Bioaccumulation Factor Values Research Articles

Distribution and source apportionment of toxic and trace elements in some benthic and pelagic coastal fish species in Karnaphuli River Estuary, Bangladesh: Risk to human health.

The Karnaphuli River is one of the prime and most important streams in the southeastern part of Bangladesh. The favorable water current and the geographic location have rendered the Karnaphuly River estuary a suitable habitat and a breeding ground for diverse fish species. Reversely, this estuary has been polluted by discharges from many point and non-point sources due to its location in the catchment area of a heavily industrialized area, Chattagram port city. However, published research concerning the status of toxic and trace elements in some commercially important benthic and pelagic coastal fish species in Karnaphuli River estuary was not found in the existing literature. Therefore, it's an important field of study on the assessment of toxic and trace elements concentration in the commercially important benthic and pelagic coastal fish species and their health taxation in the Karnaphuli River Estuary. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) was used to quantify trace metal concentration in edible parts of the fish species. This study revealed that the rank of the trace metals concentration was as follows (mg/kg): Zn (37.1)>Mn (16.12)>V (11.16)>Cu (9.49)>Rb (5.62)>Pb (2.98)>Cr (1.59)>Co (1.17). The F-test showed that a significant difference at 95% confidence level in the distribution pattern of trace metals concentration among the examined fish species in the study area. The metal pollution index (MPI) in the muscle of fishes were found to be in the following order: L. bata>P. monodon>T. cirratus>M. bleekeri>O. pabda>H. nehereus>L. calcarifer>P. argenteus>P. paradiseus>T. toli, and the MPIs for most of the benthic fish species were higher compared to the pelagic fishes. On the other hand, the examined fish species were significantly bio-accumulative with the highest bio-accumulation factor value for benthic species. The multivariate analysis identified that the sources of the trace metals were associated with anthropogenic activities. For the human health risk assessment concern, estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient and cancer-causing risk were estimated. The results for non-cancer hazardous index values were found to be lower than unity. On the other hand, the total cancer risk data ranging from 1.24E-05 to 1.70E-05 were fallen within the range for the threshold values (1.0E-06 to 1.0E-04). However, considering the suggested values set by the environmental and regulatory agencies, it has been recommended that no significant non-carcinogenic and cancer-causing health risk for humans was seen due to the consumption of the studied fish species.

Impact of old environmental burden in the Spiš region (Slovakia) on soil and home-grown vegetable contamination, and health effects of heavy metals

Due to several centuries of ongoing mining activities, Middle Spiš (Slovakia) is one of the areas with a damaged environment. The contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg were determined in the soils and home-grown vegetables (potatoes, carrots, tomatoes). Except for Pb, the contents of heavy metals in the soils of some plots were higher than the limit values. Based on the values of Contamination factor (Cf), Degree of contamination (Cdeg), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and Pollution load index (PLI), very high Fe, Cd, and Hg contamination (Cf ≥ 6), very high soil contamination (Cdeg ≥ 20), extremely heavy Fe and Hg contamination (Igeo > 5), resp. moderately pollution to non-pollution (1 < PLI ≤ 2) was found in all plots. In vegetable samples, the maximum levels were exceeded for Cu, Pb, Hg (potato), Pb (carrot, tomato), and Hg (carrot, plot E). Bioaccumulation factor values BAF > 1 were for Cu (carrots, potatoes). Estimated daily intake values for all heavy metals were lower than their tolerable daily intake. Chronic daily intake of heavy metals ranged 2.495E−06 (Hg)—0.1416 (Fe) mg/kg/day. Based on Hazard index values, potato consumption poses a risk (0.8068–1.3057). The results showed that the monitoring of soils and cultivated production is necessary for the investigated area.

