Cancer mortality in the State of Mato Grosso from 2000 to 2015: temporal trend and regional differences.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trend of standardized cancer mortality rate in the state of Mato Grosso according to health regions, from 2000 to 2015. METHODS: Ecological time series study with data on deaths by cancer from the Mortality Information System. The rates were standardized using direct method and calculated by year and health regions. The annual percentage changes (APC) and respective confidence interval (95%CI) were obtained through simple linear regression. Thematic maps were built to show the spatial distribution of rates. RESULTS: There were 28,525 deaths by cancer registered in Mato Grosso, with the main types being lung, prostate, stomach, breast and liver cancer. The highest mortality rates were found in regions Médio Norte, Baixada Cuiabana and Sul Mato-Grossense. From 2000 to 2015, an upward trend was seen in the mortality rate by cancer in Mato Grosso (APC=0.81%; 95%CI 0.38-1.26), and in four health regions, Garças Araguaia (APC=2.27%; 95%CI 1.46-3.08), Sul Mato-Grossense (APC=1.12%; 95%CI 0.28-1.97), Teles Pires (APC=1.93%; 95%CI 0,11-3,74) and Vale dos Arinos (APC=2.61%; 95%CI 1.10-4.70), while the other regions remained stable. CONCLUSION: In the state of Mato Grosso and in the four health regions, cancer mortality rate showed a growing trend. The results point to the need to consider regional differences when thinking about actions for cancer prevention, control and assistance.

Incidence, mortality and survival of prostate cancer in two municipalities with a high human development index in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence, mortality and survival of prostate cancer in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, Brazil from 2000 to 2016. METHODS: Data from the Population-based Cancer Registry and the Mortality Information System were used. Mortality and incidence trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression models by age group. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and hazard ratio was estimated by age group. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2016, 3,671 new cases and 892 deaths for prostate cancer were recorded. The average incidence and mortality rates were 87.96 and 20.22 per 100,000, respectively. Decreasing incidence trend was noted for all age groups from 2006 to 2016 (APC=-3.2%) and for men with 80+ years of age from 2000 to 2016 (APC=-3.0%), and increasing mortality trend for men 60-69 years of age from 2000 to 2009 (APC=3.2%). The specific five-year survival rate for prostate cancer was 79.6% (95%CI 77.2-81.9), and the rate decreased with advanced age (HR=2.43, 95%CI 1.5-3.9, for those 70 to 79 years old and HR=7.20, 95%CI 4.5-11.5, for those 80 or older). CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of prostate cancer showed a decreasing trend from 2006 for all age groups; the mortality rate was stable in that period, and worse prognosis was observed in men 70 years or older.

Incidence, mortality and survival of prostate cancer in two municipalities with a high human development index in Mato Grosso / Incidência, mortalidade e sobrevida do câncer de próstata em dois municípios com alto Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano de Mato Grosso

Objective: To analyze the incidence, mortality and prostate cancer survival in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, from 2000 to 2016. Methods: Data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry and the Mortality Information System were used. Mortality and incidence trends analyses were performed using joinpoint regression models by age group. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier method and hazard ratio was estimated by age group. Results: From 2000 to 2016, 3,671 new cases and 892 deaths for prostate cancer were recorded. The average incidence and mortality rates were 87.96 and 20.22 per 100,000, respectively. Decreasing incidence trend was noted for all age groups from 2006 to 2016 (APC = -3.2%) and for men with 80+ years of age from 2000 to 2016 (APC = -3.0%), and increasing mortality trend for men 60-69 years of age from 2000 to 2009 (APC = 3.2%). Prostate cancer specific five-year survival rate was 79.6% (CI95%: 77.2; 81.9), and the rate decreased with the advanced age (HR = 2.43, CI95%: 1,5;3,9 for those with 70 to 79 years old and HR = 7.20; CI95%: 4.5;11.5 for those with 80 years old or more). Conclusion: The incidence rate of prostate cancer presented a decreasing trend from 2006, for all age groups, the mortality rate was stable in the period, and worse prognosis was observed in men with 70 years old or more.

