Effects of Chromium on Human Body (original) (raw)
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Physiological Effect of Chromium Exposure: A Review
Human exposure to metals is common due to their wide use in industry, and environmental persistence. The heaviest metal exposures occurred in the workplace or in environmental settings in close proximity to industrial sources. Chromium is one of the heaviest metals. Although chromium relative atomic mass is 51.996g it may found in 0, +2, +3 and +6 forms. Metal chromium (0) is used in steel production, whereas chromium (VI) and chromium (III) are used for chrome plating, dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving. Divalent chromium (Cr2+) is a strong reductant. Chromium (VI) compounds are more toxic than chromium (III) compounds. Chromium (III) occurs naturally in the environment. The daily intake of chromium from food, air, and water is estimated, respectively, as 60, < 0.2-0.6, and < 4.0μg. Chromium enters the air, water and soil in the chromium(III) and chromium(VI) form through natural processes and human activities. A possible source of chromium exposure to the general public is waste dumps for chromate producing using local air or water pollution. Chromium compounds (chromates, dichromates and chromic acid) pose the most significant health hazards. Generally the health problems that are caused by chromium exposure are:- It can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rash; nose irritations and nosebleeds; Upset stomachs and ulcers; Respiratory problems such as respiratory tract irritant to the nose, throat and lungs; Weakened immune systems; Kidney and liver damage; Alteration of genetic material; Lung cancer and Death. The physiological effect of chromium exposure is not restricted to these effect only; but also, it affects other many physiological parameters including of:- Skin effects; Cardiovascular effects; Hematological effects; Reproductive and developmental effects; Gastrointestinal effects; Ocular effects; Neurological effects and so on.
Chromium, A Heavy Metal with Both Beneficial and Harmful Effects: A Global Perspective
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), 2023
Chromium is a heavy metal present in the atmosphere, water, soil and the biosphere. It is useful in the human body for metabolic activities as a trace element but its excess accumulation in the body through inhalation, prolonged contacts and ingestions in foods, drinks, and water could lead to toxicity leading to diseases. Due to its non-specific clinical presentations, and in the advent of toxicity in human body could go on over prolonged periods of time with probable wrong diagnoses and treatments as a result of health personnel capability and availability of both equipment and drugs. This short communication tries to re-awaken the consciousness of the medical community and the rest of the society about the dangers of chromium toxicity. This will help widen the scope of thinking horizon of health personnel managing patients presenting with varying and undefined clinical picture about the possibility of the involvement of chromium.
The safety and efficacy of high-dose chromium
Alternative Medicine Review a Journal of Clinical Therapeutic, 2002
The data on the standards for chromium requirements and the safety of various chromium compounds and doses are reviewed. The 350-fold difference between the acceptable daily intake and the calculated reference dose for humans of 70 mg per day seems without precedent with respect to other nutritional minerals. Previous claims of mutagenic effects of chromium are of questionable relevance. While studies have found DNA fragmentation (clastogenic effects) by chromium picolinate, anecdotal reports of high-dose chromium picolinate toxicity are few and ambiguous. The beneficial effects of chromium on serum glucose and lipids and insulin resistance occur even in the healthy. Serum glucose can be improved by chromium supplementation in both types 1 and 2 diabetes, and the effect appears dose dependent. Relative absorption of various chromium compounds is summarized and the mechanism of low molecular weight chromium binding substance (LMWCr) in up-regulating the insulin effect eight-fold is discussed. There is evidence of hormonal effects of supplemental chromium besides the effect on insulin. Chromium supplementation does result in tissue retention, especially in the kidney, although no pathogenic effect has been demonstrated despite considerable study.
Effects of chromium on the immune system
FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 2002
Chromium is a naturally occurring heavy metal found commonly in the environment in trivalent, Cr(III), and hexavalent, Cr(VI), forms. Cr(VI) compounds have been declared as a potent occupational carcinogen among workers in chrome plating, stainless steel, and pigment industries. The reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) results in the formation of reactive intermediates that together with oxidative stress oxidative tissue damage and a cascade of cellular events including modulation of apoptosis regulatory gene p53, contribute to the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of Cr(VI)-containing compounds. On the other hand, chromium is an essential nutrient required to promote the action of insulin in body tissues so that the body can use sugars, proteins and fats. Chromium is of significant importance in altering the immune response by immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive processes as shown by its effects on T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, cytokine production and the immune response that may induce hypersensitivity reactions. This review gives an overview of the effects of chromium on the immune system of the body.