Concentration and Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil and Lumbricus Terrestris in Kolo Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

The concentration of toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, and their bioaccumulation in Lumbricus terrestris in areas around Kolo Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria were evaluated in this study. 12 soil samples were collected from 4 sites, while Lumbricus terrestris were also collected from areas where soil samples were obtained. Toxic metals were extracted using aqua regia and quantified with a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Extraction of PAHs was achieved by liquid-liquid soxhlet extraction, and quantified with a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for both toxic metals and PAHs were calculated. The results obtained in this study showed that the concentration of all studied toxic metals were within their respective regulatory limits in soil. The BAF for all toxic metals were less than 1 in all sites, indicating minimal bioaccumulation in Lumbricus terrestris. The Ʃ16 PAHs ranged from 7.30 to 77.7 mg kg-1 and 1.10 to 4.75 mg kg-1 in soil and Lumbricus terrestris across the 4 sites, respectively. The BAF values for individual PAHs were less than 1 in all sites, which indicated that PAH congeners were either not bioaccumulated or accumulated PAH congeners were metabolized. Hence, analysis of PAHs metabolites in Lumbricus terrestris is recommended.

Mycoremediation of Flotation Tailings with Agaricus bisporus.

Due to their enzymatic and bioaccumulation faculties the use of macromycetes for the decontamination of polluted matrices seems reasonable for bioremediation. For this reason, the aim of our study was to evaluate the mycoremediation ability of Agaricus bisporus cultivated on compost mixed with flotation tailings in different quantities (1, 5, 10, 15, and 20% addition). The biomass of the fruit bodies and the content of 51 major and trace elements were determined. Cultivation of A. bisporus in compost moderately polluted with flotation tailings yielded significantly lower (the first flush) and higher (the second flush) biomass of fruit bodies, compared with the control treatment. The presence of toxic trace elements did not cause any visible adverse symptoms for A. bisporus. Increasing the addition of flotation tailings to the compost induced an elevated level of most determined elements. A significant increase in rare earth elements (both flushes) and platinum group elements (first flush only) was observed. The opposite situation was recorded for major essential elements, except for Na and Mg in A. bisporus from the second flush under the most enriched compost (20%). Nevertheless, calculated bioaccumulation factor values showed a selective accumulation capacity—limited for toxic elements (except for Ag, As, and Cd) and the effective accumulation of B, Cu, K, and Se. The obtained results confirmed that A. bisporus can be used for practical application in mycoremediation in the industry although this must be preceded by larger-scale tests. This application seems to be the most favorable for media contaminated with selected elements, whose absorption by fruiting bodies is the most efficient.

Individual and combinatorial effects of SNP and NaHS on morpho-physio-biochemical attributes and phytoextraction of chromium through Cr-stressed spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.).

Chromium (Cr) is a toxic heavy metal that contaminates soil and water resources after its discharge from different industries. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of single and/or combined application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (250 μM) and sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) (1 mM) on growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange characteristics, oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant machinery (enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants), ion uptake, organic acid exudation, and Cr uptake of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) exposed to severe Cr stress [Cr: 0 (no Cr), 150, and 300 μM]. Our results depicted that Cr addition to the soil significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plant growth and biomass, gas exchange attributes, and mineral uptake by S. oleracea when compared to the plants grown without the addition of Cr. However, Cr toxicity boosted the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is the indication of oxidative stress in S. oleracea, and was also manifested by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and electrolyte leakage to the membrane-bound organelles. The results showed that the activities of various antioxidative enzymes, such as superoxidase dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin, initially increased with an increase in the Cr concentration in the soil. The results also revealed that the levels of soluble sugar, reducing sugar, and non-reducing sugar were decreased in plants grown under elevating Cr levels, but the accumulation of the metal in the roots and shoots of S. oleracea, was found to be increased, and the values of bioaccumulation factor were <1 in all the Cr treatments. The negative impacts of Cr injury were reduced by the application of SNP and NaHS (individually or combined), which increased plant growth and biomass, improved photosynthetic apparatus, antioxidant enzymes, and mineral uptake, as well as diminished the exudation of organic acids and oxidative stress indicators in roots of S. oleracea by decreasing Cr toxicity. Here, we conclude that the application of SNP and NaHS under the exposure to Cr stress significantly improved plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange characteristics; regulated antioxidant defense system and essential nutrient uptake; and balanced organic acid exudation pattern in S. oleracea.

