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Toxic Elements in Animal Products and Environmental Health
Abstract
In the higher organisms, the intake of trace elements occurs mainly through the respiratory system or through the food chain. Particularly, many dangerous elements or compounds, such as metals accumulate along the food chain. In this way, the food chain becomes the main gateway for persistent toxicants to enter higher organisms. Furthermore, these toxic elements generally have an anthropogenic origin and thus their concentrations in the environment grow with the increase of urban, agricultural and industrial emissions. With increasing environmental pollution, a toxic metal exposure assessment study is necessary. Toxic elements are not metabolized at all. Some metals irreversibly are bound to body tissues, e.g., lead to bone or cadmium to kidneys. This review updates the information on carry-over of toxic substances from feed to food of animal origin (meat, organs, milk and eggs). The control of environmental contaminants that may cause residues in food of animal origin is sometimes quite difficult and expensive and is addressed with special attention in this review.
... The side effects of heavy metals on human health have been proven. Due to the toxic-ity of heavy metals, they can cause numerous diseases in humans and animals even at trace concentrations [1]. Humans and animals can be contaminated with heavy metals through inhalation, drinking, skin contact, or consuming contaminated foods [1]. ...
... Due to the toxic-ity of heavy metals, they can cause numerous diseases in humans and animals even at trace concentrations [1]. Humans and animals can be contaminated with heavy metals through inhalation, drinking, skin contact, or consuming contaminated foods [1]. Sources of heavy metals are usually contaminated water, soil, and air; however, foods can be the most likely source of heavy metals transmission to humans due to environmental pollutions and exposure to industrial waste products [2]. ...
... Zinc is one of the essential nutrients in the body for optimal immune function and is involved in the activity of more than 300 enzymes [15]. Also, zinc plays a pivotal role in the strength of protein structures by activating enzymes involved in protein metabolism and carbon dioxide transfer [1]. Zinc deficiency causes anorexia, anemia, slow wound healing, growth retardation, diarrhea, hair loss and skin rashes [15,16]. ...
Background: One of the concerns of consumers of animal protein sources is the residues of heavy metals in meat. The accumulation of these elements in meat and the consumption by humans can cause acute and chronic disorders in the function of vital organs. Methods: For the estimation of cadmium, zinc and silver in the poultry meat products, 100 samples of chicken breasts, thighs, hearts and livers were collected from meat markets in Isfahan Province. The tissues were digested and passed through filter paper, and the cadmium, zinc and silver contents were measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The mean contents of cadmium in the chicken thigh, breast, liver and heart samples were 0.055±0.021, 0.048±0.023, 0.074±0.031, and 0.012±0.004 mg/kg, respectively. The mean contents of zinc in the chicken thigh, breast, liver and heart samples were 17.19±8.10, 15.70±5.75, 22.10±10.87, and 19.70±10.38 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of cadmium and zinc were below the international permissible limits in all samples. The mean concentrations of silver in some chicken thigh, breast, liver and heart samples were 0.0080±0.0044, 0.0048±0.0013, 0.012±0.009 and 0.0036±0.006, respectively. Of note, silver was not detected in most chicken samples. Conclusion: This study did not find cadmium, zinc and silver in the chicken meat samples above the international permissible limits. However, frequent monitoring for heavy metals in poultry meat sold in public markets is warranted to prevent their transmission to the human food chain.
... Polusi pada lingkungan merupakan masalah global yang menimbulkan risiko serius baik pada manusia maupun pada hewan secara umum. Faktor utama penyebab polusi lingkungan ini adalah perkembangan teknologi modern, industrialisasi, pertambahan populasi yang cepat dan intensifikasi pertanian (Kaplan et al. 2011;He et al. 2015). Polutan yang berada di lingkungan dapat mengkontaminasi rantai makanan, hewan konsumsi, dan manusia (Kaplan et al. 2011). ...
... Faktor utama penyebab polusi lingkungan ini adalah perkembangan teknologi modern, industrialisasi, pertambahan populasi yang cepat dan intensifikasi pertanian (Kaplan et al. 2011;He et al. 2015). Polutan yang berada di lingkungan dapat mengkontaminasi rantai makanan, hewan konsumsi, dan manusia (Kaplan et al. 2011). Pada kasus hewan konsumsi, penyebab utama toksisitas asal lingkungan dikarenakan oleh paparan pestisida, zat-zat kimia asal agraris, dan kontaminasi logam berat (Rajaganapa et al. 2011). ...
Heavy metal toxicity in livestock animals will affect and damage the body organs. The animals that are exposed to heavy metal residues will suffer pain and experience pathological changes in body organs that support the metabolic function of the body's work. Some organs lead to the specific diagnosis of specific contaminating heavy metals. Examination of pathological changes in the body of animals will help a lot in diagnosing, handling animals that are exposed to certain heavy metal toxicity. The respiratory tract, digestive tract and reproductive tract in animals can direct the detection of the effects of toxicity of certain heavy metal. Organs that experience pathological changes can also to help diagnose contamination due to certain heavy metals. The purpose of this writing is to help adding the knowledge of pathological changes regarding heavy metal toxicity Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cooper (Cu), Mercury (Hg), Mangan (Mn) and Lead (Pb), in the organs of animals.
... Cadmium is a very toxic metal with no known function in the body. It is a component of batteries, dyes, paints, plastics and smelted and electroplated material which are usually co-disposed in most landfills [16]. Acute intoxication by Cd can cause damage to the lungs, liver, kidney and testes, while chronic exposure has been reported to cause osteomalacia and osteoporosis [17,18]. ...
... All rats were fed with standard rodent chow (Ladokun pelleted feed®). At 4,8,12,16,20 and 24 weeks of exposure, 5 rats were randomly picked and weighed, and their blood collected by cardiac puncture using light anaesthesia (1 mg xylazine and 7 mg ketamine/70 g bwt; intramuscularly) and aliquoted into EDTA bottles and plain bottles from each group. The liver and kidneys were surgically removed, rinsed with icecold normal saline, weighed and used for heavy metal and Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. ...
This study aimed at determining in animal model the health effects of in situ exposure to landfill chemicals. We evaluated metal concentrations in tissues and cytogenetic and clinico-biochemical effects in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed in situ at Olusosun landfill in Lagos, Nigeria. Male rats (n = 30/point) were exposed at three different points to ambient air and underground water (via drinking) at the landfill for 4-, 8-, 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-week periods. Rats concurrently sited at a residential area, 17.3 km from the landfill site served as control. There was significantly (p < 0.05) time-dependent: accumulation of lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and zinc in the liver and kidney and increase in body weight gain, in exposed rats compared to control. There was significant induction of micronuclei and cytotoxicity (reduced PCE/NCE ratios) in exposed rats. Haematological parameters (RBC, PCV, Hb and WBC) and serum biomarkers of hepato-renal damage [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities; creatinine and urea levels] revealed significant increases. There was significant increase in hepatic levels of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, catalase activities, and decrease in superoxide dismutase, at all periods. Chromium and copper concentrations in the liver and kidney revealed significant positive correlations with either one or more of AST, ALT, LDH and urea. Significant metal concentrations in the underground water and tissues suggest that heavy metals are responsible for the observed alterations, and this may have been via oxidative stress. These findings suggest potential health risk due to occupational and residential exposure to landfill pollutants.
... Lead is an accumulative poison; it has hematological effect due to the inhibition of hemoglobin synthesis and shortening life span of circulating erythrocytes resulting in anemia (Alberti and Fidainz, 2002). It has a toxic and damage effects leading to reduction of the congental development and intellectual performance in children; increase blood pressure; damage of the brain and kidneys; cardiovascular and reproductive diseases in adults (Uluozluet al., 2009 andKaplan et al., 2011). Cadmium is used extensively in the mining and electroplating industries and found in fertilizes and fungicides. ...
... ±.07 mg/kg and Iwegbue et al. (2008) who detected that, the mean values of lead in chicken meat was 4.60 ±.92 mg/kg. Lead encephalopathy in children due to lead toxicity characterized by irritability, ataxia, convulsion and altered state of consciousness, whereas lead toxicity in adults lead to neuropathy result in wrist and food drop (Jarup, 2003and Lidsky and Schneider, 2003and Kaplan et al., 2011. Centers for disease control and prevention, CDC (2012) stated that, lead can be ingested from various sources, including lead paint and house dust contaminated by lead paint, as well as soil, drinking water and food. ...
The present study was conducted on 90 random samples of raw chicken meat (breast; thigh and drum stick, 15 of each) and processed chicken meat (hot wings; nuggets and shawerma, 15 of each) collected from different poultry slaughter shops and supermarkets in Kaliobia Governorate, for determination ofthe heavy metals residues (lead, cadmium, arsenic and copper) in them and their acceptability for human consumption. The results revealed that, for raw chicken meat samples; the mean values of lead, cadmium, arsenic and copper, concentrations "mg/Kg" in the examined samples of breast were 0.19 ± 0.01; 0.09 ± 0.01; 0.03 ± 0.01 and1.94 ± 0.05,respectively; for thigh samples ,they were 0.26 ± 0.01;0.11 ± 0.01;0.04 ± 0.01 and 2.08 ± 0.06, respectively and for drum stick samples , they were0.35 ± 0.02;0.14 ± 0.02;0.06 ± 0.01 and 2.25 ± 0.06, respectively. Meanwhile, for processed chicken meat samples; these mean values in hot wings samples, they were 0.39 ± 0.01; 0.19 ± 0.01; 0.07 ± 0.01 and 2.18 ± 0.09, respectively; for nuggets samples were 0.47 ± 0.02; 0.25 ± 0.01; 0.10 ± 0.01 and 2.41 ± 0.11, respectively and for shawerma samples ,they were0.61 ± 0.02;0.32 ± 0.01;0.12 ± 0.01and 2.63 ± 0.12, respectively. Moreover, the study concluded that, raw chicken meat and processed chicken meat products have public health hazard as the residues in them, might be exceeded the recommended safe permissible limits.
