The toxicological analysis and assessment of essential elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) dedicated to oncological patients available in Polish pharmacies.

Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) for oncology patients, available in pharmacies, play a crucial role in providing nutrition and supplementation. However, the scientific literature lacks comprehensive research on the safety of essential trace elements in these products. This study aimed to assess Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn levels in commonly prescribed FSMPs (n = 23) from Polish pharmacies. Using ICP-MS after microwave-induced digestion (using concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide), we evaluated element levels. Our research used three approaches: the raw score for Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn; single intake per serving; and the daily ration, compared with the reference values of the European Food Safety Authority. Discrepancies were found between the actual and declared product compositions, influenced by the route of administration and the recommended intake. Despite variations, all products were considered safe for oncological patients based on current evidence. However, it is recommended to have clear guidelines for FSMPs in cancer care. This pioneering study evaluates the safety and quality of prescription FSMPs for cancer patients from toxicological and nutritional perspectives, highlighting the need for standardised protocols in pharmacy-dispensed FSMPs.

Assessment of two non-invasive techniques for measuring turbulent benthic fluxes in a shallow lake.

Benthic fluxes refer to the exchange rates of nutrients and other compounds between the water column and the sediment bed in aquatic ecosystems. Their quantification contributes to our understanding of aquatic ecosystem functioning. Near-bed hydrodynamics plays an important role at the sediment-water interface, especially in shallow lakes, but it is poorly considered by traditional measuring techniques of flux quantification, such as sediment incubations. Thus, alternative sampling techniques are needed to characterize key benthic fluxes under in-situ hydrodynamic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of two promising methods: relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) and mass transfer coefficient (MTC). We applied them in a hyper-eutrophic shallow lake to measure the fluxes of ammonium, phosphate, iron, and manganese ions. For the first time, REA revealed hourly nutrient flux variations, indicating a strong lake biogeochemical dynamics at short time-scales. Daily average fluxes are of similar orders of magnitude for REA and MTC for ammonium (24 and 42 mmol m2 d-1), manganese (1.0 and 0.8), and iron (0.8 and 0.7) ions. They are one order of magnitude higher than fluxes estimated from sediment incubations, due to the difficulty in reproducing in-situ oxygen and hydrodynamic conditions in the laboratory. Although the accuracy of both techniques needs to be improved, the results revealed their potential: REA follows the short-term biogeochemical dynamics of sediments, while MTC could be widely used for lake monitoring because of its simpler implementation.

Semi-quantitative health risk assessment of heavy metal dust exposure among nail technicians using the SQRA technique and Monte Carlo simulation.

Nail technology, including the application of artificial nails and nail care, is a developing sector of the global beauty industry. Nail technicians are exposed to a variety of chemical substances through inhalation, as they spend extended periods of time in close proximity to these materials. This study aimed to evaluate the semi-quantitative health risk of dust-containing heavy metals among nail technicians. This analytical descriptive study employed the risk assessment method provided by the Singapore Occupational Health Department to evaluate the health hazards of lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and manganese. Dust samples from nail filing were collected from the respiratory zone of 20 nail technicians following the NIOSH 7300 method. The samples were analyzed using ICP-OES instrumentation. Monte Carlo simulation was utilized to characterize the risk and its uncertainties. Manganese and cadmium had the highest and lowest mean concentrations, respectively. The risk scores of the metals ranked from highest to lowest were as follows: Ni>Cr>Cd>Mn>Pb. All five metals had risk rankings below 2.8, signifying a minimal risk level. Sensitivity analysis using Spearman's correlation coefficient demonstrated a positive relationship between concentration, daily hours of exposure, and the number of workdays per week with the risk score (RR) and exposure level (ER). Conversely, the variable of weekly working hours (W) showed a negative correlation with these parameters. Despite the low-risk level of the examined metals, continuous exposure and potential long-term effects on nail technicians warrant preventive measures. Recommendations include implementing local exhaust ventilation systems, using table fans, establishing work-rest cycles, wearing N95 dust masks, and using reputable and high-quality nail polishes.

Trace elements in tea in Ouargla, Algeria and health risk assessment.