Objetivo: analisar a incidência, a mortalidade e a sobrevida por câncer de próstata em Cuiabá e Várzea Grande, no período de 2000 a 2016. Métodos: Foram utilizados os dados do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional e do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade. Para a análise de tendência da incidência e mortalidade foi utilizada a regressão por Joinpoint segundo faixa etária. Para estimar a probabilidade de sobrevivência foi utilizado o método de Kaplan-Meier e para avaliar a associação com a faixa etária foi estimado hazard ratio. Resultados: De 2000 a 2016, foram registrados 3.671 casos novos e 892 óbitos por câncer de próstata. A média das taxas no período (100.000 habitantes) foi de 87,96 para incidência e 20,22 para mortalidade. Verificou-se tendência decrescente da taxa de incidência para todas as idades de 2006 a 2016 (APC=-3,2%) e para homens com 80 anos ou mais de 2000 a 2016 (APC=-3,0%), e tendência crescente da taxa de mortalidade nos homens de 60-69 anos de 2000 a 2009 (APC=3,2%). A probabilidade de sobrevida específica em cinco anos foi de 79,6% (IC95%: 77,2; 81,9), e diminuiu com o aumento da faixa etária (HR=2,43; IC95%: 1,5; 3,9 para aqueles de 70 a 79 anos e HR= 7,20; IC95%: 4,5;11,5 de 80 anos ou mais). Conclusão: A taxa de incidência de câncer de próstata apresentou tendência de decréscimo a partir de 2006 para todas as idades, a taxa de mortalidade foi estável no período, e pior prognóstico foi observado em homens com 70 anos ou mais.

Cancer mortality in the state of Mato Grosso from 2000 to 2015: temporal trend and regional differences / Mortalidade por câncer no Estado de Mato Grosso no período de 2000 a 2015: tendência temporal e diferenças regionais

Objective: To analyze the trend of standardized rate due to mortality by cancer in the state of Mato Grosso, according to health regions, from 2000 to 2015. Methods: Ecological study of time series with data on deaths by cancer from the Mortality Information System. The rates were standardized using direct method and calculated by year and health regions. The annual percentage change (APC) and its respective confidence interval (CI 95%) were obtained through simple linear regression. Thematic maps were built to describe the rates spatial distribution. Results: There were 28,525 deaths by cancer registered in Mato Grosso and the five main causes were lung, prostate, stomach, breast and liver cancer. The highest mortality rates were found in the Médio Norte, Baixada Cuiabana and Sul Matogrossense regions. From 2000 to 2015 a growing trend was observed in the mortality rate by cancer in Mato Grosso (APC=0.81%; CI95%: 0.38; 1.26), and in four health regions, Garças Araguaia (APC=2.27%; CI95%: 1.46; 3.08), Sul Matogrossense (APC=1.12%; CI95%: 0.28; 1.97), Teles Pires (APC=1.93%; IC95%: 0,11; 3,74) and Vale dos Arinos (APC=2.61%; CI95%: 1.10; 4.70), the oter regions presented stability. Conclusion: In the state of Mato Grosso and in the four health regions there was verified a growing trend of mortality due to cancer. The results indicate the need to consider the regional differences regarding actions for cancer prevention, control and assistance.

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência da taxa padronizada de mortalidade por câncer no Estado de Mato Grosso, conforme regiões de saúde, no período de 2000 a 2015. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais com dados de óbitos por neoplasias do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade. As taxas foram padronizadas pelo método direto e calculadas por ano e por regiões de saúde. A variação anual percentual (annual percent change ­ APC) e seu respectivo intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC 95%) foram obtidos por meio da regressão linear simples. Foram construídos mapas temáticos para descrever a distribuição espacial das taxas. Resultados: Foram registrados 28.525 óbitos por câncer em Mato Grosso e os cinco principais tipos de câncer foram de pulmão, próstata, estomago, mama e fígado. As maiores taxas de mortalidade foram encontradas nas regiões Médio Norte, Baixada Cuiabana e Sul Matogrossense. No período de 2000 a 2015 foi observada tendência crescente na taxa de mortalidade por câncer em Mato Grosso (APC=0,81%; IC95%: 0,38; 1,26), e em quatro regiões de saúde, Garças Araguaia (APC=2,27%; IC95%: 1,46; 3,08), Sul Matogrossense (APC=1,12%; IC95%: 0,28; 1,97), Teles Pires (APC=1,93%; IC95%: 0,11; 3,74) e Vale dos Arinos (APC=2,61%; IC95%: 1,10; 4,70), as demais regiões apresentaram estabilidade. Conclusão: No Estado de Mato Grosso e em quatro regiões de saúde foi verificada tendência crescente de mortalidade por câncer. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de se considerar as diferenças regionais para as ações de prevenção, controle e assistência ao câncer.

