Arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) are two harmful toxicants as well as carcinogens which can coexist in polluted surface water and groundwater. This coexistence leads to mixture effects in animals including fish. Both of these heavy metals are reported to manifest reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated toxicity. Though individual neurotoxic effects have been reported, their mixture effects, its mechanism and cellular responses against oxidative stress and DNA damages remain unknown. The present study evaluated the individual and mixture effects of As and Cr at their environmentally relevant concentrations in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain after 15, 30 and 60 days of exposure. Nrf2, a transcription factor is involved in the expressional regulation of enzymes needed to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. This study reported the expressional pattern of Nrf2 and its associated xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme Nqo1 and other markers of oxidative stress such as ROS generation, reduced glutathione level, lipid peroxidation and catalase activity. Increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, glutathione level, and catalase activity indicated oxidative stress in exposed groups. In addition, this study revealed expressional alterations of neurotoxicity marker (ache), DNA repair (ogg1, apex1, creb1, polb, mlh1, msh2 and msh6) and tumor suppressor (p53, brca2) genes. Results of ROS generation, MDA level, histopathological analysis, gene expression and immunofluorescence study confirmed that As and Cr did not show antagonistic effects in combination rather indicated additive effects which was dose-dependent but not always linear.

This study examined shipping's impact on air and water quality in the Northern Adriatic Sea using high-resolution models. Studied pollutants included cadmium, lead, benzo-a-pyrene, fluoranthene, ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5). Shipping emissions, estimated via the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM), were integrated with land-based emissions to simulate water and air quality using the ChemicalDrift and System for Integrated modeLling of Atmospheric coMposition (SILAM) models. Shipping contribution to water and sediments pollution is concentrated along shipping lanes, especially in early summer. Shipping contributes significantly to SO2 and NOx levels near harbours and shipping lanes, while O3 and PM2.5 changes affect the entire study area. A holistic evaluation for any management scenario considering both water and air quality will be needed to identify the best strategy to ensure both human health and marine environment protection.

As the major pollutants of industrial wastewater, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contaminate the environment and lead to bone aging when combined. To elucidate the potential mechanism by which Pb and Cd accelerate bone aging and to screen effective protective agents, we determined the optimum concentrations of Pb and Cd to establish the aging models in vitro and in vivo. The successful establishment of aging models was confirmed through β-galactosidase (β-gal) staining, the detection of aging markers, and the evaluation of biomechanical parameters. Subsequently, the polysaccharides were extracted separately from seven plants and Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide (AMP) was confirmed to have the strongest effect on osteoblast proliferation. Therefore, we purified AMP to obtain a small molecular fragment called AMP1-1 and investigated its effect. It has been revealed that AMP1-1 could resist oxidative stress and promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, thereby slowing apoptosis and alleviating cell senescence through the results of the β-gal staining and the analyses of the osteoblastic, antioxidant, apoptotic, and senescence indexes. The results in vivo suggested that AMP1-1 exerted a protective role in bone aging by inhibiting the above pathways. Consequently, AMP1-1 has theoretical significance for further development of biological protective agents against heavy metal pollution.

This review aimed to consolidate and compare reference values (RVs) for various elements and metals in biological samples from healthy populations worldwide.

A Web of Science/PubMed/Scopus review was conducted. Original articles in the English language, from January 2012 to February 2022, with at least 120 participants and 3 evaluated elements, and biological samples of whole blood, serum, plasma, umbilical cord, and hair included in this review.

Ninety-nine studies were screened and assessed, and eventually, 29 eligible studies from 15 countries and a total recruitment of 26,676 healthy subjects, ages ranging from zero to 80 years were included in this review. The results of evaluating 36 trace/micro/meso/macro/ toxic metals and elements in biological fluids and hair were extracted from eligible studies. Several indicators include reference range (lower, upper), arithmetic and geometric mean, median, percentile (lower, upper), and confidence interval (CI) 95 % of evaluated elements were reported. Due to geographical conditions, different demographic factors, and different analytical methodologies, the results of the analysis were various in different countries.

This review points out the necessity for localized RVs and standardized methodologies for accurate clinical evaluations and bio-monitoring. The findings call for extensive studies across diverse populations to develop comprehensive RVs for elements and metals, ensuring effective health assessments and environmental exposure controls.

The sucrose non-fermenting-1 (SNF1)-related kinase (SnRK1) family plays key roles in multiple plant processes. However, limited information about its role in chromium (Cr) tolerance is available. Here, we identified an SnRK1 member (TaSnRK1.10) and functionally characterised its role in Cr tolerance in wheat. Cas9-TaSnRK1.10 lines exhibited decreased Cr tolerance and accumulated more Cr than the wheat variety ZM7698 under Cr stress conditions. TaSnRK1.10-overexpression lines displayed opposite phenotypes. Root phenotypic analysis showed that TaSnRK1.10 altered the root morphology by affecting total root length, average root diameter, and root surface area, especially under Cr stress conditions. Further physiological analysis showed that the regulation of Cr tolerance mediated by TaSnRK1.10 was related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis suggested that the significantly differentially expressed genes in the Cr stress group were mainly enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, which was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, implying that the phenylpropanoid pathway plays a key role in the regulation of Cr tolerance mediated by TaSnRK1.10. Collectively, our research revealed that TaSnRK1.10 positively regulates Cr tolerance, mainly by mediating ROS homeostasis and activating the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, thus providing a candidate target for the genetic manipulation of Cr resistance in wheat.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for nutrient absorption and protection against pathogens and toxins. Its epithelial lining undergoes continuous renewal every 3-5 days, driven by intestinal stem cells (ISCs). ISCs are primarily of two types: actively proliferating crypt base columnar cells (CBCs), marked by Lgr5 expression, and quiescent label-retaining cells (+4 LRCs), which act as reserves during stress or injury. Key signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), are crucial in maintaining epithelial homeostasis. These pathways regulate ISCs proliferation and their differentiation into specialized epithelial cells, including goblet cells, paneth cells, enteroendocrine cells, and enterocytes. Disruptions in ISCs signaling can arise from extrinsic factors (e.g., dietary additives, heavy metals, pathogens) or intrinsic factors (e.g., genetic mutations, metabolic changes). Such disruptions impair tight junction integrity, induce inflammation, and promote gut dysbiosis, often perpetuating a cycle of intestinal dysfunction. Chronic ISCs dysregulation is linked to severe intestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This review emphasizes the critical role of ISCs in maintaining epithelial renewal and how various factors disrupt their signaling pathways, jeopardizing intestinal health and contributing to diseases. It also underscores the importance of protecting ISCs function to mitigate the risk of inflammation-related disorders. It highlights how understanding these regulatory mechanisms could guide therapeutic strategies for preserving GI tract integrity and treating related conditions.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using calcium polysulfide (CPS) for in-situ redox manipulation (CPS-ISRM) to remediate Zn-contaminated groundwater, focusing on concentrations exceeding 10,000 mg/L at a zinc smelting site in South Korea. Experiments with sand-only and sand-clay columns revealed that subsurface heterogeneity significantly impacts CPS transport, reactivity, and removal efficiency. Homogeneous sand conditions allowed rapid CPS migration and over 99 % Zn removal, albeit within a shorter reactive time frame. In contrast, heterogeneous sand-clay media enabled prolonged localized reactions due to CPS retention, although with less than 50 % Zn removal due to restricted distribution. CPS interactions with groundwater and geochemical constituents varied based on subsurface conditions, influencing permeability and chemical evolution. Precipitation including the formation of ZnS(s) and CaSO4(s) drove localized clogging and changes in hydraulic conductivity, particularly in confined zones of the sand-clay column. These findings highlight the importance of subsurface characterization and tailored CPS injection protocols, considering site-specific factors such as subsurface heterogeneity, groundwater chemistry, and interactions between CPS, groundwater constituents, and the targeted contaminants. Understanding these system dynamics is imperative for optimizing CPS-ISRM technology for field-scale groundwater remediation.

