Potentially Toxic Elements Concentrations Research Articles

Potentially toxic elements (PTE) in soils on the megaprofile Eastern Donbass – Azov sea

An expedition was carried out to take soil samples of Eastern Donbass and other districts of the Rostov region. The main goal was to study the distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in soils. The total content of mineral components in solid-phase samples was determined by using the X-ray fluorescence method. It was found that, according to the average concentrations, PTE`s line up in the following series: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cr>V>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co. The contents of Zn and Cu in the soil were compared by seasons. It was determined that PTE concentrations in the upper layer of soils were higher in winter than in summer. Geochemical spectra were constructed. They demonstrated that the concentration Clarks of Cr, Cu, Zn, Co, Pb exceeded the Clarks of these elements in the Earth’s crust. Against this background, Pb stands out with contrast, the concentration in the soil of which exceeds those in the earth’s crust by 2.8 times. The tightness of the relationship between the content of PTE in soil samples was calculated, which turned out to be a high straight line.

Pollution characteristics and human health risk of potentially toxic elements associated with deposited dust of sporting walkways during physical activity

Sporting walkways are planned features designed to facilitate physical exercise in urban areas. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) associated with deposited dust (DD) of urban sporting walkways (USWs), suburban sporting walkways (SSWs) and residential sporting walkways (RSWs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were measured and interpreted in relation to concentration, spatial distribution, pollution level and human health risk. The elemental concentrations followed a similar pattern, but were generally lower than those in road dust. Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and As had elevated Crustal Enrichment Factors (>10), ranging up to 185 for Cd. Except for Fe, ∑PTE concentrations were in the following order: USWs (1431 mg/kg) > SSWs (1073 mg/kg) > RSWs (892 mg/kg). Based on the spatial pattern and enrichment factor, and ecological risk values, sporting walkways (SWs) had moderate to heavy pollution levels of Cd, As, Pb, Zn and Cu, and heavy to extreme pollution level of Cd in USWs. Cd presented a high ecological risk, accounting for 85% of the summed ecological risk indices of the elements with elevated concentration. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults follow the order: USWs > SSWs > RSWs. Ingestion was the main pathway for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, well exceeding that for the dermal and inhalation pathway. Most risks to human health were generally within the acceptable range, although risks to children were generally higher than those to adults, by a factor of 5.5 for non-carcinogenic risk. Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risks for individual elements did not exceed 10−4 for any element.

Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Agricultural Soils of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Contamination of soil with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is receiving great attention worldwide due to its apparent toxicity and hazards to local residents. The assessments of soil PTE distribution, sources, and environmental risks are, therefore, the first steps of high-efficiency pollutant degradation and sustainable utilization. The current study used a variety of contamination indicators and multivariate methods to evaluate the environmental risk of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Al-Ahsa soils in eastern Saudi Arabia. For analysis, 30 surface soil samples were collected from palm fields irrigated with groundwater and treated sewage water. Landsat images of Al-Ahsa indicated an increase in the total vegetative area and the residential area, and a decrease in the bare land area from 1985 to 2021. The average concentrations of PTEs (mg/kg−1) were lower than the maximum admissible concentrations and had the following decreasing order: Zn (54.43) > Cr (28.67) > Ni (14.53) > Cu (10.83) > Pb (5.23) > As (2.27) > Hg (0.35) > Cd (0.26). The enrichment factor (EF) findings confirmed that the Al-Ahsa soil is significantly enriched with Hg, moderately to severely enriched with As, and moderately enriched with Cd. The potential ecological risk index (RI) demonstrates a moderate ecological risk, with only certain parts presenting a high risk. The different PTE levels in agricultural soils may be caused partly by the various qualities of groundwater that originate from various aquifers and sewage-treated water. The results of a multivariate analysis showed that most of the anthropogenic sources of Hg, As, and Cd may come from using a lot of fertilizers and insecticides. Levels of the remaining PTEs indicated natural sources from earth crust materials.

Contamination levels and source apportionment of potentially toxic elements in size-fractionated road dust of Moscow.

