Journal of trace elements and minerals最新文献

Heavy metal (HM) pollution in agricultural soils represents a hidden danger to food security worldwide. In this paper, the spatio-temporal trends of heavy metals from eight countries and 50 soil samples from agricultural farmland were evaluated through a combination of field surveys and meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive report on heavy metal pollution. The soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (Perkin Elmer Nixon 300Q). The contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI), and diagnostic tests on the extracted data were calculated. The results of the CF in the soils indicate extreme contamination for Cr, suggesting ecotoxicological effects, while the PLI values range from baseline to moderate pollution for Cd, Hg, Cu, Zn, and Ni, except for Cr, which shows very high pollution, suggesting that the soils have undergone some form of deterioration. The meta-analysis results of the 50 reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023 showed increasing trends for all the HMs. The weighted mean values of Cd, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn, As, and Ni were in the range of 0.0-222.7, 0.08-289.2, 0.03-193, 2.94-198.1, 0.0-771.1, 0.0-231, and 1.71-99.75.6 mg/kg, respectively. The mean values of Cd, Hg, Zn and As exceeded two to three times the values of China National Environmental Monitoring Centre (CNEMC) European Union's most cited guideline (MEF), and the rock crust guideline. The results of the correlation matrix heatmap revealed a highly positive correlation between Cr and Ni (R² = 0.66), suggesting that these elements have the same source and are likely prevalent in agricultural soils. The spatial origin of the publications reveals that 82% of the studies were from China followed by South Africa and Italy accounting for 4% respectively while Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Iran, and Turkey account for 2% each. The findings of this study have important implications for environmental regulation on agricultural food protection from heavy metal pollution. Unlike previous meta-analysis studies which often adopt a “silos” method, this study highlights a nexus approach that integrates both meta-analysis and experimental studies which could establish a more comprehensive understanding of heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils.

Objective

The present study aimed at investigating the probable health risk associated with potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in irrigable wetland soils from Ogun and Lagos states, Southwestern Nigeria.

Methodology

A total of 36 composite soil samples were collected from twelve monitoring sites and analyzed for potentially toxic metals [cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)] using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. PTM data underwent inferential and descriptive statistical analysis using IBM SPSS. Health risk indices were assessed for hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) using the standard method. Ecological and pollution risks were also assessed.

Results

Fe (1465±977 to 47,785±12,049  mg kg⁻¹) was the most abundant metal observed in irrigable wetland soils. The distribution pattern of PTMs in irrigable wetland soils followed the decreasing order of Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd. The pollution index risk indicated values greater than 1.0 for Cd (2.43–133), Zn (1.60–6.32), Cu (1.49–5.89), and Pb (1.15–2.94). Cadmium indicated a considerable ecological risk index (4002), a moderate-to-high pollution level according to the Nemerov integrated pollution index (12.33), and a very high enrichment factor (14.1–227). The HQs of PTMs were generally less than 1.0 for adults, while a HI greater than 1.0 was observed for children. The CRs exceeding the threshold limit of 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ were observed for Co, Cd, Cr, and Ni [at one or more sampling sites] in the wetland soils exposed to by adults and children.

Conclusion

In this study, the irrigated wetland soils showed high ecological, pollution, and carcinogenic risks of Cd, particularly at the Odo Aro monitoring site. The findings from the study could offer a theoretical basis and data support for pollution monitoring, assessment, and control in the study area.

Introduction

Environmental pollution caused by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from anthropogenic sources has become a global concern due to its deleterious effect on humans and ecosystem health. Therefore, this study evaluated the concentrations of PTEs, pollution level and human health risk in topsoil from ten (10) steel fabrication workshops in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Materials and methods

Ten (10) composite soil samples were collected in November 2023, from 10 different steel fabrication workshops in proximity to residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. One (1) gram of processed sample was digested using aqua regia and PTE concentration estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Pollution index assessment was determined using enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (I-geo) while descriptive statistics and correlation were subjected to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).

Results

The result showed that Iron (Fe) (11,500 – 42,100 mg kg⁻¹), Lead (Pb) (10.7 – 583 mg kg⁻¹), Chromium (Cr) (16.3 - 49.7 mg kg⁻¹), Zinc (Zn) (34.6 – 343 mg kg⁻¹), Manganese (Mn) (109 – 840 mg kg⁻¹), Nickel (Ni) (2.23 - 25.3 mg kg⁻¹), Copper (Cu) (16.6 -107 mg kg⁻¹) and Cadmium (Cd) (2.23 - 25.3 mg kg⁻¹) were present. Mean concentration for Pb (179±202 mg kg⁻¹) is higher than the Canada soil guideline value (CSGV) (140 mg kg⁻¹) while other PTEs are within the recommended limit. Pollution indices revealed EF (Cd and Pb) and I-geo (Cd) as the primary pollutants in the soil while the strong significant correlation between Cr, Cu and Mn p < 0.05. Cr, Ni, Pb and that of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn p < 0.01 suggest an emanation from both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Human health risk assessment revealed Fe as the most dosed PTE and ingestion as the major pathways of exposure especially to children being the most susceptible. Hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR) values for PTEs were <1 and within the acceptable threshold (1 × 10⁻⁶ – 1 × 10⁻⁴) except for Pb (3.93E+01; 1.16E-03) in adults respectively.