Endemic sponge Lubomirskia baikalensis as a bioindicator of chemical elements pollution in Lake Baikal

To evaluate the prospects of using Baikal endemic sponges as bioindicators of chemical elements pollution, the elemental composition of sponges, water and substrate samples, collected in two areas with different levels of anthropogenic loading of the Baikal Lake, was determined using two analytical techniques. The content of Cl, Ca, V, Zn, As, Se, Ba, Cd, and Cu in the sponges collected in Listvennichny Bay was significantly higher than in Bolshye Koty Bay. The values of the pollution indices point at the slight to moderate pollution of the substrates. According to the bioaccumulation factor values, sponges accumulate mainly Cd, Cu and Br from the substrate, and the main part of the elements from water. The distribution of elements longwise the sponges and their intraspecific variation were evaluated. It was shown that Lubomirskia baikalensis sponges were suitable bioindicators to assess the pollution of Lake Baikal.

Occurrence of mercury in polychaete species (Annelida) and their associated sediments from an important Southern Atlantic Ocean Bay

In the present study, the Hg levels in freshly collected polychaete species and their associated sediments were evaluated from Todos os Santos Bay, Northeastern Brazil. Additionally, it was also measured the Hg distribution along the annelids' body parts (anterior region, abdomen, and posterior region). Total Hg concentration was as follows: 13.6–144 μg kg−1 (Scolelepis chilensis, deposit feeder), 8.2–122 μg kg−1 (Laeonereis acuta, deposit feeder), 95–612 μg kg−1 (Armandia agilis, deposit feeder); 96.6–206 μg kg−1 (Lumbrineris sp., carnivorous), 75.3–112 μg kg−1 (Goniada echinulate, carnivorous), and 115–198 μg kg−1 (Branchiomma sp., suspension feeder). In turn, Hg levels in sediments ranged from 2.77 ± 0.24 to 6.38 ± 0.15 μg kg−1. Hg concentrations found in polychaete soft tissues were higher than those found in the sediments. Specific habits, feeding behavior, trophic level, and stressful environmental conditions are the main factors affecting the Hg levels in the species studied. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), contamination factor (CF), and ecological risk assessment (Er) were calculated. The BAF values were higher than 1 for all studied species, indicating Hg bioaccumulation in the annelids, but the low levels of CF e Er showed those Hg levels present low to no significant ecological risk for the biota and benthonic organisms living in the sediments. Finally, no statistically significant difference was observed for Hg concentration levels along the polychaete body parts.

Phytoremediation of Composite Industrial Effluent using Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn): A Lab-Scale Experimental Investigation

This study investigates the phytoremediation of composite industrial effluent (CIE) released from multiple industries within the SIIDCUL cluster, Haridwar, India, using the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) plant. Batch-mode phytoremediation experiments were conducted using three selected concentrations (0%: borewell water as control, 50%, and 100%) of CIE for 45 days. Results show that the N. nucifera plant significantly reduced loads of physicochemical and heavy metal pollutants of CIE. In particular, the maximal removal of total dissolved solids (TDS: 89.56%), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD: 78.20%), chemical oxygen demand (COD: 79.41%), total Kjeldahl’s nitrogen (TKN: 86.48%), phosphorus (P: 76.37%), cadmium (Cd: 70.37%), copper (Cu: 85.82%), chromium (Cr: 68.61%), iron (Fe: 72.86%), lead (Pb: 76.92%), and zinc (Zn: 74.51%) pollutants was noted in the 50% CIE concentration treatment. Heavy metal bioaccumulation and translocation factor values (&gt;1) for root and leaf parts show that the N. nucifera plant was a hyperaccumulator. However, the contents of heavy metals were higher in the root than the leaf part of the N. nucifera plant. Moreover, the selected plant growth attributes such as fresh plant biomass (760.70 ± 8.77 g/plant; without flowers), chlorophyll content (4.30 ± 0.22 mg/g fwt.), plant height (154.05 ± 4.55 cm), root length (70.35 ± 2.42 cm), leaf spread (41.58 ± 0.26 cm), number of leaves (10.00 ± 1.00 per plant), and number of flowers (16.00 ± 2.00) were also maximal in the 50% CIE concentration. This study provides a sustainable approach towards the effective biotreatment of noxious mixed effluent using plant-based green technology.

