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Heavy Metal Toxicity: Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment: Volume II

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2025) | Viewed by 6355

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Maria Stefania Sinicropi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, Italy
Interests: the study of new molecules as anticancer drugs; the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds of pharmaceutic interest; the study and biological evaluation of nutraceuticals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heavy metal toxicity has proven to be a major threat to human health, and there are several health risks associated with it.

In fact, although metals occur naturally in the ecosystem, anthropogenic sources (i.e., pollution) contribute to their introduction in the environment. Toxic metals generally interfere with a number of physiological processes, including central nervous system (CNS), hematopoietic, hepatic, and renal functions. This results in the development of numerous human disorders. Metal toxicity depends on several factors, including dose, route of exposure, and chemical species, as well as the age, gender, genetics, and nutritional status of exposed individuals.

Although numerous studies have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms implicated in their toxicity, further studies are still needed in order to improve pharmacological treatments. 

This Special Issue on “Heavy Metal Toxicity: Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment” offers to bring together the most recent research on such developments, with a focus on cellular and molecular alterations caused by exposure to heavy metals.

Prof. Dr. Maria Stefania Sinicropi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • heavy metals toxicity
  • exposure to heavy metals
  • heavy metals and environment
  • heavy metals and human health
  • detoxification of heavy metals

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 1652 KiB  
Article
Risk Element Interaction with an Emerging Contaminant in Mammals: The Case of Arsenic and Carbamazepine Orally Taken up by Microtus arvalis L. as a Model Organism
by Frank Boahen, Jiřina Száková, Zuzana Čadková, Jana Štanderová, Christiane Schwarz, Martin Gierus, Lukáš Praus, Filip Mercl and Pavel Tlustoš
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031662 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 844
Abstract
Arsenic (As), a well-known ‘traditional’ environmental contaminant, and carbamazepine (CBZ), an emerging contaminant of a pharmaceutical category, are both frequently detected in the environment and have been shown to exhibit toxicity at exposure concentrations present in the environment. This study aimed to assess [...] Read more.
Arsenic (As), a well-known ‘traditional’ environmental contaminant, and carbamazepine (CBZ), an emerging contaminant of a pharmaceutical category, are both frequently detected in the environment and have been shown to exhibit toxicity at exposure concentrations present in the environment. This study aimed to assess the single and combined exposure effects of these pollutants on the adult common vole (Microtus arvalis L.), a model mammalian organism. This study assessed As and CBZ accumulation, their biotransformation processes, and antioxidant enzyme defence responses after sole and combined exposure. The animals were fed a diet containing either a low (1.25 mg/kg) or high level (166 mg/kg) of As. Moreover, half of the animals were exposed to CBZ via drinking water infused with 10 ng/L of CBZ, and the second half had the use of drinking water devoid of CBZ. The results showed enhanced total As and As species contents in the organs of the As + CBZ exposure group compared to the As exposure group. High As exposure in the As + CBZ group did not cause an enhanced uptake of CBZ in the liver compared to the CBZ exposure group. There was a potential accumulation of CBZ in the liver of the CBZ exposed groups (CBZ and As + CBZ), raising concerns about potential toxic effects in mammals from long-term exposure. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, reflecting the antioxidant enzyme defence responses against single and co-exposure of the two pollutants, showed that the CBZ group exhibited comparable activity to the control group, while the As group had down-regulation and the As + CBZ group had up-regulation. These findings suggest that the CBZ group experienced minimal oxidative stress conditions, similar to the control group. The As group showed a rapid adaptation response to curtail or offset potential oxidative stress tissue damage conditions, compared to the slow adaptation/response in the As + CBZ group. The findings of this experiment indicate that the possible interactions of various environmental pollutants could alter the potential effects of the individual pollutants after a sole exposure. These findings indicate the necessity of investigating these interactions for better understanding of the potential risk of these pollutants in real environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Toxicity: Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment: Volume II)
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14 pages, 291 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Potential and Low Heavy Metals Content of Oryctes monoceros (Olivier, 1789) and Rhynchophorus phoenicis (Fabricius, 1801) Adults, Two Coleopteran Species Consumed in Togo
by Fègbawè Badanaro, Narcis Barsan, Mamatchi Mélila, Kamilou Ouro-Sama, Koami Améyran, Florin-Marian Nedeff, Oana Irimia and Valentin Nedeff
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1317; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031317 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 699
Abstract
Oryctes monoceros (Olivier, 1789) (Scarabaeidae) and Rhynchophorus phoenicis (Fabricius, 1801) (Curculionidae) are two insects generally known as formidable pests of oil palms and coconuts trees. Although little known, different developmental stages of these insects are consumed. The aim of this study is to [...] Read more.