Conclusion

The study showed that the topsoil from the steel fabrication workshop is polluted with Pb and Cu toxicity and the adult (residents and workers) population exposed to the soil is potentially at a non-cancer and cancer risk.

Background/objectives

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a significant role in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI). This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of pretreatment with sodium selenite on RIRI, emphasizing anti-inflammatory effects.

Method

A total of 24 male Wistar rats (200±20 g) were divided into four groups (six per each): 1- Sham (surgery without renal pedicle clamping), 2- Sham-Se (0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite for 7 consecutive days, ip), 3- RIRI (ischemia was induced by clamping the renal pedicle for 45 min), and 4- IRIR-Se (0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite for 7 consecutive days before I/R induction). All animals were sacrificed under anesthesia 24 h after I/R induction. Blood and tissue sample were collected for biochemical and histological analyses.

Results

The results showed that sodium selenite pretreatment significantly reduced the changes induced by the ischemia-reperfusion injury, including the reduction of serum Cr and BUN, decreased the renal tissue content of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and miR-494, and increased IL-10 and GPx content of kidney (P< 0.05). Also, sodium selenite pretreatment significantly reduced renal ischemia-reperfusion-induced histopathological changes.

Conclusion

Pretreatment with sodium selenite significantly improved ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal dysfunction and mitigated RIRI, probably regarding its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Background

Metal pollution is a problem in many parts of the world. These metals can be harmful when they exceed the recommended limits. This study aimed to assess the levels of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in the tissues of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) within a protected area in southeastern Mexico. Additionally, the study aimed to conduct a risk analysis for human health associated with these metals. It is anticipated that the observed metal levels will be lower compared to prior studies, thereby not posing a significant risk to the local population.

Methods

The tissue of oyster samples was treated under the techniques of the Official Mexican Standards and analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The metal concentrations were used to calculate the estimated daily intakes (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risks (TR), for children and adults.

Results

Maximum values of Cd (1.99 μg g⁻¹), exceeded the permissible limits of the Official Mexican Standards. Pb (0.99 μg g⁻¹) and Hg (0.64 μg g⁻¹) are within the recommended limits. The THQ and HI for Cd, Pb, and Hg were lower than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) criteria.

Conclusions

Based on our results, whether oyster (Crassostrea virginica) consumption is recommended in adults and reducing consumption in children; to diminish the risk of exposure to Cd, Pb, and Hg.

Background

Few studies have been conducted to identify solid phase speciation of trace elements within the interior of airborne particles, although the adverse effects of ambient particles are closely related to the speciation of toxic elements and therefore the identification of chemical binding sites and solid phase associations is essential for assessing the impacts of trace elements in ambient air on environmental quality and human health.

Objective

A combined use of focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to investigate the solid phase speciation of trace elements within the interior of dust dry deposition obtained from an urban area.

Results

The study results using the high-resolution microscopic techniques for the characterization of nano- and micron-sized particles revealed lead chromate for Pb and Cr⁶⁺, barite for Ba, rutile for Ti, and calcite, gypsum, and quicklime for Ca within the carbon matrix, implying their traffic-related sources. Fe oxides were observed for Fe, Mn, Ni, and Cr³⁺, with cerianite and Fe-La alloys for rare earth elements (REEs).

Conclusions

Three types of anthropogenic sources were inferred based on the morphology and texture of the solid phases, as well as their primary usage: traffic road marking paints for Pb, Cr⁶⁺, Ba, and Ti, cement materials for Ca, and industrial activities for Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr³⁺, and REEs. The presence of submicron-sized toxic metal-bearing particles in dust dry deposition indicated that the toxic metals (i.e., Pb, Cr⁶⁺) can penetrate into the respiratory system along with the nanoparticles. The study results demonstrate that the solid phase speciation of trace elements detected using FIB-SEM and TEM-SAED can be effectively utilized for the identification of sources and the assessment of chemical toxicity of atmospheric dust.

