Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic and essential elements in medicinal plants consumed in Zabol, Iran, using the Monte Carlo simulation method.

Medicinal plants (MPs) have long been used for their therapeutic properties in traditional forms of medicine. However, the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in MPs raises concerns about their safety, efficacy, and potential adverse effects on human health. The current study aimed to determine the level of potentially toxic and essential elements (PTEEs) in commonly consumed MPs in Zabol, Iran, along with their health risk assessments. To conduct the present study, 10 types of MPs widely used in Zabol, Iran, were selected, and 15 samples of each type (150 samples in total) were taken. Each sample was analyzed for the presence of various PTEEs using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chrome (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn); and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) for arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Finally, to better comprehend the scope of exposure and its possible effects, the Monte Carlo simulation method is successfully applied to assess human health risks related to PTEs in MPs. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant (P < 0.001) variations in PTE averages among MP types. Furthermore, all samples' overall PTE mean concentration (range: 0.18 to 215.5 µg/kg) was below the World Health Organization's (WHO) regulatory standards. Probabilistic health risks, including non-carcinogenic-target hazard quotient (THQ) for each element, total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) for all elements, and carcinogenic-incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for each element, and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for all elements, were significantly lower than the acceptable limit for children and adults. Accordingly, it can be said that consuming MPs sold in Zabol is safe for children and adults regarding carcinogenic (ILCR/TCR = 10- 4) and non-carcinogenic (THQ/TTHQ = 1) effects. In light of the findings presented here, and to our understanding, the primary factor contributing to lower levels of PTEs in MPs in Zabol City markets is the cultivation of plants in nonindustrialized areas, separate from urban and industrial zones. This practice keeps them from environmental contaminations, including soil quality and water sources. It is recommended that it is essential to regulate the sources that enhance the transfer of PTEs and other harmful pollutants from surroundings to the soil and, consequently, MPs. It is also suggested that, like chemical drugs, MPs should undergo rigorous testing by quality control agencies before being made available to the market.

Assessment of environmental and health risks of potentially toxic elements associated with desert dust particles affected by industrial activities in Isfahan metropolitan.

Dust particles and their associated compounds can adversely affect human health and ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration, health, and ecological risks of selected potentially toxic elements (e.g. Pb, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, V, Ni, and As) bound to air particles generated by dust storms in the Sejzi plain desert area within the industrial district of Isfahan metropolitan, Iran. The enrichment factor revealed the highest values for Zn, Pb, and Cd which among them Zn showed the highest value (8.1) with the potential source of industrial activities confirmed by the integrated pollution index, accumulation coefficient, and ecological risk index. Regarding health risk analysis (non-cancer and cancer risks) the elements including Co, As, and Cr showed a significant risk for adults and children across all seasons. It's concluded that mitigation of air particles originated from both natural and industrial activities is necessary to reduce their relevant risks to human being and ecosystems in the region.

Ameliorating effects of natural herbal supplements against water-borne induced toxicity of heavy metals on Nile tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus).

The efficacy of herbal supplements in mitigating heavy metals (HMs) toxicity was investigated using a widely grown fish, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The experiment was conducted over two phases: during the stress phase, the experimental fishes were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of HMs, including lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper for 15 days; following which during the feeding phase, herbal supplements were given for 70 days to ameliorate their effects. Seven groups were established: the control negative group (CON-ve), control positive group (CON+ve, without any treatment), and five groups with supplementation of 1% turmeric (TUR), cinnamon (CIN), ginger (GIN), garlic (GAR), and their mixture (MIX), respectively. A total of 315 fishes were distributed evenly in experimental tanks (15 fishes per tank, in triplicates). The results revealed that exposure to HMs led to significant (p < 0.05) alterations in all the tested parameters, i.e., liver damage and growth reduction. The herbal supplements, especially the MIX groups, ameliorated the harmful effects of HMs and restored fish growth, digestibility, carcass composition, and liver health. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the herbal supplements were effective in reducing the HMs-linked toxicity in Nile tilapia. Future studies pertaining to the mechanisms facilitated by the various herbal bioactive substances-linked tolerance to HMs in fishes are warranted.

Soil heavy metals contamination and health risk of an endemic plant in southeast of Damavand Mt., Iran.