Tea is one of the most common drinks, consumed for its pleasant flavour and several medicinal values. The present study aimed to determine the levels of trace elements in tea products marketed in the Saharan region of Ouargla, Algeria and to evaluate the health risks associated with its regular consumption in adults and infants. To this aim, 78 tea samples were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry. Tea samples appeared to be contaminated by lead (0.73 ± 0.08 µg g-1) and aluminium (0.22 ± 0.02 µg g-1). Cadmium, arsenic, mercury, cobalt, manganese, nickel, chromium, zinc and copper were also detected. General linear model analysis indicated that black tea samples were the most contaminated. Tea samples packed in tea bags were the most contaminated with arsenic, aluminium and manganese. The hazard index was 0.28 and 1.33 for adults and for infants, respectively, indicating adverse non-carcinogenic effects in infants.

Probabilistic risk assessment for determining nonessential metals in commercial infant formula products in Taiwan.

During the early months of life, infant formula plays a crucial role as a primary source of both food and essential nutrients for infants, serving as a replacement for or supplement to breast milk. However, nonessential metals in infant formulas are a concern because infants are highly vulnerable to chemical exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate infant exposure to nonessential metals in infant formula products in Taiwan and assess the associated health risks. In this study, concentrations of arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and vanadium (V) in 45 formula products for 0-1-year-old infants were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mean As, Ba, Cd, Mn, Pb, and V concentrations were 6.42, 280, 3.72, 1425, 20.4, and 21.9 µg/kg, respectively. According to our probabilistic simulation of the estimated daily intake of metals, the proportion of hazard quotients exceeding one was 7.69% for As and 3.29% for Mn, and that of hazard index (HI) values exceeding 1 was >17% for metals. Arsenic had the largest HI contribution (46.9%), followed by Mn (22.3%) and Pb (12.7%). The nonessential metals content in infant formula raises potential noncarcinogenic health concerns for infants in Taiwan. Therefore, regulations for nonessential metals must be imposed on related food products in Taiwan, with a particular focus on As and Mn.

Heavy metals pollution of soil in central plains urban agglomeration (CPUA), China: human health risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation.

The present study conducted the concentration evaluation, pollution assessment, source analysis, and risk assessment of heavy metals in the soil of the CPUA, China, to contribute to the smooth construction of urban agglomeration. Elevated levels of mean concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) in the soils were shown compared to background values. Cu and zinc (Zn) and also lead (Pb) and Cd exhibited spatial similarity. Manganese (Mn) and Cr exhibited point source characteristics such as the concentrations at a point much higher than the surrounding area. The potential ecological risk in the northern region belonged to the moderate risk level category. Cd contributed over 90% to the potential ecological risk. The health risk among children was higher than that among adults. The major exposure pathways were different for adults and children. Exposure, as shown using Hazard Index (HI), to adults was mainly through the skin contact route, while to children was through both the skin contact and ingestion route. The primary CR (carcinogenic risk) to adults was through the inhalation route, while that to children was through the ingestion route. In both children and adults, Cr was the main contributor to HI and CR. According to the Monte Carlo simulation results, the cumulative probability of exceeding the critical value of HI for children was approximately 2.8-3.0 times that for adults. According to the sensitivity analysis results, non-carcinogenic risk prevention should begin mainly by reducing exposure duration and skin contact. The cancer risk may be reduced primarily by decreasing the exposure duration and controlling ingestion. The PMF (Positive Matrix Factorization) source analysis revealed that Pb mainly came from transportation sources. In addition, Cu, Pb, and Mn were derived mainly from agricultural sources. Cr was derived mostly from a natural source, and Cd originated mainly from an industrial source.

First assessment of atmospheric pollution by trace elements and particulate matter after a severe collapse of a tailings dam, Minas Gerais, Brazil: An insight into biomonitoring with Tillandsia usneoides and a public health dataset.

