Bioaccumulation of Trace Elements in Trophic Levels of Wetland Plants and Waterfowl Birds

Present study investigates relationships between total and bioaccessibility of trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, NI, Pb, V, and Zn) concentrations in sediment and their bioaccumulation in species in Shadegan wetland in southwest of Iran. Bioavailability factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated in plants and trophic transfer factor (TTF) was determined in bird species. For this purpose, sampling of sediments, aquatic plants including Phragmites australis, Typha australis, Scripus maritimus and two bird species encircling Porphyrio porphyrio and globally threatened Marmaronetta angustirostris were carried out during winter 2009. Result of chemical analysis show that bioaccessibility concentrations of Mn (8.31 mg/kg), V (1.33 mg/kg), and Pb (1.03 mg/kg) are higher than other metals. The uptake trend of trace elements in plant decreases as root > stem > leaf. Accumulation levels of trace elements in different tissues of P. porphyrio and M. angustirostris are almost identical and considerable. Accumulation and toxicity of Cd in birds is more than plants. In addition, BAF of V, Pb, and Cr indicates high accumulation by plants and great pollution rate in the area of study. In S. maritimus TF for Mn, Cu, Pb, and V are high whereas in T. australis, Cu and Pb posses the highest TF. Also Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, and Zn have higher TF from stem to leaf than root to stem in P. australis. Finally, TTFs were compared in various bird species.     

Availability of Essential Elements in Nutrient Supplements Used as Antidiabetic Herbal Formulations

Five brands of antidiabetic herbal formulations as tablets, Diabetex, Divya Madhu Nashini, Jambrushila, Diabeticin, and Madhumeh Nashini, from different pharmacies were analyzed for six minor (Na, K, Ca, Cl, Mg, and P) and 20 trace (As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Th, V, and Zn) elements by thermal neutron irradiation followed by high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry. Further Ni, Cd, and Pb were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Most elements vary in a narrow range by a factor of 2–4 while a few others vary in a wide range, e.g., Na (0.05–0.67 mg/g), Mn (26.7–250 μg/g), and V (0.26–2.50 μg/g). All the five brands contain K, Cl, Mg, P, and Ca as minor constituents along with mean trace amounts of Cr (2.11 ± 0.67 μg/g), Cu (15.7 ± 7.11 μg/g), Fe (459 ± 171 μg/g), Mn (143 ± 23 μg/g), Se (238 ± 112 ng/g), and V (0.99 ± 0.93 μg/g). Jambrushila is enriched in Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, Fe, Cu, Se, and Zn, essential nutrients responsible for curing diabetes. Dietary intake of Mn, Fe, and Cu are greater than 10% of the recommended dietary allowance, whereas that for Zn and Se is less than 2%. Mean contents of toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were found below permissible limits except in Jambrushila. Cr and Zn were inversely correlated with r = −0.81, whereas Rb and Cs exhibit linear correlation (r = 0.93) in five brands. C, H, N analysis showed C ∼ 55%, H ∼ 12%, and N ∼ 2% with a total of ∼70% organic matter. However, thermal decomposition studies at 700°C suggest less than 5% nonvolatile metal oxides. Herbal formulations contain minor and trace elements in bioavailable forms that favorably influence glucose tolerance and possibly increase the body’s ability to ameliorate development of diabetes.     

Heavy metals in water,sediments, fish and plants of river Hindon,U.P., India

We analysed the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the water, sediments, fish and plants of the River Hindon, U.P., India, at seven sampling stations, in the year 1982. Considerable variation in concentration between water, sediments, fish and plants were noted. The concentration in the water was in the order Fe > Zn > Cr > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd, in the sediments, Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > - Co > Cu > Pb > Cd; in a fish (Heteropnuestes fossilis) Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cu > Cd > Cr, and in a plant (Eicchornia crassipes) Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > Cd.     

Heavy Metals and Other Elements in Serum of Cattle from Organic and Conventional Farms

Concentrations of cadmium, lead, iron, zinc, copper, chromium, nickel, aluminium and arsenium were analysed in blood serum of cattle from organic (n = 20) and conventional (n = 21) farms. The elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using an Optima 2000 DV instrument (Perkin Elmer Inc.). Animals from the organic farm were characterised by significantly lower (P < 0.01) serum concentrations of Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, As and Al compared to animals from the conventional farm. The concentration of Cd was similar in animals from both organic and conventional farms. The concentration of toxic elements in cattle from organic and conventional farms studied was very low. The trace essential elements were generally within the adequate ranges except Zn and Cu, which were deficient. In organically reared animals, also serum Fe content was below the critical level for diagnosing iron deficiency. Pb was significantly correlated with Cd, Zn, Fe, Cu and Ni. A significant positive correlation between the concentration of Cd and Zn, Cu and Ni concentrations was only observed in cows from the organic farm. The present results suggest that organically raised animals are less exposed to harmful environmental influences such as the environmental pollution with heavy metals. On the other hand, these animals are at a greater risk of mineral deficiency compared to animals kept on conventional farms.     

