Geographical distribution of nitrate pollution and its risk assessment using GIS and Monte Carlo simulation in drinking water in urban areas of Fars province-Iran during 2017-2021.

Pollution of water resources with nitrate is currently one of the major challenges at the global level. In order to make macro-policy decisions in water safety plans, it is necessary to carry out nitrate risk assessment in underground water, which has not been done in Fars province for all urban areas. In the current study, 9494 drinking water samples were collected in four seasons in 32 urban areas of Fars province in Iran, between 2017 and 2021 to investigate the non-carcinogenic health risk assessment. Geographical distribution maps of hazard quotient were drawn using geographical information system software. The results showed that the maximum amount of nitrate in water samples in 4% of the samples in 2021, 2.5% of the samples in 2020 and 3% of the samples in 2019 were more than the standard declared by World Health Organization guidelines (50 mg/L). In these cases, the maximum amount of nitrate was reported between 82 and 123 mg/L. The HQ values for infants did not exceed 1 in any year, but for children (44% ± 10.8), teenagers (10.8% ± 8.4), and adults (3.2% ± 1.7) exceeded 1 in cities, years, and seasons, indicating that three age groups in the studied area are at noticeably significant non-carcinogenic risk. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation showed that the average value of non-carcinogenic risk was less than 1 for all age groups. Moreover, the maximum HQ values (95%) were higher than 1 for both children and teenager, indicating a significant non-carcinogenic risk for the two age groups.

Hazard-mapping and health risk analysis of iron and arsenic contamination in the groundwater of Sylhet district.

This study investigates groundwater contamination by arsenic and iron and its health implications within the Sylhet district in Bangladesh. Utilizing geographic information system (GIS) and inverse distance weighting (IDW) methods, hazard maps have been developed to evaluate contamination risk across various upazilas. The findings show significant arsenic and iron pollution, particularly in the northwestern part of the district. In about 50% of the area, especially in Jaintiapur, Zakiganj, Companiganj, and Kanaighat where arsenic levels surpass 0.05 mg/L which is the standard limit of Bangladesh. Iron levels peak at 13.83 mg/L, severely impacting 45% of the region, especially in Gowainghat, northeastern Jaintiapur, Zakigonj, and Golabganj. The study employs USEPA health risk assessment methods to calculate the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) for both elements via oral and dermal exposure. Results indicate that children face greater noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults, with oral HI showing significant risk in Balagonj and Bishwanath. Dermal adsorption pathways exhibit comparatively lower risks. Cancer risk assessments demonstrate high carcinogenic risks from oral arsenic intake in all areas. This comprehensive analysis highlights the urgent need for effective groundwater management and policy interventions in the Sylhet district to mitigate these health risks and ensure safe drinking water.

Innovative DIY drinking water disinfection for underserved communities.

Waterborne pathogens threaten 2.2 billion people lacking access to safely managed drinking water services, causing over a million annual diarrheal deaths. Individuals without access to chlorine reagents or filtration devices often resort to do-it-yourself (DIY) methods, such as boiling or solar disinfection (SODIS). However, these methods are not simple to implement. In this study, we introduced an innovative and easily implemented disinfection approach. We discovered that immersing aluminum foil in various alkaline solutions produces alkali-treated aluminum foil (ATA foil) that effectively adsorbs Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Acinetobacter through the generated surface aluminum hydroxide. For example, a 25 cm2 ATA foil efficiently captures all 104E. coli DH5α strains in 100 mL water within 30 min. Using a saturated suspension of magnesium hydroxide, a type of fertilizer, as the alkaline solution, the properties of the saturated suspension eliminate the need for measuring reagents or changing solutions, making it easy for anyone to create ATA foil. ATA foils can be conveniently produced within mesh bags and placed in household water containers, reducing the risk of recontamination. Replacing the ATA foil with a foil improves the adsorption efficiency, and re-immersing the used foil in the production suspension restores its adsorption capacity. Consequently, ATA foil is an accessible and user-friendly alternative DIY method for underserved communities. Verification experiments covering variations in the water quality and climate are crucial for validating the efficacy of the foil. Fortunately, the ATA foil, with DIY characteristics similar to those of boiling and SODIS, is well-suited for testing under diverse global conditions, offering a promising solution for addressing waterborne pathogens worldwide.

