Total Pb Concentrations Research Articles

Bionanoparticles from Moringa as Antimicrobial Activity and It’s Application in Water Purification: Thesis Abstract

Thesis Abstract Background: Nanotechnology is the greatest promising technique for generating new applications in water purification. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and copper oxide nanoparticles is an eco-friendly, cheap and non-toxic more than chemical and physical methods. Aim: This study focuses on green synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles and copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Moringa oleifera leaf and stem extract and its application in water purification. Materials and Methods: The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was done by using Moringa oleifera leaf and stem extract and 1mM of silver nitrate solution while copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using Moringa oleifera leaf and stem extract and 10mM of copper sulfate pentahydrate solution. pH, temperature and the mixture reaction time are parameters affecting the formation of silver nanoparticles and copper oxide nanoparticles. Results: In this study, various techniques and devices used to characterize and confirms the formation of silver nanoparticles and copper oxide nanoparticles included visual observation, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR, and EDX. Silver nanoparticles and copper oxide nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 8739 and S. typhi ATCC 14028 and isolated microorganisms from tested water sample which included Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella variicola. Cellulose filter paper which coated with silver nanoparticles and copper oxide nanoparticles showed good effect in water purification as its good antimicrobial activity against microorganisms, increasing pH value and reducing conductivity, total alkalinity values and Pb concentration value. Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that bio-nanoparticles from moringa have an antimicrobial activity that can be applied in water Purification

Statistical evaluation of the effect of sample preparation procedure on the results of determinations of selected elements in environmental samples. Honey bees as a case study

Honey bees became a frequently studied environmental research object due to the fact that they are considered as indicators of the environmental contamination with metals. Such studies require reliable methods of sample preparation that allow comparison of the results obtained in different laboratories. In this paper, different variants of sample preparation were examined, including washing, milling and mineralization. Determination of total contents of Cd, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, and Zn was performed using ICP MS. Each procedure of the sample preparation was characterized in terms of repeatability and recovery and the resulting combined standard uncertainty was evaluated. The relative UNC ranges for the treatment procedures examined are: 11–16% (washing, open digestion), 13–14% (open digestion), 13–51% (washing, closed digestion), 12–37% (washing, milling, closed digestion), 13–68% (closed digestion), and 12–51% (milling, closed digestion). In almost all cases the lower limits of these ranges correspond to Zn determinations while the upper limits to Pb. Analytical results of metal determination obtained for samples prepared according to six different procedures do not differ significantly when compared within the expanded uncertainty (±2×u(c¯M)). The procedures were compared statistically using one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chemometrically on the basis of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which allowed to demonstrate some general recommendations regarding environmental monitoring for matrices other than honey bees.

Soils from abandoned shooting range facilities as contamination source of potentially toxic elements: distribution among soil geochemical fractions

Civilian and military shooting range facilities cause environmental issues in several countries due to the accumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements; as a result of weathering of ammunitions accumulated into the soils. The contents and distribution of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were analyzed in 12 soils in an abandoned clay target shooting range at two different depths (0-15 and 15-30cm). Single extractions (CaCl2 and DTPA) and Tessier sequential extraction were conducted to assess the PTE mobility and the PTE distribution in the different soil geochemical fractions at both depths. High total contents of Pb were found at both soil depths, while Cu, Ni and Zn showed lower significance levels. Copper, Ni and Zn are mainly associated with the residual fraction (> 95% of total content in all cases). However, Pb was highly associated with exchangeable fractions (21-52%), showing a high mobility at both depths. With moderate-high contents of organic matter (6-12%), the studied soils have acidic values and low levels of Al, Fe and Mn oxides that favors the migration of Pb through the soil profile and potential transformation to more mobile forms (Pb0 to Pb2+ and Pb4+). Although Pb reduced downward mobility in soils, due to the specific conditions of these facilities and the lead source (weathering of ammunition), risk assessment studies on clay-target shooting and firing range facilities should study the potential migration of Pb through the soil profile.