This umbrella review synthesizes evidence from meta-analyses to assess the health outcomes associated with cadmium (Cd) exposure.

Literature search was conducted in four Databases: PubMed, Embase, APA PsycNe, and the Cochrane Databases. Evaluating evidence strength via Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), umbrella review methodology and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Our review encompassed 79 non-overlapping studies, investigating 48 unique health outcomes through 113 independent effect sizes. Using the AMSTAR 2 tool, we found that 2 (3 %) meta-analyses were rated as high quality, 6 (8 %) as moderate quality, 38 as low quality, and 33 as very low quality. Applying the GRADE criteria, we observed that 1 (1 %) effect size was rated A (male fertility), 8 (7 %) were rated B (breast cancer, prostate cancer, hypertension, stroke, urolithiasis), 30 were rated C, and 74 were rated D. According to the umbrella review methodology, 5 (4 %) outcomes provided highly suggestive evidence, 13 (12 %) provided suggestive evidence, 51 provided weak evidence (class IV), and 44 had insufficient evidence for statistically significant results (class V). Meta-analyses on circulatory diseases, pregnancy outcomes, perinatal outcomes, skeletal and connective tissue diseases, neurological disorders, urinary system diseases, and male fertility had >80 % statistically significant results, while endocrine system diseases and mental and behavioral disorders had <33 %.

Cd exposure is significantly linked to various health outcomes, with implications for clinical practice and public health recommendations.

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of the Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes-Poly(2-aminothiophenol) @silver nanoparticles nanocomposite (MWCNTs-PATP@AgNPs) using different analytical methods. The synthesized MWCNTs-PATP@AgNPs served as an electrocatalytic modifier, enabling the highly selective and sensitive detection of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions at nanomolar levels using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The concentration of MWCNTs- PATP @AgNPs, the type and concentration of the electrolyte, the solution's pH, and the preconcentration conditions, were systematically optimized. A linear response was observed for Pb2+ and Cd2+ within the ranges of 0.5-60.0 nmolL-1 and 8.0-50.0 nmol L-1, respectively, with detection limits of 0.125 nmol L-1 for Pb2+ and 1.47 nmol L-1 for Cd2+. Furthermore, the MWCNTs-PATP@AgNPs sensor demonstrated the capability to selectively detect these target metals in the presence of various common interfering species. The sensor was effectively utilized for the detection of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions across various real samples.

Elasmobranch populations have significantly declined in recent decades due to anthropogenic activities, with chemical contamination comprising one of the main threats to this group. Although some biochemical biomarkers have been utilized to assess elasmobranch health, especially concerning metal and metalloid contamination, associations with genotoxic biomarkers are still scarce and non-existent for Brazilian Amazon coast sharks. Herein, metals, metalloids, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), metallothionein (MT), and nuclear anomalies (micronucleus, nuclear buds, and bilobed cells) were determined in gills, liver, and muscle tissues of Nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) from the São Marcos Estuarine Complex, Maranhão, Brazil. Females exhibited significantly higher As concentrations in muscle (23.14 ± 13.98 μg g-1) and gills (4.53 ± 2.10 μg g-1) compared to males (3.98 ± 2.61 μg g-1 and 1.51 ± 0.41 μg g-1, respectively) (p < 0.05). Males showed higher Se concentrations in muscle (0.52 ± 0.02 μg g-1) compared to females (0.32 ± 0.09 μg g-1) (p < 0.05), while Rb levels were higher in male liver (0.28 ± 0.05 μg g-1) than in females (0.18 ± 0.04 μg g-1) (p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed for Hg, Ti or rare earth elements (Ce and La) between sexes (p > 0.05). Higher GSH concentrations and GST activities were noted in gills and liver, while MT concentrations were higher in muscle. Low genotoxic damage frequency was observed, likely due to the species' sedentary lifestyle and efficient DNA repair system. Moderate to strong correlations between metals/metalloids and biochemical/genotoxic responses were detected, particularly in females, highlighting the protective role of GST against DNA damage. Protective effects of Se against Hg were observed in the liver. Metal concentrations did not exceed regulatory limits, although bioaccumulation patterns and physiological responses suggest that Nurse sharks are exposed to environmental contamination, with As and Se accumulation.

Removing and monitoring Hg2+ ions in the pollution sources based on microorganisms have the advantages of low cost and convenience. To reduce the harm of Hg2+ ions to humans and ecosystems in the environment, it is considered very meaningful to establish a biological treatment method using protozoa to simultaneously detect and remove Hg2+ ions in polluted water. In this work, the coding region of MTT1 and MTT5 genes in Tetrahymena thermophila SB210 (T. thermophila SB210) was replaced with green fluorescence protein (GFP) gene using genetic manipulation techniques. Fluorescent recombinant T. thermophila SB210 strains MTT1-GFP and MTT5-GFP were constructed, and the relationship between MTT1-GFP and MTT5-GFP and the effect of simultaneous response and removal of Hg2+ ions was explored. The knockout of MTT1 and MTT5 genes and introduction of GFP significantly reduced cell tolerance to Hg2+ ions, slightly increased the removal rate of Hg2+ ions, and induced fluorescence response to Hg2+ ions. Using MTT1-GFP at a cell density of 150 × 104 cells mL-1, the removal rate of Hg2+ ions were over 90 % at range 6000 μg L-1 to 10000 μg L-1 in 12 h. The limit of detection (LOD) was 1.063 μg L-1 and the linear detection range of Hg2+ concentration was 200-8000 μg L-1 using MTT1-GFP as fluorescence reporter. In addition, the different functional effects of MTT1-GFP and MTT5-GFP on Hg2+ and Cd2+ were compared. This study will expand our understanding of the role of MTT1 and MTT5 genes and provide a method for simultaneous response and removal of Hg2+ ions in water bodies using T. thermophila.

