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Heavy Metal Contamination and Its Effects on Ecosystems and Human...
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Heavy Metal Contamination and Its Effects on Ecosystems and Human Health: Challenges and Solutions

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Metals and Radioactive Substances".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2025) | Viewed by 4750

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Daochen Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: pollutants; biotechnology; molecular biology; microbes; lignin; environment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Naturally occurring elements with a high density that are harmful to all living things, including humans, are known as heavy metals. Lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, copper, and chromium are a few examples of prevalent heavy metals. They have been a major environmental problem, posing severe threats to ecosystems and human health due to their long-term environmental persistence.

Regulations and standards are put in place to limit and manage the discharge of heavy metals into the environment to combat heavy metal pollution. This covers the establishment of monitoring systems to determine the levels of heavy metal pollution in various environmental compartments, the enforcement of industry emission requirements, and the appropriate handling and disposal of hazardous waste. The lack of comprehensive studies addressing heavy metal contamination across different components in the environment is a critical concern for both environmental and human health due to the excessive contamination, bio-magnification, and toxicity of these pollutants.

The remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil is necessary to reduce the risks related to this contamination. Many techniques are used to minimize or remove heavy metals from the soil. Techniques like excavation and soil capping entail physically removing the contaminated soil or covering it with a barrier. The goal of chemical techniques like soil cleaning and chemical immobilization is to alter the chemical makeup of heavy metals in the soil so that they are less mobile and accessible to plants and other living things. Bioremediation offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for the removal of heavy metals from the environment using certain species of plants and microorganisms.

Prof. Dr. Daochen Zhu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • heavy metals
  • contamination
  • toxicity
  • bioaccumulation
  • health risk assessment
  • bioremediation
  • environment
  • safety utilization

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 871 KiB  
Article
Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Element Uptake by Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) in Floating Lake Gardens
by Mohssen Elbagory, Farahat S. Moghanm, Ibrahim Mohamed, Sahar El-Nahrawy, Alaa El-Dein Omara, Madhumita Goala, Pankaj Kumar, Boro Mioč, Željko Andabaka and Ivan Širić
Toxics 2025, 13(4), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13040306 - 13 Apr 2025
Viewed by 407
Abstract
The present study investigated the uptake and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) cultivated in floating lake gardens of Dal Lake, Srinagar, India. Rapid urbanization and anthropogenic activities have led to PTE contamination in the lake, [...] Read more.
The present study investigated the uptake and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) cultivated in floating lake gardens of Dal Lake, Srinagar, India. Rapid urbanization and anthropogenic activities have led to PTE contamination in the lake, raising concerns about food safety and ecological sustainability. The objectives were to evaluate the physicochemical properties of water and sediment and to quantify PTEs (Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn) accumulation in different tissues of N. nucifera with associated health risks. A systematic sampling approach was adopted across four zones of the lake, collecting water, sediment, and plant tissues (August to October 2024). The results showed significant PTE contamination, with sediment showing high concentrations of Fe (1610.51 mg/kg), Mn (31.48 mg/kg), and Cr (29.72 mg/kg). Bioaccumulation factors indicated preferential PTE accumulation in roots, with Fe exhibiting the highest uptake (95.11). Translocation factors were low for most PTEs, suggesting limited mobility to edible parts. Health risk assessment indicated that Cr posed the highest non-carcinogenic risk (HRI = 1.8000 in rhizomes). The cumulative target hazard quotient (THQ) remained below 1, suggesting no immediate risk, but long-term exposure warrants concern. The study provided valuable information on the necessity of continuous monitoring and pollution mitigation strategies to ensure the food safety of floating lake garden-derived crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Contamination and Its Effects on Ecosystems and Human Health: Challenges and Solutions)
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16 pages, 1157 KiB  
Article
The Role of Sex Steroid Hormones in the Association Between Manganese Exposure and Bone Mineral Density: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2018
by Xiang Zhao, Jiayi Li, Jincong Yu, Yinhui Shi and Mengling Tang
Toxics 2025, 13(4), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13040296 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
This study investigates the association between blood Mn and bone mineral density (BMD), focusing on the mediating role of sex steroids, using data from 8617 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018. Weighted multiple linear regression models were used [...] Read more.
This study investigates the association between blood Mn and bone mineral density (BMD), focusing on the mediating role of sex steroids, using data from 8617 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018. Weighted multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association of blood Mn and total BMD, and mediation analyses were used to explored the roles of total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the Mn-BMD relationship, stratified by sex and menopausal status. Blood Mn was negatively associated with BMD in both sexes, with a pronounced effect in postmenopausal women. SHBG mediated 37.16% of the Mn-BMD association in men, whereas no mediating effects were found in women. E2 exhibited a significant indirect effect, suggesting that reduced E2 levels may amplify Mn’s effect on BMD. These findings indicate that Mn exposure is associated with decreased BMD, potentially through alterations in sex steroids, highlighting the importance of considering hormone status when evaluating the impact of Mn exposure on BMD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Contamination and Its Effects on Ecosystems and Human Health: Challenges and Solutions)
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15 pages, 1477 KiB  
Article
Does Personality Modulate the Sensitivity to Contaminants? A Case Study with Cadmium and Caffeine
by Niedja Santos, Sara Reis, Inês Domingues and Miguel Oliveira
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030147 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 551
Abstract
Personality has been reported to influence fish response to stress. This study aimed to assess whether shy and bold fish display different sensitivities to two environmental contaminants: caffeine (CAF) and cadmium (Cd). Thus, the sensitivity to Cd was compared based on lethal concentrations [...] Read more.
Personality has been reported to influence fish response to stress. This study aimed to assess whether shy and bold fish display different sensitivities to two environmental contaminants: caffeine (CAF) and cadmium (Cd). Thus, the sensitivity to Cd was compared based on lethal concentrations (LCs). The potential different response to CAF, known to alter the social behavior and locomotor activity of zebrafish, was studied using behavioral parameters. Overall, different LC values were found for each group: 48 h LC50 values of 4.79 (shy fish) and 8.20 mg·L−1 (bold fish); and 96 h LC50 values of 3.79 (shy fish) and 9.79 mg·L−1 (bold fish). In terms of response to CAF, a significant interaction between CAF and personality traits (bold and shy) was found in the locomotion activities (distance travelled, and medium and rapid movements), in the mirror test (frequency of contact and entries into the contact, approach, and distant zones), and in social tests (swimming distance in zones 2 and 3; time spent in zones 1, 2, and 3; and number of entries into zones 1 and 2). Shy fish exposed to 300 μg·L−1 of CAF presented hypoactivity, reduced aggressive behavior, and reduced sociability. Conversely, CAF did not influence the behavior of bold fish. In general, shy fish were more sensitive to Cd and exhibited anxious behavior when exposed to CAF, which appears to be the factor responsible for changes in their social behavior. Our results highlight the importance of taking personality traits into account in future studies, as variations in behavioral responses between bold and shy individuals can mask the toxicological effects of different chemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Contamination and Its Effects on Ecosystems and Human Health: Challenges and Solutions)
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20 pages, 4455 KiB  
Article
Copper-Induced Neurodegenerative Disorders and Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin-Loaded Nanoemulsion
by Govind Hake, Akshada Mhaske, Rahul Shukla and Swaran Jeet Singh Flora
Toxics 2025, 13(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020108 - 29 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 876
Abstract
Copper accumulation in neurons induces oxidative stress, disrupts mitochondrial activity, and accelerates neuronal death, which is central to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases like Wilson disease. Standard treatments for copper toxicity, such as D-penicillamine, trientine, and chloroquine, are frequently associated with severe side [...] Read more.
Copper accumulation in neurons induces oxidative stress, disrupts mitochondrial activity, and accelerates neuronal death, which is central to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases like Wilson disease. Standard treatments for copper toxicity, such as D-penicillamine, trientine, and chloroquine, are frequently associated with severe side effects, creating a need for safer therapeutic alternatives. To address this, we developed a curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion (CUR-NE) using the spontaneous emulsification technique, aimed at enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of curcumin. The optimized nanoemulsion displayed a particle size of 76.42 nm, a zeta potential of −20.4 mV, and a high encapsulation efficiency of 93.69%, with a stable and uniform structure. The in vitro tests on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells demonstrated that CUR-NE effectively protected against copper-induced toxicity, promoting significant cellular uptake. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that CUR-NE exhibited a longer half-life and extended circulation time compared to free curcumin. Additionally, pharmacodynamic evaluations, including biochemical assays and histopathological analysis, confirmed that CUR-NE provided superior neuroprotection in copper overload conditions. These results emphasize the ability of CUR-NE to augment the therapeutic effects of curcumin, presenting a novel approach for managing copper-induced neurodegeneration. The study highlights the effectiveness of nanoemulsion-based delivery platforms in improving chelation treatments for neurological diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Contamination and Its Effects on Ecosystems and Human Health: Challenges and Solutions)
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Review

