variety. Safety indicators (content of Hg, Pb, patulin, HCH, DDT) in apples did not exceed the standards of TR CU 021/20H. The nitrate content in fruits was typical for the products of intensive apple orchards. At the same time, Pb levels varied from 0.036 to 0.103 mg/kg, nitrates - from 23.4 to 35.4 mg/kg. Increased amounts of studied biologically active substances and low levels of contaminants make it possible to classify apples of the Pervouralskaya and Krasa Sverdlovsk varieties as the best fruits of this apple orchard.

Enhanced removal of Pb(II) from acid mine drainage using green reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles

Mining activities can potentially release high levels of Pb(II) in acid mine drainage (AMD), which thereafter poses a significant threat to ecological security. In this study, green reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles (rGO/Ag NPs) were successfully synthesized via a one-step approach using a green tea extract and subsequently used as a cost-effective absorbent to remove Pb(II) from AMD. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that organic functional groups in the green tea extracts, such as C=O-C, CO, and CC, acted both as reductants and stabilizers in the synthesis of rGO/Ag NPs. In addition, the removal efficiency of Pb(II) by rGO/Ag NPs (84.2 %) was much better than either rGO (75.4 %) or Ag NPs (12.3 %) alone. Also, in real AMD, the distribution coefficient (Kd) of Pb(II) (4528 mL/g), was much higher than other heavy metal indicating the adsorbent had a high selective affinity for Pb(II). Interestingly, after five cycles of use, the removal efficiency of Pb(II) by rGO/Ag NPs from AMD actually increased from 46.4 to 65.2 % due to iron oxides (i.e., Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) being generated when rGO/Ag NPs was exposed to AMD. The removal of Pb(II) via adsorption on the rGO/Ag NPs surface involved formation of hexagonal rod-like precipitates. This work demonstrated the potential of rGO/Ag NPs to be continuously used for the removal of Pb(II) from AMD.

Potentially toxic elements in urban soils of the coastal city of the Sea of Azov: Levels, sources, pollution and risk assessment

Coastal cities are major centers of economic activity, which at the same time has negative consequences for the environment. The present study aimed to determine the concentrations and sources of PTEs in the urban soils of Taganrog, as well as to assess the ecological and human health risks. A total of 47 urban and 5 background topsoils samples were analyzed by ICP-MS and ICP-AES. A significant excess of Cu, Zn, and Sb was noted in urban soils compared to the upper continental crust and average world-soil (1.7–2.9 times). Statistical analysis showed that the elements in soils were of geogenic, mixed and anthropogenic origin. According to the single pollution index (PI), the greatest danger of soil pollution was represented by anthropogenic elements, namely Cu, W, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Sn, the levels of which were increased in residential and industrial areas. The median contents of As, Mn, Cr, Sr, Mo, Sb, Cu, W, Pb, and Zn were 1.1–2.1 times higher, while Cd and Sn were 2.5 folds higher in the urban soils compared to the background ones. The total pollution index (ZC) showed that only 15% of the soils had high level of pollution, which is typical for the industrial areas. Overall ecological risks were negligible or low in 92% of soils, and were mainly due to elevated levels of Cu, Zn, As, and Pb. Non-carcinogenic risks to humans were mainly related to exposure to La and Pb. The hazard index (HI) values for all PTEs were less than ten, indicating that overall non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children was low-to-moderate and, moderate, respectively. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) exceeded threshold and corresponded to low risk, with Pb, As, and Co being the most important contributors. Thus, the industrial activities of Taganrog is the main source of priority pollutants.

Assessment of Heavy Metals Presence in Selected Dumpsites within Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the level of Cd, Pb, and Cr in some selected dumpsites within Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government of Oyo State. Soil samples were collected from Abattoir, Oja Igboora, Oja Oba, New Abattoir and Towobowo dumpsites. The control samples were collected at 20m away from each of the dumpsites. The samples were collected at two different sampling depths- 0-20cm and 20-40cm. The samples were replicated three times. All the data collected were analyzed using Genstat Statistical Package and means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The results obtained revealed that the highest amount of Pb, Cd, Cr (232.99 mg kg-1, 28.53 mg kg-1 and 53.67 mg kg-1), respectively were recorded at Abattoir dumpsite. The quantity of lead in the selected dumpsites increased with the sampling depth. However, Cd and Cr values reduced with the sampling depth. All the values observed were significant at 5% level of probability. The value of Pb and Cd, recorded in all the dumpsites including the control sites were above the maximum limit recommended by WHO. Attention should therefore be paid to the presence of heavy metals in this area as crops grown in soils around these dumpsites could accumulate the metals and eventually get to food chain when such crops are consumed. Similarly, the fact that they were detected both at the upper layer and sub-soil means they could contaminate the ground water around this area.