Transition metal complexes have been recognized as possible therapeutic agents, attributed to their special biological actions, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer. The pharmacological perspective connected with Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Palladium (Pd), Zinc (Zn), and Platinum (Pt) metal(II) complexes is comprehensively explored in-depth in this research. The complexes show unique coordination chemistry and modes of action that help interactions with biological targets, including DNA binding, enzyme inhibition, and the formation of reactive oxygen species. All the metal(II) complexes showed notable potential impact in their perspective activity. Conspicuously, Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes show better antibacterial and antifungal action, while Cu(II) and Zn(II) combinations show higher anti-inflammatory activity. While research is constantly investigating alternative metal-based anticancer drugs like Pd(II), which seem to have lowered side effects, Pt(II) complexes especially cisplatin continue to be the benchmark in cancer treatment. Although the possible pharmacological actions are motivating, problems with toxicity and biocompatibility still provide major difficulties, especially in relation to Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes. Strategies like ligand modification, nanoparticle-based delivery, and prodrug methods are used to increase selectivity and reduce side effects related to metal complexes. This review compiles the most recent developments and continuous research, thereby shedding light on the potential revolutionary power of metal(II) complexes in medical therapy. Understanding their mechanisms and enhancing their safety profiles will help us open the path to creative ideas for addressing some of the most urgent medical issues of today.

Heavy metal contamination in soil is a major environmental and public health concern, especially in regions with substantial industrial and agricultural activities. Conventional predictive models often focus on single contaminants, limiting their utility for comprehensive environmental monitoring. This study addressed these limitations by developing an advanced multi-end ensemble convolutional neural network model capable of simultaneously predicting the concentrations of cadmium, arsenic, and zinc in European soils. A comprehensive dataset with 18 diverse factors was prepared, including soil properties, climatic factors, and anthropogenic activities. Moreover, the model compared four ensemble learning techniques in contamination prediction, including simple averaging, snapshot ensembles, integrated stacking, and separate stacking. Among these, the separate stacking model with random forest regressor meta-model achieved the highest accuracy, with a mean spared error of 0.0378, a mean absolute error of 0.0785, and a coefficient of determination of 0.79 in the testing phases. Sensitivity analysis highlighted farming area, road length, nitrogen content, and mean annual temperature as key factors influencing metal concentrations. To enhance accessibility, a GUI-based web application was developed, allowing users to enter relevant factors and receive real-time predictions of contamination levels. This application empowers stakeholders, such as environmental regulators and policymakers, to make informed, data-driven decisions for targeted remediation. These findings underscore the critical role of integrated machine learning approaches in environmental science, offering a powerful tool for identifying contamination hotspots, supporting soil health management, and promoting sustainable land use.

Exposure to pollutants such as non-essential metals and microplastics can have harmful consequences for marine organisms. Detecting the impact of pollutants in wild populations can be especially challenging. Such environmental disturbances might prompt rapid responses in the affected organisms, generating changes in their gene expression mediated by epigenetic regulation. Here we use an epiRADseq approach to determine the effect of four non-essential metals (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) and microplastics (MP) on the methylation pattern of Benguela hake, Merluccius polli, captured in the FAO fishing area 34, along the coasts of Mauritania and Senegal. We analysed 49 hake specimens and generated 44,201 epigenetic loci. Despite moderate levels of pollution identified from tissue analysis, we found significant differentially methylated loci associated with the level of the five pollutants analysed (119 significant loci for As, 134 for Cd, 92 for Hg, 119 for Pb, and 159 for microplastics). Elevated Pb was significantly associated with a reduction in hake condition factor. Differentially methylated loci were associated with diverse pathways associated to responses for all pollutants (e.g. immune response, gene expression regulation), pointing to signs of stress within the population. It is worth noting that all pollutants were differentially methylated for a locus in NLRC3, previously associated with innate immune response in fishes. Overall, we found evidence of the effects of moderate concentration of pollutants in the methylation pattern in wild populations of M. polli.

Pollution from gold mining has been a major problem in the Amazon River basin. Mercury in its main organic form, methylmercury (MeHg), is potentially toxic to fish, which are mainly affected by inadequate disposal of this pollutant. The present study aimed to evaluate the cardiac graphoelements over the 1-h exposure of Colossoma macropomum to an immersion bath using different concentrations of MeHg. For that purpose, 45 fish were used, assayed into four groups according to the following concentrations: 10 µg/ml, 20 µg/ml, 30 µg/ml and 40 µg/ml MeHg (n = 9). Exposure to different concentrations of MeHg demonstrated the triggering of arrhythmia over the time, and higher concentrations (30 and 40 µg/ml) had deleterious cardiac effects, with atrioventricular block. Such effects became more severe depending on the length of the exposure time to MeHg, demonstrating the susceptibility of tambaqui fish C. macropomum to this intoxication.

The level of heavy metals (HMs) such as chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and vanadium (V) was measured in dust during July and August of 2024, from 39 different gas stations within Erbil city. The test was conducted to assess the contamination levels and the possible cancer and noncancer risks. The metal concentrations in mg/kg ranged from highest to lowest as follows: (Zn) 4912.41, (Mn) 1501.80, (Fe) 1287.23, (Cu) 543.72, (Pb) 365.34, (Cr) 201.54, (Ni) 164.07, (V) 124.78, (As) 111.74, (Co) 48.30, (Se) 1.17, and (Hg) 1.14 (mg/kg). Among the metals, Hg had the lowest concentration of 1.14 mg/kg, while Zn had the highest level of 4912.41 mg/kg. Each metal's noncancer and cancer risks through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal routes were estimated using the hazard quotient (HQ), hazardous index (HI), and cancer risk (CR). The computed hazardous quotient and hazardous index indicated no risk of noncarcinogenic effects of all metals, with a value of 3.45E-02. However, the carcinogenic risk results suggest that all metals pose a risk exceeding the local population's safe range, with a value of 2.69 E-04.

Periodontitis, a microbiome-driven chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the supporting structures of the teeth, is influenced by various environmental factors, including exposure to heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to lead and cadmium and periodontitis.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase up to February 1, 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies examining the association between lead and/or cadmium exposure and periodontitis were included. Required clinical data were extracted, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects models were used to compute either standardized mean differences (SMD) of concentration or pooled adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Heterogeneity was assessed with I².

Fourteen studies (13 datasets for either lead or cadmium) comprising 72,467 participants were eligible for inclusion. The meta-analysis found that cadmium and lead exposure were significantly associated with higher odds of periodontitis, with pooled aORs of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.08-1.37) and 1.85 (95% CI: 1.42-2.41), respectively. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings.

This study provides evidence that exposure to lead and cadmium is significantly associated with periodontitis. These findings highlight the importance of reducing environmental exposure to these heavy metals as part of preventive strategies for periodontal disease. Further research is needed to explore the underlying biological mechanisms and evaluate potential interventions to reduce exposure-associated periodontitis.

