Recycling Site Research Articles

Provenance and bioaccessibility of rare earth elements in atmospheric particles in areas impacted by the optoelectronic industry

Rare earth elements (REEs) are widely used in optoelectronic industries, and they can be emitted into the environment and may induce biological effects. In this study, we investigated the provenance and bioaccessibility of REEs in atmospheric particles (APs) collected from areas impacted by the optoelectronic industry. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values showed that Y, Eu, and Tb were much more enriched in the APs from the optoelectronic recycling sites than in those from the optoelectronic producing sites and were not enriched in the APs from the optoelectronic administrative sites and background sites. The characteristic parameters and the distribution patterns of REEs demonstrated that the AP samples from the recycling sites and producing sites showed remarkably positive Eu and Tb anomalies. According to the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, the optoelectronic industry was quantitatively determined to contribute 82.8% of Y, 86.5% of Eu, and 83.4% of Tb. Furthermore, an in vitro physiologically based extraction test (PBET) was performed to assess the bioaccessibility of REEs in the APs. The results showed that the bioaccessibility of all the REEs in the APs was below 50.0% in the human gastrointestinal tract, with higher values in the gastric phases than in the intestinal phases. In particular, extremely low gastric bioaccessibilities of Tb and Ce and relatively high gastric bioaccessibilities of Y and Eu were observed in the APs from the recycling sites and producing sites, which may due to the chemical composition of the compounds containing REEs that are used in the optoelectronic industry. In conclusion, our results provide additional information about the contribution and influence of the optoelectronic industry on the provenance and bioaccessibility of REEs in APs.

Spatiality in Health: The Distribution of Health Conditions Associated with Electronic Waste Processing Activities at Agbogbloshie, Accra.

Background:A walk through the Agbogbloshie e-waste recycling site shows a marked heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of the different e-waste processing activities, which are likely to drive clustering of health conditions associated with the different activity type in each space.Objective of study:To conduct a spatial assessment and analysis of health conditions associated with different e-waste activities at different activity spaces at Agbogbloshie.Methods:A choropleth showing the various activity spaces at the Agbogbloshie e-waste site was produced by mapping boundaries of these spaces using Etrex GPS device and individuals working in each activity spaces were recruited and studied. Upon obtaining consent and agreeing to participate in the study, each subject was physically examined and assessed various health outcomes of interest via direct physical examination while characterizing and enumerating the scars, lacerations, abrasions, skin condition and cuts after which both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were recorded alongside the administration of open and close ended questionnaires. All individuals working within each activity space and consented to participate were recruited; giving a total of one hundred and twelve (112) subjects in all.Results:A study of the choropleth showed that health conditions associated e-waste processing activities were clustered in a fashion similar to the corresponding distribution of each activity. While a total of 96.2% of all the study subjects had cuts, the dismantlers had higher mix of scars, lacerations and abrasions. Abrasions were observed in 16.3% of the dismantlers. Scars were the most common skin condition and were observed on the skins of 93.6% of the subjects. Prevalence of burns among the study subjects was 23.1%. Developing hypertension was not associated with activity type and while a total of 90.2% of subjects had normal blood pressure and 9.8% of them were hypertensives. Finally, 98.2% of respondents felt the need to have a first aid clinic at the site with 96.4% and 97.3% willing to visit the clinic and pay for services respectively.Conclusion:We conclude that while the observed injuries were random and were due purely to accidents without any role of spatial determinants such as the configuration, slope, topography and other subterranean features of the activity spaces, a strong association between the injuries and activity type was observed.