Accumulation of Cd and Pb in sediments and Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus) from downstream area of Cisadane River, Indonesia.

This study examined the presence of two heavy metals (Cd and Pb) in the sediments and Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus) in the downstream area of Cisadane River. The average concentrations of Cd and Pb in the sediments from all sampling locations were 0.594 ± 0.230mg/kg and 34.677 ± 24.406mg/kg, respectively. These concentrations were above the natural background concentration and the recommended value of interim sediment quality guidelines (ISQG), suggesting an enrichment process and potential ecological risk of studied metals to the ecosystem of Cisadane River. The increase in contamination within this region may be attributed to point sources such as landfill areas, as well as the industrial and agricultural land activities in surrounding area, and experienced an increasing level leading towards the estuary of Cisadane River. Meanwhile, the average concentrations of Cd and Pb in the eels from all sampling locations were 0.775 ± 0.528μg/g and 28.940 ± 12.921μg/g, respectively. This study also discovered that gill tissues contained higher levels of Cd and Pb than the digestive organ and flesh of Asian swamp eels. These concentrations were higher than Indonesian and international standards, suggesting a potential human health risk and therefore the needs of limitations in the consumption of the eels. Based on the human health risk assessment, the eels from the downstream of Cisadane River are still considered safe to be consumed as long as they comply with the specified maximum consumption limits.

Impact of natural events on metal bioaccumulation in Anemonia sulcata

Samples of Anemonia sulcata were collected in 2022 from different areas of the Canary Islands affected by different natural contamination sources, such sandstorms, submarine volcanic activity, continuous rainfall, upwelling and dinoflagellate blooms. Significant differences were observed between the zones for the metals and trace elements analyzed (Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, B, Cu, Mg and Li). Anemones from volcanic areas showed higher levels of Cd, Pb and Ni. Individuals from sandstorm areas showed elevated levels of Al, Zn and Fe. Samples collected from areas affected by upwelling processes had higher concentrations of Cu, Mg and Li. Finally, the areas affected by dinoflagellates showed lower levels of Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg and Li. The study reveals how natural phenomena dramatically influence metal accumulation in A. sulcata, which is of great value for anticipating and managing potential problems associated with public health.

Heavy metals in surface sediments of lake patria wetland, southern Italy, and environmental risk

The study investigated the presence of heavy metals in the surface sediments of one of the most important wetlands in south Italy, Lake Patria, and the related environmental risk. Surface sediments were analyzed for particle size and shape, total organic carbon and As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn levels. Mean total organic carbon was high, 3.1 %, with a peak of 5.9 % near the input of freshwater channel whereas sediments appeared to be mainly composed of sand and/or gravel and significantly polluted by metals especially Cr, Cu and Zn. Data from heavy metals spatial distribution, Pearson correlation, principal component analysis and geochemical indices suggested dominant anthropogenic source for most metals. Mean Igeo values of Cr, Cu and Ni were in the range of 4.6–7.3 of strongly polluted class while their relative mean enrichment factors were largely exceeding the threshold of the anthropic pollution, 1.5. A very high pollution situation was also outlined when considering the Cf indices, with Cr, Cu and Ni possessing mean values from an order of magnitude of ten to hundred times higher the very high polluted class, 6 ≤ Cf. On the overall, the integrated indices of modified contamination degree, pollution load and ecological risk revealed a serious pollution scenario. The mean comprehensive ecological hazard index was fivefold the most critical limit, ≥600, in almost all the lagoon and especially in the locations close to channel.

The effect of soil types, pH, and geographical locations on carcinogenic metal buildup in Oryza sativa cultivated in Ghana.