... Another global problem for human and animal health is environmental pollution, and the contamination of wild and domestic animals has been documented in many low-and medium-income countries (Rajaganapathy et al., 2011). Heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, and Hg can have serious effects on the biological functions of animals (Kaplan et al., 2011), and may accumulate in the organs of food animals such as the liver and kidneys (Rajaganapathy et al., 2011), thereby representing a serious public health concern for meat consumers. In Asia, which generates more than 90% of the world rice annually, there is high concern regarding heavy metal contamination of paddy cultivation, as the production practices use large amounts of water, pesticides, and fertilizers (Arunakumara et al., 2013). ...
... The contamination of meat by resistant isolates in human food chains often occurs after carcasses leave the slaughterhouse (Padungtod et al., 2006). The detection of Cd and Pb in meat and offal of both rodent species is also of concern, as they can have serious effects and may accumulate in the organs of food animals such as the liver and kidneys (Kaplan et al., 2011;Rajaganapathy et al., 2011). Only two of the samples we analyzed (R. tanezumi kidney and liver) were found with Pb levels exceeding Thai standards (Ministry-of-Public-Health-of-Thailand, 1986), although this threshold is 10 times higher than the EC limitation for Pb in food products (FAO/WHO, 2002). ...
Although game meat consumption is widespread across the globe, involving a great diversity of species in very different ecological and sociocultural environments, the safety of wild meat products is rarely assessed routinely. We conducted a survey to evaluate the safety of two rodents products (Rattus tanezumi and Bandicota indica) purchased from roadside markets in central Thailand. Total aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli counts measured were above Thai poultry product standards for 83.3% and 100% of the samples, respectively (n = 108), although there was no difference between rat species (analysis of variance [ANOVA], p > 0.05). Salmonella spp. were isolated from 32% of the swabs collected (67/208), including 19 different serovars. All strains were resistant or partially resistant to at least 2 of the 16 antibiotics tested, with levels of resistance varying greatly among antibiotics (e.g., 97% of strains sensitive to ciprofloxacin and 98.5% of strains resistant to cloxacillin). Detectable traces of Cd and Pb were found in 98% and 46% of the samples analyzed, respectively (n = 61). Pb and Cd concentrations measured in the kidneys of R. tanezumi were significantly higher than in the liver and muscles and significantly higher than B. indica muscles and kidneys but not liver (ANOVA, p < 0.05). These results highlight potential health hazards that may be associated with rodent-meat consumption, including contamination by coliform bacteria, multiresistant Salmonella spp. strains, and heavy metals. The significance of these results for public health cannot be determined precisely in the absence of appropriate standards, and information gaps remain regarding the frequency of rodent-meat consumption and the origin of bacterial and heavy metal contaminations (i.e., capture environment or during carcass handling and processing). We suggest that appropriate information and training on best hygienic practices for preparing, cooking, and preserving rodent meat should be provided to the producers and to the consumers.
... Lead is an accumulative poison; it has hematological effect due to the inhibition of hemoglobin synthesis and shortening life span of circulating erythrocytes resulting in anemia (Alberti and Fidainz, 2002). It has a toxic and damage effects leading to reduction of the congental development and intellectual performance in children; increase blood pressure; damage of the brain and kidneys; cardiovascular and reproductive diseases in adults (Uluozluet al., 2009 andKaplan et al., 2011). Cadmium is used extensively in the mining and electroplating industries and found in fertilizes and fungicides. ...
... ±.07 mg/kg and Iwegbue et al. (2008) who detected that, the mean values of lead in chicken meat was 4.60 ±.92 mg/kg. Lead encephalopathy in children due to lead toxicity characterized by irritability, ataxia, convulsion and altered state of consciousness, whereas lead toxicity in adults lead to neuropathy result in wrist and food drop (Jarup, 2003and Lidsky and Schneider, 2003and Kaplan et al., 2011. Centers for disease control and prevention, CDC (2012) stated that, lead can be ingested from various sources, including lead paint and house dust contaminated by lead paint, as well as soil, drinking water and food. ...
The present study was conducted on 90 random samples of raw chicken meat (breast; thigh and drum stick, 15 of each) and processed chicken meat (hot wings; nuggets and shawerma, 15 of each) collected from different poultry slaughter shops and supermarkets in Kaliobia Governorate, for determination ofthe heavy metals residues (lead, cadmium, arsenic and copper) in them and their acceptability for human consumption. The results revealed that, for raw chicken meat samples; the mean values of lead, cadmium, arsenic and copper, concentrations "mg/Kg" in the examined samples of breast were 0.19 ± 0.01; 0.09 ± 0.01; 0.03 ± 0.01 and1.94 ± 0.05,respectively; for thigh samples ,they were 0.26 ± 0.01;0.11 ± 0.01;0.04 ± 0.01 and 2.08 ± 0.06, respectively and for drum stick samples , they were0.35 ± 0.02;0.14 ± 0.02;0.06 ± 0.01 and 2.25 ± 0.06, respectively. Meanwhile, for processed chicken meat samples; these mean values in hot wings samples, they were 0.39 ± 0.01; 0.19 ± 0.01; 0.07 ± 0.01 and 2.18 ± 0.09, respectively; for nuggets samples were 0.47 ± 0.02; 0.25 ± 0.01; 0.10 ± 0.01 and 2.41 ± 0.11, respectively and for shawerma samples ,they were0.61 ± 0.02;0.32 ± 0.01;0.12 ± 0.01and 2.63 ± 0.12, respectively. Moreover, the study concluded that, raw chicken meat and processed chicken meat products have public health hazard as the residues in them, might be exceeded the recommended safe permissible limits.
... Lead is an accumulative poison; it has hematological effect due to the inhibition of hemoglobin synthesis and shortening life span of circulating erythrocytes resulting in anemia (Alberti and Fidainz, 2002). It has a toxic and damage effects leading to reduction of the congental development and intellectual performance in children; increase blood pressure; damage of the brain and kidneys; cardiovascular and reproductive diseases in adults (Uluozluet al., 2009 andKaplan et al., 2011). Cadmium is used extensively in the mining and electroplating industries and found in fertilizes and fungicides. ...
... ±.07 mg/kg and Iwegbue et al. (2008) who detected that, the mean values of lead in chicken meat was 4.60 ±.92 mg/kg. Lead encephalopathy in children due to lead toxicity characterized by irritability, ataxia, convulsion and altered state of consciousness, whereas lead toxicity in adults lead to neuropathy result in wrist and food drop (Jarup, 2003and Lidsky and Schneider, 2003and Kaplan et al., 2011. Centers for disease control and prevention, CDC (2012) stated that, lead can be ingested from various sources, including lead paint and house dust contaminated by lead paint, as well as soil, drinking water and food. ...
The present study was conducted on 90 random samples of raw chicken meat (breast; thigh and drum stick, 15 of each) and processed chicken meat (hot wings; nuggets and shawerma, 15 of each) collected from different poultry slaughter shops and supermarkets in Kaliobia Governorate, for determination ofthe heavy metals residues (lead, cadmium, arsenic and copper) in them and their acceptability for human consumption. The results revealed that, for raw chicken meat samples; the mean values of lead, cadmium, arsenic and copper, concentrations "mg/Kg" in the examined samples of breast were 0.19 ± 0.01; 0.09 ± 0.01; 0.03 ± 0.01 and1.94 ± 0.05,respectively; for thigh samples ,they were 0.26 ± 0.01;0.11 ± 0.01;0.04 ± 0.01 and 2.08 ± 0.06, respectively and for drum stick samples , they were0.35 ± 0.02;0.14 ± 0.02;0.06 ± 0.01 and 2.25 ± 0.06, respectively. Meanwhile, for processed chicken meat samples; these mean values in hot wings samples, they were 0.39 ± 0.01; 0.19 ± 0.01; 0.07 ± 0.01 and 2.18 ± 0.09, respectively; for nuggets samples were 0.47 ± 0.02; 0.25 ± 0.01; 0.10 ± 0.01 and 2.41 ± 0.11, respectively and for shawerma samples ,they were0.61 ± 0.02;0.32 ± 0.01;0.12 ± 0.01and 2.63 ± 0.12, respectively. Moreover, the study concluded that, raw chicken meat and processed chicken meat products have public health hazard as the residues in them, might be exceeded the recommended safe permissible limits.
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... Industrial sludge and livestock excreta are likewise major issues for the general public [17]. Kalpan et al. [40] reported that heavy metal pollutants caused environmental pollution, which is a major worldwide issue presenting a genuine hazard to animals and human well-being. Various researchers have tested earthworm-prepared waste, usually called vermicompost, in the horticulture and agricultural industries [41,42]. ...
The issue of managing organic waste such as animal waste and industrial waste has emerged as a result of the fast development in urbanization around the world. It can be hazardous to the environment and public health if these are not properly stored, collected, and disposed of. These biological wastes can be turned into nutrient-rich biofertilizers using the vermicomposting process. The bio-oxidative method includes the combined activity of earthworms and microbes. The pH, organic carbon, organic matter, and the C:N ratio of the various organic waste mixtures showed a declining tendency during this process but the content of nitrogen, available phosphorous and exchangeable potassium showed a rising trend as the vermicomposting time progressed. Maximum earthworm growth and reproduction were reported better in different feed materials prepared from industrial wastes. Therefore, the present review article is based on the knowledge of using earthworms to stabilize waste.
... Development of modern technology and rapid industrialization are among the foremost factors for environmental pollution. The environmental pollutants are spread through different channels, many of which finally enter into food chain of livestock and man (Kaplan et al., 2010). Heavy metal toxicity is one of the major current environmental health problems and potentially dangerous because of bioaccumulation through food chain (Aycicek et al., 2008). ...
