Journal of trace elements and minerals最新文献

{"title":"Health risks from the harmful mineral elements’ extractability in the Lubumbashi’s three most used medicinal plants root barks","authors":"Cedrick S. Mutombo ,&nbsp;Cynthia M. Kibwe ,&nbsp;Gael N. Mavungu ,&nbsp;Henry M. Manya ,&nbsp;Arsene T. Kabamba ,&nbsp;Vianney N. Ntabaza ,&nbsp;Salvius A. Bakari ,&nbsp;Joh B. Kahumba","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>To date, no studies have been reported on the mineral element’s extractability in medicinal plants from Lubumbashi, despite the harmful mineral element’s accumulation in medicinal plant species from this region. This study evaluates (<em>i</em>) the extractability of mineral elements in aqueous extracts of root barks from 3 of Lubumbashi’s most used medicinal plants and (<em>ii</em>) the health risk from the harmful mineral elements bioaccessibility.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Root bark powders of <em>Oldfieldia dactyllophylla</em> (Welw.exOliv.) J. Léonard, <em>Phyllanthus muellerianus</em> (Kuntze) Exell, and <em>Securidaca longepedunculata</em> Fresen, collected from 3 sites in the Lubumbashi region, were macerated (2 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h), infused and decocted in distilled water. These extracts, corresponding crude samples (powders), and used solvent were subjected to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>4 macroelements (Ca, K, Na, Mg), 6 trace elements (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Se), and 5 non-essential elements (Ag, Al, Cd, Pb, Ni), were detected and quantified in the crude sample of each species. Cd, Co, Fe, and Na were most extracted (82.5, 64.3, 89.8, and 55.6 % respectively) by infusion in <em>P. muellerianus</em>; Mg by infusion (41.3 %), and Cd by decoction (37.1 %) in <em>O. dactylophylla</em>; as well as Se and Co by infusion (74.6 and 55.4 % respectively) in <em>S. longepedunculata</em>. Mineral elements daily intake trough the studied extracts decreased in order <em>P. muellerianus</em> &gt; <em>S. longepedunculata</em> &gt; <em>O. dactyllophylla</em>, reflecting the mineral content of their crude drugs, and showing the dangerousness of <em>P. muellerianus</em>, known to bioaccumulate harmful minerals including Cd and Pb. Target hazard quotients (HTQ) were &gt; 1 for Al, Cd and Pb, multiplying the non-carcinogenic toxic hazard index (HI) by 40, 22, and 32 respectively for infused, decocted and 24 h macerated <em>P. muellerianus</em>. However, the carcinogenic risk was significantly negligible (CR &lt; 0.0001) for extracts of all the analyzed species.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Ingestion of 367 mL of <em>O. dactyllophylla</em> root bark aqueous extracts would be harmless, whereas extraction on the same samples of <em>S. longepedunculata</em> and <em>P. muellerianus</em> should preferably be 2 to 12 h maceration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100261"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144933640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-anemic potential of cerium oxide nanoparticles in diet-induced obese rats: Role of hepcidin, oxidative stress, and inflammation","authors":"Samir A.E. Bashandy ,&nbsp;Marawan A. Elbaset ,&nbsp;Fatma A.A. Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Sherif A. Abdelmottaleb Moussa ,&nbsp;Noha A. Abd El-Latif ,&nbsp;Sherif M. Afifi ,&nbsp;Tuba Esatbeyoglu ,&nbsp;Ahmed M.A. El-Seidy","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Obesity and overweight result in low-grade systemic inflammation associated with an increase of oxidative stress and hepcidin discharging and lowering iron absorption giving rise to anemia. This study is aimed to investigate the anti-anemic effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) in obese rats via investigation of hepcidin expression, ferritin, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress parameters</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>CeO₂NPs were synthesized using sol–gel method. Eight male rats were specified as control non-obese. Twenty-four Wistar adult male rats were subjected to high fat diet /sucrose and they were divided into 3 groups; obese, 15 or 30 mg.kg⁻¹ CeO₂NPs IP treatment for the subsequent 8 weeks. Blood cell counts, hepicidin gene expression in adipose tissue, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters beside iron parameters were evaluated in the experimental groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CeO₂NPs crystallite size is 48.88 nm. The ratio of Ce⁴⁺ was 69.33 %. The intraperitoneal injection of obese rats with CeO₂NPs substantially reduced the elevetion in WBCs, platelets count, plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor alpha), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), and CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. Also, CeO₂NPs combate the increase of hepcidin gene expression, ferritin level, iron content in adipose tissue, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and