Pb Values Research Articles

Determination of metal contents in some green leafy vegetables in Marmara region of Turkey

This study focused on the analysis of mineral and heavy metal contents of spinach, lettuce and parsley samples in different regions to investigate the risks of chronic exposure to heavy metal contamination. After the microwave digestion process, the metal contents of the samples (Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sn, Hg, Pb) were determined with the ICP-MS. Two parallel analysis samples were prepared from each sample, analyzed three times, and the mean values of the analyzes performed were reported. From the analysis, the order of finding heavy metals in the samples is Cu > Pb > Cd > As > Sn > Hg. The results were evaluated statistically and Cu, Pb, Cd, As and Sn values were found high in spinach samples (p < 0.05). According to the results of the analysis; the samples with the highest content of Cu, Pb and Cd in spinach samples are samples taken from Tekirdağ (5.1 ± 0.3 mg/kg), Edirne (0.106 ± 0.007 mg/kg) and Tekirdağ (0.080 ± 0.004 mg/kg), respectively. One of the important reasons for this is the increase in industrial areas in those regions. The results were compared with the certified reference materials, the quantities of analytes were determined to be compatible with the certificate values and the results of the analysis were proved to be correct.

Probabilistic non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments of potential toxic metals (PTMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in canned foods in Nigeria: understanding the size of the problem

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentrations of potential toxic metals (PTMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 20 canned food samples (fish, meat, vegetable, non-alcoholic drink and beverage) sold in markets of Port Harcourt city (Nigeria) and to assess their potential human health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic). The methodology comprised the Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) analysis of metals and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of PAHs, and then the calculation of the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR) in adults and children. Results showed that the EDI values for As, Cd, Cu, and Pb from consumption of canned foods were below the provisional tolerable daily/provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTDI/PTWI), and for Fe and Zn below the recommended daily intake (RDI), in both adults and children. The EDI value for B[a]P from consumption of canned foods was less than the PTWI value in both adults and children. Whilst the individual THQ values of metals were less than 1, the ∑THQ values were higher than 1 thus indicating a potential health risk arising from consumption of canned foods containing a mixture of metals. Moreover, the CR values by individual carcinogenic metals indicated a priority risk in both adults and children for As (mean, 2.43E-02 and 9.73E-03) and Cd (mean, 6.03E-03 and 1.95E-03), while the risk was acceptable for PAHs exposure (2.13E-09). In addition, the total CR (TCR), which was used to assess the effects of multiple carcinogenic metals, ranged from 1.24E-02 to 6.237E-02 indicating a carcinogenic risk for adults and children. In conclusion, the consumption of canned foods by Nigerian community can bring about worst health risks due to the residual concentration of PTMs in these products and the health hazard associated with them.

Toxicological effect of endocrine disrupting heavy metal (Pb) on Mekong silurid Pangasius catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of lead nitrate exposure on the enzymatical, haematological, and histological changes in the gill, liver, and kidney of Pangasius hypophthalmus. The fish were divided into six groups and treated with different Pb concentrations. The LC50 value of Pb was 55.57 mg/L at 96 h for P. hypophthalmus, and sublethal toxicity was assessed for 45 days at 1/5th (11.47 mg/L) and 1/10th (5.57 mg/L) of LC50 concentration. Enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, alkaline phosphate (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content increased significantly during sublethal toxicity of Pb. The reduction of HCT and PCV indicates an anemic condition due to the toxicity of Pb. Differential leucocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes and their % values significantly decreased, indicating Pb exposure. The main histological changes observed in the gills were the destruction of secondary lamellae, the fusion of adjacent gill lamellae, primary lamellae hypertrophy, and severe hyperplasia, while in kidney exposed to Pb showed melanomacrophages, increased periglomerular, peritubular space, vacuolation, shrunken glomerulus, destruction of tubular epithelium, and hypertrophy of distal convoluted segment. The liver showed severe necrosis and rupture of hepatic cells, hyper trepheoid bile duct, shifting of nuclei, and vascular hemorrhage, while in the brain, binucleus, mesoglea cells, vacuole, and ruptured nucleus were observed. In conclusion, P. hypophthalmus, which has been exposed to Pb has developed a number of toxicity markers. Consequently, prolonged exposure to higher Pb concentrations may be harmful to fish health. The findings strongly suggest that the lead had a detrimental impact on the P. hypophthalmus population, as well as on the water quality and non-target aquatic organisms.