... The development of modern agricultural technology and the rapid industrialization are among the foremost factors for environmental pollution. The environmental pollutants are spread through different channel, many of which finally enter into food chains of livestock and man (Kaplan et al.,2011).Various anthropogenic activities such as burning of fossil fuel, mining and metallurgy, industries and transport sectors redistribute toxic heavy metals into the environment, which persist for a considerably longer period and are trans-located to different components in environment (Kotwal et al., 2005) Lead is not an essential human element and it has no known beneficial or necessary function within living systems (Daland, 2000).It is a metabolic poison and a neurotoxin that binds to essential enzymes and several other cellular components and inactivates them (Cunningham and Saigo, 1997).Inhibiting oxygen and calcium transport and altering nerve transmission in the brain (Daland, 2000).Lead also interacts with several essential elements-notably calcium, iron, and zinc-and dietary deficiencies of both calcium and iron are known to enhance the absorption of lead (Goyer, 1996).Toxic effects of lead are seen on haemopoietic, nervous, gastrointestinal and renal systems (Baykov et al., 1996). In addition, Lead can be transferred to the fetus through the placenta (Goyer, 1990).Adults absorb approximately 5-15 % of ingested lead into the circulation; of this amount, less than 5 % is retained in the body. ...
... There are certain metals viz., In general, soil acts as a major sink for various heavy metals through sorption onto the metal oxides like ferromagnesian oxides, clay minerals, soil organic matter and humic substances [2]. The metals in agricultural soils for a long period reduces the soil beneficial microbial population significantly and imposes a greater risk to the health of humans and animals [12]. However, the heavy metal uptake and bioaccumulation are directly controlled by soil cation exchange capacity, which in turn depends on several indirect factors such as soil pH, salinity, and metal concentration. ...
... Overall results suggested that iron contamination analyzed in the present area may raise health issues in grazing sheep. According to Kaplan et al. (2011), higher consumption of zinc through contaminated food initiates creation of Cu binding proteins in animals' intestine which captures Cu within the cells of the intestine and stops its broad absorption. Besides this, higher concentration of zinc decreases the functioning of the immune system and the levels of lipoprotein HDL (high density lipoprotein) (FDA, Food and Drug Administration-2006). ...
This study’s aim was to investigate iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentration in the soil, forage crops, and sheep blood with respect to the seasonal availability of these metals. Soil, forage, and sheep blood samples were sampled from five different locations in Chakwal (Pidh, Tobar, Ratoccha, Choa Saiden Shah-Kalar Kahar road, and Choa Saiden Shan-Chakwal Road) during two seasons, i.e., winter and summer. All the samples were processed through wet acid digestion for evaluation of metal contents. Because of proximity of site-1 and site-2 to coal mines, higher Fe concentration was observed than Zn. Overall, varied Fe concentrations obtained in soil were 12.95–24.31 mg/kg, 1.29–9.61 mg/kg in forage and 1.17–24 mg/l in blood, whereas Zn values were 1.04–31.9 mg/kg, 1.96–7.02 mg/kg, and 0.16–6.52 mg/l for soil, forages, and blood respectively. The pollution load index value for both Fe (0.01–0.14 mg/kg) and Zn (0.02–0.72 mg/kg) was lesser than 1. Bio-concentration (0.09–2.64mg/kg) and enrichment factor (0.08–7.51 mg/kg) were showing efficient transfer of metals through the food chain. Daily intake and health risk index values of iron were ranged from 0.01 to 1.1 mg/kg/day and 0.02 to 1.05 mg/kg/day. There was a probable chance of upsurge in metal values in coming years due to continued mining activities. Anthropogenic input, mainly mining activities in the study area, have increased the Fe and Zn content in the environment which can ultimately find their way up the food chain, thereby risking the health of grazing livestock.
... Debido a esto, estudios sobre la acumulación de metales como el cadmio han aumentado en importancia ya que es ampliamente difundido en la biosfera a pesar de las restricciones para su uso y está clasificado como uno de los metales más tóxicos. (Kaplan et al., 2011;Araújo & Cedeño-Macías, 2016). ...
Se determinó la concentración de Cd en el hígado y músculo de Guanchiche (H. microlepis) y Dica (Pseudocurimata bolengeri). La concentración del metal en el tejido muscular de ambas especies fue menor al límite de cuantificación del método (<0,014 mg/Kg). La mayor concentración de Cd en hígado se observó en la especie P. boulengeri (0,63±0,188 mg/kg) y la menor concentración en H. microlepis (0,003±0,036 mg/kg), existen diferencias significativas en la concentración de Cd de los hígados de ambas especies (F= 33,74; p= 0,000). Letras diferentes indican diferencias significativas según ANOVA de una vía y test a posteriori de Tukey (p<0,05). La concentración de Cd en hígado se encontró por encima del límite máximo permisible (0,05 mg/Kg) establecido por la Unión Europea. La correlación entre peso y talla fue directamente proporcional entre si (r=0,963;p=0,000) la concentración de Cd en hígado fue inversamente proporcional a la talla y peso y la madurez sexual se presentó directamente proporcional a la concentración de Cd (r=0,880; p=0,000).
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... The external biotic parameter and the nutritive resources of the soil are primary controlling factors for their earthworm population (Albanell et al., 1988;Edwards and Bohlen, 1996). Earthworms can minimise the pollution hazards caused by organic wastes degradation that are also known to accumulate pesticides and heavy metals such as Cd, Ni, Pb and Hg in their tissues (Kaplan et al., 2011;Bhartiya andSingh, 2012a, 2012b;Bhartiya, 2013;Samadhiya et al., 2013). Ismail (1993) and Aalok et al. (2008) reported that the earthworms provide a tremendous surface area for the microbial attack on faecal matter by mastication of organic waste through worm's gizzards. ...
... The development of modern agricultural technology and the rapid industrialization are among the foremost factors for environmental pollution. The environmental pollutants are spread through different channel, many of which finally enter into food chains of livestock and man (Kaplan et al.,2011).Various anthropogenic activities such as burning of fossil fuel, mining and metallurgy, industries and transport sectors redistribute toxic heavy metals into the environment, which persist for a considerably longer period and are trans-located to different components in environment (Kotwal et al., 2005) Lead is not an essential human element and it has no known beneficial or necessary function within living systems (Daland, 2000).It is a metabolic poison and a neurotoxin that binds to essential enzymes and several other cellular components and inactivates them (Cunningham and Saigo, 1997).Inhibiting oxygen and calcium transport and altering nerve transmission in the brain (Daland, 2000).Lead also interacts with several essential elements-notably calcium, iron, and zinc-and dietary deficiencies of both calcium and iron are known to enhance the absorption of lead (Goyer, 1996).Toxic effects of lead are seen on haemopoietic, nervous, gastrointestinal and renal systems (Baykov et al., 1996). In addition, Lead can be transferred to the fetus through the placenta (Goyer, 1990).Adults absorb approximately 5-15 % of ingested lead into the circulation; of this amount, less than 5 % is retained in the body. ...
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
... The external biotic parameter and the nutritive resources of the soil are primary controlling factors for their earthworm population (Albanell et al., 1988;Edwards and Bohlen, 1996). Earthworms can minimise the pollution hazards caused by organic wastes degradation that are also known to accumulate pesticides and heavy metals such as Cd, Ni, Pb and Hg in their tissues (Kaplan et al., 2011;Bhartiya andSingh, 2012a, 2012b;Bhartiya, 2013;Samadhiya et al., 2013). Ismail (1993) and Aalok et al. (2008) reported that the earthworms provide a tremendous surface area for the microbial attack on faecal matter by mastication of organic waste through worm's gizzards. ...
... Lipid hydroperoxides, hydroxyl radicals, and MDA generated during metal intoxication react with other lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, resulting in the substrate's oxidation. They may contribute to mutagenic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects (Kaplan et al. 2011). Observed elevation in the levels of LPO in hepatic and renal tissues after cadmium exposure conform with the observations of Zhai et al. (2014), who also documented the cytotoxic effects of cadmium in mice. ...
The current study investigated the protective and antioxidant potential of Aegle marmelos leaf extract against Cadmium-induced alterations in hepatic and renal tissues of BALB/c mice. Cadmium (Cd) is known for its toxicity and induction of oxidative stress even at a low level of exposure with prolonged persistence in the environment. Its metabolism and excretion depend on the endogenous antioxidant defense system, which gets compromised. For the present study thirty BALB/c mice were equally divided into six groups, namely Control (normal saline via gavage for 10 days), Cadmium (intraperitoneal dose of 5 mg/kg b.wt. for 5 days), Aegle alone (500 mg/kg b.wt. for 10 days via gavage), Pre-treatment of Aegle (500 mg/kg b.wt. for 10 days+5 mg/kg b.wt. of Cd for 5 days), Post-treatment of Aegle (5 mg/kg b.wt. of Cd for 5 days+500 mg/kg b.wt. for 10 days) and Vehicle group (0.5 mL oil/kg b.wt. through gavage for 10 days). The liver and kidney tissues of different groups were screened for oxidative stress indices, antioxidant enzyme systems, hepatic-renal biomarkers, histopathological alterations, chromosomal aberrations, and micronucleus formation. Sub-acute Cadmium exposure caused marked oxidative damage and tissue dysfunction evident from increased lipid peroxidation, liver-kidney serum function markers, and a subsequent decrease in reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase (p < 0.001). Histopathological analysis exhibited both reversible and non-reversible alterations.Additionally, a marked increase in chromosomal aberrations and micronucleation was observed. Both pre-and post-treatments with Aegle significantly restored altered antioxidant enzyme status, serum function markers, histomorphological alterations and reduced the percentage of chromosomal aberrations and micronucleation in the treated groups. Aegle exerts its protective efficacy due to its rich bio-active phytoconstituents, which regulated Cadmium evoked reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced endogenous defense system to combat the cyto-genotoxic alterations. Moreover, all the parameters profoundly indicate higher efficacy of the pre-treatment dose.
... Cadmium (CdCl 2 ) is one of the most important heavy metals causing health hazards (Kaplan et al. 2011). Unfortunately, there is great commercial importance for CdCl 2 in the industry, where it is introduced in the manufacturing of nickel-cadmium batteries, plastics, plating, and pigment products (Zhang et al. 2014). ...