Effect of Chromium on Certain Aspects of Cellular Toxicity
Iranian Journal of Toxicology, 2009
Background:The impact of chromium exposure was studied on liver, kidney, testis, spleen, cerebrum and cerebellum of male Wistar rats (80-100 g body weight). Methods:It was observed that treatments of rats with chromium (i.p. at a dose of 0.8 mg / 100 g body weight per day) for a period of 28 days caused significant increase in chromium content while declining the body weight along with the organ weight, except liver. Results:Decreased acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were observed in most of the organs. Significant increases in the cholesterol contents of all the organs were associated with the significant decreases in the level of phospholipids. Lipid peroxidation decreased in liver and kidney while it increased in testis, cerebrum and cerebellum. Reduced glutathione (GSH) level was found to be increased in liver, spleen and cerebrum, and decreased in kidney and testis. Catalase activity became elevated in liver, kidney, spleen and cerebellum while i...
Chromium Induced Developments of Diseases and their Inhibitions by Cargos
Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, 2022
The exposure of hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI) mainly through the inhalation, skin contact or oral administration by the environmental chromium industrial processes causes the major toxicityinduced health hazardous mortality throughout the world. Though reduced chromium (Cr-III), as an essential micronutrient, is utilized to maintain the normal blood glucose, lipid and protein profiles through the metabolism in the body to activate the action of the hormones such as insulin, the high concentration exposures of Cr-VI and Cr-III cause oxidative stress-induced DNA oxidation and adducts, DNA strand breaks and mutations, DNA-protein cross-links, membrane-lipid peroxidation and reduced/altered antioxidant/immune response activities, leading to cellular damage-related various diseases and the development of malignant cancer. Applications of different cargos may inhibit Cr-VI or its intermediates-induced cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, or genotoxicity through chromium-chelating and scavenging free radical reactive species, restoring antioxidant and immune response activities or arresting disease-oriented signal transductions or other pathways at cellular and molecular levels. This review mainly demonstrates the development of various diseases by chromium exposure and their inhibitions by cargos.
Essentiality of Chromium for Human Nutrition and Health
Polish Journal of Environmental Studies
The aim of this paper is to review current knowledge about the essentiality of trivalent chromium for animal and human nutrition, and its biological function with special reference to its role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, dietary intake and recommendations.
Toxic chromium in water and the effects on the human body: a systematic review
Journal of Water and Health
Both in developed and developing countries, there is a growing concern about the dangerous hexavalent chromium, in the consumption of drinking water. Hexavalent chromium is recognized to have a negative impact on the human body, both in the short and long term. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between hexavalent chromium in water and its impact on human health. A systematic review of the international literature is applied, according to the instructions of PRISMA protocol, in the databases PubMed and Scopus, for the years 2005–2022. The systematic literature review was conducted using inclusion and exclusion criteria, and appropriate keywords for exposure and outcome. A total of 18 studies met all inclusion criteria. Most research concludes that hexavalent chromium is a risk factor for humans, as opposed to trivalent chromium who is a protective factor. A study indicates the consumption of drinking water with high concentrations of hexavalent chromium, as a ...
Dermatologic Toxicities and Biological Activities of Chromium
Trace Elements in the Environment - New Approaches and Recent Advances [Working Title]
Chromium is a versatile metal with various industrial applications and biological activities. However, as a transition metal, this element forms several species, i.e. oxidation states of −4 to +6, with different degrees of toxicities that affect ecosystems and organisms including human beings. The skin is the outermost organ that usually interacts directly with chromium species in nature. These contact and interaction induce the formation of several acute and chronic negative effects including contact dermatitis, skin cancer, allergy, etc. In this chapter, toxicity and biological activity of several chromium species, such as chromium zero-valent, trivalent, hexavalent, will be reviewed to obtain better comprehension in chromium toxicity. Sources and routes of exposure, toxicity and possible treatment, and biological activity on the skin are arranged and explained systematically.
