Search Results (638)

Trace metal pollution in tropical freshwater ecosystems poses growing public health concerns, particularly in regions where fisheries are central to food security; however, little is known about metal exposure risks in the Western Amazon. This study presents the first assessment of trace metal concentrations in fish sold at the main market in El Coca, a rapidly growing city in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We analyzed 11 trace metals in 17 commercially important species and estimated seven health risk indices based on two fish consumption scenarios and international reference dose standards. Our results show that all species exceeded recommended thresholds for arsenic, mercury, and lead, while one species surpassed guidelines for aluminum. Metal concentrations varied by species and river of origin: small catfish from the Payamino River had elevated cadmium, chromium, copper, and manganese levels, potentially linked to upstream gold mining, whereas larger catfish showed higher mercury and arsenic accumulation. Monte Carlo simulations of risk indices suggested overall low disease risk, but the lack of local demographic data limits accurate assessments for vulnerable groups. Despite sampling limitations, our findings offer the first baseline for monitoring trace metal exposure in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon and underscore the need for targeted public health strategies in this understudied region. Full article

The increasing demand for rapid, sensitive, and eco-friendly methods for the detection of trace heavy metals in environmental samples, attributed to their serious threats to health and the environment, has spurred considerable interest in the development of sustainable sensor materials. Toxic metal ions, namely, lead (Pb²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺), mercury (Hg²⁺), arsenic (As³⁺), and chromium, are potential hazards due to their non-biodegradable nature with high toxicity, even at trace levels. Acute health complications, including neurological, renal, and developmental disorders, arise upon exposure to such metal ions. To monitor and mitigate these toxic exposures, sensitive detection techniques are essential. Pre-existing conventional detection methods, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), involve expensive instrumentation, skilled operators, and complex sample preparation. Electrochemical sensing, which is simple, portable, and eco-friendly, is foreseen as a potential alternative to the above conventional methods. Carbon-based nanomaterials play a crucial role in electrochemical sensors due to their high conductivity, stability, and the presence of surface functional groups. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich product, has emerged as a promising electrode material for electrochemical sensing due to its high surface area, sustainability, tunable porosity, surface rich in functional groups, eco-friendliness, and negligible environmental footprint. Nevertheless, broad-spectrum studies on the use of biochar in electrochemical sensors remain narrow. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the development of biochar-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of toxic heavy metals such as Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺ and the simultaneous detection of multiple ions, with special emphasis on BC synthesis routes, surface modification methodologies, electrode fabrication techniques, and electroanalytical performance. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for integrating BC into next-generation sensor platforms are outlined. Full article

Cadmium is widely recognized as an important environmental toxicant that may give rise to kidney dysfunction, bone disease, and cancer in humans and animals. Kidney dysfunction occurs at very low exposures and is often considered as the most sensitive or critical effect. Cadmium exposures of concern occur in many countries. In low- and middle-income countries with small-scale mining, excessive exposure to cadmium and other metals occurs in occupational and environmental settings. This is of particular importance in view of the growing demand for metals in global climate change mitigation. Since the 1970s, the present authors have contributed evidence concerning the role of metallothionein and other factors in influencing the toxicokinetics and toxicity of cadmium, particularly as it relates to the development of adverse effects on kidneys in humans and animals. The findings gave a background to the development of biomarkers employed in epidemiological studies, demonstrating the important role of metallothionein in protection against cadmium-induced kidney dysfunction in humans. Studies in cadmium-exposed population groups demonstrated how biomarkers of kidney dysfunction changed during 8 years after drastic lowering of environmental cadmium exposure. Other epidemiological studies showed the impact of a good zinc status in lowering the prevalence of cadmium-related kidney dysfunction. Increased susceptibility to Cd-induced kidney dysfunction was shown in a population with high exposure to inorganic arsenic when compared with a group with low such exposure. Several national and international organizations have used part of the reviewed information, but the metallothionein-related biomarkers and the interaction effects have not been fully considered. We hope that these data sets will also be included and improve risk assessments and preventive measures. Full article

