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Liu X, Xiang Q, Zhang L, Li J, Wu Y. Occurrence of rare earth elements in umbilical cord serum and association with thyroid hormones and birth outcomes in newborns. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142321. [PMID: 38754495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging contaminants that are increasingly used in high technology products. However, limited information is available regarding exposure to REEs and associated health effects in neonates. This study aimed to investigate the association between REE concentrations and thyroid hormone levels, as well as birth outcomes in 109 newborns in Beijing, China. We measured the concentrations of 16 REEs and thyroid hormones in umbilical cord serum. To assess the impact of exposure to individual REEs and REE mixtures on thyroid hormone levels and birth outcomes, we employed univariate linear regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) models. We detected 14 REEs at high rates (92.6%-100%), with yttrium exhibiting the highest median (interquartile range) concentration [43.94 (0.33-172.55) ng/mL], followed by scandium [3.64 (0.46-11.15) ng/mL]. Univariate analyses showed that per logarithmic (ln)-unit change of neodymium (Nd) and samarium (Sm) was associated with 0.039 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.001, 0.007] and 0.031 (95% CI: 0.003, 0.060) increases in free thyroxine (FT4) levels, respectively. Moreover, 14 REEs exhibited significant associations with triiodothyronine (T3) levels, resulting in increases ranging from 0.066 to 0.307. Elevated concentrations of terbium (Tb) [per ln-unit change: -0.021 (95% CI: -0.041, -0.01)] and lutetium (Lu) [-0.023 (95% CI: -0.043, -0.002)] were inversely correlated with birth length in newborns. A further multiple exposure analysis employing the LASSO model identified Sm, Nd, Y, Sc, and Lu as critical factors influencing FT4 and T3 levels. Additionally, WQS analyses showed positive associations between exposure to a mixture of 14 REEs and FT4 (P = 0.046), T3 (P < 0.001), and birth length (P = 0.049). These findings suggest that in utero exposure to REEs might disrupt thyroid hormone homeostasis and impact intrauterine growth. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Deep Processing of Major Grain and Oil, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory for Processing and Transformation of Agricultural Products, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Healthcare-associated Infection Control Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, Peking Union Medical College, Research Unit of Food Safety, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jingguang Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, Peking Union Medical College, Research Unit of Food Safety, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yongning Wu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Deep Processing of Major Grain and Oil, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory for Processing and Transformation of Agricultural Products, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, Peking Union Medical College, Research Unit of Food Safety, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, 100021, China
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Reindl AR, Wolska L, Piotrowicz-Cieślak AI, Saniewska D, Bołałek J, Saniewski M. The impact of global climate changes on trace and rare earth elements mobilization in emerging periglacial terrains: Insights from western shore of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Antarctic). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171540. [PMID: 38492601 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
In the rapidly changing climate, the biogeochemical behaviours of trace elements and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in emerging periglacial environments assumes profound importance. This study provides pivotal insights into this dynamic by investigating the Antarctic's response to global climate change. The bedrock of King George Island is rich in REEs, with the presence of trace metals (TEs), with the highest concentrations of metals found in ornithogenic soil (∑REE 84.01-85.53 mg∙kg-1 dry weight). REEs in the studied soil, found mainly in igneous rocks, as is indicated by the positive correlation of these elements with sodium and calcium. The TEs released as a result of weathering are leached by water flowing down local watercourses to Admiralty Bay, as indicated by the decreasing results of ∑REE = 11.59 μg∙dm-3 in watercourse water, ∑REE = 1.62 μg∙dm-3 in watercourse pools and ∑REE = 0.66 μg∙dm-3 in the water of Admiralty Bay at the outlet of the watercourse. Water originating from the melting of snow on the glacier also carried REEs (∑REE = 0.14 μg∙dm-3), a fact which suggest the further influx of these elements from atmospheric deposition. The Prasiola crispa turned out to be the most susceptible to the accumulation of REEs (∑ 80.73 ± 5.05 μg g-1) and TEs, with the exception of chromium and zinc, whose concentrations were found to be at their highest in Deschampsia antarctica. In Usnea antarctica, Xanthoria candelaria, and Ceratodon purpureus and Politrichastrum alpinum, a dominant role in the accumulation of REEs was played by HREEs. The determined enrichment factor (EF) indicates that the soil cover is a source of REEs (EFAlgae for ∑REE = 5.07; EFLichen for ∑REE = 6.65; EFBryophyta for ∑REE = 5.04; EFVascular for ∑REE = 4.38), while Ni, As and Pb accumulated in plants may originate from other sources than the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej R Reindl
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Lidia Wolska
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka I Piotrowicz-Cieślak
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dominika Saniewska
- Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Jerzy Bołałek
- Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Michał Saniewski
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Gdynia, Poland
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Hanana H, Auclair J, Turcotte P, Gagnon C, Gagné F. Toxicity of two heavy rare earth elements to freshwater mussels Dreissena polymorpha. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33633-y. [PMID: 38760608 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33633-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REE) are essential components of many electronic devices that could end-up in solid waste disposal sites and inadvertently released in the environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicity of two heavy REEs, erbium (Er) and lutetium (Lu), in freshwater mussels Dreissena polymorpha. Mussels were exposed to 14 days to increasing concentration (10, 50, 250, and 1250 µg/L) of either Er and Lu at 15 °C and analyzed for gene expression in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), metallothionein (MT), cytochrome c oxidase (CO1), and cyclin D for cell cycle. In addition, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage (DNAd), and arachidonate cyclooxygenase were also determined. The data revealed that mussels accumulated Er and Lu similarly and both REEs induced changes in mitochondrial COI activity. Er increased cell division, MT, and LPO, while Lu increased DNAd and decreased cell division. Tissue levels of Er were related to changes in MT (r = 0.7), LPO (r = 0.42), CO1 (r = 0.69), and CycD (r = 0.31). Lu tissue levels were related to changes in CO1 (r = 0.73), CycD (r = - 0.61), CAT (r = 0.31), DNAd (r = 0.43), and SOD (r = 0.34). Although the lethal threshold was similar between Er and Lu, the threshold response for LPO revealed that Er produced toxicity at concentrations 25 times lower than Lu suggesting that Er was more harmful than Lu in mussels. In conclusions, the data supports that the toxicity pattern differed between Er and Lu although they are accumulated in the same fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Hanana
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Joëlle Auclair
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Patrice Turcotte
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Christian Gagnon
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - François Gagné
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E7, Canada.