Long‐term assessment of remediation treatments applied to an area affected by a mining spill in Spain

AbstractThis study evaluated the effectiveness of remediation treatments in the long‐term (20 years) for one of the largest mine spills in the world, the Aznalcóllar accident. Soil recovery was carried out through the application of various rates of organic (compost and manure) and inorganic amendments (materials rich in iron oxides and calcium carbonate). Different amendment combinations were grouped in four treatments (T1 to T4) and applied in different sectors depending on the soil properties and the degree of initial contamination. To assess the degree of soil recovery, physicochemical properties, total, water‐soluble, and bioavailable concentrations of the main contaminants (Pb, As, Zn, and Cu) were determined over time. Applied treatments increased pH, calcium carbonate, and organic carbon content of soils, reduced electrical conductivity, and decreased mobility of contaminants, indicating that remediation treatments were efficient recovering soils contaminated by potentially harmful elements (PHEs). However, 20 years after the accident, total concentrations of Pb and As still exceed the intervention levels of the current regulations in certain areas. These areas are located in the sectors closest to the mine and where treatments T1 and T2 were applied. In these cases, the added doses of organic amendments, iron oxide–rich soils, and carbonate amendments were not sufficiently effective, so the application of new treatments is recommended to complete the total recovery of the Guadiamar Green Corridor.

Dating and interpretation of recent clastic sediments in an urban cave

Capshaw Cave functions as a major stormwater runoff channel for the city of Cookeville, Tennessee, receiving inputs from several large sinkholes. Sediments deposited in the cave reflect the history of erosion and runoff from the city as it grew over the last century. At various locations in the cave, ~1 m thick sequences of flood-deposited, laminated fine sediments were observed along the modern stream. Alternating laminations observed in the upper ~40 cm of the sediment profile varied between 0.5 cm thick (10Y 7/6 yellow, fine sand) and 2.0 cm thick (10Y 3/2 very dark grayish brown silty sand) layers. Based on measurements of 137Cs activity, the upper 35 cm of sediment was deposited between 1963 (the peak year of 137Cs fallout from nuclear testing) and 2013 (the year samples were collected), at an average rate of 0.7 cm/y. A total of 23 alternating pairs of layers indicate an average flood recurrence interval of ~2.2 years between 1963 and 2013. Total Pb concentrations measured in cave sediments showed a peak at the 45 cm depth, suggesting that sediments above this level were deposited after the decline in Pb emissions in the 1970s, and showing general agreement with the timing of deposition suggested by 137Cs. Below 40 cm, the dark silty sand layers were fewer in number and increased in thickness (up to 10 cm), possibly due to changes in cave hydrology or sediment erosion from the surrounding watershed. These findings suggest that, before the 1960s, sedimentation rates were higher and floods were less frequent. After the 1960s, sedimentation rates decreased and floods became more common, probably as a result of urbanization in the watershed.

Simultaneous quantitative speciation of selected toxic elements in water using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS)

The aim of this study was to conduct multi-elemental speciation of As(III), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), monomethylarsenic acid (MMA), As(V) and Cr(VI) in water samples using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) in a single analytical run. Chromatographic parameters, spectral interference identification, and elimination and the performance characteristics of the method were successfully optimized for quantification of As(III), DMA, MMA, As(V), Cr(VI) and Cr(III) in water samples. The percentage errors of 6.93–43.2% for identified potential interferences were eliminated by applying the inter-element mathematical correction method. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of As species and Cr(VI) were varied from 0.040-0.298 μg L−1 and 0.133–2.98 μg L−1, respectively. The LOD and LOQ of total As, Cr and Pb determined using ICP-MS were ranged from 0.013-0.203 μg L−1 and 0.045–0.675 μg L−1, respectively. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by achieving the percentage recovery of 83.4% for As species, 90.2% for Cr(VI) and 110–118% for total concentrations of As, Cr and Pb using standard reference material for trace elements in water (SRM 1643f). Furthermore, the accuracy of the speciation analysis method was checked using the spiking and recovery studies and yielded percentage recoveries in the range of 78.3–95.4% for the analyte species. The quantities of species determined in water samples were in the range of 0.314–0.402 μg L−1 for As(III), 0.168–0.533 μg L−1 for DMA, 0.226–0.312 μg L−1 for MMA, 0.191–0.459 μg L−1 for As(V), 0.500–3.28 μg L−1 for Cr(VI) and 0.390–12.6 μg L−1 for Cr(III) in high-flow seasonal state of the river. In the low-flow seasonal state, concentrations varied from 0.314-0.391 μg L−1 for As(III), <0.094 μg L−1 for DMA, 0.315–26.7 μg L−1 for MMA, 0.290–0.744 μg L−1 for As(V), 0.426–5.42 μg L−1 for Cr(VI) and 0.424–96.8 μg L−1 Cr(III). Total concentrations of As, Cr and Pb in water samples of high-flow seasonal state ranged from 0.949-1.88 μg L−1, 1.08–14.9 μg L−1 and 0.190–33.8 μg L−1, respectively. In low-flow seasonal state, the total concentrations of As, Cr and Pb in water samples varied from 1.13-26.5 μg L−1, 3.28–97.5 μg L−1 and 0.455–0.610 μg L−1, respectively. The variations between analytes species and total As, Cr and Pb in seasonal states of the river were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) at a 95% confidence level except for DMA. The nonpoint sources pollution such as atmospheric deposition of dust released from coal mining, power stations, sewage effluents discharge and agricultural activities are presumably the sources of potentially toxic elements in the Mokolo River.

