Search Results (136)

Proper joint function has a significant impact on people’s quality of life. Joints are the point of connection between two or more bones and consist of at least three elements: joint surfaces, the joint capsule, and the joint cavity. Joint diseases are a serious social problem. Risk factors for the development of these diseases include overweight and obesity, gender, and intestinal microbiome disorders. Another factor that is considered to influence joint diseases is trace elements. Under normal conditions, elements such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) selenium (Se), boron (B), and silicon (Si) are part of enzymes involved in reactions that determine the proper functioning of cells, regulate redox metabolism, and determine the maturation of cells that build joint components. However, when the normal concentration of the above-mentioned elements is disturbed and toxic elements are present, dangerous joint diseases can develop. In this article, we focus on the role of trace elements in joint function. We describe the molecular mechanisms that explain their interaction with chondrocytes, osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and synoviocytes, as well as their proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix synthesis. We also focus on the role of these trace elements in the pathogenesis of joint diseases: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We describe the roles of increased or decreased concentrations of individual elements in the pathogenesis and development of joint diseases and their impact on inflammation and disease progression, referring to molecular mechanisms. We also discuss their potential application in the treatment of joint diseases. Full article

Manganese (Mn) excess and low pH often coexist in some citrus orchard soils. Little information is known about the underlying mechanism by which raising pH reduces Mn toxicity in citrus plants. ‘Sour pummelo’ (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) seedlings were treated with 2 (Mn2) or 500 (Mn500) μM Mn at a pH of 3 (P3) or 5 (P5) for 25 weeks. Raising pH mitigated Mn500-induced increases in Mn, iron, copper, and zinc concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron, and zinc distributions in roots, but it mitigated Mn500-induced decreases in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and boron concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, as well as nutrient imbalance. Raising pH mitigated Mn500-induced necrotic spots on old leaves, yellowing of young leaves, decreases in seedling growth, leaf chlorophyll concentration, and CO₂ assimilation (A_CO2), increase in root dry weight (DW)/shoot DW, and alterations of leaf chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients and related indexes. Further analysis indicated that raising pH ameliorated Mn500-induced impairment of nutrient homeostasis, leaf thylakoid structure by iron deficiency and competition of Mn with magnesium, and photosynthetic electron transport chain (PETC), thereby reducing Mn500-induced declines in A_CO2 and subsequent seedling growth. These results validated the hypothesis that raising pH reduced Mn toxicity in ‘Sour pummelo’ seedlings by (a) reducing Mn uptake, (b) efficient maintenance of nutrient homeostasis under Mn stress, (c) reducing Mn excess-induced impairment of thylakoid structure and PEPC and inhibition of chlorophyll biosynthesis, and (d) increasing A_CO2 and subsequent seedling growth under Mn excess. Full article

Chromium slag sites pose severe environmental risks due to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination, characterized by high mobility and toxicity. This study focused on chromium-contaminated soil from a historical chromium slag site in North China, where long-term accumulation of chromate production residues has led to serious Cr(VI) pollution, with Cr(VI) accounting for 13–22% of total chromium and far exceeding national soil risk control standards. To elucidate Cr(VI) transformation mechanisms and elemental linkages, a combined approach of macro-scale condition experiments and micro-scale analysis was employed. Results showed that acidic conditions (pH < 7) significantly enhanced Cr(VI) reduction efficiency by promoting the conversion of CrO₄²⁻ to HCrO₄⁻/Cr₂O₇²⁻. Among reducing agents, FeSO₄ exhibited the strongest effect (reduction efficiency >30%), followed by citric acid and fulvic acid. Temperature variations (−20 °C to 30 °C) had minimal impact on Cr(VI) transformation in the 45-day experiment, while soil moisture (20–25%) indirectly facilitated Cr(VI) reduction by enhancing the reduction of agent diffusion and microbial activity, though its effect was weaker than chemical interventions. Soil grain-size composition influenced Cr(VI) distribution unevenly: larger particles (>0.2 mm) in BC-35 and BC-36-4 acted as main Cr(VI) reservoirs due to accumulated Fe-Mn oxides, whereas BC-36-3 showed increased Cr(VI) in smaller particles (<0.074 mm). μ-XRF and correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between Cr and Ca, Fe, Mn, Ni (Pearson coefficient > 0.7, p < 0.01), attributed to adsorption–reduction coupling on iron-manganese oxide surfaces. In contrast, Cr showed weak correlations with Mg, Al, Si, and K. This study clarifies the complex factors governing Cr(VI) behavior in chromium slag soils, providing a scientific basis for remediation strategies such as pH adjustment (4–6) combined with FeSO₄ addition to enhance Cr(VI) reduction efficiency. Full article