This study investigated the impact of soil type, pH, and geographical locations on the accumulation of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in rice grains cultivated in Ghana. One hundred rice farms for the sampling of rice grains and soil were selected from two regions in Ghana-Volta and Oti. The concentrations of As, Pb, and Cd were analyzed using ICP-OES. Speciation modeling and multivariate statistics were employed to ascertain the relations among measured parameters. The results showed significant variations in soil-As, Pb, and Cd levels across different soil types and pH ranges, with the highest soil-As and Cd found in alkaline vertisols. For soil-As and Cd, the vertisols with a pH more than 7.0 exhibited the highest mean concentration of As (2.51 ± 0.932 mgkg-1) and Cd (1.00 ± 0.244 mgkg-1) whereas for soil-Pb, the luvisols of soil types with a pH less than 6.0 exhibited the highest mean concentration of Pb (4.91 ± 1.540 mgkg-1). Grain As, Pb, and Cd also varied across soil types and pH levels. In regards to grain-As, the vertisols soil type, with a pH less than 6.0, shows the highest mean concentration of grain As, at 0.238 ± 0.107 mgkg-1. Furthermore, vertisols soil types with a pH level less than 6.0 showed the highest mean concentration of grain Cd, averaging at 0.231 ± 0.068 mgkg-1 while luvisols, with a pH less than 6.0, exhibited the highest mean concentration of grain Pb at 0.713 ± 0.099 mgkg-1. Speciation modeling indicated increased bioavailability of grains Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions in acidic conditions. A significant interaction was found between soil-Cd and pH, affecting grain-As uptake. The average concentrations of soil As, Pb, and Cd aligned with international standards. Generally, the carcinogenic metals detected in grain samples collected from the Volta region are higher than that of the Oti region but the differences are insignificant, and this may be attributed to geographical differences and anthropogenic activities. About 51% of the study area showed a hazard risk associated with grain metal levels, although, no carcinogenic risks were recognized. This study highlights the complex soil-plant interactions governing metal bioaccumulation and emphasizes the need for tailored strategies to minimize metal transfer into grains.

Ecological Risk Assessment of Oil & Grease (OG) and Heavy Metals in the Surface Water of Naf River, Bangladesh

This study aims to fill the gap in our understanding of the distribution and ecological risk of oil and grease (OG) and toxic heavy metals in the surface water of the Naf River, a major transportation route connecting Teknaf to Saint Martin’s Island in Bangladesh. Altogether, 6 sampling stations in this river were assessed for OG and heavy metal pollution, revealing the presence of both at each station. The OG concentration is found ranging from 3.6 to 23.6 mg/L and the average concentration is 8.13 mg/L. On the other hand, the contamination factor (Cf) of the toxic heavy metals follows the descending order of Pb (63.97) > Cd (23.94) > Mn (0.94) > Ni (0.64) > Zn (0.22) > Cr (0.09) > Cu (0.04) > As (0.04) in the water samples. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI), Heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), and Nemerow pollution index (PN) indicate that the surface water of the study area includes high levels of pollution category due to the elevated levels of Pb, Cd, and Ni concentrations. The mean values of the single factor pollution index (Pi) for Pi(Pb), Pi(Cd) and Pi(Ni) are found 45.69, 39.41, and 6.43, which exceed the threshold limit. The ecological risk index indicates that around 25% of the total heavy metals show a very high ecological risk and 75% exhibit a lower ecological risk. Notably, within the very high ecological risk, Cd is responsible for 53% of this risk, while Pb contributes the remaining 47%. Increased OG and heavy metal concentrations in the Naf River are likely due to human activities like waste discharge from municipalities, solar power plants, pesticide use, and fishing trawlers. This research offers insights into the current state of the Naf River and guides policymakers toward more effective initiatives.

Physio-biochemical Behavior and Health Effects of Pepper Plants Subjected to Lead Stress and Their Responses to Remediating Agents as Microbial Activity and Phosphorus