The aim of this study is to describe the existence of the inflammatory marker nuclear factor kappa light chain B lymphocyte protein (NF-ҡB P65) in the tissue as a response to cadmium (CdCl2) toxicity. Next is to describe the disappearance of the NF-ҡB P65 in response to the purslane plant treatment to explore its anti-inflammatory effect, also describing the histopathological and biochemical changes that occurred from CdCl2 toxicity and the purslane plant tissue protections. There are four experimental groups, 32 rats (n = 8) intraperitoneally injected with CdCl2 and orally administered with purslane plant extract (according to groups) for 30 days: group one (control), group two (purslane extract 2 g/kg bw), group three (CdCl2 3.5 mg/kg bw), group four (CdCl2 3.5 mg/kg bw + purslane plant extract 2 g/kg bw). The biochemical findings showed that ovaries and brain tissue homogenates in group three showed malondialdehyde increase and reduction in catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and acetylcholine esterase. A reduction in serum LH, FSH, and estradiol were also recorded. These parameters became normal in group four. The histopathological findings exhibited that group three showed ovarian and cerebral hemorrhage and lung pneumonia. Tissues of group four were protected and no pathological lesions were detected. The immunohistochemical results showed that the inflammatory marker NF-ҡB P65 in group three was strongly detected in the spleen and moderately detected in the ovaries, brain, and lung but negatively detected in the tissues of group four. In conclusion, CdCl2 induced ovarian toxicity and the NF-ҡB P65 existence was increased. Purslane plant protected rats from CdCl2 toxicity and decrease NF-ҡB P65.
... After being introduced in our waters, this global species has contributed in our aquaculture (10.68%) significantly to exert its roles in combating mal-nourishment, creating employment opportunities (Jim et al., 2017). Heavy metals, an important chemical pollutant group, is one of the major concerns over the decades due to their slow degradation rate, long half-life period (Ahmad et al., 2018) and their entry into human body through food chains (Kaplan et al., 2011), although they can be exposed to human through other media like water, air and soil, (Alexander et al., 2010). Heavy metal pollution can be caused by both anthropogenic and natural intervention to the ecosystem (Yilmaz et al., 2009). ...
The study was conducted to determine heavy metals viz; lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn),
Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) concentration in tilapia
(Oreochromis niloticus) collected from different fish markets (Borobazar fish
market, Shesmore fish market, Kamal-Ranjit market, Sutiakhali fish market,
Machuabazar fish market and Shamvuganj fish market) of Mymensingh district
from July 08, 2018 to January 15, 2019. After collection, electro-thermal heater
digestion of the samples was carried out in Nutrition Laboratory, Department of
Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and finally heavy metal
concentrations were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) in
the Interdisciplinary Institute for Food Security (IIFS) Laboratory, BAU. The
average Pb, Zn, Cr, and Cd concentrations (mg/kg) in the examined samples
were 1.67 mg/kg, 118.68 mg/kg, 0.97 mg/kg, and 0.59 mg/kg, respectively. The
average Arsenic concentrations in all tilapia samples were found to be below
detectable limit (BDL). The study revealed that the average Zn and Cr
concentration of tilapia flesh samples in Mymensingh were considerably higher
than maximum recommended limit of World Health Organization (1989) and
Food and Agricultural Organization (1983) and hence human health safety
issues for the local consumer should be taken into consideration by the
concerned authorities
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... The presence of Fe metal pollution that exceeds normal levels in the waters can cause damage to the marine ecosystem [1,2]. Not only is toxic to plants around the waters, but also animals and humans [3,4]. Some researchers investigated marine sediment and natural products such as sediment, coral, and chitosan to solve the problem for heavy metal (Fe) and health [5][6][7]. ...
Pollution hazards can be overcome by knowing the pollution status of the location. Minerals of Fe are most found in sediments. We used to monitor and assess of Fe using microwave optimized BCR. In an optimized leaching process, the variations of the size of the sediment particles, pH, and concentration of solvents in the oxidation fraction were analyzed to find the maximum assessment. The samples were tested by XRD and then leached Fe by optimized microwave BCR method to apply of 100 and 200 mesh of sample-accurate and precision. Fe concentration in sediments was recorded of 200 mesh more higher comparing those in 100 mesh. Concentrations of 0.5 M NH2OH.HCl with pH 1.5 was 1.5 times higher compared to other treated concentrations. The amount of Fe in the location of the Pasir Putih was still below the threshold, indicating no pollution in the waters of Pasir Putih Beach.
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... However, one-fifth of these values is recommended. 40 The main source of poultry meat contamination is food and water as they are fed by fish by-products and contaminated water. Due to water contamination, fishes transfer heavy metals to poultry feed. ...
Excessive consumption of red meat is associated with various diseases including coronary heart diseases and cancer. Lower health-related problems of chicken meat, consumption of chicken meat, and mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM) have been increased due to their cheaper prices. Thereby, chemical, microbial, and physical causes of chicken meat losses and the safety aspects are needed to be fully considered to save food by improved application of chicken meat and its by-product. This study investigated the effects of chicken classes, layer, and broiler, and different carcass cuts, fillet, skeleton, and the whole carcass, on physicochemical, protein, fat, ash, moisture, pH, and peroxide, and microbiological, total plate counts, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter, and Salmonella, characteristics as well as introducing content changes of metal elements iron, calcium (Ca), lead, cadmium, and arsenic in MDCM. The highest values of physicochemical characteristics, calcium, iron, and heavy metals were observed in deboned layer chicken carcass and deboned broiler skeleton (p<0.05). Although Escherichia coli was detected in all of the treatments, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Campylobacter contamination were found only in the deboned layer and broiler skeleton. In conclusion, the application of MDCM by-products in meat products without thermal processing is not recommended. The broiler and layer skeleton MDCMs are not suitable for human consumption due to the high contents of heavy metals. However, the whole carcasses of layer chickens are suitable to be mutually used in MDCM at the end of the egg laying period.
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... The high amount of lead results in reduction of cognitive development and intellectual performance in children and also increases blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases in humans. Lead also damages kidneys ©2018 AELS, INDIA and reproductive system [12]. Excess amount of cadmium accumulation results in skeletal damage, dysfunction of kidney and reproductive deficiencies [4]. ...
Contamination of food with toxic heavy metals is a serious threat because they are non-degradable, have long biological half life and with a potential of bioaccumulation in different organs and biomagnification. Hence, the present study was undertaken to estimate the levels of lead and cadmium in chicken liver and egg samples. Out of 53 liver samples examined for presence of lead and cadmium, only 31(57.41%) samples were positive for lead and 35 (64.81%) samples were shown cadmium where as Pb and Cd was not detected in all 26 egg samples. The maximum concentrations of lead and cadmium in chicken liver samples are 0.009ppm and 0.006ppm and minimum concentration is zero for both. However, the heavy metals levels are within the safe limit and are not significant. But still, there should be continuous monitoring and surveillance to prevent bioaccumulation of heavy metals in future.
... In the environment, levels of heavy metals are raised by human activities like mining, transport, metallurgy, and combustion of fuel. Ecosystem is affected by higher concentrations of metals because of their persistence in the environment for a longer period and due to transfer to different parts of the environment (Kaplan et al. 2011;Unver et al. 2015;Ugulu et al. 2019). ...
Accretion of heavy metals in forage is a potential risk to grazing animals due to their uptake by plants and its entrance into the food chain. This study aimed to examine the Mn and Cd concentration from different samples. Sampling was done twice after the interval of 6 months during 2018; five different sites from Chakwal (Pidh, Tobar, Ratoccha, Kalar Kahar Road, Choa Saiden Shah and Chakwal Road, Choa Saiden Shah) were selected. Thirty samples of soil, forage (Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus nummularia, and Acacia modesta), and blood were collected. Forage and soil samples were dried, ground very fine, digested by wet digestion method, and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Samples collected from site I and site II had a very high concentration of heavy metals because these sites were very close to the coal mines and receive higher contamination. Manganese concentration in the soil fluctuated from 5.46 to 1.20, in the forage 6.84 to 1.00, and in the blood 5.21 to 1.03 mg/l, and cadmium concentration in the soil fluctuate from 1.85 to 0.03, in the forage 0.57 to 0.16, and in the blood 1.67 to 0.25 mg/l. Manganese concentration was higher as compared to the Cd. Higher concentration of Mn shows that this metal is due to human activities. Pollution load index value of Cd was higher than 1 in some samples, and the value fluctuates from 0.01 to 1.24 mg/kg. The values of a bioconcentration factor for Mn were greater than 1. Daily intake of metal value fluctuates from 0.01 to 1.03 mg/kg. Health risk index value ranges from 0.03 to 1.09 mg/kg. Health risk index of metals showed the risk which is due to the intake of contaminated fodder. From the soil, the metals can enter forage and bioaccumulate in the food chain. The health risk index was highest for Cd. The result obtained from the present research work indicated that there is a biomagnification of both metals in the food chain due to mining activities.
... The accumulation of heavy metals in tissues due to environmental pollutions has been reported in inhabitants of polluted areas (Argos et al. 2012;Jin et al. 2016). Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury have been reported at mine sites, stream sediments and environmental water sources, with associated tissue concentrations in humans and animals inhabiting polluted environments (Corkhill and Vaughan 2009;Hanson et al. 2010;Kaplan et al. 2011;Mielke et al. 2011;Dooyema et al. 2012;Bello et al. 2016). ...
Indiscriminate small-scale artisanal gold mining activities were reported to have caused anthropogenic heavy metal environmental pollution in Zamfara State, north-western Nigeria. There is little or no information on the neurotoxic effects and related neuropathological lesions due to environmental pollution in the animal population. Therefore, this work investigated the concentration of heavy metal and associated lesions in the brain of goats around an artisanal mining site in Zamfara. Brain samples were collected from 40 goats at slaughter slabs in Bagega (Zamfara State) while 15 goats with the same demography but without a history of environmental exposure at the time of this study served as controls. The concentration of lead and cadmium in brain tissue and histopathologic changes were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, histology and immunohistochemistry. The metal concentrations were significantly higher in exposed goats than in the unexposed animals. Cresyl violet staining and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry indicated chromatolysis and increased astrocytic activity respectively in the exposed goats. This study is of epidemiological importance as it shows a generalised increase of the metal concentrations in the brain of goats exposed to artisanal mining in Zamfara, north-western Nigeria. This could have health effects on the animals associated with nervous co-ordination, growth and development and as a good sentinel for pathogenesis of the heavy metal exposure.
