Search Results (2,153)

Reprocessing historical lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) slag offers a circular-economy pathway for secondary metal recovery, yet it can remobilize legacy contaminants where containment is inadequate, transferring risk to the surrounding land. Sustainable management of such sites requires frameworks that link contamination assessment to actionable remediation. We integrated ICP-OES geochemistry, native-plant biomonitoring, and US EPA RAGS-based risk modeling at an active Pb–Zn slag reprocessing site in Shymkent, Southern Kazakhstan. Twenty-four soil samples along four cardinal transects, two reference samples, and four composite plant samples (Centaurea pseudosquarrosa + Plantago lanceolata) were analyzed for ten metals by ICP-OES. UCC-referenced indices classified six metals as geoaccumulation Class 6 at most points (enrichment factors up to 90,871, confirming an exclusively anthropogenic origin). Peak concentrations reached 9350 mg·kg⁻¹ Pb, 290 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd, and 10,900 mg·kg⁻¹ As—exceeding Kazakhstan MPC by 72×, 290×, and 5450×. Worst-case carcinogenic risk reached 4.3 × 10⁻³ (43× above the US EPA threshold), driven almost entirely by arsenic (93%); ecosystem risk (RCR_total = 223) was dominated by cadmium (43%), arsenic (27%), and mercury (16%)—a disconnect between mass-based and toxicity-based prioritization. On this basis we propose a three-tier remediation framework (engineered containment, phytostabilization, monitored attenuation) that couples resource recovery with contamination control, is transferable to analogous Pb–Zn legacy sites, and supports sustainable land use, urban resilience, and responsible secondary-resource use. Full article

The current study describes the synthesis and preliminary anticancer assessment of a novel series of C3/C28-bis-1,2,4-triazolyl-sulfanylacetate-betulin (AP1–5) derivatives to identify potent agents for clinical development. The cytotoxicity of AP1–5 was evaluated using the Alamar blue assay against MCF-7, A375, PANC-1 (cancer cells) and HaCat (human keratinocytes) cells. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms responsible for cytotoxicity were investigated through in vitro (DCFDA/H₂DCDFA assay, caspase-3/7 assay, and morphological analysis) and in silico assays (network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ADMET predictions). The result highlighted AP5, containing unsubstituted 1,2,4-triazoles, as the lead derivative of the series with increased potency against MCF-7, with an IC₅₀ value of 7.41 μM compared to its phenyl-substituted analogs (AP1–4). The derivatives induced apoptosis, marked by fragmented nuclei, round cells, disorganized cytoskeletons, and activation of caspases-3/-7 through a ROS-decreasing mechanism. The network pharmacology assessment predicted AP5 may interact with key proteins in the PI3K/Akt pathway, such as MAP2K1, MDM2, IGF1, JAK2, IL2 and FGFR1, as well as ESR1, PGR and MMP2. Molecular docking suggested MMP-2 is the most favorable target for AP5 among the validated proteins, while molecular dynamics simulations supported the predicted AP5–MMP-2 interaction. Moreover, the ADMET profiling of AP5 showed acceptable intestinal absorption, non-glycoprotein-P substrate status, and reduced hepatic metabolism compared to betulin. However, the ADMET analysis also highlighted some potential toxicity risks such as DILI, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and skin sensitization that need to be further investigated. Altogether, these promising findings support the further exploration of AP5 as a promising drug candidate for breast cancer in vivo to assess its potency and toxicity. Full article

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is of primary importance to the food industry, state inspection authorities and consumers alike due to the carcinogenic nature of this toxin and the respective health risk associated with its presence in dairy products. In the present work, 1197 raw cow milk samples were collected and analyzed for AFM1 in the Republic of Cyprus during a five-year period (2021–2025) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Health exposure assessment and risk characterization were also performed for the Cypriot population (men, women and children) regarding milk consumption through the calculation of Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Index (HI) and Margin of Exposure (MoE). Results showed that AFM1 in cow milk varied with season: 7.34 ± 8.59 ng/kg for winter, 6.86 ± 10.00 ng/kg for spring, 6.43 ± 7.44 ng/kg for summer and 5.36 ± 7.11 ng/kg for autumn. Among the analyzed years, 2022 and 2025 showed wider concentration ranges, with several samples presenting elevated AFM1 levels compared to the other years. Of the 1197 milk samples analyzed for AFM1 content, 633 were <LOD, 284 < LOQ, 278 at concentrations of 10–50 ng/kg, and only two samples exceeded the limit set by the EU (50 ng/kg). The average amount of AFM1 exposure EDI ranged between 0.026 ng/kg b.w./day for men and 0.061 ng/kg b.w./day for children. HI was <1, recording values of 0.130 for men, 0.155 for women and 0.305 for children. Finally, MoE recorded values > 10,000 (15,385 for men and 12,903 for women) and 6557 for children, indicating that the amount of AFM1 consumed through milk by children may comprise a considerable risk for this population group and consequently AFM1 contamination of milk demands its regular monitoring and evaluation of the respective risk involved. Full article