plasma leptin concentration of obese rats. Moreover, RBCs and WBCs count, Hb level, adiponectin level, and reduced glutathione (GSH) were enhanced in obese rats given CeO₂NPs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CeO₂NPs may have anti-anemic activity in obese rats via management of hepcidin gene expression along with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100260"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144988825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global lead contamination in soils, sediments, and aqueous environments: Exposure, toxicity, and remediation","authors":"Pratibha Mishra ,&nbsp;Shakir Ali ,&nbsp;Rakesh Kumar ,&nbsp;Shashank Shekhar","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Lead (Pb) is a heavy meta(loid) and historically been used in paints, jewelleries, electronics, soldering, plumbing, and cookware due to its high malleability, low melting point, resistance to corrosion, and ability to bond with other metals. However, Pb is recognized as one of the toxic elements commonly occurring in soils, sediments, and natural water.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives and methods</h3><div>This article provides a comprehensive review of the current status of Pb contamination, underscoring its distribution, persistence, fate, and impacts on humans and plants. We investigated recent literature focusing on: <strong>(a)</strong> sources of Pb contamination in soils, sediments, and aqueous environments, <strong>(b)</strong> lead mobilization, occurrences, toxicity mechanisms, and their potential health effects; and <strong>(c)</strong> various remediation methods for Pb contamination in soil and water. Additionally, case studies from the USA, China, and India on Pb sources and pollution in different ecosystems are discussed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our findings indicate that: 1) Lead concentrations exceed permissible limits in numerous soils, sediments, and water globally, while remediation efforts remain largely localized and limited in scale. 2) The mobility of Pb facilitates its bioaccumulation, enabling it to substitute for Ca²⁺ as a signalling messenger in plants and animals. This results in adverse effects such as impaired germination and nutrient uptake in plants, as well as neurotoxicity and other cascading negative impacts in humans and animals.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study reveals that soils, sediments, and aqueous environments are moderately to highly polluted with Pb, necessitating further investigation into its mobilization and toxicity. Therefore, this contaminant should be comprehensively studied and mitigated through appropriate policy interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100259"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144922357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interactive effect of copper and nickel on juveniles of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) exposed to pH 4 and pH 7","authors":"Priscylla M. Pavione,&nbsp;Adalberto L. Val","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) are common in natural waters and can be toxic to fish, including those in the Amazon. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) on the biochemical and physiological characteristics of juvenile <em>Colossoma macropomum</em>. The study exposed 64 animals to varying concentrations of Cu and Ni, as well as a mixture of both metals, at pH levels of 4 and 7 for 96 h. The results demonstrated that pH levels significantly impacted several biological markers, including hemoglobin, catalase, lipoperoxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In particular, pH 7 was found to increase LPO and catalase levels while decreasing SOD and AChE levels. Notably, the study identified an inverse relationship between LPO levels and AChE activities. Exposure to Cu and Cu+Ni mix resulted in the inhibition of H⁺-ATPase activity at pH 4. At pH 4, Cu and Cu+Ni mix also inhibited Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, while at pH 7, Ni and Cu+Ni mix inhibited it. The antagonistic effect of Ni and Cu on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was confirmed in animals exposed to a Cu+Ni mix. In all experimental conditions, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities exhibited an increase at pH 4, which was followed by a decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO). The effects of metals on SOD, LPO, and ACHE were found to be offset by changes in water pH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100257"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144828965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of pond water quality and human health risk in the shoreline, intermediate and inland coastal areas of Bangladesh","authors":"Md. Shohel Khan ,&nbsp;Shitangsu Kumar Paul","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Surface water quality of the southwestern coastal zones of Bangladesh has been deteriorating through different human, industrial and agricultural activities. The emission of the effluents containing trace metals from these activities can contaminate the surface water. Human health may be adversely affected through the intake of trace metals present in drinking water.