An integrated approach combining magnetic, geochemical and particle-based techniques to assess metal(loid) loadings in urban venues frequented by children.

Urban venues frequented by children, such as playgrounds, are potentially important sources of exposure to anthropogenic metal(loids). Environmental quality of outdoor playgrounds is mainly assessed through direct geochemical monitoring, which is time-consuming and expensive. In this study we adapted a multidisciplinary approach combining magnetic measurements, geochemical analyses, particle-based techniques and bioaccessibility data so as to evaluate the applicability of magnetic methods as a low-cost and easy-to-use technology to monitor pollution level in public playgrounds. Playground sands were collected and their magnetic characteristics were studied in detail aiming to gain helpful additional details in relation to the type, concentration and particle-size distribution of the sand-bound magnetic particles. The obtained χlf values indicated an enhanced level of sand-bound magnetic components, while the dominant control of SSD grains on the magnetic load of playground-PG sands was revealed. Hysteresis parameters and thermomagnetic curves indicated low-coercivity ferrimagnetic minerals, such as magnetite and/or maghemite, as the predominant magnetic carriers. Ratios of χARM/χlf and χARM/SIRM indicated the dominance of coarser anthropogenic magnetic grains in the sampled PG sands compared to other recreational areas. Correlation analysis among magnetic variables and reported metal(loid) contents designated χARM as a more effective indicator for the detection of anthropogenic load in PG sand samples than χlf or SIRM. Simultaneously, through geochemical analyses in magnetic extracts separated from PG sands, metal(loid) contents were notably enriched in the magnetic fraction validating their strong affinity with sand-bound magnetic particles. Finally, bioaccessibility tests revealed lower UBM-extracted fractions for the magnetic extracts of PG sands compared to bulk samples. However, arsenic (As) was more bioaccessible in the sand-bound magnetic particles raising serious concerns for the children exposed to playground sands.

Incidence, mortality and survival of prostate cancer in two municipalities with a high human development index in Mato Grosso, Brazil / Incidência, mortalidade e sobrevida do câncer de próstata em dois municípios com alto índice de desenvolvimento humano de Mato Grosso, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the incidence, mortality and survival of prostate cancer in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, Brazil from 2000 to 2016. Methods: Data from the Population-based Cancer Registry and the Mortality Information System were used. Mortality and incidence trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression models by age group. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and hazard ratio was estimated by age group. Results: From 2000 to 2016, 3,671 new cases and 892 deaths for prostate cancer were recorded. The average incidence and mortality rates were 87.96 and 20.22 per 100,000, respectively. Decreasing incidence trend was noted for all age groups from 2006 to 2016 (APC=-3.2%) and for men with 80+ years of age from 2000 to 2016 (APC=-3.0%), and increasing mortality trend for men 60-69 years of age from 2000 to 2009 (APC=3.2%). The specific five-year survival rate for prostate cancer was 79.6% (95%CI 77.2-81.9), and the rate decreased with advanced age (HR=2.43, 95%CI 1.5-3.9, for those 70 to 79 years old and HR=7.20, 95%CI 4.5-11.5, for those 80 or older). Conclusion: The incidence rate of prostate cancer showed a decreasing trend from 2006 for all age groups; the mortality rate was stable in that period, and worse prognosis was observed in men 70 years or older.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar a incidência, a mortalidade e a sobrevida por câncer de próstata em Cuiabá e Várzea Grande, no período de 2000 a 2016. Métodos: Foram utilizados os dados do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional e do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Para a análise de tendência da incidência e mortalidade, foi utilizada a regressão por Joinpoint segundo faixa etária. Para estimar a probabilidade de sobrevivência foi utilizado o método de Kaplan-Meier e, para avaliar a associação com a faixa etária, foi estimado o hazard ratio (HR). Resultados: De 2000 a 2016, registraram-se 3.671 casos novos e 892 óbitos por câncer de próstata. A média das taxas no período (100.000 habitantes) foi de 87,96 para incidência e 20,22 para mortalidade. Verificou-se tendência decrescente da taxa de incidência para todas as idades de 2006 a 2016 (variação percentual anual — APC=-3,2%) e para homens com 80 anos ou mais de 2000 a 2016 (APC=-3,0%), bem como tendência crescente da taxa de mortalidade nos homens de 60-69 anos de 2000 a 2009 (APC=3,2%). A probabilidade de sobrevida específica em cinco anos foi de 79,6% (intervalo de confiança — IC95%: 77,2; 81,9) e diminuiu com o aumento da faixa etária (HR=2,43; IC95%: 1,5; 3,9 para aqueles de 70 a 79 anos e HR= 7,20; IC95%: 4,5;11,5 para aqueles de 80 anos ou mais). Conclusão: A taxa de incidência de câncer de próstata apresentou tendência de decréscimo a partir de 2006 para todas as idades, a taxa de mortalidade foi estável no período e o pior prognóstico foi observado em homens com 70 anos ou mais.

