Serum and tissue metallome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients have late presentation at the time of diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Metal dyshomeostasis is known to play a role in cancer progression. However, the blood and tissue metallome of PDAC patients has not been assessed. This study aimed to determine the levels of essential and toxic metals in the serum and pancreatic tissue from PDAC patients. Serum samples were obtained from PDAC patients before surgical resection. Tissue (tumor and adjacent normal pancreas) were obtained from the surgically resected specimen. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was performed to quantify the levels of 10 essential and 3 toxic metals in these samples. Statistical analysis was performed to identify dysregulated metals in PDAC and their role as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Significantly decreased serum levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, arsenic, and mercury and increased levels of molybdenum were shown to be associated with PDAC. There were significantly decreased levels of zinc, manganese and molybdenum, and increased levels of calcium and selenium in the pancreatic tumor tissue compared with the adjacent normal pancreas. Notably, lower serum levels of calcium, iron, and selenium, and higher levels of manganese, were significantly associated with a poor prognosis (i.e., overall survival) in PDAC patients. In conclusion, this is the first study to comprehensively assess the serum and tissue metallome of PDAC patients. It identified the association of metals with PDAC diagnosis and prognosis.

Dilute-and-shoot ICPMS quantification of V, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Ba, and Pb in fruit juices based on matrix overcompensation calibration.

Analysis of V, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Ba, and Pb in fruit juices was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) after simple 50-fold dilution in 1% (v/v) HNO3-0.5% (v/v) HCl-5% (v/v) ethanol. Ethanol was added to overwhelm native organic components and dominate matrix effects. A universal calibration curve was built based on a likewise treated reagent standard series. This new matrix overcompensation calibration (MOC) strategy was developed to effectively compensated for matrix effects of carbon origin and achieved quantitative (92.5-118.8%) recoveries comparable to those by standard addition calibration (92.1-117.8%) and microwave-aided digestion (99.3-116.8%). The LODs were 0.528, 0.204, 0.195, and 2.07 ng mL-1 for toxic elements As, Cd, Pb, and Ni, respectively, adequate for their regulatory monitoring. Ge, Rh, Tb, and Ir were used as internal standards. MOC renders a calibration curve universally applicable to any clear fruit juices of diversified crop, geographic, and manufacturer origins resulting in cost saving and enhanced productivity.

Effect of exposures to multiple metals on blood pressure and hypertension in the elderly: a community-based study.

A chronic disease, hypertension (HTN) is prevalent among the elderly. Exploring the factors that influence HTN and blood pressure (BP) changes is of great public health significance. However, mixed exposure to multiple serum metals has had less research on the effects on BP and HTN for the elderly. From April to August 2019, 2372 people participated in the community physical examination program for the elderly in Tongling City, Anhui Province. We measured BP and serum levels of 10 metals and collected basic demographic information. We analyzed the relationship between metal levels and changes in BP and HTN by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression model, and generalized linear model. In multiple models, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were still significantly associated with HTN occurrence after adjusting for potential confounders (Pb: ORquartile 4 VS quartile 1 = 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.43; Cd: ORquartile 4 VS quartile 1 = 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.62). In the male subgroup, results were similar to those of the general population. In the female group, Cd was positively correlated with HTN and systolic blood pressure, while Pb was not. According to this study, Pb and Cd were correlated with BP and HTN positively, and there was a certain joint effect. To some extent, our findings provide clues for the prevention of hypertension in the elderly.

The good, the bad, and the ugly of metals as antimicrobials.