Cadmium Distribution, Availability, and Translocation in Soil-Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) System and Its Risk Assessment

Proper utilization of lightly contaminated farmlands is popular for developing countries such as China where there are high demands for food production to meet the needs of high population in the limited available arable lands. Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is an important oil crop as well as a potential candidate for soil Cd remediation. Dietary oil ingestion is the main route of human exposure to cadmium (Cd). Therefore, understanding the characteristics of Cd transfer in the soil-oilseed rape system and its human health risk assessment are crucial for health risk alleviation and pollution control. A field experiment was conducted with 25 oilseed rape cultivars grown in a Cd (1.59 mg kg–1)-contaminated farmland where Cd was mainly from former mining activities in nearby mountains. Results showed that Cd concentrations in oilseed rape were in the order of shoots > roots > pods > seeds. The mean values of both transfer factors and bioaccumulation factors were higher than 1. Residual Cd fraction accounted for the largest proportion of the four solid components (fractions) of Cd. Cd concentration in oil ranged from 0.004 to 0.06 mg kg–1. In vitro digestion study showed that the bioaccessibility of Cd in rapeseed oil ranged from 2.48 to 30.6%. The target hazard quotients of Cd and hazard index via oil intake were below 1, and the incremental lifetime cancer risks of Cd were within the required values of 1 × 10–6–1 × 10–4. This study suggests the safety limit of Cd in rapeseed oil as 0.18 mg kg–1 based on the comparison of the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks. Conclusively, oilseed rape has a good Cd accumulation capability, but the most grain Cd in plants grown in the lightly Cd-polluted soil remained non-bioaccessible with a negligible noncarcinogenic risk and an acceptable level of carcinogenic risk to human health.

Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals by Consuming the Aquatic Plant Species Near an Electronic Waste Open Dumpsite in Thailand

Heavy metals from electronic waste (e-waste) accumulate in the environment and can affect human health. The purpose of this study was to determine As, Cd, Cr and Pb concentrations in water, sediment and three species of edible aquatic plants (Ottelia alismoides, Ipomoea aquatic and Marsilea crenata) near an e-waste open dumpsite. Samples were collected from six sampling points surrounding an e-waste open dumpsite and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were evaluated in the plants. The Pb concentration in the water samples exceeded the quality standard. The order of the heavy metal concentrations in the sediment was Pb&gt;Cr&gt;As &gt;Cd, and these concentrations were within the limits of the quality standard. The order of the heavy metal concentrations in O. alismoides, I. aquatic and M. crenata was Cr&gt;Pb&gt;As&gt;Cd, Pb&gt;Cr&gt;As&gt;Cd and Pb&gt;Cr&gt;As&gt;Cd, respectively. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr and Pb in O. alismoides and As, Cr and Pb in I. aquatic and M. crenata exceeded the quality standard of food consumption. Most of the BAF values of the heavy metals in O. alismoides were more than one, but in I. aquatic and M. crenata, they were less than one. The order of the EDI values in O. alismoides, I. aquatic and M. crenata was Cr&gt;Pb&gt;As&gt;Cd, Pb&gt;Cr&gt;As&gt;Cd and Cr&gt;As&gt;Pb &gt;Cd, respectively. The HQ values were greater than one for As, Cd and Pb in O. alismoides; Pb in I. aquatic; and As and Pb in M. crenata. The HQ and CR values show that the consumption of edible plants from an e-waste open dumpsite is a human health risk.

Impact of Industrially Affected Soil on Humans: A Soil-Human and Soil-Plant-Human Exposure Assessment.

