Association Between Chronic Exposure to Tobacco Smoke and Accumulation of Toxic Metals in Hair Among Pregnant Women

Tobacco smoke contains various toxic heavy metals that individuals are exposed to when they smoke. Despite the presence of heavy metals in tobacco smoke, the relationship between smoking and the accumulation of toxic metals in pregnant women after long-term exposure remains under discussion. We examined the association between long-term exposure to tobacco smoke and the accumulation of toxic metals in the hair of female participants. Our study recruited 252 women from the Shanxi and Hebei provinces of Northern China; these participants were self-reported non-active smokers, and had previously delivered healthy babies without birth defects. Scalp hair was collected and analyzed for nicotine and cotinine and five potentially toxic metals (specifically, silver, chromium, cadmium, mercury, and lead). Our results showed significant positive correlations between cotinine and four metals, including silver (r?=?0.369, p?<?0.001), cadmium (r?=?0.185, p?<?0.01), mercury (r?=?0.161, p?<?0.05), and lead (r?=?0.243, p?<?0.001). Significant positive correlations were also found between nicotine and three metals—specifically silver (r?=?0.331, p?<?0.001), cadmium (r?=?0.176, p?<?0.01), and lead (r?=?0.316, p?<?0.001). A logistic regression model showed significant associations between cotinine and potentially toxic metals including mercury, silver, and lead (with or without adjusting for potential confounders). We thus conclude that long-term passive smoking could potentially increase the exposure level of toxic metals including lead, silver, and mercury in our study, which are especially harmful for pregnant women and their unborn fetus.     

Toxicological Status of Children with Autism vs. Neurotypical Children and the Association with Autism Severity

This study investigates both the level of toxic metals in children with autism and the possible association of those toxic metals with autism severity. This study involved 55 children with autism ages 5–16 years compared to 44 controls with similar age and gender. The study included measurements of toxic metals in whole blood, red blood cells (RBC), and urine. The autism group had higher levels of lead in RBC (+41 %, p?=?0.002) and higher urinary levels of lead (+74 %, p?=?0.02), thallium (+77 %, p?=?0.0001), tin (+115 %, p?=?0.01), and tungsten (+44 %, p?=?0.00005). However, the autism group had slightly lower levels of cadmium in whole blood (?19 %, p?=?0.003). A stepwise, multiple linear regression analysis found a strong association of levels of toxic metals with variation in the degree of severity of autism for all the severity scales (adjusted R ² of 0.38–0.47, p?<?0.0003). Cadmium (whole blood) and mercury (whole blood and RBC) were the most consistently significant variables. Overall, children with autism have higher average levels of several toxic metals, and levels of several toxic metals are strongly associated with variations in the severity of autism for all three of the autism severity scales investigated.     

牛组织重金属含量与饲养环境的相关性

通过选择不同污染程度的区域进行取样,分析了贵州地区不同污染水平下牛组织中重金属(Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd)的含量和与饲养环境的相关性.结果表明:贵州不同污染水平下牛组织中的Cu、Zn基本符合国家食品卫生要求,Pb只有污染地区的肝脏和肾脏超过限量标准,Cd污染较严重,除非污染区肝脏外,牛肾脏和肝脏中Cd的平均含量均超过国家肉类制品卫生限量标准,但肌肉组织符合卫生标准;牛组织重金属元素含量与饲养环境中的土壤、饲料和饮用水源的重金属含量和污染程度密切相关,尤其是肾脏组织,其相关系数r＞0.78.饲料向牛组织的重金属迁移系数,随饲料元素含量的增加而逐渐降低,其中Cd的迁移系数最大,Pb的迁移系数最低;必需元素和有害元素在不同组织中的比值,随污染程度的增加而降低.肾脏的Cu/Cd和Zn/Cd值比其它组织低得多,Cd主要在肾脏中蓄积,Cu主要在肝脏组织蓄积,Zn主要在肌肉和肝脏,Pb主要在肾脏和肝脏.     