In this study, samples of bromeliad Tillandsia usneoides (n = 70) were transplanted and exposed for 15 and 45 days in 35 outdoor residential areas in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais state, Brazil) after one of the most severe mining dam collapses in the world. Trace elements aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) were quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. Scanning electron microscope generated surface images of T. usneoides fragments and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10 and PM > 10). Aluminum, Fe and Mn stood out from the other elements reflecting the regional geological background. Median concentrations in mg kg-1 increased (p < 0.05) between 15 and 45 days for Cr (0.75), Cu (1.23), Fe (474) and Mn (38.1), while Hg (0.18) was higher at 15 days. The exposed-to-control ratio revealed that As and Hg increased 18.1 and 9.4-fold, respectively, not showing a pattern associated only with the most impacted sites. The PM analysis points to a possible influence of the prevailing west wind on the increase of total particles, PM2.5 and PM10 in transplant sites located to the east. Brazilian public health dataset revealed increase in cases of some cardiovascular and respiratory diseases/symptoms in Brumadinho in the year of the dam collapse (1.38 cases per 1000 inhabitants), while Belo Horizonte capital and its metropolitan region recorded 0.97 and 0.37 cases, respectively. Although many studies have been carried out to assess the consequences of the tailings dam failure, until now atmospheric pollution had not yet been evaluated. Furthermore, based on our exploratory analysis of human health dataset, epidemiological studies are required to verify possible risk factors associated with the increase in hospital admissions in the study area.

Assessment of the Concentration of 51 Elements in the Liver and in Various Parts of the Human Brain-Profiling of the Mineral Status.

The anthropogenic environment and diet introduce many metals into the human body, both essential and toxic. Absorption leads to systemic exposure and accumulation in body fluids and tissues. Both excess and deficiency of trace elements are health hazards. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of 51 elements in liver samples and 11 selected brain regions obtained at post-mortem examination from a population of adults living in south-eastern Poland (n = 15). A total of 180 analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in two independent replicates. The collected data show very high individual variability in the content of the investigated elements. Macroelements such as sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc occurred in the highest concentrations and with the greatest statistically significant variations. Although the elemental content of the brain and liver differed significantly, the strongest positive correlation between liver and polus frontalis was observed for the essential element selenium (0.9338) and the strongest negative one for manganese (-0.4316) and lanthanum (-0.5110). The brain areas studied have different requirements for phosphorus, manganese, iron, and molybdenum. In addition, males had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher brain content of lanthanides and actinides than females. The results of this study show that the inhabitants of south-eastern Poland are exposed to a fairly uniform accumulation of aluminum and vanadium in the brain, which have the highest affinity to the thalamus dorsalis. This result proves that there is environmental exposure to these elements.

Health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) concentrations in soil and fruits of selected perennial economic trees growing naturally in the vicinity of the abandoned mining ponds in Kuba, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) Plateau State, Nigeria.

This study was designed to determine the level of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in soil and selected fruits and assesses the health risk of inhabitants in the abandoned tin mining community in Kuba, Bokkos LGA. Samples of the abandoned mine soil and selected fruits mango (Magnifera indica), guava (Psidium guajava), avocado pear (Persea americana), and banana (Musa spp)) from the vicinity of the abandoned mine were analyzed for the presence of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that the levels of all the PTEs analysed in the abandoned mine soil samples were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than their corresponding values in the control soil from the non-mining area. Except for Cd, the mean concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb were significantly higher than the FAO/WHO maximum permissible limit. Except for Zn in guava fruits and Cd in avocado fruits, the mean concentration of PTEs in fruits from abandoned mines was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than their corresponding control values. In contrast, the mean levels of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb in the investigated fruits were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits established for fruits. The studied fruits remarkably took up and bioaccumulated PTEs from the abandoned mine soil. Mango fruit significantly bioaccumulated As (5.40), Cd (3.40), and Zn (2.81). Guava fruit bioaccumulated As (1.50) and Cd (4.60), while avocado bioaccumulated As (3.53), Cd (3.80), and Zn (6.48). Banana bioaccumulated As (0.96), Cd (0.80), and Zn (6.78). The hazard quotient values for PTEs investigated in fruits for adults, and children were several folds greater than 1. The hazard index (HI) for the PTEs through consuming fruits for children and adults was greater than 1, indicating that possible health risks exist for both local children and adults. However, the HI values for the children were higher than those for adults, implying that children were exposed to more potential noncarcinogenic health risks from PTEs than adults. The total cancer risk (TCR) values for Cr and Ni for all the fruits studied were within 10-3-10-1, which is several-fold higher than the permissible limits (10-6 and < 10-4), indicating high carcinogenic risk. TCR values for Cd and Pb in all the fruits, except for Cd in guava and avocado fruits for children, were within the range of 10-5-10-4, indicating that they are associated with moderate risk. The CR values for all the PTEs in all the fruits for adults and children except for mango fruit adults were within 10-2-10-1, indicating high carcinogenic risk. In conclusion, the results and risk assessment provided by this study indicate that human exposure to fruits from abandoned mines suggests a high vulnerability of the local community to PTE toxicity. Long-term preventive measures to safeguard the health of the residents need to be put in place.