Health Consequences for E-Waste Workers and Bystanders-A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Informal e-waste recycling is associated with several health hazards. Thus far, the main focus of research in the e-waste sector has been to assess the exposure site, such as the burden of heavy metals or organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the health consequences associated with informal e-waste recycling. A questionnaire-based assessment regarding occupational information, medical history, and current symptoms and complaints was carried out with a group of n = 84 e-waste workers and compared to a control cohort of n = 94 bystanders at the e-waste recycling site Agbogbloshie. E-waste workers suffered significantly more from work-related injuries, back pain, and red itchy eyes in comparison to the control group. In addition, regular drug use was more common in e-waste workers (25% vs. 6.4%). Both groups showed a noticeable high use of pain killers (all workers 79%). The higher frequency of symptoms in the e-waste group can be explained by the specific recycling tasks, such as burning or dismantling. However, the report also indicates that adverse health effects apply frequently to the control group. Occupational safety trainings and the provision of personal protection equipment are needed for all workers.

Estimating the Generation of Garden Waste in England and the Differences between Rural and Urban Areas

Garden waste arising from private households represents a major component of the biodegradable municipal waste stream. To design effective waste valorisation schemes, detailed information about garden waste is a prerequisite. While the biochemical composition of this material is well documented, there is a lack of knowledge regarding both the quantities arising, and quantities entering the services operated by waste management authorities. This work studied the quantities of garden waste arisings at urban and rural households along with the disposal methods used. A door-to-door interview survey, an analysis of kerbside collections of garden waste, and an assessment of materials brought by citizens to a waste recycling site were carried out in Hampshire, UK. If extrapolated nationally, the results indicate that households in England produce an average of 0.79 kg of garden waste per day, or 288 kg per year. On a per capita basis, this corresponds to an annual arising of 120 kg per person, out of which around 70% enters the collection schemes of the waste management authorities. The quantity generated by rural and urban households differed substantially, with rural households producing 1.96 ± 1.35 kg per day and urban households 0.64 ± 0.46 kg per day. Rural households adopted self-sufficient methods of garden waste management such as home composting or backyard burning to a much greater extent compared with urban households. Less than half of the generated rural garden waste entered services operated by the waste collection authorities, while urban households strongly relied on these services. A detailed breakdown of the disposal routes chosen by urban and rural householders can support authorities in tailoring more effective waste management schemes.

Bioaccumulation characteristics of PBDEs and alternative brominated flame retardants in a wild frog-eating snake

While a large body of studies have examined polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and alternative brominated flame retardants (ABFRs) in wildlife, information on the bioaccumulation of these contaminants in reptiles in general, and snakes in particular, are scarce. We investigated the bioaccumulation characteristics of PBDEs and several ABFRs including decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), hexabromobenzene (HBB) and pentabromotoluene (PBT) in a frog-eating snake, the striped keelback snake (Amphiesma stolata), from an e-waste recycling site in South China. The concentrations of ∑PBDEs and ∑ABFRs in the snakes ranged 53–5200 and 3.1–87 ng/g lipid weight, respectively; with higher levels in males than females. Additionally, the concentrations of BDE-28, -47, and −66 were positively correlated with snake size (snout-vent length and body mass), while negative correlations were found for most of the higher brominated PBDE congeners and HBB, PBT and BTBPE. The biomagnification factors (BMFs) estimated in the snake/frog relationship indicated a mild to moderate biomagnification of BDE-28, -47, −66, −100, −153 and −154 (with mean BMFs of 1.1–5.3), while a lack of magnification for the other PBDE congeners and all the ABFRs. This is the first report on the sex- and size-related accumulation and biomagnification potentials of PBDEs and ABFRs in snakes.

Horizontal Gene Transfer and Acquired Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella enterica Serovar Heidelberg following In Vitro Incubation in Broiler Ceca.