Influence of Traditional Food Processing Systems on Food Safety, Chemical Compositions, and Functional Properties of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L) Seed Flour

Background: Plant foods contain almost all of the essential mineral and organic nutrients for human, as well as several unique organic phytochemicals that have been linked to the promotion of good health. This study investigated the influence of traditional food processing systems on the food safety, chemical compositions, and functional properties of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L) seed flour.&#x0D; Methods: Fresh mature pumpkin fruits were procured from the laboratory. The pumpkin seed was divided into three different portions and subjected to traditional sand toasting, germination, and processing into flour. The samples were analyzed for proximate composition, minerals, heavy metals, vitamins, functional properties, and microbial safety.&#x0D; Results: The result of proximate composition analyses revealed that raw and traditionally processed pumpkin seed flour had 33.75-39.63% protein, 43.65-36.36% fat, 7.38-5.89% moisture, 4.85-6.04% ash, 1.89-2.25% fiber, and 5.94-14.49% carbohydrate. The mineral and heavy metal content were in the range of 7.17-4.13 mg/100 Iron, 117.88-221.55 mg/100 g Potassium, 7.41-9.01 mg/100 g Calcium, 45.67-55.65 mg/100 g Phosphorus, 0.89-4.67 mg/100 g Iodine, and 7.39-6.33 mg/100 g Zinc. The toxic/deleterious elements values for Hg, Pb, As, and Cd were 0.018-0.004 mg/100 g; 0.021–0.062 mg/100 g, 0.013–0.092 mg/100 g, and 0.0011-0.0051 mg/100 g, respectively. Cyanide, Nitrate, Phytate, and Oxalate contents of the pumpkin seed flour were 0.72-0.32 mg/100 g, 2.77–1.00 mg/100 g, 35.56–14.56 mg/100 g, and 0.073–0.030 mg/100 g, respectively. An appreciable amount of vitamins (Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and thiamine) were recorded with excellent functional properties. The microbial count was within the limit of national and international standards showing the processed pumpkin seed flour to be safe. &#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that subjecting pumpkin seeds to traditional processing methods enhanced their nutritional properties and food safety quality. Therefore, adopting this traditional processing approach can be used in rural community nutrition and nutrition in emergency feeding programs in developing countries.

Health risk assessment of some selected heavy metals in infant food sold in Wa, Ghana

Infants remain a high-risk group as far as exposure to toxic metals is concerned. The levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) in twenty-two (22) samples of baby foods and formulas were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations in (mg/kg) of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Sb were in the ranges 0.006–0.057, 0.043–0.064, 0.113–0.33, 0.000–0.002, 1.720–3.568, 0.065–0.183, 0.061–0.368 and 0.017–0.1 respectively. Health risk assessment indices like the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Cancer Risk (CR) and Hazard Index (HI) were calculated. EDI values of Hg, Cr, and As were below their recommended tolerable daily intake, that of Ni and Mn were lower in 95% of samples, and Cd was also lower in 50% of the samples. THQ values for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Pb were 0.32–3.21, 0.75–1.10, 0.65–1.94, 0.00–0.37, 0.21–0.44, 0.08–0.12 and 0.26–1.13 respectively. The CR values were greater than 10−6, making them unacceptable for human consumption. HI values were between 2.68 and 6.83 (greater than 1), which implied that these metals are likely to pose non-carcinogenic health risks to infants.