Mining can significantly affect the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of groundwater chemistry. From July to August 2024, the research team collected 26 surface water and groundwater samples in the Shengli Coal Mine area of the Mongolian Plateau, conducting comprehensive hydrogeochemical analyses on surface water flowing through the mining area, groundwater within the mining area, seepage water, and groundwater outside the mining area. The results indicate that groundwater in this region is notably affected by human activities such as mining operations. Specifically, in surface water flowing through the mining area, concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS), sulfates, nitrates, and nickel showed significant increases. Compared to groundwater systems in other areas of the Mongolian Plateau, nickel levels in the mining area’s groundwater were significantly higher, while nitrate levels exhibited the opposite trend. A significant positive correlation was observed between metal element concentrations in surface water and groundwater. The study found that abnormal distributions of heavy metals such as beryllium (Be), thallium (Tl), and tin (Sn) may originate from point-source pollution caused by mining activities. Furthermore, concentrations of manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb) in the groundwater of this area exceeded relevant regulatory limits, with arsenic being particularly prominent. The levels of arsenic in both surface water and groundwater may pose carcinogenic risks to human health. This study shows that nearly half of the sampled water bodies in the area require purification treatment to meet drinking water standards, highlighting the urgent need for further attention to water quality safety issues. The conclusions derived from this research provide theoretical support for understanding the long-term evolutionary mechanisms of groundwater in mining areas, while also offering important insights for improving groundwater environmental management and ensuring water resource security in mining regions. Full article

Road dust is an important urban reservoir of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and a relevant source of human exposure through resuspension and inhalation, particularly in large megacities. This study provides an integrated assessment of the seasonal variability, contamination levels, source identification, particle characteristics, lung bioaccessibility, and health risk of road dust in Mexico City, one of the world’s largest urban centers. A total of 74 road dust samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons, and V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb were analyzed by ICP–MS in the <20 µm fraction. Geochemical indices, spatial analysis, Pearson correlation, principal component analysis, SEM–EDS particle characterization, in vitro lung bioaccessibility (ALF), and human health risk models were applied. Sb, Cu, and Pb were identified as the most enriched elements, exceeded local background concentrations at all sampling sites. Spatial patterns revealed recurrent hotspots in the northern, northeastern, and central sectors of the city. SEM–EDS analyses showed that most particles belonged to the 2.5–5 µm equivalent-size class and included Fe-rich spherules, Pb-rich aggregates, silicate grains, and C-rich particles. Health risk assessment indicated acceptable risks for adults, whereas children exceeded the non-carcinogenic threshold (HI = 3.85–4.60) and slightly surpassed the upper acceptable carcinogenic risk level. Lung bioaccessibility results revealed low Pb solubility but high mobility of Ni and Cu, with some samples reaching complete dissolution under ALF conditions. These findings demonstrate that traffic-derived road dust represents a persistent urban exposure pathway in Mexico City and highlight the importance of integrating total concentrations, particle characteristics, and bioaccessibility data to improve environmental and health-risk assessments in urban environments. Full article

Urban soils act as sinks for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indicating the intensity of the anthropogenic load, while potential environmental and human health concerns may arise. In the present study, the concentrations, spatial distribution, source apportionment and potential health risks of 16 priority PAHs were investigated in urban soils from the city of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Surface soil samples were collected from 19 locations characterized by different land uses and traffic conditions. The total levels of the 16 PAHs exhibited substantial variability, with a range of 14.09–1565.4 μg kg⁻¹, reflecting heterogeneous contamination patterns across the city. PAH profiles were dominated by high-molecular-weight compounds (4–6 rings) accounting for over 80% of the total PAHs. Diagnostic molecular ratios highlighted pyrogenic sources, verifying that high-temperature combustion processes dominated the PAH inputs in the urban soils from Thessaloniki city. The factor score plot made prominent the presence of localized contamination hotspots in areas characterized by intense and continuous traffic activity, spotlighting vehicular traffic emissions and transport-related activities as primary sources of PAHs in the study area. Carcinogenic risk assessment based on the BaP-EQ approach indicated acceptable risk levels for most of the sampled soils, although limited localized hotspots with elevated carcinogenic risk were identified. This study provides important baseline information for understanding PAH contamination in urban environments and supports the development of targeted pollution mitigation and environmental management strategies. Full article