Excessive fertilizer and chemical usage have led to soil contamination by toxic heavy metals near the Abu-Zaabal industrial complex in Egypt. We introduce a groundbreaking calibration-free methodology using ultrafast Picosecond Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy (CF-Ps-LIPS) for quantifying contaminant elements (Cd, Zn, Fe, Ni) in soils near Egypt's Abu-Zaabal industrial complex. This study pioneers applying 170 ps laser pulses (Nd: YAG, 1064 nm) to achieve calibration-free analysis, eliminating matrix-matched standards and offering ± 1% agreement with ICP-OES. By integrating plasma diagnostics (electron density Ne = 1.2-1.5 × 1017 cm- 3 and temperature Te = 8508-10,275 K), we establish CF-Ps-LIPS as a rapid, minimally invasive tool for on-site environmental monitoring, validated through spatial contamination gradients linked to wind patterns. Concentrations of Cd (25.1-136.5 mg/kg), Zn (19.8-146.9 mg/kg), Fe (59.7-62 mg/kg), and Ni (119.4-157.8 mg/kg) were analyzed across seven sampling sites. The seventh site was used as a test sample of unknown concentration to validate CF-Ps-LIPS. Utilizing the Boltzmann distribution with plotting techniques enables precise plasma electron density and temperature determination under local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) conditions. The CF-Ps-LIPS study revealed significant concentration variations dependent on trace metal type, sampling location, and facility orientation. The CF-Ps-LIPS method provides calibration-free, rapid, and accurate detection of metal contaminants in Egyptian soils for the first time. This methodology significantly advances environmental monitoring and soil contamination analysis, allowing on-site assessments with higher efficiency and reliability.

The cardiovascular risks linked to PM2.5 include calcification in both vasculature and myocardial tissues, leading to structural changes and functional decline. Through the selection of a clinically proven endogenous agent, sodium thiosulfate (STS), capable of addressing PM2.5 related cardiac abnormalities, we not only address the absence of effective solutions to mitigate PM2.5 toxicity, but also provide evidence for the repurposing potential of STS in ameliorating PM2.5 induced cardiac damage. Female Wistar rats were exposed to PM2.5 (250 μg/m3) for 3 h daily for 21 days. STS was administered thrice weekly for 3 weeks during exposure after which the hearts were excised and mounted on a Langendorff apparatus for induction of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR). STS administration improved cardiac function in PM2.5 exposed rat hearts, accompanied by increased expression of the master regulator gene PGC1-α and increased mitochondrial mass. Moreover, STS restored bioenergetic function and balanced mitochondrial fission-fusion dynamics. The beneficial effects of STS were further evidenced by its ability to scavenge metals, thereby reducing heavy metal deposition in mitochondria and alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, STS facilitated the clearance of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy. Additionally, STS activated the PI3K/AKT/GSK3ß signaling pathway, providing cardio protection against IR injury in PM2.5-exposed hearts by preserving mitochondrial function. These results underscore the potential therapeutic benefits of STS in mitigating the adverse cardiac effects induced by PM2.5 exposure. The translation of these findings to clinical practice holds promise for the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing the cardiovascular toxicity associated with PM2.5 exposure.

This study was conducted to evaluate the health risks related to eating crabs and periwinkles from Southern Nigerian coastal areas that are contaminated by crude oil. Periwinkles and crabs from contaminated locations were tested for Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and heavy metal (HM) levels using US-EPA standard, and the health risks to humans of eating these seafood were assessed. 20 samples of periwinkles and crabs were collected from crude oil-polluted coastal areas. Health risk assessments were conducted using Dietary Daily Intake (DDI), PAH4 index, Carcinogenic Toxic Equivalent (TEQs), Excess Cancer Risk (ECR) for PAHs, as well as Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Cancer Risk Assessment (CRA) for HMs. The PAH concentration in periwinkles and crabs are 0.76 mg/kg and 0.49 mg/kg respectively. Dietary daily intake (DDI) of individual PAHs for Periwinkle ranged from 0 to 0.0126 and for crabs, it ranged from 0 to x10-4. The ECR evaluated for Periwinkle and crabs ranges from 0 to 9 × 10-7, and 0-2.1 × 10-7 respectively. The TEQ for periwinkle is 0.12874 mg/kg and 0.15646 mg/kg for crabs. The evaluated PAH4 is 0.1061 mg/kg for Periwinkle and 0.1352 mg/kg for Crabs. The concentration of PAHs was found to be 0.76 mg/kg in periwinkles and 0.49 mg/kg in crabs. DDI values for individual PAHs ranged from 0 to 0.0126 for periwinkles and 0-0 to x10-4 for crabs. ECR values ranged from 0 to 9 x 10-7 for periwinkles and 0-2.1 x 10-7 for crabs. TEQ values were 0.12874 mg/kg for periwinkles and 0.15646 mg/kg for crabs. Deduction from PAH4 index exceeded the permissible limit set by the European Union. TEQ values indicate that periwinkles were below the screening value (SV) of 0.0389 mg/kg, while crabs exceeded it. The ECR for the shellfish was also found to be within the acceptable risk level. All HMs were within EPA permissible limits except cadmium (Cd). HQ indicated potential health risks from crab consumption, while CRA showed no carcinogenic risk from either shellfish. The study recommends that if crude oil pollution in coastal areas continues, severe health implications will be inevitable. Therefore, it is crucial to implement measures to mitigate pollution levels and monitor seafood safety regularly to protect public health.

Exposure to metal(loid)s and glucose metabolism may influence the progression of gastric precancerous lesions (GPLs) or gastric cancer (GC), but their combined effects remain unclear. Our study aimed to elucidate the combined impact of metal (including metalloid and trace element) exposure and disturbances in glucose metabolism on the progression of GPLs and GC. From a prospective observational cohort of 1829 individuals, their metal(loid) levels and blood metabolism were analysed via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry and targeted metabolomics gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry, respectively. From healthy normal controls (NC) or GPLs to GC, we observed that the aluminum and arsenic levels decreased, whereas the vanadium, titanium and rubidium levels increased, but the iron, copper, zinc and barium levels initially decreased but then increased; these changes were not obvious from the NC to GPL group. With respect to glucose homeostasis, most metabolites decreased, except for phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), which increased. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that titanium and phosphoenolpyruvate might be risk factors for GPLs, that barium is a protective factor for GC, and that D-glucaric acid might be a protective factor for GPLs and GC. Selenium, vanadium, titanium, succinate, maleate, isocitrate, PEP, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) had good predictive potential for GPL and GC. Additionally, metal(loid)s such as arsenic, titanium, barium, aluminum, and vanadium were significantly correlated with multiple glucose metabolites involved in the TCA cycle in the GPL and GC groups. Our findings imply that metal(loid) exposure disrupts glucose metabolism, jointly influencing GPL and GC progression.