There is an increasing demand for the development of efficient and sustainable battery recycling processes. Currently, many recycling processes rely on toxic inorganic acids to recover materials from high-value battery chemistries such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMCs) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCOs). However, as cell manufacturers seek more cost-effective battery chemistries, the value of the spent battery value chain is increasingly diluted by chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate (LFPs). These cheaper alternatives present a difficulty when recycling, as current recycling processes are geared towards dealing with high-value chemistries; thus, the current processes become less economical. To date, much research is focused on treating a single battery chemistry; however, often, the feed material entering a battery recycling facility is contaminated with other battery chemistries, e.g., LFP feed contaminated with NMC, LCO, or LMOs. This research aims to selectively leach various battery chemistries out of a mixed feed material with the aid of a green organic acid, namely oxalic acid. When operating at the optimal conditions (2% solids, 0.25 M oxalic acid, natural pH around 1.15, 25 °C, 60 min), this research has proven that oxalic acid can be used to selectively dissolve 95.58% and 93.57% of Li and P, respectively, from a mixed LFP-NMC mixed feed, all while only extracting 12.83% of Fe and 8.43% of Mn, with no Co and Ni being detected in solution. Along with the high degree of selectivity, this research has also demonstrated, through varying the pH, that the selectivity of the leaching system can be altered. It was determined that at pH 0.5 the system dissolved both the NMC and LFP chemistries; at a pH of 1.15, the LFP chemistry (Li and P) was selectively targeted. Finally, at a pH of 4, the NMC chemistry (Ni, Co and Mn) was selectively dissolved. Full article

This paper explores the implementation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in underground mining operations, focusing on their benefits, challenges, and safety considerations. The study examines the shift from traditional diesel-powered machinery to BEVs in response to increasing environmental concerns and stricter emission regulations. It discusses various lithium-ion battery chemistries used in BEVs, particularly lithium–iron–phosphate (LFP) and nickel–manganese–cobalt (NMC), comparing their performance, safety, and suitability for underground mining applications. The research highlights the significant benefits of BEVs, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality in confined spaces, and potential ventilation cost savings. However, it also addresses critical safety concerns, such as fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and the emission of toxic gases during thermal runaway events. The manuscript emphasises the importance of comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies when introducing BEVs to underground mining environments. It concludes that while BEVs offer promising solutions for more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining operations, further research is needed to ensure their safe integration into underground mining practices. This study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discussion on the future of mining technology and its environmental impact. Full article

Microelement deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger”, represent a significant global health challenge. Optimal human health relies on adequate dietary intake of essential microelements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chlorine (Cl). In recent years, there has been a growing focus on vitality and longevity, which are closely associated with the sufficient intake of essential microelements. This review focuses on these nine elements, whose bioavailability in the food chain is critically determined by their geochemical behavior in soils. There is a necessity for an understanding of the sources, soil–plant transfer, and plant uptake mechanisms of these microelements, with particular emphasis on the influence of key soil properties, including pH, redox potential, organic matter content, and mineral composition. There is a dual challenge of microelement deficiencies in agricultural soils, leading to inadequate crop accumulation, and the potential for localized toxicities arising from anthropogenic inputs or geogenic enrichment. A promising solution to microelement deficiencies in crops is biofortification, which enhances nutrient content in food by improving soil and plant uptake. This strategy includes agronomic methods (e.g., fertilization, soil amendments) and genetic approaches (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering) to boost microelement density in edible tissues. Moreover, emphasizing the need for advanced predictive modeling techniques, such as ensemble learning-based digital soil mapping, enhances regional soil microelement management. Integrating machine learning with digital covariates improves spatial prediction accuracy, optimizes soil fertility management, and supports sustainable agriculture. Given the rising global population and the consequent pressures on agricultural production, a comprehensive understanding of microelement dynamics in the soil–plant system is essential for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate deficiencies and ensure food and nutritional security. This review specifically focuses on the bioavailability of these nine essential microelements (Se, Zn, Cu, B, Mn, Mo, Fe, Ni, and Cl), examining the soil–plant transfer mechanisms and their ultimate implications for human health within the soil–plant–human system. The selection of these nine microelements for this review is based on their recognized dual importance: they are not only essential for various plant metabolic functions, but also play a critical role in human nutrition, with widespread deficiencies reported globally in diverse populations and agricultural systems. While other elements, such as cobalt (Co) and iodine (I), are vital for health, Co is primarily required by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms rather than directly by all plants, and the main pathway for iodine intake is often marine-based rather than soil-to-crop. Full article