Cytotoxicity and oxidative mechanisms of different forms of chromium
Toxicology, 2002
Chromium exists mostly in two valence states in nature: hexavalent chromium [chromium(VI)] and trivalent chromium [chromium(III)]. Chromium(VI) is commonly used in industrial chrome plating, welding, painting, metal finishes, steel manufacturing, alloy, cast iron and wood treatment, and is a proven toxin, mutagen and carcinogen. The mechanistic cytotoxicity of chromium(VI) is not completely understood, however, a large number of studies demonstrated that chromium(VI) induces oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptotic cell death and altered gene expression. Conversely, chromium(III) is essential for proper insulin function and is required for normal protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and is acknowledged as a dietary supplement. In this paper, comparative concentration- and time-dependent effects of chromium(VI) and chromium(III) were demonstrated on increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cell death in both in vitro and in vivo models. Chromium(VI) demonstrated significantly higher toxicity as compared with chromium(III). To evaluate the role of p53 gene, the dose-dependent effects of chromium(VI) were assessed in female C57BL/6Ntac and p53-deficient C57BL/6TSG p53 mice on enhanced production of ROS, lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation in hepatic and brain tissues. Chromium(VI) induced more pronounced oxidative damage in multiple target organs in p53 deficient mice. Comparative studies of chromium(III) picolinate and niacin-bound chromium(III), two popular dietary supplements, reveal that chromium(III) picolinate produces significantly more oxidative stress and DNA damage. Studies have implicated the toxicity of chromium picolinate in renal impairment, skin blisters and pustules, anemia, hemolysis, tissue edema, liver dysfunction; neuronal cell injury, impaired cognitive, perceptual and motor activity; enhanced production of hydroxyl radicals, chromosomal aberration, depletion of antioxidant enzymes, and DNA damage. Recently, chromium picolinate has been shown to be mutagenic and picolinic acid moiety appears to be responsible as studies show that picolinic acid alone is clastogenic. Niacin-bound chromium(III) has been demonstrated to be more bioavailable and efficacious and no toxicity has been reported. In summary, these studies demonstrate that a cascade of cellular events including oxidative stress, genomic DNA damage and modulation of apoptotic regulatory gene p53 are involved in chromium(VI)-induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. The safety of chromium(III) is largely dependent on the ligand, and adequate clinical studies are warranted to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of chromium(III) for human consumption.
Effects of Dietary Chromium on Immune System
2017
Krom (Cr) beslemesi uzerine bircok calisma yapilmistir. Ilk donemlerde arastirmacilar tarafindan esansiyel bir besin maddesi/mineral olarak kabul edilmis ve karbonhidrat metabolizmasi ile yakin iliskisi detayli bicimde ortaya konmustur. Erken donemde Cr mineralinin bagisiklik sistemi uzerine bazi etkileri oldugu in vitro calismalar ile kesfedilmistir. Son yillarda ise bu etkilerinin ciftlik bazindaki yansimalari ortaya konmaktadir. Bu calismada, Cr beslemesinin bagisiklik sistemi ve yanitina etkileri incelenmistir.
Chromium, an essential nutrient and pollutant: a review
African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2014
The increased use of chromium (Cr) in several anthropogenic activities has led to the subsequent soil, surface water and ground water contamination. It has wide applications in the dyes, stainless steel, leather tanning, electroplating of chrome, and wood preservatives industries. Chromium exists in the environment in several diverse forms such as Cr(0), Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species. Cr toxicity depends on its valence state. Cr(VI) which is regarded as being highly mobile is toxic, while Cr(III) is less mobile and less toxic. Cr(VI) being more mobile in soil, more toxic and a stronger oxidant penetrates more readily into the cell membranes than the trivalent form. Chromium does not bioaccumulate in plants and animals therefore high levels of chromium in the environment are highly toxic to plants and animals. Chromium toxicity in human beings is expressed in liver and kidney damage as well as skin lesions or rashes. Symptoms of chromium toxicity in plants include alterations in the see...
Toxicological Sciences, 2010
In National Toxicology Program 2-year studies, hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] administered in drinking water was clearly carcinogenic in male and female rats and mice, resulting in small intestine epithelial neoplasms in mice at a dose equivalent to or within an order of magnitude of human doses that could result from consumption of chromium-contaminated drinking water, assuming that dose scales by body weight 3/4 (body weight raised to the 3/4 power). In contrast, exposure to trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] at much higher concentrations may have been carcinogenic in male rats but was not carcinogenic in mice or female rats. As part of these studies, total chromium was measured in tissues and excreta of additional groups of male rats and female mice. These data were used to infer the uptake and distribution of Cr(VI) because Cr(VI) is reduced to Cr(III) in vivo, and no methods are available to speciate tissue chromium. Comparable external doses resulted in much higher tissue chromium concentrations following exposure to Cr(VI) compared with Cr(III), indicating that a portion of the Cr(VI) escaped gastric reduction and was distributed systemically. Linear or supralinear dose responses of total chromium in tissues were observed following exposure to Cr(VI), indicating that these exposures did not saturate gastric reduction capacity. When Cr(VI) exposure was normalized to ingested dose, chromium concentrations in the liver and glandular stomach were higher in mice, whereas kidney concentrations were higher in rats. In vitro studies demonstrated that Cr(VI), but not Cr(III), is a substrate of the sodium/sulfate cotransporter, providing a partial explanation for the greater absorption of Cr(VI).