Considering the toxicological effects of some heavy metals (HMs) in which directly related to mortality and carcinogenicity in the population by their entrance from plants through livestock grazing, and medical skin cream, the rehabilitation of contaminated sites through phytoremediation by native plants might be quite challenging. Diplotaenia damavandica Mozaff. ex-Hedge & Lamond, is used as medical skin creams due to the existence of specific ingredients, which can be effective in treating skin disease. In the present study, the plant and associated soil sampling were performed around the boundary of D. damavandica. The concentration was measured using the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results revealed the effect of existing endemic plants on reducing the average concentration of lead and zinc in soil by 40 and 60%, respectively, due to phytoremediation. EDX confirmed the presence of Pb and Zn in root and shoot tissues. Based on the results of this study, D. damavandica is an endemic perennial herbaceous plant with 60% biomass and prosperous root systems, which can grow in low contaminated areas of Pb in the southeast of Damavand Mt. Hence, the HMs pattern indicated less often in the aerial parts except for lead, which should be examined more carefully for skin cream uses.

Advanced approach combines integrated weight water quality index and potential toxic elements for environmental and health risk assessment supported by simulation technique in Oued Souf, Algeria.

The current research study evaluated the health and environmental risks issues associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the complex terminal aquifer located in the Algerian desert. The methods used included principal component and cluster (dendrogram) analysis to estimate source of ions and contamination. Various indices such as the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Metal Index, hazard quotient, hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were applied to assess both environmental and human health risks. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo method was applied for probabilistic assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks through oral and dermal exposure routes in both adults and children. The results revealed that approximately 16% of the samples fell within the low pollution category (HPI < 100), indicating relatively lower levels of heavy metal contamination. However, the remaining 84% of the samples exhibited high pollution levels, indicating a significant presence of heavy metal pollutants in the northeastern part of the investigated area. The calculated average risk index (RI) for the collected samples was 18.99, with a range from 0.03 to 103.21. This indicates that a large portion, 82% of the samples, could cause low ecological risk (RI < 30), whereas the remaining 18% indicate a significant environmental pollution risk. The HI for oral ingestion showed that adults had HI values ranging from 0.231 to 1.54, while children exhibited higher values, ranging from 0.884 to 5.9 (Fig. 5a). For dermal exposure, HI values in adults ranged from 2.71E-07 to 8.74E-06 and in children, from 2.18E-06 to 7.03E-05. These findings highlight the potential non-carcinogenic risks associated with oral exposure to PTEs and underscore the increased vulnerability of children to metals such as Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cr. Most samples showed CR exceeding 1 × 10-4 for chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb), indicating a significant vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both children and adults.

Molecular characterization and expression patterns of MTP genes under heavy metal stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.).

Members of the Metal Tolerance Protein (MTP) family are critical in mediating the transport and tolerance of divalent metal cations. Despite their significance, the understanding of MTP genes in mustard (Brassica juncea) remains limited, especially regarding their response to heavy metal (HM) stress. In our study, we identified MTP gene sets in Brassica rapa (17 genes), Brassica nigra (18 genes), and B. juncea (33 genes) using the HMMER (Cation_efflux; PF01545) and BLAST analysis. For the 33 BjMTPs, a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis covering the physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, protein structures, collinearity, spatiotemporal RNA-seq expression, GO enrichment, and expression profiling under six HM stresses (Mn2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Sb3+, and Pb2+) were carried out. According to the findings of physicochemical characteristics, phylogenetic tree, and collinearity, the allopolyploid B. juncea's MTP genes were inherited from its progenitors, B. rapa and B. nigra, with minimal gene loss during polyploidization. Members of the BjMTP family exhibited conserved motifs, promoter elements, and expression patterns across subgroups, consistent with the seven evolutionary branches (G1, G4-G9, and G12) of the MTPs. Further, spatiotemporal expression profiling under HM stresses successfully identified specific genes and crucial cis-regulatory elements associated with the response of BjMTPs to HM stresses. These findings may contribute to the genetic improvement of B. juncea for enhanced HM tolerance, facilitating the remediation of HM-contaminated areas.

Genome-wide identification of metal tolerance protein genes in Quercus dentata and their roles in response to various heavy metal stresses.