Human health-risk assessment of heavy metal–contaminated soil based on Monte Carlo simulation

Soil contamination soils of by heavy metals (HMs) poses serious threats to the soil environment and enters the human body through exposure pathways such as ingestion and skin contact, posing a threat to human health. The purpose of this study was to analyze the sources and contributions of soil HMs, and to quantitatively assess the human health risks of soil HMs to different populations (i.e. children, adult females and adult males), and to analyze the human health risks caused by various sources of sensitive populations. 170 topsoil (0–20 cm) were collected from Fukang, Jimsar and Qitai on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China, and the contents of Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb and Hg were determined. This study used the Unmix model and a health-risk assessment (HRA) model to assess the human health risks of five HMs. The results showed that: (1) The mean values of Zn and Cr were lower than the background values of Xinjiang, the mean values of Cu and Pb were slightly higher than the background values of Xinjiang but lower than the national standard, and the mean value of Hg and Pb was higher than the background value of Xinjiang and the national standard. (2) The sources of soil HMs in the region were mainly traffic, natural, coal, and industrial sources. Moreover, the HRA model combined with Monte Carlo simulation showed similar trends in the health-risk status of all population groups in the region. Probabilistic HRA revealed that noncarcinogenic risks were acceptable for all populations (HI < 1) while carcinogenic risks were high (children: 77.52%; female: 69.09%; male: 65.63%). For children, carcinogenic risk from industrial and coal sources exceeded the acceptable threshold by 2.35 and 1.20 times, respectively, and Cr was the main element contributing to human carcinogenic risk. These findings suggest that carcinogenic risks from coal-based Cr emissions cannot be ignored, and the study area should aim to control Cr emissions from industrial sources. The results of this study provide support for the prevention of human health risks and the control of soil HMs pollution across different age groups.

Ionothermal Synthesis of Novel Layered Magnesium Phosphate and its Tribological Properties asGreaseadditives.

A novel layered magnesium phosphate (MgP) was synthesised from a MgO-P2O5-choline chloride-oxalic acid dihydrate system using an ionothermal approach. Single crystal samples of MgP were obtained following introduction of diethylamine (DEA) to the reaction system. Itsstructure revealed that both the layer and the sheets contained Mg octahedra. Interestingly, adding the layered material to lithium grease resulted in superior lubrication with higher load-carrying, anti-wear and friction reduction capacities compared with the typical lubricant MoS2; the PBvalue of base grease was increased from 353 to 1078 and 549 N, the wear scar diameter was decreased from 0.50 to 0.34 and 0.46 mm, and the friction coefficient was decreased from 0.082 to 0.056 and 0.075, respectively. We also discuss the lubrication mechanism of layered materials based on the crystal structure and resource endowment. The findings could assist the development of new high-efficiency solid lubricants.

Contamination characteristics and source analysis of potentially toxic elements in dustfall-soil-crop systems near non-ferrous mining areas of Yunnan, southwestern China

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the dustfall-soil-crop system pose a serious threat to the ecological environment and agricultural production. However, there is still a knowledge gap in terms of better understanding the distinctive sources of PTEs by integrating various models and technologies. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the concentrations, distribution, and sources of seven PTEs in a dustfall-soil-crop system (424 samples in total) near a typical non-ferrous mining area, using absolute principal component score/multiple linear regression (APCS/MLR) combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microscopy techniques. Our results showed that the mean values of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soils were 211, 14, 105, 91, 65, 232, and 325 mg/kg, respectively. These values were significantly higher than the background soil values in Yunnan. Except for Ni and Cr, all elements in the soil were significantly higher than the screening values of agricultural lands in China. The spatial distribution of PTE concentrations was similar among the three media. The ACPS/MLR, XRD, and microscopy analyses further indicated that soil PTEs mainly originated from industrial activities (37 %), vehicle emissions and agricultural activities (29 %), respectively. Dustfall PTEs mainly originated from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, accounting for 40 % and 37 %, respectively. Crop PTEs mainly originated from vehicle emissions and soil (57 %), and agricultural activities (11 %), respectively. PTEs seriously threaten the safety of agricultural products and the ecological environment once they settle from the atmosphere to soil and crop leaves, further accumulate in crops, and spread through the food chain. Therefore, our study provides scientific evidence for government regulators to control PTE pollution and reduce their environmental risks in dustfall-soil-crop systems.