Experimental trials to assess the immune modulatory influence of thyme and ginseng oil on NDV-vaccinated broiler chickens.

Background: The use of traditional medicine against viral diseases in animal production has been practiced worldwide. Herbal extracts possess organic substances that would improve chicken body performance. Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of either thyme or ginseng oil in regard to their immune-modulatory, antiviral, and growth promoter properties. Methods: Two hundred and forty-one-day-old broiler chicks were allocated into eight equal groups as the following: group 1; nonvaccinated and nontreated and group 2; Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccinated and nontreated. Birds of groups 3 and 4 were treated with thyme oil (200 mg/l of drinking water for 12 hours/day) without or with NDV vaccination. Birds of groups 5 and 6 were treated with ginseng oil (200 mg/l of drinking water for 12 hours/day) without or with NDV vaccination. Birds of groups 7 and 8 were treated with a combination of ginseng oil (100 mg/l of drinking water) and thyme oil (100 mg/l of drinking water) for 12 hours/day. On the 35th day of life, birds in all the experimental groups were given 0.1 ml of a virulent genotype VIId NDV strain suspension containing 106.3 EID50/ml intramuscularly. Results: Administration of ginseng and thyme oils each alone or simultaneously to birds either vaccinated or nonvaccinated elicited a significant improvement in body performance parameters. Administration of thyme and ginseng each alone or concurrently to vaccinated birds (Gp 4, 6, and 8) induced a higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer of 6, 7.3, and 6.3 log2 at 21 days of age, 6.7, 7.6, and 7 log2, at 28 days of age and 7, 8, and 6.8 log2 at 35 days of age, respectively. Challenge with vNDV genotype VII led to an increase in the NDV-specific HI-Ab titers 10 days post challenge in all the experimental groups. In addition, thyme, ginseng oils, or a combination of them improved the protection from mortality in vaccinated birds; by 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively, compared with 80% protection from mortality in vaccinated-only birds post-NDV challenge. Moreover, NDV-vaccinated birds treated either with thyme; ginseng or their combination showed negative detection of the virus in both tracheal and cloacal swabs and nonvaccinated groups that received oils showed improvement in vNDV shedding in tracheal and cloacal swabs. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the administration of thyme and ginseng essential oils to broilers can improve productive performance parameters, stimulate humoral immunity against, and protect from vNDV infection.

Evaluation of potentially toxic elements and microplastics in the water treatment facility.

The potentially harmful effects of consuming potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and microplastics (MPs) regularly via drinking water are a significant cause for worry. This study investigated PTEs (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pd, Zn, Co), MPs, turbidity, pH, conductivity, and health risk assessment in the water treatment plant in Kielce, Poland. Zn had the highest concentrations throughout the water treatment facility, whereas Cd, Pb, and Co had lower concentrations (< 0.1 µg/L). The order of the concentrations among the specified PTEs was like Zn˃Cu˃Ni˃Cr˃Cd˃Pb and Co. The minimum turbidity was 0.34, and the maximum was 1.9 NTU. The range of pH in water samples was 6.51-7.47. The conductivity was 1,203-1,445 ms in water samples. These identified MPs were categorized into fiber and fragments. The color of these identified MPs was blue, red, black, green, and transparent. The minimum and maximum size of the MPs was 196 and 4,018 µm, while the average size was 2,751 ± 1,905 µm. The average concentration of MPs per liter of the water treatment plant was 108.88 ± 55.61. The elements listed are C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, and Ti. Fe and Zn were the predominant elements seen using EDX. HQ values of the PTEs were less than one for adults and children. The human health risk associated with all detected PTEs revealed that the HQ values exhibit a satisfactory degree of non-carcinogenic adverse health risk. HI values for adults and children age groups were less than one. In most water treatment samples, the carcinogenic value exceeds the threshold value of 10-6. The PTEs and MP concentrations in drinking water should be periodically monitored to minimize consumers' environmental pollution and health risks.

All-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality in the population of a large Italian area contaminated by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (1980-2018).