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... Fishes are one of the most widely distributed organisms in the aquatic environment and considered as one of the main protein sources of food for human (Rashed, 2001). Heavy metals are conservative pollutants, which enter the human system through food chain; some heavy metals irreversibly are bound to human body tissues, e.g., cadmium to kidneys and lead to bones (Kaplan et al., 2011). Fishes constitute an important source of heavy metals in human food (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). ...
Zinc, copper and lead were analyzed in the water, sediment, muscle, gills and hepatopancreas of Oreochromis niloticus collected from Gobindapur area (22°52ʹ41.5ʹʹN and 88°53ʹ20.9ʹʹE) in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal through seasons during 2018. Significant seasonal variations were observed for all the metals during the study period. Metals accumulated in all the fish organs as per the order Zn > Cu > Pb. It is also noted that metals in the fish organ accumulated as per the order hepatopancreas > gill > muscle.
... Heavy metals, which are added to the environment by natural and artificial means, are defined as dangerous pollutants because they easily accumulate and form complex structures in the soil. These heavy metals cause decrease in microbial activity, soil fertility, biodiversity and yield, and can also cause poisoning in animals and humans through the food chain (Karaca, 2001;Oliveira et al., 2006;Yang et al., 2006;D'Ascoli et al., 2009;Peralta-Videa, 2009;Mudgal et al., 2010;Yadav, 2010;Kaplan et al., 2011;Jaishankar et al., 2014;Liu et al., 2017.). Some physical and chemical properties of soils such as cation exchange capacity, pH and organic matter are effective in the accumulation of these metals in soil. ...
... The environmental pollutants are spread through different channels, many of which finally enter into food chain of livestock and man. 10 There is increasing concern about environmental pollutants emanating into the livestock production systems. 11 Pollution of the environment has significant impact on living organisms. ...
Exposure to factory effluents comes with deleterious consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess the histopathological effect of factory effluents on the liver and kidney tissues of chickens (Gallus gallus domestica) reared around factory sites in Nnewi Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of twenty-nine chicks comprising of sixteen chicks exposed to factory sites and thirteen non-exposed chicks were grown to adult birds (chickens) for the study and were allowed to feed from the surrounding homeland of the factories including lead acid battery manufacturing factory (A), metal fabricating factory (B) and metal forging factory (C) respectively until they were aged between four and five months as adult birds (chickens) for the study. The chickens were sacrificed to obtain the liver and kidney tissues for histological analyses. The histopathological evaluation of the effect of the factory effluents on the liver and kidney tissues of birds reared around the four factories (A-D) and control were done by microscopic examination of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections. The results obtained in factory A, B and C showed widening of the liver central vein and thickening of the vessels with invasion of the surrounding areas by chronic inflammatory cells as against the controls which showed fairly normal liver tissues with normal liver parenchyma cells with a central vein containing blood cells. Also, the photomicrographs of the kidney tissues of birds reared around factory A, B and C showed evidence of marked glomerulo-nephritis and hypercellularity with evidence of glomerulosclerosis and hyalinization of the glomeruli as against the normal glomeruli and tubules found in the control birds. These results indicate that the environment where these birds are reared is a potential threat to the lives of the birds reared around these factories.
... Cadmium also has highly soluble nature, so plants easily absorb and store it in crops for food and feed production (Sarwar et al., 2010). Therefore, it is recorded as the most harmful heavy metal to humans and aquatic organisms (Cinar, 2003;Kaplan, Yildirim, Yildirim, & Cimen, 2011). ...
Abstract Background Cadmium, as industrial pollutants considered as one of the most toxic environmental and most harmful heavy metals, was able to induce severe injury in several tissues. Results Intraperitoneal injection of cadmium (1.5 mg/kg bw) induced histopathological alterations in the architecture of both hepatic and testicular tissues as revealed by light microscope. It also induced histomorphometrical changes in the hepatic tissues, represented by a highly significant decrease in the area of hepatocyte; in the nucleus and ratio of nuclear/cytoplasm with a highly significant increase in the area of central vein; and in the testicular tissues with a highly significant decrease in the numbers of Leydig cells, height of germinal epithelium, and diameter of seminiferous tubule. Orally administrated of nano-chocolate fortified with zinc (200 mg/kg) resulted in marked improvement of the histopathological alterations and histomorphometrical changes induced by injection of cadmium in both the hepatic and the testicular tissues. Conclusion Oral administration of nano-chocolate fortified with zinc could suppress the toxicity of cadmium and combat tissue injury.
... There has been a rising global concern regarding the environmental pollution in particular trace elements and their adverse effect on food safety (Kaplan et al. 2011;Gebrekidan et al. 2013). Micropollutants can be easily found in the air, soil, fertilizer, water, and industrial processes ). ...
The impact of strain or feed intake on food trace elements and its health risk assessment is still ambiguous, and therefore, available facts are rare. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of both strains and feed intake on trace elements depositions to egg, toxic heavy metals concentration, and health risk assessment of egg consumption. In the current cross-sectional study, the selected strains, including Shaver White, Hy-Line W36, Bovanse White, Lohman LSL-Lite, and Native laying hens of Khorasan Razavi province, were examined. A total number of 50 samples of eggs and 15 samples of their feed was purchased from poultry farms. Yolk and white were separately analyzed. Sample preparation was performed by wet digestion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Trace metals Pb, As, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Ni were detected. Statistical analysis was performed in Stata11.2 portable software. Although there was a significant difference in strains and feed, no significant difference was observed in trace elements in egg contents (weight of egg white and egg yolk). Mercury concentration in all the samples was below the instrument detection limit. In this study, the target hazardous quotients were below one for all trace elements. Therefore, Iranian does not experience the adverse health effects due to the consumption of egg.
... Tilapia Fishes (Oreochromis niloticus) constitute a major source of heavy metals in food, (Kaplan et al., 2011), high level of metals in environment may lead to an excessive accumulation which cause problem to human, animal and plants. ...
... It is both an environmental and an occupational toxin. Its emission from industrial processes can cause atmospheric, soil, water and food pollution [10,11]. Food consumption is a major source of its exposure because it is readily absorbed by the roots of plants in contaminated soils [12,13]. ...
Exposure to cadmium (Cd), even at low doses, is of serious health concern because it does not undergo metabolic degradation to less toxic metabolite. Liver injury/disease, with a worldwide increasing incidence, is one of the consequences of exposure to Cd toxicity. This study aimed at determining the effects of acetonic extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf (AEVAL) in a Wistar rat model of Cd-induced liver injury. Phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out and its oral LD 50 was determined to guide the choice of therapeutic doses. Thereafter, thirty male Wistar rats were recruited for this study. The experimental groups received 4 weeks oral graded doses of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) following Cd-induced liver injury. Cd-induced liver injury (5 mg/ kg i.p for 5 consecutive days) was characterized by deleterious alterations in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and hepatic total protein (p ˂ 0.05). Also, deleterious alteration of oxidative stress indicators (GSH, SOD and CAT) and lipid peroxidation index (TBARS) was observed in the liver homogenates. Histopathological examination showed evidence of degenerated hepatocytes as well as inflammation with disseminated steatosis. These conditions were significantly attenuated (p ˂ 0.05) following treatment with graded doses of the extract, with the highest dose expressing least therapeutic effects. This study concluded that AEVAL attenuated Cd-induced liver injury and is, potentially, a suitable option in adjuvant therapy for heavy metal toxicity.
... Such metals are absorbed from polluted water through gills, skin, and digestive tract of fish by bioconcentration and bio-magnification (Swarup and Patra 2005). Cadmium is one such naturally occurring toxic metal, and also an environmental and industrial pollutant which is present in soil, water, air, and food (Jarup and Akesson 2009;Kaplan et al. 2011). Due to cadmium non-corrosive nature, it has a myriad of uses including electroplating or galvanizing. ...
Toxic and apoptotic impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZNP) on different cancer cells have been reported. Maspin (a mammary serine protease inhibitor) as a tumor suppressor gene can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. The expression of maspin is modulated by p53, Bcl-2 family genes, and estrogen receptor α (ER-α). This study aimed to assess the ZNP effects on maspin expression in MCF-7 cells (a breast cancer cell). Experimental groups (ZNP5, ZNP10, and ZNP20) received 5, 10, and 20 μM/mL ZNP for 48 h, respectively. 17-β-estradiol (E2) was used to evaluate the role of ER-α in the anticancer impact of ZNP. Cell viability, Annexin V, migration assay, gene expression, and western blotting methods were applied to evaluate ZNP effects on the MCF-7 cells. ZNP at the concentrations of 10 and 20 μM/mL could significantly decrease the viability and migration rate, and significantly increase apoptosis percentage in the MCF-7 cells. ZNP significantly enhanced mRNA expression and protein level of maspin in MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent way. ZNP concentration-dependently elevated mRNA expression and protein level of p53 and Bax while reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and ER-α. E2 promoted cancer cell growth by enhancing survival and migration rates. E2 treatment reduced mRNA expression and protein level of maspin and p53, and elevated Bcl-2 expression. ZNP considerably changed these events induced by E2 in the MCF-7 cells. It is concluded that the maspin overexpression is one of the toxic mechanisms of the ZNP on the ER-α-positive breast cancer cells, and can suppress the migration of these cells.
... Time of exposure to heavy metals is an important factor for direct or indirect appraisal of anthropogenic pollution sources (Kalpan et al., 2010;Langner et al., 2011). In our study, the kidneys and liver were the most prone organs to Cd accumulation. ...
To evaluate the influence of hazardous substances in the environment, studies of pollutant accumulation in wild living animals are needed. Studies dealing with heavy metal contamination in mammals usually focus on a single organ. We investigated accumulation of heavy metals as well as iron in European hare (Lepus europaeus) living in southern Poland, Małopolska Province. Hares were captured during the hunting season. We tested metal accumulation in 14 organs and tissues using 35 individuals with known body weight and sex inhabiting agricultural, industrial and other types of landscapes. To obtain deeper insight into contamination patterns, we used accumulation data from the liver since it is the most frequently investigated organ and prone to pollution accumulation. Based on the data obtained for the liver, we tested the impact of metal pollution on hare morphology, including body length and several skull cranimetric parameters.