This study investigates the geochemical distribution, integrated contamination status, and human health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in 31 agricultural topsoil samples collected from Najran, southwestern Saudi Arabia. As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured and interpreted using spatial distribution maps, the pollution load index (PLI), Nemerow integrated pollution index (PN), chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), cancer risk (CR), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) for both children and adults. The measured concentrations (mg/kg) varied from 2–8 for As, 2–14 for Co, 11–50 for Cr, 5–50 for Cu, 9–50 for Ni, 2–28 for Pb, and 10–249 for Zn. Based on mean values (mg/kg), the PTEs followed the descending sequence Zn (52.94) > Cr (26.68) > Ni (24.55) > Cu (16.68) > Co (6.81) > Pb (6.65) > As (4.45). PLI values ranged between 0.117 and 0.642, with an average of 0.355, suggesting generally low combined pollution by multiple elements across all sampling locations. However, PN values extended from 0.137 to 1.930, classifying 27 locations as safe, 2 as warning-level sites, and 2 as slightly polluted, mainly due to elevated Zn and Pb levels. The assessment of non-carcinogenic risk indicated no exceedance of the level of concern, as total HI values ranged from 0.156 to 0.678 for children and from 0.017 to 0.075 for adults. On average, children had HI values about 9.1 times higher than adults, with soil ingestion representing the principal exposure route. The element-specific mean HI results indicated that As and Cr were the dominant contributors to non-carcinogenic risk. Carcinogenic risk was assessed for As, Cr, and Pb. Total LCR values ranged from 1.005 × 10⁻⁵ to 4.387 × 10⁻⁵ for children and from 4.460 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.950 × 10⁻⁵ for adults, remaining within the widely accepted or tolerable risk range. Among the carcinogenic elements, Cr accounted for the highest proportion of total LCR, contributing 68.67%–69.66%, followed by As with 30.09%–31.07%, while Pb made a very small contribution of only 0.25%–0.26%. In spatial terms, the greatest HI and LCR values were concentrated mainly in the western to central-western agricultural areas, where several elements relevant to health risk were present together. Full article

This study evaluated the reliability and application of relative potency factors (RPFs) for assessing hepatic mixture risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Korean finished drinking water. A total of 1254 finished water samples collected from 70 drinking water treatment plants between 2018 and 2024 were analyzed for eight PFAS compounds. Hepatic RPFs proposed by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) were assessed using a structured scoring system and applied to estimate PFOA-equivalent mixture risks. Hazard quotients (HQs) based on hepatic toxicity reference doses were also calculated for comparison. PFAS concentrations generally declined over time, including PFOA from 0.0032 to 0.0014 μg/L, PFOS from 0.0008 to 0.0003 μg/L, and PFHxS from 0.0072 to 0.0004 μg/L between 2018 and 2024. The RPF-based method produced higher cumulative risk estimates than the individual toxicity-based approach, suggesting that single-compound HQs may underestimate risks from co-occurring PFASs. Although total risks were generally below the non-carcinogenic threshold of 1.0, the 95th percentile PFOA-equivalent risk for PFNA exceeded the individual threshold of 0.1. These findings support endpoint-specific RPF-based assessment for PFAS mixtures in drinking water. Full article

Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 2B (UGT2B) enzymes constitute a critical subgroup of phase II metabolizing enzymes that modulate the clearance of steroid hormones, carcinogens, and numerous anticancer agents, thereby influencing cancer susceptibility, progression, and therapeutic outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the genetic, regulatory, and functional roles of UGT2B family members, particularly UGT2B4, UGT2B7, UGT2B10, UGT2B15, UGT2B17, and UGT2B28, in oncogenesis and cancer treatment. We summarize evidence from molecular, epidemiological, pharmacogenetic, and clinical studies demonstrating how UGT2B expression patterns, polymorphisms, copy number variations, epigenetic regulation, and microRNA-mediated control shape intratumoral hormone homeostasis, carcinogen detoxification, and drug resistance across multiple malignancies, including prostate, breast, lung, colorectal, hematological, and hormone-dependent cancers. UGT2B enzymes metabolize several widely used anticancer drugs and active metabolites, thereby affecting pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and toxicity. Understanding the context-specific roles of UGT2B family members offers a compelling opportunity for therapeutic exploitation. In particular, rational combination strategies incorporating UGT2B inhibitors or modulators alongside standard anticancer agents may enhance drug effectiveness without increasing dosage, while simultaneously enabling the dose reduction of the partner agent to mitigate dose-dependent toxicities. Such approaches are especially relevant for therapies with narrow therapeutic indices. Overall, this review highlights UGT2B enzymes as multifunctional determinants of cancer risk and treatment response and underscores their promise as biomarkers and actionable targets for precision oncology and optimized combination regimens. Full article

Soil heavy metal pollution poses a threat to agricultural sustainability, food safety, and human health. The ecologically fragile Yellow River Basin is a critical hub for agriculture, energy, and mining; however, soil heavy metal studies remain fragmented, and basin-wide syntheses are limited almost entirely to agricultural soils. This study presents a basin-wide analysis of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in topsoil, based on 2498 sampling locations compiled from 347 publications, using an integrated framework of receptor modeling, multivariate spatial statistics, self-organizing maps, and probabilistic human health and ecological risk assessment. Four pollution sources, namely agricultural–industrial, emissions, mining–smelting, and geogenic/lithogenic, were resolved. Agriculture–industry and emissions posed considerable ecological risks (mean PER = 367.9 and 353.4), with Cd and Pb accounting for 95.7% of the risk. The non-carcinogenic hazard was negligible for adults, but 8.6% of sites exceeded the safe threshold for children, and the carcinogenic risk surpassed 10⁻⁶ for all groups, with 2.6–9.6% of sites exceeding 10⁻⁴. Spatially, the strongest multimetal contamination corridors are the Baiyin–Lanzhou corridor (upper–middle reaches) for Cu-Pb-Zn (mining–smelting) and the Xi’an–Weinan belt (middle reaches) for Cd-Pb (agricultural–industrial and emissions). Multivariate clustering was more extensive (56.1% of sites) than single-metal clustering (13.1–26.2%), confirming coherent source-linked zones. Ecological risks were driven by Cd and Pb, whereas human health risks were driven by As, Cr, and Ni. This divergence and the strong spatial organization of the risk clusters highlight the need for source-specific, spatially targeted mitigation, which requires monitoring across all land use types. The compiled dataset, although extensive, is constrained by heterogeneity in sampling periods and analytical methods and by sparse coverage in some grassland, desert, and plateau regions. Full article

Groundwater quality remains insufficiently characterized in the rural agriculture–residential interface of the Huaibei Plain, particularly with respect to nitrate (NO₃⁻) occurrence, hydrochemical controls, source contributions, and population-specific health risks. In this study, multivariate statistical analysis, source apportionment models, and health risk assessment models were applied to investigate the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and related non-carcinogenic risks to different populations. NO₃⁻ content exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water in 60.0% and 62.5% of wet- and dry-season groundwater, respectively. Groundwater NO₃⁻ was mainly influenced by agricultural non-point inputs and domestic sewage, whereas major-ion composition was primarily governed by water–rock interactions. Our deterministic health risk assessment model reveals that the hazard index (HI) exceeded the acceptable threshold of 1.0 in 76.25%, 65.00%, 66.25%, and 56.25% of groundwater samples for infants, children, adult females, and adult males, respectively. These results indicate that continuous monitoring, improved sewage collection, and more controlled nitrogen management are required in the rural agricultural–residential interface of the Huaibei Plain with regard to shallow domestic groundwater. Full article

This study evaluated trace element bioaccumulation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) marketed in Brazil and assessed potential implications for food safety and human health. A total of 120 farmed fish samples, including whole fish and tissues (gills, kidneys, liver, and muscle), were analyzed. Concentrations of Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and compared with ANVISA and FAO/WHO guideline values. Arsenic concentrations complied with ANVISA limits, whereas Pb in whole Nile tilapia exceeded the permissible threshold. Nickel and Se concentrations in muscle and whole fish also surpassed FAO/WHO guidelines. Estimated Se intake from consumption of whole tilapia and muscle (fillet) reached 188.01% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for children aged 8 years. Contamination index values (CI) indicated bioaccumulation of Ni in multiple tissues and Se in edible portions. Human health risk assessment identified carcinogenic risks associated with As, Cr, Ni, and Pb, while non-carcinogenic risk (HI > 1) was primarily driven by As exposure. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of trace elements in aquaculture products. Full article