We are now moving into the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) era where more antibiotic resistant bacteria are now the majority, a problem brought on by both misuse and over use of antibiotics. Unfortunately, the antibiotic development pipeline dwindled away over the past decades as they are not very profitable compounds for companies to develop. Regardless researchers over the past decade have made strides to explore alternative options and out of this we see revisiting historical infection control agents such as toxic metals. From this we now see a field of research exploring the efficacy of metal ions and metal complexes as antimicrobials. Such antimicrobials are delivered in a variety of forms from metal salts, alloys, metal complexes, organometallic compounds, and metal based nanomaterials and gives us the broad term metalloantimicrobials. We now see many effective formulations applied for various applications using metals as antimicrobials that are effective against drug resistant strains. The purpose of the document here is to step aside and begin a conversation on the issues of use of such toxic metal compounds against microbes. This critical opinion mini-review in no way aims to be comprehensive. The goal here is to understand the benefits of metalloantimicrobials, but also to consider strongly the disadvantages of using metals, and what are the potential consequences of misuse and overuse. We need to be conscious of the issues, to see the entire system and affect through a OneHealth vision.

Metal cross-contamination relationships between sediments and loricariidae species (siluriform) in a neotropical riverine system.

Human activities have changed the natural rates at which metals are moved and accumulated in both land and water environments, resulting in negative impacts on local wildlife. In this study, concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn were evaluated in water and riverbed sediment samples collected from the Verde River basin (VR), as well as in tissue samples from five native Loricariidae species. Sediment samples collected from the central section of the VR riverbed indicated the presence of metal concentrations, which were primarily attributed to scattered pollution sources linked to rural activities in the surrounding areas. The bioconcentration factor in the Loricariids liver presented the highest average values for Zn (1.27-58.21), Co (0.48-14.91) and Cu (1.15-11.14). The same pattern was observed in the muscle, but in a lower proportion. Regarding the bioaccumulation factor, Co (1.54-34.84), Cu (5.85-25.22) and Zn (0.64-18.08) attained the highest average values in the liver. The co-inertia analysis examined the spatial distribution of metal concentrations in riverbed sediments and in tissues of Loricariids from the upper, middle, and lower stretches of the river, including the river mouth. The analysis revealed varying patterns, with samples from some regions showing higher bioaccumulation levels. This suggests that riverbed sediments are a primary source of metal contamination in Loricariids from these areas. The pollution has had a significant impact on the bioaccumulation of metals in the VR' Loricariids, which are good indicators of sediment-associated metal bioaccumulation. The metal concentrations recorded in both the riverbed sediments and Loricariids surpassed international and Brazilian limits set for aquatic health and safe human consumption. Given the importance of the Verde River in terms of its ecological, social, cultural, and economic roles, it is essential to implement biomonitoring and control measures to safeguard both terrestrial and aquatic resources.

Blood levels of 21 metals and metalloids in riverside villagers of the Brazilian Amazon: A human biomonitoring study with associations with sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors.

Human biomonitoring of toxic and essential trace elements is critically important for public health protection. Amazonian riverine communities exhibit distinctive dietary patterns, heavily reliant on locally sourced fish, fruits, and vegetables. These habits may result in unique exposure profiles compared to urban populations. However, comprehensive assessments of their exposure to toxic and essential metals are lacking, representing a critical gap in understanding the health risks faced by these communities. This study aimed to establish baseline levels of 21 metals and metalloids in human blood and explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices as potential sources of exposure to these elements. A cross-sectional biomonitoring investigation was conducted with 1,024 individuals from 13 communities in the Tapajós and Amazon Basins (Pará, Brazil). Most of the elements in study was determined for the first time in the region. Blood samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The levels of all elements were summarized by quantiles and compared with cutoff values from other Brazilian populations. Multiple linear regression was used to assess possible associations between element concentrations and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. High detection rates (64%-100%) were observed, indicating the widespread presence of these elements. Elevated blood concentrations were found for mercury (median 21.1 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 12-34 µg.L-1), selenium (median 166 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 137-208 µg.L-1), and lead (median 34 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 20.8-64 µg.L-1). Regression analysis revealed a positive association between mercury levels and fish consumption, while manioc flour intake showed no relationship to lead levels. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and public policy development for these vulnerable populations. Further studies should assess long-term trends and investigate the health implications of prolonged exposure to diverse chemicals in Amazonian riverside communities.