The current study evaluated the effects of genistein (GEN) supplementation to alleviate the arsenic (As)-induced hepatotoxicity in Oreochromis niloticus. This was conducted in two steps: a computational prediction study (in silico) and an experimental investigation (in vivo). The prediction step involved molecular docking analysis to assess the interactions between GEN and key stress-related mRNAs in Nile tilapia. In the experimental phase, 160 Nile tilapia fingerlings were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (in four replicates/group) for 60 days: (1) a control group fed a basal diet, (2) a GEN group receiving a GEN-supplemented diet (500 mg/kg), (3) an As group exposed to 10 µg/L As, and (4) an As + GEN group, in which fish was exposed to As and fed the GEN-supplemented diet. The computational assessment of GEN's binding ability revealed strong interactions with key mRNAs associated with inflammation and misfolded protein responses. The in vivo results revealed that GEN significantly alleviated As-induced hepatic oxidative stress and hepatocellular damage by restoring liver enzyme levels, lipid profiles, and bilirubin content and restoring the serum proteins to near-normal values. Additionally, GEN downregulated the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress- and inflammation-related genes in the liver tissue of the As + GEN group, compared to the As-exposed fish fed on a basal diet. Additionally, the histopathological analysis further confirmed that GEN supplementation mitigated hepatic tissue damage, reducing necrosis, congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, GEN supplementation effectively counteracted As-induced hepatotoxicity in Nile tilapia by modulating oxidative stress, ER stress, and inflammation while preserving liver structure and function. Also, the molecular docking results suggest that GEN interacts with the mRNAs of inflammatory and misfolded protein targets, which are increased due to exposure to As-contaminated water. All our findings highlight GEN as a promising natural dietary additive for improving hepatic health in fish inhabiting As-contaminated environments.

The increasing production and use of chemicals leads to a higher number of contaminants in (drinking) water sources, which poses significant challenges to those responsible for water quality. An important task for water companies and regulators is to ensure that (drinking) water quality does not compromise public health and confidence in water safety. A key component of this effort is toxicological risk assessment, which evaluates the safety of chemicals that may be present in water systems. Although there has been considerable progress in risk assessment methods, there is currently a lack of a clear approach to the risk assessment of chemicals in (drinking) water for which concentrations vary over time. In the current study, methods for the assessment of less than lifetime exposure (LTL) are presented that are particularly applicable for substances with time-varying concentrations in (drinking) water. The presented framework is a decision tree that helps experts to decide whether a measured or predicted LTL exposure to a chemical can lead to adverse health effects. To develop these methods, we used existing knowledge and incorporated new developments in toxicological risk assessment. A case study illustrates the application of the proposed approaches in a realistic scenario. The method can be used by risk assessors as a tool to improve the understanding of human exposure to contaminants in (drinking) water and to inform risk-based monitoring. In addition, it enables customised investigations and responses that lead to a more nuanced view of water quality and its impact on public health.

Heavy metal concentration in pregnant women affects neurocognitive and behavioral development of their infants and children. The majority of existing research focusing on pregnant women's heavy metal concentration has considered individual environmental factor. In this study, we aim to comprehensively consider lifestyle, food, and environmental factors to determine the most influential factor affecting heavy metal concentration in pregnant women. The Ko-CHENS (Korean CHildren health and ENvironmental Study) is a nationwide prospective birth cohort study in South Korea enrolling pregnant women from 2015 to 2020. A total of 5458 eligible pregnant women were included in this study, and 897 variables were included in questionnaire comprising: maternal general information, indoor and living environment, dietary habits, health behavior, exposure to chemicals. Lead, cadmium and mercury concentration on blood were measured in early, late pregnancy and in cord blood at birth. Variables that might be related to heavy metal concentrations were included in machine learning models. Random forest and XGBoost machine learning models were conducted for predictions. Both models had similar but better performance than multiple linear regression. Kimchi (β = 1.55), seaweed (β = 0.40), fatty fish (β = 1.55), intakes respectively affected lead, cadmium, and mercury exposure through early, late pregnancy and cord blood.

Arsenic contamination in rice poses significant risks to public health and food security. While previous reviews have examined specific aspects of this issue, they often lack a comprehensive analysis linking human activities to arsenic contamination and its broader consequences. This review applies the DPSIR (Driving Forces-Pressures-States-Impacts-Responses) framework to elucidate the cause-and-effect relationships of arsenic contamination in rice, with a focus on top rice producers. It also synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental sources, fate, and transport of arsenic across different environmental compartments, illustrating its movement from emission sources to accumulation in rice while highlighting the complex interplay between environmental conditions, rice varieties, and contamination levels. The DPSIR analysis revealed that socioeconomic factors, including population growth and industrialization, were the primary driving forces behind arsenic contamination in rice. These factors increased pressures such as reliance on arsenic-contaminated irrigation water, historical pesticide use, and industrial pollution, which contributed to arsenic accumulation in rice-growing environments. Consequently, the soil, water, and rice were contaminated with arsenic at various levels, posing serious risks to human health. The impacts extend beyond health concerns to disruptions in global rice trade and threats to food security. In response, various mitigation strategies have been implemented, including regulation, sustainable agricultural practices, water and soil remediation, and public guidance. However, challenges persist, requiring an integrated approach that incorporates scientific advancements, policy interventions, and improved agricultural techniques. Key research priorities include developing arsenic-resistant rice varieties, assessing health risks for vulnerable populations, quantifying economic losses, and determining arsenic-related foodborne diseases burden.

Lead and cadmium have been linked to alterations in DNA methylation (DNAm) and increased mortality. However, the role of smoking-related DNAm in the link between these heavy metals and mortality remains unclear.

We analyzed data from 2110 participants aged 50 and older from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), linked to mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) with follow-up through 2019. Our study examined the associations between blood lead and cadmium levels, DNA methylation-predicted pack years of smoking (DNAmPackYrs), and mortality outcomes. Our analysis found that higher natural logarithm (Ln)-transformed lead and cadmium levels were positively associated with ln-DNAmPackYrs, with a percent change of 11.34 % (P = 0.001) for lead and 35.57 % (P < 0.001) for cadmium. Participants with both heavy metals above the 50th percentile had the highest DNAmPackYrs, with P for trend < 0.001. Weighted Cox regression analysis demonstrated both ln-lead and ln-DNAmPackYrs were linked to an elevated risk of all mortality outcomes, while ln-cadmium specifically predicted all-cause mortality. A significant interaction between lead and cadmium in relation to all-cause mortality was observed (P for interaction = 0.036). Additionally, significant interactions between DNAmPackYrs and both heavy metals were found in relation to all-cause mortality (P for interaction = 0.001 for lead; P for interaction = 0.013 for cadmium).

Drawing from a nationally representative cohort of older U.S. adults, this study provides robust evidence linking blood lead and cadmium levels to smoking-related DNAm and increased mortality risk. Moreover, the analysis revealed additive effects of these metals on smoking-related DNAm, as well as synergistic impacts on all-cause mortality. Additionally, smoking-induced DNAm may play a role in mediating the connection between heavy metal exposure and mortality risk. Additional research is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms of these associations.