Oryctes monoceros (Olivier, 1789) (Scarabaeidae) and Rhynchophorus phoenicis (Fabricius, 1801) (Curculionidae) are two insects generally known as formidable pests of oil palms and coconuts trees. Although little known, different developmental stages of these insects are consumed. The aim of this study is to determine the composition of these adult Coleopteran species in order to promote their consumption as a strategy for enhancing food security. Chemical analyses were carried out on adults of both species. Samples of O. monoceros and R. phoenicis were collected in three localities in Togo. The ash, protein, vitamin, and lipid contents were determined according to the AOAC reference methods. The fiber contents were obtained by the method of Weende. The minerals and heavy metals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and colorimetry. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. The results showed the average protein content ranges from 44.32 ± 0.83 to 45.89 ± 0.83%. The lipid level is between 15.06 ± 0.28% and 14.64 ± 0.54. Their lipids contain unsaturated fatty acids, notably oleic (40.84 ± 0.112 vs. 40.84 ± 0.11%), linoleic (4.49 ± 0.00 vs. 5.07 ± 0.02%), and α-linolenic (5.07 ± 0.02 vs. 6.35 ± 0.01%) acid. They are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins. They are also free of heavy metals. These species could, therefore, contribute to the nutritional balance of consumers. They deserve to be better promoted for human consumption, as they could make a significant contribution to the fight against malnutrition and constitute a novel food source. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Toxicity: Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment: Volume II)
14 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Impact of Fish, Mollusk and Seafood Consumption before Sample Donation on Urinary and Toenail Metal Levels in Workers Exposed to Heavy Metals
by Rommel Fernando Silva-Caicedo, Manuel Contreras-Llanes, Rocío Capelo, Angela Zumel-Marne, Miguel Ángel García-Sevillano, Vanesa Santos-Sánchez and Juan Alguacil
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8174; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188174 - 11 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1051
Abstract
Introduction: We assessed the impact on metal levels of seafood, mollusk and fish consumption (SMFc) before urine and toenail sample donation among workers exposed to metals. Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study with 101 workers from the chemical and metal industry and [...] Read more.
Introduction: We assessed the impact on metal levels of seafood, mollusk and fish consumption (SMFc) before urine and toenail sample donation among workers exposed to metals. Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study with 101 workers from the chemical and metal industry and 40 unexposed workers from the services sector. We measured urinary (As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Li, Mo, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl, V, W and Zn) and toenail (same plus Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and U) metal levels. Results: Urinary arsenic levels were higher among workers eating seafood or mollusks (102 ppm vs. 55.4 ppm; p = 0.042) or fish (109 ppm vs. 48 ppm; p = 0.007) 8 h before sample donation. Urinary mercury was associated with consumption of blue fish (11.865 ppm) and canned sardines (19.125 ppm) (p = 0.028). With respect to toenails, fish consumption was associated with aluminum (17 ppm vs. 8.6 ppm; p = 0.012) and beryllium (5 ppb vs. 1 ppb; p = 0.017). Arsenic urinary levels were associated with numbers of hours prior to sample collection since latest SMFc (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Among workers exposed to metals, seafood, mollusk and fish consumption is an important determinant of urinary arsenic levels, as sea fish for urinary mercury, but not for other metals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Toxicity: Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment: Volume II)
16 pages, 1825 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Amendment with Sewage Sludge: Effects on Nutrient Value and Trace-Metal Content in Different Parts of Maize Plants
by Francesc Camps-Sagué, Àngela Dolores Bosch-Serra, Alicia Daniela Cifuentes-Almeida, Montserrat Maria Boixadera-Bosch and Francesc Domingo-Olivé
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8105; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188105 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 771
Abstract
Agricultural soils play a key role in the achievement of a circular nutrient economy. The use of sewage sludges as fertilizers is important for such an achievement, assisting in the maintenance of soil health and nutritional crop value. This study was established, after [...] Read more.
Agricultural soils play a key role in the achievement of a circular nutrient economy. The use of sewage sludges as fertilizers is important for such an achievement, assisting in the maintenance of soil health and nutritional crop value. This study was established, after 23 years of a fertilization experiment, in calcareous soil under a maize monoculture. The treatments included mineral fertilization as a control (MIN, 225 kg N ha−1) and two sludge treatments, where doses followed a threshold sludge nitrogen criterion (SNC, 170 kg org-N ha−1) or a threshold soil phosphorus criterion (SPC; when the soil Olsen-P value exceeded 40–60 kg P ha−1, the sludge application was stopped). A detailed study was performed on Cd, Cu, F, Mn, Pb, and Zn soil extractable with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), as well as the nutrient and heavy metal concentration of different fractions of the maize plant (grain, cob, and the rest of the plant). Extractions were also quantified. No biomass-yield differences were observed in the different parts of the maize plant in the year of sampling. Sludges increased the soil DTPA extraction of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn and diminished Mn extraction, without differences in extractable Pb. The SNC, when compared with MIN, showed increased P cob concentrations, and in grain, it showed increased Fe, Cr, and Co concentrations. The SPC figures of the studied parameters were, in general, between both treatments (MIN and SNC), although Cr extractions in grain diminished vs. SNC. Based on the results, the SPC can be recommended as it also avoids excessive available-P build up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Toxicity: Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment: Volume II)