Spatial distribution of elements, environmental effects, and economic potential of waste from the Aksu ferroalloy plant [Kazakhstan].

The utilization or secondary use of technogenic waste is a relevant problem for the current economy. To assess the environmental influence and economic potential, it is necessary to study the elemental content of technogenic objects and to reveal the tendencies of the spatial distribution of elements, components, and indices such as the pollution coefficient. In this study, we performed elemental analysis, and calculation of indicators: average gross content, hazard quotients, concentration coefficients of metals, and total pollution coefficients of ground samples taken from the ash-slag storage of the Aksu ferroalloy plant [Aksu, Pavlodar region, Kazakhstan]. Maps of the spatial distribution of concentrations of elements and total pollution coefficients were created. The territory of the studied ash-slag storage by the level of soil contamination should be considered as an environmental disaster zone. The given statistical data on the number of oncological and respiratory diseases indirectly indicated the negative influence of open storage of ash-slag waste. The studied ground was of chromium-manganese geochemical specialization. The calculated volume of the accumulated waste mass by the approximating method was 1 054 638.0 m3. The calculated approximate weight of the accumulated waste was 23 679 576.0864 tons, including 1 822 972.2 tons of chromium, 1 727 354.0 tons of manganese, and 953 813.3 tons of iron. The large amounts of valuable components retained in the waste mass led us to conclude that the studied technogenic object can be considered as a secondary field to produce various technological products. Moreover, valuable metals can be extracted as metal concentrates.

Assessment on Solubility and Solid Phase Chemical Fractionation of Manganese in Hot Infusions of Green and Roasted Mate.

A solid phase chemical fractionation (SPCF) of the Mn in hot infusions prepared from commercial samples of roasted (RM) and green mate (GM) using a chelating resin Chelex 100 (NH4+ form) was performed to assess the relative lability of this essential trace element (ETE). In addition, total Mn contents in the RM and GM samples and their infusions were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Total polyphenol (TP) contents and the presence of soluble melanoidins (SM) were correlated with the Mn solubility in the RM and GM infusions. From the SPCF study, it was possible to observe that the soluble Mn forms in the mate infusions were essentially associated with relatively noninert chemical species (98.4-99.7%), suggesting that they may be potentially bioavailable. In addition, the soluble Mn contents in the GM infusions were 20.5% higher than those found in the RM. Mn solubility in the (RM) infusions was highly and directly correlated (r = 0.99) with the soluble TP, while in the GM infusions, it was high and inversely correlated with soluble TP (r = -0.87). On the other hand, Mn solubility in the RM and GM infusions was weakly correlated with the SM. It should be stressed that GM infusions can contribute with 57 and 44% more than the RM infusions to the recommended adequate intake of Mn established for females and males, respectively. Moreover, this work is the first to evaluate and compare the relative lability of Mn and its solubility in the RM and GM infusions.

The Concentration and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Farmed and Wild Carps (Cyprinus carpio) in Hamadan Province of Iran.