Background: Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling in informal settings like Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana, releases toxic metals into the environment, posing serious health risks to nearby residents, particularly children. This study assessed the body burdens of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As) and their association with cognitive function in schoolchildren living within 1 km of the Agbogbloshie site. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 56 pupils collected demographic data and blood and urine samples and administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Blood was tested for Pb and Mn and urine for Cd, Cr, Ni, and As. Associations between metal levels and cognitive outcomes were examined using regression analyses, adjusting for confounders. Result: Children showed elevated metal levels, with mean blood Pb of 60.43 µg/L and urinary s of 21.50 µg/L. Symptoms of cognitive dysfunction were common: 75% reported confusion, 67.9% poor memory, and 66% poor concentration. Urinary Cr levels were significantly associated with lower Full-Scale IQ (β = −18.42, p < 0.05) and increased difficulty in decision-making (OR = 0.1, p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings underscore the neurodevelopmental risks of heavy metal exposure from e-waste in low- and middle-income countries and call for urgent public health interventions and policy actions. Full article

Many effluents from human activities discharged into freshwater ecosystems cause chemical pollution. Chemical pollution in rivers is a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems due to the associated potential human health risks. This study determined the extent of chemical pollution, identified potential sources of pollution and assessed human health risk in the Moopetsi River, an intermittent river in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Chemical analyses were conducted on water and sediment samples collected during high-flow, low-flow and intermittent-flow regimes. The findings showed seasonal variations in the chemical pollution levels in the sediments and the highest contamination was measured during intermittent flow. The enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index values identified chromium and nickel as major contributors to sediment contamination. The mean arsenic, chromium and nickel levels exceeded the established guideline values. An evaluation of human health risk was conducted using ingestion and dermal absorption pathways. The results showed that ingestion has greater non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than dermal exposure, especially for children during intermittent flow. The elements of great concern for non-carcinogenic risk were chromium, manganese and nickel and for carcinogenic risk, they were arsenic, chromium, nickel and lead. The outcome of this study is useful for waste management and conservation to reduce environmental degradation and human health risk. Full article

Background: Fish escape events from aquaculture facilities are increasing and pose significant ecological, economic, and traceability concerns. Accurate methods to differentiate between wild, cultured, and escaped fish are essential for fishery management and seafood authentication. Methods: This study analyzed muscle tissue from Sparus aurata, Dicentrarchus labrax, and Argyrosomus regius using a multiomics approach. Heavy metals were quantified by ICP-MS, fatty acid profiles were assessed via GC-MS, and metabolomic and lipidomic signatures were identified using 1H NMR spectroscopy. Multivariate statistical models (MDS and PLS-LDA) were applied to classify fish origins. Results: Wild seabream showed significantly higher levels of arsenic (9.5-fold), selenium (3.5-fold), and DHA and ARA fatty acids (3.2-fold), while cultured fish exhibited increased linoleic and linolenic acids (6.5-fold). TMAO concentrations were up to 5.3-fold higher in wild fish, serving as a robust metabolic biomarker. Escaped fish displayed intermediate biochemical profiles. Multivariate models achieved a 100% classification accuracy across species and analytical techniques. Conclusions: The integration of heavy metal analysis, fatty acid profiling, and NMR-based metabolomics enables the accurate differentiation of fish origin. While muscle tissue provides reliable biomarkers relevant to human exposure, future studies should explore additional tissues such as liver and gills to improve the resolution of traceability. These methods support seafood authentication, enhance aquaculture traceability, and aid in managing the ecological impacts of escape events. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants due to their widespread presence across various ecosystems, including their use in single-use plastic food ware and table salt dispensers. This issue coincides with the presence of heavy metals in water sources in Doha, Qatar. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that the plastic plate and spoon were composed of polyolefin, with the spoon exhibiting additional peaks that indicated oxidation or the presence of additives. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) revealed that the spoon exhibited higher thermal stability, retaining approximately 10% of its mass at 700 °C, than the plate, which retained 2%, indicating the presence of complex additives or contamination. MPs in food-grade salt samples were verified through filtration and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, identifying polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These MPs likely stem from exposure to packaging or environmental contaminants. FTIR spectra confirmed the integrity of the polymers after treatment. Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis revealed varying levels of heavy metals in bottled and tap water, with notable findings including detectable arsenic and lead in both, higher calcium and magnesium in bottled water, and the presence of copper present in tap water only, highlighting potential health and infrastructure-related concerns. These results highlight the possible risks associated with exposure to MPs and heavy metals from everyday products and water sources, underscoring the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and safer material choices to ensure protection. Full article