Comparative estimation of the neurotropicity of trace elements in the organism of children living in industrial towns of Ukraine

In 10- to 16-year-old children, inhabitants of industrial towns of Ukraine, an X-ray fluorescence analysis of the content of some chemical elements in hair samples allowed us to find a deficiency of Zn and Cu against the background of excesses of Ca, Cr, Ni, Mo, and Cd. Comparison of the parameters of EEG frequency components and levels of Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Sr, Pb, and Cd showed that there are significant correlations between the normalized values of spectral powers of many frequency components of the ongoing EEG recorded in different functional states (eyes closed/open, solving an arithmetic task, and phono-/photostimulation) and concentrations of ten of the above-mentioned trace elements. Comparative estimation of the neurotropicity of the elements showed the following sequence of numbers of significant correlations (shown in parentheses) from the total set of possible comparisons: Cd (35) > Ni (31) > Cr (19) > Sr (17) > Pb (16) > > Ca (10) > Cu (7) > Mo (3) > Zn (2) > Fe (1). The intensity of correlations (values of the correlation coefficients) varied from 0.26 to 0.42 at 0.05 < P < 0.001; more frequently, such correlations were observed under conditions of EEG recording with the eyes closed (39) and upon solving an arithmetic task (33).     

Evaluation of the role of submerged plant beds in the metal budget of a fluvial lake

In a study of a large fluvial lake (Lake St. Pierre, St. Lawrence River system, Québec), we have determined the biomass of the submerged vegetation (dominated by Vallisneria americana and Potamogeton spp) during the peak seasonal biomass (August) and senescence (October), and have estimated the content of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the above-ground portions of these plants. Multispectral remote sensing data (MEIS-II) were used to extrapolate from point measures of biomass (g m⁻²) to the entire area of the lake (Lavoie et al., 1991). By combining field information (biomass values and metal concentrations) with the more extensive remote sensing data base of biomass values, and by using geostatistical estimation techniques (kriging), we have estimated the seasonal storage of metals in Lake St. Pierre plants to be: 30 kg Cd, 89 kg Cr, 450 kg Cu, 280 kg Ni, 71 kg Pb and 2200 kg Zn. During the seasonal biomass peak, the quantities of Cd, Pb and Zn stored in the plants were higher than those dissolved in the water column, but much lower than those present in the surficial, recent sediments. Mass balance calculations for the summer months indicated that the ‘macrophyte’ compartment represented only a small proportion of the metals entering the lake: Cu and Ni, <1%; Cd and Zn, 2%; Pb, 4%. Senescence and the downstream drifting of plant material noted in October suggested that most of the metals associated with the above-ground parts of the submerged vegetation were not recycled within the lake, but instead were exported at the end of the summer.     

The Heavy Metal Content of Wild Edible Mushroom Samples Collected in Canakkale Province,Turkey

In this study, concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were determined in three edible mushroom species (Lactarius deliciosus, Russula delica, and Rhizopogon roseolus) collected in five sampling sites in Canakkale province, Turkey. Mean values of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 0.72, 0.26, 28.34, 1.53, and 64.62 mg/kg, respectively. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were determined in species R. delica, while Cr was observed in L. deliciosus. In terms of the nutritional aspect, taking into account the concentration of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake recommended by FAO/WHO, the maximum concentration of Cd is a restrictive factor for consumption of the collected mushroom species. The concentrations of the other elements have no health risks when consumed at optimal levels.     