The distributions of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) among PM1, PM1-10, PM10-50, and PM50-1000 fractions of the road dust were studied in the western and eastern parts of Moscow, impacted mainly by the road transport and the industrial sector, respectively. The partitioning of PTEs in road dust can provide more precise information on pollution sources and its further interpretation regarding human health risks. The concentrations of PTEs were analyzed by mass and atomic emission inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Differences in the results between the western and eastern parts of the city were caused by the dissimilarity between traffic and industrial emissions. The source apportionment of the PTEs was carried out using absolute principal component analysis with multiple linear regressions (PCA/APCS-MLR). The contribution from anthropogenic sources was significant to PM1 and PM1-10 particles. In coarser fractions (PM10-50, PM50-1000), it decreased due to the input with the wind-induced resuspension of soil and rock particles. In the eastern part of the city, the accumulation of PTEs (especially Mo, Sb, Cd, Sn, Bi, Co, and As) is the most active in PM1-10, while in the western part, it is most pronounced in PM1 (especially Pb, Cu, Cr, and W) which is associated with differences in the size of particles coming from traffic and industrial sources. In the eastern part of Moscow, in comparison with the western part, the contribution from industrial sources to the accumulation of PTEs in all particle size fractions was higher by 10-30%. In the western part of Moscow, the finest particles PM1 and PM1-10 demonstrate the trend of rising pollution levels with the increase in road size, while in the eastern part of the city, only coarse particles PM50-1000 show the same trend. In the fractions PM1 and PM1-10 of road dust, a significant contribution was made by anthropogenic sources; however, its role decreased in the coarse fractions-PM10-50 and especially in PM50-1000-due to the influence of roadside soils and their parent material.

Content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in various animal meats: a meta-analysis study, systematic review, and health risk assessment.

Meat comprises the main part of the diet in many countries around the world. The present study aimed to assess potentially toxic elements (PTEs) lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in various meats (camel, chicken, cow, pork, birds, seafood (fish and crab), and sheep). The present study was performed on the concentration of PTEs in various meats by different databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science along with a meta-analysis. Additionally, the non-carcinogenic risk was assessed by calculating the total hazard quotient (TTHQ). According to findings, the highest concentration of Cd was related to sea (0.460mg/kg). The highest concentrations of Cd and As were reported in camel meat (1.965 and 1.503mg/kg, respectively). Regarding trace elements, the highest concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Ni were observed in seafood (fish and crab), cow meat, and bird's meat (71.159mg/kg, 36.608mg/kg, 8.680mg/kg, and 1.592mg/kg, respectively). Moreover, considering the type of continents based on the concentration of PTEs in various meats, the highest concentrations of As (0.792mg/kg), Cd (0.315mg/kg), Pb (1.049mg/kg), Fe (44.088mg/kg), and Ni (1.113mg/kg) were related to Eastern Mediterranean region (EMRO), African Region (AFRO), EMRO, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and EMRO, respectively. However, the highest concentrations of Cu (4.846mg/kg) and Zn (60.742mg/kg) were related to European Region (EURO) and AFRO, respectively. On the other hand, the result of the risk assessment indicated that the risk pattern was different among countries.

Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Refined and Cold-Pressed Vegetable Oils Distributed in Ahvaz, Iran: a Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment.

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in vegetable oils using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was measured. Probabilistic non-carcinogenic risk in consumers was estimated using the target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The highest content of PTEs was found in blend oil for As (0.39 ± 0.07mg/L), in cold-pressed rapeseed oil for Cd and Cu (0.07 ± 0 and 0.40 ± 0.06mg/L) respectively, in cold-pressed sunflower oil for Fe (0.15 ± 0.10mg/L), in refined sesame oil for Ni and Pb (0.44 ± 0.07 and 0.65 ± 0.07mg/L, respectively), and in cold-pressed sunflower and rapeseed oils for Zn (0.19 ± 0.04mg/L). THQ in adults and children due to individual vegetable oils (cold-pressed and refined vegetable oil) was lower than 1 value. TTHQ in adults and children due to consumption of cold-pressed vegetable oils was 0.05 and 0.26, and also refined vegetable oil was 0.51 and 0.33, respectively. TTHQ due to consumption of both types of oils was less than 1; therefore, the population is not at risk of non-carcinogenicity.