Assessing health risks from bioaccessible PM2.5-bound toxic metals in Nanchang metro: Implications for metro workers and emissions control.

High concentrations of PM2.5 with enriched levels of metallic constituents could significantly affect the health and comfort of metro employees. To avoid overestimating the exposure risks, we investigated the bioaccessibility of toxic metals (TMs) bound in PM2.5 from the Nanchang metro using Gamble's solution method, and qualitatively analyzed the impact of valence state and various sources on the bioaccessibility of TMs bound to PM2.5. The results showed that the bioaccessibility of the studied TMs ranged from 2.1% to 88.1%, with As, Ba, Co and Pb being the most bioaccessible and V, Fe and Cr being the less bioaccessible. The bioaccessibility of TMs in our subway PM2.5 samples varied based on their valence and species, showing higher valence states associated with increased bioaccessibility. Vehicle traffic, secondary aerosols and wheel/rail sources were found to be significantly and positively associated with the bioaccessibility of several TMs, implying a severe potential risk from these three sources. Although both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with total TMs were found to be high, only As and Cr(VI) posed a considerable carcinogenic risk to metro workers based on the bioaccessible fractions and were therefore priority pollutants. In addition, potential carcinogenic risk was found to be more severe in platform than that in ticket counter. The results indicate that considerable efforts are required to control and manage PM2.5 and the associated TMs in the Nanchang subway, particularly from traffic, wheel/rail and secondary sources, to protect the health of metro staff and the public.

Identification of toxic metal contamination in surface sediments of the Xiaoqing River under a long-term perspective (1996-2020): Risks, sources and driving factors.

The contamination of sediments by toxic metals poses a significant threat to both river ecosystems and human health. In this study, the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), biotoxicity evaluation method, and potential ecological risk index (RI) were employed to analyze the contamination level, biotoxicity risk, and potential ecological risk of toxic metals in surface sediments of the Xiaoqing River. To identify toxic metal sources, Spearman correlation and principal component analysis with multiple linear regression analysis (PCA-MLR) were employed. Additionally, redundancy analysis (RDA) was utilized to investigate potential driving factors affecting toxic metal accumulation in sediments. The results revealed that the levels of the five investigated metals (Cr, Pb, As, Hg, and Cd) showed constant fluctuations during the period 1996-2020. The midstream was found to be more polluted than the upstream and downstream. In the research area, Hg was identified as the primary contaminant with high levels of contamination, posing a biotoxicity risk and potential ecological risk. Pollution sources were identified for two periods: A (1996-2010) and B (2011-2020), with industrial, agricultural, traffic, and natural sources being the main contributors. During period A, industrial sources accounted for the highest proportion (40.8%), followed by agricultural sources (36.6%), and geological natural sources (22.6%). During period B, agricultural sources accounted for the highest proportion (42%), followed by industrial and traffic sources (32.4%), and geological natural sources (25.6%). The distribution of toxic metals in the basin was significantly influenced by water pH, sediment organic matter, population density, and per capita GDP. The study results provide fundamental data for preventing pollution and managing water resources contaminated with toxic metals in the sediments of the Xiaoqing River in Jinan. Additionally, it serves as a reference for analyzing related ecological and environmental issues in the basin.

Metals accumulation affects bone and muscle in osteoporotic patients: A pilot study.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and often associated to decreased muscle mass and function. Metal exposure plays a role in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and affects also muscle quality. The aim of this study was to assess the association between metal levels in bone and muscle samples and the degeneration of these tissues. A total of 58 subjects (30 male and 28 female) was enrolled and classified in osteoporotic (OP, n = 8), osteopenic (Ope, n = 30) and healthy (CTR, n = 20) subjects, according to BMD measures. Femoral head bone samples and vastus lateralis muscle samples were collected during hip arthroplasty surgeries. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis showed increased levels of Al, Cd and Pb in OP and Ope bone tissue compared to CTR subjects (p = 0.04, p = 0.005 and p = 0.01, respectively). Whereas, increased levels of Co, Cd and Pb were measured in OP and Ope muscle tissues, compared to CTRs (p < 0.001, p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). In addition, Al, Cd and Pb levels in bone and Cd and Co levels in muscle were negatively correlated with BMD. A negative association among Co, Cd, Cr and Hg levels and muscle fibers diameter was also observed in muscle tissues. This study assessed that metal exposure can affects bone and muscle tissue quality and may contribute to the onset and progression of musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to implement metal exposure assessment and their impact on disease development, in order to manage and prevent metal accumulation effects on bone and muscle quality.