Arsenic toxicity is a global health problem chiefly targeting soft tissues of the body like the brain and heart. The major mechanism underlying arsenic-induced neurotoxicity is oxidative stress. Particularly, the neurons and cardiac myocytes show limitless susceptibility to oxidative stress. Herein, we examined the impact of prolonged arsenic exposure and resveratrol post-treatment on the cardiac and neuronal [Ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH)] morphology. Adult mice were segregated into control and experimental groups; controls received distilled water, while experimental groups received oral gavage of arsenic trioxide (ATO) at low (2 mg/kg bw) or high (4 mg/kg bw) doses for 45 days. Cardiac effects were assessed at the low dose (2 mg/kg bw), whereas neurological effects were evaluated at both low and high doses. Mice were sacrificed on day 45 to obtain perfusion-fixed hearts and brains for histological and morphometric studies. Long-term ATO exposure resulted in a higher heart-to-body weight ratio than controls, suggesting ATO-induced hypertrophy. Microscopic observations revealed a regular arrangement of cardiac muscle fibres, branching patterns of cardiomyocytes, and fibroblasts across all the treatment groups. However, increased cardiac myocyte diameter in ventricles and substantial fibrosis in vessel walls were noticed in ATO-alone exposed hearts relative to controls. Selective vulnerability of hypothalamic neurons following ATO exposure was evident by significant alterations in morphometric parameters (reduced cell density and soma size) in the VMH nucleus of animals receiving ATO (2 and 4 mg/kg) alone. These dramatic histopathological alterations were found to be restored after ATO + Res co-treatment. We also examined the expression of ER-α in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus and indicated downregulation of ER-α due to prolonged ATO exposure. Our findings highlight Resveratrol as a potent neurocardiac protector against ATO toxicity via estrogen signaling modulation, supporting its therapeutic potential in arsenic poisoning.

We investigated the effects of heavy metals on fruit-eating bats. Artibeus lituratus, a species that is not endangered, received a 1.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal (ipi) injection of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Ld), or nickel (Ni). After 96 h, Ni-exposed bats showed oxidative stress in the liver and testes; the kidneys showed increased vascular congestion. Pb-exposed bats showed lower glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in all tested tissues and a decreased percentage of normal cells in the seminiferous tubules in the testes. Bats exposed to Cr showed lower GST activity in the kidneys and testes, higher leukocyte infiltrate in the liver, and higher vacuolization in the testes. Cd-exposed bats showed lower GST activity in all tissues, higher leucocyte infiltrate in the kidneys, and a lower percentage of normal cells in the testes. Necrotic and lipidic areas in the liver were observed in Pb-exposed and Ni-exposed bats. We propose the following toxicity order for fruit-eating bats: Ni > Pb > Cr = Cd.

Food safety is a fundamental challenge in public health and sustainable development, facing threats from microbial, chemical, and physical contamination. Innovative technologies improve our capacity to detect contamination early and prevent disease outbreaks, while also optimizing food production and distribution processes.

This article discusses the role of new bioinformatics and machine learning technologies in promoting food safety and contamination control, along with various related articles in this field. By analyzing genetic and proteomic data, bioinformatics helps to quickly and accurately identify pathogens and sources of contamination. Machine learning, as a powerful tool for massive data processing, also can discover hidden patterns in the food production and distribution chain, which helps to improve risk prediction and control processes. By reviewing previous research and providing new solutions, this article emphasizes the role of these technologies in identifying, preventing, and improving decisions related to food safety. This study comprehensively shows how the integration of bioinformatics and machine learning can help improve food quality and safety and prevent foodborne disease outbreaks.

While the solubility of atmospheric elements critically influences their toxicity and environmental mobility, global understanding of water-soluble hazardous elements (WSHEs) in PM2.5 remains limited. To address this, PM2.5 samples were collected from July 2021 to March 2022 across six major cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surroundings (BTHs). Total elemental concentrations (all cities) and water-soluble fractions (Beijing) were quantified via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), focusing on Cd, V, Cr, Ni, Se, As, Mn, and Pb. Regional analyses revealed synchronized pollution patterns across BTHs, driven by shared industrial/energy activities. In Beijing, WSHEs constituted 25.0-39 .3 % of total concentrations, with Cd (35.7 %) and Mn (39.3 %) showing peak solubility. WSHE levels rose during air quality deterioration but declined during dust storms due to crustal sources with low solubility. Key drivers of solubility included particle acidity, liquid water content, and organic carbon, emphasizing atmospheric processing (e.g., acid dissolution) as a bioaccessibility amplifier. Positive Matrix Factorization identified vehicular emissions (38 %) and coal combustion (20 %) as dominant WSHE sources, followed by waste incineration (20 %), metal smelting (14 %), electronics manufacturing (6 %), and dust (2 %). Coal and vehicular sources contributed disproportionately to bioaccessible elements, whereas dust-derived elements exhibited minimal solubility. These results highlight the elevated health risks from anthropogenic WSHEs and the urgency of prioritizing sector-specific controls (e.g., accelerating vehicle electrification, phasing out residential coal) over broad PM2.5 reduction strategies. The study establishes a mechanistic link between emission sources, atmospheric aging, and elemental bioaccessibility, offering actionable insights for mitigating toxic elements exposure in megacities.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) pollution is a significant environmental and health risk. Phytoremediation, using green plants as solar-powered bioreactors, offers a sustainable reclamation method. However, managing the biomass generated post-remediation remains a challenge. To address this, bioenergy crops, known for their high biomass and biofuel potential, are increasingly used in phytoremediation. This research evaluates 13 non-edible bioenergy crops for their Cr6+ remediation efficacy, mechanisms, and post-remediation biomass management. These crops, including Jatropha curcas, Pongamia pinnata, and Ricinus communis, produce biodiesel from seeds, while others like Salix viminalis and Arundo donax yield bioethanol from biomass. Biodiesel yields from J. curcas, P. pinnata, M. ferrea, R. communis, E. camaldulensis, C. flexuosus, and J. gossypiifolia range from 23.9% to 75%. Bioethanol yields from S. viminalis, A. donax, T. domingensis, T. angustifolia, and T. latifolia vary from 3.19 to 51 g/L. These plants demonstrate significant Cr6+ uptake and detoxification through phytoremediation mechanisms such as phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, and phytostabilization, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods. Simultaneously, their biomass serves as feedstock for biodiesel, bioethanol, and bio-oil production, contributing to renewable energy systems. This synergy reduces risks of secondary pollution and aligns with global sustainability goals. The study emphasizes optimizing biomass conversion techniques, managing post-remediation residues, and leveraging genetic engineering to enhance plant efficacy. Future directions include scaling integrated phytoremediation-bioenergy systems and evaluating environmental, economic, and social impacts through life cycle assessments.