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with many adverse health conditions. Among the main effects is carcinogenicity in humans, which deserves to be further clarified. An evident association has been reported for kidney cancer and testicular cancer. In 2013, a large episode of surface, ground and drinking water contamination with PFAS was uncovered in three provinces of the Veneto Region (northern Italy) involving 30 municipalities and a population of about 150,000. We report on the temporal evolution of all-cause mortality and selected cause-specific mortality by calendar period and birth cohort in the local population between 1980 and 2018. METHODS: The Italian National Institute of Health pre-processed and made available anonymous data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics death certificate archives for residents of the provinces of Vicenza, Padua and Verona (males, n = 29,629; females, n = 29,518) who died between 1980 and 2018. Calendar period analysis was done by calculating standardised mortality ratios using the total population of the three provinces in the same calendar period as reference. The birth cohort analysis was performed using 20-84 years cumulative standardised mortality ratios. Exposure was defined as being resident in one of the 30 municipalities of the Red area, where the aqueduct supplying drinking water was fed by the contaminated groundwater. RESULTS: During the 34 years between 1985 (assumed as beginning date of water contamination) and 2018 (last year of availability of cause-specific mortality data), in the resident population of the Red area we observed 51,621 deaths vs. 47,731 expected (age- and sex-SMR: 108; 90% CI: 107-109). We found evidence of raised mortality from cardiovascular disease (in particular, heart diseases and ischemic heart disease) and malignant neoplastic diseases, including kidney cancer and testicular cancer. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, an association of PFAS exposure with mortality from cardiovascular disease was formally demonstrated. The evidence regarding kidney cancer and testicular cancer is consistent with previously reported data.

Occurrence and Health Risk Assessment of Phthalates in Municipal Drinking Water Supply of a Central Indian City.

In this study, the occurrence of phthalates in the municipal water supply of Nagpur City, India, was studied for the first time. The study aimed to provide insights into the extent of phthalate contamination and identify potential sources of contamination in the city's tap water. We analyzed fifteen phthalates and the total concentration (∑15phthalates) ranged from 0.27 to 76.36 µg L-1. Prominent phthalates identified were di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), and di-nonyl phthalate (DNP). Out of the fifteen phthalates analyzed, DEHP showed the highest concentration in all the samples with the median concentration of 2.27 µg L-1, 1.39 µg L-1, 1.83 µg L-1, 2.02 µg L-1, respectively in Butibori, Gandhibaag, Civil Lines, and Kalmeshwar areas of the city. In 30% of the tap water samples, DEHP was found higher than the EPA maximum contaminant level of 6 µg L-1. The average daily intake (ADI) of phthalates via consumption of tap water was higher for adults (median: 0.25 µg kg-1 day-1) compared to children (median: 0.07 µg kg-1 day-1). The hazard index (HI) calculated for both adults and children was below the threshold level, indicating no significant health risks from chronic toxic risk. However, the maximum carcinogenic risk (CR) for adults (8.44 × 10-3) and children (7.73 × 10-3) was higher than the threshold level. Knowledge of the sources and distribution of phthalate contamination in municipal drinking water is crucial for effective contamination control and management strategies.

[Identification method of 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin in water by purge and trap-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry].

OBJECTIVE: To establishe an analysis and identification method for 2-methylisoborneol(2-MIB) and geosmin(GSM) in water using purge and trap-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. METHODS: The samples were enriched and analyzed using a purge and trap system, followed by the separation on a DB-624(30 m×0.25 mm, 1.4 µm) chromatographic column. Quantification was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with the selected ion monitoring and internal standard calibration. RESULTS: The calibration curves for 2-MIB and GSM showed an excellent linearity in the range of 1 to 100 ng/L with R~2 values greater than 0.999. The detection limit and quantification limit for both 2-MIB and GSM were 0.33 ng/L and 1.0 ng/L, respectively. Spike recovery experiments were further carried on the source water and drinking water at three concentration levels. It showed that the average recoveries were from 82.0% to 111.0% for 2-MIB while 84.0% to 110% for GSM. Additionally, the test precision of 2-MIB and GSM ranged from 1.9% to 7.3% and 1.9% to 5.0%(n=6), respectively. The analysis of multiple samples including the local source water, treated water and distribution network water confirmed the existence of 2-MIB and GSM. CONCLUSION: Compared to the national standard(GB/T 5750.8-2023), the proposed method enables fully automated sample introduction and analysis without the extra pre-treatment. It provides the advantages of simplicity, good repeatability and high accuracy.