This study focuses on measuring potentially toxic elements (PTEs) including mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) in farmed and wild carp by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and their intake amount and risk assessment. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and the total THQ (TTHQ) were calculated for each element. In the present research, the concentration of As in farmed and wild carp samples was below the detection limit of ICP-OES (< 0.005 mg/kg). The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Fe, and Cu in farmed carp samples were significantly higher than that in wild carp samples, while Zn level was higher in the wild carp samples (P < 0.05). There is no significant difference between Hg and Mn in both fish (P > 0.05). The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) results showed that the ranking order of PTEs based on their THQ was Hg > Pb > Zn > Cu > Fe > Cd > Mn. In the worst-case scenario (in the top 95 percentile) for both wild and farmed carp, the THQ of measured metals was less than one except Hg in children. Overall, this study demonstrated that the levels of PTEs in farmed and wild common carp had a potential non-carcinogenic risk for children (TTHQ > 1).

Spatial Distribution, Contamination Assessment and Origin of Soil Heavy Metals in the Danjiangkou Reservoir, China.

Soil heavy metal contamination is crucial due to menacing food safety and mortal health. At present, with the fast advancement of urbanization and industrialization, heavy metals are increasingly released into the soil by anthropogenic activities, and the soil ecosystem contamination around the Danjiangkou Reservoir is directly associated with water quality security of the reservoir. In this paper, using 639 soil samples from the Danjiangkou Reservoir, Henan Province, China, we studied a variety of space distribution characteristics of heavy metals in soil. Geographic information system analysis (GIS), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), principal component analysis (PCA) model, and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model were used together to recognize and quantify the distribution, contamination, and origin of heavy metals. We uncovered an exceptional variety of heavy metal concentrations among the tested soils: the mean arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) concentrations (14.54, 0.21, 18.69, 81.69, 898.42, 39.37, 79.50, 28.11, 0.04 mg/kg, respectively, in the topsoil (0-20 cm depth)), all exceed their background values. The mean Igeo value and CF values of these trace elements are both in descending order: Cd > Co > Mn > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cr > As > Hg. Cd was the highest contributor to the assessment of heavy metal pollution, with an average Igeo value over three, indicating that the study area is modestly contaminated by Cd. The PCA analysis and PMF model revealed three potential sources, including natural sources (PC1) for Cr, Co, Mn and Ni; agricultural sources (PC2) for Cd, Zn and Hg; and industrial emissions and transportation sources (PC3) for Pb. This study displays a map of heavy metal contamination in the eastern area topsoil of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, showing the most severe pollutant is Cd, which poses a threat to the water quality security of Danjiangkou Reservoir and provides a significant source identification for future contamination control.

Environmental exposure to manganese and health risk assessment from personal sampling near an industrial source of airborne manganese.

Manganese (Mn), despite being a trace element necessary in small quantities for the correct functioning of the organism, at higher concentrations can induce health disorders, mainly in motor and cognitive functions, even at levels found in non-occupational environments. For this reason, US EPA guidelines define safe reference doses/concentrations (RfD/RfC) for health. In this study, the individualised health risk of exposure to Mn through different media (air, diet, soil) and routes of entry into the organism (inhalation, ingestion and dermal absorption) was assessed according to the procedure defined by the US EPA. Calculations related to Mn present in ambient air were made on the basis of data obtained from size-segregated particulate matter (PM) personal samplers carried by volunteers recruited in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Santander Bay (northern Spain), where an industrial source of airborne Mn is located. Individuals residing in the vicinity of the main Mn source (within 1.5 km) were found to have a hazard index (HI) higher than 1, indicating that there is a potential risk for these subjects to develop health alterations. Also, people living in Santander, the capital of the region, located 7-10 km from the Mn source, may have some risk (HI > 1) under some wind conditions (SW). In addition, a preliminary study of media and routes of entry into the body confirmed that inhalation of PM2.5-bound Mn is the most important route contributing to the overall non-carcinogenic health risk related to environmental Mn.

Evaluation of trace metallic element levels in coffee by icp-ms: a comparative study among different origins, forms, and packaging types and consumer risk assessment.