Characteristics and pollution risks of potentially toxic elements and nematode community structure on farm soil near coal mines.

As one of the most important coal-producing provinces of China, Shanxi Province has been concerned about soil potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in recent years. The study aimed to determine the status and sources of PTEs contamination and evaluate the quality of the soil ecology. This study investigated the degree of 13 PTEs contamination. The sources and contributions of PTEs were traced by the absolute principal component score followed by a multiple linear regression model (APCS-MLR). And the status of the soil ecosystem was verified by evaluating the soil nematode community around the coal mining areas in Jinzhong. The results showed that the mean PTEs concentration of 5 trace elements were higher than the background values of Shanxi, and safe to considerable was indicated by the pollution and ecological risk values. Soil Hg was the most contaminated element, followed by Cd. The distribution of PTEs was determined by coal mining activities (44.72%) followed by agricultural practice (32.37%) and coal transportation (21.37%). The nematode genera Acrobeloides (4.01%), Aphelenchus (20.30%), Meloidogyne (11.95%) and Aporcelaimus (2.74%) could be regarded as bioindicators of soil PTEs contamination by their tolerance. Concentrations of soil Cr, Mn, Ti and Cd showed remarkable influences on the total nematode abundance, maturity index, enrichment index, structural index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou index of soil nematode. It is an appropriate method to evaluate the status of soil PTEs contamination combining the response of a single nematode genus and the nematode community evaluation index.

Microalgae colonization and trace element accumulation on the plastisphere of marine plastic debris in Monastir Bay (Eastern Tunisia).

In this study, we examined the toxicity potential of the epiplastic microalgal community that developed on low-density polyethylene (LD-PE) plastic debris found in two distinct regions of the Monastir Bay (Tunisia): the coast exposed to anthropogenic discharges and the open sea in front of the Kuriat Islands. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) accumulated in sediments and plastisphere were compared in order to determine their toxicity potential to biological life. The collected plastispheres were predominantly composed of cyanobacteria, chlorophytes, and diatoms. Diatoms display a relatively high diversity (25 species). At all stations, potentially harmful microalgae (PHM) were more abundant in the plastisphere than in seawater and the coastal zone seems to harbour increased number of potentially harmful cyanobacteria within the plastisphere. At the offshore station S1, the PHM community was dominated by the potentially harmful diatoms belonging to the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. Phormidium sp. was the main potentially harmful cyanobacterium identified in the plastisphere of S1. PTEs concentration in the plastisphere was higher than in sediment and ranking with very high contamination factors at all sites according to the sequence Pb > Cu > Cd > Ni > Zn. The highest accumulation of PTEs in the plastisphere was recorded near harbors and industrial zones with important human interference. This work shows that plastisphere can be a threat to vulnerable species not only because it can contain PHM but also because it can accumulate PTEs.

Effect of the Growing Season, Trichoderma, and Clinoptilolite Application on Potentially Toxic Elements Uptake by Cucumis melo L.

The extent to which different agricultural strategies may affect the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by cropped plants is not entirely understood at a field scale. This study addresses the effect of seasonality, Trichoderma inoculation alone, or combined with different applications of commercial-grade clinoptilolite (i.e., foliar action, fertigation, and pellet) on the PTE content of early- and late-ripening cultivars of Cucumis melo L. Two similar field experiments were performed in spring and summer. For each cultivar/treatment combination, the input of PTEs [namely, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb)] into the soil-crop system through irrigation water, fertilizers, pesticides, and treatment products (i.e., Trichoderma and clinoptilolite products), as well as the PTE content of melon stem, leaves, and fruit, were measured through inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Neither Trichoderma alone nor with clinoptilolite had a visible effect on PTE uptake by plants, whereas early season cultivation was strongly associated with reduced uptake of Cu and Pb. The high correlation of Cu and Pb content with stem and leaf calcium (Ca) content (used as a proxy for different transpiration rates under different growing seasons) indicated a possible uptake of these metals through Ca nonselective cation channels as a defense against drought stress. Reduced Cu and Pb concentrations were found in early-ripening fruit cultivated in spring. Concerning Cu and Pb risk management, in case of significant contamination in Mediterranean calcareous soils, early-ripening Cucumis melo L. cultivars are suggested instead of late-ripening ones.