Metal tolerance protein (MTP) is a cation transporter that plays an important role in tolerance to heavy metal stress. However, thus far, there has been no genome-wide investigation of the MTP gene family in Quercus plants. Quercus dentata is one of the main constructive species of forest in northern China. It has strong tolerance to a variety of heavy metal stresses. In this study, 25 MTPs were identified from the Q. dentata genome and classified into three subfamilies and seven groups according to their sequence characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. Both tandem and segmental duplication events contributed to the expansion of the QdMTP gene family. Interestingly, all 10 tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of the Mn-CDF subfamily. The expression of Mn-CDF subfamily members in different organs and tissues of Q. dentata was different, and they responded differently to manganese, iron, zinc and cadmium stress treatments. QdMTP10.7, a member of the Mn-CDF subfamily, enhanced yeast growth under manganese, zinc and iron stresses. The subcellular localization in tobacco leaf epidermis cells showed that QdMTP10.7 was located in vacuoles. These data generated from this study provide an important foundation to elucidate the biological roles of QdMTP genes related to heavy metal tolerance in Q. dentata.

Mediation analysis for TNF-α as a mediator between multiple metal exposure and kidney function.

The association between metal mixtures and kidney function has been reported. However, reports on the mechanism of metal toxicity were limited. Oxidative stress was reported as a possible cause. This study aimed to determine the association between of kidney function and metals, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), and to explore the possible mediating role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) between metal toxicity and kidney function. In this study, we recruited 421 adults from a health examination. The concentration of blood metals was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We used linear regression models to assess the association between metals and TNF-α. Then, mediation analysis was applied to investigate the relationship between metal exposure, TNF-α, and kidney function. In univariate linear regression, blood As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn levels significantly increased TNF-α and decreased kidney function. Higher blood As and Pb levels significantly increased TNF-α in multivariable linear regressions after adjusting for covariates. We found that blood levels of As (coefficients = -0.021, p = 0.011), Pb (coefficients = -0.060, p < 0.001), and Zn (coefficients = -0.230, p < 0.001) showed a significant negative association with eGFR in the multiple-metal model. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that TNF-α mediated 41.7 %, 38.8 %, and 20.8 % of blood Cd, As and Pb, respectively. Among the essential elements, TNF-α mediated 24.5 %, 21.5 % and 19.9 % in the effects of blood Co, Cu, and Zn on kidney function, respectively. TNF-α, acting as a mediator, accounted for 20.1 % of the contribution between the WQS score of metal mixtures and the eGFR (p < 0.001). This study suggested that TNF-α may be a persuasive pathway mediating the association between metals and kidney function. Inflammation and kidney injury could be the underlying mechanisms of metal exposure. However, there is still a need to clarify the biochemical mechanism in follow-up studies.

The toxicological analysis and safety assessment of heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, and As) in food for special medical purposes (FSMP) available in Polish pharmacies for oncological patients.

The presence of heavy metals in food products may seem an archaic concern; however, our study reveals that the risk is significant, unexpectedly in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) for oncology patients available in Polish pharmacies. This investigation fills that gap through a detailed toxicological analysis and health risk assessment of these heavy metals in FSMP products (n = 23) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Our comprehensive risk assessment involved evaluating (1) the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in both liquid and powdered FSMP formulations, (2) the amount of heavy metals ingested per serving as specified by the manufacturer, and (3) the cumulative daily and weekly intake adjusted for body weight, benchmarked against the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). While most samples were below PTWI limits, Cd levels raised concerns due to potential cumulative exposure risks, particularly for oncology patients consuming these products regularly. This study underscores the hidden dangers of heavy metal contamination in FSMP, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure patient safety. By uncovering these latent risks through meticulous toxicological assessment, our research provides crucial insights that could safeguard vulnerable populations. This study is significant due to concerns related to the complex risk assessment of FSMP for cancer patients, considering the complexity of oncological diseases and other comorbid factors, as well as the verification of available legal and regulatory acts of FSMP at the European Community level.

In silico analysis of the impact of toxic metals on COVID-19 complications: molecular insights.

COVID-19 can cause a range of complications, including cardiovascular, renal, and/or respiratory insufficiencies, yet little is known of its potential effects in persons exposed to toxic metals. The aim of this study was to answer this question with in silico toxicogenomic methods that can provide molecular insights into COVID-19 complications owed to exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, and chromium. For this purpose we relied on the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD), GeneMANIA, and ToppGene Suite portal and identified a set of five common genes (IL1B, CXCL8, IL6, IL10, TNF) for the six metals and COVID-19, all of which code for pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The list was expanded with additional 20 related genes. Physical interactions are the most common between the genes affected by the six metals (77.64 %), while the dominant interaction between the genes affected by each metal separately is co-expression (As 56.35 %, Cd 64.07 %, Pb 71.5 %, Hg 81.91 %, Ni 64.28 %, Cr 88.51 %). Biological processes, molecular functions, and pathways in which these 25 genes participate are closely related to cytokines and cytokine storm implicated in the development of COVID-19 complications. In other words, our findings confirm that exposure to toxic metals, alone or in combinations, might escalate COVID-19 severity.