Cancer mortality in the State of Mato Grosso from 2000 to 2015: temporal trend and regional differences / Mortalidade por câncer no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil, no período de 2000 a 2015: tendência temporal e diferenças regionais

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the trend of standardized cancer mortality rate in the state of Mato Grosso according to health regions, from 2000 to 2015. Methods: Ecological time series study with data on deaths by cancer from the Mortality Information System. The rates were standardized using direct method and calculated by year and health regions. The annual percentage changes (APC) and respective confidence interval (95%CI) were obtained through simple linear regression. Thematic maps were built to show the spatial distribution of rates. Results: There were 28,525 deaths by cancer registered in Mato Grosso, with the main types being lung, prostate, stomach, breast and liver cancer. The highest mortality rates were found in regions Médio Norte, Baixada Cuiabana and Sul Mato-Grossense. From 2000 to 2015, an upward trend was seen in the mortality rate by cancer in Mato Grosso (APC=0.81%; 95%CI 0.38-1.26), and in four health regions, Garças Araguaia (APC=2.27%; 95%CI 1.46-3.08), Sul Mato-Grossense (APC=1.12%; 95%CI 0.28-1.97), Teles Pires (APC=1.93%; 95%CI 0,11-3,74) and Vale dos Arinos (APC=2.61%; 95%CI 1.10-4.70), while the other regions remained stable. Conclusion: In the state of Mato Grosso and in the four health regions, cancer mortality rate showed a growing trend. The results point to the need to consider regional differences when thinking about actions for cancer prevention, control and assistance.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar a tendência da taxa padronizada de mortalidade por câncer no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil, conforme regiões de saúde, no período de 2000 a 2015. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais com dados de óbitos por neoplasias do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade. As taxas foram padronizadas pelo método direto e calculadas por ano e por regiões de saúde. A variação anual percentual (annual percent change — APC) e seu respectivo intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) foram obtidos por meio da regressão linear simples. Construíram-se mapas temáticos para descrever a distribuição espacial das taxas. Resultados: Foram registrados 28.525 óbitos por câncer em Mato Grosso, e os cinco principais tipos de câncer foram de pulmão, próstata, estômago, mama e fígado. As maiores taxas de mortalidade foram encontradas nas regiões Médio Norte, Baixada Cuiabana e Sul-Mato-Grossense. No período de 2000 a 2015 foi observada tendência crescente na taxa de mortalidade por câncer em Mato Grosso (APC=0,81%; IC95% 0,38-1,26), e em quatro regiões de saúde, Garças Araguaia (APC=2,27%; IC95% 1,46-3,08), Sul-Mato-Grossense (APC=1,12%; IC95% 0,28-1,97), Teles Pires (APC=1,93%; IC95% 0,11-3,74) e Vale dos Arinos (APC=2,61%; IC95% 1,10-4,70). As demais regiões apresentaram estabilidade. Conclusão: No estado de Mato Grosso e em quatro regiões de saúde foi verificada tendência crescente de mortalidade por câncer. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de se considerar as diferenças regionais para as ações de prevenção e assistência ao câncer e de controle.

Levels, oral bioaccessibility and health risk of sand-bound potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in public playgrounds: Exploring magnetic properties as a pollution proxy.