Heavy metal (HM) contaminated soil can affect human health via ingestion of foodstuffs, inhalation of soil dust, and skin contact of soil. This study estimates the level of some heavy metals in soils of industrial areas, and their exposures to human body via dietary intake of vegetables and other pathways. Mean concentrations of Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As and Pb in the studied soil were found to be 61.27, 27,274, 42.36, 9.77, 28.08 and 13.69 mg/kg, respectively, while in vegetables the respective values were 0.53, 119.59, 9.76, 7.14, 1.34 and 2.69 mg/kg. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb originated from lithogenic sources, while Cr and As are derived from anthropogenic sources. A moderate enrichment was noted by Cr, As, and Pb in the entire sampling site, indicating a progressive depletion of soil quality. The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) value for all the vegetables was recorded as BCF < 1; however, the metal pollution index (MPI) stipulates moderately high value of heavy metal accumulation in the vegetable samples. Hazard Index (HI) of >0.1 was estimated for adults but >1 for children by direct soil exposure, whereas HI < 1 for both children and adults via dietary intake of vegetables. Estimated Total carcinogenic risk (TCR) value due to soil exposure showed safe for adults but unsafe for children, while both the population groups were found to be safe via food consumption. Children are found more vulnerable receptors than adults, and health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) via direct soil exposure proved unsafe. Overall, this study can be used as a reference for similar types of studies to evaluate heavy metal contaminated soil impact on the population of Bangladesh and other countries as well.

The Effect of Soil Amendments on Trace Elements’ Bioavailability and Toxicity to Earthworms in Contaminated Soils

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of soil amendments, characterized by different sorption properties, on the effectiveness of trace elements’ (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr) stabilization and bioavailability to earthworms. The study was conducted as a microcosm experiment using soil derived from a heavily contaminated post-industrial area. The Eisenia veneta earthworm was cultured for 4 weeks in soils amended with materials characterized by different properties, origins, and potential effects on limiting the availability of metals in soils: two type of compost (Zabrze compost-ZC; GWDA compost-GC), two types of biosolid (Bełchatów biosolids-BB, Grabów biosolids-GB), calcium phosphate (CP), iron oxide (IO), bentonite (BE), rock waste (RW), and limestone (CC). After the incubation, the biomass and survival numbers of the earthworm species decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). The accumulation of metals in the earthworm tissues expressed by the bioaccumulation factor value (BSAF) were dependent on the type of amendment applied to the soil. The highest decrease in the earthworms’ weight and survival rate was caused by compost (72%) and bentonite (33%), while the lowest was caused by the rock waste (10%) and iron oxide (11%). The biosolids exhibited the greatest toxicity, causing the mortality of all the earthworms. The accumulation of metals in earthworm tissues and the BSAF value were dependent on the type of amendment applied to the soil. The BSAF for the contaminated soil by Cd decreased to the greatest extent after the addition of ZC (by 57%), GC (55%), CP (41%), and IO (37%). A similarly positive effect was noted for Pb after IO addition (45% decrease). The Zn, Cr, and Ni concentration in earthworms, contrary to other elements, increased, regardless of the amendment. The results showed that the applied soil amendments were characterized by varying potential for the reduction in the metal bioavailability in the soil, depending on their composition and physicochemical properties. Moreover, earthworms may exhibit a diversified response to soil amendments as a result of the impact of amendment on the metal forms in soils and their direct impact on organisms. Generally, the Cd was easily transferred from the soil into and accumulated in the earthworm tissues. Our study confirms that this element creates the highest risk for the trophic chain in soils affected by the Zn and Pb smelting industry. Moreover, greater Zn supply reduces the accumulation of Cd in animal bodies. This study provides valuable practical knowledge on the short-term biological effects of a range of soil amendments in metal-contaminated soils.

Environmental Geochemistry and Bioavailability and Health Effects of Chromium in Topsoil and Cauliflower Plant in Kirkuk, Northern Iraq