Distribution, Risk Assessment, and Source Identification of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Sediments of the Upper Reaches of Zhanghe River, Haihe Basin

The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region is mostly located in the Haihe Basin. Studying the distribution and sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and heavy metals in the upper reaches of Zhanghe River, the largest tributary of Haihe runoff, is of great significance to the water security of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, a world-class urban agglomeration. In this study, 32 sediment samples were collected in the upper reaches of Zhanghe River, and the concentrations of eight PTEs were analyzed. The results show that the concentrations of PTEs in sediments ranked are as follows: Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Cd. Cr, Cu, Zn, and Cd show a random spatial variation trend; Mn, As, and Pb are mainly distributed in the headwaters of the Zhuozhang River. Ninety percent of samples of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are under the threshold effect level, and 16% of the Cr samples are above the probable effect level. PTEs in the study area have low to moderate pollution as the enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index showed, and the contribution of anthropogenic sources to the enhancement of PTEs in sediment samples is still at a preliminary stage. Potential ecological risk results indicate that 96% of the upper reaches of Zhanghe River have a low risk level. The three evaluation methods all point out that Cr is the main pollutant in the upper reaches of Zhanghe River, and the Southern Headwater of Zhuozhang River is the main polluted area. Cr, Mn, Co, and Pb originate from mining activities and road dust, while Cu, Zn, As, and Cd originate from agricultural activities.

Effect of parent material and atmospheric deposition on the potential pollution of urban soils close to mining areas

The aim of this study is to analyse the concentration and determine the sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in urban soils under the influence of mining activities. To this end, topsoil samples were collected in the public parks and green areas in Minas de Riotinto (a town next to one of the largest open pit mines in the world) and Aracena (a nearby town outside the area of influence of the mine). After determining the concentrations of elements of interest Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb— the values were compared in terms of the soil location and origin (in-situ or ex-situ), and with the background and regulatory levels for the region. The elemental concentrations in the fine fraction of the soils (particles <50 μm) were also measured. The concentrations of some PTEs (Cu, As and Pb), also found in the dust from nearby mines, were higher in the in-situ soils of Minas de Riotinto than in those of Aracena. The concentrations of PTEs in ex-situ soils of both towns were much lower than in in-situ soils, and similar between the two locations, revealing the influence of the parent material as a primary source of PTEs. However, the concentrations of As and Cu in the ex-situ soils of Minas de Riotinto were significantly higher than in those of Aracena, while a significant increase of these elements in the fine fraction was seen for both in-situ and ex-situ soils. These two elements are directly related to mining activity, implying that atmospheric deposition of dust from the mines contributes to the greater concentration of PTEs in the soils of Minas de Riotinto. Because these sources lead to soils with potentially dangerous concentrations of pollutants, they should be further studied in relation to their long-term influence on human health.

Hydrogeochemistry of thallium and other potentially toxic elements in neutral mine drainage at the decommissioned Pb-Zn Raibl mine (Eastern Alps, Italy)

Decommissioned mines represent a worldwide concern due to the potential long-term effects related to the dispersion of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the environment. In this study, 176 water samples were collected in the period 2018–2021 at the carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn Raibl mine which is affected by neutral mine drainage (NMD). The post-flotation tailings are the main source of PTEs (Zn, Pb and especially Tl) in the river drainage system. Compared to other dissolved PTEs (Zn, Pb, Cd), Tl was found to be more mobile, reaching concentrations up to 120 μg L−1 in waters flowing in the tailings impoundments. Modelling results suggest that Tl is mainly present in the Tl(I) ionic and mobile form thus suggesting that relevant natural attenuation processes for this element are not expected in the investigated area. In contrast, Zn and Pb attenuation pathways appeared to be governed by pH-dependent speciation and sorption processes, whereas elevated Zn concentrations were likely also limited by hydrozincite precipitation. Metalloids such as As and Sb were almost entirely released into the slightly alkaline waters of the mine drainage system, which are generally characterised by longer residence time or standing waters whereas As and Sb concentrations were negligible in the tailings-seepage waters. However, intense rainy events may increase PTE concentrations of one order of magnitude, especially in the tailings impoundment groundwater as a result of a rise in the water table, and PTE total dissolved loads of three orders of magnitude, in the main stream during high flow events, thus representing the most critical factor in regulating the remobilisation and downward dispersion of PTEs in the river drainage system.