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The study assessed pond water quality and human health risk in three villages named shoreline (Rajoir), intermediate (Gangarampur) and inland (Ganapatipur) of southwest coastal Bangladesh. A total of 36 water samples were collected from randomly selected 12 stations covering almost the entire study area. A total of 18 parameters were tested to determine the quality through water quality index (WQI), metal evaluation index (MEI), metal pollution index (MPI), and hazard index (HI). In addition, a total of 338 household heads (HHs) were interviewed through a self-developed semi-structured questionnaire along with three focus group discussions (FGDs) to achieve the objectives.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean WQI increased from 105.95–150.69 from the shoreline to the inland area and was graded as ‘unsuitable’. The mean MEI was higher in the intermediate than that of shoreline and inland areas. The mean HI_child was also higher than HI_infant and HI_adult in the three study areas, indicating that children were at higher risk rather than other. The MEI results indicated that about 50 % of water samples were graded as ‘moderately affected’ for all the study area. According to MPI, about 75 % (inland) and 50 % (shoreline) water samples were graded as ‘moderately affected’. HI recommended that all the sampling stations were graded as ‘unsafe’ except 25 % of samples from both shoreline and intermediate areas for infants. The majority of the respondents reported suffering from various diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Pond water is recommended for use in drinking or household purposes only after proper filtration. Furthermore, the research findings are important for environmental and human health. Further research would be beneficial to explore the link among water pollution, human health, and livelihoods, and to understand the extent of pollution. This study also serves as a baseline for the coastal area of Bangladesh.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100256"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144665630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genotoxic effects of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles on human lymphocytes","authors":"Juana Sánchez-Alarcón ,&nbsp;Mirta Milić ,&nbsp;Stefano Bonassi ,&nbsp;María Isabel Álvarez Núñez ,&nbsp;Guillermo Alejandro Higareda Campos ,&nbsp;Eder José Ordoñez-Frías ,&nbsp;Rafael Valencia-Quintana","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong>Background/Introduction:</strong> Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used across various fields, particularly in biomedicine, owing to their unique physicochemical properties. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding their potential adverse biological effects, especially genotoxicity. Although the toxicity of AgNPs has been previously investigated, studies on their genotoxic potential remain limited and yield conflicting results. <strong>Methods:</strong> This study employed the alkaline comet assay to evaluate the genotoxic potential of green-synthesized AgNPs in cultured human lymphocytes. The green-synthesized AgNPs were produced through a green reduction method using silver nitrate (AgNO₃, Reasol®, 99.98% purity) and green tea infusions (Lagg’s®), with synthesis monitored by colorimetry. Nanoparticle characterization was performed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), confirming their formation, stability, spherical morphology, and size range of 20 to 100 nm. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from three healthy donors were exposed to three different concentrations of green-synthesized AgNPs for 30 minutes. <strong>Results:</strong> The green-synthesized AgNPs induced DNA damage in a concentration-dependent manner, with a statistically significant increase in genotoxic effects. These findings suggest that green-synthesized AgNPs may cause oxidative stress and compromise genetic integrity. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> While green synthesis offers environmental advantages, the observed genotoxic effects raise important concerns regarding the biological safety of green-synthesized AgNPs. Further research is needed to elucidate their long-term health and environmental implications. Ongoing monitoring of products containing these nanoparticles is recommended to mitigate potential genotoxic risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100255"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Solanum lycopersicum exerts cardioprotective effects via reduced creatinine kinase myocardial band and ATPase activities in Wistar rats exposed to lead acetate","authors":"Olorunsola Israel Adeyomoye ,&nbsp;Olugbemi Tope Olaniyan ,&nbsp;Juliana Bunmi Adetunji ,&nbsp;Oluwaseun Charles Adetunji","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Lead exposure is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, yet effective cardioprotective interventions remain inadequately explored. Despite existing research, there is limited clarity on potential natural therapies that can mitigate lead-induced cardiac damage.