Geostatistical Tools to Assess Existing Monitoring Network of Forest Soils in a Mountainous National Park

Environmental changes in national parks are generally subject to constant observation. A particular case is parks located in mountains, which are more vulnerable to climate change and the binding of pollutants in mountain ranges as orographic barriers. The effectiveness of forest soil monitoring networks based on a systematic grid with a predetermined density has not been analysed so far. This study’s analysis was conducted in the Stolowe Mountains National Park (SMNP), SW Poland, using total Pb concentration data obtained from an initial network of 403 circle plots with centroids arranged in a regular 400 × 400 m square grid. The number and distribution of monitoring plots were analysed using geostatistical tools in terms of the accuracy and correctness of soil parameters obtained from spatial distribution imaging. The analysis also aimed at reducing the number of monitoring plots taking into account the economic and logistic aspects of the monitoring investigations in order to improve sampling efficiency in subsequent studies in the SMNP. The concept of the evaluation and modification of the monitoring network presented in this paper is an original solution and included first the reduction and then the extension of plot numbers. Two variants of reduced monitoring networks, constructed using the proposed procedure, allowed us to develop the correct geostatistical models, which were characterised by a slightly worse mean standardised error (MSE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) compared to errors from the original, regular monitoring network. Based on the new geostatistical models, the prediction of Pb concentration in soils in the reduced grids changed the spatial proportions of areas in different pollution classes to a limited extent compared to the original network.

Cadmium, total mercury, and lead in blood and associations with diet, sociodemographic factors, and smoking in Swedish adolescents

BackgroundDespite their vulnerability to the toxic effects of certain metals, biomonitoring data on adolescents are limited. In the present study, we assessed blood concentrations of toxic metals (cadmium [Cd], total mercury [Hg], and lead [Pb] in a national representative sample of Swedish adolescents. We also examined the associations of Cd, total Hg and Pb with habitual intakes of major energy-providing food groups and other possible determinants such as age, sex, household education, Nordic or non-Nordic origin, and smoking. MethodsWe analysed blood concentrations of Cd, total Hg, and Pb in a sample of 1099 adolescents from the Riksmaten Adolescents 2016–17 study in three age groups (mean age of 12, 15, and 18 years) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The participants completed web-based questionnaires on food consumption frequency, sociodemographic factors and health status. Dietary data from two web-based 24-h dietary recalls were used to estimate the habitual intake of 10 major food groups. ResultsAlmost all participants had detectable concentrations of Cd, total Hg, and Pb in whole blood. The median blood concentrations were 0.12 μg/L for Cd, 0.72 μg/L for total Hg, and 7.1 μg/L for Pb. Higher blood concentrations of Cd were observed in girls than in boys, whereas concentrations of total Hg and Pb were higher in boys. We observed an inverse association between Cd and meat intake. Total Hg concentrations were positively associated with intakes of fish, eggs, meat, and vegetables, and Pb concentrations were inversely associated with intakes of dairy products. Furthermore, smokers had higher concentrations of Cd and Pb. ConclusionsWe found that fish was a potentially important source of exposure to total Hg in Swedish adolescents. No other food group was identified to have a strong impact on the blood levels of Cd, total Hg and Pb. Thirteen per cent of the adolescents had blood Pb concentrations above 12 μg/L, the reference point used in the risk assessment of Pb by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Application of Brown Coal and Activated Carbon for the Immobilization of Metal Forms in Soil, along with Their Verification Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs)