Chromium in Health and Longevity
2018
Trivalent chromium is essential to normal carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. Chromium is biologically active as part of an oligopeptide—chromodulin—potentiating the effect of insulin by facilitating insulin binding to receptors at the cell surface. With chromium acting as a cofactor of insulin, Cr activity in the organism is parallel to insulin functions. Cr(III) can help enhance the role of insulin, the critical hormone that controls blood sugar and helps bring glucose into cells where it’s used for bodily energy. Chromium deficiency has been suggested to lead to symptoms associated with adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and these supplements have recently found potential as therapeutic agents in the treatment of adultonset diabetes. Cr(VI) is one of the few carcinogenic metals that directly reacts with DNA, forming adducts, and inducing mutations. The results of a wide range of studies indicate that the CpG1 methylation level of p16 could be used as a bioma...
Annual Review of Nutrition, 1999
▪ Chromium (Cr) is an essential mineral element that has received considerable public attention. The suggestion that Cr intake is generally low has generated interest regarding the purported beneficial effects of Cr supplementation on biological function and health of animals and humans. This review briefly describes key aspects of Cr nutritional status and evaluates the effects of Cr supplementation on various components of biological function, body composition, and health. A novel biological role of Cr in regulation of insulin function is described. Although promising results of Cr supplementation are presented, the considerable challenge of developing methods for routine assessment of Cr nutriture in humans remains.
Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca Veterinary Medicine, 2008
The aim of the study was to evaluate chromium diffusion in sexual organs and sexual accessory glands as one of the first marker of the possible chromium action on reproductive system. Subcutaneous administration of potassium dichromate 2% in dosis of 0.5 x LOAEL, LOAEL and 3 x LOAEL to male rats pointed out: increase of blood chromium level direct correlated to doses level and duration of administration; accumulation of chromium in male genital organs, sexual accessory glands in the succession: testes, seminal vesicles, bulbo-urethral glands, prostate, epididymis and in kidneys, liver, spleen and brain;
A prediction of chromium(III) accumulation in humans from chromium dietary supplements
FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 1995
It has been proposed that 90% of American's diets are deficient in the trace essential mineral chromium. Several chromium(III) dietary supplements are currently available to alleviate this deficiency. We show here that the same pharmacokinetic models that have been used to quantitate absorption of chromium(III) in humans predict that ingested chromium(III) will accumulate and be retained in human tissues for extended periods. Calculations were carried out with the popular supplement chromium picolinate as an example, but may be applied to any chromium(III) complex. Results from these calculations were compared to clinical data obtained from chromium(III) absorption/retention studies in humans. The models predict that chromium(III) can accumulate in human tissues to reach the levels at which DNA damage has been observed in animals and in vitro. The use of chromium supplements for extended periods or in excess dosages should be reevaluated in terms of these established models beca...
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Chromium Pollution in European Water, Sources, Health Risk, and Remediation Strategies: An Overview
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Chromium is a potentially toxic metal occurring in water and groundwater as a result of natural and anthropogenic sources. Microbial interaction with mafic and ultramafic rocks together with geogenic processes release Cr (VI) in natural environment by chromite oxidation. Moreover, Cr (VI) pollution is largely related to several Cr (VI) industrial applications in the field of energy production, manufacturing of metals and chemicals, and subsequent waste and wastewater management. Chromium discharge in European Union (EU) waters is subjected to nationwide recommendations, which vary depending on the type of industry and receiving water body. Once in water, chromium mainly occurs in two oxidation states Cr (III) and Cr (VI) and related ion forms depending on pH values, redox potential, and presence of natural reducing agents. Public concerns with chromium are primarily related to hexavalent compounds owing to their toxic effects on humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Risks for...
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
Background Mining activities have environmental impacts due to sediment movement and contamination of areas and may also pose risks to people’s food security. In Brazil, the majority of coal mining activities are in the south, in the Santa Catarina carboniferous region. In this region, previously mined areas contaminated with heavy metals frequently occur nearby inhabited zones. Mining is part of the daily lives of local communities, and its environmental impacts are visible in the landscape; however, plants with medicinal and food use from these areas can be still consumed. Heavy metals are contaminants that do not have odor, color, or taste, and are therefore difficult to detect. We aimed to verify whether people use plants from contaminated mine areas, and understand which factors can influence the use of these resources, even from areas visibly impacted. Methods We conducted 195 semi-structured interviews with residents from 14 areas nearby abandoned mines in the main municipali...