Trace elements (TE) contamination of foods and beverages constitutes a public health issue. In this context, the main objective of this study was to determine metals and metalloids content in coffee and to assess the health risks associated with contaminated coffee consumption. To this end, 44 samples of coffee from different origins, forms, and packaging types were analyzed. TE analysis was performed by ICP-MS after digestion. The data analysis was based on principal components analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Health risk assessment was determined by the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The findings showed that TE levels in coffee varied widely. The highest levels were related to aluminum (Al) (59.88 ± 54.86 mg/kg), manganese (Mn) (16.26 ± 24.59 mg/kg), copper (Cu) (11.60 ± 11.55 mg/kg), and cadmium (Cd) (9.92 ± 10.32 mg/kg). In terms of coffee form and packaging type, a significant difference (P < 0.0001) was observed in nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), Cu, Mn, and Al content. The highest EDI was found in Al (0.0109 mg/kg BW/day) in ground coffee packaged in capsules. In terms of chronic daily intake (CDI), Cd and Al were above the reference dose (RfD). THQ of these elements were greater than 1.0, and HI was above the value of 1.0 in different forms of coffee. More interdisciplinary research on the relationships between the metal concentrations in coffee samples and those in feed, water, and soil would be quite interesting.

Disparities in Drinking Water Manganese Concentrations in Domestic Wells and Community Water Systems in the Central Valley, CA, USA.

Over 1.3 million Californians rely on unmonitored domestic wells. Existing probability estimates of groundwater Mn concentrations, population estimates, and sociodemographic data were integrated with spatial data delineating domestic well communities (DWCs) to predict the probability of high Mn concentrations in extracted groundwater within DWCs in California's Central Valley. Additional Mn concentration data of water delivered by community water systems (CWSs) were used to estimate Mn in public water supply. We estimate that 0.4% of the DWC population (2342 users) rely on groundwater with predicted Mn > 300 µg L-1. In CWSs, 2.4% of the population (904 users) served by small CWSs and 0.4% of the population (3072 users) served by medium CWS relied on drinking water with mean point-of-entry Mn concentration >300 µg L-1. Small CWSs were less likely to report Mn concentrations relative to large CWSs, yet a higher percentage of small CWSs exceed regulatory standards relative to larger systems. Modeled calculations do not reveal differences in estimated Mn concentration between groundwater from current regional domestic well depth and 33 m deeper. These analyses demonstrate the need for additional well-monitoring programs that evaluate Mn and increased access to point-of-use treatment for domestic well users disproportionately burdened by associated costs of water treatment.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Content in Soil and Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) and Their Health Implications.

In this study, the content of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn) was evaluated in soils and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) collected from rural areas of Dobrogea province, South-East of Romania. The risk to human health due to the heavy metal exposure via tomato consumption was also assessed.The results suggest that based on the contamination factor, the soils are moderately contaminated with Cd and Mn (Cf values of 1.266. and 1.40) and poorly contaminated with Pb and Cr. The bioconcentration factor (BAF) was below 1 and indicated that the studied species of Lycopersicon esculentum did not accumulate the monitored elements. Person's correlation analysis showed that there were significant relations between soil pH and BCF values of Cd, Pb, Cr and Mn in analysed tomatoes. The estimated daily intake of each metal was below the oral reference dose. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were below the acceptable level (< 1), and the cancer risk (CR) for Pb, Cd and Cr was found within acceptable levels (1.0 × 10-6-1.0 × 10-4). Based on health guidance values, it may be concluded that the analysed tomatoes do not present health risks to consumers in terms of content and accumulation of heavy metals. It is important to monitor the other toxic metals as well, in order to evaluate the heavy metal accumulation variation and the toxicity value of each metal in agricultural soils from both rural and industrial areas.

Occupational Exposure to Metal Fumes Among Iranian Welders: Systematic Review and Simulation-Based Health Risk Assessment.

There have been numerous reports of welder's worker exposure to metal fumes. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic (neurological, dermal, and etc.) effects are the adverse outcomes of exposure to welding fumes. In this review study, data were collected from previous studies conducted in Iran from 1900 to 2020. The risk of carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity due to exposure to welding metal fumes was assessed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method based on the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Results showed mean of metal fume concentration in gas welding was in the range of 1.8248 to 1060.6 (µg/m3) and in arc welding was 54.935 to 4882.72 (µg/m3). The mean concentration of fumes in gas welding is below the recommended American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard exposure limit except for manganese, and in the arc welding, all metal fume concentrations are below the standard exposure limit except for manganese and aluminum. The results showed that the risk of carcinogenicity due to exposure to nickel, manganese in both gas and arc welding, and cadmium in gas welding was higher than standard level (hazard quotient (HQ) more than 1). Cancer risk due to exposure to nickel in both gas and arc welding was probable (1 × 10-6 < cancer risk (CR) < 1 × 10-4). Health risk assessment showed that welders are exposed to health risks. Preventive measures should be applied in welding workplaces to reduce the concentrations of metal fumes.