Metals content differed between organs. Moreover, individuals from industrial areas had higher Cd content in their body. We distinguished two groups of elements: the first group, Cd, Fe and Zn, revealed the highest toxic effect in the liver and kidneys; the second group, Cr, Ni, and Pb, accumulated primarily in the brain. Hares inhabiting industrial areas had higher concentration of Cd and Pb, and lower levels of Cr and Fe in their liver in comparison with those from agricultural and forest habitats. Heavy metals had an effect on body length that was negatively associated with Cr levels. Skull diastema length was associated positively with accumulation of Cd and Pb. We showed that hare organs and tissues could be used as bioindicators of environmental pollution by heavy metals.
Different anthropogenic activities as well as natural sources contribute enormously towards various heavy metal contaminations in aquatic habitats. Cadmium (Cd) is one of most prevalent and toxic heavy metals with a long half life. Unlike terrestrial animals, exposure of Cd in fishes may happen not only through feeds but also from its habitat water. Bioaccumulation of Cd in fishes occurs in many tissues, but mainly in gill, liver, kidney, skin, and muscle. The concentrations of Cd in fish tissues depend upon the extent and duration of Cd exposure, species and age of fishes, dietary minerals and antioxidant concentrations, and habitat water quality. Specific histopathological observations in liver, kidney, and gill are useful to understand the effects of Cd, which could help to determine the ameliorating methods to be adopted. Exposure of Cd exerts several adverse effects on general growth and development, reproductive processes, osmoregulation, morphological and histological structures, stress tolerance, and endocrine system, mainly due to changes in biological functions induced by differential expressions of several genes related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, immunosuppressions, genotoxicity, Cd chelation and carbohydrate metabolism. Chronic biomagnifications of Cd exceeding the permitted level may be harmful not only to the fishes itself but also to humans through food chains. Amelioration of such toxic heavy metal that has been categorized as a potent carcinogenic in humans is of utmost importance. Main modes of amelioration encompas reducing oxidative damages by promoting the antioxidative defenses, decreasing Cd absorption, increasing excretion through excretory system and improving the tolerance of fishes to Cd toxicity. Many amelioration measures such as use of minerals (for example, zinc, calcium, and iron), vitamins (vitamin C, A, and E), different herbs, probiotics and other agents (taurine, bentonite, chitosan, zeolite, and metallothionein) have been explored for their effective roles to reduce Cd bioaccumulation and toxicity symptoms in fishes. The present review discusses bioaccumulation of Cd, histopathological alterations, oxidative stress, synergism-antagonism, and gene regulation in different tissues, and its amelioration measures in fishes.
An industrial activity has deteriorated the quality and diversity of aquatic life by discharging wastewater containing toxic heavy metals, pesticides, and hydrocarbons into the water bodies. The occurrences of heavy metals draw a primary concern due to their toxic nature and bioaccumulation affinity in existing living organism. The elevated percentage of heavy metals enters in food chains result in high bioaccumulation levels in consumers, which pretense a severe risk to their health. Thus, bioremediation is an efficient process and is the only solution to mitigate pollutants from water through potential microbes such as bacteria, fungi, algae and their consortium. Some higher plants also perform the process of bioremediation. Moreover microbes like bacteria, fungi, algae, and genetically engineered microbes in immobilized form have drawn attention for the elimination of heavy metals. This present chapter reviews various wastewater treatment studies done using wetland plants and algae. Experimental studies done at our institute have reported the efficiency of wetland plants and other different useful algal species in treatment of mining water.
La présente thèse s’inscrit dans la thématique générale du laboratoire d’hydrométallurgie et de chimie inorganique moléculaire, traitant la purification et le traitement des solutions aqueuses par des procédés membranaires.
Dans le présent travail nous avons valorisé en premier lieu une argile algérienne de type illite issue du gisement de Meniaa. Cette dernière a subi un traitement de purification et d’activation suivant différents paramètres (méthodes, temps et température d’activation, type d’acide et sa concentration) et a été caractérisée par les différentes méthodes d’analyse (diffraction des rayons X, analyse thermogravimétrique, fluorescence des rayons X et microscopie électronique à balayage). Comme première application, nous avons utilisé cette argile traitée comme adsorbant pour éliminer des contaminants métalliques et organiques. Les résultats obtenus ont montré des taux d’élimination satisfaisants et qui répondent aux recommandations internationales dans le domaine de la protection de l’environnement.
Dans un second lieu, nous avons utilisé cette argile illite comme additif pour l’élaboration de nouvelles membranes composites. Dans cette partie du travail, des solutions polymériques de triacétate de cellulose (TAC) et du plastifiant phosphate de tris-éthylhexyle (TEHP) mélangées à cette argile verte de type illite ont été utilisées pour préparer des membranes de filtration sélectives par la technique d’évaporation-immersion. L'effet d'un additif local qui est l’argile sur la structure et les performances des membranes a été étudié. Les membranes hybrides obtenues ont été caractérisées par DRX, spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Fourier (IRTF-ATR), ATG et mesures d'angle de contact. Toutes les membranes synthétisées avaient une structure amorphe sans aucun pic de diffraction. Ceci pourrait être dû à l'absence de cristallisation dans la membrane. Les molécules de plastifiant sont hydrophobes, leur emplacement à la surface des membranes polymères modifiées ont tendance à modifier l’angle de contact. Globalement, nos résultats montrent que l’addition du plastifiant au matériau hybride (polymère et argile) donne des membranes homogènes et hydrophobes dont les propriétés physiques ont été améliorées par rapport aux membranes sans plastifiant (TAC + argile). Le transport du Zn2+ et du Fe3+ dans des membranes polymériques synthétisées (TAC+ TEHP + argile) a été étudié.
The Libyan coast plays an important role in terms of biodiversity and productivity of Mediterranean marine ecosystem. This study is designed to assess potential risks for human populations via fish intake. It enhances the information about anthropogenic impacts in Tripoli port (Libya) to understand the distribution of pollutants encourage appropriate common policies to predict potential risk zones for stakeholders. The levels of Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Cadmium in livers, gills, muscles, skin, and bones of five Mediterranean Sea fish species in Tripoli Port (Libya) namely; Boops boops, Hemiramphus far, Sardinella aurita, Saurida undosquamis and Scomber japonicas were evaluated. The results showed that considerable difference in metal concentrations among fish organs. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Fe were measured in livers, while gills and skins had higher concentrations of Zn. The ranges of heavy metal concentrations in different organs of studied fish species were reported (Zn; 7.18 - 21.94, Cu; 1.89- 7.03, Fe; 0.93-4.05, Cd; 0.19 to 0.97 µgg ⁻¹ wet wt.). Fortunately, the calculated weekly intakes of metals (EWIs) were much lower than provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). So, human health risks resulting from consumption of studied fish species from Tripoli Port are inconsiderable, that fish muscles are not active tissues for metal accumulation, rendering them suitable for human consumption. In this study the hazard quotient (HQ) and the hazard index (HI) were <1, and so no potential health risk to the consumers. Principal component analyses specified that Cu and Cd were contributed from the same anthropogenic activity. © 2018, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.
Whether the huge external hyphal system of ectomycorrhizae that promotes host plants' acquisition of water and nutrients can selectively inhibit their transport of heavy metals at the same time remains unclear. In this experiment, we designed and conducted two types of soil-pot test to clarify the effects of EMF on the absorption and transport of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) by host Pinus thunbergii seedlings. In the root-bag test, external hyphae took the initiative into the Cu/Cd-contaminated bulk soil, absorb and transport Cu and Cd to the rhizosphere soils and further transport it to the shoots of the host plants. Inoculation with EMF also promoted the uptake of nutrients by host plants, thereby increasing their biomass and improving Cu/Cd tolerance compared with non-inoculated plants. Inoculation with EMF species with higher Cu or Cd tolerance generated more phytostabilization and phytoextraction of Cu or Cd by host plants. In a short-term exposure test, inoculation with EMF accelerated the absorption of Cu and Cd by P. thunbergii within 12 h of Cu or Cd irrigation. Therefore, we concluded that EMF do not act as a barrier inhibiting the absorption of heavy metals by host plants, but rather promote this absorption. Improving the plant's nutritional status and promoting growth, diluting heavy metal concentrations, thereby reducing the toxic effects of heavy metals on host plants. These results provide the theoretical basis for the application of EMF in plant-microbial combinations for the phytostabilization and phytoextraction of heavy metal-contaminated soils.
Speciation is important to
determine the mobility, bioavailability and/or toxicity of trace
elements in soils because the
total concentrations of metals are
not adequate for determination
of these properties. In this study,
selective and four stage sequential extraction procedures were
used to determine different Pb
phases in soil samples. Soil samples and plants grown in these
soils were collected from a serpentine and copper-mining area
in Maden-Elazig-Turkey. The
extracted fractions were:
exchangeable/carbonate,
reducible-iron/manganese
oxides, and oxidizable-organic
matter and sulfides, and residual
except silicates. Pb concentrations in soil and plant samples
were determined by flame
atomic absorption spectrometry
(FAAS) and inductively coupled
plasma- mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Higher Pb concentrations in
the EDTA and NH2OHHCl
extracts were found in most of
the studied soils, compared to
other extracts. Therefore, it can
be concluded that Pb concentrations in potentially mobile phases
are considerable. Because of a
translocation factor higher
than 1 for Brassicasea plant,
Brassicasea leaves can be considered as a hyperaccumulator plant
for lead.
Chemical contaminants which food animals may be exposed to include agricultural chemicals (e.g. insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fumigants), industrial chemicals, metals and natural toxins (e.g. mycotoxins, phytotoxins, bacterial toxins). In the past, most intoxications of food animals resulted from natural toxicants. However, rapid development and usage of synthetic chemicals, while greatly benefitting society, have also provided new sources of potential chemical contamination. Various sources of contamination exist, but generally at least 80% of all residues in food animals are estimated to occur through the feed. Residues from water contamination or other sources occur less frequently. This paper reviews the sources, metabolism and residue problems created by various contaminants and outlines factors and therapeutic approaches utilized in alleviating some of the common chemical residues in food animals.