Background

Lagos and Ologe Lagoons are parts of the Lagos Lagoon Complex, which provide fish as an animal protein source to the locals. However, these fish species have a high propensity to accumulate pollutants including Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) from their environment. This potentially constitutes a health risk to fish consumers. Therefore, this study investigated concentrations of some PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in water, sediment, and fish (Sarotherodon melanotheron) from Lagos and Ologe Lagoons, the ecological and health risks associated with the consumption of the fish as well as the likely sources of the PTEs.

Methods

Water, sediment, and fish (S. melanotheron) samples were collected monthly for ten months (June 2022 - March 2023) from three sites: Badore and Baiyeku in Lagos Lagoon and Ologe Lagoon. The concentration of PTEs was determined in the environmental matrices {water, sediment, and three organs (gill, muscle, liver)}. The range of values for method detection limits (MDL), limits of detection (LOD), limits of quantitation (LOQ), and recovery rates were 0.01 – 0.025 mg kg⁻¹, 0.00002 – 0.002 mg L⁻¹, 0.0001 – 0.0067 mg L⁻¹ and 97.19±2.45 - 99.85±1.16% respectively. The ecological risk of PTE in water and sediment was assessed by various indices. Estimated dietary intake (EDI), health risk index (HRI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) were the human health risk assessment indices employed. The distribution and source of the PTEs were analyzed using the coefficient of variation, Pearson's correlation matrix, principal components analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis.

Results

The water and sediment quality assessment indices indicated that the water and sediment from the lagoons had low contamination with respect to the eight PTEs studied. EDI values were generally less than 1 except for Fe and Zn. THQ for all PTEs in the three sampling stations and across the different population groups was less than 1 except for Fe. PCA revealed two major sources of PTE pollution which are natural and anthropogenic. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb were probably due to anthropogenic inputs like agricultural operations and industrial activities while Fe, Ni, and Zn may have occurred due to lithological sources like rock weathering and volcanic events.

Conclusion

Based on the result of the study, the waters from the lagoons are still suitable for agricultural usage. The sediments are also largely uncontaminated with respect to the eight PTEs studied. The EDI and THQ show that consumption of S. melanotheron from the sites may not constitute any significant health risk to humans and the sources of the PTEs are lithologic and anthropogenic.

Background

Urolithiasis is a common urinary tract disease in buffaloes, almost exclusively affects young males, and has significant economic and production impacts. We have investigated hemato-biochemical and urinary changes in an attempt to deduce their correlation with struvite urolithiasis in buffaloes.

Methods

Ten male buffalo calves with obstructive urolithiasis were used. Blood samples were used for hematology and elemental analysis. Urine samples were used for physico-chemical examination, microscopy, and elemental analysis. Uroliths were subjected to chemical functional group determination using the FTIR spectroscopy.

Results

The mean neutrophil, leukocyte, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls. The mean blood calcium and magnesium concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower and higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls, respectively. Mean blood phosphorus concentration and calcium-phosphorus ratio were found to be non-significantly (p > 0.05) higher and lower in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls, respectively. The urine pH was highly alkaline. Multiple prismatic lid-shaped crystals, along with erythrocytes, leukocytes, and epithelial cells, were found in urine. The mean urinary magnesium and phosphorus concentrations were non-significantly (p < 0.05) higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls. A positive correlation of magnesium (r = 0.864, p = 0.001) and phosphorus (r = 0.849, p = 0.002) concentrations between the blood and urine was observed in urolithic buffaloes. The FTIR spectra of uroliths were similar to those of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, MgNH₄PO₄·6H₂O or struvite.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that high plasma magnesium and phosphorus concentrations have a positive correlation with struvite urolithiasis in buffaloes.

Introduction

Kohl, also known as Kajal and Surma, is a popular cosmetic product in Algeria, particularly in the Saharan regions, and is used by both adults and infants. It is well documented that kohl can contain lead (Pb), which poses significant health risks. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of Pb in kohl products available in the south of the country.

Materials and methods

Sixteen Kohl items were purchased from local markets in Ouargla city then analyzed by FG-AAS to determine Pb Concentration. Statistical analysis was done using Excel 2021. The significance level was determined by p-value ≤0.05.

Results and discussion

The analyzed kohl products lacked specific information about their chemical composition on the packaging. FG-AAS revealed that 81.2 % (n = 13) of the products contained Pb, with concentrations ranging from 3,890 to 85,570 mg.kg⁻¹. Pb can be absorbed through the eyes after application, leading to systemic deleterious effects on human health, especially with long-term exposure.

Conclusion

Kohl products marketed in southern Algeria are contaminated with Pb. It is recommended to enforce local regulations that clearly prohibit the incorporation of heavy metals in cosmetic products and to raise awareness among the general population about the risks associated with using these contaminated products.