This work assessed the alleviating effects of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and phosphorus as environmentally friendly materials on the cultivation of pepper plants in polluted soil with lead (Pb) in forms of PbSO4, and Pb(NO3)2 at rates of 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 µg Pb/g soil. Pot experiments were conducted to study the growth parameters, some physiological factors, biochemical constituents, and yield attributes, as well as the tolerance index (TI), translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and health effects [daily intake of heavy metals (DIM), health risk index (HRI), and carcinogenic risk (CR)]. Increasing the Pb concentration of all Pb salt used in soil severely affected the plant vegetative growth parameters. In comparison with other Pb salt forms, Pb(NO3)2 salt had a strong inhibitory impact. Additionally, the photosynthetic pigments in leaves were negatively impacted by all Pb salt forms. The application of Pb in all salt forms led to changes in the leaf water deficit (LWD), osmotic pressure, and membrane integrity and decreased the total water content, relative water content (RWC), transpiration rate, and leaf succulence. Pollution with Pb salts considerably decreased the yield constituents and various chemical properties of pepper, more so in the presence of Pb nitrate than in the presence of Pb sulfate type. A comparison of the concentration of Pb presence of Pb nitrate was greatly increased than the Pb sulfate in the whole plants. The safe limit of 0.3 mg/kg was exceeded by the Pb concentration in pepper fruits (6.3 and 4.3 mg/kg) cultivated in Pb-contaminated soil [with Pb(NO3)2 and PbSO4, respectively]. Additionally, Pb sulfate had a greater detrimental effect on Pb uptake in several plant organs than other Pb salt forms. The TI of pepper plants treated with salt types was >60% with PbSO4 (75.6%), whereas it was <60% with Pb(NO3)2 (35.2%). The BCF values of pepper plants in the polluted Pb soils varied from 0.10 to 0.41, indicating a moderate accumulator plant. At every level of Pb contamination with all Pb salt types, the sequence of Pb TF values was as follows: roots (TFr) > shoots (TFsh) > fruits (TFf), with TF values < 1. When compared with TFr and TFsh, TFs for shoot to fruits (TFf) had the lowest values (range, 0.07–0.22). The DIM, HRI, and CR values of pepper plants revealed that the Pb of fruit of stressed pepper plants is within safe limits. In addition to reducing the detrimental effects of intolerable Pb levels (2000 and 3000 µg Pb/g soil) on the majority of the aforementioned characters, adding Bacillus bacteria as a bio-agent and phosphorus as a chemo-agent to Pb-polluted soils also stimulated growth, increased yield, controlled plant water relations, protected photosynthetic pigments, and sharply decreased the Pb accumulation in plant organs. The Bacillus bacteria application resulted in some superior characteristics, such as root length, leaf number, leaf length, leaf area, leaf area index, fresh biomass, dry biomass, photosynthetic pigments, quantity yield attributes, reduction Pb accumulation in all plant organs, TI, TFr, TFf, BCF, in health effects trials, whereas phosphorus application improved plant height, leaf width, RWC, LWD, osmotic pressure, total soluble solids, acidity, total carbohydrates, total protein, and TFsh.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Inhaled Toxic Elements in PM2.5 in Beijing: Composition Characterization and Source-Specific Health Risks Assessment

In early 2020, China experienced a mass outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). With an aim to evaluate the impact of emission variations on toxic element species in PM2.5 and the health risks associated with inhalation exposure during COVID-19, we collected PM2.5 filter samples in Beijing from January 1 to February 28, 2020. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) and a health risk (HR) assessment model were used to assess the health risks of the toxic elements and critical risk sources. The total concentration of eight toxic elements (Se, Cd, Pb, Zn, As, Cu, Ni, and Cr) in Beijing showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing: full lockdown (322.9 ng m−3) > pre-lockdown (264.2 ng m−3) > partial lockdown (245.3 ng m−3). During the lockdown period, stringent control measures resulted in significant reductions (6−20%) in Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni levels, while concentrations of Se, As, Cu, and Cr were unexpectedly elevated (14−348%). A total of five sources was identified: traffic emission, coal combustion, dust emission, industrial emission and mixed source of biomass burning and firework combustion. Total carcinogenic risk (TCR) of the selected toxic elements exceeded the US EPA limits for children and adults. As and Cr (IV) were the main contributors to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, respectively. For source-resolved risks, coal combustion was the main contributor to HI (43%), while industrial emissions were the main cause of TCR (45%). Additionally, increased contributions from coal combustion, biomass burning, and firework combustion during the full lockdown elevated the HI and TCR values.

Assessment of heavy metals and human health risk associated with the consumption of crops cultivated in industrial areas of Maputo, Mozambique

This study aimed to evaluate heavy metals concentrations in soils and vegetables (cabbage, lettuce, and cassava) cultivated at Matola and Beluluane Industrial Parks, and to assess health risks linked to their consumption through estimated daily intake, hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk. Concentrations of Al, As, Co, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined in the two sites. Soil concentrations of As at Beluluane site and As, Cd, and Cr at Matola site exceeded reference limits of the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization, showing heavy metal contamination. At Beluluane site, all studied vegetables presented As and Pb levels higher than reference limits, Cd concentrations were higher than the reference limit in cabbage, lettuce, and cassava leaves. At Matola site crops concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb exceeded the reference limits. Zinc exceeded the reference limit in all crops except in cabbage. HIs for vegetables from Beluluane exceeded 1.0 in cabbage (2.66), lettuce (2.27), and cassava leaves (2.37). Likewise, at Matola, HIs exceeded 1.0 in lettuce (1.67), cassava leaves (1.65), and root tubers (13). We found that vegetables cultivated in industrial parks present high carcinogenic risk due to heavy metal contamination, rendering them unsuitable for human consumption.

Trace Element Concentration in the Blood and Aqueous Humor of Subjects with Eye Cataract.