Children in urban environments are exposed to potential harmful elements (PHEs) through variable exposure media. Playing activities in outdoor playgrounds have been considered of high concern due to children's exposure to sand-bound PHEs through unintentional or intentional sand ingestion. Furthermore, the affinity of magnetic particles with dust-bound PHEs in playgrounds has been reported. In this study, playground sands (PG sands) from public playgrounds in the city of Thessaloniki, N. Greece were sampled and the levels, the contamination degree, oral bioaccessibility and exposure assessment of PHEs were evaluated. In addition, low-cost and fast magnetic measurements (i.e. mass specific magnetic susceptibility, χlf) were explored as potential pollution and health risk proxies. Mineralogically, siliceous PG sands dominated, while morphologically angular magnetic particles and Fe-rich "spherules" of anthropogenic origin were revealed and verified by enhanced χlf values. The average total elemental contents exhibited a descending order of Mn > Ba > Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Co > As > Sn > Bi > Cd, however only Cd, Bi, Pb, Cr, As and Zn were presented anthropogenically enhanced. Notable increase on PHEs levels and finer sand fractions were observed with continuous sand use. Anthropogenically derived elements (i.e. Cd and Pb with high Igeo values) exhibited higher bioaccessible fractions in PG sands and considered easily soluble in gastric fluids through ingestion. However, increased risks were found for specific PHEs (especially Pb) only in a worst case exposure scenario of an intentional sand ingestion (pica disorder). Statistical analysis results revealed a linkage of anthropogenic components with sand-bound magnetic particles. Moreover, the recorded high affinity of Pb contents (in an enhanced magnetized sub-set of PG sands) and bioaccessible Cd fractions with χlf provide a preliminary indication on the successful applicability of low-cost and fast magnetic measurements in high impacted playground environments.

Application of fuzzy logic tools for the biogeochemical characterisation of (un)contaminated waters from Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal).

Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal) belongs to the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB). It is classified of high environmental risk due to its large tailings and to the Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) affected waters, generated by sulphides' oxidation. Integrating biological parameters (for the first time) in the input data matrix of the software PreFuRGe, allowed a better discrimination of the diatoms' responses to the stimuli caused by the hydrochemical changes imposed by the processes affecting water quality. Each hydrochemical scenario, was modeled by imposing maximum and minimum limits for each antecedent, according to the conditions imposed by the consequent, which in this case were the number of diatom species and pH. Thus, PreFuRGe evidenced some qualitative aspects that could not be achieved by classic statistics. pH appeared as the main discriminator of diversity and diatom species composition, nevertheless and due to the complex environment under study other chemical interactions must be considered: (a) AMD waters, with extremely low pH values, but also with extremely high hydrogeochemical complexity, represented by a mixture of metals, do not allow to associate, unequivocally, the reduction in diatom diversity to pH, but also to high metal (loid)s concentrations; (b) in the most alkaline waters, with higher abundance of diatom species, average to high concentrations of Na and Cl (due to Cenozoic sediments) do not seem to affect diatom diversity. This methodology proved to be an efficient tool to establish, for the first time, cause-effect relationships, improving the comprehension between biological (diatoms) and hydrochemical parameters.

Assessment of the influence of traffic-related particles in urban dust using sequential selective extraction and oral bioaccessibility tests.

Urban dust is a heterogeneous mix, where traffic-related particles can combine with soil mineral compounds, forming a unique and site-specific material. These traffic-related particles are usually enriched in potentially harmful elements, enhancing the health risk for population by inhalation or ingestion. Urban dust samples from Estarreja city and traffic-related particles (brake dust and white traffic paint) were studied to understand the relative contribution of the traffic particles in the geochemical behaviour of urban dust and to evaluate the long-term impacts of the metals on an urban environment, as well as the risk to the populations. It was possible to distinguish two groups of urban dust samples according to Cu behaviour: (1) one group with low amounts of fine particles (<38 µm), low contents of organic material, high percentage of Cu in soluble phases, and low Cu bioaccessible fraction (Bf) values. This group showed similar chemical behaviour with the brake dust samples of low- to mid-range car brands (with more than 10 years old), composed by coarser wear particles; and (2) another group with greater amounts of fine particles (<38 µm), with low percentage of Cu associated with soluble phases, and with greater Cu Bf values. This group behaved similar to those found for brake dust of mid- to high-range car brands (with less than 10 years old). The results obtained showed that there is no direct correlation between the geoavailability of metals estimated by sequential selective chemical extraction (SSCE) and the in vitro oral bioaccessibility (UBM) test. Thus, oral bioaccessibility of urban dust is site specific. Geoavailability was greatly dependent on particle size, where the bioaccessibility tended to increase with a reduction in particle diameter. As anthropogenic particles showed high metal concentration and a smaller size than mineral particles, urban dusts are of major concern to the populations' health, since fine particles are easily re-suspended, easily ingested, and show high metal bioaccessibility. In addition, Estarreja is a coastal city often influenced by winds, which favours the re-suspension of small-sized contaminated particles. Even if the risk to the population does not represent an acute case, it should not be overlooked, and this study can serve as baseline study for cities under high traffic influence.