This study evaluates the human health risks associated with exposure to arsenic in groundwater from a semi-arid region of Mexico, focusing on concentration levels and their temporal variation. Arsenic concentrations were analyzed using ordinary kriging for spatial interpolation, along with descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Human health risk was assessed through the following two key indicators: the Hazard Quotient (HQ), which estimates non-carcinogenic risk by comparing exposure levels to reference doses and carcinogenic risk (CR), which represents the estimated lifetime probability of developing cancer due to arsenic exposure. The mean arsenic concentration across both study years was 0.0200 mg/L, with median values of 0.0151 mg/L in 2015 and 0.0200 mg/L in 2020. The average HQ was 2.13 in 2015 and 2.17 in 2020, both exceeding the safety threshold of one. Mean CR values were 0.00096 and 0.00097 for 2015 and 2020, respectively, with a consistent median of 0.00072 across both years. A t-test was applied to compare the distributions between years. Both HQ and CR values significantly exceeded the recommended safety limits (p < 0.05), indicating that groundwater in the study area poses a potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk. These findings underscore the urgent need for water quality monitoring and the implementation of mitigation measures to safeguard public health in the region. Full article

Particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (HMs) present in polluted air are strongly associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases. In our study, we grouped cities based on their pollution levels using a method called Ward’s cluster analysis and looked at the increased cancer risk from PM₁₀-bound harmful substances for adult men and women living in Polish cities. The analysis was based on data from 8 monitoring stations where concentrations of PM₁₀, PAHs, and HMs were measured simultaneously between 2018 and 2022. The cluster analysis made it possible to distinguish three separate agglomeration clusters: cluster I (Upper Silesia, Wroclaw) with the highest concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs, with mean levels of lead 14.97 ± 7.27 ng·m⁻³, arsenic 1.73 ± 0.60 ng·m⁻³, nickel 1.77 ± 0.95 ng·m⁻³, cadmium 0.49 ± 0.28 ng·m⁻³, and ∑PAHs 15.53 ± 6.44 ng·m⁻³, cluster II (Warsaw, Łódź, Lublin, Cracow) with dominant road traffic emissions and low emissions, with average levels of lead 8.00 ± 3.14 ng·m⁻³, arsenic 0.70 ± 0.17 ng·m⁻³, nickel 1.64 ± 0.96 ng·m⁻³, and cadmium 0.49 ± 0.28 ng·m⁻³, and cluster III (Szczecin, Tricity) with the lowest concentration levels with favourable ventilation conditions. All calculated ILCR values were in the range of 1.20 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.11 × 10⁻⁵, indicating a potential cancer risk associated with long-term exposure. The highest ILCR values were reached in Upper Silesia and Wroclaw (cluster I), and the lowest in Tricity, which was classified in cluster III. Our findings suggest that there are continued preventive actions and stricter air quality control. The results confirm that PM₁₀ is a significant carrier of airborne carcinogens and should remain a priority in both environmental and public health policy. Full article