Chromium Monitoring in Water by Colorimetry Using Optimised 1,5-Diphenylcarbazide Method
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Chromium contamination of drinking water has become a global problem due to its extensive use in industry. The most commonly used methods for chromium detection in water are laboratory-based methods, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. Although these methods are highly selective and sensitive, they require expensive maintenance and highly trained staff. Therefore, there is a growing demand for cost effective and portable detection methods that would meet the demand for mass monitoring. Microfluidic detection systems based on optical detection have great potential for onsite monitoring applications. Furthermore, their small size enables rapid sample throughput and minimises both reagent consumption and waste generation. In contrast to standard laboratory methods, there is also no requirement for sample transport and storage. The aim of this study is to optimise a colorimetric method based on 1,5-diphenylcarbazide dye for incorporation into a microfluidic det...
Applied Water Science
Heavy metal has become a public health concern because of its tendency to accumulate in living organisms. The biosorptive removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solution was investigated by using waste mosambi peel dust, and response surface methodology was applied as optimizing technique. The adsorbent was characterized by pH ZPC , scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optimize condition for removal of Cr(VI) was recorded as follows: pH 2; dose: 0.5 g/50 mL; initial concentration: 5 mg/L; contact time: 30 min; agitation speed: 150 mg/L. The significance of independent variables and their interactions were tested by the analysis of variance and t test statistics. The adsorption data are nicely fitted with D-R isotherm and followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The monolayer adsorption capacity was recorded as 3.623 mg/g. Finally, thermodynamic results demonstrated that Cr(VI) adsorption is endothermic in nature and spontaneous. Therefore, the present results highlighted that mosambi peel dust is an efficient adsorbent and its versatility represents an eco-friendly alternative that can be implemented as agricultural waste management.
Scientific Reports, 2020
The effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on chromium-containing atmospheric particles remains obscured because of difficulties in experimental measurements. Moreover, several ambiguities exist in the literature related to accurate measurements of atmospheric chromium concentration to evaluate its toxicity. We investigated the interaction energies and diffusivity for several VOCs in chromium (III)-containing atmospheric particles using classical molecular dynamics simulations. We analyzed xylene, toluene, ascorbic acid, carbon tetrachloride, styrene, methyl ethyl ketone, naphthalene, and anthracene in Cr(III) solutions, with and without air, to compare their effects on solution chemistry. The interaction energy between Cr(III) and water changed from 48 to 180% for different VOCs, with the highest change with anthracene and the lowest change with naphthalene. The results revealed no direct interactions between Cr(III) particles and the analyzed volatile organic compounds, excep...
Bioremediation of Chromium by Microorganisms and Its Mechanisms Related to Functional Groups
Journal of Chemistry, 2021
Heavy metals generated mainly through many anthropogenic processes, and some natural processes have been a great environmental challenge and continued to be the concern of many researchers and environmental scientists. This is mainly due to their highest toxicity even at a minimum concentration as they are nonbiodegradable and can persist in the aquatic and terrestrial environments for long periods. Chromium ions, especially hexavalent ions (Cr(VI)) generated through the different industrial process such as tanneries, metallurgical, petroleum, refractory, oil well drilling, electroplating, mining, textile, pulp and paper industries, are among toxic heavy metal ions, which pose toxic effects to human, plants, microorganisms, and aquatic lives. This review work is aimed at biosorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) through microbial biomass, mainly bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, factors influencing the biosorption of chromium by microorganisms and the mechanism involved in the reme...
Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 2021
Bacterial strain identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae SK1, based on 16S rDNA sequence study, was isolated from a textile mill discharge point at Dada Nagar industrial area in Kanpur, India in media containing 100 µg/ml each of disulfonated azo dye Acid Red 249 (AR) and hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. SK1 is efficient in the concomitant decolorization and reduction of 100 µg/ml toxic AR and Cr(VI) respectively in 48 h under microaerophilic conditions. The efficacy of AR decolorization was found to be preeminent in static conditions, 37°C, 2-4% salinity and 7-9 pH range. 99% decolorization for initial AR concentration of 100 µg/ml in 48 h, and 91% for 250 µg/ml and 77% for 500 µg/ml was recorded in 72 h respectively in the presence of 100 µg/ml Cr(VI). Significant reductive changes in spectroscopic absorption spectra were observed for SK1 treated AR+Cr(VI) amended media with respect to controls. FITR spectroscopy was used to ascertain the breakage of the azo dye bond and the formation of...