Heavy metal association with chronic kidney disease of unknown cause in central India-results from a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown cause (CKDu) a disease of exclusion, and remains unexplained in various parts of the world, including India. Previous studies have reported mixed findings about the role of heavy metals or agrochemicals in CKDu. These studies compared CKDu with healthy controls but lacked subjects with CKD as controls. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis whether heavy metals, i.e. Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Chromium (Cr) are associated with CKDu, in central India. METHODS: The study was conducted in a case-control manner at a tertiary care hospital. CKDu cases (n = 60) were compared with CKD (n = 62) and healthy subjects (n = 54). Blood and urine levels of As, Cd, Pb, and Cr were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometry. Pesticide use, painkillers, smoking, and alcohol addiction were also evaluated. The median blood and urine metal levels were compared among the groups by the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. RESULTS: CKDu had significantly higher pesticide and surface water usage as a source of drinking water. Blood As levels (median, IQR) were significantly higher in CKDu 91.97 (1.3-132.7) µg/L compared to CKD 4.5 (0.0-58.8) µg/L and healthy subjects 39.01 (4.8-67.4) µg/L (p < 0.001) On multinominal regression age and sex adjusted blood As was independently associated with CKDu[ OR 1.013 (95%CI 1.003-1.024) P < .05].Blood and urinary Cd, Pb, and Cr were higher in CKD compared to CKDu (p > .05). Urinary Cd, Pb and Cr were undetectable in healthy subjects and were significantly higher in CKDu and CKD compared to healthy subjects (P = < 0.001). There was a significant correlation of Cd, Pb and Cr in blood and urine with each other in CKDu and CKD subjects as compared to healthy subjects. Surface water use also associated with CKDu [OR 3.178 (95%CI 1.029-9.818) p < .05). CONCLUSION: The study showed an independent association of age and sex adjusted blood As with CKDu in this Indian cohort. Subjects with renal dysfunction (CKDu and CKD) were found to have significantly higher metal burden of Pb, Cd, As, and Cr as compared to healthy controls. CKDu subjects had significantly higher pesticide and surface water usage, which may be the source of differential As exposure in these subjects.

Cymbopogon proximus and Petroselinum crispum seed ethanolic extract/Gum Arabic nanogel emulsion: Preventing ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis in rats.

Urolithiasis is a prevalent urological disorder that contributes significantly to global morbidity. This study aimed to assess the anti-urolithic effects of Cymbopogon proximus (Halfa Bar) and Petroselinum crispum (parsley) seed ethanolic extract /Gum Arabic (GA) emulsion, and its nanogel form against ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium chloride (AC)-induced experimental urolithiasis in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 received EG with AC in drinking water for 14 days to induce urolithiasis, groups 3 and 4 were orally administered emulsion (600 mg/kg/day) and nanogel emulsion (600 mg/kg/day) for 7 days, followed by co-administration with EG and AC in drinking water for 14 days. Urolithiatic rats exhibited a significant decrease in urinary excreted magnesium, and non-enzymic antioxidant glutathione and catalase activity. Moreover, they showed an increase in oxalate crystal numbers and various urolithiasis promoters, including excreted calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and uric acid. Renal function parameters and lipid peroxidation were intensified. Treatment with either emulsion or nanogel emulsion significantly elevated urolithiasis inhibitors, excreted magnesium, glutathione levels, and catalase activities. Reduced oxalate crystal numbers, urolithiasis promoters' excretion, renal function parameters, and lipid peroxidation while improving histopathological changes. Moreover, it decreased renal crystal deposition score and the expression of Tumer necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cleaved caspase-3. Notably, nanogel emulsion showed superior effects compared to the emulsion. Cymbopogon proximus (C. proximus) and Petroselinum crispum (P. crispum) seed ethanolic extracts/GA nanogel emulsion demonstrated protective effects against ethylene glycol induced renal stones by mitigating kidney dysfunction, oxalate crystal formation, and histological alterations.

Cytotoxicity of emerging halophenylacetamide disinfection byproducts in drinking water: Mechanism and prediction.