Yellow stunt and root rot causes premature degradation of Astragalus adsurgens grasslands in China. However, the etiological factors underlying livestock poisoning following the ingestion of diseased plants remain elusive. The present study aimed to comprehensively characterize the alterations in toxic substances such as swainsonine and trace element profiles in A. adsurgens after infection with Alternaria gansuense, thereby elucidating the underlying mechanisms of livestock toxicity. Using ELISA and regression analyses, we found that diseased plants had higher selenium levels than the healthy ones, with varietal differences. Selenium in the Zahua variety was higher in healthy plants, while diseased plants of the Henan variety had the highest levels. Moreover, the diseased plants demonstrated decreased levels of iron, zinc, sodium, and magnesium, while manganese and calcium concentrations remained unchanged. Swainsonine was detected in both the healthy and infected specimens of Zhongsha No.1 and Henan varieties, with a marked post-infection increase. In conclusion, swainsonine is the primary toxin causing livestock poisoning, and it is unlikely that soil-accumulated selenium poisons animals. However, potential correlations might exist among the contents of selenium, sodium, and swainsonine. We recommend the cautious use of diseased A. adsurgens as livestock feed. Full article

Background and objective: Environmental and occupational exposure to toxic metals poses a significant risk to neurological health, particularly affecting motor-related brain structures. Essential metals like manganese, copper, and iron become neurotoxic when homeostasis is disrupted, while non-essential metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium are inherently toxic, even at low exposure levels. We aimed to investigate the state of the art on neuroimaging evidence of the effects of exposure to toxic metals on motor related brain structures and functions. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed. We included studies that reported neuroimaging studies exploring the link between metal exposure and neural changes in motor areas. Results: We identified 518 papers, but only 20 articles were included. Our findings indicate that manganese is the most extensively studied metal in relation to the motor system using neuroimaging, but studies have also investigated the effects of other metals, including lead, mercury, and copper. Across these studies, the brain regions most consistently affected by metal exposure include the globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, frontal cortex, and cerebellum. Some studies exhibit structural or functional reductions in these areas that correlate with increased levels of metal exposure, suggesting a dose-dependent neurotoxic effect. Conclusions: This review synthesizes current neuroimaging evidence on metal-induced neurotoxicity, emphasizing its impact on motor function and highlighting critical gaps to guide future research and public health strategies. Full article

This research aimed to evaluate how different chemical forms of key nutrients, delivered through an advanced foliar product (PRO) and a standard formulation (TRA), influence maize performance when grown on contrasting soil types. Each fertilizer provided a set of macro- and micronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc, along with trace elements such as chromium, iodine, lithium, and selenium. In TRA, Fe and Zn were complexed with EDTA, and trace elements were present in mineral form. In PRO, Fe and Zn were chelated with amino acids, and trace elements were bound to plant extracts. The study examined increasing doses of PRO and their potential toxicity. Both fertilizers improved maize biomass: fresh weight increased by 5–8% and dry weight by 8–14%, depending on the dose. At the lowest dose, yields were similar. However, PRO was more effective in biofortifying maize with iron and zinc on sandy soil, increasing levels by 16% and 7% compared to TRA at the lowest dose and up to 29% at the highest dose. PRO was well tolerated at higher doses. No significant differences were observed between the second and third doses of PRO, suggesting reduced efficacy at the highest dose. Full article