The mobility and human oral bioaccessibility of Zn and Pb in urban dusts of Estarreja (N Portugal).

Twenty-one samples of urban dust were collected from Estarreja city (Portugal). The main objective of this work was to assess the potential availability of Pb and Zn present dust samples from Estarreja city via the oral ingestion exposure route using a combination of geochemical tests: (a) using sequential extraction to identify the fractionation of the Pb and Zn within the geochemical components that make up the dust and (b) in vitro bioaccessibility (BA) measurements to identify which components are the source(s) of the bioaccessible fraction (Bf). These samples were analysed for their quasi-total contents of Pb and Zn by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, for their element solid-phase distribution using selective sequential extraction method and for the Bfs of these elements using a physiologically based extraction test. The study showed that the concentrations of Zn were higher than Pb, but both are site-specific. The sequential extraction test shows that the exchangeable and acid-soluble phases are important bearing phases for Pb and Zn. The BA test showed that a high proportion of the total concentration is available for absorption into the human body (ranges from 22.5 to 84.1% for Pb and 28.7 to 86.3% for Zn).

Geochemistry, mineralogy, solid-phase fractionation and oral bioaccessibility of lead in urban soils of Lisbon.

An urban survey of Lisbon, the largest city in Portugal, was carried out to investigate its environmental burden, emphasizing metallic elements and their public health impacts. This paper examines the geochemistry of lead (Pb) and its influence on human health data. A total of 51 soil samples were collected from urban recreational areas used by children to play outdoors. The semi-quantitative analysis of Pb was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after an acid digestion. X-ray diffraction was used to characterize the soil mineralogy. The solid-phase distribution of Pb in the urban soils was investigated on a subset of 7 soils, out of a total of 51 samples, using a non-specific sequential extraction method coupled with chemometric analysis. Oral bioaccessibility measurements were obtained using the Unified BARGE Method developed by the Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe. The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) investigation of Pb solid-phase distribution; (2) interpretation of Pb oral bioaccessibility measurements; (3) integration of metal geochemistry with human health data; and (4) understanding the influence of geochemistry and mineralogy on oral bioaccessibility. The results show that the bioaccessible fraction of Pb is lower when major metal fractions are associated with less soluble soil phases such as Fe oxyhydroxides, and more increased when the metal is in the highly soluble carbonate phase. However, there is some evidence that the proportion of carbonates in the soil environment is also a key control over the oral bioaccessibility of Pb, irrespective of its solid-phase fractionation.

Major inputs and mobility of potentially toxic elements contamination in urban areas.

Soil quality in urban areas is affected by anthropogenic activities, posing a risk to human health and ecosystems. Since the pseudo-total concentrations of potentially toxic elements may not reflect their potential risks, the study of element mobility is very important on a risk assessment basis. This study aims at characterising the distribution and major sources of 34 elements in two Portuguese urban areas (Lisbon and Viseu), with different geological characteristics, industrial and urban development processes. Furthermore, the potential availability of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn was assessed, by measuring the fraction easily mobilised. Lisbon is enriched in elements of geogenic and anthropogenic origin, whereas in the smaller city, the high levels observed are mainly related to a geogenic origin. Background values can be more relevant than the dimension of the city, even when anthropogenic components may be present, and this parameter should be considered when comparing results from different cities. Regarding the potential available fraction, a high variability of results was observed for elements and for sampling sites with an influence of the soil's general characteristics. Elements showing very high concentrations due to geological reasons presented, in general, a low mobility and it was not dependent on the degree of contamination. For elements with major anthropogenic origin, only Zn was dependent on the pseudo-total content. Yet, the highest available fractions of some elements, both with major geogenic and anthropogenic origin, were observed in specific contaminated samples. Therefore, a site-specific evaluation in urban soils is important due to the high spatial variability and heterogeneity.

Characterization and validation of a Portuguese natural reference soil to be used as substrate for ecotoxicological purposes.

