Human health risks associated to trace elements and metals in commercial fish from the Brazilian Amazon.

Fish constitutes the main protein source for the Amazonian population. However, the impact of different anthropogenic activities on trace element and metal accumulation in fish and their risks for human health at a regional scale remain largely unexplored. Here we assessed exposure levels of 10 trace elements and metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in 56 samples belonging to 11 different species of fish from the Brazilian Amazon. We studied the relationship between exposure levels, fish origin, and fish feeding habits, and assessed toxicological and carcinogenic risks for the Amazonian population. No significant correlation was found between sampling site and exposure levels to the studied elements, but a significant difference was found between the accumulation of some metals and the position of the fish species in the food chain. The concentrations of Cr and Hg in fish flesh were found to exceed the Brazilian limits for human consumption. This study shows that current fish consumption patterns can lead to estimated daily intakes of Hg, As and Cr that exceed the oral reference dose, thus posing a toxicological concern. Furthermore, carcinogenic risks may be expected due to the continued exposure to Cr and As. The results of this study show that the consumption of wild caught fish in the Amazon region should be controlled. Moreover, continued monitoring of trace element and metal contamination in fish and on the health of the Amazonian population is recommended, particularly for riverine and indigenous communities.

Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Some Hydrophytes: Antioxidant, Antiparasitic, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Properties and Mechanisms.

Few researches have explored the production of pharmaceuticals from aquatic plants. Therefore, this study explored, for the first time, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of ten aquatic plants. Aquatic plant shoots from various Nile River canals were collected, dried, and ground for aqueous extract preparation. Phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity were assessed using DPPH assays. Extracts were tested for antiparasitic, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities through standard in vitro assays, measuring IC50 values, and evaluating mechanisms of action, including cell viability and high-content screening assays. The results showed that the aquatic plants were rich in pharmaceutical compounds. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts exceeded that of vitamin C. The extracts showed promising antiparasitic activity against pathogens like Opisthorchis viverrini and Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values between 0.7 and 2.5 µg/mL. They also demonstrated low MICs against various pathogenic bacteria, causing DNA damage, increased plasma membrane permeability, and 90% biofilm inhibition. In terms of anticancer activity, extracts were effective against a panel of cancer cell lines, with Ludwigia stolonifera exhibiting the highest efficacy. Its IC50 ranged from 0.5 µg/mL for pancreatic, esophageal, and colon cancer cells to 1.5 µg/mL for gastric cancer cells. Overall, IC50 values for all extracts were below 6 µg/mL, showing significant apoptotic activity, increased nuclear intensity, plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane permeability, and cytochrome c release, and outperforming doxorubicin. This study highlights the potential of aquatic plants as sources for new, safe, and effective drugs with strong antiparasitic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.

Exploring the Characteristics and Source-attributed Health Risks Associated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Metal Elements in Atmospheric PM2.5 during Warm and Cold Periods in the Northern Metropolitan Area of Taiwan.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metal elements are commonly considered hazardous air pollutants due to their toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties. However, few studies have simultaneously examined their potential sources and health effects. This study aimed to quantify the PAHs and metal elements in atmospheric PM2.5, investigating their characteristics and potential sources to assess associated health risks in the northern metropolitan area of Taiwan. The measurements indicated that the mean concentrations of total PAHs and metal elements in PM2.5 were 0.97±0.52 ng m-3 and 590±200 ng m-3, respectively. Utilizing the positive matrix factorization profiles, the PAH pollution was classified into two sources: industrial emissions, traffic emissions, and coal combustion (69%) were the predominant sources of PAHs, with petroleum volatilization and biomass burning (31%) making a lesser contribution. Similarly, we traced metal elements to three potential sources: natural sources (48%), a combined source of industrial emissions, coal combustion, and traffic exhaust (32%), and a blend of non-exhaust emissions from traffic and waste incineration sources (20%). Results from the potential source contribution function model suggested that the emissions of PAHs and metals could be influenced by the eastern regions of China, although local sources, including waste incinerators, traffic, shipping, and harbor activities, were identified as the primary contributors. Source-attributed excess cancer risk revealed that industry, traffic, and coal combustion had the highest cancer risk posed by PAHs in the cold period (1.0×10-5), while the greatest cancer risk among metal elements was linked to non-exhaust emissions from traffic and waste incineration emissions (2.0×10-5). This research underscores the importance of considering source contributions to health risk and emission reduction when addressing PM2.5 pollution. These findings have direct implications for policymakers, providing them with valuable insights to develop strategies that protect public health from the detrimental effects of PAH and metal element exposure.

Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Metal(loids) Consumed Through Plant-Based Anti-diabetic Therapeutics Collected in the Northern Divisional City of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

The present study investigates human health risks upon consumption of herbal medicines in terms of ten toxic metalloids in 20 plant-based anti-diabetic therapeutics. The analysis of metalloids was determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer after microwave-assisted digestion. The computation of hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard indexes (HI) of metalloids leads to the assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks. Carcinogenic risk was assessed based on cancer slope factor (CSF) and chronic daily intake (CDI) values. Comparison with WHO regulatory cut-off points for each metalloid: seven samples for Mn, 12 samples for Hg, three samples for Cu, eight samples for Ni, four samples for Cd, two samples for Pb, one sample for Cr, and eight samples for Zn are unsafe to consume. Non-carcinogenic human health risk is predicted for Mn in seven samples, Fe in one sample, Hg in ten samples, Cu in three samples, Ni in one sample, and Pb in two samples. HI values greater than 1 predict non-carcinogenic health risk in thirteen samples. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) remains for As (inorganic) in 12 samples, Cr (+ 6) in one sample, and Pb in no samples. To guarantee consumer safety, the implementation of strict monitoring is suggested.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ship breaking area and associated ecological risk assessment: evidence from the Sitakund ship-breaking area in Bangladesh.

Ship-breaking yards are recognized for releasing hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), leading to severe environmental pollution in the sediment of ship-breaking areas. This study assessed the concentrations of 16 priority PAHs in surface sediments collected from the intertidal zone adjacent to the Sitakund ship-breaking yards. The samples underwent Soxhlet extraction and detection using PerkinElmer GC-Clarus 690 and MS-Clarus SQ8C with an Elite-5MS capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.25 µm). The study utilized PAH concentrations to reveal spatial distribution patterns, identify point sources, and assess potential toxicity. The total PAH concentration ranged from 1899.2 to 156,800.08 ng g-1 dw, while the concentration of 7 carcinogenic PAHs ranged from 822.03 to 1899.15 ng g-1 dw. High molecular weight PAHs dominated among the 16 PAHs, whereas low molecular weight PAHs, such as 2-ring PAHs, were negligible. Source characterization based on different molecular ratios suggested that PAHs in the area originated from pyrolytic processes related to ship dismantling, fishing activities, and water transportation for people. The observed PAH concentrations exceeded both national and international standards for sedimentary PAH levels, indicating significant ecological risks. The total TEQcarc values of sediment samples varied from 564.41 to 10,695.12 ng g-1, with a mean value of 3091.25 ng g-1. The study's findings underscore the immediate biological damage that PAH contamination in the Sitakund ship-breaking area could cause, emphasizing the need for effective control measures to ensure ecological and human safety.

The Concentration of Potentially Toxic Elements in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Fish: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis and Dietary Health Risk Assessment.

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most consumed fish in the world and can be exposed to various forms of pollution, such as potential toxic elements (PTEs). Several studies have been conducted on the concentration of PTEs in common carp fish. The aims of the current study were to meta-analyze the concentration of PTEs in common carp fish and estimate human health risks in consumers. A search was conducted in international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Embase to retrieve papers up to January 20, 2024. The non-carcinogenic risk due to PTEs in fish fillets was calculated via the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the carcinogenic risk due to iAs in fish fillets was calculated via cancer risk (CR). The highest concentrations of Cu, methyl-Hg, and Ni were observed in the fillets of common carp fish. The non-carcinogenic risk was lower than 1 in all countries; hence, consuming common carp fish does not pose a non-carcinogenic risk. Adult consumers in Iraq were exposed to an unacceptable carcinogenic due to iAs in common carp fish. Hence, it is recommended that plans be conducted to reduce the concentration of PTEs in common carp fish in Iraq.