Comparison and Risk Assessment of Macroelements and Trace Metals in Commercial Teas from Different Regions of China.

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is one of the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverages worldwide. In the present study, 73 commercial tea samples were collected from tea plantations in the Southwest, South, Jiangnan, and Jiangbei regions of China. The contents of four macroelements (phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)) and 15 trace metals (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), aluminium (Al), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), thorium (Th), thallium (Tl), rubidium (Rb) and barium (Ba)) in tea samples were determined. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Al, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni, Th, Tl, Rb and Ba were in the range of 0.02-0.61, 0.008-0.126, 0.09-1.12, 0.001-0.012, 0.07-1.62, 19.5-73.2, 170-2100, 5.9-43.3, 228-2040, 60-337, 2.09-17.95, 0.002-0.08, 0.004-0.409, 0-150.50 and 3.1-41.2 µg/g, respectively, which were all lower than the maximum permissible limits stipulated by China (NY/T 288-2012, NY 659-2003). The target hazard quotients of each heavy metal were lower than one, and the combined risk hazard index of all heavy metals for adults was in the range of 0.10-0.85; therefore, there was no significant carcinogenic health risks to tea drinking consumers under the current dietary intake. Significant differences were found in the content of trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni, Th, Tl, Rb and Ba) (p < 0.05); however, no significant differences were found in the content of macroelements (P, K, Ca and Mg) and trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Al and Mn) in teas from different regions. Therefore, the region did not affect the heavy metal exposure risk. Correlation coefficient and principal component analyses were performed to determine the source of the elements. Three principal factors were obtained: factor 1 was positively related to Ca, Mg, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Al, Mn, Fe and Th (32.63%); factor 2 to P, Zn, Cu and Ni (18.64%) and factor 3 to K and Rb (10.10%). Thus, the elements in the same factor might originate from the same source. This study provides an essential basis to understand the variance and potential risks of different elements in tea from different regions of China.

Characteristics and health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in atmospheric particulate matter in different regions of the Yellow River Delta in China.

To understand the characteristics, temporal and spatial variation, and health risks of atmospheric heavy metal pollution in different areas of the YRD (Yellow River Delta), atmospheric particles samples were collected in the YRD in China during 2016-2017. A total of 10 monitoring points were chosen in different areas (industrial parks, main urban areas, and rural areas) in the YRD, heavy metals were monitored using atomic fluorescence spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that TSP (total suspended particulate), PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm), and PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm) contents were higher in the Kenli EDZ (economic development zone) and Kenli urban areas than those in other points. The concentration range of heavy metals in atmospheric samples at 10 points was different, with a difference of five orders of magnitude, of which the content of copper (Cu) was the highest, with the highest concentration of 4.375 µg/m3, and the content of particulate mercury (Hg) was the lowest, with the minimum concentration of 0.00001 µg/m3. Among the nine heavy metals, the contents of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and Hg were higher in winter than in summer, and chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), Cu, and manganese (Mn) were higher in summer than in winter. In addition to Hg, the contents of the other eight heavy metals in particulate matter showed a trend that urban areas and EDZs had higher concentrations than cities and towns and nature reserves, which can be attributed to industrial activities and coal-fired fuel emissions. Health risk assessment was carried out for adults and children, respectively, and the results showed that carcinogens have no obvious carcinogenic risk, but As and Cr have major potential carcinogenic risk. Among the noncarcinogenic substances, Mn has the greatest noncarcinogenic risk, and urban areas and economic development zones have the greatest risk. This study investigated the characteristics and health risk assessment of atmospheric heavy metal pollution in different areas in the YRD to supplement the research contents of atmospheric particulate heavy metals in the YRD in domestics and overseas. It is also critical to study the pollution and migration of heavy metals in China.