Neuroprotective effect of sodium alginate against chromium-induced brain damage in rats
PLOS ONE
Oral exposure to chromium hexavalent [Cr(VI)] has disastrous impacts and affects many people worldwide. Cr(VI) triggers neurotoxicity via its high oxidation potential by generating high amount of ROS. Meanwhile, alginates are known by their chelating activity and ability to bind heavy metals and toxins, in addition to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. So, this study aimed to explore the neuroprotective potential of sodium alginate (SA) against cellular injury, DNA damage, macromolecule alterations, and apoptosis induced by oral ingestion of Cr. Forty Wistar male rats were divided into 4 groups; group I: standard control ingested with the vehicle solution, group II: Cr-intoxicated group received 10 mg/kg b.w. of potassium dichromate orally by gavage and kept without treatment, group III: SA group in which rats were orally exposed to 200 mg/kg b.w. of SA only, and group IV: SA-treated group that received 200 mg/kg b.w. of SA along with Cr for 28 cons...
Scientific Reports
The present study aims to assess the effect of a heavy metal burden on general health, biochemical parameters, an antioxidant enzyme, and reproductive hormone parameters in adult male brick kiln workers from Pakistan. The study participants (n = 546) provided demographic data including general health as well as body mass index. Blood was collected to quantitatively assess hematological, biochemical, and reproductive hormone parameters as well as heavy metal concentrations using both atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The data showed that 10% of the brick kiln workers were underweight and 10% obese (P = 0.059), with workers also reporting multiple health issues. Heavy metal concentrations utilizing AAS revealed significantly (p = 0.000) higher levels of cadmium, chromium, and nickel, while PIXE detected more than permissible levels of Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Zn, Ti (p = 0.052), Mn (p = 0.017), Fe (p = 0.055), Co (p = 0.011), Ni (p = 0.045), ...
Carbon dots from eco-friendly precursors for optical sensing application: an up-to-date review
Chemical Papers
Carbon dots (CDs) are zero-dimensional quasi-spherical nanoparticles endowed with excellent advantages including good luminescence features, photostability, low cytotoxicity, remarkable aqueous solubility, favourable biocompatibility, low risk to environment and great flexibility in surface modification. Fluorescent CDs that can selectively respond to specific inorganic/organic target molecules in environmental and biological samples are of prime significance amongst the new generation intelligent sensors due to the critical involvement of different ions/molecular species in not only human health, but also in environment processes. In this context, preparation of CDs from bioprecursors has immense significance due to the involvement of green principles, inexpensive, clean, nontoxic, easily accessible, renewable and large-scale production can be realized. This article aims at exploring different types of green raw materials including plant biomass, animal products, food items and was...
Phytoextraction of Cr(VI)-Contaminated Soil by Phyllostachys pubescens: A Case Study
Toxics, 2021
This work presents the results of experimental tests to evaluate the effects of prolonged contamination by Cr on Moso Bamboo (MB) (Phyllostachys pubescens) and the adaptability of the MB to the Mediterranean climate. A preliminary test on the MB was developed in the laboratory, simulating irrigation under Mediterranean conditions (600 mm per year) and tropical conditions (1800 mm per year), to evaluate the rate of growth and the MB’s capability for Cr phytoextraction from contaminated soil. The tolerance of MB to Cr was also performed showing a good response of the plant to 100 mg Cr/L solution, utilized for irrigation of the pots. The results show that the rate of MB’s removal of Cr from soil ranged from 49.2% to 61.7% as a function of the soil degree of contamination, which varied from approx. 100 mg/kg to 300 mg/kg. The distribution of Cr in the various sections of the bamboo revealed that the greater percentage was present in rhizomes: 42%, equal to 114 mg Cr for 600 mm per year...
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution
Ikorodu Lighter Terminal is an important lagoon port in Lagos, Nigeria. However, the intense anthropogenic activities that take place around the port could potentially pollute the water. This study assessed the safety of human exposure to the water around the port. Samples of the water were assayed for physicochemical parameters, namely: electrical conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, turbidity, hardness, calcium, chloride, sulphate, nitrite, and phosphate. Moreover, heavy metals, including lead, manganese, copper, cadmium, nickel, and chromium, were analyzed, and their values were used to estimate potential health risks. Also assayed was the presence of microorganisms. The water samples had non-permissible levels of nitrite, oil and grease, and BOD. The concentrations of the heavy metals as well as their average daily ingestion and average daily dermal exposure were within the tolerable limits, except Ni. How...