Assessment of the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in the groundwaters of the Leh district, Ladakh.

There has been a significant rise in cancer-related mortality in the Ladakh region during the past 10 years. The most common type of case is gastrointestinal cancer, which has been linked in theory by medical research to lifestyle factors, high altitude conditions, and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria brought on by poor hygiene. Nevertheless, the precise cause of the rise in cancer cases is still unknown. Concurrently, there has been a significant change in Ladakh's water use practices due to development, improved basic utilities, and related vocational shifts. The local population has become increasingly reliant on groundwater since it provides a year-round, continuous water supply for home and agricultural uses. In this study, we assessed heavy metal contamination in groundwaters and associated human health risks. The results indicate that 46-96% of the groundwater samples have heavy metal pollution with a health hazard index > 1, which means using these groundwaters for drinking, food preparation, and agriculture is likely to result in carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health hazards. The main heavy metal contaminants found in the groundwater of the Leh district include Cr, As, Hg, and U. According to the health risk assessment, 46-76% of the groundwater samples contain unsafe levels of Cr and As. Prolonged exposure to these levels is likely to cause gastrointestinal cancer in the local population. Acute to chronic exposure to U and Hg concentrations present in some groundwater samples is likely to result in various non-carcinogenic health risks.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Dried Fish Marketed in Guangzhou, China.

This study investigated heavy metal contamination in dried fish sold in Guangzhou, China, and evaluated the resultant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Dried fish samples were purchased from Baiyun, Tianhe, Panyu, and Yuexiu districts in Guangzhou, where the population is substantial. They were randomly acquired in bustling supermarkets and farmers' markets, targeting the most popular dried fish in these areas. Sixty samples from five dried fish types (Stolephorus chinensis, Thamnaconus modestus, Nemipterus-virgatus, river fish, Ctenopharyngodon idella) were analyzed for chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) content. Quantification of the heavy metals were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Cr, As, Cd, and Pb, and an automatic mercury analyzer for Hg. The median concentration of these heavy metals in dried fish were 0.358 mg/kg, 2.653 mg/kg, 0.032 mg/kg, 0.083 mg/kg, and 0.042 mg/kg, respectively. Pollution severity was ranked as dried Nemipterus-virgatus > dried Stolephorus chinensis > dried Thamnaconus modestus > dried river fish > dried Ctenopharyngodon idella, with As being the most predominant pollutant. All fish types showed severe As pollution. Non-carcinogenic risks were identified in the consumption of dried Nemipterus-virgatus and dried Stolephorus chinensis for both genders, while potential carcinogenic risks were associated with four of the fish types. Women faced higher health risks than men from dried fish consumption. Consequently, we advise consumers to minimize their intake of dried fish and regulatory agencies conduct regular monitoring of heavy metal levels in commercially available dried fish to avert potential health risks.

Determination of persistent organic pollutants in urban and peri-urban wastewater sludge: environmental and carcinogenic human risk assessment in the case of land application.