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigates the cardioprotective effects of ethyl acetate extract of <em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> (EESL) in lead-exposed Wistar rats, providing insights into its therapeutic potential and relevance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fresh fruits of <em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> (tomatoes) were air-dried, ground, concentrated, and extracted using ethyl acetate. A portion of EESL was analyzed using GC–MS. Fifteen (15) male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (<em>n</em> = 5 per group): control (distilled water), lead acetate (0.5 mg.mL^-1), and lead acetate + EESL (5 mg.kg^-1). Lead acetate and EESL were administered via drinking water and oral gavage, respectively, for four weeks. Body weight and lead concentration were measured using a weighing scale and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. Antioxidants and cardiac biomarkers were assessed using spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a significance level of <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Gas chromatography mass spectrometry identified 56 constituents, with 6-dehydroprogesterone (-9.3 kcal/mol) showing the highest docking affinity for the beta-adrenergic receptor. There was a significant increase in body weight in the lead acetate + EESL group compared to the lead acetate group. Lead concentration was significantly higher in the lead acetate group compared to the lead acetate + EESL group. SOD activity significantly increased in the lead acetate + EESL group, while CK-MB, Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase, and Ca²⁺ ATPase activities significantly decreased compared to the lead acetate group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> ethyl acetate extract demonstrated cardioprotective effects by enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing cardiac injury markers in lead-exposed rats. However, the associated increase in body weight raises concerns about potential metabolic risks, warranting further investigation</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144296935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanotoxicity unveiled: Evaluating exposure risks and assessing the impact of nanoparticles on human health","authors":"Rohit Kumar ,&nbsp;Akhilesh Kumar ,&nbsp;Sweety Bhardwaj ,&nbsp;Mohini Sikarwar ,&nbsp;Sonam Sriwastaw ,&nbsp;Gaurav Sharma ,&nbsp;Madhu Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Nanomaterials have been widely used across medical and health sciences due to their unique physicochemical characteristics, versatile functionalisation, and remarkable tissue penetration abilities. As nanotechnology continues to evolve, concerns regarding the potential toxicological effects of these materials are growing. Despite their promising biomedical applications, comprehensive safety data remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review details the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles contributing to the development of potentially adverse effects on human health and the environment. It explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which nanoparticles induce toxicity. It assesses current nanotoxicity evaluation strategies, including In vitro<em>, in vivo,</em> and <em>in silico</em> models, along with supporting methodologies. The review also addresses the regulatory landscape of nanotoxicology, outlining the challenges in developing standardised protocols to ensure the safe and effective use of nanomaterials in the health sector.</div></div><div><h3>Key Observations</h3><div>Factors such as particle size, dosage regimen, surface chemistry, and immunogenic potential of nanomaterials play a pivotal role in nanotoxicity. Nanoparticles may accumulate in diverse tissues, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular and mitochondrial DNA damage. While regulatory agencies like the FDA, EMA, and CDE have issued guidelines for the safer use of nanomaterials, a globally harmonised framework is still absent.