Chitosan-based nano-sorbents: synthesis, surface modification, characterisation and application in Cd (II), Co (II), Cu (II) and Pb (II) ions removal from wastewater

In contemplation of treating hazardous industrial wastewater, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and vanillin (V)-modified chitosan-based magnetic nano-sorbents (TPP-CMN and V-CMN) were prepared, and the physical and surface properties of both nano-sorbents were characterised. The results of FE-SEM and XRD showed an average size of between 6.50 and 17.61 nm for Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) was carried out, and the saturation magnetisations for chitosan, Fe3O4 nanoparticles, TPP-CMN, and V-CMN were 0.153, 67.844, 7.211, and 7.772 emu.g−1, respectively. By using multi-point analysis, the BET surface areas of the synthesised TPP-CMN and V-CMN nano-sorbents were found to be 8.75 and 6.96 m2/g, respectively. The synthesised TPP-CMN and V-CMN were investigated as effective nano-sorbents to uptake Cd (II), Co (II), Cu (II), and Pb (II) ions, and the results were investigated by AAS. The adsorption process of heavy metals was investigated by the batch equilibrium technique, and the sorption capacity values of Cd (II), Co (II), Cu (II), and Pb (II) ions by TPP-CMN were 91.75, 93.00, 87.25, and 99.96 mg/g. By V-CMN, the values were 92.5, 94.00, 88.75, and 99.89 mg/g, respectively. The equilibrium times for adsorption were found to be 15 minutes for TPP-CMN and 30 minutes for V-CMN nano-sorbents. The adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics were studied to understand the adsorption mechanism. Furthermore, the adsorption of two synthetic dyes and two real wastewater samples was studied and obtained significant results. These nano-sorbents’ simple synthesis, high sorption capability, excellent stability, and recyclability may provide highly efficient and cost-effective nano-sorbents for wastewater treatment.

Ecological Impact and Human Health Risk Assessment of Pumpkin and Spinach Cultivated Around Non-Mining Axes of Ebonyi State

The study evaluated human health risks associated with the consumption of pumpkin and spinach cultivated around non-mining areas of the Asu River Group. Eighteen samples were collected and analyzed for As, Pb, and Cd, obtaining fifty-four results. The samples were washed with deionized water, air-dried and oven dries at 105°C for 48 hours, and analyzed using Varian (USA) Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The concentration of Pb, As, and Cd in the vegetable trend follows; Ebonyi south (ES)&lt;Ebonyi central (EC)&lt;Ebonyi north (EN); EN&lt;ES&lt;EC and ES&lt;EC&lt;EN respectively. The Cd, As, and Pb contents were below WHO/FAO, (2007) and EU, (2006) specific limits. The daily intake of metals (DIM), health risk index (HRI), and targeted health quotient (THQ) were computed. The DIM of Pb, As, and Cd was below their respective oral reference dose (RfD) of 0.004, 0.003, and 0.001mg/kg/day. Pb, As, and Cd HRI values for adults, teenagers, and children are in the following order Adult&lt;Teenagers&lt;Children for all samples across the study area. The Pb abundance follows ES&lt;EN&lt;EC in both pumpkin and spinach, and Cd follows EN&lt;EC&lt;EN and EN&lt;ES&lt;EC for pumpkin and spinach respectively. Arsenic HRI in order of EN&lt;EC&lt;EN and EN&lt; ES&lt;EC for pumpkin and spinach respectively. On average, the HRI of Pb, As, and Cd ranges from 0.00312 to 0.0663, 0.00411 to 0.238, and 0.009 to 0.331 mg/kg/bw/day for the vegetables. The HRI and THQ for adults and teenagers were all &lt;1 for As, and Pb while Cd THQ&gt;1 in pumpkin from ES.