The management of digested sludge derived from treatment water plants is a problem worldwide due to the possible transfer of contamination from sludge to amended soil and, in turn, to humans. Within this work, through a chemometric experimental design, a robust GC-MS method for the simultaneous determination of two classes of micropollutants of concern (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-PAHs-and polychlorinated biphenyls-PCBs-including dioxin-like compounds) was developed using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The method, which showed interesting greenness features in compliance with the 12 principles of Green Chemistry, allowed PCB and PAH extraction with recoveries higher than 75% (RSD < 14%) with method detection limits between 4.6 and 11.5 µg kg-1 (PAHs) and between 6.9 and 13.7 µg kg-1 (PCBs), without preconcentration. The matrix effect was below 20%. The validated protocol allowed the characterization of two digested sludges sampled in an urban and a peri-urban district, representative models of two scenarios of different anthropic impacts. This study highlighted higher contamination for the sludge derived from the urban area, accounted for by the 4-ring PAHs. In addition, since carcinogenic PAHs were detected, the environmental risk (by mean of the comparison of predicted vs predicted no-effect concentrations) and the carcinogenic human risk from dermal contact (through the calculation of the adsorbed lifetime average daily dose) were assessed in the case of soils amended with the sludges considered, pointing out that the measured concentrations do not pose a risk.

Dietary exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-contaminated Talinum Triangulare grown along polluted river.

The research aims to evaluate the source, dispersion, and human health risk assessment of PAH-contaminated Talinum Triangulare grown along the polluted Ikpoba River. The freeze-dried vegetables were sonicated with dichloromethane for an hour and then concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The extract was purified using a glass column with anhydrous Na2SO4 and silica gel and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The distribution of the contaminants showed that Pyrene < Benzo(a)anthracene ≤ Fluorene < Phenathrene ≤ Naphthalene ≤ Acenaphthene < Anthracene ≤ Acenaphthylene, while Pyrene < Benzo(a)anthracene < Fluorene < Phenathrene < Acenaphthalene ≤ Naphthalene < Anthracene < Acenaphthylene in wet and dry periods, respectively. The average ∑8 PAHs was 0.85 mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg in wet and dry periods, respectively, and showed a decrease of 17.64% from wet to dry periods. The daily average dose revealed that the infant male and the adult female consumed the least and highest doses of T. Triangulare (TT), respectively. Furthermore, the hazard quotient and hazard index were < 1 for all the target groups, with adult females having higher values in both seasons. However, the incremental life cancer risk of the target group was between potential and high-potential cancer risk, with adolescent males and adult females more prone to low and high cancer risk, respectively. The isomer ratio and multivariate statistics revealed the sources of the PAH-contaminated TT to be more from pyrolysis.

The association between human papillomavirus and lung cancer: A Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the causal relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and lung cancer, we conducted a study using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR). METHOD: Data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were analyzed with HPV E7 Type 16 and HPV E7 Type 18 as exposure factors. The outcome variables included lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung cancer. Causality was estimated using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger and weighted median methods. Heterogeneity testing, sensitivity analysis, and multiple validity analysis were also performed.. RESULTS: The results showed that HPV E7 Type 16 infection was associated with a higher risk of squamous cell lung cancer (OR = 7.69; 95% CI:1.98-29.85; p = 0.0149). HPV E7 Type 18 infection significantly increased the risk of lung adenocarcinoma (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.38-1.31; p = 0.0079) and lung cancer (OR = 7.69; 95% CI:1.98-29.85; p = 0.0292). No significant causal relationship was found between HPV E7 Type 16 and lung adenocarcinoma, lung cancer, or small cell lung carcinoma, and between HPV E7 Type 18 and squamous cell lung cancer or small cell lung carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: This study has revealed a causal relationship between HPV and lung cancers. Our findings provide valuable insights for further mechanistic and clinical studies on HPV-mediated cancer.

Assessment of potential human health, radiological and ecological risks around mining areas in northeastern Brazil.