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A deep understanding of nanotoxicity is crucial for the safe and sustainable development of nanomaterials. Future efforts should incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict, assess, and mitigate nanotoxicity by analysing complex data, identifying patterns, and refining nanoparticle design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of ten potentially toxic metal in tea leaves from selected tea gardens in southern Western Ghats, India","authors":"Eswaran Rangasamy,&nbsp;M. Muniasamy,&nbsp;Anupama Prakash","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Tea is one of the world’s non-alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. However, elemental content will accumulate in the tea due to the excess use of growth nutrients and inorganic fertilisers during the tea planting process and instruments used in processing, which pose health risks to tea consumers. Therefore, we investigated potentially toxic ten metals (PTMs) in tea leaves from selected tea gardens in the Nilgiris and Anamalais, Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fresh tea leaves were collected from six different tea gardens during pre- monsoon 2023; in each tea garden are 9 samples, and the overall collected samples are 54. The tea leaf samples were digested with concentrated nitric acid, sulphuric acid, and perchloric acid triacid mixture 9:2:1 as mentioned in APHA. The samples were then analysed for elemental content with the help of an ICP-MS, Perkin Elmer NexIon-300x and USA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The highest elemental content detected in Gudalur was Al- 14,716 mg g^-1, Fe - 3396.86 mg g^-1 and Mn- 955.77 mg g^-1. In the Valparai tea leaves, Fe-371.88 mg g^-1, Mn-584.01 mg g^-1 Ni-23.16 mg g^-1. Cd was detected in all the studied tea gardens and above the maximum permissible limit. Pb concentration exceeded in Udhagai and Gudalur. Additionally, Ni concentration is high in Kothagiri and Udhagai tea gardens.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results of our study suggest taking action to monitor tea samples regularly to improve the quality of the tea crop production. This can be achieved by implementing strict regulations, promoting eco-friendly practices, and raising awareness about the harmful effects of PTMs for tea growers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100250"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143942137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health risk assessment of cadmium, lead, iron, and zinc exposure from food and cigarettes in Pakistani smokers","authors":"Hamza Shafiq ,&nbsp;Mamoona Amir ,&nbsp;Aneela Hameed ,&nbsp;Amir Ismail ,&nbsp;Siti Suhaila Binti Harith ,&nbsp;Areeba Usman","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim and background</h3><div>Smoking is a major contributor to illnesses and deaths, strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and chronic pulmonary diseases. This study aims to analyze the levels of trace metals (Pb, Cd) and their potential impact on vital metals (Fe, Zn) in cigarette smokers and nonsmokers in Multan.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>This case−control research included 537 human participants with similar socioeconomic status, consisting of four groups based on smoking intensity. Blood, wheat flour, drinking water, and cigarette samples were analyzed for key parameters and concentrations of Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the differences in metal concentrations across the various sample types.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean blood concentrations of Cd and Pb were as follows for the control, light, moderate, and heavy smoker groups, respectively; 0.10 and 3.64, 0.12 and 4.40, 0.14 and 4.59, and 0.14 and 5.05 µg dL^⁻1. When considering all smoking individuals as a single group, blood Cd and Pb concentrations were 37 % and 28 % higher, respectively, compared to nonsmokers, and almost 53 % of samples exceeded blood-Cd from the safe limits of WHO (0.03−0.12 µg dL^⁻1). While concentrations of blood Zn and Fe were almost 10 % lower in all smokers’ groups as compared to nonsmokers, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicated a substantial inverse relationship between the concentrations of Pb and Zn and the blood's Cd and Fe levels. Acceptable values of Cd and Pb were discovered in all wheat flour and water samples. Tobacco from different cigarette brands had exceeding levels of Cd, ranging from 0.03 to 0.21 µg g^⁻1 and Pb, 0.49–2.92 µg g⁻¹. For cancer risk assessment, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for Cd surpassed about 28.93 % of cigarette samples. Alarmingly, 99 % of cigarette samples exceeded the hazard quotient (HQ) for Cd and Pd, indicating Cd as a huge risk factor. Compared to non-smokers, smokers had higher levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and hemoglobin with a lower body mass index.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings underscore cigarette smoking as a major source of Cd and Pb, potentially impacting the levels of Fe and Zn in human blood. Increasing awareness of the risks associated with smoking may prompt a government initiative calling for behavioural interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100251"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143928332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}