The content of chromium in the surface soil as well as its content in cauliflower plants in Kirkuk was studied to investigate the environmental geochemistry of this element. 30 samples of surface soil were collected from inside the study area at a depth of 0-20 cm. Eight samples of cauliflower were collected from the same study area, soil and plant sampling sites were determined using a GPS device . Using ICP-MS technology we were able to analyze these samples. The results of ICP-MS showed that the average concentration of chromium in the soil samples was 78.59 mg/kg and its highest concentration was in the sample A12 (93.4 mg/kg), the increase in the concentration of chromium in the soil is due to agricultural fertilizers, irrigation with sewage water, the impact of traffic, commercial activities and industrial workshop. The mean of its concentration cauliflower samples was 3.81 mg/kg, and the highest concentration was 4.7 mg/kg in sample AQ10, the increase in the concentration of chromium in the plant is due to pollution in the soil, and the difference in these concentrations is due to the location of the sample and the properties of the soil. The plant absorbs it through the roots, then the stems, leaves,and fruits. Bioaccumulation factor value for chromium ranged with an average of 0.047 for all cauliflower samples. CF soil samples that the surface soil for this area is within a level (low pollution, CF &lt;1) indicating the presence of pollution at a very low level, and the potential ecological risk index PRI found that all surface soil samples in the study area have (low risk level, PLI≤50), and Igeo indicates that there is no pollution (practically uncontaminated, Igeo ≤ 0). It was found that the value of THQnc for both groups of adults and children in the study area was greater than 1. The CRcancer values for both groups were greater than 1*10-4.

Efficiency of Four Extraction Methods to Assess the Bioavailability of Oxyfluorfen to Earthworms in Soil Amended with Fresh and Aged Biochar

Due to its high persistence in soil, oxyfluorfen has negative effects on environmental and human health. To reduce soil contamination and impacts on non-target organisms, biochar is introduced into soils to immobilize and sequestrate oxyfluorfen as a remediation practice. Three types of soils common in China were selected and biochar (rice hull, BCR) was added to investigate the desorption and bioavailability of oxyfluorfen after aging BCR for 0, 1, 3, and 6 months. Four chemical extraction methods were used to predict oxyfluorfen bioavailability. Results indicated that after addition of 0.5–2% unaged BCR, the desorption values of oxyfluorfen increased from 64–119 to 176–920 (μg/g)/(mg/L)n in the three soils compared with unamended soil. The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) values of oxyfluorfen in earthworms decreased from 0.80–1.7 to 0.10–1.56 after BCR addition. However, the desorption values decreased from 170–868 to 144–701 (μg/g)/(mg/L)n after aging. The bioavailability of oxyfluorfen in earthworms also increased after the aging treatments, while the BCF was still lower than with unaged BCR. The reduced BCF indicated lower exposure risk of oxyfluorfen to earthworms after amendment with biochar, even after aging 6 months. The bioavailability after extraction by Tenax showed a high linear correlation with uptake in earthworms, even after the 6-month aging treatment (R2 &gt; 0.80). Consequently, BCR could be a practical method to remediate contaminated soil and the 6h Tenax method could be a sensitive and feasible tool to assess the bioavailability of oxyfluorfen in soil.

Meta-analysis of Bioaccumulation Data for Nondissolvable Engineered Nanomaterials in Freshwater Aquatic Organisms.

Understanding the bioaccumulation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is essential for making regulatory decisions on potential environmental risks. Research in the field of ENM bioaccumulation has increased in recent years, but the compilation and statistical analysis of the available experimental data have not been updated. We therefore performed a meta‐analysis of the existing literature on the bioaccumulation of eight types of nondissolvable ENMs (titanium dioxide [TiO2], aluminum oxide [Al2O3], gold [Au], fullerene [C60], carbon nanotubes, iron oxide [FeO x ], graphene, and polystyrene) in nonmammalian freshwater aquatic organisms across three trophic levels including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish. Three typical endpoints were used to assess the bioaccumulation potential: the bioconcentration factor (BCF), the bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and the biomagnification factor (BMF). Our results suggest that zooplankton has greater mean logarithmic BCF and BAF values than phytoplankton (3.31 vs. 1.42) and fish (2.04). The ENMs are biomagnified in zooplankton, with a mean BMF of 17.4, whereas trophic transfer from primary consumers (zooplankton) to secondary consumers (fish) was not observed (mean BMF of 0.13). No clear dependency was identified between the physicochemical characteristics of ENMs (e.g., primary particle size, zeta potential, or shape) and bioaccumulation, except for coated versus uncoated particles accumulated in phytoplankton. Carbonaceous ENMs were found to be more bioaccumulated than the other ENMs we considered, except for TiO2. A meta‐analysis of bioaccumulation data can (1) deepen the understanding of bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of ENMs, (2) be used to support grouping strategies as a basis for a safer‐by‐design approach for ENMs, (3) be integrated into comprehensive hazard and risk assessments, (4) promote the standardization of testing guidelines, and (5) enhance future kinetic bioaccumulation modeling. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1202–1214. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Lead tolerance and accumulation characteristics of Cubana Kordes rose in lead-contaminated soil.

