Lead Concentrations In Tissues Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metal Content in Impacted Third Molars from Industrial and Non-Industrial Areas and Its Effect on the Isolation, Culture, and Proliferation of Dental Stem Cells (DSCs).

Background: This study investigates the impact of environmental pollution on the quality and viability of dental stem cells (DSCs) from impacted third molars. By comparing DSCs from patients in industrial areas with high air pollution and those from non-industrial regions, the research assesses the adverse effects of heavy metals on stem cell proliferation. Methods: Impacted lower third molars were collected from 28 patients-10 from industrial and 18 from non-industrial areas. Patients were divided into two age groups: 18-27 years and 28-38 years old. Dental pulp was extracted under sterile conditions, and DSCs were isolated and cultured. Heavy metal concentrations in dental tissues were measured using atomic absorption/emission spectrometry. Results: The study found significantly higher concentrations of copper and lead in the dental tissues of patients in industrial areas. Cell viability was lower in samples from these areas, with a statistically significant difference in average doubling time and the number of cells obtained after the first passage. There was no significant impact of gender on heavy metal content, except for higher iron levels in men. Conclusions: Exposure to industrial pollutants negatively affects the viability and proliferation of DSCs, but there are no differences in differentiation in the osteogenic medium regarding cell mineralization. These studies highlight the importance of environmental factors for oral health, suggesting that residents of polluted areas may face greater difficulties in dental and regenerative treatments. Further research is needed to develop strategies to mitigate the effects and improve clinical outcomes for affected populations.

Heavy metal concentrations in sharks, rays and chimaeras from the western Mediterranean Sea

The potential bioaccumulation of pollutants, such as heavy metals, may pose a threat to the western Mediterranean chondrichthyans and human consumers. Therefore, the first extensive assessment of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) concentrations in the muscle tissue of 17 species of sharks, rays, and chimaeras in this region was conducted via Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS). Significant differences between species were observed, particularly related to the rabbit fish (Chimaera monstrosa) and the velvet belly lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax), which exceeded the European Union (EU) Commission Regulation 2023/915 threshold of Cd. Overall, heavy metal concentrations correlated negatively with size and trophic level but positively with depth. Although the consumption of these species may entail minimal risk to adult humans, caution is advised, especially for children. These findings are important due to the widespread consumption of chondrichthyans in many western Mediterranean regions.

Relationships Between Indicators of Metabolic Disorders and Selected Concentrations of Bioelements and Lead in Serum and Bone Tissue in Aging Men.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between serum and bone concentrations of selected bioelements, ie, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chrome (Cr), magnesium (Mg), and selenium (Se), and a heavy metal, ie, lead (Pb), and the selected indicators of metabolic disorders - Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and Body Mass Index (BMI). The study comprised 151 men aged 60 to 75 years who were scheduled for hip replacement surgery due to osteoarthritis. The concentrations of elements in the serum and bone tissue were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (Mg, Zn, Cu, Cr, Fe, and Pb) and the spectrofluorometric method (Se). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high-density cholesterol (HDL-Ch), and triacylglycerols (TAG) were determined. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. There was no relationship between serum and bone concentrations of bioelements and lead and the BMI index. Bone Mg was significantly higher in men with higher VAI, but no such relation was observed in the serum. Similarly, bone Mg and Zn were higher in patients with higher LAP, which was not observed in the serum. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age was performed. There was a correlation between serum Zn concentration and the cut-off point for VAI. The cut-off point for LAP was related to the bone tissue concentrations of Mg, Zn, and Cu. We found some relationships between the concentrations of selected bioelements and Pb and VAI, LAP, and BMI in bone but not in the serum. VAI positively correlated with bone Mg, while LAP positively correlated with bone Cu, Zn, and Mg.