The chicken gastrointestinal tract harbors microorganisms that play a role in the health and disease status of the host. The cecum is the part of the gut that carries the highest microbial densities, has the longest residence time of digesta, and is a vital site for urea recycling and water regulation. Therefore, the cecum provides a rich environment for bacteria to horizontally transfer genes between one another via mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and bacteriophages. In this study, we used broiler chicken cecum as a model to investigate antibiotic resistance genes that can be transferred in vitro from cecal flora to Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg. We used whole-genome sequencing and resistome enrichment to decipher the interactions between S Heidelberg, the gut microbiome, and acquired antibiotic resistance. After 48 h of incubation of ceca under microaerophilic conditions, we recovered one S Heidelberg isolate with an acquired IncK2 plasmid (88 kb) carrying an extended-spectrum-β-lactamase gene (blaCMY-2). In vitro, this plasmid was transferable between Escherichia coli and S Heidelberg strains but transfer was unsuccessful between S Heidelberg strains. An in-depth genetic characterization of transferred plasmids suggests that they share significant homology with P1-like phages. This study contributes to our understanding of horizontal gene transfer between an important foodborne pathogen and the chicken gut microbiome.IMPORTANCES. Heidelberg is a clinically important serovar, linked to foodborne illness and among the top 5 serovars isolated from poultry in the United States and Canada. Acquisition of new genetic material from the microbial flora in the gastrointestinal tract of food animals, including broilers, may contribute to increased fitness of pathogens like S. Heidelberg and may increase their level of antibiotic tolerance. Therefore, it is critical to gain a better understanding of the interactions that occur between important pathogens and the commensals present in the animal gut and other agroecosystems. In this report, we show that the native flora in broiler ceca were capable of transferring mobile genetic elements carrying the AmpC β-lactamase (blaCMY-2) gene to an important foodborne pathogen, S Heidelberg. The potential role for bacteriophage transduction is also discussed.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in oriental magpie-robins from e-waste, urban, and rural sites: Site-specific biomagnification of POPs

Plenty of banned and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dechlorane plus (DP), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), were measured in oriental magpie-robins from an e-waste recycling site, an urban site (Guangzhou City), and a rural site in South China. Median concentrations of DDTs, PCBs, PBDEs, DP, and DBDPE ranged from 1,000–1,313, 800-59,368, 244-5,740, 24.1–127, and 14.7–36.0 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Birds from the e-waste site had significantly higher concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs than those from urban and rural sites (p < 0.05), implying contamination of PCBs and PBDEs brought by e-waste recycling activities. DDTs were the predominant POPs in birds from urban and rural sites. The values of δ15N were significantly and positively correlated with concentrations of p,p′-DDE and low-halogenated chemicals in samples from the e-waste site (p < 0.05), indicating the trophic magnification of these chemicals in birds. However, concentrations of most POPs were not significantly correlated with the δ15N values in birds from urban and rural sites. PCBs and PBDEs in birds from urban and rural sites were not likely from local sources, and the biomagnification of POPs in different sites needed to be further investigated with caution.

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in insect-dominated food webs from a former e-waste recycling site in South China

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) has frequently been detected in wildlife. However, there is limited research on its bioaccumulation and biomagnification in insect-dominated aquatic and terrestrial food webs. This study investigated the occurrence of HBCDD in insects and their predators collected from a former e-waste contaminated pond and its surrounding region. The concentrations of ƩHBCDD (sum concentrations of α-, β-, and γ-HBCDDs) ranged from nd to 179 ng g−1 lipid weight. α-HBCDD was the predominant diastereoisomer in all biotic samples, and the contribution of α-HBCDD was higher in predators than in prey insects. A significantly positive linear relationship was found between ƩHBCDD concentrations (lipid weight) and trophic levels based on δ15N in aquatic organisms (p < 0.05), while trophic dilution was observed in the terrestrial food web. This result indicates an opposite trophic transfer tendency of HBCDD in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The biomagnification factor (BMF) for α-HBCDD was higher in terrestrial birds (2.03) than in frogs (0.29), toads (0.85), and lizards (0.63). This may be due to differences between poikilotherms and homeotherms in terrestrial ecosystems.