Seasonal variations in mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic species in Norwegian blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) – Assessing the influence of biological and environmental factors

BackgroundBlue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) can accumulate undesirable substances, including the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) cadmium (Cd), mercury, (Hg), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and As species. In this study, the levels of PTEs and As species were determined in samples of blue mussels to assess the influence of environmental and biological factors, and evaluate the potential risk associated with blue mussels in terms of food and feed safety. MethodologyBlue mussels were collected monthly from one location in Western Norway from February 2018 to December 2018, and from April 2019 to April 2020. Samples were analyzed for PTEs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ICP-MS. Temperature, salinity and fluorescence (chlorophyll a) were monitored in the seawater column by STD/CTD, to assess the potential influence of these environmental factors on the PTE levels in the mussels. ResultsThe results showed seasonal variations in the PTEs, with somewhat higher concentrations in spring and winter months. Unusually high levels of total As (101.2 mg kg-1 dw) and inorganic As (53.6 mg kg-1 dw) were observed for some of the time points. The organic As species arsenobetaine was generally the major As species (17–82% of total As) in the mussels, but also simple methylated As species and arsenosugars were detected. Principal components analysis (PCA) did not show a consistent relationship between the environmental factors and the PTE concentrations, showing contrary results for some elements for the periods studied. The condition index (CI) could explain variations in element concentration with significant correlations for Cd (r = −0.67, p = 0.009) and Pb (r = −0.62, p = 0.02 in 2019/20 and r = −0.52, p = 0.02 in 2018), whereas the correlation between As and CI was not significant (r = 0.12 in 2018, and r = −0.06 in 2019/20). Higher concentrations of iAs and arsenosugars coincided with increased signals of chlorophyll a, suggesting that phytoplankton blooms could be a source of As in the blue mussels. ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study of As species in blue mussels collected over a time period of two years, providing an insight into the natural variations of these chemical forms in mussels. In terms of mussel as food and future feed material, concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb were below the maximum levels (MLs) established in the EU food and feed legislation. However, levels of As and iAs in mussels at some time points exceeded the MLs for As in the feed legislation, and the margin of exposure (MOE) was low if these mussels were for human consumption, highlighting the importance of determining the chemical forms of As in feed and food.

Assessment of Potentially Toxic Element Contamination in the Philippi Peatland, Eastern Macedonia, Greece

The Philippi peatland is considered the biggest peat deposit in the Balkan Peninsula and one of the deepest in the world. The purpose of this study was to access the impact of eight potentially toxic elements (PTEs), i.e., As, Se, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Mn and Cu, on the local environment. PTE content was determined in corn grains and surface soil samples collected from 16 sites in the peatland, and pollution indices were calculated to evaluate the environmental risks. Soil organic matter ranged between 93 and 557 g kg−1 soil, whereas the soil pH was &gt;7, classifying the soils as neutral to slightly alkaline. Mean PTE contents in soil samples were 24.6 mg kg−1 soil for As, 1.68 mg kg−1 soil for Se, 113 mg kg−1 soil for Pb, 32 mg kg−1 soil for Cr, 36.3 mg kg−1 soil for Ni, 141.4 mg kg−1 soil for Zn, 35.5 mg kg−1 soil for Cu and 845 mg kg−1 soil for Mn. In corn grain samples, 0.06 mg kg−1 grain for As, 0.14 mg kg−1 grain for Se, 1.34 mg kg−1 grain for Cr, 0.69 mg kg−1 grain for Ni, 27 for Zn, 8.4 mg kg−1 grain for Cu and 3.2 mg kg−1 grain for Mn were recorded. No Pb was detected in the corn grains. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) was high for Cu, Zn and Se, indicating increased mobility of these elements in the soils and preferential plant uptake. For most soil samples, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and single pollution index (PI) showed low to moderate contamination. However, Igeo and PI values of Se in many sampling sites and of Pb and Zn in few were substantially increased, pointing to heavily contaminated soils. According to potential ecological risk (RI), the PTE content in the peat soils of Philippi imposes low to moderate risk on the environment.