Potential hepatic-protective effect of Physalis peruviana against lead-induced toxicity in albino rats

<p>Lead toxicity poses a serious threat facing humanity. Research aims to investigate the potential hepato-protective effect of <em>Physalis peruviana</em> (P.P) fruit against lead toxicity (10 ppm (1/45 LD50)) in male albino rats. Toxicological induction with lead acetate lasted for 28 days followed by treatment with 200, 300, and 500 mg/kg of lyophilized P.P. fruit extract for another 28 days. Superoxide dismutase, malonaldehyde, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were measured using a spectrophotometer. Lead concentration in liver tissues was assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy after four and eight weeks, in addition to Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and complete blood count were measured. Lead acetate induced a substantial elevation in malonaldehyde levels, and a significant decrease in Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Treatment with 200, 300, and 500 mg/kg P.P showed an improvement in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. Co-administration of P.P. ameliorates the damage caused by lead acetate. <em>Physalis peruviana</em> solution showed a reduction in the mean lead concentration in a dose-dependent response of 0.26±0.02, 0.21±0.02, and 0.14±0.03 ppm for groups III, IV, and V, respectively. In conclusion, P.P. fruit extract can improve antioxidant activity and exert a beneficial effect in the treatment of Pb-induced hepatotoxicity.</p>

Effects of Bacterial Cellulose Nanofiber on Lead Concentration in Kidney and Liver Tissues of Wistar Rats

Effects of Bacterial Cellulose Nanofiber on Lead Concentration in Kidney and Liver Tissues of Wistar Rats

Risk assessment of human exposure to lead and cadmium in tissues of Blackchin Tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) from an intertidal creek in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

The present study investigated the risk associated with concentrations of lead and cadmium in tissues (gills, livers and muscles) of Blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) from upstream and downstream regions of an intertidal creek in Rivers State, Nigeria. The trend of Cd in fish tissues and water was as follows: muscle > liver > gills > water. The concentration of Cd in fish gills was higher in downstream fish when compared to upstream fish. The mean Cdmg kg −1 in fish gills was 0.048 ± 0.015—upstream and 0.549 ± 0.152—downstream, 0.037 ± 0.030—upstream and 0.769 ± 0.100—downstream, 0.026 ± 0.015—upstream and 0.902 ± 0.118—downstream, and 0.040 ± 0.018—upstream and 0.727 ± 0.157—downstream in December, January, February and March respectively. The trend of Pb in fish tissues and water was as follows: muscle > liver > gills > water. Pb was generally higher in fish sampled downstream when compared to those sampled upstream of the creek. Fish gills in upstream fishes had Pb of 6.324 ± 0.388 mg kg−1, 5.140 ± 1.249 mg kg−1, 5.459 ± 0.471 mg kg−1 and 5.730 ± 0.859 mg kg−1 while downstream fishes had Pb 7.732 ± 0.640 mg kg−1, 9.401 ± 0.711 mg kg−1, 7.575 ± 0.624 mg kg−1 and 7.644 ± 0.637 mg kg−1 in December, January, February and March respectively. Cdfish gills < Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) maximum permissible limit (MPL), Cdfish muscles and Cdlivers < MPL for FAO, FAO/WHO and WHO. Pbgills upstream and downstream > MPL for FAO, FAO/WHO and WHO. Pb and Cd did not indicate non-carcinogenic risks to human health owing to the consumption of fish up- and downstream. In the present study, fishes sampled upstream showed low cancer risk in adults, however, cancer risk index (CRI) indicated moderate cancer risk in children (male and female). For fishes sampled downstream, CRI indicated low risk for adults and male children, but a moderate risk for female children.

Bioaccumulation Pattern of Heavy Metals in the Shrimps of the lower stretch of the River Ganga

Rapid industrialization and urbanization have contaminated the riverine and estuarine ecosystems to a great extent. To evaluate such kind of contamination, we undertook a research programme to analyze the concentrations of zinc, copper, lead and cadmium in muscle tissue of five commonly edible shrimp species, namely Penaeus monodon, Penaeus indicus, Penaeus semisulcatus, Penaeus marguensis and Metapenaeus brevicornis collected from the lower stretch of the River Ganga (in the Sundarbans delta complex). The heavy metals in tissue samples were estimated using a Perkin-Elmer Sciex ELAN 5000 ICP mass spectrometer. Concentrations in shrimp species ranged as follows: Zn: 4.11 ± 0.13 – 353.45 ± 2.98; Cu: 3.43 ± 0.10– 140.49 ± 1.81; Pb: BDL - 8.21 ± 0.63 and Cd: BDL – 3.66 ± 0.12 mg kg-1 dry weight. Irrespective of species, heavy metals accumulated in the shrimp muscle in the order Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Cd. The concentration of heavy metals in the tissues varied significantly depending upon the locations from where the species were collected. Although the concentration of selected heavy metals were within the normal range in all stations, but at station 1 (Nayachar Island) the metal level has exceeded in the muscle of shrimp species as a food source for human consumption. The shrimp samples were collected from different locations of lower Gangetic region with different degree of industrial and anthropogenic activities and station 1 is exposed to maximum stress (in terms of pollution) from the adjacent port-cum-industrial zone of Haldia and industrial discharge of multifarious industries situated in and around the city of Calcutta (upstream to station 1) along the bank of the River Ganga.&#x0D;