This study was conducted to determine lead tolerance and accumulation characteristics of Cubana Kordes rose, which is used in landscaping studies in areas with heavy traffic. In the study, 0%, 3%, and 6% leonardite was added to the sand growing medium, and Pb was applied at different doses (0, 200, 400, 800, and 1600mg Pb kg-1). At the end of the experiment, the effect of Pb application on plant physiological properties was not statistically significant. The Pb concentration of flower and stem was between 4.50 and 8.92mgkg-1 and 8.47 and 543.25mgkg-1, respectively. The Pb concentration in the stem increased with an increase in the dose of Pb. The Pb concentration in the root was between 4.00 and 50.35mgkg-1 and increased with an increase in the dose of Pb (p < 0.05). The available Pb concentration in the soil varied between 0.05 and 448.79mgkg-1. The transfer factor value varied between 1.84 and 18.73 and the bioaccumulation factor value ranged between 0.00 and 10.46. The amount of Pb removed from the soil by the stem was between 124.7 and 8346.6µgkg-1. From the results, we determined that Pb accumulated at a higher rate in the stem than in the root and the flower of Cubana Kordes roses. We found that these roses could tolerate the accumulation of Pb, and hence, they have a great potential to be used in the remediation of soil contaminated by Pb.

Concentration and translocation of trace metals in Solidago gigantea in urban areas: a potential bioindicator

Invasive species usually grow in human-disturbed habitats including urban areas where they face numerous pollutants, including metals that attract special attention due to their non-degradability and high accumulation potential. In this study we evaluated the contents of potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the invasive species Solidago gigantea. The strategy adopted by S. gigantea in response to excess trace metals in the soil was assessed. Metal contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry in leaves, stems and roots of S. gigantea collected from 30 sites located in areas affected by various human activities. Metal concentrations (total and bioavailable fraction) were also determined in corresponding soil samples. Results showed that S. gigantea was able to inhabit strongly polluted sites. High Bioaccumulation Factor but low Translocation Factor values for Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni show that S. gigantea takes up metals from soil but reduces their transport to the aboveground parts and could be classified as a metal-tolerant species with exclusion strategy. The Bioaccumulation Factor values for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn were remarkably higher in plants growing in areas characterized by low metal concentrations in soil compared to the ones affected by industry, with high metal concentrations. This suggests that S. gigantea that grows in polluted areas can reduce the uptake of potentially toxic metals. Regardless of the limited transport of metals to the aboveground organs, the content of metals in S. gigantea leaves differed between areas differing in human impact and the species can be used as a biomonitor.

Antibiotics in fish caught from ice-sealed waters: Spatial and species variations, tissue distribution, bioaccumulation, and human health risk

Antibiotics are increasingly detected in fish caught in ice-free waters, but information on fish caught in ice-sealed waters is insufficient. The concentrations of 23 antibiotics in the gills, muscles, kidneys, livers, biles, and brains of Cyprinus carpio and Hypophthalmichthys nobilis caught during winter fish-hunting activities in Chagan Lake, Haernao Reservoir, and Shitoukoumen Reservoir were systematically studied to ascertain the variations among fish species and fishing regions, tissue distribution, and bioaccumulation, as well as the potential risk to humans via the consumption of contaminated fish. The results indicated that the individual antibiotic concentration in tissues ranged from undetectable to 35.0 ng/g ww. The total antibiotic concentration in fish muscles from Shitoukoumen Reservoir was lower than that from Chagan Lake and Haernao Reservoir, but showed no significant difference between Cyprinus carpio and Hypophthalmichthys nobilis. Chloramphenicols had a high proportion in most fish tissues ranging from 28.3% to 44.0%, and the antibiotics were mainly distributed in the livers with a total concentration of 54.8 ± 9.9 ng/g ww. The mean values of bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of antibiotics in tissues ranged from 79.4 to 1000 L/kg, with the higher values found in the fish livers. The hazard quotient and hazard index value of antibiotics in the muscles of fish from ice-sealed were less than 1, indicating a negligible risk to human health via the consumption of fish muscles. This study revealed that the total antibiotic concentration in muscles showed spatial variations but not fish species-dependence. The antibiotics mainly accumulated in the livers. In addition, the target antibiotic concentrations in the muscles of fish from ice-sealed waters met the safe for consumption criteria.