Effect of heavy metals (Cu,Cd and Pb) on aspartate and alanine aminotransferase in Ruditapes philippinarum (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

The accumulation of cadmium, copper and lead and their effects on aspartate and alanine aminotransferases in digestive gland, gills, foot and soft body in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum were examined. The animals were exposed to different concentrations: Cd (200–600 μg·l⁻¹), Pb (350–700 μg·l⁻¹) and Cu (10–20 μg·l⁻¹) for 7 days. The highest concentrations were found in digestive gland for cadmium and copper, and in gills for lead, and the lowest values were observed in the foot. Aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST), in general, was not inhibited by cadmium, lead or copper during the exposure. Only in clams exposed to cadmium (600 μg·l⁻¹, 7 days) and copper (20 μg·l⁻¹, 5 days) were observed significant differences (P<0.05) in foot and gills, respectively, with respect to control. In the case of alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT), significant differences were observed for cadmium and lead in treated animals with respect to control. With regard to copper, a decrease in ALT was observed in gills and foot exposed to 20 μg·l⁻¹. A significant correlation (P<0.05) was observed between ALT and metal accumulation for cadmium, copper and lead in gills. In the case of soft body, only cadmium and lead showed a significant correlation. In summary, R. philippinarum can be considered a bioindicator species for cadmium and lead accumulation and ALT could be useful as biomarker of sublethal stress for these metals in soft tissues and gills. Only gills can be considered an adequate target tissue for copper.     

Cadmium,lead and mercury concentrations and their influence on morphological parameters in blood donors from different age groups from southern Poland

Due to industrial development, environmental contamination with metals increases which leads to higher human exposure via air, water and food. In order to evaluate the level of the present exposition, the concentrations of metals can be measured in such biological materials as human blood. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in blood samples from male blood donors from southern Poland (Europe) born in 1994 (n = 30) and between 1947 and 1955 (n = 30). Higher levels of Pb were seen in the group of older men (4.48 vs 2.48 μg/L), whereas the Hg levels were lower (1.78 vs 4.28 μg/L). Cd concentrations did not differ between age groups (0.56 μg/L). The levels of Cd and Pb in older donors were significantly correlated (Spearman R 0.5135). We also observed a positive correlation between the number of red blood cells (RBC) and Hg concentrations in the older group (Spearman R 0.4271). Additionally, we noted numerous correlations among morphological parameters. Based on our results, we can state that metals influence the blood morphology and their concentrations in blood vary among age groups.     

Concentrations of cadmium,lead, selenium,and zinc in human blood and seminal plasma

The concentrations of cadmium, lead, selenium, and zinc in blood and seminal plasma were determined in 76 Singapore males. Except for zinc, the concentrations were generally higher in blood than in seminal plasma (cadmium, 1.31 μg/L vs 0.61 μg/L; lead, 82.6 μg/L vs 12.4 μg/L, and selenium, 163.6 μg/L vs 71.5 μg/L). The mean concentration of zinc in seminal plasma was more than 30 times higher than in blood (202 mg/L vs 6.2 mg/L). Significant positive correlations were found between the concentrations in blood and seminal plasma for the two essential trace elements: selenium (r=0.45,p<0.001) and zinc (r=0.25,p<0.05). However, no relationships were found between the concentrations in blood and seminal plasma for two toxic metals (cadmium and lead). Significant inverse correlations were observed between Cd and Zn (r=−0.40,p<0.01), and Pb and Se (r=−0.32,p<0.05) in blood, whereas significant positive correlations were noted between Cd and Se (r=0.45,p<0.01), Cd and Zn (r=0.35,p<0.05), and Se and Zn (r=0.57,p<0.001) in seminal plasma. The physiological significance of these relationships are also discussed in this paper.     

Evaluation of Status of Trace and Toxic Metals in Biological Samples (Scalp Hair, Blood, and Urine) of Normal and Anemic Children of Two Age Groups

Anemia affects a substantial portion of the world’s population, provoking severe health problems as well as important economic losses to the region in which this condition is found. This study was designed to compare the levels of essential trace and toxic elements in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of anemic children (n = 132) with age range 1–5 and 6–10 years of both genders. For a comparative study, 134 non-anemic age- and sex-matched children as control subjects, residing in the same city, were selected. The metals in the biological samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry/electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The proposed method was validated using certified reference samples of hair, blood, and urine. The results indicated significantly lower levels of iron, copper, and zinc in the biological samples as compared to the control children of both genders (p = 0.01–0.008). The mean values of lead and cadmium were significantly high in all three biological samples of anemic children as compared to non-anemic children of both age groups (p = 0.005–0.001). The ratios of essential metal to toxic metals in the biological samples of anemic children of both age groups were significantly lower than that of controls. Deficiency of essential trace metals and high level of toxic metals may play a role in the development of anemia in the subjects under study.     