Cataract, characterized by the opacification of the lens, is the leading cause of reversible blindness and visual impairment globally. The study aims to investigate the role of trace elements such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in the development and severity of cataract. Elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in blood and aqueous humor of 32 cataract cases and 27 controls living in the Latium region, Italy. The association between element concentration in blood and aqueous humor and cataract severity, gender, and age of subjects were also assessed. Results showed Cr levels significantly elevated in both blood and aqueous humor of cataract cases, with concentrations that increased with cataract severity. In addition, blood Pb levels were significantly higher in older cases and positively correlated with the age of cataract cases, while blood Co and Cu levels negatively correlated with cataract severity, suggesting changes in the levels of these elements. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the involvement of specific elements in cataract development and severity, and the findings highlighted important avenues for future research. Understanding the biological mechanism underlying element-induced cataract may contribute to preventing cataractogenesis and providing targeted interventions.

Metals and metalloid in medicinal plants: occurrence and risk assessment to human health

Aim: This study was aimed at determining the levels of trace elements in six medicinal plants of tropical origin. Methods: The levels of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Albizia glaberrima (AG), Aristolochia ringens (AR), Brysocarpus coccineus (BC), Ipomoea asarifolia (IA), Sansevieria liberica (SL), and Telfairia occidentalis (TO) were determined using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The estimated dietary intakes of the metals, hazard quotients (HQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated. Results: The highest levels of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Fe were detected in IA. BC had the highest levels of Mn and Ni while AR had the highest levels of Cu, Co, and As. However, the levels of the metals were mostly below the permissible limits in the plants. The estimated dietary weekly intakes (EWIs) were below the provisional tolerable weekly intake for each chemical element. The EWIs range values were 21.566–643.114 µg/kg per day (kg is the unit of body weight), 0.008–1.529 µg/kg per day, 0.6–7.815 µg/kg per day, 67.569–215.889 µg/kg per day, 4.305–185.451 µg/kg per day, 0.225–1.704 µg/kg per day, 1.03–10.2 µg/kg per day, 0.933–2.286 µg/kg per day, and 62.554–854.4 µg/kg per day for Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, As, and Fe, respectively. The HQ values of the elements were less than 1 except for Cu in AR (1.321). The values of lifetime cancer risks exceeded the permissible limit in all the plant materials. Conclusions: The findings from the study revealed that the consumption of TO, SL, and AG for medicinal purposes has no inherent non-carcinogenic toxicity while the consumption of AR, IA, and BC has some risks of non-carcinogenic toxic. However, the six plant materials showed inherent risks of carcinogenic events, as such their use for medicinal purposes must be cautious, maybe by reducing both the ingestion rate and the frequency of intake.

Evaluation of pollution levels in sediments from Lake Edku, Egypt using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The concentrations of 11 heavy metals in sediments from Lake Edku, Egypt were determined using LA-ICP-MS. The average concentrations of elements occurred in the order of Fe > V > Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Co > Pb > As > Sn > Mo with respective values of 4.67 %, 104.8, 77.9, 76.6, 59.2, 52, 27.8, 19.8, 4.14, 2.24, and 1.45 μg/g. Several pollution indices were used to evaluate individual and cumulative contamination levels. All HMs were found to be in the deficiency to minimal enrichment range based on the enrichment factor. The contamination factor indicated low contamination levels of Cr and As, low to moderate contamination levels of Fe, Ni, Zn, Mo, Sn, and Pb, and moderate contamination levels of Co and Cu. The pollution load index and contamination degree indicated the sediments to be polluted and moderately polluted, respectively.

Benthic foraminiferal community structure and its response to environmental factors revealed using high-throughput sequencing in the Zhoushan Fishing Ground, East China Sea

Benthic foraminifera are excellent tools for monitoring marine environments and reconstructing paleoenvironments. This study investigated the structure and diversity of benthic foraminiferal communities in 20 superficial sediment samples obtained from the Zhoushan Fishing Ground (ZFG) using high-throughput sequencing based on small subunit ribosomal DNA and RNA amplification. The results revealed Rotaliida as the most dominant group, with spatial heterogeneity in foraminiferal distribution. Total benthic foraminiferal communities exhibited higher species richness and diversity compared to active communities. While heavy metal pollution in the ZFG was moderate, areas with elevated concentrations of heavy metals exhibited low diversity and richness in foraminiferal communities. Total foraminiferal community structure was primarily influenced by factors such as water depth and Hg, Pb, Cd, and Zn levels. Notably, Hg levels emerged as a critical factor impacting the structure and diversity of the active foraminiferal community. The dominant species, Operculina, exhibited tolerance toward heavy metal pollution.

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.