In this study, sunflower plants were grown by using the cadmium-added irrigation water at different concentrations. Increasing cadmium applications in irrigation water caused a decrease at dry weight in third week of the study. Cadmium concentration in shoot samples increase depending on cadmium in irrigation water while a stationary change was found in cadmium level of root samples after irrigation with 0.05 mg L -1 cadmium. As similar cadmium in shoot, iron in root samples increase by all cadmium dozes. Furthermore, a stationary change in iron of shoot and zinc of both root and shoot were found for all doses and weeks.
The in vitro effects of four different species of arsenic (arsenate, arsenite, monomethylarsonic acid, and dimethylarsinic acid) in mobilizing iron from horse spleen ferritin under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were investigated. Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)) and dimethylarsinous acid (DMA(III)) significantly released iron from horse spleen ferritin either with or without the presence of ascorbic acid, a strong synergistic agent. Ascorbic acid-mediated iron release was time-dependent as well as both DMA(III) and ferritin concentration-dependent. Iron release from ferritin by DMA(III) alone or with ascorbic acid was not significantly inhibited by superoxide dismutase (150 or 300 units/ml). However, the iron release was greater under anaerobic conditions (nitrogen gas), which indicates direct chemical reduction of iron from ferritin by DMA(III), with or without ascorbic acid. Both DMA(V) and DMA(III) released iron from both horse spleen and human liver ferritin. Further, the release of ferritin-iron by DMA(III) with ascorbic acid catalyzed bleomycin-dependent degradation of calf thymus DNA. These results indicate that exogenous methylated arsenic species and endogenous ascorbic acid can cause (a) the release of iron from ferritin, (b) the iron-dependent formation of reactive oxygen species, and (c) DNA damage. This reactive oxygen species pathway could be a mechanism of action of arsenic carcinogenesis in man.
Toxic substances such as dioxins, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, veterinary drugs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are almost ubiquitous in the environment. Thus, they are also present in ingredients for animal feed. Adequate risk management depends on knowledge of absorption, metabolism, carry-over and toxicological profile of these substances and on practical measures to reduce especially the latter two. Generally, toxic substances are metabolized before or after absorption through the intestinal tract. Depending on their physico-chemical characteristics, some substances are metabolized into naturally occurring and generally harmless constituents. Most veterinary drugs and feed additives fall into this group. Other substances are persistent and remain in the animal and in animal products, like dioxins. Heavy metals are not metabolized at all. Some metals irreversibly are bound to body tissues, e.g. lead to bone or cadmium to kidneys. This review updates the information on carry-over of toxic substances from feed to food of animal origin (meat, organs, milk and eggs). This update is necessary and essential as exposure levels have dropped considerably and analytical as well as toxicological techniques have become much more sensitive. However, simple and cheap analytical techniques to check all suspect feeds or feedstuffs for all possible contaminants are not available. Furthermore, to improve risk management in the field of human nutrition, appropriate data on management and control of toxic substances in animal production chains are essential. The control of environmental contaminants that may cause residues in food of animal origin is sometimes quite difficult and expensive and is addressed with special attention in this review.
Heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from mining and smelting is causing major concern due to the potential risk involved. This study was designed to investigate the heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) concentrations in soils and food crops and estimate the potential health risks of metals to humans via consumption of polluted food crops grown at four villages around the Dabaoshan mine, South China. The heavy metal concentrations in paddy and garden soils exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for Chinese agricultural soil. The paddy soil at Fandong village was heavily contaminated with Cu (703 mg kg(-1)), Zn (1100 mg kg(-1)), Pb (386 mg kg(-1)) and Cd (5.5 mg kg(-1)). Rice tended to accumulated higher Cd and Pb concentration in grain parts. The concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn in vegetables exceeded the maximum permissible concentration in China. Taro grown at the four sampled villages accumulated high concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd. Bio-accumulation factors for heavy metals in different vegetables showed a trend in the order: Cd>Zn>Cu>Pb. Bio-accumulation factors of heavy metals were significantly higher for leafy than for non-leafy vegetable. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of rice at four sites varied from 0.66-0.89 for Cu, 0.48-0.60 for Zn, 1.43-1.99 for Pb, and 2.61-6.25 for Cd. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and THQs for Cd and Pb of rice and vegetables exceeded the FAO/WHO permissible limit. Heavy metal contamination of food crops grown around the mine posed a great health risk to the local population through consumption of rice and vegetables.
Calculated loading rates of trace metals into the three environmental compartments demonstrate that human activities now have major impacts on the global and regional cycles of most of the trace elements. There is significant contamination of freshwater resources and an accelerating accumulation of toxic metals in the human food chain.
A post-Gulf sea water pollution assessment program was carried out in the liver, skin and muscle tissues of the localized Lethrinus lentjan fish species [Family: Lethrinidae (Teleost)]. Monitoring the concentration of the major heavy metals at different sites along the western coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the Arabian Gulf was studied. The concentrations of Zn, Cu and Mn were found to follow the order: liver > skin > muscle while the cadmium level follows the sequence: liver > muscle > skin. The influence of fish sex and body length on the metal accumulation of those metals in the tested fish organs was critically investigated. The average metal concentrations in liver, skin and muscle of female fish were found to be higher than those found in the male fish. The detected metal levels were generally similar to previous pre-war, 1991 levels. The study concludes that the marine fish from the Arabian Gulf are comparatively clean and do not constitute a risk for human health.
The proximate and mineral composition of the anatomical parts of adult male and female Sudananautes africanus africanus (common West African fresh water crab) were determined. The mineral composition of the ambient water was also determined. The lifeweights of the males varied between 92.18 and 140.36 g and the values ranged between 56.95 and 102.61 g in the females. The cheliped muscle recorded the highest value for protein and the lowest value for the total ash in both sexes, correlation coefficients (rMF) were positively related and high for protein (0.99), crude fat (0.84), total ash (0.99) and fibre (0.99) but negatively related in carbohydrate (-0.49) between the two sexes. The following minerals were highly concentrated in both sexes: Ca, Mg, Zn, Ni, P, Fe, Cu, Na and K with significant differences occurring in Ca, Mg, Zn, Ni, P, Fe, Cu and K at alpha < 0.05. Bioconcentration factors were found to be particularly high in the trace heavy metals: Co, Ni and Cu. All the various parts studied were found to be very good sources of the minerals examined with the exception of Co.
Heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn) concentrations in the muscle, gill and liver of six fish species (Sparus auratus, Atherina hepsetus, Mugil cephalus, Trigla cuculus, Sardina pilchardus and Scomberesox saurus) from the northeast Mediterranean Sea were measured and the relationships between fish size (length and weight) and metal concentrations in the tissues were investigated by linear regression analysis. Metal concentrations (as microg/g d.w.) were highest in the liver, except for iron in the gill of Scomberesox sauris and lowest in the muscle of all the fish species. Highest concentrations of Cd (4.50), Cr (17.1) and Pb (41.2) were measured in liver tissues of T. cuculus, Sardina pilchardus and A. hepsetus, respectively. The liver of M. cephalus showed strikingly high Cu concentrations (202.8). The gill of Scomberesox saurus was the only tissue that showed highest (885.5) iron concentrations. Results of linear regression analysis showed that, except in a few cases, significant relationships between metal concentrations and fish size were negative. Highly significant (P<0.001) negative relationships were found between fish length and Cr concentrations in the liver of A. hepsetus and M. cephalus, and Cr concentrations in the gill of T. cuculus. Cr and Pb concentrations in the liver and Cu concentrations in all the tissues of Scomberesox saurus also showed very significant (P<0.001) negative relationships. Negative relationships found here were discussed.
In the 1st trial, lasting 3 months, 24 cows in 2 groups were given daily 15 kg roughage and 3 kg concentrates without (control) or with soluble compounds of heavy metals (including As2O5) added to the concentrates to give Cd, Pb, Hg and As at 2, 50, 0.2 and 3.4 (control) and 152, 200, 1.7 and 33 mg/day (treatment) resp. In the 2nd trial, lasting 2-3 lactations, 32 cows in 4 groups were kept indoors and given daily 10 kg roughage and 10-11 kg concentrates without or with soluble compounds (including As2O3), harbour sludge or sewage sludge. Intakes of Cd, Pb, Hg and As by control cows were the same as those in the 1st trial, but for cows in the 3 treatment groups daily intakes averaged: Cd 32, 10 and 6 mg; Pb 200, 164 and 168 mg; Hg 1.7, 3.1 and 1.2 mg; and As 33, 21 and 6.8 mg. In neither trial did increased intakes of Cd, Pb, Hg or As lead to significantly increased concn. in milk or blood, and only As given in soluble compounds was increased in muscle from slaughtered cows (4/group in trial 1 and 1-2/group in trial 2). Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Hg and As in liver and kidney were all increased by the treatments, and particularly by soluble compounds, with concn. in kidney exceeding those in liver in all but 1 case. Cd also accumulated in spleen and thymus, Pb in bone, Hg in spleen, and As in heart, thymus, spleen and brain. Results are compared with those obtained in other carry-over studies. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)
The main threats to human health from heavy metals are associated with exposure to lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. These metals have been extensively studied and their effects on human health regularly reviewed by international bodies such as the WHO. Heavy metals have been used by humans for thousands of years. Although several adverse health effects of heavy metals have been known for a long time, exposure to heavy metals continues, and is even increasing in some parts of the world, in particular in less developed countries, though emissions have declined in most developed countries over the last 100 years. Cadmium compounds are currently mainly used in re-chargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium emissions have increased dramatically during the 20th century, one reason being that cadmium-containing products are rarely re-cycled, but often dumped together with household waste. Cigarette smoking is a major source of cadmium exposure. In non-smokers, food is the most important source of cadmium exposure. Recent data indicate that adverse health effects of cadmium exposure may occur at lower exposure levels than previously anticipated, primarily in the form of kidney damage but possibly also bone effects and fractures. Many individuals in Europe already exceed these exposure levels and the margin is very narrow for large groups. Therefore, measures should be taken to reduce cadmium exposure in the general population in order to minimize the risk of adverse health effects. The general population is primarily exposed to mercury via food, fish being a major source of methyl mercury exposure, and dental amalgam. The general population does not face a significant health risk from methyl mercury, although certain groups with high fish consumption may attain blood levels associated with a low risk of neurological damage to adults. Since there is a risk to the fetus in particular, pregnant women should avoid a high intake of certain fish, such as shark, swordfish and tuna; fish (such as pike, walleye and bass) taken from polluted fresh waters should especially be avoided. There has been a debate on the safety of dental amalgams and claims have been made that mercury from amalgam may cause a variety of diseases. However, there are no studies so far that have been able to show any associations between amalgam fillings and ill health. The general population is exposed to lead from air and food in roughly equal proportions. During the last century, lead emissions to ambient air have caused considerable pollution, mainly due to lead emissions from petrol. Children are particularly susceptible to lead exposure due to high gastrointestinal uptake and the permeable blood-brain barrier. Blood levels in children should be reduced below the levels so far considered acceptable, recent data indicating that there may be neurotoxic effects of lead at lower levels of exposure than previously anticipated. Although lead in petrol has dramatically decreased over the last decades, thereby reducing environmental exposure, phasing out any remaining uses of lead additives in motor fuels should be encouraged. The use of lead-based paints should be abandoned, and lead should not be used in food containers. In particular, the public should be aware of glazed food containers, which may leach lead into food. Exposure to arsenic is mainly via intake of food and drinking water, food being the most important source in most populations. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking-water is mainly related to increased risks of skin cancer, but also some other cancers, as well as other skin lesions such as hyperkeratosis and pigmentation changes. Occupational exposure to arsenic, primarily by inhalation, is causally associated with lung cancer. Clear exposure-response relationships and high risks have been observed.