Interaction and coexistence characteristics of dissolved organic matter and toxic metals with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in landfill leachate.

Landfill leachate-containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is both an important 'sink' and a 'source' of secondary pollution, posing serious threaten to surrounding environments. To date, the pollution characteristics of PFAS in landfill leachate, and the coexistence and interaction between PFAS and other leachate contaminants, such as dissolved organic matter (DOM) and toxic metals remains unclear. Herein, our results showed that 17 target PFAS, with concentrations ranged from 1804 to 43309 ng/L, were detected in landfill leachates. The main PFAS were short-chain and even-chain substances represented by perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). Leachate derived DOM is mainly composed of protein-like and humic-like substance, among which the total contribution of protein-like substance is as high as 73.7%. Correlation analysis results showed that the distribution of PFAS was strongly correlated with the substituted functional groups (e.g., carboxyl and hydroxyl) on the aromatic ring of humic-like substance (C2 and E253/E203) and autochthonous metabolism by microbial activities (FI). Furthermore, Mn element showed a significantly strong correlation with PFAS. Both organic and inorganic substances positively correlated with toxic metals. Our findings are helpful to understand the environmental fate of PFAS, and contribute to decision-making regarding DOM, toxic metals, and PFAS management in landfill.

Toxic metals and essential trace elements in placenta and their relation to placental function.

INTRODUCTION: Placental function is essential for fetal development, but it may be susceptible to malnutrition and environmental stressors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of toxic and essential trace elements in placenta on placental function. METHODS: Toxic metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, cobalt) and essential elements (copper, manganese, zinc, selenium) were measured in placenta of 406 pregnant women in northern Sweden using ICP-MS. Placental weight and birth weight were obtained from hospital records and fetoplacental weight ratio was used to estimate placental efficiency. Placental relative telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) were determined by quantitative PCR (n = 285). Single exposure-outcome associations were evaluated using linear or spline regression, and joint associations and interactions with Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), all adjusted for sex, maternal smoking, and age or BMI. RESULTS: Median cadmium, mercury, lead, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium concentrations in placenta were 3.2, 1.8, 4.3, 2.3, 1058, 66, 10626, and 166 µg/kg, respectively. In the adjusted regression, selenium (>147 µg/kg) was inversely associated with placental weight (B: -158; 95 % CI: -246, -71, per doubling), as was lead at low selenium (B: -23.6; 95 % CI: -43.2, -4.0, per doubling). Manganese was positively associated with placental weight (B: 41; 95 % CI: 5.9, 77, per doubling) and inversely associated with placental efficiency (B: -0.01; 95 % CI: -0.019, -0.004, per doubling). Cobalt was inversely associated with mtDNAcn (B: -11; 95 % CI: -20, -0.018, per doubling), whereas all essential elements were positively associated with mtDNAcn, individually and joint. CONCLUSION: Among the toxic metals, lead appeared to negatively impact placental weight and cobalt decreased placental mtDNAcn. Joint essential element concentrations increased placental mtDNAcn. Manganese also appeared to increase placental weight, but not birth weight. The inverse association of selenium with placental weight may reflect increased transport of selenium to the fetus in late gestation.

Ascophyllum nodosum (Linnaeus) Le Jolis from Arctic: Its Biochemical Composition, Antiradical Potential, and Human Health Risk.

Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed common in Arctic tidal waters. We have collected A. nodosum samples from the Barents Sea (BS), Irminger Sea (IS), and Norwegian Sea (NS) in different reproductive stages and have evaluated their biochemical composition, radical scavenging potential, and health risks. The total content of dominating carbohydrates (fucoidan, mannitol, alginate, and laminaran) ranged from 347 mg/g DW in NS to 528 mg/g DW in BS. The proportion of two main structural monosaccharides of fucoidan (fucose and xylose) differed significantly between the seas and reproductive phase, reaching a maximum at the fertile phase in the BS sample. Polyphenols and flavonoids totals were highest in NS A. nodosum samples and increased on average in the following order: BS < IS < NS. A positive correlation of free radical scavenging activity for seaweed extracts with polyphenols content was observed. The concentration of elements in A. nodosum from the Arctic seas region was in the following order: Ca > Mg > Sr > Fe > Al > Zn > As total > Rb > Mn > Ba > Cu > Co. Seaweeds from BS had the lowest metal pollution index (MPI) of 38.4. A. nodosum from IS had the highest MPI of 83. According to the calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values, Arctic A. nodosum samples pose no carcinogenic risk to adult and child health and are safe for regular consumption. Our results suggest that the Arctic A. nodosum has a remarkable potential for food and pharmaceutical industries as an underestimated source of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and flavonoids.

The association of serum toxic metals and essential elements during early pregnancy with body mass index trajectory of infants during the first years: A prospective study.

To the best of our knowledge, prior research has yet to delve into the combined and interactive relationships between maternal exposure to essential elements and toxic metals and infancy's continuous growth and trajectories. This study aims to discern infant growth trajectories in the first year of life and to determine the associations of maternal serum levels of essential elements and toxic metals with growth trajectory. Within a Chinese prospective cohort in 2019 - 2021, 407 mother-infant pairs were included, and the serum levels of five essential elements (zinc, calcium, copper, magnesium and iron) and two toxic metals (cadmium and lead) in early pregnancy were assessed. The growth trajectory of infants was followed until age one year. Raw BMI and height values were transformed to age- and sex-specific BMI and height standard deviation (SD) scores. Latent-class group-based trajectory models and piecewise linear mixed regression were estimated to determine infant growth trajectories and growth velocity, respectively. The individual relationship between maternal metallic element levels and infant growth trajectory was examined using multinomial logistic regression models and linear mixed regression, while joint associations and interactive relationships were explored using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) following confounder adjustments. Four distinct trajectory patterns based on BMI-z score (low-rapid BMI gain group, normal-stable BMI group, very low-rapid BMI gain group and normal-rapid BMI gain group) and length-for-age (high-stable length group, low-stable length group, normal-rapid length gain group, very low-rapid length gain group) were identified during the first year post-birth, respectively. In single-metal and multiple-metal models, infants born to mothers with higher serum Zn and lower serum Cu levels were associated with a normal-rapid BMI gain trajectory during the first year. Serum Cu exhibited a positive correlation with the rate of BMI change solely in infants aged 6-12 months. Further, the BKMR analysis revealed a statistically significant and negative joint effect of the five essential elements on the likelihood of normal-rapid BMI/length gain trajectory when serum levels of these elements fell below the 70th percentile compared to median levels. In addition, high levels of serum copper and calcium interactively affect the rates of BMI change during 6-12 months old (ß: -0.21, 95% CI: -0.44, -0.03, P = 0.04, P-interaction=0.04). In conclusion, maternal trace elements at early pregnancy are linked to infant growth patterns and growth velocity in the first year of life.

Study of plasma activated water effect on heavy metal bioaccumulation by Cannabis sativa Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy.