Reduction in the exposure risk of farmer from e-waste recycling site following environmental policy adjustment: A regional scale view of PAHs in paddy fields

Farmland contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has drawn increasing attention across China with enhanced regulations and environmental policies proposed by government to protect soil environment safety. As the informal electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling activities were forbidden under recent environmental regulation, this study compared levels, compositions, spatial distributions, human health risks of PAHs in paddy soil within the vicinity of an e-waste recycling area in southeastern China, with 129 and 150 soil samples collected in 2011 and 2016, respectively. The soil contamination was dominated with high molecular weight PAHs. The mean concentration of EPA 16 PAHs decreased from 590.4 ± 337.2 μg kg−1 in 2011 to 407.3 ± 232.2 μg kg−1 in 2016. Distribution maps of soil PAHs concentration displayed the temporal change in spatial. Principal component analysis together with diagnostic ratios revealed the combustion of biomass and coal in industrial and unregulated e-waste dismantling were the main sources of PAHs in the study area. Both deterministic and probabilistic assessments demonstrated reduced exposure risk for farmers from 2011 to 2016. Sensitivity analysis revealed that exposure frequency (EF) is the most influential parameter for the total variance in the risk assessment model. This study implied that the more stringent environmental policy and regulation can lead reductions in soil contamination with PAHs.

Short-term variability in levels of urinary phosphate flame retardant metabolites in adults and children from an e-waste recycling site

In the present study, urine samples (n = 258) were collected from adults (n = 42) and children (n = 22) in an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling site. The concentrations and compositions of six di-esters, or the metabolites of phosphate flame retardants (PFRs), were measured at different time points on consecutive days. Bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP), dibutyl phosphate (DBP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP), and diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) were detected in more than 50% of urine samples. The median concentrations of BCEP, DBP, BDCIPP, and DPHP were 2.43–4.80, 0.09–2.65, 0.46–0.89, and 0.66–1.83 ng/mL in adult urine samples, respectively. For children, the median concentrations of BCEP, DBP, BDCIPP, and DPHP were 1.23, 0.08, 0.06, and 0.29 ng/mL in morning urine samples, and 1.86, 0.12, 0.14, and 0.27 ng/mL in nightfall urine samples, respectively. Nightfall urine had generally higher levels of di-esters than those in morning urine for both adults and children (p < 0.05). Children had significantly lower concentrations of di-esters than adults, indicating the occupational exposure risks of PFRs for adults. Significant correlations were observed in levels of BDCIPP (3 out of 6 groups of samples) and DPHP (2 out of 6 groups of samples) in couples (p<0.05). Significant correlations between parents and boys were only observed in BCEP levels in nightfall urine samples, and in DBP levels in morning urine samples (p<0.05). The results suggest that di-ester concentrations in e-waste recycling workers are highly variable depending on the time that samples are collected, which could further influence the estimation of human exposure to PFRs.

Intracellular iron deficiency in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells induces pulmonary arterial hypertension in mice

Iron deficiency augments hypoxic pulmonary arterial pressure in healthy individuals and exacerbates pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients, even without anemia. Conversely, iron supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in both settings. The mechanisms underlying the effects of iron availability are not known, due to lack of understanding of how cells of the pulmonary vasculature respond to changes in iron levels. The iron export protein ferroportin (FPN) and its antagonist peptide hepcidin control systemic iron levels by regulating release from the gut and spleen, the sites of absorption and recycling, respectively. We found FPN to be present in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and regulated by hepcidin cell autonomously. To interrogate the importance of this regulation, we generated mice with smooth muscle-specific knock in of the hepcidin-resistant isoform fpn C326Y. While retaining normal systemic iron levels, this model developed PAH and right heart failure as a consequence of intracellular iron deficiency and increased expression of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) within PASMCs. PAH was prevented and reversed by i.v. iron and by the ET receptor antagonist BQ-123. The regulation of ET-1 by iron was also demonstrated in healthy humans exposed to hypoxia and in PASMCs from PAH patients with mutations in bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II. Such mutations were further associated with dysregulation of the HAMP/FPN axis in PASMCs. This study presents evidence that intracellular iron deficiency specifically within PASMCs alters pulmonary vascular function. It offers a mechanistic underpinning for the known effects of iron availability in humans.