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26 pages, 2719 KiB  
Review
A Review of Potentially Toxic Elements in Sediment, Water, and Aquatic Species from the River Ecosystems
by Md Muzammel Hossain, Iffat Jahan, Mudasir A. Dar, Maruti J. Dhanavade, Al Fattah Bin Mamtaz, Stephen J. Maxwell, Song Han and Daochen Zhu
Toxics 2025, 13(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13010026 - 31 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1888
Abstract
There is concern over potential toxic elements (PTEs) impacting river ecosystems due to human and industrial activities. The river’s water, sediment, and aquatic life are all severely affected by the release of chemical and urban waste. PTE concentrations in sediment, water, and aquatic [...] Read more.
There is concern over potential toxic elements (PTEs) impacting river ecosystems due to human and industrial activities. The river’s water, sediment, and aquatic life are all severely affected by the release of chemical and urban waste. PTE concentrations in sediment, water, and aquatic species from river ecosystems are reported in this review. Among the PTEs, chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) revealed high pollution levels in water and aquatic species (fish and shellfish) at many rivers. The Karnaphuli, Ganga, and Lee rivers have high levels of Pb and Cd contamination, while the Buriganga and Korotoa rivers’ water had notable Ni contamination. A number of rivers with PTEs showed ecological risk as a consequence of the sediment’s potential ecological risk (PER), the pollutant load index (PLI), and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo). A comprehensive study suggests elevated PLI values in river sediments, indicating significant pollution levels, particularly in the Buriganga River sediment, marked by high Igeo values. The PER of the Shitalakshya and Buriganga rivers was marked as very high risk, with an Eir > 320, while the Dhaleshwari and Khiru rivers showed ‘high risk’, with 160 = Eir < 320. It was found that fish and shellfish from the Buriganga, Turag, and Swat rivers have a high concentration of Cr. PTE pollution across several river sites could pose health toxicity risks to humans through the consumption of aquatic species. The CR value shows the carcinogenic risk to human health from eating fish and shellfish, whereas an HI value > 1 suggests no carcinogenic risk. The occurrence of other PTEs, including manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni), significantly increases the ecological risk and concerns to aquatic life and human health. This study emphasises the importance of PTE toxicity risk and continuous monitoring for the sustainability of river ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Contamination and Its Effects on Ecosystems and Human Health: Challenges and Solutions)
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