Mercury (Hg), a pervasive environmental pollutant, poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health due to its complex biogeochemical transformations. Emitted from both natural sources and anthropogenic activities, Hg undergoes atmospheric transport, deposition, and intricate chemical conversions, including microbial methylation, which produces the highly toxic methylmercury (MeHg). This bioavailable form of Hg accumulates in aquatic food webs, leading to biomagnification and severe ecological consequences. The environmental fate of Hg is governed by dynamic interactions between abiotic and biotic factors, including redox conditions, microbial activity, and organic matter composition. Aquatic ecosystems, particularly wetlands and estuaries, serve as hotspots for Hg methylation, exacerbating the risk of bioaccumulation in fish and, consequently, human exposure through seafood consumption. Chronic Hg toxicity in humans is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and immunotoxicity, posing serious public health challenges. Addressing Hg contamination requires an integrated approach, combining advanced remediation strategies such as phytoremediation, bioremediation, sorbent-based technologies, and nano-engineered materials. Regulatory frameworks like the Minamata Convention play a crucial role in mitigating Hg emissions, but novel interdisciplinary solutions are imperative to reduce Hg persistence in the environment. This review explores the intricate pathways of Hg transformation, its cascading effects on biodiversity and human health, and cutting-edge remediation strategies. Understanding these complex dynamics is essential for developing sustainable mitigation measures, ensuring ecological balance, and safeguarding public health in the face of increasing environmental Hg burdens.

Increasing environmental pollution increases the risk of human exposure to toxic metals. Therefore, there is a need for substances to protect individuals against the harmful effects caused by toxic metals. Bu çalışma, 3-metoksi katekol bileşiğinin 1,4-fenil diboronik asitle 1:1 ve 1:2 mol ratios of 3-methoxy catechol compound with 1,4-phenyl diboronic acid (1:1 and 1:1) and 1,4-bis(4-methoxybenzo[d][1,3,2]dioxaborol-2-yl)phenyl)boronic acid (M86) and 1,4-bis(4-methoxybenzo[d][1,3,2]dioxaborol-2-yl)benzene (M87) against lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) toxicity in THLE-2 liver cell line. The structures of synthesized compounds M86 and M87 were characterized by 1 H, 13 C NMR, LC-MS-IT-TOF, UV-Vis., FTIR. The biological activities of these compounds were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, anticholinesterase, antiurease and antithyrosinase tests. 2D and 3D cell models were used in THLE-2 cell line. The protective effects of M86 and M87 against Pb, Cd and As toxicity were examined by XTT test and ATP colorimetric method and IC50 values were determined. In antioxidant tests, it was observed that M86 and M87 exhibited high activity in ABTS, DPPH and CUPRAC tests compared to standard antioxidants ?-tocopherol (?-TOC) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Enzyme inhibition tests showed that M86 and M87 significantly suppressed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activities. These compounds were found to reverse the decrease in cell proliferation following Pb, Cd and As exposure. In conclusion, M86 and M87 have the potential to be versatile therapeutic agents that provide effective protection against metal toxicity. In the future, with the evaluation of the efficacy of these compounds in in vivo models and clinical studies, it is thought that their use against metal toxicity may be possible.

The increasing prevalence of toxic compounds in food, agriculture, and the environment presents a critical challenge to public health and ecological sustainability. Carbon nanodots (CNDs), with their excellent photoluminescence, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization, have emerged as highly promising materials for developing advanced sensors that target hazardous substances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, functionalization, and sensing mechanisms of CND-based sensors, highlighting their versatile application in detecting toxic compounds such as heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, and emerging contaminants. The article outlines recent advancements in fluorescence, electrochemical, and colorimetric detection strategies and presents key case studies that illustrate the successful application of CNDs in real-world monitoring scenarios. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges associated with reproducibility, scalability, selectivity, and sensor stability and explores future directions for integrating CNDs with smart and sustainable technologies. This review emphasizes the transformative potential of CNDs in achieving rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly toxin detection solutions across multiple domains.

Arsenic (As), a toxic metalloid and global environmental contaminant, poses serious threats to living organisms through groundwater and dietary exposure. Both acute and chronic exposures of As result in severe physiological and biochemical disturbances in organisms. In plants, As uptake occurs through transporters for essential metal ions, which often lack selectivity due to structural similarities between As species and essential ions. Nodulin 26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs) facilitate the transport of As(III), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), while phosphate transporters (PHTs) mediate As(V) uptake due to its similarity to phosphate. Internalized As is detoxified through sulfur (S)-rich molecules like glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs), forming thiol-As complexes. These complexes are either transported to shoots for sequestration or stored in vacuoles, reducing toxicity. Detoxification relies on sulfate transporters (SULTRs) for S uptake and ATP-binding cassette (ABCC) transporters for vacuolar sequestration of thiol-As complexes. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for mitigating As toxicity. This review outlines the roles of transporters and their regulation controlling As detoxification. These transporters are promising targets for genome-editing and molecular breeding to develop crops with reduced As levels in edible tissues, addressing food safety and environmental remediation.

The Sarno river basin (Italy) is a region characterized by significant environmental pollution, raising concerns about heavy metal exposure in residents. The PREVES-STOP Initiative aims to address these concerns. This study investigates the prevalence of detectable blood lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in a cohort of adults from this area and examines associations with key health indicators.

This study analyzed data from 75 adults (aged 30-65) participating in the PREVES-STOP Initiative. Participants completed comprehensive questionnaires assessing demographics, medical history, lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity), and psychometric measures (fatigue, anxiety/depression, sleep quality). Blood samples were analyzed for Pb and Cd using established methods, with detectable levels defined as≥2 μg/100 mL (Pb) and ≥0.5 μg/L (Cd).

Detectable Pb (18.67 % of participants) was significantly associated with higher systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, and MCH, and inversely correlated with HDL cholesterol. Poorer sleep quality was also associated with detectable Pb. Detectable Cd (28 % of participants) was significantly associated with higher systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, neutrophil count, and with higher odds of having a history of autoimmune diseases. Multivariate regression models, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and BMI, were used to determine these associations.

This study demonstrates that even low-level exposure to Pb and Cd in the Sarno river basin is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The PREVES-STOP Initiative provides a valuable framework for community-based health assessment and intervention in areas affected by environmental pollution.

Global water scarcity is becoming an increasingly critical issue; greywater reuse presents a promising solution to alleviate pressure on freshwater resources, particularly in arid and water-scarce regions. Greywater typically sourced from household activities such as laundry, bathing, and dishwashing, constitutes a significant portion of domestic wastewater. However, the reuse of greywater raises concerns about the potential risks posed by its complex composition. Despite the growing body of literature on greywater reuse, most studies only focus on specific contaminants, thus there is a limited understanding of the comprehensive profile of contaminants, health, and environmental effects associated with these pollutants. This review adds new knowledge through a holistic exploration of the composition and physico-chemical characteristics of greywater, with a focus on its organic and inorganic pollutants, heavy metals, EDCs, emerging microplastics, nanoparticles, and microbial agents such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. This review sheds light on the current state of knowledge regarding greywater pollutants and their associated risks while highlighting the importance of safe reuse. Additionally, this review highlights the removal of contaminants from greywater and the sustainable use of grey water for addressing water scarcity in affected regions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the attenuating effect of vitamin C (VC) on lead (Pb)-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty-four mature male rats were divided into 4 groups consisting of 6 animals using a completely randomized design. Rats were treated orally with either 60 mg/kg body weight (BW) Pb acetate or 100 mg/kg BW VC singly or combination. Controls group received water (vehicle control). After 65 days exposure, testes and epididymis of the animals were measured for testicular weight, epididymal weight and sperm estimations, while blood and liver samples were collected for liver function, hormonal assays, and oxidative stress responses including transcript expression using real-time PCR. Lead initiated significant increases in expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD,) glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Liver function enzyme activities for alkaline phosphatase (ALP,) aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALP) were also elevated in Pb exposed rats. In contrast, a significant decrease was noted in reproductive hormones testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), sperm variables including motility, viability and counts, as well as testes and epididymis weights following Pb treatment. However, the oxidative stress responses and liver function enzymes were reduced in the combined Pb and VC exposure group, while reproductive hormones and sperm profile increased significantly compared to Pb alone. Data indicate that VC exerts an attenuating effect. Our findings showed the attenuating potential of VC on Pb-induced toxicity of male rats.