Are global influences of cascade dams affecting river water temperature and fish ecology?
Applied Water Science
Global warming is affecting animal populations worldwide, through chronic temperature increases and an increase in the frequency of extreme heatwave events. Reservoirs are essential for water security. All watersheds with reservoirs are impacted by their construction. These artificial ecosystems controlled by humans change considerably the natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem and systems and their biodiversity. The rapid increase in population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are accompanied by an increase in river discharges, which increases the total amount of pollutants. HMs contamination in aquatic environments, as well as the subsequent absorption of HMs into the food chain by aquatic creatures and people, endangers public health. Multiple uses of reservoirs promote benefits in terms of economic development, income, and employment. HMs in water can be ingested directly by aquatic species like fish and can also be ingested indirectly through the food chain; thus,...
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2019
The metal accumulation and antioxidant contents in flowers of wild specimens of European elder (Sambucus nigra L.), a famous medicinal plant and valuable component in the urban landscape, were determined. The total reflection X-ray fluorescence revealed the presence of K, Rb, Ca, Sr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn associated with flowers. A typical, large, non-industrial city with considerable traffic and atmospheric pollution resulting from smog was chosen as a place of sampling. Obtained results were correlated with selected parameters of soil and the intensity of surrounding traffic. The flowers were relatively rich in elements K, Ca, Cu, Rb, and antioxidants, while it did not accumulate heavy metals potentially bioavailable in the soil. The correlation between street traffic and the content of Fe, Cr, and Zn in elderflowers was revealed; the metal quantities were below levels harmful to humans. Flowers from the city center exhibited higher antioxidant and radical scavenging capacities comparing to plants from the areas of little traffic. The antioxidant parameters were negatively correlated with the silty fraction content and positively with the potentially bioavailable levels of Ti and Mn in soils and increased with the amount of Rb in the flowers. It was proven for the first time that the urban specimens of wild S. nigra can perform as a local source of beneficial flowers providing cost-effective support in disease prevention and treatment.
American Journal of Analytical Chemistry
Heavy metal exposure remains a significant public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where use of artisanal cookware made from recycled metallic materials is still common. In this study, the effect of cookware composition, cleaning material, heating duration and temperature on metal migration from different cookware, including artisanal pans was investigated. Trace element concentrations were determined with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Locally fabricated cookware leached the highest levels of metals, where the levels of Pb (9.00 ± 0.80 × 10 −2 mg/l), Al (11.40 ± 0.02 × 10 −2 mg/l), Cd (5.80 ± 0.30 × 10 −2 mg/l), Cr (6.60 ± 0.03 × 10 −2 mg/l) and Ni (3.00 ± 0.01 × 10 −2 mg/l) were above the WHO permissible limits of heavy metals for drinking water. Steel wire was the most aggressive cleaning material to the cookware surfaces, followed by sand and then ash. For cookware heated at 100˚C and above, an exponential relationship between temperature and the migration of Al, Pb and Cd was observed. The findings revealed heavy metal exposure from cookware usage, which poses potential health risks to the population. There is need for policies and civic education to minimize this exposure.
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution
The Agboyi River in Lagos, Nigeria provides important ecosystem services; however, anthropogenic activities are polluting the river, necessitating periodic monitoring. This study assessed the heavy metal content (lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and arsenic) in water samples from the river. Additionally, we evaluated various physicochemical parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, hardness, magnesium, calcium, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate. The values of each heavy metal were used to calculate human average daily ingestion (ADI), average daily dermal exposure (ADDE), hazard quotient (HQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). The physicochemical analysis revealed non-permissible levels of TDS, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, magnesium, calcium, sulfate, nitrate, chloride, and phosphate. The heavy metal analysis showed intolerable levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and copper. The ADIs for the heavy metals were within the recommended dietar...
