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Radioactive elements have coexisted in our environment and the health risks assessment for humans associated with the presence of these radioactive elements in the environment is necessary. This study was conducted in the Mansa district of Punjab for estimating the health risks to the people living in the region. 22 Soil and water samples from collected from various locations in the district. The range of Ra, Th and K in the soil samples varied from 28.09 Bq/kg to 55.91 Bq/kg, from 23.32 Bq/kg to 79.64 Bq/kg and from 189.22 Bq/kg to 425.58 Bq/kg, respectively. Doses to different organs have been calculated and ultimately Expected lifetime cancer risk varies from 0.79 × 10−3 to 1.46 × 10−3 for indoor and 0.08 × 10−3 to 0.15 × 10−3 for outdoor which is well below the safe limit of 3.5 × 10−3. The average concentration of Uranium in groundwater samples is found to be 37.95 µg/L, which is above the World Health Organisation's (WHO) standard limit of 30 µg/L. But the values of Life time average daily dose (LADD) and Hazard quotient (HQ) is found to be below the standard limit by WHO. Bones are found to be the most affected organ followed by Kidneys from the study of organ specific doses. The study suggests more intense detailed survey of Mansa district by increasing the number of sampling sites and correlate it with the other water and soil quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on 31 surface sediments located in different sectors of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. The sediments were analyzed for their pollution levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The sediments were collected from various depths in harbors, coastal lakes, bays, and lagoons, covering the southeastern Mediterranean of the Nile Delta region. The study aimed at determining the distribution, origin, and potential ecological impact of OCP and PCB pollutants. The researchers used the SRM method of GC‐MS/MS to measure the concentration of 18 PCBs and 16 OCPs residues. The study found that the total concentration of OCPs in the samples ranged from 3.091 to 20.512 ng/g, with a mean of 8.749 ± 3.677 ng/g. The total concentration of PCB residues ranged from 2.926 to 20.77 ng/g, with a mean of 5.68 ± 3.282 ng/g. The concentration of DDTs exceeded the effect range low (ERL) (1.00) and threshold effect level (TEL) (1.19) in several stations, but it was still below the effect range median (ERM) (7.00) and the probable effect level (PEL) (4.77). This indicates a low ecological risk. The principal component analysis (PCA) was also conducted to determine the sources of all pollutants in the sediment. The PCA showed significant correlations between the concentrations of Gama‐HCH and Beta‐HCH (0.741), suggesting similar sources. Practitioner Points: OCPs and PCBs residues were analyzed in the sediment of the southeastern Mediterranean.The concentration, existence, and causes of OCPs and PCBs were investigated.OCPs and PCBs ecological risk and ecotoxicological calculation were investigated in detail.Cluster analysis, PCA, and correlation coefficient were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine total mercury, lead and cadmium contents in commercial food for infants and small children marketed on the Sarajevo area of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and to estimate the toxicological risk associated with the consumption of food for infants and small children regarding mercury, lead and cadmium. A total of 30 samples were analysed. The content of lead and cadmium was analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Total mercury content was measured with a direct mercury analyser. The limits of cadmium, lead and inorganic mercury for infants and small children was calculated according to the dietary intake limits established by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and recommended body weights for European toddlers and infants. Overall, the contents of lead, mercury and cadmium in analyzed commercial food for infants and small children samples were considered quite low. Depending on the frequencies of daily usage the ready for use products for infants and small children there is the some circumstances in which exposure to lead and cadmium appeared to be of health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria is the only group of prokaryotic organisms containing gram negative, 16S rRNA and chlorophyll-a, capable of fixed carbon dioxide and atmospheric nitrogen, photosynthetic, producing organic carbon and oxygen. Recent years changing climatic conditions and increasing human activities in increase the frequency of harmful cyanobacterial “bloom” formation worldwide. Cyanobacterial “blooms” can produce harmful toxins and foul-smelling compounds, creating a threat to drinking and recreational waters. In addition, the formation of “bloom” causes hypoxia and food network degradation. Knowing the role of various environmental factors in the regulation of cyanotoxin synthesis is essential for the effective management of toxic cyanobacterial blooms. Cyanotoxins are a group of secondary metabolites produced by various strains of cyanobacteria and are highly toxic to many eukaryotic organisms, including algae, plants, animals and humans. Cyanotoxins are synthesized non-ribosomally by enzymes encoded by a group of genes organized in gene clusters. Toxin can be produced at all stages of development. In this review, the contact of people with cyanotoxins and their effects on health are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmon consumption is increasing year by year. Salmon aquaculture is the fastest growing food production system in the world, and often uses feed mixed with antibiotics or other drugs. Feed can be also contaminated by environmental contaminants like persistent organic pollutants and organophosphorus pesticides that usually accumulate in fatty tissue, or emerging contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), that instead bioaccumulate in protein tissues. Therefore, there is the need to investigate the presence of antibiotics and environmental contaminants, with multi-class and multi-residue liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods to monitor a broad spectrum of residues comparing between wild and farmed salmons. The presence of residues was encountered at a concentration range of 0.35-51.52 ng g−1 for antibiotics only in farmed salmon, 0.19-34.51 ng g−1 for PFASs and 0.26-9.01 ng g−1 for (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) PBDEs, and 0.19-5.91 ng g−1 for organochlorine pesticides with higher frequencies and concentrations in farmed fish. Finally, the risk deriving from salmon intake is low, being of minor concern only for PBDE 99 and perfluorooctanoic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated total Mercury (THg) contamination in whey protein and was performed to monitor the exposure of the Brazilian population to THg contamination in nineteen brands of whey protein with different formulation and estimate the potential health risks of mercury exposure to humans through whey protein consumption. Results indicated that the highest Hg concentration level was 9.41 ± 0.295 ng g −1 , while the lowest Hg level was 0.548 ± 0.029 ng g −1 . These concentrations were below the maximum limit for food products. However, there is no World Community regulation regarding mercury contamination on dairy products. The risk to human health concerning Hg ingestion was calculated based on consumption data in Brazil and has indicated that potential health risks related to exposure to total mercury from whey protein ingestion need more attention from researchers and more studies are needed, especially including specific intake of mercury from other food products that are included in a balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substitution of hazardous substances against less hazardous ones is a central requirement of the European Chemical Regulation REACH (European Regulation 1907/2006/EC). Hazardous substances emitted from products may not only affect the worker; drift off and distribution in the environment may finally result in exposure of the general population. This potential threat to health is covered by the impact category "toxicity" in Life Cycle Assessments. In this paper, we present a case of a substitution of volatile organic compounds in a reactive varnish, and compare the "old" formulation with the "new" formulation against health risk to the worker, and concerning the Life Cycle Assessment impact category "toxicity". The "old" formulation contained Naphtha (petroleum), hydrodesulfurized, heavy and Solvent naphtha (petroleum), light, aromatic. In the new formulation, both naphthas were replaced by n-Butylacetate, 1-Ethoxy-2-propyl acetate and Ethyl-3-ethoxy propionate. In the European Union, the naphthas are classified as mutagens and carcinogens category 1, officially. However, if benzene is below 0.1 %, registrants in the EU proposed to omit this classification, and todays naptha products on the market obviously have benzene contents below 0.1 %. On a first glance, the improvement for workplace safety introduced by the substitution, therefore, is comparatively small, as it is for toxicity in Life Cycle Assessment. However, when background knowledge concerning chemical production processes of naphtha is included, benzene below a content of 0.1 % needs to be taken into consideration, and the benefit of substitution is more obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study determined total mercury (Hg) content of 10 wild edible mushroom species collected in southern Spain. Results indicated that the highest Hg level corresponded to Boletus aereus with 10.28 ± 2.92 mg/kg DW (dry weight), while the lowest Hg level was found in Terfezia arenaria with 0.09 ± 0.08 mg/kg DW. Regarding the anatomic parts of the mushrooms, caps showed significantly higher Hg concentrations than stems in B. aereus , Amanita caesarea and Macrolepiota procera . The percentage of contribution to the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) for Hg was also calculated. Based on consumption data in Spain (0.011 kg/person/week), %PTWI was calculated ranging between 0.06 and 3.5% for mean Hg levels. When a high level of consumption was assumed (0.100 kg/person/week), %PTWI ranged between 0.58 and 31%. Results suggest that wild edible mushrooms in southern Spain could contribute with high Hg levels to the Spanish diet. However, the lack of consumption data for wild edible mushrooms made it difficult to give more definitive conclusions; hence further studies including specific consumption data will be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel (Ni) is a toxic metal whose main source are food overall marine fish and plants when irrigated with untreated sewage. The prospective determination of Ni levels in food and diet, considering its migration during food processing or from food packaging, is of great concern. The stainless steel appliances and ceramics can be important sources in function of factors like temperature, pH, contact time, food category, processing technology, etc. Data of Ni intake are scarce and do not offer large differences among different geographical locations. It is important to know the bioavailable fraction of Ni as well as that of species of which it is part. Therefore, studies of its bioavailability in foods should be continued, taking into account its direct relationship to the body toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of pharmaceuticals and chemicals and the increasing manufacture of medical goods have made an assessment of their potential toxicological risks to man and the environment indispensable. Hence, a wide range of tests has been developed in order to generate data on the harmful effects of chemicals and pharmaceuticals on organisms. Initially, toxicological data were commonly collected from tests involving animals; however, on account of ethical objections, they are gradually being replaced by in vitro cytotoxicity tests. In this work, a new in vitro screening method for the determination of cytotoxicity, based on a novel electrochemical bioactivity sensor system, was implemented. The evaluation was based on current-time curves of a potentiostatic measurement proportional to the reduction of mediator molecules