Various factors can lead to the transformation of metal forms and to an increase in their solubility and, consequently, their mobility. One solution to the problem of increased solubility is the use of carbons as additives to soil in order to limit the potential migration of contaminants. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using brown coal and activated carbon on metal forms that are available to plants. The mineral composition of the coals used in a pot experiment was analyzed. Observations were carried out with a JJSM-6380 LA scanning electron microscope (SEM) connected to an EDS electron micro-probe. The total contents of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu in the assessed soils as well as the content of available metal forms were determined after single extractions with different reagents, namely 1 M NH4NO3, DTPA and 1 M HCl. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the stabilization methods in a long-term pot experiment. The carbons reduced the percentage of these forms relative to the total metal content in the soil. After adding brown coal, Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu forms were reduced by up to 32%, 30%, 33% and 43%, respectively. After adding activated carbon, the metal forms of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu were reduced by up to 47%, 44%, 40% and 50%, respectively. The following order of extracted metal forms with different solutions was found: HCl: Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Cu &gt; Cd; DTPA: Pb &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Cd; NH4NO3: Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Cd. Eight years after setting up the pot experiment, the contents of humic substances in soils with the addition of both tested carbons were compared, and the soils with added carbons were found to have a stable content of humic fractions. The costs of remediation through the stabilization method using the tested brown coal and activated carbons do not exceed USD 75/t (taking into account the double doses of both carbons).

Immobilization of Cd, Pb and Zn through Organic Amendments in Wastewater Irrigated Soils

Due to the scarcity of water, raw sewage effluents are often used to irrigate arable suburban soils in developing countries, which causes soil contamination with toxic metals. Soil microorganisms involved in biochemical transformations are sensitive to heavy metals contamination. The study was designed to investigate the effect of organic amendments on the microbial activity of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) fractions and their bioavailability in soils contaminated with wastewater irrigation. Three metal contaminated soils under wastewater irrigation were collected, ground, sieved and added to incubation jars. Two organic amendments: wheat straw and chickpea straw, were applied (1% w/w) to the soil before incubation for 84 days at 25 °C. The CO2-C evolution after 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days was measured and thereafter was also measured weekly. Soil samples collected at 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days after incubation were analyzed for microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Sequential extraction for metal fractionation of samples was carried out collected at 0, 28, 56 and 84 days. Three soils differed significantly in evolved MBC and ∑CO2-C. Chickpea straw addition significantly increased soil MBC as compared to the wheat straw. Organic amendments significantly increased ∑CO2-C evolution from the soils, which was higher from chickpea straw. The addition of crop residues did not affect total Pb, Cd and Zn contents in soils. The concentration of exchangeable, carbonate bound and residual fractions of Pb, Cd and Zn decreased (6–27%), while the organic matter bound fraction increased (4–75%) with straw addition. Overall, the organic amendments improved microbial activity and reduce the bioavailability of toxic metals in wastewater irrigated soils. Furthermore, organic amendments not only reduce economic losses as they are cheap to produce but also minimize human health risks from heavy metals by hindering their entry into the food chain.

Evaluating the Rate of Atmospheric Dust Deposition in Isfahan Province

The present study investigates seasonal and spatial variations in atmospheric dust deposition rate (DDR) and the concentration of dust-borne heavy metals in the eastern part of Isfahan as well as Segzi plain located in the central part of Iran. Dust samples were collected from nine different sites on a monthly basis from December 2016 to September 2017. The total concentrations of Pb and Zn were measured. The lowest value of DDR was observed in the winter due to low amount of precipitation, and the highest value was recorded in the summer. Seasonal distribution of the concentration of dust-borne heavy metals revealed that almost all the metals follow the pattern: fall ˃ spring ˃ summer. Spatial distribution of dust-borne Pb and Zn followed almost the same trend and the highest concentrations were observed in the western parts of the study area. It seems that fossil fuel, vehicle traffic, and industrial activities are the most important anthropogenic factors contributing to dust-borne heavy metals in the study area.