Prenatal exposure to air pollutants and the risk of congenital heart disease: a Korean national health insurance database-based study.

Air pollution and heavy metal exposure are emerging public health concerns. Prenatal exposure to air pollutants and heavy metals has been implicated in the development of congenital heart disease (CHD). However, the relationship between exposure to airborne heavy metals and CHD has not yet been investigated. Therefore, in this large population-based study, we investigated the association between air pollutants, including airborne heavy metals, and the risk of CHD using national health insurance claims data from South Korea. Data regarding 1,129,442 newborns and their mothers were matched with air pollutant levels during the first 8 weeks of gestation. In the five-air pollutant model, we found significant positive correlations between prenatal exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO2; odds ratio [OR] 6.843, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.746-8.149) and cadmium (Cd; OR 1.513, 95% CI 1.187-1.930) and the risk of ventricular septal defects in newborns. This study highlights the association between prenatal exposure to air pollutants, including airborne heavy metals, and an elevated CHD risk. Further research is essential to validate and expand these findings, with the ultimate goal of enhancing public health outcomes.

Release kinetic study of microplastics from N95 face masks and consequent effects on freshwater alga Scenedesmus obliquus.

The uncontrolled disposal of N95 face masks, widely used during the recent COVID-19 pandemic can release significant amounts of microplastics and other additives into aquatic bodies. This study aimed to: (i) to quantify and analyze the released microplastics and heavy metals from N95 face masks weathered for various time periods (24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h) and (ii) to assess the cytotoxicity potential of the leachates on a model organism, freshwater alga Scenedesmus obliquus. The mask leachates contained microplastics, polypropylene in different shapes and sizes, and heavy metals like Cu, Cd, and Zn. The leachates significantly reduced cell viability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and membrane damage. The effects were also accompanied by a significant drop in the photosynthetic yield. All of the examined parameters indicated a dose-response relationship, with longer leaching periods resulting in higher microplastic concentrations. Mask leachates severely damaged the structural integrity of the algal cells, as seen in scanning electron microscopy images. The findings of our study confirm that the releases from disposable N95 face masks pose a severe threat to freshwater microalgae, and the cascading effects would harm the aquatic ecosystems.

Ecological and human health risk associated with heavy metals (HMs) contaminant sourced from petroleum refinery oily sludge.

The environmental and human health risk of heavy metals (HMs) in petroleum based oily sludge (OS) varies depending upon the source of origin of the crude oil and treatment processes practiced at the refineries. Consequently, the present study explores the potential risk associated with HMs of OS obtained from different refinery sites to the environment and human health. The results showed that HMs (Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn) present in OS surpasses the permissible limit of WHO guidelines except for Cr. Additionally, the Igeo value (grade 3-6), Ef (2.48-121.4), PLI (5.12-22.65), Cd (32.48-204.76) and PERI (grade 1-5) confirmed the high level of HMs contamination into the OS and its risk to the environment. Besides, the hazard index (HI) and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for HMs show substantial risk to both adult and children health. Likewise, the G-mean enzyme index and potential soil enzyme risk index (PSERI) of the OS showed a high risk to soil biological properties. Furthermore, statistical analysis confirmed the heterogeneity in properties of the OS and its potential impact on the soil ecosystem arising from different sites. Finally, the study unveils a novel perspective on the environmental and human health consequences associated with the OS.

Assessing microbiological and heavy metal pollution in surface waters associated with potential human health risk assessment at fish ingestion exposure.