New aspects on the distribution and metabolism of essential trace elements after dietary exposure to toxic metals

Under present environmental conditions, an increase in pollution owing to metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and methylmercury (MeHg) must be expected. The resulting effects would be seen particularly in the food chain. The daily intake of toxic metals in various parts of the world is different and depends on both the dietary habits and the concentration in foodstuffs. Oral ingestion of these toxic metals perturbs the metabolism of essential elements, especially zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se). The elemental composition of body tissues and fluids is an indicator of the nutritional and pathological status of humans. This review will describe the dietary intake and gut absorption of essential and toxic elements. Furthermore, it will discuss threshold values, toxic effects in relation to body burden of toxic metals, the biological indices of exposure, and the interaction between toxic and essential elements. The overall ratio of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Se concentration to Cd in the human kidney is the lowest in comparison to Hg and Pb. Increased kidney copper and urinary losses may be common denominators in the manifestation of renal toxicity induced by heavy metals. Factors affecting availability and loss of copper should be identified and measured. The critical kidney concentration for Cd, Pb, and MeHg should be revised in relation to essential elements.     

Soft-tissue accumulation of lead in the blue tilapia,Oreochromis aureus (steindachner), and the modifying effects of cadmium and mercury

The interaction of mercury and cadmium with lead was investigated by exposingOreochromis aureus to two heavy metals simulataneously. The chronic accumulation prolife of lead was determined by analyzing the liver, brain, gill filaments, intestine, caudal muscle, spleen, trunk kidney, and gonads following exposure to lead alone and in mixtures with mercury and cadmium. Nominal exposure concentrations of lead were 0.05, 0.10, 0.50, and 1.00 mg/L. Mixtures of lead (0.50 or 0.05 mg/L) with cadmium (0.05 mg/L) and lead (0.50 or 0.05 mg/L) with mercury (0.05 mg/L) were also used. Following 140 d of exposure to lead, the highest concentrations of lead consistently accumulated in the trunk kidney. The concentration of lead in the kidney was decreased by coexposure to mercury or cadmium, but increased in the muscle and liver. Under all exposure regimes, the median concentration of lead in the muscle exceeded safety levels recommended for human consumption. In a food fish, such asO. aureus, a knowledge of toxic metal accumulation patterns is of great importance.     

Bioremediation of cadmium induced renal toxicity in Rattus norvegicus by medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus

Cadmium is the second most hazardous metals with bio-concentration factor (BCF)?>?100 Although WHO permitted cadmium concentration in drinking water is 0.005?mg/L, yet the reality is far above to this limit because of industrial utility of this metal. Oral exposure of cadmium to human results in dreadful symptoms of metabolic disorders especially in liver and kidneys. Endogenous protection could be supported by some exogenous herbal supplement (viz., Catharanthus roseus in this case) to overcome the toxic effects. Present Study has been designed to find out the functional renal changes under the effect of cadmium and Catharanthus roseus in the model organism albino rats. Cadmium significantly (p?>?0.01) increases the level of nitrogenous waste (Urea, BUN, Uric Acid and Creatinin), while decreases the serum protein profile in acute and sub-acute sets. Urea concentration of control ranged from 16.56 to 17.72?mg/dl while that of Group-B and D were 19.84 to 20.87?mg/dl and 17.56 to 17.59?mg/dl respectively. Similarly uric acid concentration ranged in control form 6.98 to 8.01?mg/dl in group-B from 7.58 to 10.25?mg/dl, in Group-D 8.02 to 8.59?mg/dl respectively. Creatinin concentration ranged in control 0.57 to 0.65?mg/dl, in group-B 0.97 to 1.02?mg/dl, in group-D – 0.95 to 0.98?mg/dl respectively.These results might be due to altered filtration rate of kidney because of protein disruption. The studies conclude the efficient nephro-protection offered by Catharanthus roseus extract against Cadmium toxicity.     