Toxic effect of lead (Pb) on hatching rate and larvae abnormalities of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Like other fish, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one species that potentially exposed to pollutants, including lead (Pb). However, the impact of Pb exposure on hatching rate and larvae development of Nile tilapia is still not investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the toxic effect of Pb exposure on hacthing rate and larvae abnormalities of Nile tilapia. A total of 2,400 fertilized eggs of Nile tilapia was distributed to control and 3 treatment group namely: treatment A (0.21 mg/L PbCl2), treatment B (0.42 mg/L PbCl2) and treatment C (0.63 mg/L PbCl2) with triplicate. The exposure period lasted for ten days. Cumulative hatching rate, survival rate, malformation rate, heart rate, body length, total lead content and deformities of larvae were analyzed. The results showed that increasing Pb concentration significantly increased malformation rate, heart rate, and total Pb content in Nile tilapia larvae. The highest malformation rate, heart rate and total lead content observed in treatment C were 3.4%, 115.6 beats/minute and 4.80 mg Pb/kg, respectively. Furthermore, Pb was affect several deformities of Nile tilapia larvae including lordosis, kyphosis, and curved tail. Otherwise, exposed to lead up to concentration 0.63 mg/L PbCl2 have no significant effect on cumulative hatching rate, survival rate and body length in Nile tilapia.

Exploratory analysis of trace elements in soils and plants affected by a gossan in the Semiarid

ABSTRACT Trace elements in high concentrations are a huge problem worldwide. Monitoring of natural areas with a high concentration of these elements, such as soils under the influence of gossans, is important since there is little information available. This study aimed to evaluate the pseudo total and available concentrations of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in the soil and its accumulation in native and cultivated plants in the area under the influence of gossan in the Semiarid region in Brazil. Soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected in the North, South, and center areas of the gossan and five transections separated by 1000 m. The pseudo total (EPA3050A) and available concentration (DTPA, Mehlich) of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were determined. In the same points, plant samples were collected and processed to determine the concentration and bioconcentration factor of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn. Soils under the influence of the gossan had high Pb and Zn concentration (exceeding soil reference values), indicating that care should be taken in these areas to prevent any risk for the local community. Plants showed different accumulation patterns, with a higher accumulation of trace elements in the shoot (Fe, Mn, Zn), while Pb was primarily accumulated in the roots. Even though soil concentrations were high, plants showed in general, low bioconcentration factor of the potentially toxic elements, except for Zn, indicating that soil conditions limit their availability.

Potentially toxic metals in the petroleum waste contaminated soils lead to human and ecological risks in Potwar and Kohat Plateau, Pakistan: Application of multistatistical approaches

Until recently scant attention has been paid to assess the total concentration of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in petroleum waste are more likely because once they enter in to the soils may become a source of contamination. This study investigated the concentrations of PTMs in soils of Potwar and Kohat plateau, Pakistan. Remarkable increase in the total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb were found in petroleum waste contaminated soils. Multi-statistical techniques such as Pearson correlation matrix analysis (PCMA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to establish a hypothesis that petroleum waste is a source of PTMs contamination in soils. The result of PCMA and PCA techniques confirmed that among PTMs, Cd followed by Mn was greatly whereas Zn and Pb were least affected by petroleum waste contamination in the soils. Ecological risk assessment was evaluated via contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI), and ecological risk indexes (ERI). CF showed moderate contamination of soil with PTMs whereas Cd was found to cause high ecological risk to the surrounding environment. Enrichment factor (EF) was found in decreasing order as: Cd>Mn>Co>Cr>Cu>Ni> Zn> and Pb. Human health risk assessment in term of chronic daily intake (CDIingestion, CDIdermal, CDIinhalation), hazard quotient (HQingestion, HQdermal, HQinhalation), hazard index (HI) and total hazard risk index (THRI) of PTMs were evaluated for both child and adult indicating non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) value ≥1.