Fish represent a significant source of nutrients but also cause negative health effects due to their bioaccumulation capacity for pollutants. The aim of this study was to examine the transfer of metals from the water of several rivers (Somes, Tisa, Sasar, Lapus, Lapusel) to fish (Caras sp) tissue (subcutaneous fat, muscles, liver, intestines, kidneys, gills, brain, and eyes) and to identify and assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Cooper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Zinc (Zn) through the ingestion of fish (muscles and subcutaneous fat tissues). The obtained results indicated that a diet consisting of fish is particularly vulnerable, particularly in children compared to adults. The risk assessment results were below the threshold limit, although the fish samples contained heavy metals, with values exceeding the permitted limits of Fe (4.41-1604 mg/kg), Cr (727-4155 µg/kg), Zn (4.72-147 mg/kg), and Ni (333-2194 µg/kg). The studied surface waters are characterized by low and high degrees of pollution with heavy metals, as indicated by the heavy metal pollution index scores (HPI: 12.4-86.4) and the heavy metal evaluation index scores (HEI: 1.06-17.6). The considerable pollution levels are attributed to the high Mn content (0.61-49.7 µg/kg), which exceeded the limit up to fifty times. A consistent set of physico-chemical analysis (pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, turbidity, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, Ca, Mg, Na, K) was analysed in water samples as well. Considering the water quality index scores (WQI: 16.0-25.2), the surface waters exhibited good quality. Microbiological results indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and atypical colonies of coagulase-positive staphylococcus in fish. In contrast, the surface waters from which fish samples were collected were positive for Escherichia coli, and coliform bacteria intestinal Enterococci. Based on the study's results, it is recommended to exercise caution in the case of children related to the consumption of fish and using the waters for drinking purposes. This study provides important data of considerable novelty to the riparian population, researchers, and even policy makers on the quality status and potential levels of contamination of river waters, fish and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish that may cause adverse effects on human health if consumed, and similarly the heavy metal pollution degree of waters and the non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals through ingestion and skin absorption of water in children and adults (the study area is a significant source of fisheries).

Copper, Iron, Cadmium, and Arsenic, All Generated in the Universe: Elucidating Their Environmental Impact Risk on Human Health Including Clinical Liver Injury.

Humans are continuously exposed to various heavy metals including copper, iron, cadmium, and arsenic, which were specifically selected for the current analysis because they are among the most frequently encountered environmental mankind and industrial pollutants potentially causing human health hazards and liver injury. So far, these issues were poorly assessed and remained a matter of debate, also due to inconsistent results. The aim of the actual report is to thoroughly analyze the positive as well as negative effects of these four heavy metals on human health. Copper and iron are correctly viewed as pollutant elements essential for maintaining human health because they are part of important enzymes and metabolic pathways. Healthy individuals are prepared through various genetically based mechanisms to maintain cellular copper and iron homeostasis, thereby circumventing or reducing hazardous liver and organ injury due to excessive amounts of these metals continuously entering the human body. In a few humans with gene aberration, however, liver and organ injury may develop because excessively accumulated copper can lead to Wilson disease and substantial iron deposition to hemochromatosis. At the molecular level, toxicities of some heavy metals are traced back to the Haber Weiss and Fenton reactions involving reactive oxygen species formed in the course of oxidative stress. On the other hand, cellular homeostasis for cadmium and arsenic cannot be provided, causing their life-long excessive deposition in the liver and other organs. Consequently, cadmium and arsenic represent health hazards leading to higher disability-adjusted life years and increased mortality rates due to cancer and non-cancer diseases. For unknown reasons, however, liver injury in humans exposed to cadmium and arsenic is rarely observed. In sum, copper and iron are good for the human health of most individuals except for those with Wilson disease or hemochromatosis at risk of liver injury through radical formation, while cadmium and arsenic lack any beneficial effects but rather are potentially hazardous to human health with a focus on increased disability potential and risk for cancer. Primary efforts should focus on reducing the industrial emission of hazardous heavy metals.

Minimization of heavy metal toxicity in radish (Raphanus sativus) by strigolactone and biochar.

Due to the high solubility of Cd in water, it is considered a potential toxin which can cause cancer in humans. In plants, it is associated with the development of oxidative stress due to the generation of reactive oxygen species. To overcome this issue, the roles of different plant hormones are vital. Strigolactones, one of such natural plant hormones, show promise in alleviating cadmium toxicity by mitigating its harmful effects. Acidified biochar (AB) can also effectively mitigate cadmium toxicity via ion adsorption and pH buffering. However, the combined effects of strigolactone and AB still need in-depth investigations in the context of existing literature. This study aimed to assess the individual and combined impacts of SLs (0 and 25 µM) and AB (0 and 0.75% w/w) on radish growth under Cd toxicity, i.e., 0 and 20 mg Cd/kg soil. Using a fully randomized design (CRD), each treatment was administered in four replicates. In comparison to the control under 20 mg Cd/kg soil contamination, the results showed that 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB significantly improved the following: radish shoot length (~ 17%), root length (~ 47%), plant fresh weight (~ 28%), plant dry weight (~ 96%), chlorophyll a (~ 43%), chlorophyll b (~ 31%), and total chlorophyll (~ 37%). It was also noted that 0.75% AB was more pronounced in decreasing antioxidant activities than 25 µM strigolactone under 20 mg Cd/ kg soil toxicity. However, performing 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB was far better than the sole application of 25 µM strigolactone and 0.75% AB in decreasing antioxidant activities in radish plants. In conclusion, by regulating antioxidant activities, 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB can increase radish growth in cadmium-contaminated soils.