Halophenylacetamides (HPAcAms) have been identified as a new group of nitrogenous aromatic disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water, but the toxicity mechanisms associated with HPAcAms remain almost completely unknown. In this work, the cytotoxicity of HPAcAms in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells was evaluated, intracellular oxidative stress/damage levels were analyzed, their binding interactions with antioxidative enzyme were explored, and a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was established. Results indicated that the EC50 values of HPAcAms ranged from 2353 µM to 9780 µM, and the isomeric structure as well as the type and number of halogen substitutions could obviously induce the change in the cytotoxicity of HPAcAms. Upon exposure to 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetamide (3,4-DCPAcAm), various important biomarkers linked to oxidative stress and damage, such as reactive oxygen species, 8­hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, and cell apoptosis, exhibited a significant increase in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, 3,4-DCPAcAm could directly bind with Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and induce the alterations in the structure and activity, and the formation of complexes was predominantly influenced by the van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding. The QSAR model supported that the nucleophilic reactivity as well as the molecular compactness might be highly important in their cytotoxicity mechanisms in HepG2 cells, and 2-(2,4-dibromophenyl)acetamide and 2-(3,4-dibromophenyl)acetamide deserved particular attention in future studies due to the relatively higher predicted cytotoxicity. This study provided the first comprehensive investigation on the cytotoxicity mechanisms of HPAcAm DBPs.

Detection and characterisation of microplastics in tap water from Gauteng, South Africa.

This study reports the presence, concentration, and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in tap water in three suburbs in Gauteng Province in South Africa. Physical characterisation was conducted using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy following staining of MPs with the Rose Bengal dye. The concentrations of MPs in all samples ranged from 4.7 to 31 particles/L, with a mean of 14 ± 5.6 particles/L. Small-sized (<1 mm) and fibrous-shaped MPs were most abundant in all samples. Fibers accounted for 83.1% of MPs in samples from all the three areas, followed by fragments (12.4%), pellets/beads (3.1%), and films (1.5%), with a minor variation in the distribution of shapes and sizes in samples from each area. Raman microspectroscopy was used for chemical analysis, and five polymers were identified, namely: high-density polyethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(hexamethylene terephtalamide), and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid). C.I Pigment Red 1, C.I. Solvent Yellow 4, Potassium indigotetrasulphonate, and C.I Pigment Black 7 were the colourants detected. These colourants are carcinogenic and mutagenic and are potentially toxic to humans. The prevalence of MPs in tap water implies their inadequate removal during water treatment. For instance, the presence of poly(AM-co-AA) suggests that drinking water treatment plants may be a potential source of MPs in tap water. Other polymers, e.g., high-density polyethylene may be released from pipes during the transportation of drinking water. The estimated daily consumption of MPs from tap water was 1.2, 0.71, and 0.50 particles/kg.day for children, men, and women, respectively. The findings of this study provide evidence of the presence of MPs in drinking water in South Africa, thus giving some insights into the performance of treatment plants in removing these contaminants and a benchmark for the formulation of standard limits for the amount of MPs in drinking water.

Molecular-weight dependent promotion and competition effects of natural organic matter on dissolved black carbon removal by coagulation.

Dissolved black carbon (DBC) is the ubiquitous component of dissolved organic matter pools with the high reactivity for disinfection byproducts formation. However, it is unknown that the influence of molecular weight (MW) of natural organic matter (NOM) on the DBC removal from potable water sources. Therefore, it was studied that the DBC removal by coagulation in the presence of the NOM with various molecular weights. The DBC removal was promoted due to the presence of NOM and the promotion degree decreased with decreasing MW of NOM. Furthermore, the removal ratio of humic-like component increased as the MW of NOM decreased, suggesting that the competition between DBC and NOM increased with decreasing MW. The functional groups after coagulation were the same with that before coagulation as the MW of NOM varied, suggesting that the molecular structure was not the key factor of influencing the DBC removal. This study will give the deep insight into the prediction of the DBC removal ratio by coagulation based on the MW of NOM in water sources.