Determination of trace elements in the nanometer, ultrafine, fine, and coarse particulate matters in an area affected by light vehicular emissions in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

The objective of this work was to determine the trace element composition in the nanometric, ultrafine, fine, and coarse particulate matters (PM) found in the surrounding area of the UERJ Chemical Technology Applications Institute, using a MSP 120 MOUDI II cascade impactor. After acid extraction, the elements were analyzed via ICP-OES, and the results obtained were treated statistically. The average concentrations of the nanometric, ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles were 11.8, 8.2, 7.7, and 7.1 μg m-3, respectively. The total average concentration of Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, and Fe complied with the air quality standards recommended by US EPA and WHO. When compared with other locations, the PM fractions found in this study were 1.1 to 346 times greater. Through the calculation of Pearson's correlation coefficient, a high correlation was observed between most of the trace elements studied, especially in the ultrafine, fine, and coarse fractions, which suggests that they are probably caused by the same sources of vehicular emissions. The enrichment factor was calculated to estimate the possible sources. Since Cd, Cu, Pb, and Mo are enriched by anthropic sources, they are probably influenced by vehicular emissions, in particular the wear on tires and brakes, and the burning of fossil fuel.

Influence of culinary treatment on the concentration and on the bioavailability of cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead in seafood

BackgroundSeafood present important advantages for human nutrition, but it can also accumulate high levels of toxic and potentially toxic elements. Culinary treatments could influence seafood chemical element content and element bioavailability. In this study, the influence of culinary treatments on the total concentration and on the bioavailability of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb in shark, shrimp, squid, oyster, and scallop was assessed. MethodsBoiling, frying, and sautéing with or without seasonings (salt, lemon juice and garlic) were evaluated. Total concentration and bioavailability of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb in seafood after all these culinary treatments were compared with those in uncooked samples. Analytes were determined by triple-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). An alternative to express the results avoiding underestimated or overestimated values was proposed. ResultsThe analytes concentration in seafood without culinary treatment varied from 0.0030 μg g−1 (shrimp) to 0.338 μg g−1 (oyster) for Cd; 0.010 μg g−1 (squid) to 0.036 μg g−1 (oyster) for Cr; 0.088 μg g−1 (scallop) to 8.63 μg g−1 (oyster) for Cu, and < 0.005 μg g−1 (shrimp, squid and oyster) to 0.020 μg g−1 (shark) for Pb. Only Cd (in scallop) was influenced by culinary treatments (reduction from 37 to 53 % after boiling, frying, and sautéing). Bioavailability percentage varied from 11% (oyster) for Cd; 18% (oyster) to 41% (shark) for Cr; 6% (shark) for Cu, and 8% (oyster) for Pb. Bioavailability percentage was not influenced by culinary treatments. ConclusionCadmium concentration was reduced in scallop after some culinary treatments (reduction o 37-53% after boiling, frying, and sautéing), but bioavailability percentage was not influenced. The employed analytical method was adequate for the purpose, presenting import results for food safety assessment about the influence of culinary treatments on metals concentration and bioavailability in seafood.

Total and bioaccessible heavy metals in cabbage from major producing cities in Southwest China: health risk assessment and cytotoxicity.

Green leafy vegetables are economical and nutritious, but they may be contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, we assessed the total and bioaccessible concentrations of As, Cd, Pb and Cr in a popular vegetable cabbage (Brassica oleracea) from four major producing cities in Yunnan, Southwest China. With the mean concentrations of As, Cd, Pb and Cr being 0.24, 0.20, 0.32 and 1.28 mg kg−1, the As, Cd and Pb concentrations were within the limits of 0.2–0.5 mg kg−1 based on Chinese National Standards and the WHO/FAO, but Cr concentration was 2.6-times greater than the limit of 0.5 mg kg−1. Based on an in vitro bioaccessibility assay of the Solubility Bioaccessibility Research Consortium (SBRC), As bioaccessibility was the lowest at 11% while those of Cd, Pb and Cr were much greater at 68–87%. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of metals through cabbage ingestion was similar for children and adults. Among the four metals, only Cr's EDI at 2.29–1.87 exceeded 1 based on total and bioaccessible concentrations. The high Cr concentration at 1.28 mg kg−1 coupled with its high bioaccessibility at 67.5% makes Cr of concern in cabbage. However, human gastrointestinal cells exposed to the gastric digesta with high bioaccessible heavy metals and risky EDI, showed no obvious cytotoxicity, indicating that existing models based on total or bioaccessible heavy metals may overestimate their human health risk. Taken together, to accurately assess the human health risk of heavy metals in cabbage, both total/bioaccessible concentrations and the gastrointestinal cell responses should be considered.