Influence of Silicon on Translocation, Compartmentation and Uptake of Lead in Leafy Vegetables

Lead (Pb) has phytotoxic and toxic effects on plants and animals. Leafy vegetables accumulate this element resulting in enrichment along the food chain. Silicon has beneficial effects in enhancing plants’ tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses including heavy metals such as Pb. The study was carried out under greenhouse and field conditions aiming at determining the effects of silicon on transfer, mobility, and uptake of lead by leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, and amaranths). The greenhouse experiment was carried out as a split-plot arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The vegetable species were allocated to the main plots whereas the treatments (Pb, Pb+Si, Si, and Control) were assigned to the subplots. The field experiment was sited in polluted soils, and treatment included control and Si, applied to spinach, kale, and amaranths. Data was collected on Pb concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, transfer factor, mobility index, and uptake of lead by leafy vegetables. Lead concentration was highest in roots, intermediate in stems, and least in leaves. Silicon application reduced concentration, transfer factor, mobility, and uptake of lead by 20, 40, 15, and 24%, respectively. The lead transfer factor and translocation index was less than one. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a strong positive correlation between lead concentrations in soils and plant tissues of leafy vegetables. Application of silicon on polluted soils reduced transfer and mobility of lead in edible tissues of leafy vegetables. The study recommends silicon application to reduce the concentration of lead on vegetable tissues, however, it recommends against vegetable production for human consumption on polluted soils.

Cadmium and lead levels in muscle tissue of blue shark (Prionace glauca) in the Southeastern Pacific Waters

Prionace glauca is a top predator, prone to bioaccumulate trace elements, representing the most captured elasmobranch species for human consumption in Peru. Concentrations of cadmium and lead in the edible muscle tissue of the blue shark captured in the south Peruvian coastal waters and offshore north-central Chile were determined. The Cd and Pb levels varied between 0.004 and 0.014 and 0.004 and 0.03 mg kg−1, respectively. We found direct correlation of Cd concentration with the total length, nevertheless there was no clear relationship regarding sex, seasons, and capture areas. Both metals were below the safety limits for human consumption. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values suggest that its consumption does not represent a risk to the human health. In Peru, this is only the second paper that reports Cd and Pb in sharks. We recommend increasing the sampling by including larger sharks and in other regions of the Peruvian coastline.

Feather heavy metal contamination in various species of waterbirds from Asia: a review.

The amounts of certain heavy metals in waterfowl fluctuate depending on a number of factors. The use of feathers in heavy metal contamination studies is gaining popularity for several reasons, including the lack of need for deep freezing for sample preservation, the fact that it is a non-destructive, non-invasive method that does not require killing an individual, and the ability to predict lead and cadmium concentrations in internal tissues. A total of 22 publications from eight Asian countries including Pakistan, China, Hong Kong, India, Iran, South Korea, Indonesia, and Japan were identified and analysed in this study. The highest number of study sites were found from Pakistan (n = 12), followed by China (n = 9), Hong Kong, South Korea, and India (n = 7) each. A total of 10 heavy metals, viz cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, nickel, zinc, iron, mercury, selenium, and arsenic, have been identified for the review. Mercury (0.17-79.66ppm) has been studied in all 44 species, whereas selenium (0.98-4.88ppm) has only been studied in five species. Mercury (8.6ppm) contamination is highest in Painted Stork from India. Cadmium, lead, copper, and arsenic contamination was detected in the highest concentrations in Cattle Egret and Indian Pond Heron. The highest contamination of cadmium (41.1ppm), lead (296ppm), and arsenic (20ppm) were found in Cattle Egret from Pakistan. Chromium, nickel, and zinc contamination was highest in waders such as Marsh Sandpiper (114.7ppm), Little Ringed Plover (114.8ppm), and Little Stint (328.4ppm), respectively from India. Black-tailed Gull from South Korea had the highest contamination of Iron (4055.55ppm) and selenium (7.55ppm). Feather analysis is not an alternative of internal tissue analysis. It should be considered as an initial warning of the hazardous effects of the heavy metals in the waterbirds.