Mining is responsible for the release of metallic pollutants and radioactive materials into the environment, which have the potential to disrupt ecosystems and pose significant risks to human health. Significant mining activity is concentrated in the municipality of Caetité (northeastern Brazil), where Latin America's only active uranium mine and significant iron ore deposits are located. Although previous studies have shown that the regional soil and water resources are highly contaminated by various toxic elements and that exposure to these elements is known to have adverse effects on human health, the health risks in this mining region have never been assessed. The aim of this unprecedented comprehensive investigation was to assess the health, radiological and ecological risks in this mining region, which is home to nearly 100,000 people. To achieve our goal, soil and water samples were collected in the vicinity of the mines and in the main settlements in the region. Fifteen metallic toxic elements were determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The HERisk code, which follows the main methodological guidelines for risk assessment, was used to quantify human health, radiological and ecological indices. The average values of the total risk and cancer risk indices indicated that region falls into the moderate risk category (1.0 ≤ HItot < 4.0). However, 63% of the sites had high risk values, with Fe, Co and As being the metals contributing most to total and cancer risk, respectively. Near the mining areas, the potential ecological risk can be considered extreme (PERI ≥ 600). The values of the calculated radiological indices correspond to typical values ​​in natural uranium areas. However, in the communities near the mine, the dose values are slightly above the permissible limit (1 mSv y-1), so they must be continuously monitored, and risk mitigation measures must be taken.

Plastic Fly: What Drosophila melanogaster Can Tell Us about the Biological Effects and the Carcinogenic Potential of Nanopolystyrene.

Today, plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to the environment and public health. In the tissues of exposed species, micro- and nano-fragments accumulate, leading to genotoxicity, altered metabolism, and decreased lifespan. A model to investigate the genotoxic and tumor-promoting potential of nanoplastics (NPs) is Drosophila melanogaster. Here we tested polystyrene, which is commonly used in food packaging, is not well recycled, and makes up at least 30% of landfills. In order to investigate the biological effects and carcinogenic potential of 100 µm polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs), we raised Oregon [R] wild-type flies on contaminated food. After prolonged exposure, fluorescent PSNPs accumulated in the gut and fat bodies. Furthermore, PSNP-fed flies showed considerable alterations in weight, developmental time, and lifespan, as well as a compromised ability to recover from starvation. Additionally, we noticed a decrease in motor activity in DNAlig4 mutants fed with PSNPs, which are known to be susceptible to dietary stressors. A qPCR molecular investigation of the larval intestines revealed a markedly elevated expression of the genes drice and p53, suggesting a response to cell damage. Lastly, we used warts-defective mutants to assess the carcinogenic potential of PSNPs and discovered that exposed flies had more aberrant masses than untreated ones. In summary, our findings support the notion that ingested nanopolystyrene triggers metabolic and genetic modifications in the exposed organisms, eventually delaying development and accelerating death and disease.

Heavy metals in Ethiopian drinking water and public health risks: Insights from nationwide and regional analysis.

The ambitious sustainable development goal (SDG) 6 of the United Nations, which aims to achieve universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030, remains elusive for many developing countries like Ethiopia. This is often due to a multitude of intricate factors, including the escalating degradation of water quality. Here, we present a comprehensive nationwide and regional analysis of heavy metal pollution in drinking water sources and the associated human health risks in Ethiopia based on a dataset of 11 heavy metal concentrations (n = 975) collated from available studies. Results indicate significant variations in heavy metal pollution in drinking water sources in Ethiopia, with 44 % of the total concentration exceeding maximum permissible limits. The mean concentrations were ranked as follows: Pb (1.92 mg/L) > Zn (1.25 mg/L) > Fe (0.56 mg/L) > Mn (0.43 mg/L) > Cu (0.40 mg/L) > Co (0.30 mg/L) > As (0.12 mg/L) > Ni (0.12 mg/L) > Cr (0.10 mg/L) > Cd (0.06 mg/L) > Hg (0.04 mg/L). We found that children are more vulnerable to non-carcinogenic health risks than adults, with the highest hazard quotient (HQ) exceedances of up to a factor of 1823 and 762, respectively. Furthermore, a Monte Carlo-based probabilistic risk assessment highlighted significant concerns regarding co-exposure to multiple heavy metals. The measured concentrations, ingestion rates, and exposure frequencies were identified as sensitive parameters. Overall, a higher risk was attributed to Pb and As, with river drinking water sources and the Tigray region requiring immediate mitigation measures. In conclusion, the findings emphasize the urgent need to test and purify water before consumption and to implement effective public health interventions. Furthermore, a multifaceted approach including regular monitoring, source protection, and proper waste management is recommended to expedite the achievement of SDGs and promote water sustainability in resource-limited Ethiopia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in vegetables of Bangladesh.