This study describes the first attempt to validate a Portuguese natural soil (PTRS1) to be used as reference soil for ecotoxicological purposes, aimed to both: (i) obtain ecotoxicological data for the derivation of Soil Screening Values (SSVs) with regional relevance, acting as a substrate to be spiked with ranges of concentrations of the chemicals under evaluation and (ii) act as control and as substrate for the dilution of contaminated soils in ecotoxicological assays performed to evaluate the ecotoxicity of contaminated soils, in tier 2 of risk assessment frameworks, applied to contaminated lands. The PTRS1 is a cambisol from a granitic area integrated in the Central Iberian Zone. After chemical characterization of the soil in terms of pseudo-total metals, PAHs, PCBs and pesticide contents, it was possible to perceive that some metals (Ba, Be, Co, Cr and V) surpass the Dutch Target Values (Dtvs) corrected for the percentage of organic matter and clay of the PTRS1. Nevertheless, these metals displayed total concentrations below the background total concentrations described for Portuguese soils in general. The same was observed for aldrin, endosulfan I, endosulfan II, heptachlor epoxide, and heptachlor; however the Dtvs corrected become negligible. The performance of invertebrate and plant species, commonly used in standard ecotoxicological assays, was not compromised by both soil properties and soil metal contents. The results obtained suggest that the PTRS1 can be used as a natural reference soil in ecotoxicological assays carried out under the scope of ecological risk assessment.

Metal fractionation of cadmium, lead and arsenic of geogenic origin in topsoils from the Marrancos gold mineralisation, northern Portugal.

The Marrancos gold mineralisation has a chemical assemblage of Fe-As-Se-Bi-Au-Ag-Te-(Cu-Pb-Zn-Sn-W). The -200 mesh of 144 topsoil samples was analysed by ICP-MS to determine total contents of 53 elements that include potentially harmful elements like Cd, As and Pb. The soil geochemistry shows that some trace elements occur in considerably high concentrations. On the basis of data for total metal concentrations, 10 topsoil samples were selected to carry out a metal fractionation study using a selective extraction method. A set of four leaches of increasing strength was used sequentially in the soil samples. Across the study area, there is some evidence of past mining and exploration activity, indicating that these soils may be locally disturbed. The shallow mineralised quartz veins were exploited for gold by the Romans. Several galleries were constructed during the 2nd World War, probably for the exploration of quartz-cassiterite-wolframite veins. However, the main mineralised body in depth was never explored. The results of metal fractionation show different partitions for the three elements. Total Cd concentrations in these soils are low, with a median value of 0.1 mg/kg. In average, 12% of total Cd is adsorbed by clays and/or co-precipitated with carbonates, and 19% is bounded to Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides. However, the low concentrations indicate that the metal does not represent an immediate risk to human health. For Pb, metal fractionation shows that, on average, 22% of Pb is adsorbed by amorphous Fe and Mn oxides, but the samples from the northern part of the area have the major fractions of Pb in soluble forms. The low probability of exposure in this part of the study area decreases the risk posed by this heavy metal. Total As concentrations in the Marrancos soils are extremely high. A large area has As concentrations above 1,000 mg/kg. For As, metal fractions in the sulphide phase vary between 84 and 98% in the studied samples. But one sample has 20% of total As in easily reducible forms, corresponding to a partial concentration of 1,800 mg/kg that has a high probability of being bioavailable. The most labile As forms occur at the southern part of the area, where the probability of exposure is higher and the risk of human health increases in the same order. From the three studied potentially harmful elements, As is certainly the element of concern.

Lead availability in soils from Portugal's Centre Region with special reference to bioaccessibility.

Previous environmental biomonitoring studies indicated higher environmental lead (Pb) pollution levels at the districts of Aveiro and Leiria (Portugal). In evaluating the risk for human health, which is associated with contaminated soils after oral uptake, total soil concentrations have generally been held against criteria established from toxicological studies based upon the assumption that the uptake of the contaminant is similar in the toxicological studies and from the soils assessed. This assumption is not always valid, as most toxicological studies are carried out with soluble forms of the contaminants, whereas many soil contaminants are or become embedded in the soil matrix and thus exhibit limited availability. This study intends to estimate the soluble fraction of Pb in the soils from central Portugal, and to assess the bioaccessibility of Pb and, hence, infer exposure and risk for human health. Yet, as the physical-chemical properties of the soil exert some control over the solubility of Pb in the surface environment, the relation between such soil properties and the estimated soluble and/or bioaccessible fractions of Pb is also investigated. Other objective, with a more practical nature, was to give some contribution to find a suitable in vitro mimetic of the gastrointestinal tract environment. The results indicate relatively low total metal concentrations in the soils, even if differences between regions were observed. The Aveiro district has the higher total Pb concentration and the metal is in more soluble forms, that is, geoavailable. Soils with higher concentrations of soluble Pb show higher estimates of bioaccessible Pb. Soil pH seems to influence human bioaccessibility of Pb.