Comparison and measurement of concentrations of heavy metals including cadmium and lead in oyster tissue of knife handle (Von Cosel, 1989) Solen dactylus in coastal waters of Hormozgan province (Tiab and Sirik)

This study aimed to measure the concentrations of lead and cadmium in the muscle tissue of Solen dactylus oyster in Tiab and Sirik areas located in Hormozgan province. To conduct this research, in the summer of 1397, 30 Solen dactylus oysters were collected from each of the mentioned areas and then bioassay operations were performed in the laboratory. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to measure the concentration of lead and cadmium. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to measure the concentration of lead and cadmium. The recorded results for the mean concentrations of lead and cadmium showed that there is a significant difference between Tiab and Siric stations (p≤0.05), And the highest mean concentrations of lead and cadmium were observed in oyster muscle tissue of knife handle, lead (0.761±0.065) and cadmium (0.506 ± 0.75) in the samples of Tiab station, respectively. The results show that factors such as the habitat of Solen dactylus affect the accumulation of heavy metals lead and cadmium, so that Tiab station shows higher pollution than Sirik station. On the other hand, the amount of these heavy metals in the oyster tissue of the knife handle at Tiab station is higher than the standard of the World Health Organization (WHO) and also in the Sirik region, the concentration of lead is lower and the concentration of cadmium is higher than the WHO. It turns out that the consumption of knife oysters both as shrimp food and by humans should be accompanied by health considerations.

Lead contamination in tissues of large avian scavengers in south-central Europe.

Lead poisoning from spent ammunition is known to affect many avian species. Birds of prey ingest lead when feeding on game shot with lead gunshot or bullets. Raptors with scavenging habits are particularly vulnerable to ingesting lead in areas with intensive hunting and are good indicators of the risk of poisoning from lead ammunition. To assess how much facultative and obligate avian scavengers suffer lead contamination in south-central Europe, between 2005 and 2019 we collected and analysed 595 tissue samples from 252 carcasses of 4 species (golden eagle, bearded vulture, griffon vulture, cinereous vulture). Lead concentrations in organs showed a similar pattern across species with long and small bones revealing the highest median values (5.56 and 6.8mg/kg w.w., respectively), the brain the lowest (0.12), and the liver and kidney the intermediate (0.47 and 0.284). Overall, 111 individuals (44.0%) had lead concentrations above background thresholds in at least one tissue (i.e. >2mg/kg w.w. in soft tissues, >8.33 in bone) and 66 (26.2%) had values indicating clinical poisoning (>6mg/kg w.w. in liver, >4 in kidney, >16.6 in bone). Tissue lead concentrations and incidence of clinical and sub-clinical poisoning were higher in golden eagles and griffon vultures than in bearded and cinereous vultures, likely due to different feeding habits. In all species we found a rapid increase in lead values with age, but differences between age classes were significant only in the golden eagle. Birds with lead fragments in their digestive tract, as detected by X-rays, had higher median lead concentrations, suggesting that hunting ammunition is the main source of lead poisoning. Our results imply that lead impacts the demography of these long-lived species with delayed sexual maturity and low reproduction rate. A rapid transition towards lead-free bullets and gunshot is therefore required across Europe.

Changes in Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Mercury, and Lead Concentrations in Rat Biofluids and Tissues Induced by the "Renqing Changjue" Pill, a Traditional Tibetan Medicine.

The "Renqing Changjue" pill (RQCJ), as an effective prescription of Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM), has been widely used in treating advanced gastroenteropathy diseases for over a thousand years. However, the toxicity and adverse effects of TTM have attracted increasing attention because heavy metals may be added as active ingredients. In this work, we introduced a robust model based on endogenous metabolism enabling the study of changes in copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) concentrations and the mechanism between biofluids (blood and urine) and tissue (liver, kidney, spleen) samples from rats treated with RQCJ, along with metabolic changes after different treatment time points. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to monitor the heavy metals. Slightly different trends of heavy metals were observed in rat metabolites. The levels of Hg, As, and Pb were clearly dose-dependent in the tissue and biofluid samples. Basic recovery of Hg and Pb was found after stopping treatment with RQCJ. The accumulation of As was more obvious in the blood, liver, kidney, and spleen; however, Hg was deposited in the kidney. Pb accumulated the most in the spleen. The concentrations of Cu and Zn were constant or accumulated to a certain extent, which could cause the body to have Cu and Zn metabolism disorders in the administration period. Our findings highlight how metal changes and effects on the mechanisms might contribute to the progression of understanding of the toxicity information for RQCJ. Therefore, precautions should be taken in the clinic to monitor the potential toxicity of RQCJ with long-term administration.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ НЕКОТОРЫХ ТЯЖЕЛЫХ МЕТАЛЛОВ В МЯГКИХ ТКАНЯХ ЖИВОРОДКИ ОБЫКНОВЕННОЙ (VIVIPARUS VIVIPARUS L.), ОБИТАЮЩЕЙ В Р. СОЖ В РАЙОНЕ Г. ГОМЕЛЯ