Cd, Cu, Zn, Se, and Metallothioneins in Two Amphibians, Necturus maculosus (Amphibia, Caudata) and Bufo bufo (Amphibia, Anura)

The accumulation of cadmium, its affinity for metallothioneins (MTs), and its relation to copper, zinc, and selenium were investigated in the experimental mudpuppy Necturus maculosus and the common toad Bufo bufo captured in nature. Specimens of N. maculosus were exposed to waterborne Cd (85???g/L) for up to 40?days. Exposure resulted in tissue-dependent accumulation of Cd in the order kidney, gills > intestine, liver, brain > pancreas, skin, spleen, and gonads. During the 40-day exposure, concentrations increased close to 1???g/g in kidneys and gills (0.64?C0.95 and 0.52?C0.76; n?=?4), whereas the levels stayed below 0.5 in liver (0.14?C0.29; n?=?4) and other organs. Cd exposure was accompanied by an increase of Zn and Cu in kidneys and Zn in skin, while a decrease of Cu was observed in muscles and skin. Cytosol metallothioneins (MTs) were detected as Cu,Zn?Cthioneins in liver and Zn,Cu?Cthioneins in gills and kidney, with the presence of Se in all cases. After exposure, Cd binding to MTs was clearly observed in cytosol of gills as Zn,Cu,Cd?Cthionein and in pellet extract of kidneys as Zn,Cu,Cd?Cthioneins. The results indicate low Cd storage in liver with almost undetectable Cd in liver MT fractions. In field trapped Bufo bufo (spring and autumn animals), Cd levels were followed in four organs and found to be in the order kidney > liver (0.56?C5.0???g/g >0.03?C0.72???g/g; n?=?11, spring and autumn animals), with no detectable Cd in muscle and skin. At the tissue level, high positive correlations between Cd, Cu, and Se were found in liver (all r?>?0.80; ???=?0.05, n?=?5), and between Cd and Se in kidney (r?=?0.76; n?=?5) of autumn animals, possibly connected with the storage of excess elements in biologically inert forms. In the liver of spring animals, having higher tissue level of Cd than autumn ones, part of the Cd was identified as Cu,Zn,Cd?Cthioneins with traces of Se. As both species are special in having liver Cu levels higher than Zn, the observed highly preferential Cd load in kidney seems reasonable. The relatively low Cd found in liver can be attributed to its excretion through bile and its inability to displace Cu from MTs. The associations of selenium observed with Cd and/or Cu (on the tissue and cell level) point to selenium involvement in the detoxification of excessive cadmium and copper through immobilization.     

Cadmium-induced alterations in essential trace element homoeostasis in the tissues of scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis

Studies were performed regarding the effect of cadmium accumulation on the levels of essential elements (copper, zinc and iron) in the tissues of a marine bivalve mollusc, Mizuhopecten yessoensis, exposed to cadmium at 250 ppb during 2 weeks. It was found that the concentration of cadmium in the tissues increased in the order gonads < gills < hepatopancreas < kidney during exposure time. However, the highest value of concentration factor was recorded in the gills. Our data demonstrate that cadmium accumulation in all mollusc tissues is followed by the alterations in copper, zinc and iron concentration, but that the pattern of these changes varies with each tissue. Cadmium had the most pronounced effects on essential trace element homoeostasis in the kidney. The present study suggests that levels of the essential metals in a particular tissue can be modified depending on the level of cadmium accumulation. The possible mechanisms of the effects of cadmium on the essential trace elements are discussed.     