Contamination of the environment with toxic metals such as cadmium or lead is a worldwide issue. The accumulator of metals Cannabis sativa L. has potential to be utilized in phytoremediation, which is an environmentally friendly way of soil decontamination. Novel non-thermal plasma-based technologies may be a helpful tool in this process. Plasma activated water (PAW), prepared by contact of gaseous plasma with water, contains reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which enhance the growth of plants. In this study, C. sativa was grown in a short-term toxicity test in a medium which consisted of plasma activated water prepared by dielectric barrier discharge with liquid electrode and different concentrations of cadmium or lead. Application of PAW on heavy metal contaminated C. sativa resulted in increased growth under Pb contamination as was determined by ecotoxicology tests. Furthermore, the PAW influence on the bioaccumulation of these metals as well as the influence on the nutrient composition of plants was studied primarily by applying Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The LIBS elemental maps show that C. sativa accumulates heavy metals mainly in the roots. The results present a new proof-of-concept in which PAW could be used to improve the growth of plants in heavy metal contaminated environment, while LIBS can be implemented to study the phytoremediation efficiency.

Do aluminum, boron, arsenic, cadmium, lipoperoxidation, and genetic polymorphism determine male fertility?

Male infertility is a world multifactorial problem modulated by environmental and genetic factors. Male aspects account for 20-50 % of infertility cases. Our results are unique because they treat the importance of components participating in the determination of male infertility (environmental and immunogenetic determinants, seminological analysis, lipoperoxidation, genetic determinants, role of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium and boron). We analyzed agents affecting male reproductive potential (aluminum, boron, cadmium, arsenic, lipid peroxidation, gene polymorphisms (MTHFRv.C677T (rs1801133) (chromosome-1) and IL-4v.C589T (rs2243250) (chromosome-5) in men with semen disorders (n=76) and with normozoospermia (n=87) from Central Poland. Polymorphisms of MTHFRv.C677T and IL-4v.C589T genes indirectly shape toxic metals concentration and lipoperoxidation but do not exert direct influence on male fertility disorders (monomorphism and lack of differences in genotypes frequency). Men with genotype TT or CC (IL-4v.C589T) show some differentiation in elements concentration and intensity of lipoperoxidation. Analysis of TT or CC (IL-4v.C589T) genotype brought correlations with B, Al, Cd, and lipoperoxidation (P<0.05) and suggesting that mentioned factors jointly shape male reproductive capability. Toxic metals may play an important role in shaping of men genetic polymorphisms, since Cd was identified as a factor increasing risk of qualification to infertile group, predisposing to fertility disorders. B, Al and Cd may be considered as important modulators of reproductive condition. However, lipoperoxidation as an isolated predictive parameter does not produce convincing results in male reproductive potential (higher MDA concentration in healthy men). Our results may be helpful in the diagnosis of male infertility, in the reduction of idiopathic cases of unknown origin and in implementation of targeted and more effective treatment (pharmacological, hormonal). Identification of environmental stressors and their correlations with fertility disorders can help to eliminate or reduce the impact of factors unfavorable to fertility. Our results highlight the importance of environmental and immunogenetic factors in shaping of defensive potential against destruction of spermatozoa and infer a role of oxidative stress in the induction of gene polymorphisms, affecting male fertility.

Metal accumulation in cattails cultured in soils flooded with artificial wastewater of varying pH and different levels of metals (Cr, Cd and Zn).

Toxic metals cause risks to the ecological environment. Typha latifolia L. is a good candidate to clean potentially toxic metals contaminated water or soil. However, limited research investigated the impact of environmental factors (e.g., pH, soil substrate, flood duration) on metal accumulations in cattails. In this study, cattails were cultured in soils flooded with artificial wastewater with varying pH (5, 7 or 9) and different levels of Cr, Cd and Zn for four weeks to investigate the interactions between environmental conditions and metal uptake in cattails. The metal content in biomass were measured by an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer.More Zn (>10,000 mg/kg dry biomass) entered plants compared to Cd and Cr (<1,000 mg/kg dry biomass). Approximately 80% of Zn from solutions with 50 mg/L Cd, 25 mg/L Cr, 250 mg/L Zn were removed by cattails. Most Cd and Cr were sorbed onto soils. Cattails exhibited relatively consistent performance in removing metals from wastewater with initial pH of 5, 7 or 9. The pH of all the solutions ended close to neutral after 4 weeks. More research is needed to further understand the influence of environmental conditions on metal uptakes in plants to improve phytoremediation efficiency.