Biochar amendment of a metal contaminated soil partially immobilized Zn, Pb, and Cd and reduced ryegrass uptake

Soil heavy metals (HM) contamination threatens soil and water quality, which significantly affects humans and animals. This study focuses on the competitive immobilization of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in soils from a contaminated site using ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in a potting experiment amended with biochars. Increased rates of switchgrass- (SGB) and poultry litter-derived biochars (PLB) were applied before ryegrass cultivation. Soil HM phytoavailability and HM concentrations in plant shoots were determined. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the influence of several soil chemical attributes on the HM phytoavailability. The increased rates of both biochars reduced the Zn, Pb, and Cd availability (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Langmuir models showed that the maximum HM immobilization (IMAX) was 169.2 ± 29.5 mg kg–1 for Zn with SGB, and 20 ± 7.4 (Pb) and 1.08 mg kg–1 (Cd) with PLB. The extended Langmuir model (EL) showed competitive HM immobilization since there was a decrease in the IMAX of Zn (∼90 ± 28 mg kg–1 from SGB) and Cd (∼0.70 ± 0.21 mg kg–1). Negative values of Pb and Cd immobilization at low rates of SGB indicated an increase in those HM availabilities and preferential immobilization for Zn. The reduced Zn and Pb uptake in ryegrass shoots ranged from 70% to 98% and were optimum at rates of 0.50% ± 0.00%–0.60% ± 0.06% for both biochars, and 1.6% ± 0.4% of SGB for Cd. The stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and partial least squares (PLS) revealed that pH and organic matter (OM) were the most responsible factors for reducing Zn bioavailability while OM was more impactful in decreasing Pb and Cd levels. This suggests that the preferential immobilization for Zn relies on its higher sensitivity to the pH increase. Also, the ubiquitous positive relationship among the metals studied shows that competitive immobilization is ceased at high rates of biochars application. Path analysis (PA) showed that pH and OM were the common contributors from both biochars to simultaneously affect Zn, Pb, and Cd availability regardless of the contrasting physicochemical properties of the two bioproducts. This work proved the potential of applying low rates of two contrasting feedstock-derived biochars to remediate the contaminants and safely grow ryegrass.

Environmental Assessment of Soils and Crops Based on Heavy Metal Risk Analysis in Southeastern China

Heavy metal pollution in soil–crop systems has attracted great attention globally, caused by rapid urbanization and intensive industrialization. The research aims to investigate the environmental quality of the agricultural production area in Taizhou City, a typical economic region that is along the Yangtze River in the Southeast of China. A total of 370 sampling sites were chosen, with 370 soil, rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) samples collected, respectively, for measuring and analyzing the status, spatial distribution and pollution level of different heavy metals. The mean values of soil Cr, Pb, Cd, As and Hg were 66.78, 32.88, 0.23, 8.16 and 0.16 mg/kg, which were lower than the risk control standard values (RCV). However, the mean values of Pb, Cd and Hg were 1.25-, 1.77- and 2-fold larger than their soil background values (SBV) due to the intensive anthropogenic activities. The average content of Cd in rice exceeded its food safety limiting values (FCV) by 0.05 mg/kg, and the average contents of Pb in rice and wheat both exceeded the relevant FSV by 0.42 and 0.186 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the maximum As and Cr contents in rice and wheat could be 0.13, 0.46 mg/kg and 0.63, 3.5 mg/kg larger than the relative FCVs in certain areas. Most of the high-value areas of soil and crop heavy metals were mainly located in Xinghua City, Taixing City and Jiangyan District, which had a similar distribution pattern with local industries or anthropogenic activities. The heavy metal pollution in soils and crops was found to be inconsistent, as 8.94% of the arable land possessed lightly metal pollution, while 3.18% of the area of rice and 4.0% of the area of wheat suffered severe pollution, with excessive accumulation of Cr, Pb and Cd. Based on the heavy metal pollution assessment of soil–crop systems, approximately 83% of the study area possessed medium or higher environmental quality, which was preferable for agricultural production. Our results implied that the spatial distribution and pollution level of the heavy metals in soil–crop systems were significantly influenced by industrial activities, followed by agricultural sources, transportation emissions and so on. Therefore, continuous monitoring and source control of heavy metals, especially for Cr, Pb and Cd, should be conducted to ensure the regional environmental quality and food security.