Risk identification of heavy metals in well water surrounds watershed area of Pangkajene, Indonesia

ObjectiveThis study wants to evaluate heavy metals pollution and ecological risk level of well water in Pangkajene watershed area. MethodsThe total concentration of Cd, Cr(VI), Pb and Ni were determined using AAS. We used heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), hazard quotient (HQ) used to estimate metals pollution and ecological risk level. Pearson correlation analysis is executed to evaluate the relationship between all measured parameters. ResultThe concentration of Cd, Ni and Pb are below detection limit value. The mean concentration of Cr(VI) 0.0017±0.0006mgL−1. The mean of HPI and MI value are 3.06 and 0.06, respectively. The upstream area of Pangkajene has HQ value for Cr(VI) is higher than 1, it indicates that exposure of Cr(VI) may cause adverse effects to the ecological system and human health. ConclusionThe Cr(VI) is the main risk factor for well water contamination surrounds Pangkajene watershed area.

Pollution assessment, spatial distribution and exposure of Cd and Pb in surface soils of abandoned landfill site in Gorgan, north of Iran

The purpose of the present research was Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) pollution assessment and monitoring the spatial distribution of soil ‎contamination around the municipal landfill site in southwest of Gorgan, Iran. Thus, in a systematic network with a distance of 250m, from 32 stations three samples of surface soil (0 to ‎‎20cm) were obtained and mixed together. In addition, three samples away from the landfill with similar ‎characteristics and geology were used as control. The concentration of heavy metals for the samples was determined using nitric acid and hydrochloric acid and atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean concentrations of Cd and Pb in the soil around the ‎landfill site were 0.37 and 17.31 mg/kg respectively. The total concentration of Cd and Pb was higher than the control areas. There was a positive correlation between Cd and Pb showing these elements in the soil are from the same origin. Based on our research, soil in the landfill area has a moderate ‎ecological risk index, which is about 120. The central parts of the study area have higher concentrations of Cd and Pb than southern parts due to the slope and runoff of the waste leachate. In general, there was an increase in the concentration of Cd and Pb in the sampling sites ‎compared to the control site.

Heavy Metal Contents of Sultana Seedless Grape Vineyards, The Case of Salihli

Heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils is an important environmental problem that can affect food quality and human health. In this context, it is important to monitor these areas, as both the leaves and fruits of the vineyard plantations can be consumed directly. This study, it was aimed to determine the heavy metal contents (Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd) by taking soil, leaf, and grape samples from viticulture areas in the Salihli district. When the analysis results of the soil samples were evaluated, it was determined that the heavy metal contents of the soil were higher within the sub-surface and the total Ni content varied between 10-41 mg kg-1 and was slightly above the reference value (30 mg kg-1). The highest total Pb, Cr and Cd contents in the soil were found as 12,59 mg kg-1, 19,22 mg kg-1 and 0,98 mg kg-1, respectively. As a result of the analyses made on the leaf blade and stem, it was determined that heavy metal toxicity was not observed, but the leaf blade had higher heavy metal content than the stem, except for Cr. While, Cd 0,50-1,02 mg kg-1, Cr 1,27-2,77 mg kg-1, Co 1,56-16,23 mg kg-1, Pb 2,20-12,50 mg kg-1 is found in and Ni were analysed in the range of 0,36-2,74 mg kg-1. In grape samples, Fe 21-45 mg kg-1, Mn 1,50-4,10 mg kg-1, Zn 4,00-6,70 mg kg-1, Cu 2.50-4.50 mg kg-1, Ni in the range of 0,15-0,50 mg kg-1, trace levels of Co, Cd, Cr and Pb was determined.