Characteristics and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements pollution in river water and sediment in typical gold mining areas of Northwest China.

To assess the concentration characteristics and ecological risks of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in water and sediment, 17 water samples and 17 sediment samples were collected in the Xiyu River to analyze the content of Cr, Ni, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Hg, and the environmental risks of PTEs was evaluated by single-factor pollution index, Nemerow comprehensive pollution index, potential ecological risk, and human health risk assessment. The results indicated that Hg in water and Pb, Cu, Cd in sediments exceeded the corresponding environmental quality standards. In the gold mining factories distribution river section (X8-X10), there was a significant increase in PTEs in water and sediments, indicating that the arbitrary discharge of tailings during gold mining flotation is the main cause of PTEs pollution. The increase in PTEs concentration at the end of the Xiyu River may be related to the increased sedimentation rate, caused by the slowing of the riverbed, and the active chemical reactions at the estuary. The single-factor pollution index and Nemerow pollution index indicated that the river water was severely polluted by Hg. Potential ecological risk index indicated that the risk of Hg in sediments was extremely high, the risk of Cd was high, and the risk of Pb and Cu was moderate. The human health risk assessment indicated that As in water at point X10 and Hg in water at point X9 may pose non-carcinogenic risk to children through ingestion, and As at X8-X10 and Cd at X14 may pose carcinogenic risk to adults through ingestion. The average HQingestion value of Pb in sediments was 1.96, indicating that the ingestion of the sediments may poses a non-carcinogenic risk to children, As in the sediments at X8-X10 and X15-X17 may pose non-carcinogenic risk to children through ingestion.

Time dependent release of microplastics from disposable face masks poses cyto-genotoxic risks in Allium cepa.

The use of disposable face masks (DFMs) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become a threat to the environment due to the release of microplastics (MPs). Although many reports have characterized and explored the release of MPs from DFMs and their effects in aquatic ecosystems, there is a lack of investigation into the effects in terrestrial plants. This report aims to fill this research gap by characterizing whole mask leachates (WMLs) collected at different time points and examining their toxicity on Allium cepa, a terrestrial model plant. Various analytical techniques including FE-SEM, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify MPs in WMLs. The MPs are composed of polypropylene mostly and the concentration of smaller-sized MPs increased with leachate release time. The WMLs showed a MP concentration-dependent cytogenotoxic effect (72 %, 50 %, and 31 %, on 1, 5, and 11-day WMLs, respectively) on A. cepa root cells due to elevated oxidative stress (19 %, 45 %, and 70 %, on 1, 5, and 11-day WMLs, respectively). Heavy metal content of the WMLs was negligible and, thus, not a significant contributor to toxicity in the plant. Overall, this report highlights the fate of DFMs in the environment and their biological impacts in a model plant.

Ecotoxicological risk of asphalt pavements to aquatic animals associated with pollutant leaching.

Contaminants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be released from asphalt pavement and transported through stormwater runoff to nearby water bodies, leading to water pollution and potential harm to living aquatic animals. This study characterizes the heavy metal and PAH leaching from various asphalt paving materials and their potential ecotoxicological effects on zebrafish Danio rerio. Artificial runoffs were prepared in the laboratory concerning the effects of water, temperature, and traffic. The concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs in the leachates were quantified, while the toxicity assessment encompassed mortality, metal stress, PAH toxicity, inflammation, carcinogenicity, and oxidative damage. Gene expressions of related proteins or transcription factors were assessed, including metallothionines, aryl hydrocarbon receptors, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-10, nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, tumor suppressor p53, heat shock protein 70, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The findings demonstrate that leachates from asphalt pavements containing waste bottom ash, crumb rubber, or specific chemicals could induce notable stress and inflammation responses in zebrafish. In addition, potential carcinogenic effects and the elevation of ROS were identified within certain treatment groups. This study represents the first attempt to assess the ecotoxicity of pavement leachates employing a live fish model, thereby improving the current understanding of the environmental impact of asphalt pavements.