Contamination, Source Identification, Ecological and Human Health Risks Assessment of Potentially Toxic-Elements in Soils of Typical Rare-Earth Mining Areas.

The mining and leaching processes of rare-earth mines can include the entry of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into the environment, causing ecological risks and endangering human health. However, the identification of ecological risks and sources of PTEs in rare-earth mining areas is less comprehensive. Hence, we determine the PTE (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, V) content in soils around rare-earth mining areas in the south and analyze the ecological health risks, distribution characteristics, and sources of PTEs in the study area using various indices and models. The results showed that the average concentrations of Co, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were higher than the soil background values, with a maximum of 1.62 times. The spatial distribution of PTEs was not homogeneous and the hot spots were mostly located near roads and mining areas. The ecological risk index and the non-carcinogenic index showed that the contribution was mainly from Co, Pb, and Cr, which accounted for more than 90%. Correlation analysis and PMF models indicated that eight PTEs were positively correlated, and rare-earth mining operations (concentration of 22.85%) may have caused Pb and Cu enrichment in soils in the area, while other anthropogenic sources of pollution were industrial emissions and agricultural pollution. The results of the study can provide a scientific basis for environmental-pollution assessment and prevention in rare-earth mining cities.

Concentration of essential and non-essential elements and carcinogenic / non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of commercial bee pollens from Turkey

BackgroundBee pollen, known as a natural super-food with valuable nutritional ingredients, is regarded as a good indicator of ecotoxic substances, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Therefore, this study aims to examine the concentrations of selected PTEs (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, Zn) in bee pollen purchased from online markets in Turkey and perform a health risk assessment to identify the potential risk to consumers. MethodsThe quantitative analyses were conducted by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). ResultsThe mean values of essential PTEs in decreasing content order were Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr > Mo >Co = V. Regarding the results of the study, daily consumption (40 g for adult or 20 g for children) of commercial bee pollen can recompense 20–35 % of daily Cu, Mn, Se requirements for children, adults, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. The decreasing content order of non-essential elements was Al > Sn > Sr > Ba > Pb > As. Cadmium and Hg concentrations were below the detection limits in all the samples. In terms of food and public health; detection of the PTEs concentrations is necessary to assess the quality and safety of bee pollen before consumption. According to the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments; commercial pollen consumption does not pose a health risk to either children or adults for the PTEs monitored in this study. ConclusionWe conclude that bee pollen is an ideal indicator for the monitoring of environmental pollution of PTEs and also a valuable source of essential elements. This study highlights the need to develop standards that regulate acceptable concentrations of PTEs.

Solid Carriers of Potentially Toxic Elements and Their Fate in Stream Sediments in the Area Affected by Iron Ore Mining and Processing

The potential environmental impact of historical mining and ore processing on stream sediments and water was studied in a small siderite iron ore deposit with diverse sulfide mineral paragenesis. The main aim was to characterize solid carriers of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in stream sediments and mine waste, to understand their fate in fluvial systems. General mineralogy (X-ray powder diffraction) and individual solid PTE carriers (scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy) were correlated with the geochemical composition of stream sediments, mine waste, and stream waters (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). Primary solid PTE carriers were pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, Hg-bearing sphalerite, galena, and siderite. Slightly alkaline and oxidizing conditions in stream water promoted the transformation of primary phases into secondary PTE carriers. Fe(Mn)-oxide/oxyhydroxides were major sinks for Pb, Zn, and As. Compared to background levels, Co (14.6 ± 2.1 mg/kg), Cu (30 ± 2.9 mg/kg), Ni (32.1 ± 2.9 mg/kg), Pb (64.5 ± 16.4 mg/kg), Zn (175.3 ± 22.5 mg/kg), As (81.1 ± 63.7 mg/kg), and Hg (2 ± 0.8 mg/kg) were elevated in mining area. Mine waste contained similar PTE carriers as stream sediments, but much higher PTE contents. Prevailingly low PTE concentrations in streams, with the exception of As (1.97 ± 2.4 µg/L) and Zn (4.5 ± 5.7 µg/L), indicate the stability of PTE carriers. Environmental effects were not significant, and additional monitoring is recommended.