Bioaccumulation and health risks of some heavy metals in Oreochromis niloticus, sediment and water of Challawa river, Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Heavy metals of sort Pb and Cd are of utmost importance significantly in Nigerian public health. Others such as Fe and Zn are available in the environment and typically contribute to sustenance of the ecosystem. The present study determined the bioaccumulation and health risks of some heavy metals which include Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe) and Lead (Pb) in Fish (Oreochromis niloticus) with their levels in sediment and water of Challawa River, Kano, Nigeria. The heavy metals were measured using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The water, sediment and fish samples analysed had mean concentration of Zn, Cd, Fe and Pb greater than the World Health Organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) standard permissible limits except for Zn in sediment, fish and Cd in sediment. The amounts of the heavy metals in all samples between the dry and wet season varied significantly (p < 0.05) with a positive relationship between the metals in water, fish, and sediment. Fe accumulates higher than Zn, Cd, and Pb from the values of bioaccumulation factors in sediment and water of Challawa river. Higher values for Estimated Daily Intake and Target Hazard Quotient of all the metals were recorded. These indicate that fish, water and sediment from Challawa river were contaminated to certain levels that has the potential health risks and hazards following the consumption of the fish species. Such has serious consequences in view of the massive population that rely on the river as a source of fish and water.

Metal accumulation by Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. malacitanum Rivas Goday (Brassicaceae) across different petrographic entities in South-Iberian ultramafic massifs: plant-soil relationships and prospects for phytomining

In the ultramafic area of Spain, a high quantity of petrographic entities is present. Data on the variability among populations of hyperaccumulation are scarce. We investigated Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. malacitanum for variations in eleven elements among populations growing in different ultramafic massifs in different petrographic entities (dunites, harzburgite-pyroxenic dunite, harzburgite-lherzolite, pyroxenite, and serpentinites). Samples of leaves and soils were collected from the ultramafic outcrops of Sierra Bermeja and Sierra de Mijas (Andalusia, Spain). The concentrations of Ni, Fe, Mg, Si, Cr, Co, Sr, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Ba and the bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were determined. Although analysis of variance of the data for each element revealed considerable variation in soil chemistry (for Fe, Mg, Sr, and Ba) among the different petrographic entities, population-level variation with regard to the hyperaccumulation in the leaves was not detected. BAF values >1 were obtained for Sr and Ni depending on the petrographic entities. The correlation detected between the concentration of Ni in leaves and concentration in soil is relevant. The population-level variation obtained in the BAF values for Sr and Ni provides comprehensive information on the natural variation of hyperaccumulation. The BAF obtained for Ba is an important result for phytomining. Novelty statement To date, studies of hyperaccumulation in plant tissues on ultramafic rocks have not considered the great diversity of petrographic entities in the world's outcrops. One of them is the one that we studied in Spain with more than eight petrographic entities and different soils. Our hypothesis is that the different chemical compositions of the soils in ultramafic rocks significantly affect the hyperaccumulation of metals by specialized plants, which may have consequences for phytomining. For this purpose, individuals, populations, and different soils have been tested and the results have been subjected to the corresponding statistical tests. The obtained knowledge reflects the different behavior of the studied plant not only for the Ni: the obtained results for Sr and for Ba revealed interesting results for the hyperaccumulation in Alyssum of both metals.