It is the first study to evaluate metal accumulation in cattails cultured in soils flooded with artificial wastewater with varying pH and different levels of metals.This project investigated the interactions between growth conditions (e.g., pH, soil substrate, flooding) and different metal uptake in cattails, which was not conducted in previous research.

2,4-D mediated moderation of aluminum tolerance in Salvinia molesta D. Mitch. with regards to bioexclusion and related physiological and metabolic changes.

We examined the efficacy of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D; 500 µM) in enhancing the potential of Salvinia species for tolerance to aluminum (Al) toxicity (240 and 480 µM, seven days). Salvinia showed better efficacy in removal of toxicity of Al by sorption mechanism with changes of bond energy shifting on cell wall residues and surface structure. Plants recorded tolerance to Al concentration (480 µM) when pretreated with 2,4-D through adjustment of relative water content, proline content, osmotic potential, and improved the pigment fluorescence for energy utilization under Al stress. Photosynthetic activities with regards to NADP-malic enzyme and malic dehydrogenase and sugar metabolism with wall and cytosolic invertase activities were strongly correlated with compatible solutes. A less membrane peroxidation and protein carbonylation had reduced ionic loss over the membrane that was studied with reduced electrolyte leakage with 2,4-D pretreated plants. Membrane stabilization was also recorded with higher ratio of K+ to Na+, thereby suggesting roles of 2,4-D in ionic balance. Better sustenance of enzymatic antioxidation with peroxidase and glutathione metabolism reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation and save the plant for oxidative damages. Moreover, gene polymorphism for antioxidant, induced by 2,4-D varied through Al concentrations would suggest an improved biomarker for tolerance. Collectively, analysis and discussion of plant's responses assumed that auxin herbicide could be a potential phytoprotectant for Salvinia as well as improving the stability to Al toxicity and its bioremediation efficacy.

In previous reports, aquatic weeds, particularly, from pteridophytic flora have been exercised, however, in less frequent. Aluminum (Al) toxicity, being a major problem, specifically with respect to cultivated crops like rice and vegetables, is a serious issue in alkaline soil. In context to growth of Salvinia in the areas of low lands where few important crops like rice are frequently cultivated. Therefore, Al toxicity with regards to rice cultivation in low land conditions, which is habitat for Salvinia, could be interesting. Thus, decontamination of low land for salinity with aquatic environment can be remediated with biological materials where Salvinia would be a choice. This would be something new in studies for the aquatic weeds over the existing database. Moreover, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) being a common herbicide in agricultural field that becomes more problematic with metal toxicity is another focus for physiological responses with Salvinia. The adoption and sustainability of Salvinia against 2,4-D may highlight insights for physiological activities would be the biomarker for herbicide toxicity.

Fish and Seafood Safety: Human Exposure to Toxic Metals from the Aquatic Environment and Fish in Central Asia.

Toxic metals that are released into aquatic environments from natural and anthropogenic sources are absorbed by aquatic organisms and may threaten the health of both aquatic organisms and humans. Despite this, there have been limited studies on the metal concentrations in fish and humans in Central Asia. This study summarizes the presence of the toxic metals arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in aquatic bodies, fish, and seafood products and conducts a risk assessment. While certain areas show a notable increase in fish and seafood consumption, the overall intake in Central Asia remains below recommended levels. However, in regions with high fish consumption, there is a potential for elevated exposure to toxic metals, especially Hg. The risk of exposure to toxic metals in fish and seafood in Central Asia emerges as a significant concern. Comprehensive monitoring, regulation, and remediation efforts are imperative to ensure the safety of water sources and food consumption in the region. Public awareness campaigns and the establishment of dietary guidelines play a crucial role in minimizing the health risks associated with consumption.