Effects of Wastewater Irrigation on Chemical and Physical Properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Petroselinum crispum</Emphasis>

The present study was carried out to assess the impact of wastewater on parsley (Petroselinum crispum). The parameters determined for soil were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), nutrient elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe), and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb), while the parameters determined for the plant included pigment content, dry matter, nutrient element, and heavy metals. SOM, EC, and clay contents were higher, and pH was slightly acidic in soil treated with wastewater compared to control soil. The enrichment factors (EF) of the nutrient elements in contaminated soil are in the sequence of Na (2) > Ca (1.32) > Mn = Mg (1.17) > Cu (1.11) > Zn (1.08) > Fe (1.07) > K (0.93), while EF in parsley are Na (6.63) > Ca (1.60) > Mg (1.34) > Zn (1.15) > Fe (0.95) > Cu = K (0.90) > Mn (0.85). Application of wastewater significantly decreased dry matter, while photosynthetic pigment content increased in parsley. The enrichment of the heavy metals is in the sequence: Cd (1.142) > Pb (1.131) > Ni (1.112) > Cr (1.095). P. crispum shows a high transfer factor (TF > 1) for Cd signifying a high mobility of Cd from soil to plant. Thus, although the wastewater irrigation in parsley production aims to produce socioeconomic benefits, study results indicated that municipal wastewater is not suitable for irrigation of parsley because it has negative effects on plant and causes heavy metal accumulation.     

Heavy metal chelation by non-living biomass of three color forms of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty

Water pollution by toxic heavy metals is a burning environmental problem and has presented a challenge to humans. Removal of heavy metals using non-living biomass of seaweeds could be a potential solution to this problem. In the present investigation, biomass of three color forms of Kappaphycus alvarezii, viz. brown, green and pale yellow, were studied in the laboratory for their heavy metal chelating capacity using cadmium, cobalt, chromium and copper. Amongst the four concentrations used (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg L⁻¹) maximum chelation of Cd, Co and Cu was recorded at 25 mg L⁻¹ concentration. The highest amount of Cr was chelated at 100 mg L⁻¹ by all the three color forms. The pale yellow form showed maximum chelation for all four metals studied. Further, chelation in all the color forms was found to be: Cd 5.37 ± 0.59–15.84 ± 0.32 %, Co 21.19 ± 0.13–32.32 ± 0.62 %, Cr 65.38 ± 0.27–88.09 ± 0.51 % and Cu 59.53 ± 0.37–90.28 ± 0.89 %. All the three color forms of K. alvarezii serve as an excellent biodetoxifier as they all chelated considerable amounts of heavy metals.     

Selenium,Lead, and Cadmium Levels in Renal Failure Patients in China

Whole blood and serum samples of Chinese stable chronic renal failure (CRF) patients (n = 81), hemodialysis patients (n = 135), posttransplant patients (n = 60), and subjects with normal renal function (NRF; N = 42) were collected, as well as water and dialysate samples from five dialysis centers. The concentration of selenium (Se), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean serum Se levels in patients with different degrees of renal failure were significantly lower than those of subjects with NRF (p < 0.01). Pb levels were not increased in renal failure patients, while the Cd levels in patients with various degrees of renal failure were higher than in subjects with NRF (p < 0.05). After correcting the results of Pb and Cd for hematocrit (Hct) however, Pb levels of dialysis patients were also increased. In the dialysis population under study, blood Pb and Cd levels were closely related to the time on dialysis, while contamination of the final dialysate may also contribute to the increased blood Cd and to a less extent Pb levels. Correction for Hct may be recommended to accurately compare blood Pb and Cd levels in dialysis patients and CRF patients with varying degrees of anemia to those of subjects with NRF.     

Heavy metal pollution monitoring using the brown seaweed Padina durvillaei in the coastal zone of the Santa Rosalía mining region, Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