Variation of sperm quality and circular RNA content in men exposed to environmental contamination with heavy metals in 'Land of Fires', Italy.

STUDY QUESTION: Can illegal discharge of toxic waste into the environment induce a new condition of morpho-epigenetic pathozoospermia in normozoospermic young men? SUMMARY ANSWER: Toxic environmental contaminants promote the onset of a new pathozoospermic condition in young normozoospermic men, consisting of morpho-functional defects and a sperm increase of low-quality circular RNA (circRNA) cargo, tightly linked to contaminant bioaccumulation in seminal plasma. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Epidemiological findings have reported several reproductive anomalies depending on exposure to contaminants discharged into the environment, such as germ cell apoptosis, steroidogenesis defects, oxidative stress induction, blood-testis barrier dysfunctions, and poor sperm quality onset. In this scenario, a vast geographical area located in Campania, Italy, called the 'Land of Fires', has been associated with an excessive illegal discharge of toxic waste into the environment, negatively impacting human health, including male reproductive functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic men divided into two experimental groups, consisting of men living in the 'Land of Fires' (LF; n = 80) or not (CTRL; n = 80), with age ranging from 25 to 40 years. The study was carried out following World Health Organization guidelines. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Quality parameters of semen from CTRL- and LF-normozoospermic men were evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis; high-quality spermatozoa from CTRL and LF groups (n = 80 for each experimental group) were obtained using a 80-40% discontinuous centrifugation gradient. Seminal plasma was collected following centrifugation and used for the dosage of chemical elements, dioxins and steroid hormones by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Sperm morpho-functional investigations (cellular morphology, acrosome maturation, IZUMO1 fertility marker analysis, plasma membrane lipid state, oxidative stress) were assessed on the purified high-quality spermatozoa fraction by immunochemistry/immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. Sperm circRNA cargo was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR, and the physical interaction among circRNAs and fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein was detected using an RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. Protein immunoprecipitation experiments were carried out to demonstrate FUS/p-300 protein interaction in sperm cells. Lastly, in vitro lead (Pb) treatment of high-quality spermatozoa collected from normozoospermic controls was used to investigate a correlation between Pb accumulation and onset of the morpho-epigenetic pathozoospermic phenotype. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Several morphological defects were identified in LF-spermatozoa, including: a significant increase (P < 0.05 versus CTRL) in the percentage of spermatozoa characterized by structural defects in sperm head and tail; and a high percentage (P < 0.01) of peanut agglutinin and IZUMO1 null signal cells. In agreement with these data, abnormal steroid hormone levels in LF seminal plasma suggest a premature acrosome reaction onset in LF-spermatozoa. The abnormal immunofluorescence signals of plasma membrane cholesterol complexes/lipid rafts organization (Filipin III and Flotillin-1) and of oxidative stress markers [3-nitrotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal] observed in LF-spermatozoa and associated with a sperm motility reduction (P < 0.01), demonstrated an affected membrane fluidity, potentially impacting sperm motility. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and dioxins occurring in LF seminal plasma and a direct correlation between Pb and deregulated circRNAs related to high- and low-sperm quality was also revealed. In molecular terms, we demonstrated that Pb bioaccumulation promoted FUS hyperacetylation via physical interaction with p-300 and, in turn, its shuttling from sperm head to tail, significantly enhancing (P < 0.01 versus CTRL) the endogenous backsplicing of sperm low-quality circRNAs in LF-spermatozoa. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Participants were interviewed to better understand their area of origin, their eating habits as well as their lifestyles, however any information incorrectly communicated or voluntarily omitted that could potentially compromise experimental group determination cannot be excluded. A possible association between seminal Pb content and other heavy metals in modulating sperm quality should be explored further. Future investigations will be performed in order to identify potential synergistic or anti-synergistic effects of heavy metals on male reproduction. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our study provides new findings regarding the effects of environmental contaminants on male reproduction, highlighting how a sperm phenotype classified as normozoospermic may potentially not match with a healthy morpho-functional and epigenetic one. Overall, our results improve the knowledge to allow a proper assessment of sperm quality through circRNAs as biomarkers to select spermatozoa with high morpho-epigenetic quality to use for ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was supported by 'Convenzione Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Caserta, Regione Campania' (ASL CE Prot. N. 1217885/DIR. GE). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.