Metal exposure is a potential risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Increasing evidence suggests that elevated levels of DNA damage are present in both familial (fALS) and sporadic (sALS) forms of ALS, characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. However, identifying and differentiating initial biomarkers of DNA damage response (DDR) in both forms of ALS remains unclear. The toxicological profiles from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and our previous studies have demonstrated the influence of metal exposure-induced genotoxicity and neurodegeneration. A comprehensive overview of the ATSDR’s toxicological profiles and the available literature identified 15 metals (aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn)) showing exposure-induced genotoxicity indicators associated with ALS pathogenesis. Genetic factors including mutations seen in ALS types and with concomitant metal exposure were distinguished, showing that heavy metal exposure can exacerbate the downstream effect of existing genetic mutations in fALS and may contribute to motor neuron degeneration in sALS. Substantial evidence associates heavy metal exposure to genotoxic endpoints in both forms of ALS; however, a data gap has been observed for several of these endpoints. This review aims to (1) provide a comprehensive overview of metal exposure-induced genotoxicity in ALS patients and experimental models, and its potential role in disease risk, (2) summarize the evidence for DNA damage and associated biomarkers in ALS pathogenesis, (3) discuss possible mechanisms for metal exposure-induced genotoxic contributions to ALS pathogenesis, and (4) explore the potential distinction of genotoxic biomarkers in both forms of ALS. Our findings support the association between metal exposure and ALS, highlighting under or unexplored genotoxic endpoints, signaling key data gaps. Given the high prevalence of sALS and studies showing associations with environmental exposures, understanding the mechanisms and identifying early biomarkers is vital for developing preventative therapies and early interventions. Limitations include variability in exposure assessment and the complexity of gene–environment interactions. Studies focusing on longitudinal exposure assessments, mechanistic studies, and biomarker identification to inform preventative and therapeutic strategies for ALS is warranted. Full article

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) contamination in groundwater poses significant risks to human health and environmental sustainability. Iron–manganese minerals and associated microorganisms in subsurface environments exhibit remarkable potential for immobilizing and transforming toxic metal(loid)s through adsorption, redox reactions, and co-precipitation. This study integrates bibliometric analysis with mechanistic review strategies to systematically evaluate the roles of iron–manganese biomineralization in As/Cd stabilization. Bibliometric insights identify emerging research trends, including the application of biogenic oxides and microbial redox cycles in groundwater remediation. Mechanistic analysis reveals how microbial–mineral interactions regulate As/Cd sequestration, emphasizing the influence of environmental factors such as pH, redox conditions, and microbial metabolic pathways. Case studies demonstrate the viability of in situ remediation technologies leveraging these biogeochemical processes, though challenges persist in achieving consistent field-scale performance and long-term stability. Future efforts should prioritize optimizing microbial consortia, advancing real-time monitoring systems, and integrating biogeochemical strategies with engineered barriers. By synthesizing quantitative trends and mechanistic principles, this work provides actionable frameworks for enhancing natural attenuation and designing sustainable remediation systems for metal-contaminated groundwater. Full article