Biomonitoring-Health Risk Nexus of Potentially Toxic Metals on Cerithidea obtusa: A Biomonitoring Study from Peninsular Malaysia.

The present study aimed to assess the human health risks of six potentially toxic metals (PTMs) (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in 21 populations of popular mangrove snails, Cerithidea obtusa, collected from Malaysia. In general, the concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) of Cd (0.03-2.32), Cu (11.4-35.2), Fe (40.9-759), Ni (0.40-6.14), Pb (0.90-13.4) and Zn (3.11-129) found in the snails in all populations were lower than the prescribed maximum permissible limits (MPL)s for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. However, in the investigated snail populations, Cd (14%), Pb (62%), Cu (19%), and Zn (10%) were found in exceedance of the MPL of the respective metal. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values in all populations for Cu, Ni, Fe and Zn were all found to be below 1.00. However, for the THQ values of Cd and Pb, two populations exceeded 1.00, while others were below the threshold level. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) of all six metals for all populations was only 0.03-4.65% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake. This conclusively indicates that, based on the EWI, there are no health risks of the six PTMs in the consumption of snails from Malaysia since the assessments are dependent on the consumers' body weight and consumption rate. Nonetheless, the present results indicate that the amounts of snails consumed should be limited to minimize the potential health risks of PTMs to consumers. The relatively low and weak but positive correlations of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn between C. obtusa and their habitat sediments indicate that C. obtusa can be a potential biomonitor for Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. This is important for effective mangrove management from the perspective of the sustainable resources from the intertidal mangrove environment. Hence, the biomonitoring-health risk nexus of PTMs in mangrove snails is proposed in the present study.

MODELLING Cd, Cu, and Pb PHYTOAVAILABILITY BY Ricinus communis FROM SOIL AMENDED WITH MANURE AND CHELANTS

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of Ricinus communis under the influence of poultry manure and chelants (single and binary) in soils with Cd, Cu and Pb. The results show that pH was in the range of; (5.51-6.99), while the organic matter was (8.14-15.6). The Cd, Cu and Pb which are the soil total metal QT (mg kg–1), plant-available metals Qe (mg kg–1), and metal concentration in R.communis biomass, Qp (mg kg–1) were; (510.2-592.9), (502.7- 569.7), (505.9-589.2); (455.2-483.8), (461.1-481.5) (461.2-480.5) and (283.5-469.8),(242.4-475.5),(379.9-490.6) respectively. Step wise multivariate regression model technique was used to determine possible factors affecting metal uptake and for predicting metal concentrations in plant. The R2 values for Cd, Cu and Pb was in the range of 0.881≤ R2 ≤0.980 for model I, 0.969 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.998 for model II, and 0.981 ≤ R2≤ 0.999 for model III respectively, across the experimental soils. These high R2 values for the models clearly showed the dependent variable agreeable and the relationship significant. The findings are useful in the assessment R. communis potential for heavy metal reclamation with the goal of hazard mitigation and resource supply.