Evaluation of an approach for the characterization of reactive and available pools of 20 potentially toxic elements in soils: part II--solid-solution partition relationships and ion activity in soil solutions.

To assess environmental risks related to contaminants in soil it is essential to predict the available pool of inorganic contaminants at regional scales, accounting for differences between soils from variable geologic and climatic origins. An approach composed of a well-accepted soil extraction procedure (0.01 M CaCl(2)) and empirical Freundlich-type models in combination with mechanistically based models which to date have been used only in temperate regions was applied to 136 soils from a South European area and evaluated for its possible general use in risk assessment. Empirical models based on reactive element pools and soil properties (pH, organic carbon, clay, total Al, Fe and Mn) provided good estimations of available concentrations for a broad range of contaminants including As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se and Zn (r(2): 0.46-0.89). The variation of the pools of total Al in soils expressed the sorptive capacity of aluminosilicates and Al oxides at the surfaces and edges of clay minerals better than the actual variability of clay contents. The approach has led to recommendations for further research with particular emphasis on the impact of clay on the solubility of As and Sb, on the mechanisms controlling Cr and U availability and on differences in binding properties of soil organic matter from different climatic regions. This study showed that such approach may be included with a good degree of certainty for first step risk assessment procedures to identify potential risk areas for leaching and uptake of inorganic contaminants in different environmental settings.

Evaluation of an approach for the characterization of reactive and available pools of twenty potentially toxic elements in soils: part I--the role of key soil properties in the variation of contaminants' reactivity.

Harmful effects of potentially toxic elements (PTE's) in soils relate to their geochemically reactive fraction. To assess the degree of the reactivity, specific extractions or models are needed. Here we applied a 0.43 M HNO(3) chemical extraction to assess reactive pools of a broad range of PTE's in 136 contaminated and non-contaminated soils. Furthermore we derived Freundlich-type models based on commonly available soil properties (pH, organic carbon and clay) as well as extended models that used other properties such as amorphous Al and Fe oxides and evaluated their possible use in risk assessment. The approach allowed to predict the reactivity of As, Hg, Co, U, Ba, Se, Sb, Mo, Li, Be (r(2): 0.55-0.90) elements not previously included in such studies, as well as that of Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni and Cr (r(2): 0.73-0.90). The inclusion of pH, organic carbon and clay improved the performance of all models except for Be and Mo, although the role of clay is not completely clear and requires further investigation. The ability of amorphous metal oxides to affect the reactivity of As, Hg, Cu, Ni, Cr, Sb, Mo and Li was expressed by the models in agreement with known geochemical processes leading to the retention of PTE's by the solid matrix. Hence, such approach can be a useful tool to account for regional differences in soil properties during the identification of risk areas and constitute a significantly more powerful tool than the analysis of total pools of PTE's in soils.

Water-soluble fraction of mercury, arsenic and other potentially toxic elements in highly contaminated sediments and soils.

The water-soluble contents of mercury, arsenic and other potentially toxic elements in highly contaminated sediment and soil samples from Portugal were determined. Mercury and arsenic concentrations were detectable and reproducible among replicate experiments. Despite the acidic pH, the low organic carbon content and the exceptionally high levels of contamination of certain samples (total mercury contents varied between 0.15 and 3180 mg kg(-1) while total arsenic concentrations ranged from 11 to 6365 mg kg(-1)), the water-soluble percentages of both mercury (<1.2%) and arsenic (<4.6%) were generally low. The variability of the water-soluble fractions of these two elements among these samples and at the occurring pH conditions seems not to be associated with the release of other potentially toxic elements. The highest water-soluble concentrations of the remaining potentially toxic elements were generally observed in the 15-25 cm depth layer of sediments from areas colonised with plants (Halimione portulacoides) and in mining soil samples. Zinc, cobalt, copper and cadmium showed the highest water-soluble percentages of elements in relation to total metal contents. Given the high contamination levels, the availability of potentially toxic elements in these areas as well as possible risks to the environment and humans should be further investigated. The presence of plants (H. portulacoides) appears to cause significant changes in the sediment matrix that increase the mobility of several potentially toxic elements, particularly in the 15-25 cm depth layer. The effects of vegetation on the fractionation of potentially toxic elements on these sediments should be further studied.