Heavy metal exposure is a significant public health problem, especially among children, who are a particularly vulnerable group. This study investigates the non-dietary exposure of children to lead, cadmium, and zinc and the associated health risk in three selected locations near the former non-ferrous metal smelters. Soil samples were collected from schools, parks, playgrounds, and other recreational places where children spend their free time in three districts of such towns as Katowice, Świętochłowice, and Piekary Śląskie. The contents of Cd, Pb, and Zn in the surface soil samples had the following ranges: 4.09-20.94 mg Cd/kg d.m., 161.70-1027.68 mg Pb/kg d.m., and 577.76-1475.93 mg Zn/kg d.m., respectively. The threshold doses of Cd, Zn, and Pb are 0.001 mg × kg-1 × day-1, 0.3 mg × kg-1 × day-1, and 0.0035 mg × kg-1 × day-1. A significant health risk was estimated as a result of non-dietary exposure of children to lead. The greatest non-cancer health risk in the population of children <6 years of age and in younger school children (<12 years of age) was shown. The problem was especially concerning in the scenario that assumed ingestion of soil particles in the areas most heavily contaminated with lead in the Katowice-Szopienice district. The public health policy should aim to monitor the current exposure of the local population to Pb and educate them on effective prophylactic methods to minimize environmental health risks.

Arthropods, abundant in farmland, have unique biological traits that make them valuable for studying the ecotoxicological impacts of pollutants. Recent advancements in multi-omics technologies have enhanced their use in assessing pollution risks and understanding toxicity mechanisms. This article reviews recent developments in applying omics technologies-genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and meta-omics-to ecotoxicological research on farmland arthropods. Agricultural arthropods manage genes and proteins, such as metallothioneins, antioxidant enzyme systems, heat shock proteins, cytochrome P450, carboxylesterases, and glutathione S-transferases, for detoxification and antioxidant purposes. They adjust amino acid, sugar, and lipid metabolism to counteract pollutant-induced energy drain and modify gut microbiota to aid in detoxification. This study advocates for enhanced analysis of compound pollution and emerging pollutants using multi-omics, especially meta-omics, to clarify the toxicological mechanisms underlying arthropod responses to these pollutants. Furthermore, it underscores the urgent need for subsequent gene function mining and validation to support biological control strategies and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The findings of this research provide significant insights into the toxicological impacts and mechanisms of pollutants within farmland ecosystems, thereby contributing to the preservation of arthropod diversity.

Biological aging (BA) trajectory can capture the characteristics of the dynamic process of aging. Although toxic metals were associated with various health effects, there was limited study of their single and joint effects on BA trajectory.

A total of 2688 community-based older adults (≥65 years) were enrolled in this study, and we measured a composite BA indicator based on 9 clinical and anthropometric measures using Klemera and Doubal methods at four time points from baseline to the last follow-up. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify the aging trajectories. The associations between toxic metals and BA trajectories were analyzed by multivariable multinomial logistic regression. Quantile g-computing was used to explore the mixed effect of toxic metals. Pairwise interactions of toxic metals were further assessed.

Three BA trajectories including slow aging, normal aging, and accelerated aging were identified in this study. Quantile g-computing showed toxic metals mixture was associated with higher risk of being in normal aging trajectory (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.29) or accelerated aging trajectories (OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.25, 1.88), with Pb as the dominant contributor. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in ln-transformed Pb was associated with an increased risk of being in normal aging (OR = 1.21, 95%CI:1.08, 1.35) or accelerated BA trajectory (OR = 1.54, 95%CI:1.31, 1.82) compared with slow aging trajectory. Similarly, per IQR increase in As was associated with a higher risk of being in accelerated BA trajectory (OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.39). The interaction between toxic metals exposure was not significant.

This study identified three BA trajectories and found the association between mixed toxic metals and increased risk of accelerated BA trajectories, with Pb as the dominant contributor. These findings highlight the importance of reducing toxic metals in the environment and may assist in developing effective anti-aging interventions in older adults.

Dam accidents, often resulting from inadequate structural monitoring, pose significant environmental risks. In southern Brazil, the rupture of an evaporation-infiltration lagoon released over 500,000 m3 of treated domestic effluent into a coastal lagoon, raising concerns about potential contamination from nutrients and heavy metals. This study aimed to (1) assess the environment's self-purification capacity regarding dissolved nutrients, (2) determine total heavy metal concentrations in water and sediments throughout the coastal lagoon using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, (3) correlate variables influencing heavy metal availability to identify potential sources, and (4) evaluate environmental risks by comparing concentrations to established water and sediment quality guidelines. Potential sources of contamination included natural origins, boat traffic associated with fuel leaks and antifouling paints, and the irregular discharge of domestic effluents into the lagoon. The results revealed nutrient self-purification and elevated arsenic levels in the water, likely from natural sources. However, manganese and zinc concentrations exceeded water quality limits, while zinc and copper levels were notably high in northern sediments, with no definitive association to the dam's sludge. These findings highlight significant toxicity risks to biota and emphasize the need for continuous monitoring. Mitigation strategies should be implemented, particularly in the most contaminated areas, given the lagoon's intense use for recreation and seafood harvesting. Overall, the results reinforce the threat of pollution to biodiversity, ecosystem services, the livelihoods of fishing communities, and the local economy, emphasizing the importance of this study in guiding management actions amidst significant challenges.

Concentrations of five metals together with hematological and morphological parameters were measured in three coastal fish species collected in two sites of the Antarctic Peninsula. Furthermore, we assessed isotopic niche widths among fish populations to better understand their trophic ecology. Nothotenia coriiceps from Fildes Bay displayed high concentrations of Fe and Cu, while those from South Bay had higher concentrations of Cd. All fish from South Bay had higher Zn levels than specimens from Fildes Bay. Effects such as biomagnification of Fe, increased fish metal levels and niche width expansion of Nothotenia coriiceps and Harpagifer antarcticus could be attributed to suboptimal environmental conditions in Fildes Bay. Our findings suggest that early warning signals in coastal Antarctic fish may be linked to increased metal bioavailability as a result of climate change and increased human pressure.