This study aims to evaluate the heavy metal concentration in fifteen species of vegetables as well as associated health risk. Atomic absorption spectrometry is used to assess heavy metals. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Fe in vegetables were 4.78, 0.713, 9.266, 0.083, 5.06 mg/kg/fw exceeding the reference value of FAO/WHO indicating unsafe to consumption. Based on principal component analysis, the Pb, Cr, Ni and Fe are from same sources. Health risk was estimated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient, hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR). The EDI values of metals except Cr were found to be lower than maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The total THQs of metals were > 1 indicating non-carcinogenic health risk. The individual HI values for vegetables except potato (0.831) and total HI values were found to be > 1 (94.747). The TCR of Pb, Cd and Cr were > 1.0E-04 which indicating carcinogenic risk. Fruit and pod vegetables contribute much in carcinogenic risk for Pb and Cr whereas fruit, root and stems vegetables for Cd. The study revealed potential human health risk associated with the consumption of different types of vegetables in Bangladeshi adult population that might assist the regulatory bodies to develop new strategies to minimize the risk to human.

Assessment of water supply to the east European arctic agglomeration from groundwater, taking into account their quality and health risks.

The purpose of the study is to assess the possibilities of using groundwater for water supply in the East European Arctic agglomeration based on an assessment of their quality and health risks. For this purpose, high-precision determinations of the complete macro- and microcomponent composition were carried out in sixty-six water samples taken from wells up to 180 m deep. It was found that in some samples the concentrations of Na+, Fe, B, Ba, Mn and U exceeded WHO standards. The least mineralized young waters are characterized by the processes of dissolution of carbonates with the transition of Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr into water, and the processes of leaching of Fe and Mn by acidic swamp waters from near-surface sediments. Waters of high mineralization, enriched in Na+, Cl-, B, Mo, Cd, Pb, were formed as a result of the dissolution of aluminosilicate rocks over thousands of years and mixing with relics of ancient and modern marine transgressions. An assessment of the average Water Quality Index value of the studied aquifer showed that, in general, the water is of excellent quality. Non-carcinogenic risks were determined primarily by uranium concentrations. The average danger index values for this element for children were 1.22. In adults it was slightly lower and amounted to 0.83. Carcinogenic risks are associated primarily with arsenic concentrations. The average total carcinogenic risk associated with this element was 3.8.10-5, which is acceptable, but samples from two wells showed total carcinogenic risk values above 10-4, which is in the high-risk area. For drinking purposes, it is preferable to use low-mineralized water with a minimum content of toxic elements. If necessary, preliminary aeration of the water is possible, during which precipitation of iron, arsenic and uranium occurs. Due to the typical nature of the problem under consideration for the Arctic regions, the results obtained can be used at other sites in the Subpolar zone.

Determination of Selected Metals and Metalloids in Different Types of Rice by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Pantanal is a unique biome located in Brazil, with diverse fauna and flora, being home to native species such as the rice types Oryza latifolia and Oryza rufipogon. Rice is a staple food for two-thirds of the population, with increasing consumption, especially in Asia, regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, countries in the Caribbean, and Latin America. The per capita rice consumption had an average consumption of 160 g/day. However, rice consumption may lead to the intake of other harmful substances to health, such as toxic metals/metalloids. The determination of potential hazards in native species is crucial in maintaining the local population in good health. In this study, we determined the concentration of essential elements and potentially toxic elements in seven different types of Brazilian rice grains, including the two Pantanal native species O. latifolia and O. rufipogon, using ICP-OES to identify their nutritional richness or potential toxicity. The contaminant with the highest HQ levels was chromium, with an HQ above one only in the native species. All species (commercial and native) showed carcinogenic risk considering inorganic arsenic. Rice exhibits duality in its classification, providing nutritional content and leading people to potential risks of overexposure to toxic elements. While rice can be part of a healthy and nutritious diet, more studies should be conducted on avoiding or remedying contamination with toxic elements.