Geographical distribution of radon and associated health risks in drinking water samples collected from the Mulazai area of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Geospatial methods, such as GIS and remote sensing, map radon levels, pinpoint high-risk areas and connect geological traits to radon presence. These findings direct health planning, focusing tests, mitigation, and policies where radon levels are high. Overall, geospatial analyses offer vital insights, shaping interventions and policies to reduce health risks from radon exposure. There is a formidable threat to human well-being posed by the naturally occurring carcinogenic radon (222Rn) gas due to high solubility in water. Under the current scenario, it is crucial to assess the extent of 222Rn pollution in our drinking water sources across various regions and thoroughly investigate the potential health hazards it poses. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate the concentration of 222Rn in groundwater samples collected from handpumps and wells and to estimate health risks associated with the consumption of 222Rn-contaminated water. For this purpose, groundwater samples (n = 30) were collected from handpumps, and wells located in the Mulazai area, District Peshawar. The RAD7 radon detector was used as per international standards to assess the concentration of 222Rn in the collected water samples. The results unveiled that the levels of 222Rn in the collected samples exceeded the acceptable thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) of 11.1 Bq L-1. Nevertheless, it was determined that the average annual dose was below the recommended limit of 0.1 mSv per year, as advised by both the European Union Council and the World Health Organization. In order to avoid the harmful effects of such excessive 222Rn concentrations on human health, proper ventilation and storage of water in storage reservoirs for a long time before use is recommended to lower the 222Rn concentration.

Investigation of the protective effect of chitosan against arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney tissue.

Arsenic is an important metalloid that can cause poisoning in humans and domestic animals. Exposure to arsenic causes cell damage, increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Chitosan is a biopolymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin with antioxidant and metal ion chelating properties. In this study, the protective effect of chitosan on arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage was investigated. 32 male Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each as control group (C), chitosan group (CS group), arsenic group (AS group), and arsenic+chitosan group (AS+CS group). The C group was given distilled water by oral gavage, the AS group was given 100 ppm/day Na-arsenite ad libitum with drinking water, the CS group was given 200 mg/kg/day chitosan dissolved in saline by oral gavage, the AS+CS group was given 100 ppm/day Na-arsenite ad libitum with drinking water and 200 mg/kg/day chitosan dissolved in saline by oral gavage for 30 days. At the end of the 30-day experimental period, 90 mg/kg ketamine was administered intraperitoneally to all rats, and blood samples and kidney tissues were collected. Urea, uric acid, creatinine, P, Mg, K, Ca, Na, Cystatin C (CYS-C), Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Kidney Injury Molecule 1 (KIM-1) levels were measured in serum samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the supernatant obtained from kidney tissue were analyzed by ELISA method. Compared with AS group, uric acid and creatinine levels of the AS+CS group were significantly decreased (p<0.001), urea, KIM-1, CYS-C, NGAL, and MDA levels were numerically decreased and CAT, GSH, and SOD levels were numerically increased (p>0.05). In conclusion, based on both biochemical and histopathological-immunohistochemical- immunofluorescence findings, it can be concluded that chitosan attenuates kidney injury and protects the kidney.

Prevalence and concentration of pesticides in European waters: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is currently a growing interest in the so-called emerging pollutants, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal hygiene care products, drugs, etc., whose presence in natural ecosystems is not necessarily recent, but the development in latest years of new and more sensitive methods of analysis has allowed their detection. They can be present in the natural environment, food, and many products of everyday origin, which suggests that human exposure to them is massive and universal. Therefore, the study of this type of substances is becoming one of the priority lines of research of the main agencies dedicated to the protection of public and environmental health, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) or European Union (EU). In this sense, it is of vital importance to know the nature and quantity of this type of contaminants, to establish preventive mechanisms that minimize its presence in aquatic systems, with special requirements for human consumption. This study aimed to describe a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the status of pesticides in European waters. We will search for original studies in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, ScienceDirect databases. Prevalence studies of emerging contaminants (pesticides) in water resources (watersheds, aquifers, rivers, marine and springs), wastewaters (influent and effluent), and drinking water should be included. Two reviewers will independently screen and assess the included studies, with any disagreements being resolved by a third reviewer. We will summarize the findings using a narrative approach and, if possible, conduct a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). We will conduct the protocol following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The review will summarize the current evidence on the presence of pesticides in European waters such as glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, pyrethroid pesticides, neonicotinoid pesticides, and/or fungicides, in samples of different water resources like wastewaters and drinking water. We expect that this systematic review will establish preventive mechanisms that minimize the presence of pesticides in water in the environment.