The Axial Organ and the Pharynx Are Sites of Hematopoiesis in the Sea Urchin.

Background: The location of coelomocyte proliferation in adult sea urchins is unknown and speculations since the early 1800s have been based on microanatomy and tracer uptake studies. In adult sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) with down-regulated immune systems, coelomocyte numbers increase in response to immune challenge, and whether some or all of these cells are newly proliferated is not known. The gene regulatory network that encodes transcription factors that control hematopoiesis in embryonic and larval sea urchins has not been investigated in adults. Hence, to identify the hematopoietic tissue in adult sea urchins, cell proliferation, expression of phagocyte specific genes, and expression of genes encoding transcription factors that function in the conserved regulatory network that controls hematopoiesis in embryonic and larval sea urchins were investigated for several tissues.Results: Cell proliferation was induced in adult sea urchins either by immune challenge through injection of heat-killed Vibrio diazotrophicus or by cell depletion through aspiration of coelomic fluid. In response to either of these stimuli, newly proliferated coelomocytes constitute only about 10% of the cells in the coelomic fluid. In tissues, newly proliferated cells and cells that express SpTransformer proteins (formerly Sp185/333) that are markers for phagocytes are present in the axial organ, gonad, pharynx, esophagus, and gut with no differences among tissues. The expression level of genes encoding transcription factors that regulate hematopoiesis show that both the axial organ and the pharynx have elevated expression compared to coelomocytes, esophagus, gut, and gonad. Similarly, an RNAseq dataset shows similar results for the axial organ and pharynx, but also suggests that the axial organ may be a site for removal and recycling of cells in the coelomic cavity.Conclusions: Results presented here are consistent with previous speculations that the axial organ may be a site of coelomocyte proliferation and that it may also be a center for cellular removal and recycling. A second site, the pharynx, may also have hematopoietic activity, a tissue that has been assumed to function only as part of the intestinal tract.

Site selection of construction waste recycling plant

Under the background of the development of construction waste recycling in China, optimizing the site of construction waste recycling and disposal plant is important, considering not only the cost of construction waste recycling but also the impact on the surrounding environment. This study aims to minimize the cost and negative environmental effects. In order to find the best method to solve the problem of multiobjective function optimization, we propose a multiobjective location model which combines genetic algorithm with probabilistic robust optimization. The model first uses genetic algorithm to get preliminary result and then it uses probabilistic robust optimization to find the optimal solution. The preliminary results show that 1, 3, 5 of the candidate sites more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than other. The fitness value converges at a stable value of 1.55 × 10−5, and the Pareto optimal frontier presents considerable clustering characteristics, which prove the rationality and operability of the site selection optimization model. Meanwhile, the robust model analysis under the given uncertain environment achieves the purpose of further optimization of the site. The research results can provide the government with a theoretical basis for the site selection of construction and demolition waste recycling plants.

Health Risks of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Metals at Informal Electronic Waste Recycling Sites.

Concerns about the adverse public health consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling are increasing. This study adopted a cross-sectional study design to gain insights into health risks (cancer and non-cancer risks) associated with exposure to e-waste chemicals among informal e-waste workers via three main routes: Dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. The e-waste chemicals (PBDE and metals) were measured in the dust and top soils at e-waste sites (burning, dismantling, and repair sites). Adverse health risks were calculated using the EPA model developed by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States. The concentrations of the e-waste chemicals and the health risks at the e-waste sites increased as the intensity of the e-waste recycling activities increased: control sites < repair sites < dismantling sites < burning sites. Dermal contact was the main route of exposure while exposure via inhalation was negligible for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. Cumulative health risks via all routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact) exceeded the acceptable limits of both non-cancer effects and cancer risk at all e-waste sites. This indicates that overall the e-waste workers are at the risk of adverse health effects. Therefore, the importance of occupational safety programs and management regulations for e-waste workers cannot be over emphasised.