by mammalian cells. Depending on the number of reduced mediator molecules used by the cells, a current signal is produced, which provides information about the viability of living cells. By adding a toxic test substance to the cell, a reduction in the current signal can be observed, depending on the cytotoxicity of the substance. It is possible to quickly create a specific cytotoxic curve and to determine the corresponding inhibitory concentrations (IC value). First tests were performed on three mammalian cell lines and eight model compounds using this electrochemical measurement system. The IC values obtained corresponded well with the toxicity determined with an established reference cytotoxicity assay (MTT test) and with data reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The large amounts of treated waste materials and the complex biological and physicochemical processes make the areas in the proximity of landfills vulnerable not only to emissions of potential toxic compounds but also to nuisance such as odor pollution. All these factors have a dramatic impact in the local environment producing environmental quality degradation. Most of the human health problems come from the landfill gas, from its non-methanic volatile organic compounds and from hazardous air pollutants. In addition several odorants are released during landfill operations and uncontrolled emissions. In this work we present an integrated risk assessment for emissions of hazard compounds and odor nuisance, to describe environmental quality in the landfill proximity. The study was based on sampling campaigns to acquire emission data for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene and vinyl chloride monomer and odor. All concentration values in the emissions from the landfill were measured and used in an air dispersion model to estimate maximum concentrations and depositions in correspondence to five sensitive receptors located in proximity of the landfill. Results for the different scenarios and cancer and non-cancer effects always showed risk estimates which were orders of magnitude below those accepted from the main international agencies (WHO, US EPA). Odor pollution was significant for a limited downwind area near the landfill appearing to be a significant risk factor of the damage to the local environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instituted the Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) research program for assessing the health and environmental impact of manufactured chemicals. This is a broad program wherein one of the tasks is to develop high throughput screening (HTS) methods and follow-up confirmation for toxicity at realistic environmental exposure levels. The main tools under this task are in vitro toxicity testing, in silico molecular modeling, and in vivo (systemic) measurements documentation. The in vivo research component is intended to support and corroborate in vitro chemical toxicity prioritization with observations of systemic perturbations and statistical parameters derived from intact (living) organisms. Based on EPA''s Biomonitoring Framework for human health research, such observations are intended to link environmental exposures to a cascade of biomarker chemicals to help identify and clarify adverse outcome pathways within the context of systems biology. This commentary discusses the issues regarding interpretation of in vitro changes from HTS as an adverse result, an adaptive (non-adverse) response, or a random/irrelevant occurrence. A second goal is to inform in vitro strategies as to relevant dosing (potency) levels at the cellular level that reflect realistic systemic exposures. Although we recognize the high value of in vivo animal toxicity testing, herein we focus on observational (minimally invasive) human biomonitoring methods and propose complementary in vivo testing that could help guide the design of high-throughput analyses and the ultimate interpretation of their outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanism of action of peloids (medicinal muds) applied in spa therapy has been mostly unknown, especially in aspect of chemical features. Recently, several organic compounds have been detected from spa waters using gas chromatographic methods, without exact knowledge on biological activity. They may have important roles in therapy, but may possess carcinogenic and other toxic properties, as well. This aim requires severe methodological developments in this field. In the present paper two peloid samples from Hévíz (West-Hungary) and Kolop (East-Hungary) were tested. We performed two types of experiments on peloids, at first without any pre-treatment (in toto), and in the second set of experiment aqueous, hydrochloric acidic, methanol and toluene extracts of peloids were prepared for mutagenicity testing. The solvent extraction study was repeated twice. The objective of this study was to detect complex genotoxic effects of peloids, the risk assessment and protection of the exposed population. In the in toto experiment there was no statistically significant mutagenicity. The solvent extraction studies represented statistically significant mutagenicity in several fractions. Mutagenicity in samples was fluctuating. In the first study more mutagenic fractions were found. In the repeated experiment the mutagenic pattern was almost completely different, only minimal overlapping occurred. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The amount and distribution of six pharmaceutical compounds belonging to distinct therapeutic classes were investigated along the navigation channel of the Douro River estuary. Distinct spatial and temporal trends were considered and a total of 87 water samples were pre-concentrated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with an ion trap (IT) analyzer and electrospray ionization (ESI). The maximum concentrations found were 178ng/L for carbamazepine, 3.65ng/L for diazepam, 70.3ng/L for fenofibric acid, 3.18ng/L for propranolol, 15.7ng/L for trimethoprim and 53.3ng/L for sulfamethoxazole. Carbamazepine was the most ubiquitous compound with 100% positive detection frequency followed by propranolol (38%), trimethoprim (34%) and sulfamethoxazole (33%). The pharmaceutical compounds were quantified at higher levels in the lower stretch of the estuary, especially near the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The data proves that pollution of the Douro River estuary by pharmaceuticals is consistent and is occurring in a fairly constant manner in time, covering a wide area and displaying hot-spots. Individually, the concentration levels are not likely to cause acute effects, based on reference experimental data. However, the fact that complex mixtures exist gives cause for concern as regards potentially relevant toxicological risks. The study points out the need for continuous monitoring of contamination levels not only in the Douro River estuary but also in other major estuaries. Finally, the scenario supports the need for experimental studies on toxicological impacts on aquatic organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper is focused on risk assessment of heavy metals in freshwater ecosystems of urban creeks. The paper reports changes in an aquatic ecosystem leading to remobilization of heavy metals and consequently to changes of bioavailability. Concentrations of metals in water, bed sediment and benthic organisms from several small urban streams are monitored and evaluated. In the small urban streams studied copper, zinc and lead were determined as the most significant hazard metals. Although concentrations of these metals in water are very low (often below the detection limit of analytical equipment), concentrations in sediment were found in risky levels mainly in sampling sites affected by CSOs and SSOs from industrial and heavy traffic areas. The benthic organisms showed different ability to accumulate heavy metals (HM), The feeding type collector gatherer had in most cases the highest body concentration of HM and the predator species cumulate, to a high level, only zinc which has a high tendency to release from sediment, hence it is the most bio-available. The collector-filterer had mostly low values. The differences among species are due to the different feeding habits of each trophic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in water supply systems has been generating great concern about their effects on the environment and human health. Twenty-eight PhACs were monitored during one year in four Brazilian water sources, aiming to understand the factors that influence their occurrence and removal in conventional drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and to assess the environmental and human health risks. Trace levels of PhACs were detected in surface and drinking water in all assessed water sources. Effects of seasonality and socioeconomic aspects were observed in PhACs occurrence, like their higher concentrations during winter and in locales with higher values of gross domestic product per capita and human development index. Betamethasone, prednisone, and fluconazole were the most commonly detected PhACs, and also presented the highest concentrations. However, they were not related to toxicological risks. Nonetheless, all surface waters were subject to toxicological risk owing to at least one PhAC. PhACs related to the highest toxicological risks were loratadine, atorvastatin, norfloxacin, caffeine, and ranitidine, however, all these PhACs presented low quantification frequency. DWTPs capacity to remove PhACs was only partial, so treated water was still contaminated with these compounds. Furthermore, atorvastatin presented a margin of exposure below 100, indicating possible risk for public health. Thus, additional advanced treatment steps should be considered to improve PhACs removal during drinking water treatment. Unlabelled Image • PhACs were detected in surface and drinking water in all evaluated water sources. • Concentrations were found to be higher than the reported for other countries. • PhACs occurrence seems to be subject to seasonality and socioeconomic aspects. • PhACs were associated with high toxicological risks for the environment. • Drinking water could pose risk for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels and potential bioaccumulation of vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and bismuth (Bi) in horses from the industrial risk area of Sicily (Italy). Different biological substrates (whole blood, serum, tail, and mane) and samples of hay, concentrate, and water were analyzed. Pearson's test was applied to evaluate the correlation of mineral concentrations between whole blood and serum, and between tail and mane. The results showed statistical differences in tested mineral elements among the biological substrates. Minerals had a non-homogenous distribution in the organism, showing different concentrations in the biological substrates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels and the potential bioaccumulation of vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and bismuth (Bi) in horses from the industrial risk area of Sicily (Italy). Different biological substrates (whole blood, serum; tail and mane) and samples of hay, concentrate and water provided to the horses were processed by means of Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP–MS spectrometer for mineral concentration. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to show the differences in various trace elements in the biological substrates. Pearson's test was applied to evaluate the correlation of mineral concentrations between whole blood and serum; and tail and mane. The results showed statistical differences of tested mineral elements among biological substrates; Cr whole blood concentrations were negatively correlated with serum concentrations and a positive correlation between whole blood and serum was observed for Cd and Bi. This latter also showed a positive correlation between mane and tail. The concentrations of V, Cr, and Pb in tail with serum and whole blood samples were negatively correlated, while the concentrations of Cd in tail and serum samples were positively correlated. Minerals had a non-homogenous distribution in the organism, showing different concentrations in the biological substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]