Chemistry Africa, 2023
Using the case of Ulaanbaatar, Erdenet, and Darkhan cities from Mongolia, the study aimed to assess the contamination level and health risk assessment of heavy metals (As, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in urban soil. A total of 78 samples was collected from a variety of functional areas. The geoaccumulation index (I geo) and integrated pollution index (IPI) were used in pollution assessment, while the health risk was scored using a hazard quotient (HQ) and health index (HI) for non-carcinogenic heavy metals, as well as a lifetime average daily dose (LADD) for carcinogenic heavy metals. The results show that the concentration of heavy metals in the soil samples taken from Darkhan city, which presented "uncontaminated" values in terms of I geo for all metals, was relatively lower than other cities within the contamination assessment. Furthermore, the I geo value signified "uncontimated to heavily contaminated" soil in the Ulaanbaatar and Erdenet cities. Typically, as for the IPI that observed similar trends with I geo , the mean IPI values in Ulaanbaatar, Erdenet, and Darkhan were 1.33 (moderate level of pollution), 1.83 (moderate level of pollution), and 0.94 (low level of pollution), respectively. In terms of the assessment of potential health risk, there was a particular or different level of ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation exposure pathway for human health. Among these three different pathways, the ingestion was estimated by the main contributor for health risk. Each value of HQ and HI indicated that soil heavy metals of studied cities were at a safe level (<1) or had the absence of a significant health risk there. In addition, the potential health risk for children was greater than for adults, where heavy metal values of HI for children had a high value compared to adults. We estimated carcinogenic risks through the inhalation exposure, and as a result, there were no significant risks for human health in the studied cities from three elements (As, Cr, and Ni).
European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences
Due to fast urbanization, industrialization, the metal industry, improper waste disposal, and chemicals associated with agricultural activities (fertilizers, pesticides), potentially toxic metals are discarded in water, soil, and the atmosphere (air). These metals enter the body through food, water, and air and accumulate. Some of these metals affect biological functions and growth in the body; some disturb endocrine gland functions; and some are accumulated in one or more organs, causing serious diseases including cancer. To assess the potential health risk due to the accumulation of these metals in the human body, biomarkers are used. Hair, nails, urine, and blood are commonly used biomarkers. The review aims is to summarize the concentration of potentially toxic metals in human hair, nails, urine, and blood. The feeding habits (vegetarian or non-vegetarian), sex, age, and concentration of these metals in drinking water, air, smoking, and workplace are some factors that affect the...
Scientific Reports
Insect farming, a potential approach to deal with the increasing global protein demand, is a new activity in the Western world with many unanswered questions regarding product quality and safety. Insects may fulfill an important role in a circular economy by upcycling biowaste into valuable biomass. About half of the total mass of mealworm feeding substrates exists out of wet feed. This can be sourced from biowaste, increasing the sustainability of insect farming. This paper reports on the nutritional profile of yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, reared with supplementation of organic sidestreams. These included unsold vegetables, potato cuttings, fermented chicory roots and horticultural foliage. The evaluation was performed by analyzing proximate compositions, fatty acid profiles, mineral and heavy metal contents. Mealworms fed with potato cuttings doubled their fat content and increased saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Providing fermented chicory roots increased the mi...
IntechOpen eBooks, 2024
It is well known that among heavy metals, chromium in its hexavalent form appears to be one of the major water contaminants globally in this century. It has toxicity, persistency and bio-accumulation tendency in nature. It is carcinogenic, genotoxic and mutagenic to living organisms. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) can interfere with photosynthesis, seed germination and nutrient intake, as well as the overall plant growth and functionality. Because of these issues, this proposed chapter entitled Industrial Wastewater Treatment Past and Future Perspectives in Technological Advances for Mitigation of Cr(VI) Pollutant is of importance. This chapter mainly focuses on chromium toxicology in humans and the environment and conventional industrial wastewater treatment methods and technical advances including adsorption using membrane technology for chromium removal from wastewater.
Acta Botanica Brasilica
Mineral extraction areas are a significant environmental concern due to soil, water, and plant food resources contamination. Some medicinal plant species, such as those of the genus Baccharis, potentially bioaccumulate toxic elements. We evaluate the metal content from coal mining activity present in Baccharis sagittalis and in the soil; and whether this plant consumption represents a risk to human health. Cd and Pb presented levels that exceed those recommended by three global health agencies. Cd and Pb showed high levels in the projections of the daily intake recommended by international health agencies. After interviewing local residents close to mining areas, we found that 53.8 % of the interviewees mentioned the consumption of Baccharis sagittalis as infusion. These results indicate that the consumption of metal-contaminated Baccharis sagittalis can cause health problems as those metals accumulate in the human body. However, studies on Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn acceptable levels in plants consumed by humans are scarce. The contamination of plant species with associated traditional use close to mining areas can increase food security vulnerability of people who live near those areas and are constantly exposed to these agents, using plants gathered in the region.