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in drinking water from Shiraz, Iran: a health risk assessment of samples

The existence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in water bodies has posed a menace to human health. Thus, water resources should be protected from PTEs, and their effect on the exposed population should be investigated. In the present investigation, the concentrations of PTEs such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and iron(Fe) in the drinking water of Shiraz, Iran, were determined for the first time. In addition, hazard quotient, hazard index, cancer risk, and sensitivity analysis were applied to estimate the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic impacts of Pb, Hg, Mn, and Fe on exposed children and adults through ingestion. The mean concentrations (µg/L) of Pb, Hg, Mn, and Fe were 0.36, 0.32, 2.28, and 8.72, respectively, in winter and 0.50, 0.20, 0.55, and 10.36, respectively, in summer. The results displayed that Fe concentration was more than the other PTEs. PTE concentrations were lower than the standard values of the Environment Protection Agency and World Health Organization. Values of the degree of contamination and heavy metal pollution index for lead, mercury, manganese, and iron were significantly low (< 1) and excellent (< 50), respectively. Based on the Spearman rank correlation analysis, positive and negative relationships were observed in the present study. The observations of the health risk assessment demonstrated that mercury, lead, iron, and manganese had an acceptable level of noncarcinogenic harmful health risk in exposed children and adults (hazard quotients < 1 and hazard index < 1). The carcinogenic risk of lead was low (< E − 06), which can be neglected. Monte Carlo simulation showed that water intake rate and mercury concentration were the most critical parameters in the hazard index for children and adults. Lead concentration was also the most crucial factor in the cancer risk analysis. The results of the present study proved that the drinking water of Shiraz is safe and healthy and can be confidently consumed by people.

Potential toxic elements (PTEs) concentration in wheat and flour products in Iran: A probabilistic risk assessment

The aim of This study was to assess the concentration of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in wheat, flour of Sangak, and Lavash bread samples and the possible effect of the milling process due to a depreciation of the device. Levels of PTEs in tested samples (n = 270) from 10 factories in Iran were determined by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry). In addition, the associated human health risk due to consumption of wheat, Sangak and Lavash bread flours in adults and children was estimated. In this approach, percentile 95% hazard quotient (HQ), Hazard index (HI), and Total Hazard Index (THI) was used as a symptom for endangering the consumer people health. A significant difference was detected in Ni concentration between wheat and two brands of flours i.e., Sangak and Lavash samples. The PTEs concentration order in the wheat and flour samples was Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > As > Cd, respectively. Consistent with findings, the concentration of PTEs in all samples was less than the permitted limit set by the European Commission and JECFA committee. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risk assessment (HRA) was calculated. Bread consumption per capita is 0.45 kg for adults and 0.27 kg for children per day. The results showed that both adults and children groups are not at remarkable health risk for PTEs at mean HQ, HI, THI <1 and ELCR <10E-4, but for HRA at the percentile 95% showed there is HRA of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic disease for children group (HQ, HI, THI >1 and ELCR >10E-4).

Spatial distribution, sources and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements contamination in surface soils of Yellow River Delta, China.

The contamination status and ecological risk of soil potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Yellow River Delta (YRD) are still poorly understood. Thirty surface soil samples were collected in YRD, determined for contents of PTEs, and assessed using four kinds of proxies. Results indicated that PTEs contents basically met the Environmental Quality Standard for Soils, and spatial heterogeneity of PTEs was not distinctive except for a few sampling sites. Results of geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF) indicated significant enrichment of As and Sb in YRD. The multivariate analysis results distinguished the possible sources of these PTEs and demonstrated that sources of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn could be influenced by anthropogenic activities (industrial and agricultural sources). Moreover, Ni, Cr and As had relatively high contributions to sum of toxicity units (ΣTUs). This study provides basic information for understanding soil PTEs contamination status of YRD.