Preferred characteristics of biological indicators for heavy metal monitoring in marine ecosystems were documented 30 years ago. Heavy metal data from Raine Island on the outer-northern Great Barrier Reef are presented to introduce additional attributes for consideration, including a widened choice of biological tissues due to advances in trace heavy metal analysis. Kidney tissues, visceral mass and adductor muscle from the giant clam (Tridacna maxima), muscle tissue from trochus (Trochus niloticus) and axial muscle from four species of fish were targeted. The kidneys of giant clams had concentrations of heavy metals from 2 (Zn) to 2780 (Ni) times higher than corresponding concentrations in adductor muscles. Also, tissues of giant clam and the muscle of trochus gave different signals with respect to bio-available heavy metals. Linear correlations for heavy metals within and between tissues of giant clam and within muscle tissue of trochus, offer opportunities for the use of surrogates as well as a possible mathematical basis for assessing trends in heavy metal pollution.
Methylmercury (MeHg) epidemics and studies in fish-eating populations have provided invaluable insights into the neurotoxic sequelae of MeHg exposure. MeHg is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, and its accumulation in the food chain will continue to pose health risks given anthropogenic and natural contamination. This review briefly addresses recent epidemiological data associated with exposure to MeHg in fish-eating populations, identifies mechanisms of MeHg transport into the central nervous system (CNS), and discusses various theories on cellular processes afflicted by MeHg, which most certainly include astrocytic failure to maintain the composition of the extracellular fluid.
The effects of Pb2+, a potent catalyst for the depolymerization of RNA have been studied on brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA, rabbit globin m-RNA and polyuridylic acid. After exposure of these natural and synthetic messengers to a sufficiently high concentration of Pb2+, they all lost their ability to stimulate amino acid incorporation in cell-free protein-synthesizing systems. There were differences in the susceptibilities of the messengers; gloing the m-RNA for 40 min revealed that there was a threshold Pb2+ concentration below which no loss of m-RNA activity was observed. The threshold concentration was considerably greater than the Pb2+ concentration at which protein synthesis is inhibited in reticulocytes and overt symptoms of plumbism are observed. However, when m-RNA were incubated for an extended period (24 h), even with sub-threshold concentrations of Pb2+, there was destruction of messenger function and globin m-RNA was more susceptible than BMV-RNA. Also the susceptibility of m-RNA to Pb2+ is temperature-dependent, which would indicate that m-RNA, like t-RNA, exists as a population of molecules in different conformational states that are not readily interconvertible.
Many studies have demonstrated mercury contamination in the Amazonian ecosystem, particularly in fish, a dietary mainstay of populations in this region. The present study focused on potential health effects of this low-level methylmercury exposure. The study was carried out in a village on the Tapajós River, a tributary of the Amazon, on 91 adults inhabitants (15-81 years), whose hair mercury levels were inferior to 50 mu/g. Performance on a neurofunctional test battery and clinical manifestations of nervous system dysfunction were examined in relation to hair mercury concentrations. Near visual contrast sensitivity and manual dexterity, adjusted for age, decreased significantly with hair mercury levels (P < 0.05), while there was a tendency for muscular fatigue to increase and muscular strength to decrease in women. For the most part, clinical examinations were normal, however, hair mercury levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for persons who presented disorganized movements on an alternating movement task and for persons with restricted visual fields. These results suggest dose-dependent nervous system alterations at hair mercury levels below 50 micrograms/g, previously considered a threshold for clinical effects. The profile of dysfunction in this adult population is consistent with the current knowledge on methyl-mercury poisoning. The long-term implications of these findings are unknown and need to be addressed.
Contaminated soils can be a source for crop plants of such elements like As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The excessive transfer of As, Cu, Ni, and Zn to the food chain is controlled by a "soil-plant barrier"; however, for some elements, including Cd, the soil-plant barrier fails. The level of Cd ingested by average person in USA is about 12 micrograms/day, which is relatively low comparing to Risk Reference Dose (70 micrograms Cd/day) established by USEPA. Food of plant origin is a main source of Cd intake by modern society. Fish and shellfish may be a dominant dietary sources of Hg for some human populations. About half of human Pb intake is through food, of which more than half originates from plants. Dietary intake of Cd and Pb may be increased by application of sludges on cropland with already high levels of these metals. Soils amended with sludges in the USA will be permitted (by USEPA-503 regulations) to accumulate Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, and Se, and Zn to levels from 10 to 100 times the present baseline concentrations. These levels are very permissive by international standards. Because of the limited supply of toxicity data obtained from metals applied in sewage sludge, predictions as to the new regulations will protect crop plants from metal toxicities, and food chain from contamination, are difficult to make.
Arsenic is one of the most important global environmental toxicants. For example, in regions of West Bengal and Inner Mongolia, more than 100000 persons are chronically exposed to well water often strongly contaminated with As. Unfortunately, a toxicologically safe risk assessment and standard setting, especially for long-term and low-dose exposures to arsenic, is not possible. One reason is that the key mechanism of arsenic's tumorigenicity still is not elucidated. Experimental data indicate that either DNA repair inhibition or DNA methylation status alteration may be causal explanations. Moreover, when comparing epidemiological data, it cannot be ruled out that the susceptibility to arsenic's carcinogenicity may be different between Mexican and Taiwanese people. Some other studies indicate that some Andean populations do not develop skin cancer after long-term exposure to As. It is not known yet how this resistance could be mediated. Finally, the situation is even more complicated when taking into consideration that there are several compounds suspected to modulate the chronic environmental toxicity of arsenic, variables that may either enhance or suppress the in vivo genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of the metalloid. Among them are nutritional factors like selenium and zinc as well as drinking water co-contaminants like antimony. Further, yet unidentified factors influencing the body burden and/or the excretion of arsenic are possibly prevailing: preliminary data from own human biomonitoring studies showed a peaking of As in urine samples of non-exposed people which was not caused by elevated exposure to As through seafood consumption. The relevance of these putative confounding variables cannot be finally evaluated yet. Further experimental as well as epidemiological studies are needed to answer these questions. This would help to conduct a toxicologically improved risk assessment, especially for low-dose and long-term exposures to arsenic.
The distribution of some heavy metals in three different organs of mullet, Liza abu, and catfish, Silurus triostegus, from Atatürk Dam Lake located on Euphrates (Turkey) was studied. Co and Mo concentrations were below limits of detection in all fish organs, whereas Ni was also below limits in organs of mullet. The metal accumulation in the liver and gill of L. abu and S. triostegus was found to be quite high in comparison with the muscle. In general, the concentrations are similar to those previously observed on other fish studied in Atatürk Dam Lake and lower than those determined in Tigris River. The analysed metals (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni and Zn) were found in fish muscle at mean concentrations under the permissible limits proposed by FAO.
Arsenic occurs naturally in the earth's crust and is widely distributed in the environment. Natural mineralization and activities of microorganisms enhance arsenic mobilization in the environment but human intervention has exacerbated arsenic contamination. Although arsenic is useful for industrial, agricultural, medicinal and other purposes, it exerts a toxic effect in a variety of organisms, including humans. Arsenic exposure may not only affect and disable organs of the body, especially the skin, but may also interfere with the proper functioning of the immune system. This paper, therefore, generally highlights the toxic effects of arsenic as well as its mobilization in the natural environment and possible controls. It also briefly attempts to outline the impact of arsenic on the immune system, whose alteration could lead to viral/bacterial infections.
Paired liver and kidney samples from 100 free-range cattle in different parts of Jamaica were analyzed for essential and non-essential trace elements. We found significant enrichment of elements in the kidney (K) compared to the liver (L) with the K/L concentration ratios being 5.2 for Cd, 4.1 for Pb, 3.5 for Se and 2.1 for As, but the Cu contents of the kidney were significantly higher with the K/L ratio of 0.45. A large number of kidney and liver samples showed Cu concentrations in the ranges that were associated with deficiency effects in mammals. About 15% of the hepatic samples had Zn concentrations below 20 microg/g, suggesting that there might be zinc insufficiency in some of the animals. Positive associations were found between the metals in both the kidney and liver. On average, the intake of Cd from consumption of both bovine kidney and liver from the island was estimated to be 5.2 microg/day, equivalent to about 7% of the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI), although anyone who habitually consumed the few kidneys or livers with >40 microg/g cadmium may be at some risk of exceeding the PTDI. The consumption of offal from local animals did not appear to be an important dietary source of any of the essential microelements.