The soft tissues of molluscs are the components that make it possible to establish the degree of influence of the urban agglomeration on the pollution of the components of the aquatic ecosystem, which do not have a visible anthropogenic load, with compounds of heavy metals. The content of the heavy metals under investigations (except for nickel) decreased in comparison with the data obtained in 2002, which indicates a decrease in anthropogenic load on the aquatic ecosystems of the Sozh. The high content of copper, cobalt and nickel before the city’s wastewater is received confirms the influx of pollutants with the surface runoff of agro-residential areas and settlements located upstream of the city along the river. Unidirectional decrease in copper concentration downstream of the Sozh testifies to the course of ecosystem self-cleaning processes. Confirmation of these processes is a significant decrease in the content of lead and chromium in the area outside the city, in comparison with the section of the river within the city limits. The abnormally high concentration of lead and chromium in the soft tissues of Viviparus viviparus L. in the river section within the city limits, nickel and cobalt below the city limits, indicates the flow of metals into the river with the surface runoff of the city. The high level of metal content in the old complex shows the need to conduct a study on the content of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems that do not have a visible anthropogenic load, but are used by the population for recreational purposes.

The therapeutic effect of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil against hepatotoxicity induced by co-exposure to lead and manganese in developing Wistar rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CCEO) on hepatotoxicity induced by co-exposure to lead acetate (Pb) (2.84mg/ml) and manganese chloride (Mn) (4.79mg/ml) in developing Wistar rats. After weaning, rats exposed to Pb-Mn received injections of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (0.1 ml/kg) for 21 days. Extraction by hydrodistillation yielded 1.10% of OECC and the characterization of this oil by GC-MS indicates that the major components of this oil are: E-cinnamaldehyde (85.77%), linalool (3.70%), Z-cinnamaldehyde (3.22%) and B-phellandréne (1.19%). The concentration of lead and manganese in hepatocyte tissues was significantly increased compared to control rats. However, levels of hepatic markers such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased in blood in Pb-Mn poisoned rats. Pb-Mn-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue was indicated by decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase respectively. Histologically, the liver showed several tissue alterations such as hepatocyte necrosis and the presence of steatosis foci. Administration of OECC considerably attenuated previous biochemical alterations as well as histological and cellular changes in liver tissue. In this study, we can conclude that the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil showed a hepatoprotective effect.&#x0D; Keywords: Essential oil, Cinnamomum cassia, CG/MS, Hepatotoxicity, Lead acetate, Manganese chloride.

Effect of type of compost and application rate on growth and quality of lettuce plant

This study intends to assess the effect of compost types and rates on lettuce growth. A pot experiment was conducted at the greenhouse of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine experimental station, Saudi Arabia. Three types (chicken residues, animal residues, and mixed organic residues) and four rates (1%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) were added to sandy soil. Lettuce seeds were sown in a nursery. After two weeks, each seedling was transplanted to a pot that contained 15 kg of soil. The lettuce plants were irrigated regularly for 60 days, then harvested following dry weight (DW) and chemical analyses. The results showed great variation in the DW, nutrient content, and heavy metals concentrations between the different compost treatments. It noted that DW of lettuce decreased with increasing rates of compost in certain treatments. Moreover, no plant growth occurred in some treatments derived from the mixed organic residue with higher application rates. The nutrient status of lettuce tissues varies greatly among different types of compost. The concentration of heavy metals and microelements present within the lettuce tissues was significantly affected by the types of compost. Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Nickel (Ni) concentrations in lettuce tissues ranged between 7.4 and 9.6, 81.5 and 104, 23.3 and 28.2, 3.7 and 5.8, and 27 and 30 mg kg−1, respectively. It revealed that heavy metals concentration increased in lettuce tissues with an increasing application rate of composts. The content of Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni in lettuce plants were higher and did not meet the requirement set by national standards.