The coastal marine sediments near Santa Rosalía on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula (Mexico) are heavily polluted by metals due to copper mining and smelting over the past century (up to 1984). The present study compares the accumulation of metals in the brown seaweed Padina durvillaei from the central segment of the coast of Santa Rosalía (polluted by Co, Cu, Mn and Zn) and from two segments north and south of the known “hot spot”. The seaweed samples were collected in May and August 2004 and June 2005 at 13 stations located along the Santa Rosalía mining region. Heavy metal concentrations were measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis (Co and Fe) directly in dried homogenized subsamples or by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) after complete strong acid digestion of sub-samples. The means and standard deviations of the concentrations in dry tissues of Padina durvillaei specimens for all the studied metals and stations lie in the following sequence: Cd (3.6 ± 1.6 mg kg⁻¹) < Co (6.5 ± 6.1 mg kg⁻¹) < Pb (7.8 ± 6.2) < Ni (9.96 ± 5.28 mg kg⁻¹) < Cu (53 ± 38 mg kg⁻¹) < Zn (63 ± 43 mg kg⁻¹) < Mn (295 ± 269 mg kg⁻¹) < Fe (2243 ± 2325 mg kg⁻¹). This increase of the average concentrations was statistically significant. Principal Component Analysis showed that Factor 1 (36.46%) displays high positive loadings for Co, Cu, Mn and Zn, reflecting the influence of local anthropogenic pollution on the seaweed composition, while Factor 2 (26.91%) is important for Co, Fe and Ni and probably corresponds to the adsorption or accumulation of terrigenous elements of the regional origin, while Factor 3, with a high positive loading for Pb and a high negative loading for Cd, is probably controlled by local and regional anthropogenic input of Pb and episodic supply of Cd by local upwellings. The results of ANOVA for each element do not show any significant differences between the average concentrations for Cd, Fe, Ni and Pb in the seaweed of the three segments, or between the central and southern segments for Cu, Mn and Zn. Cobalt contents in the seaweed from the northern and central segments are, however, significantly different from the southern segment. This indicates that element concentrations in Padina durvillaei generally do not follow the drastic increases and gradients of Cu, Co, Mn and Zn contents detected in surface sediments. The apparent contradiction could be explained by a low geochemical mobility of these metals in the polluted sediments, composed mainly of stable residues of smelter wastes, with very low content of organic matter usually driving diagenetic mobilization of some metals into interstitial waters and then to the overlying water.     

Advantages of the Use of Deciduous Teeth,Hair, and Blood Analysis for Lead and Cadmium Bio-Monitoring in Children. A Study of 6-Year-Old Children from Krakow (Poland)

The population of about 300 6-year-old preschool children was studied for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in deciduous teeth, scalp hair, and capillary blood. Zinc (Zn) content in hair was also measured due to its possible interferences with the elements studied. The Pb and Cd contents were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction, and Zn, by flame method. Metal levels found were comparable to those in European countries. Positive correlations between Pb and Cd in the same and different tissues were widespread (r = 0.23–0.68). A positive correlation was found between Pb in teeth and blood (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). Pb blood threshold 100 μg L⁻¹ referred to 2.6 μg g⁻¹ Pb in teeth. Predictability of this Pb teeth limit was 14% vs. 5% for Pb blood. Strong negative correlation was found between hair Pb and Zn (r = −0.68, p < 0.001). Enhanced Cd and Zn levels in hair were associated with the household drinking water hardness. The associations with some other environmental and behavioral factors were also presented and discussed. The results proved the advantage of analysis of primary teeth for Pb exposure screening of preschool children.     

Evaluation of trace metal toxicokinetics in Greenland Sea copepod and amphipod collectives from semi-static experiments on board ship

 Semi-static toxicokinetic experiments were performed during a cruise of RV “Polarstern” to the Greenland Sea for Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in mesozooplankton collectives of Calanus hyperboreus, C.  finmarchicus, Metridia longa and Themisto abyssorum, to provide first tentative information on accumulation strategies and the experimental basis for estimation of kinetic parameters of two-compartment models. This is an inevitable precondition for using these organisms as biomonitors. Our results indicate a net accumulation strategy for Cu and Pb (within the given experimental constraints), but a tendency for regulation of Zn and especially for Cd. Two-compartment models were successfully fitted to the data, leading to rate constants statistically different from zero, which were validated by independent experiments. An extrapolation to field conditions is not possible without further evaluation. The collectives investigated may be regarded as potentially suitable biomonitors of Cu and Pb, but probably not of Zn and Cd. More information is required for a wider range of external metal exposures and the potential influences of life-history status on metal toxicokinetics must be clarified, before this approach can be fully adopted in the assessment of environmental quality. Received: 1 December 1995 / Accepted: 29 May 1996     

Effects of Montmorillonite on Pb Accumulation,Oxidative Stress,and DNA Damage in Tilapia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis>) Exposed to Dietary Pb

In order to investigate the effects of montmorillonite (MMT) on reducing dietary lead (Pb) toxicity to tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), 240 fish were randomly divided into four treatments denominated as follows: control treatment (fed with a basal diet), MMT treatment (fed with a basal diet added with 0.5% MMT), Pb treatment (fed with a basal diet added with 100 mg Pb per kilogram dry weight (dw)), and Pb + MMT treatment (fed with a basal diet added with 100 mg Pb per kilogram dw and 0.5% MMT). Changes in Pb accumulation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in tilapia were measured after 60 days. DNA damage was assessed using comet assay. The results showed that MMT supplemented in diet significantly reduced Pb accumulation in kidney and blood of tilapia exposed to dietary Pb (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde level decreased insignificantly while levels of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione (GSH), activities of glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase increased insignificantly in kidney of tilapia in Pb + MMT treatment as compared to Pb treatment (P > 0.05). Significant decreases in tail length, tail DNA, tail moment, and Olive tail moment of peripheral blood cells in Pb + MMT treatment were observed when compared with Pb treatment (P < 0.05). The results indicated that dietary MMT supplementation could alleviate dietary Pb toxicity to tilapia effectively.     