Temporal and spatial variability in the heavy-metal content of Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) (Mollusca: Bivalvia) from the Kleines Haff (northeastern Germany)

The present investigation was performed on zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), which were sampled from the Kleines Haff. As a part of the Oder estuary, the Kleines Haff acts as a sink for the load of the river Oder. Mussel shells and mussel tissue were analyzed for their content of selected heavy metals, based on the composition of the suspended matter. Mussels were sampled in May, July, August and September 1996 at different locations and divided into three groups regarding their body size. The data show that concentrations of lead, cadmium and mercury vary during the year. Mussel shells and mussel tissue showed seasonal and local differences in heavy-metal concentration. Between the size classes, however, there was no significant difference, with one exception: the lead content in tissues was significantly higher in large mussels (>2.5 cm shell length) than in small ones (<1.9 cm). The concentrations of lead and cadmium clearly decreased in mussel shells from May to September, while they increased in mussel tissues. The lead concentration in the tissue corresponded to that of mercury. The highest values measured for mercury were 218 μg/kg dry weight (DW), for cadmium 1030 μg/kg DW and for lead 6182 μg/kg DW. The average concentration of heavy metals in mussel tissue was 9 to nearly 170 times lower than in the surrounding sediment and seston. It can be assumed that a balance exists between the concentration of heavy metals in the mussels' food and the mussels themselves.     

The Correlation of Serum Trace Elements and Heavy Metals with Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Changes in essential trace elements and heavy metals may affect the atherosclerotic state of patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between the serum levels of some trace elements and heavy metals (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, cobalt, cadmium, lead, and copper/zinc ratio) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in HD patients. Fifty chronic HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. The serum levels of trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and magnesium) and heavy metals (cobalt, cadmium, and lead) were measured by Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer (UNICAM-929). CIMT was assessed by carotid artery ultrasonography. The serum levels of iron, zinc, and manganese were lower; levels of copper, magnesium, cobalt, cadmium, lead, and copper/zinc ratio were higher in HD patients compared to controls. CIMT in HD patients were higher than the control group (0.64?±?0.11 vs 0.42?±?0.05, p?相似文献   

Cadmium, copper and zinc in tissues of deceased copper smelter workers

Workers at a copper and lead smelter in northern Sweden have a multifactorial exposure to a number of heavy metals. The concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc in liver, lung, kidney and brain tissues have been determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in 32 deceased long-term exposed male lead smelter workers, and compared with those of 10 male controls. Furthermore, copper and zinc levels in hair and nails were determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence.

The highest cadmium concentrations among both workers and controls were observed in kidney, followed in order by liver, lung and brain. The levels in kidney, liver and lung were all significantly higher in the workers than in the controls (p < 0.03). Among the workers relatively strong positive correlations (p < 0.03) were observed between cadmium concentrations in liver and lung, liver and kidney, liver and brain, and lung and brain. In the exposed workers a positive correlation was observed between cadmium and zinc concentrations in the kidney (r_s = 0.38; p = 0.034). This is probably mainly due to the protein metallothionein, which is stored in the kidney, binding equimolar amounts of these two metals.

The highest concentrations of copper were found in hair and nails among both workers and controls, followed in order by liver, brain, kidney and lung. The tissue concentrations of copper in brain, lung and kidney were all significantly higher among the smelter workers than in the controls (p ≤ 0.036). Copper levels in lung and age at time of death were positively correlated among the exposed workers (r_s = 0.39; p = 0.029). In the same group, positive correlations between copper and zinc concentrations in kidney (r_s = 0.45; p = 0.009) and nails (r_s = 0.68; p < 0.001) were also observed, reflecting possible biological interactions between these two metals.

Among both workers and controls, the highest zinc concentrations were found in hair, followed in order by nails, liver, kidney, brain and lung. Significantly higher tissue concentrations among the workers as compared with the reference group were noted in kidney, liver and brain (p ≤ 0.033).

Neither copper nor zinc concentrations in hair and nails seemed to provide a useful measure of the trace element status of the smelter workers.     