Ecological Risk and Human Health Implications of Heavy Metals Contamination of Surface Soil in E-Waste Recycling Sites in Douala, Cameroun.

Background.Recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) in developing nations poses a risk to the environment and human health through the release of heavy metals.Objectives.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in Douala, Cameroun, the site of e-waste recycling activities.Methods.Soil samples were collected from Makea, Ngodi and New Bell e-waste recycling sites, as well as from a control site. Samples were digested and levels of heavy metals were determined.Results.The concentrations of the heavy metals in Makea occurred in the order of lead (Pb) (290±40) > zinc (Zn) (160±30) > chromium (Cr) (130±40) > copper (Cu) (130±20) > nickel (Ni) (56±5.7) > cadmium (Cd) (20±3.0); Pb (310±30) >Zn (150±20) >Cu (80±30) >Cr (70±40) >Ni (50±1.0) >Cd (30±5.0) in Ngodi; and Pb (280±40) >Zn (155±35) >Cu (80±50) >Cr (70±40) >Ni (53±2.0) >Cd (20±10) in New Bell. The levels of metals in all of the samples were higher compared to the control site, which was composed of vegetation and far from the e-waste sites, and in some cases, higher than permissible limits or guidelines. The ecological risk index of heavy metals for soil samples in all the e-waste sites indicated a very high risk.Conclusions.Heavy metals concentrations in soil around e-waste recycling sites present serious health risks and further investigations are needed.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

PAHs contamination levels in the breast milk of Ghanaian women from an e-waste recycling site and a residential area

Breast milk samples from 128 primipararae and multiparae Ghanaian women were screened for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from 2014 and 2016. These were breast milk from women residing or working around an electronic waste recycling site and a reference area (a residential area). This research is aimed at assessing PAHs levels in human milk samples from some Ghanaian mothers, prediction of the sources of these PAHs and the probable carcinogenic and mutagenic risks to infants. PAHs in the breast milk were analyzed using a gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC–MS/MS). A total of 18 PAH congeners were identified in the human milk samples with a total range between <LOD and 15,936.57 ng/g lipid wt and an overall mean of 1105.63 ng/g lipid wt. In general, the mean concentrations of low molecular weight PAHs were appreciably greater than the high molecular weight PAHs in the breast milk samples. Naphthalene recorded the highest mean concentrations of 1026.52 ng/g lipid wt and 78.73 ng/g lipid wt for both e-waste and residential areas, respectively. Naphthalene contributed 77.4% of the total PAHs in the milk samples. Most of the high molecular weight PAHs were below the limit of detection in milk samples from Kwabenya (a residential area) but were detected in the milk samples from Agbogbloshie (e-waste recycling site). The diagnostic ratio tests in this study suggest that most of the PAHs in the milk samples are originating from pyrogenic sources. Risk assessment for carcinogenicity and mutagenicity on infants based on this study were 1.1 × 10−5 and 1.9 × 10−5, respectively.

Health Status of Elderly People Living Near E-Waste Recycling Sites: Association of E-Waste Dismantling Activities with Legacy Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)

The elderly people living near electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling sites are susceptible to elevated chemical exposure, which is acerbated by hypometabolism and diminished immune tolerance. In this study, paired serum and urine samples collected from 1025 elderly people (≥60 years old) living near e-waste dismantling sites (n = 800) and reference areas (n = 225) in South China were analyzed for markers of health status and chemical exposures. Our results indicated that among all the health indicators fasting blood glucose (FBG) and urinary clinical markers were significantly higher in e-waste areas than in the reference area. Sixteen legacy perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in serum samples of elderly individuals living near e-waste dismantling areas (n = 171) and a reference area (n = 50). Serum PFASs concentrations in individuals from e-waste dismantling areas were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those from the reference area, which indicated that e-waste dismantling activities a...