Are soft tissues of urban rats good indicators of exposure to heavy metal pollution? A study conducted in one of the most polluted basins of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The overall goal of this work was to analyze the relationship between the concentration of lead in the kidney, liver, and stomach contents of rats captured in a polluted urban basin and the concentration of this metal in the environment, meteorological factors, and different intrinsic characteristics of the individuals. To this end, we determined the concentration of lead in the kidney, liver, and stomach contents of 133 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) captured in the Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin (Buenos Aires, Argentina). This basin is one of the most severe cases of water pollution in Latin America and metals like lead represent the most common chemical pollutants. Rats were trapped in nine sites with different soil and water lead concentrations, between 2014 and 2015. A positive relationship was found between lead concentration in the liver and kidney of R. norvegicus and the environmental concentration of this metal in water and soil. Although the remaining variables analyzed were also related to the lead concentration in soft tissues, they did not affect the association between the lead concentration in soft tissues and that in the environment. The lead concentration in the stomach contents was not related to any of the variables analyzed. Our results constitute the first study in an urban basin with a gradient of environmental lead concentration and suggest that the quantification of lead in the kidney and liver of rats can be used as an indicator of exposure to this metal within a large city.

Seasonal Variations of Cadmium and Lead Concentrations in Water, Sediments, and Tissues of Fish in Mellat Artificial Lake, Iran

Seasonal Variations of Cadmium and Lead Concentrations in Water, Sediments, and Tissues of Fish in Mellat Artificial Lake, Iran

Lead transfer into the vegetation layer growing naturally in a Pb-contaminated site.

The lead was one of the main elements in the glazes used to colour ceramic tiles. Due to its presence, ceramic sludge has been a source of environmental pollution since this dangerous waste has been often spread into the soil without any measures of pollution control. These contaminated sites are often located close to industrial sites in the peri-urban areas, thus representing a considerable hazard to the human and ecosystem health. In this study, we investigated the lead transfer into the vegetation layer (Phragmites australis, Salix alba and Sambucus nigra) growing naturally along a Pb-contaminated ditch bank. The analysis showed a different lead accumulation among the species and their plant tissues. Salix trees were not affected by the Pb contamination, possibly because their roots mainly develop below the contaminated deposit. Differently, Sambucus accumulated high concentrations of lead in all plant tissues and fruits, representing a potential source of biomagnification. Phragmites accumulated large amounts of lead in the rhizomes and, considering its homogeneous distribution on the site, was used to map the contamination. Analysing the Pb concentration within plant tissues, we got at the same time information about the spread, the history of the contamination and the relative risks. Finally, we discussed the role of natural recolonizing plants for the soil pollution mitigation and their capacity on decreasing soil erosion and water run-off.

Can Salvia splendens ‘Red Vista’ be used in association with the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices for the assisted phytoextraction of lead from the soil in Lima, Peru?

In Peru, gasoline containing lead as a main component was used in vehicles up until 2006, when the Government banned its sale. However, since this was preceded by a century of constant use, there is a high chance that most urban soils are polluted with this heavy metal. Hyperaccumulator plants that take up heavy metals from the soil and store them in their tissues without showing any symptoms of toxicity may be the solution to this problem, as the use of these plants for phytoremediation does not require large amounts of money, can be carried out in situ, and is environmentally friendly, making it one of the best options for urban areas. However, unfortunately, there are only a few known species of hyperaccumulator plants that can be grown in urban environments. Therefore, we conducted a bioassay at the Soil Fertility Laboratory of the Agronomy Faculty at the National Agrarian University La Molina, Peru, over a period of 4 months to determine the hyperaccumulation capacity of Salvia splendens ‘Red Vista’ and to examine whether the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices can enhance the extraction of lead from the soil. After harvest, the plants were divided into three parts (roots, leaves, and inflorescences) to determine the concentrations of lead in the various tissues. We found that S. splendens ‘Red Vista’ did not accumulate high amounts of lead in its tissues even when it was associated with G. intraradices and consequently should not be considered for use in phytoextraction.