Characterization and Distribution of the Selected Metals in the Scalp Hair of Cancer Patients in Comparison with Normal Donors

Eighteen metals were estimated in the scalp hair samples from cancer patients (n = 111) and normal donors (n = 113). Nitric acid–perchloric acid wet digestion procedure was used for the quantification of the selected metals by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In the scalp hair of cancer patients, highest average levels were found for Ca (861 μg/g), followed by Na (672 μg/g), Zn (411 μg/g), Mg (348 μg/g), Fe (154 μg/g), Sr (129 μg/g), and K (116 μg/g), whereas in comparison, the dominant metals in the scalp hair of normal donors were Ca (568 μg/g), Zn (177 μg/g), Mg (154 μg/g), Fe (110 μg/g), and Na (103 μg/g). The concentrations of Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, and Zn were notably higher in the hair of cancer patients as compared with normal donors, which may lead to a number of physiological disorders. Strong positive correlations were found in Mn–Pb (0.83), Cd–Cr (0.82), Cd–Li (0.57), Fe–Pb (0.56), and Fe–Mn (0.55) in the hair of cancer patients whereas Na–Cd, Li–Cr, Li–Co, Co–Cd, Li–Cd, Na–Co, Na–Li, Ca–Mg and Na–Cr exhibited strong relationships (r > 0.50) in the hair of normal donors. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the data revealed seven PCs, both for cancer patients and normal donors, but with significantly different loadings. Cluster Analysis (CA) was also used to support the PCA results. The study evidenced significantly different pattern of metal distribution in the hair of cancer patients in comparison with normal donors. The role of trace metals in carcinogenesis was also discussed.     

Use of the green alga Ulva rigida C. Agardh as an indicator species to reassess metal pollution in the Thermaikos Gulf, Greece, after 13 years

The concentrations of metals (Mn, Pb, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd,Co, Ni, Cr, Na, K, Ca, Mg) were determined in thegreen alga Ulva rigida, in the sediment andseawater of Thermaikos Gulf (Greece) during monthlysamplings in 1994–1995. This Gulf is the recipientof domestic and industrial effluents. Pb, Fe, Cu, Coand Cr concentrations in U. rigida at the studyarea were higher than those 13 years earlier andapparently came from different sources than those forZn, Cd and Ni. The relative abundance of metals inthe alga decreased in the order: Mg > Na > K >Ca > Pb > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr, Cu > Ni >Co > Cd. Only Cu concentrations in the alga fromKalochori and Cd ones from Viamyl showed significantseasonal changes. Cu and Cd concentrations ingeneral followed the same pattern of variation, withminimum values in winter-spring. This pattern isdiscussed in relation to growth dynamics and tissueage. Only Pb concentrations in the alga showed asignificant positive correlation with concentrationsin the seawater. There were both positive andnegative correlations among some metals in the alga. It is concluded that U. rigida can be used as anindicator species, especially for Pb.     

Fish assemblage of a traditional fishery and the seasonal variations in diet of its most abundant species Wallago attu (Siluriformes: Siluridae) from a tropical floodplain

The fish assemblage of a traditional Kata fishery and the stomach contents of Wallago attu were studied over a period of one year from a large floodplain system in Bangladesh. A total of 19 species of fish and 2 species of shrimp were recorded. W. attu (9.7–17.8%), Mystus vittatus (6.0–11.3%), M. aor (5.0–12.1%), Amblypharyngodon mola (4.4–9.3%) and Mastacembelus armatus (3.5–10.5%) dominated the catch. W.␣attu occupied the top position in abundance throughout the year, followed by M. vittatus and M. aor. Bagridae, Siluridae and Cyprinidae were three major families that contributed respectively 21.0, 17.4 and 16.1% of the total catch. Considerable seasonality was observed in the abundance of different fishes. A total of 14 different prey items were recorded, belonging to three major groups (fish, prawn and plant matters). The fish fed on at least eight species of small fishes (A. mola, M. vittatus, M. cavasius, Puntius stigma, P. ticto, Puntius sp., Glossogobius guris, and Heteropneustes fossilis) and some other unidentified small fishes. Other major prey items were small prawn, fish and prawn remains, and macroalgae. A. mola was the most important food item, contributing 23.7% of the total amount of diet by weight and 19.9% by frequency of occurrence. A. mola was followed by unidentified small prawn (13.7%), M. vittatus (13.1%), and unidentified small fishes (8.8%) by weight and by unidentified small fishes (15.9%), fish remains (12.5%), and M.␣vittatus (12.3%) by occurrence. Of the major diet categories, fish contributed 74.3% of the total diet by weight and 80.9% by occurrence, prawn contributed 18.5% by weight and 11.0% by occurrence and plants contributed 7.2% by weight and 8.1% by occurrence. A. mola and small shrimps were positively selected by W. attu. We concluded that W. attu is a piscivorous predator with potential impacts on prey fish communities; we also hypothesized that a specialized food-web based on the Kata fishery exists in and around the Katas which is of particular ecological significance.     