Bioaccumulation of Copper, Lead and Zinc in Festuca Rubra of Grassy Ecosystems (in Poland)

The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the heavy metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) concentrations in Festuca rubra of three groups of grassy ecosystems with different anthropopressive risk (A ecosystem - urban soils, B ecosystem - rural soils, C ecosystem - roadside soils). The strongest pollution was recorded for grass of A and C ecosystems. They were caused mainly by the presence of Pb which their concentrations significantly exceeded critical values for plants confirming unequivocally the inflow of metals from anthropogenic sources typical for areas with a high degree of industrialization and sources related to the automotive industry in A and C ecosystems. The concentrations of this metals fluctuated at the level of natural concentrations in plant B ecosystem indicating the lowest bioaccumulation. The average values of Cu, Pb and Zn the above-ground part of in the grass changed in the following order:

Metal Exposure in Arica, Chile: Examining Toxic Elements.

Bioaccumulation of toxic metals in the population is associated with adverse health effects. Although some elements are essential for humans, high levels of exposure can be dangerous. To describe the levels of Inorganic Arsenic (AsIn), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Mercury (Hg) in urine, and Lead (Pb) in blood in the population of Arica, Chile. Descriptive study. Beneficiaries of the Health Surveillance Program of Law 20.590 in sites of higher risk of exposure in the commune of Arica were considered eligible. The results of biological samples to measure their concentrations of AsIn, Cd, Cr, Hg in urine, and Pb in blood between August 2016 and May 2021 are described. 9520 samples from a population with a mean age of 40.5 years were studied. 4.21% of the adult population and 6.57% of the children had AsIn values above 35 μg/L, while at least 95 % of the total samples had levels below 33 μg/L. At least 90 % of the samples had Cd levels below 1.1 μg/L, and 8.44 % had Cd levels above 2 μg/L, higher in males (11.67%). There were no values above the reference in children. 99.77% and 99.33% had Cr and Pb values below the reference limit, respectively (using the lowest reference range established by Chile Ministry of Health (MINSAL) < 5 μg/L). Children did not present risk values for Cr, and 0.16% presented Pb concentrations between 5-10 μg/dL. All samples presented Hg concentrations below risk levels (< 10 μg/L). The results of this study suggest that a small percentage of the samples analyzed in the beneficiary population of Arica register metal concentration levels above national reference levels established by MINSAL, mainly AsIn, Cd, and Pb. It is essential to continue biomonitoring to reduce and prevent exposure to these metals, which can have harmful effects on human health.

Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metal Contamination in Road Dust Samples from an Urban Environment in Samsun, Türkiye.

Road dust is an environmental pollution indicator created by human activities for urban land use. This study aimed to determine the spatial distribution pattern and degree of trace metals in road dust samples collected from 5 different areas in Samsun city center. The trace metals of Mn, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn are the most examined contaminants in road dust because their hot-spot areas were mainly associated with high traffic density. Factors governing potential contamination index range values of Co, Cr, and Ni were 0.34-0.62, 0.23-0.78, and 0.24-0.48 as the lowest contamination. However, potential contamination index values of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the main road site were 1.80, 2.32, and 2.84 suggesting that relatively high values were uncontaminated to moderately. Pollution assessment methods were applied to toxic metals and revealed that Samsun city had been affected as uncontaminated to moderately contaminated by anthropogenic emission of heavy metals.

Heavy metals content in fresh tuna and swordfish caught from Hindian and Pacific Oceans: Health risk assessment of dietary exposure.