Diet formulated with black seed flour activates regulatory androgenic enzymes and neuroendocrine hormones in leachate-exposed reproductive damage of rat testes

Mixed environmental toxicants particularly mixed-metals had been implicated as testicular endocrine disruptors. Functional foods were applied in traditional medicine since decades for the treatment of several reproductive defects with limited scientific basis. The finding examines the steroidogenic proteins and neuroendocrine hormones linked to spermatogenesis and testicular wellness when exposed to toxicant-liquid from Elewi-odo vehicle-battery recycling site (EOMABRL) in rat, following treatment with black seed flour. Rats were distributed into six assemblages (n = 8): normal rats; normal rats administered with 10% and 20% black seed flour (BSF), respectively; testicular exposed rat; exposed rats treated with 10% and 20% supplementation of BSF, respectively; for 14 days. EOMABRL intoxication inhibited Δ5 3β-HSD and Δ5 17β-HSD activities and declined FSH, LH and testosterone levels. Diet supplemented with BSF at 10% and 20% significantly (p < 0.05) increased testicular steroidogenic enzymes (Δ5-17β-HSD and Δ5-17β-HSD) as well neuroendocrine hormones (LH, FSH) and testosterone levels in EOMABRL-intoxicated rats. Also, BSF prevented the alterations associated with spermatogenesis by potentiating seminiferous tubules (STs) and spermatocytes. We therefore concluded that diet formulated with BSF triggers the production of testicular endocrine hormones and hypothalamus pituitary–testicular axis via resuscitating germ cells in compromised rats.

Legacy and Currently Used Organic Contaminants in Human Hair and Hand Wipes of Female E-Waste Dismantling Workers and Workplace Dust in South China.

Legacy organic contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and several currently used organic contaminants, such as novel brominated retardants (NBFRs), organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), and Dechlorane Plus (DPs), were measured in the segmented hair and hand wipes of e-waste dismantling workers and in the dust from their workplace in an e-waste recycling site in South China to assess the accumulation and sources of organic contaminants in the hair shaft. The median concentrations of DPs, PBDEs, NBFRs, PCBs and OPFRs in hair samples were 23.5, 154, 156, 349, and 371 ng/g, respectively. A linear increase in organic contaminant concentrations was found along the hair shaft, with significant differences among each segment, while the age-related patterns were similar among the 7 hair segments. A linear relationship was found between the accumulation rates and the log KOW, indicating that the accumulation rates of organic contaminants along the hair shaft decreased with increasing log KOW values. Enantiomer fraction (EF) values of PCB-132 in distal segments were close to those in dust and air, while EFs in proximal segments were close to those in serum. The contributions of PCBs from external sources to hair increased with the distance from the scalp of hair segments, from 67.8% in 0-3 cm segments to 95.9% in 18-21 cm segments.

Genome sequence of a spore-laccase forming, BPA-degrading Bacillus sp. GZB isolated from an electronic-waste recycling site reveals insights into BPA degradation pathways.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical with known deleterious effects on biota. A genome sequencing project is an important starting point for designing a suitable BPA bioremediation process, because it provides valuable genomic information about the physiological, metabolic, and genetic potential of the microbes used for the treatment. This study explored genomic insights provided by the BPA-degrading strain Bacillus sp. GZB, previously isolated from electronic-waste-dismantling site. The GZB genome is a circular chromosome, comprised of a total of 4,077,007bp with G+C content comprising 46.2%. Genome contained 23 contigs encoded by 3881 protein-coding genes with nine rRNA and 53 tRNA genes. A comparative study demonstrated that strain GZB bloomed with some potential features as compared to other Bacillus species. In addition, strain GZB developed spore cells and displayed laccase activity while growing at elevated stress levels. Most importantly, strain GZB contained many protein-coding genes associated with BPA degradation, as well as the degradation of several other compounds. The protein-coding genes in the genome revealed the genetic mechanisms associated with the BPA degradation by strain GZB. This study predicts four possible degradation pathways for BPA, contributing to the possible use of strain GZB to remediate different polluted environments in the future.