Arsenic Methyltransferase and Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism in Pregnant Women Exposed to Inorganic Arsenic in Drinking Water in Western Romania.

Previous studies have shown that inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure may be associated with genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between several polymorphisms in AS3MT and APOE genes and urinary As and the relationship between these polymorphisms and pregnancy loss. We determined urinary As concentrations and performed genotyping analysis in 50 cases of spontaneous pregnancy loss and 50 controls, matched to cases on gestational age. The most frequently identified AS3MT polymorphisms in both cases and controls were in rs10748835 (80% cases and 68% controls), rs3740400 (78% cases and 64% controls), rs7085104 (74% cases and 48% controls), and rs1046778 (62% cases and 54% controls). We identified 30 different haplotypes in AS3MT SNPs, with four predominant haplotypes (>8%). Cases with Haplotype 1 had four-fold higher urinary DMA and two-fold higher MMA concentration than those without this haplotype, the MMA levels were lower in cases and controls with Haplotype 4 compared to Haplotype 1, and the DMA levels were significantly lower in cases with Haplotype 4 compared to Haplotype 3. Cases with Haplotype 1 had higher levels of all analyzed biomarkers, suggesting that Haplotype 1 may be associated with greater exposure to iAs and tobacco smoke. Our results suggest the importance of the AS3MT gene in iAs metabolism among pregnant women with low-level drinking water iAs exposure.

[Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Water of Changshou Lake Reservoir, Chongqing].

To understand the water pollution status and environmental risks of Changshou Lake, the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in the water were collected and analyzed during different seasons. The study investigated temporal and spatial variations, distribution characteristics, pollution levels, and health risks associated with heavy metals in Changshou Lake. The results showed that all six heavy metals were below than the Class Ⅰ standard of the Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard (GB 3838-2002), but recent years have witnessed an increasing trend, with Cu, As, and Pb showing a significant increase (P<0.05). The temporal and spatial distributions of these heavy metals were different. Temporally, Cr and Cd concentrations in surface water were higher in summer, As and Zn were higher in spring, and Pb and Cu were higher in autumn and winter. Spatially, the concentrations of Cr, As, Cu, Zn, and Pb showed higher concentrations in the southern outlet of the reservoir, the northwestern Longxi River inlet, and the central part of the reservoir, whereas Cd was higher in the northern stagnant area. The overall levels of heavy metals in the water body of Changshou Lake were low, with Cr and Cu slightly polluted, while other heavy metals were identified as having an insignificant pollution level. Drinking water was the primary exposure pathway to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic heavy metals in surface water bodies. The health risk values of Cr and As in water bodies were high, ranging from 6.2×10-10 to 3.0×10-4 and 5.1×10-8 to 3.9×10-5, respectively. The corresponding contribution rates for children and adults to the total health risk were high, with Cr accounting for 87.18% and 87.20%, respectively, while As accounted for 12.73% and 12.71%, respectively. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize environmental risks associated with Cr and Cu, as well as the health risks associated with Cr and As in Changshou Lake These findings provide a scientific foundation for water pollution control and environmental quality improvement in Changshou Lake, and rational development and utilization of water resources.

Microplastics in drinking water: A review on methods, occurrence, sources, and potential risks assessment.

Microplastics in drinking water captured widespread attention following reports of widespread detection around the world. Concerns have been raised about the potential adverse effects of microplastics in drinking water on human health. Given the widespread interest in this research topic, there is an urgent need to compile existing data and assess current knowledge. This paper provides a systematic review of studies on microplastics in drinking water, their evidence, key findings, knowledge gaps, and research needs. The data collected show that microplastics are widespread in drinking water, with large variations in reported concentrations. Standardized methodologies of sampling and analysis are urgently needed. There were more fibrous and fragmented microplastics, with the majority being <10 µm in size and composed of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Little attention has been paid to the color of microplastics. More research is needed to understand the occurrence and transfer of microplastics throughout the water supply chain and the treatment efficiency of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Methods capable of analyzing microplastics <10 µm and nanoplastics are urgently needed. Potential ecological assessment models for microplastics currently in use need to be improved to take into account the complexity and specificity of microplastics.