Volatile Organic Compounds on Rhodes Island, Greece: Implications for Outdoor and Indoor Human Exposure.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are considered a class of pollutants with a significant presence in indoor and outdoor air and serious health effects. The aim of this study was to measure and evaluate the levels of outdoor and indoor VOCs at selected sites on Rhodes Island, Greece, during the cold and warm periods of 2023. Spatial and seasonal variations were evaluated; moreover, cancer and non-cancer inhalation risks were assessed. For this purpose, simultaneous indoor-outdoor air sampling was carried out on the island of Rhodes. VOCs were determined by Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (TD-GC/MS). Fifty-six VOCs with frequencies ≥ 50% were further considered. VOC concentrations (∑56VOCs) at all sites were found to be higher in the warm period. In the warm and cold sampling periods, the highest concentrations were found at the port of Rhodes City, while total VOC concentrations were dominated by alkanes. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to identify the VOC emission sources. Non-cancer and cancer risks for adults were within the safe levels.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Grilled Marshmallows.

The aim of this study was to assess potential health risks among children and adolescents consuming various grilled marshmallows using a survey and to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in these food products. PAH analysis in grilled marshmallows included a dilution stage with deionized water and liquid-liquid extraction with cyclohexane and solid-phase extraction (SPE). PAH fractions were initially analyzed via high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and PAH concentrations were determined via gas chromatography with a tandem mass detector using the selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. This study on the consumption of grilled marshmallows was conducted among approximately 300 children and adolescents. The preliminary results indicated that "raw" marshmallows did not contain PAHs. However, the obtained data suggested the exposure of young people to carcinogenic PAHs from grilled marshmallows (63.5% of them consumed marshmallows). Carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) was determined in all samples. The profile of PAH concentrations in the extracts isolated from various grilled types of marshmallows was similar (r2 > 0.8000), regardless of the grilling method. Compared to the white sugar confection, higher concentrations of PAHs were determined in multicolored marshmallows. The lack of social awareness about exposure to carcinogenic substances is alarming.

Investigating the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health hazards of heavy metal ions in Spinacia oleracea grown in agricultural soil treated with biochar and humic acid.

This study addressed the bioaccumulation and human health risk among the consumption of Spinacia oleracea grown in agricultural soil treated with humic acid (189-2310 ppm) and biochars (0.00-5.10%.wt). The biochars came from two local feedstocks of rice-husk (RH) and sugar-beet-pulp (SBP) pyrolyzed at temperatures 300 and 600 °C. Total concentrations of Cu, Cd, and Ni found in both the soil and biomass/biochar exceeded global safety thresholds. The bioaccumulation levels of HMs in spinach leaves varied, with Fe reaching the highest concentration at 765.27 mg kg-1 and Cd having the lowest concentration at 3.31 mg kg-1. Overall, the concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni in spinach leaves exceeded the safety threshold limits, so that its consumption is not recommended. The assessment of hazard quotient (HI) for the HMs indicated potential health hazards for humans (HI > 1) from consuming the edible parts of spinach. The biochar application rates of 4.35%wt and 0.00%.wt resulted in the highest (3.69) and lowest (3.15) HI values, respectively. The cumulative carcinogenic risk (TCR) ranged from 0.0085 to 0.0119, exceeding the cancer risk threshold. Introducing 5.10%wt biomass/biochar resulted in a 36% rise in TCR compared to the control. The utilization of humic acid alongside HMs-polluted biochars results in elevated levels of HMs bioaccumulation exceeding the allowable thresholds in crops (with a maximum increase of 49% at 2000 ppm humic acid in comparison to 189 ppm). Consequently, this raised the HI by 46% and the TCR by 22%. This study demonstrated that the utilization of HMs-polluted biochars could potentially pose supplementary health hazards. Moreover, it is evident that the utilization of HMs-polluted biochars in treating metal-contaminated soil does not effectively stabilize or reduce pollution.