Metal Element Excretion in 24-h Urine in Patients with Wilson Disease under Treatment of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-Penicillamine

Wilson disease is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder causing copper accumulation and consequent toxicity. d-Penicillamine, a potent metal chelator, is an important therapy for Wilson disease. To investigate the changes of metal elements under the treatment of d-penicillamine, we determined the levels of Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Se, Mn, Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Tl, and Al by ICP-MS in 24-h urine of 115 Wilson disease patients who had received treatment with d-penicillamine for 1 month to 22 years at maintenance doses, as well as 115 age-matched, healthy controls. The levels of Cu, Mg, Ca, Zn, Hg, Pb, Tl, Cd, and Mn in the 24-h urine of the cases were significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.05), and the observed increases in the levels of Mg, Ca, and Zn were directly correlated with the treatment duration with Pearson Correlation Coefficient (R) of 0.356 (Mg), 0.329 (Ca), and 0.313 (Zn), respectively (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the levels of Al and As in the 24-h urine were lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05) and were negatively correlated with the treatment time with R of −0.337 (Al) and −0.398 (As), respectively, (P < 0.05). Thus, this study indicates that the levels of metal elements may be altered in patients with Wilson disease under the treatment of d-penicillamine.     

Impact of Land-Use Patterns on Chemical Properties of Trace Elements in Soils of Rural,Semi-Urban,and Urban Zones of the Niger Delta,Nigeria

The study of the concentrations of Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu in soils under different land uses in rural, semi-urban, and urban zones in the Niger Delta was carried out with a view to providing information on the effects of the different land uses on the concentrations of trace elements in soils. Our results indicate significant variability in concentrations of these metals in soils under different land uses in rural, semi-urban, and urban zones. The maximum concentrations of metals in the examined soil samples were 707.5 mg.kg^?1, 161.0 mg.kg^?1, 2.6 mg.kg^?1, 59.6 mg.kg^?1, 1061.3 mg.kg^?1, and 189.2 mg.kg^?1 for Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu, respectively. In the rural zone, the cassava processing mill is a potent source of Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn while agricultural activities are a source of Cd, and automobile emissions and the use of lead oxide batteries constitute the major sources of Pb. In the urban zone, soils around the wood processing mill showed elevated concentrations of Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni, while soils around automobile mechanic works and motor parks showed elevated levels of Pb. Elevated Cd concentrations were observed in soils under the following land uses: urban motor park, playground, welding and fabrication sheds, and metallic scrap dump. The contamination/pollution index of metals in the soil follows the order: Ni > Cd > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb. The multiple pollution index of metals at different sites were greater than 1, indicating that these soils fit into “slight pollution” to “excessive pollution” ranges with significant contributions from Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cu.     

Polyamine metabolism in sunflower plants under long-term cadmium or copper stress

Summary. The effect of different doses of cadmium and copper was studied in relation to growth and polyamine (Pas) metabolism in shoots of sunflower plants. Cadmium accumulated to higher levels than copper and shoot length was reduced by 0.5 and 1 mM Cd, but only by 1 mM Cu. At 1 mM of Cd or Cu, Put content increased 270% and 160% with Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺, respectively. Spermidine (Spd) was modified only by 1 mM Cd, while spermine (Spm) declined after seeds germinated, increasing thereafter but only with 1 mM Cd or Cu (273% over the controls for Cd and 230% for Cu at day 16). Both ADC and ODC activities were increased by 1 mM Cd, whereas 1 mM Cu enhanced ADC activity, but reduced ODC activity at every concentration used. The role of Pas as markers of Cd or Cu toxicity is discussed.