Heavy metals (lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd], arsenic [As], mercury [Hg], manganese [Mn], copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], and iron [Fe]) might be risk factors for pre-eclampsia (PE), whereas their joint effect remains unclear. To address this issue, we conducted a nested case–control study consisting of 49 PE cases and 329 controls from a Chinese prospective birth cohort and divided the participants into low/high and quartile groups based on hair metal concentrations. We used logistic regression models and a weighted quantile sum (WQS) model to investigate the independent and mixed associations between these eight heavy metals in maternal hair and the risk of PE. After multivariable adjustment, high hair Pb was associated with a 2.53-fold increased risk of PE, and significantly higher risks of PE were also observed in quartiles 2 to 4 of Pb and quartiles 3 to 4 of Fe. The WQS model revealed a statistically significant association between maternal co-exposure to all eight heavy metals and the risk of PE, with Pb, As, and Fe presenting the biggest risk. Therefore, high maternal exposure to heavy metals may increase the risk of PE. It is crucial to consider co-exposure to multiple heavy metals throughout pregnancy in future research endeavors. Full article

Arsenic exposure in children and adults has been associated with respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, and decreased lung function. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between environmental arsenic exposure and serum pneumoproteins and lung function. A cross-sectional study was conducted including 175 children exposed to arsenic by drinking water (range: 7.4 to 91 µg/L) and soil (range: 4.76 to 35.93 mg/kg), from some Yaqui villages. Arsenic was analyzed in dust and urine using field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and ICP/OES, respectively. Serum was analyzed for Clara Cell protein (CC16) and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) using immunoassays, and lung function was evaluated by spirometry. The results showed that increased arsenic in drinking water was associated with reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (β = −0.027, p = 0.0000) whereas, contrary to expectations, arsenic in dust was associated with increased FEV₁/FVC (β = 0.004, p = 0.0076). Increased urinary arsenic was associated with reduced % predicted FEV₁ (β = −0.723, p = 0.0152) and reduced FEV₁/FVC ratio (β = −0.022, p = 0.0222). Increased serum MMP-9 was associated with reduced FEV₁/FVC ratio (β = −0.017, p = 0.0167). Children with % predicted FEV₁ values less than 80 had the lowest levels of CC16 (Median 29.0 ng/mL, IQR 21.3, 37.4, p = 0.0148). As a conclusion, our study evidenced an impairment in lung function in children exposed to low arsenic levels. Full article

Background/Objectives: Trace minerals (TMs), both essential and toxic, are integral to human physiology, participating in enzymatic reactions, oxidative balance, immune function, and the modulation of chronic disease risk. Despite their importance, imbalances due to deficiencies or toxic exposures are widespread globally. While low-income countries often face overt deficiencies and environmental contamination, middle- and high-income populations increasingly deal with subclinical deficits and chronic toxic metal exposure. This review aims to explore the relevance of serum as a matrix for evaluating TM status across diverse clinical and epidemiological, geographic, and demographic settings. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted focusing on the physiological roles, health impacts, and current biomarker approaches for key essential (e.g., zinc, copper, selenium) and toxic (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic) trace elements. Particular emphasis was placed on studies utilizing serum analysis and on recent advances in multi-element detection using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: Serum was identified as a versatile and informative matrix for TM assessment, offering advantages in terms of clinical accessibility, biomarker reliability, and capacity for the simultaneous quantification of multiple elements. For essential TMs, serum levels reflect nutritional status with reasonable accuracy. For toxic elements, detection depends on instrument sensitivity, but serum can still provide valuable exposure data. The method’s scalability supports applications ranging from public health surveillance to individualized patient care. Conclusions: Serum trace mineral analysis is a practical and scalable approach for nutritional assessment and exposure monitoring. Integrating it into clinical practice and public health strategies can improve the early detection of imbalances, guide interventions such as nutritional supplementation, dietary modifications, and exposure mitigation efforts. This approach also supports advanced personalized nutrition and preventive care. Full article