The Impact of the Combined Effect of Inhalation Anesthetics and Iron Dextran on Rats' Systemic Toxicity.

Disruption of any stage of iron homeostasis, including uptake, utilization, efflux, and storage, can cause progressive damage to peripheral organs. The health hazards associated with occupational exposure to inhalation anesthetics (IA) in combination with chronic iron overload are not well documented. This study aimed to investigate changes in the concentration of essential metals in the peripheral organs of rats after iron overload in combination with IA. The aim was also to determine how iron overload in combination with IA affects tissue metal homeostasis, hepcidin-ferritin levels, and MMP levels according to physiological, functional, and tissue features. According to the obtained results, iron accumulation was most pronounced in the liver (19×), spleen (6.7×), lungs (3.1×), and kidneys (2.5×) compared to control. Iron accumulation is associated with elevated heavy metal levels and impaired essential metal concentrations due to oxidative stress (OS). Notably, the use of IA increases the iron overload toxicity, especially after Isoflurane exposure. The results show that the regulation of iron homeostasis is based on the interaction of hepcidin, ferritin, and other proteins regulated by inflammation, OS, free iron levels, erythropoiesis, and hypoxia. Long-term exposure to IA and iron leads to the development of numerous adaptation mechanisms in response to toxicity, OS, and inflammation. These adaptive mechanisms of iron regulation lead to the inhibition of MMP activity and reduction of oxidative stress, protecting the organism from possible damage.

A field trial for remediation of multi-metal contaminated soils using the combination of fly ash stabilization and Zanthoxylumbungeanum- Lolium perenne intercropping system.

Insitu stabilization and phytoextraction are considered as two convenient and effective technologies for the remediation of toxic elements (TEs) in soils. However, the effectiveness of these two remediation technologies together on the bioavailability and phytoextraction of TEs in field trials has not been explored yet. Specifically, the remediation potential of fly ash (FA; as stabilizing agent) and ryegrass (as a TE accumulator) intercropped with a target crop for soil polluted with multiple TEs has not been investigated yet, particularly in long-term field trials. Therefore, in this study, a six-month combined remediation field experiment of FA stabilization and/or ryegrass intercropping (IR) was carried out on the farmland soils contaminated with As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn where Zanthoxylumbungeanum (ZB) trees as native crops were grown for years. The treatments include soil cultivated alone with ZB untreated- (control) and treated-with FA (FA), produced by burning lignite in Shaanxi Datong power plant, China, soil cultivated with ZB and ryegrass untreated- (IR) and treated-with FA (FA + IR). This was underpinned by a large-scale survey in Daiziying (China), which showed that the topsoils were polluted by Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb, and that Hg and Pb contents in the Zanthoxylumbungeanum fruits exceeded their allowable limits. The TEs contents in the studied FA were lower than their total element contents in the soil. The DTPA-extractable TEs contents of the remediation modes were as follows: FA < FA + IR < IR < control. Notably, TEs contents in the ZB fruits were lowest under the FA + IR treatment, which were decreased by 27.6% for As, 42.3% for Cd, 16.7% for Cr, 30.5% for Cu, 23.1% for Hg, 15.5% for Ni, 33.2% for Pb and 38.1% for Zn compared with the control treatment. Whereas the FA + IR treatment enhanced TEs contents in ryegrass shoots and roots, and the TEs contents in ryegrass shoots were below their regulatory limits for fodder crops. The findings confirmed that the combined remediation strategy, i.e., FA (with low content of TEs) stabilization effect and intercropping of ZB (target crop) and ryegrass (accumulating plant) could provide a prospective approach to produce target plants within safe TEs thresholds with greater economic benefits, while remediating soils polluted with multiple TEs and mitigating the potential ecological and human health risk. Those results are of great applicable concern.