The Wadi Al-Ahsaba watershed is an arid to semi-arid catchment situated in southwestern Saudi Arabia, characterized by intermittent surface flow, high evaporation and low rainfall, and a dam reservoir built for flood control. The work aims to assess hydrological and anthropogenic controls on surface and groundwater quality, pollution status, and human health risks using an integrated approach of hydrogeochemical analysis, multivariable statistics, and water quality and contamination indices. A total of 21 water samples (15 surface water, 6 groundwater) were analyzed for general chemistry, major ions, and trace elements. Hydrogeochemical analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were implemented to differentiate the geogenic from anthropogenic control on water quality. The pollution status and associated risk were evaluated using water quality index (WQI), contamination degree (Cd), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI). Results suggest limited surface–groundwater interaction, with surface water dominated by Ca–Mg–HCO₃ facies, indicating recent recharge and limited water–rock interaction, whereas groundwater exhibits mixed Ca–Mg–Cl and Ca–Na–Cl–SO₄ types, revealing longer residence time and water–rock interaction. Nitrate (9.5–109 mg/L) and TDS (522–1003 mg/L) exceeded drinking water standards in 90% and 95% of tested samples, respectively, and WQI ranged from 43 to 134, reflecting excellent to poor water. High non-carcinogenic risk from nitrate was observed, especially for infants. The study concluded that the geogenic processes (water–rock interaction, evaporation, and mineral dissolution) control the general chemistry of tested water, while anthropogenic input from wastewater and agriculture input are likely contributors to nitrate contamination. The study contributes to the understanding of arid wadi-dam systems by revealing how limited recharge, hydrological connectivity, and episodic flow control contaminant transport and persistence, underscoring the critical role of integrated hydrological analysis and land use management in safeguarding freshwater resources in arid environments. Full article

Coal mining critically affects Shanxi’s economy and national energy security in China, whereas mine water significantly influences regional water quality and ecological stability. However, studies on pollution characteristics and health risks of fluoride and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) remain limited, especially comparative analyses between raw mine water and treated mine drainage. This study comprehensively analyzed the pollution characteristics of fluoride and PTEs, along with water quality evaluation, ecological risks, and human health risks associated with raw mine water and mine drainage. Fluoride concentrations in raw mine water from several mines exceeded the WHO guideline limit of 1.5 mg/L, whereas those in mine drainage were below the WHO standard. The total hazard index (THI) of fluoride in both water types was unacceptable (THI > 1). For PTEs, only arsenic in raw mine water exceeded the Grade III groundwater standard, while all PTEs in mine drainage met standards. Total health risk of PTEs in raw water was approximately one order of magnitude higher than in mine drainage, and both exceeded acceptable levels, mainly contributed by carcinogenic elements, particularly arsenic. These results underscore continuous monitoring and targeted control of arsenic are still required for safe utilization of coal mine water. Full article

Formaldehyde (HCHO), a prevalent indoor air pollutant released from furniture and building materials, poses significant health risks due to its carcinogenic nature. In this study, a binary cuprous oxide–titanium dioxide (Cu₂O–TiO₂) composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method to enable efficient visible-light-driven degradation of gaseous formaldehyde at ambient temperature. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the as-prepared catalysts were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. While pristine Cu₂O exhibited a formaldehyde degradation efficiency of approximately 68% under white light illumination, the incorporation of TiO₂ markedly enhanced the photocatalytic performance. Among the different mass ratios tested, the Cu₂O–TiO₂ (1:1) composite demonstrated the highest activity, achieving 83% degradation of formaldehyde within 240 min under white light. Enhanced performance is attributed to the formation of a heterojunction that reduces the effective bandgap, promotes charge separation, and suppresses electron–hole recombination. Additionally, the generation of carbon dioxide and water as end products confirmed complete mineralization. The catalyst also showed good reusability, retaining over 81% efficiency after five cycles. This work presents a cost-effective, stable, and visible-light-active Cu₂O–TiO₂ heterojunction photocatalyst with strong potential for indoor air purification applications. Full article