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24 pages, 4361 KiB  
Article
Risk Elements in Total Suspended Particles in Areas Affected by Opencast Mining of Brown Coal
by Jiřina Száková, Eva Rychlíková, Veronika Ladecká, Ivan Beneš, Frank Boahen and Pavel Tlustoš
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7229; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167229 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 853
Abstract
Background: The total suspended particles (TSPs) and selected risk element contents were determined in two medium-sized cities, Litvínov and Sokolov (both in North Bohemia, Czech Republic), where the environment is adversely affected by opencast brown coal mining, coal-related industries, and the petrochemical industry. [...] Read more.
Background: The total suspended particles (TSPs) and selected risk element contents were determined in two medium-sized cities, Litvínov and Sokolov (both in North Bohemia, Czech Republic), where the environment is adversely affected by opencast brown coal mining, coal-related industries, and the petrochemical industry. Methods: TSP samples were collected monthly for three years. Results and Discussion: The results showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in the TSP deposition in different seasons of the year, with the highest values in spring, followed by summer, and the lowest in autumn and winter. This is most likely due to increased coal mining activity in the spring and summer. The amount of the elements associated with the TSP showed mostly a similar pattern. The potential risk of these elements for human health was assessed as the average daily dose (ADD) for ingestion of the individual elements and subsequently calculated hazard quotients (HQ). Elevated oral ADD levels were recorded, especially for children. Among the risk elements, arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) were identified as the most hazardous. Conclusions: The results indicated that the TSP-related risk elements do not represent a serious health risk, but many questions concerning the sources of elements in the area and their bioaccessibility remain open for further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Toxicity: Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment: Volume II)
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26 pages, 3853 KiB  
Article
Female Rat Behavior Effects from Low Levels of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI]) in Drinking Water Evaluated with a Toxic Aging Coin Approach
by Samuel T. Vielee, Jessica Isibor, William J. Buchanan, Spencer H. Roof, Maitri Patel, Idoia Meaza, Aggie Williams, Jennifer H. Toyoda, Haiyan Lu, Sandra S. Wise, J. Calvin Kouokam, Jamie Young Wise, AbouEl-Makarim Aboueissa, Jun Cai, Lu Cai and John P. Wise, Jr.
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6206; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146206 - 17 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1361
Abstract
We are facing a critical aging crisis, with geriatric populations (65+) growing to unprecedented proportions and ~4 million people (a 6.5-fold increase) expected to become centenarians by 2050. This is compounded by environmental pollution, which affects individuals of all ages and contributes to [...] Read more.
We are facing a critical aging crisis, with geriatric populations (65+) growing to unprecedented proportions and ~4 million people (a 6.5-fold increase) expected to become centenarians by 2050. This is compounded by environmental pollution, which affects individuals of all ages and contributes to age-related diseases. As we have a limited understanding of how environmental pollutants affect older populations distinctly from younger populations, these longer-lived geriatric populations present a key knowledge gap. To address this knowledge gap, we employ a “Toxic Aging Coin” approach: heads consider how age impacts chemical toxicity, and tails consider how chemicals act as gerontogens—or how they accelerate biological aging. We employed this approach to investigate hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]) impacts on female rats exposed to 0.05 or 0.1 mg Cr(VI)/L in drinking water for 90 days; these are the maximum contaminant levels (i.e., the highest levels permitted) from the World Health Organization and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, respectively. During exposure, rats performed a battery of behavior assays to assess grip strength, locomotor coordination, anxiety, spatial memory, sociability, and social novelty preference. We observed age differences in Cr(VI) neurotoxicity, with grip strength, locomotor function, and spatial memory in middle-aged females being particularly affected. We further compared these results in females to results in males, noting many sex differences, especially in middle-aged rats. These data emphasize the need to consider age and sex as variables in toxicology and to revisit drinking water regulations for Cr(VI). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Toxicity: Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment: Volume II)
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