Climate change, mining activities, pollution and other human impacts on the natural environment cause significant changes in the concentrations and mixtures of metallic elements found in different ecosystems. Metals such as cadmium, copper, lead and mercury affect multiple aspects of host–pathogen interactions, influencing the risk of infectious diseases caused by various classes of pathogens. Notably, exposure to metals in doses and combinations toxic to the immune system can favor the dissemination of pathogens in natural environments, threatening the reproduction, well-being and survival of varied animal species. However, these problems remain neglected, since the influences of metals on infectious diseases are studied with a primary focus on human medicine. Therefore, this article aims to review the influence of metals/metalloids (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, nickel, zinc) on infectious and parasitic diseases in animals living in natural environments. The potential impact of metals on the risk of zoonotic spillover events is also discussed. Metal pollution tends to increase as the demand for elements used in the manufacture of industrial products, batteries, and electronic devices increases globally. This problem can aggravate the biodiversity crisis and facilitate the emergence of infectious diseases. Considering the interconnections between pollution and immunity, measures to limit metal pollution are necessary to protect human health and biodiversity from the risks posed by pathogens. This review helps fill the gap in the literature regarding the connections between metal pollution and various aspects of infectious diseases. Full article

The plateaus of north-central Mexico have an arid to semiarid climate and groundwater naturally contaminated with inorganic arsenic (iAs) and fluoride (F). Like other arid and semiarid areas, this region faces great challenges to maintain a safe supply of drinking and irrigation water. Studies conducted in the past few decades on various locations within this region have reported groundwater iAs, F, and nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N), and either their source, enrichment processes, health risks, and/or potential water treatments. The relevant findings are analyzed and condensed here to provide an overview of the groundwater situation of the region. Studies identify volcanic rocks (rhyolite) and their weathering products (clays) as the main sources of iAs and F and report that these solutes become enriched through evaporation and residence time. In contrast, NO₃-N is reported as anthropogenic, with the highest concentrations found in large urban centers and in agricultural and livestock farm areas. Health risks are high since the hot spots of contamination correspond to populated areas. Health problems associated with NO₃-N in drinking water may be underestimated. Removal technologies of the contaminants remain at the laboratory or pilot stage, except for the reverse osmosis filtration units fitted to selected wells within the state of Chihuahua. A recent approach to supplying drinking water free of iAs and F to two urban centers consisted of switching from groundwater to surface water. Incipient research currently focuses on the potential repercussions of irrigating crops with As-rich water. The groundwater predicaments concerning contamination, public health impact, and irrigation suitability depicted here can be applied to semiarid areas worldwide. Full article

The metalloid arsenic (As) and the metals lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), which together we call the “Toxic Triad”, are among the pollutants of greatest global concern, harming the health of millions of people and contributing to biodiversity loss. The widespread distribution of As, Pb and Hg facilitates the exposure of humans and other species to these elements simultaneously, potentially amplifying their individual toxic effects. While As, Pb and Hg are well established as toxic elements, the mechanisms by which they interact with genetic material and impact the health of various species remain incompletely understood. This is particularly true regarding the combined effects of these three elements. In this context, the objective of this work was to perform a toxicogenomic analysis of As, Pb and Hg to highlight multiple aspects of element-gene interactions, in addition to revisiting information on the genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of the Toxic Triad. By using The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, it was possible to identify that As interacts with 7666 genes across various species, while Pb influences 3525 genes, and Hg affects 692 genes. Removing duplicate gene names, the three elements interact with 9763 genes across multiple species. Considering the top-20 As/Pb/Hg-interacting genes, catalase (CAT), NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2 (NFE2L2), caspase 3 (CASP3), heme oxygenase (HMOX1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and interleukin 6 (IL6) were the most frequently observed. In total, 172 genes have the potential to interact with the three elements. Gene ontology analysis based on those genes evidenced that the Toxic Triad affects several cellular compartments and molecular functions, highlighting its effect on stimulation of toxic stress mechanisms. These 172 genes are also associated with various diseases, especially those of the urogenital tract, as well as being related to biological pathways involved in infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. Arsenic was the element with the best-substantiated genotoxic and carcinogenic activity. This article details, through a toxicogenomic approach, the genetic bases that underlie the toxic effects of As, Pb and Hg. Full article