Low-level environmental lead and cadmium exposures and dyslipidemia in adults: Findings from the NHANES 2005–2016

BackgroundPrevious experimental and occupational health studies have shown the toxic effects of relatively high-level cadmium and lead on lipid metabolism. However, limited studies investigated the relationships between serum lipid levels and exposure to low-level lead and cadmium in adults.ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between lead and cadmium levels in blood and dyslipidemia in adults.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study of 7,457 adults aged 20–79 years who were recruited in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005–2016) was conducted. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the associations of blood lead and cadmium levels with serum lipid profiles and risk of dyslipidemia, respectively.ResultsThe weighted geometric means [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of lead and cadmium in blood were 1.23 (1.21, 1.25) μg/dL and 0.36 (0.35, 0.37) μg/L, respectively. Blood lead was significantly associated with serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) levels after adjusting for covariates. Compared with the adults in the lowest blood lead quartile (≤0.76 μg/dL), those in the highest lead quartile (>1.90 μg/dL) had higher risks of elevated TC (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.59–2.22), non-HDL-C (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.33–1.91), LDL-C (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.41–1.99) and Apo B (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.46–2.73). However, the single effect of cadmium exposure and the joint effect of lead and cadmium exposures on dyslipidemia were not observed.ConclusionBlood lead well below the current recommended level was positively associated with the risk of dyslipidemia in adults, while the low-level cadmium exposure currently observed in adults did not show any significant associations with lipid levels.     

Levels of Metallic Elements and Their Potential Relationships to Cognitive Function among Elderly from Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) Settlement in Selangor Malaysia

Exposure to toxic metals and excessive amount of trace elements is a risk factor of cognitive decline. Continuous monitoring of these elements by the use of metabolically inactive tissues such as fingernails may help in taking preventive measures to delay the cognitive decline process. In this study, the cognitive function of 54 elderlies (60–72 years old) from FELDA Sungai Tengi, Selangor, was evaluated using the Malay version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in fingernail were detected using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Results showed that (92.6 %) our population was cognitively impaired based on the MoCA with mean score of 18.07?±?5.11. The mean level of elements in fingernails for As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn were 16.68?±?3.52, 4.26?±?0.91, 4.81?±?1.16, 1.00?±?0.23, 1.83?±?0.47, and 40.86?±?10.81 μg/g, respectively. Significant inverse correlations were observed between MoCA with age (r?=??0.543, p?<?0.01), Cu level (r?=??0.330, p?<?0.05), and Mn level (r?=??0.496, p?<?0.01). MMSE was correlated to age (r?=??0.346, p?<?0.05) only. In conclusion, besides aging, the progression of cognitive decline among the elderly FELDA population was associated with increased levels of copper and manganese.     

Chemical analysis of materials used in pig housing with respect to the safety of products of animal origin

Bedding, environmental enrichment materials and disinfectant powders in pig farming are meant to ensure a hygienic bedding environment or allow pigs to perform explorative behaviour. To our knowledge, no legal regulation exists, that established maximum contents for undesirable substances, such as toxic metals, dioxins or trace elements in these materials, although oral ingestion could be expected. In the present study, a total of 74 materials (disinfectant powders [n = 51], earth/peat [n = 12], biochar [n = 8], recycled manure solids [n = 3]) were analysed for their content of various toxic metals, trace elements, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. The data suggest that, in some samples, trace elements like iron, copper and zinc might have been added intentionally in order to induce physiological effects (iron supply to piglets, copper and zinc as growth promoter in pigs). Moreover, some materials contained high levels of lead, cadmium or arsenic. Consequently, if farm animals repeatedly consume environmental enrichment and bedding materials or disinfectant powders in considerable amounts and these quantities are added to the daily ration, the amount of ingested undesirable substances and trace elements might exceed the maximum levels set for complete feedstuffs, and an elevated transfer into food of animal origin might occur. Future studies are required to address the possible quantitative contribution in the light of feed and food safety. Finally, the excretion of undesirable substances with manure needs to be considered due to their possible accumulation in soils.     

Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC. Effect of low concentrations of copper and cadmium on somatic and photosynthetic endpoints: A chemometric approach

Aquatic plants can be a sensitive and cost effective route to understanding the effects of contaminants and assessing ecosystem health. Among the aquatic macrophytes, watermilfoil genus Myriophyllum could be used in ecological surveys as in situ biomonitors of water quality due to its ability to concentrate pollutants in their tissues and reflect the environmental pollution. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the phytotoxicity of two heavy metals, Cu (essential micronutrient) and Cd (non-essential metal) alone or in mixture at realistic (low) concentration levels to a common European watermilfoil, Myriophyllum alterniflorum. ANOVA Kruskall–Wallis data indicate that effect of pH and mixture on copper or cadmium amounts in plants was statistically non significant. Correlation between variables was assessed using Spearman's rank order correlation. The main correlations were between: (i) time and node length, (ii) fresh mass and dry mass, (iii) chlorophyll A and carotenoids, and (iv) copper and cadmium in the mixture study. In addition to the Spearman correlations, data were analysed using the factor analysis. High positive loadings of mass (fresh weight and dry weight) along the factor 1 axis and high loadings (positive for copper and cadmium treatment, negative for the mixture) of plant growth (time, node length) along the factor 2 axis are evident. In conclusion, statistical estimate of the data revealed no strong significant relationships between the treatment (copper and cadmium in M. alterniflorum) and the somatic or photosynthetic endpoints studied. This lack of significant results could be explained by the low metal concentrations tested and this study failed to reproduce our first conclusions about the correlation between cadmium, chlorophyll A and carotenoids.     

Schwermetalle in Organen und Federn von Graureihern (Ardea cinerea) und Kormoranen (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Zusammenfassung Mittels der Atomabsorptionsspektroskopie wurden Lebern, Nieren und Federn von Graureihern und von diesjährigen Kormoranen auf Cadmium und Blei untersucht.Cadmium war in Geweben der Kormorane höher konzentriert als in gleichaltrigen Graureihern (Leber 0,063 bzw. 0,039, Niere 0,113 bzw. 0.104 mg/kg Frischmasse; Federn 0,077 bzw. 0,025 mg/kg Trockenmasse). Dies könnte auf unterschiedliche Nahrung oder unterschiedliche physiologische Situation der Vögel zurückzuführen sein. Als Maximum wurden in der Niere eines Kormorans 0,375 mg/kg gemessen. Bei den Graureihern konnte in Lebern und Nieren eine Altersakkumulation erkannt werden. Blei war in den Geweben beider Arten unterschiedlich hoch konzentriert. Kormorane enthielten in Lebern 0,124 und in Nieren 0,147 mg/kg Frischmasse sowie in Federn 0,442 mg/kg Trockenmasse, Graureiher 0,110, 0,157 bzw. 0,739 mg/kg. Die höchsten Konzentrationen wurden in Federn gemessen und betrugen bei einem Graureiher 4,525 mg/kg. Eine Altersakkumulation konnte bei Graureihern in Lebern nachgewiesen werden. Zusammenhänge zwischen Feder- und Organbelastungen wurden nur bei diesjährigen Graureiher- erkannt: Federcadmium und Lebercadmium korrelierten positiv miteinander.

---

Heavy metals in tissue and feathers of Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea) and Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)

Summary The livers, kidneys and feathers of 40 Grey Herons and 20 Cormorants were investigated by AAS to determine the extent of contamination with cadmium and lead. The birds had been shot in autumn 1979–1986 in Schleswig-Holstein. All results are given in mg/kg (ppm) wet mass (liver, kidney) or dry weight (feather). On the average, the contamination by cadmium in the livers (0.063), kidneys (0.113) and feathers (0.077) was higher in Cormorants than in Grey Herons (0.039, 0.104 and 0.025). These differences may be the result of different food or physiology. The livers and kidneys of young Grey Herons contained less cadmium than the tissue of older birds. The feathers of male Grey Herons contained more cadmium than feathers of females do. This was also the case in kidneys of male Cormorants as compared to the females. Cadmium values in livers and kidneys were positive correlated. No general tendency was detectable in regards to lead contamination. The results concerning Cormorants were 0.124 (liver), 0.147 (kidney), 0.442 (feather) and concerning Grey Herons 0.110, 0.157 and 0.739. The livers of old Grey Herons were more highly contaminated by lead than livers of young ones. The feathers of male Herons contained two times more lead than the feathers of females do.In general, a concentration of heavy metals in feathers does not indicate a contamination of livers or kidneys. A correlation between the values in feathers and tissue was evident only in one case, where a positive correlation was found between feather- and liver cadmium in young male Grey Herons.