Yellowfin tuna and swordfish are seafood commodities commonly caught from deep oceans worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of three heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in yellowfin tuna and swordfish. The results are expected to provide consumers with information on the safety of consuming or exporting these fishes caught in the Hindian and Pacific Oceans. Fresh yellowfin and swordfish were obtained from fishermen's catches in FAO Fishing Zone 57 (Indian Ocean) and 71 (Pacific Ocean) and then collected at Benoa Harbor, Bali Province. The comparative method was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in each fish. Furthermore, heavy metal concentrations, including Pb, Cd, and Hg, were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis. These results were then used to assess the safety of these fishes by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotients-total target hazard quotients (THQs-TTHQs). The analysis showed that none of the samples exceeded the threshold levels for the three heavy metals, which was specified by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) and European Commission Regulation (CR) No. 1881/2006. The EDI and provisional tolerable weekly index (PTWI) obtained in this study were still in the safe range. However, the PTWI values for Pb in yellowfin tuna product from the Indian Ocean were higher (0.0038 mg/kg) compared to the recommended standard for the adult population. The THQ-TTHQ values of fish caught from these oceans were also within the acceptable range specified by the two agencies, indicating that they are safe for consumption by people with various age groups and for export purposes. The average levels of three heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg) in muscle samples of yellowfin tuna and swordfish caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were within the acceptable range as specified by the SNI and CR No. 1881/2006. Furthermore, the EDI and THQs values indicated that fishes caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were safe for consumption. This research is still limited to assessing two capture fisheries commodities. Further research is needed on the assessment of heavy metal levels in other capture fisheries commodities in this capture zone.

Seasonal Variations in the Trace Elements and Mineral Profiles of the Bivalve Species, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina and Donax trunculus, and Human Health Risk Assessment.

This study aimed to provide data on selected toxic (Cd, Pb and Ni), essential (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and microelement (Na, K, Ca and Mg) concentrations in edible tissues of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina) and the wedge clam (Donax trunculus). Samples were collected from the Black Sea (Bulgaria) four times over, a period of one year (2022). In comparison with the maximum permissible levels set by the EU and USFDA, all elemental concentration found in the bivalve species were lower than the prescribed limits. An estimation of the dietary metal intake through calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target risk (TR) was performed. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual metal and HI for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no health risk for consumers due to the intake of either individual element or combined ones. The target risk value for toxic inorganic Pb and Cr was below 10-6, indicating no carcinogenic risk. According to these results, the consumption of these bivalve species is completely safe for human health.

Environmental geochemical baseline determination and pollution assessment of heavy metals in farmland soil of typical coal-based cities: A case study of Suzhou City in Anhui Province, China

Soil is the foundation of agricultural green development and human survival; the study of local environmental geochemical baselines can guide soil management and ensure the safe use of soil. In this study, a total of 100 shallow farmland soil samples were collected in each township of Yongqiao District, Suzhou City, Anhui Province, China. Herein, the contents of 10 heavy metal elements including As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and Fe were determined. In addition, the geochemical baseline of heavy metals was calculated based on the relative cumulative frequency curve method, and the soil pollution status was evaluated. The results show that the average contents of As, Hg, Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn exceeded the soil background values of Anhui Province by 3.82%–64.74% (1.04–1.65 times), meanwhile, the average contents of Pb and Cr were lower than the soil background values of Anhui Province. The average contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Ni exceeded the Chinese soil background values by 1.61%–64.74% (0.98–1.65 times). The geochemical baseline values of As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and Fe were 9.585 mg/kg, 0.028 mg/kg, 0.112 mg/kg, 21.59 mg/kg, 53.66 mg/kg, 19.31 mg/kg, 543.8 mg/kg, 24.93 mg/kg, 50.57 mg/kg and 2.654%, respectively. The pollution assessment results also showed that most of the farmland soil samples in the study area were non-polluting or slightly polluted based on geochemical baselines. Hg and Cu in a few samples were moderately polluted, and Cd in only one sample was moderately intensely polluted. Combined with the distribution of pollution and field investigation, it is considered that Hg comes from atmospheric deposition and agricultural non-point source pollution of industrial pollution. Cu comes from animal husbandry and agricultural pollution. Meanwhile, Cd is related to natural sources, wood processing and agricultural fertiliser application. The study demonstrated that the calculation of soil geochemical background value should take full account of the differences between the various regions, combined with the current state, particularly the pre-consideration of the distribution of elements or pollutants. Then, reasonably select the evaluation standard value so that the evaluation results can truly reflect the state of soil pollution.