Background: Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element for humans. It has been recognized as a potential occupational toxin, but its danger as a toxin in patients under parenteral nutrition is often forgotten. Case Presentation: A 73-year-old man was logged for 210 days in the intensive care unit (ICU), receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) for a month, and was then transferred, first, to the internal medicine ward and, then, to the rehabilitation hospital, and 223 days after discharge from the ICU, he had current disease, chorea-type movements in the head and neck, and left hemibody. Diagnostic tests: The magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested manganese deposits, with a total blood manganese concentration of 34 µg·L⁻¹ (reference range: less than 13 µg·L⁻¹). Discussion: Abnormal movements can be caused by manganese poisoning due to parenteral nutrition and are associated with liver failure in the ICU. Our patient showed toxic Mn concentrations in whole blood after 31 days of receiving 300 μg·d⁻¹ of Mn in PN, a shorter duration than typically reported. Neurotoxicity was observed several months later (223 days). Factors such as liver dysfunction and iron deficiency can modulate neurotoxicity. Age may also be a susceptibility factor due to increased expression of Mn transport proteins. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) intensity in the globus pallidus is useful for detecting brain Mn accumulation, but it is not feasible for routine clinical practice. Conclusions: In this case, choreiform movements were attributed to manganese (Mn) accumulation in the basal ganglia. It is essential to monitor patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions containing Mn, especially in those who have biomarkers of susceptibility, even if they have not yet shown neurological signs, and routinely measure whole-blood Mn concentrations, iron levels, age, and liver function. If Mn intoxication is suspected, a brain MRI examination should be conducted. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths. Exposure to toxic metals poses significant risks to cardiovascular health, contributing to the development of CVDs. Essential elements are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular function; however, imbalances or deficiencies in these elements can exacerbate the risk and progression of CVDs. Understanding the interactions between toxic metals and essential elements is crucial for elucidating their impact on cardiovascular health. This study aims to examine the individual and combined effects of toxic metals—lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)—along with essential elements—manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se)—on CVDs. We explored the effects of toxic metals and essential elements using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2017–2018). We conducted descriptive analyses and applied advanced statistical methods, including Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), weighted quantile sum regression (WQSR), and quantile g-computation, to assess the associations between these toxic metals and essential elements on key cardiovascular-related biomarkers. The results revealed distinct patterns of influence across the toxic metals and essential elements. Spearman correlation showed a stronger association among toxic metals than essential elements. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and posterior inclusion probability (PIP) analysis identified lead, mercury, iron, and selenium as key contributors to CVD risk, with lead strongly linked to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Selenium was linked to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol. Univariate and bivariate analyses confirmed lead and mercury’s strong associations with triglycerides and blood pressure, while lead, selenium, and iron were linked to different cholesterol outcomes. Single-variable analysis revealed an interaction between individual exposures and combined exposures. The overall exposure effect assessing the impact of all exposures combined on CVD markers revealed a steady positive association with triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and DBP, with HDL and SBP increasing from the 65th percentile. Quantile g-computation and WQSR confirmed lead’s consistent positive association across all outcomes, with variations among other toxic metals and essential elements. In conclusion, our study suggests that toxic metals and essential elements are important factors in CVD outcomes, with different metals and elements associated with variations in specific biomarkers. Full article

Understanding pollution levels, ecological health risks, and sources of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in the soil from university campuses is critical for assessing environmental safety. Soil samples were collected from 12 locations across urban parks and green areas at Sohag University in Egypt. The samples were processed and analysed for heavy metals, including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd). Pollution levels were evaluated using indices such as the pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (I_geo), and enrichment factors (EFs). Among the pollution indices, the EFs showed the highest sensitivity in detecting anthropogenic contributions, particularly for Cd, Pb, and Cr. Spatial distribution maps and multivariate statistical analyses, including correlation matrix (CM), principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA), were applied to identify the relationships between PTMs and soil properties, and source apportionment was performed using positive matrix factorisation (PMF). The results indicated that Mn, Ni, and Co were primarily geogenic, whereas Pb, Zn, Cr, and Cd showed higher concentrations, suggesting moderate-to-significant anthropogenic pollution. Pb and Cd pose considerable ecological risks, whereas other metals such as Cr and Cu exhibit moderate ecological threats. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the students were within safe limits, as defined by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) threshold values. Source apportionment using PMF identified five main sources of PTMs: industrial and anthropogenic activities (30.0%), traffic emissions (25.0%), natural soil processes (20.0%), agricultural practices (15.0%), and mixed industrial traffic sources (10.0%). These findings emphasise the importance of controlling anthropogenic activities to ensure a safer campus environment. Full article

The urban zone around the city of Volos, a Greek city with a historically industrialized profile, faces threats arising from Potential Toxic Element (PTE) contamination. The scope of this study is to determine the contamination levels of 10 PTEs in three urban areas which are located near the industrial zone in the city of Volos. For this purpose, a total of 30 soil samples from parks, playgrounds and roadsides were collected from the Agios Georgios, Velestino and Rizomilos areas (Magnesia, Central Greece). The sampling was conducted in June 2022 and the concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and zinc (Zn) were measured through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) revealed moderate pollution in most cases, whereas in some sites the contamination was significant for Ni or for As. Principal Component Analysis showed concomitant changes for some PTEs in Component 1 and for others in Component 2, explaining approximately 67% of the variation. K-means Cluster Analysis showed two distinct groups of PTE-impacted sites within these urban areas. It can be postulated that industrial activities may have a carry-over effect on the soil in residential areas. Frequent monitoring of areas deemed as “contaminated” and time-series data are needed to examine in depth the soil pollution in cities and its possible shifts in relation to the changes in industrialization status in the extended urban areas. Full article