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Revel M, Medjoubi K, Charles S, Hursthouse A, Heise S. Mechanistic analysis of the sub chronic toxicity of La and Gd in Daphnia magna based on TKTD modelling and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141509. [PMID: 38403125 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The release of lanthanides (Ln) into the environment has increased in recent decades due to their expanding applications in society. Studying their toxicity in aquatic ecosystems is urgent and challenging, with contradictory evidence presented in the literature. This study compared the biodistribution of La and Gd in Daphnia magna exposed to sub-chronic conditions and developed the first Toxicokinetic-Toxicodynamic (TKTD) model for these lanthanides with this model crustacean. D. magna were initially exposed for 7 days to concentrations close to the LC50 of La (2.10 mg L-1) and Gd (1.70 mg L-1). After exposure, half of the live daphnids were introduced in a clean media to allow depuration over 24 h, while the other organisms were directly prepared for synchrotron imaging measurements. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis revealed that metal distribution in the organisms was similar for both La and Gd, predominantly localized in the intestinal tract, even after the depuration process. These results indicate that ingested metal can adversely affect organisms under sub-chronic exposure conditions, highlighting the importance of using nominal concentrations as a more suitable indicator of metal bioavailability for risk assessment. The General Unified Threshold Model of Survival (GUTS) TKTD framework, in its reduced form (GUTS-RED), was developed for La and Gd using dissolved and nominal concentrations. D. magna were exposed for 7 days to concentrations from 0.5 to 5 mg L-1 of La or Gd and mortality monitored daily. The mechanistic model revealed a faster toxicokinetics for La than Gd and a higher toxicity for Gd than La in the organism. This study confirmed, despite similar chemical properties, the variation in both toxicity and toxicokinetics between these two metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Revel
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Science, Ulmenliet 20, D-21033 Hamburg, Germany; University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK.
| | - Kadda Medjoubi
- SOLEIL Synchrotron, L'Orme des Merisiers, Dptale 128, 91190 Saint-Aubin, France
| | - Sandrine Charles
- University Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5558, Laboratory of Biometry and Evolutionary Biology, Villeurbanne Cedex, 69622, France
| | | | - Susanne Heise
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Science, Ulmenliet 20, D-21033 Hamburg, Germany
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Liu D, Wu X, Hu C, Zeng Y, Pang Q. Neodymium affects the generation of reactive oxygen species via GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling in the gill of zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 261:106621. [PMID: 37393733 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth element neodymium (Nd) is widely used in industry and agriculture, which may result in the pollution of aquatic environment. In this study, we exposed zebrafish with 10, 50, and 100 μg/L Nd for four weeks. The results showed that Nd could be accumulated in fish gill and Nd accumulation affected the equilibrium of nutrient elements. Nd decreased the antioxidant enzymes' activity and gene expression level, but enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, various concentration of Nd treatments inhibited Nrf2 signaling in gill. To examine the critical role of GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling on ROS generation under Nd stress, we further interfered gsk-3β gene in zebrafish under 100 μg/L Nd exposure. The result showed that gsk-3β gene interference induced Nrf2 signaling as well as the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in fish gill. In all, Nd could be accumulated in fish gill, and the signaling of GSK-3β/Nrf2 was involved in regulating ROS generation under Nd treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwu Liu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China.
| | - Xue Wu
- Zibo Mashang Central Hospital, Zhangdian, Shandong, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Cun Hu
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Yujie Zeng
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China.
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Kelpsiene E, Chang T, Khort A, Bernfur K, Odnevall I, Cedervall T, Hua J. The effect of natural biomolecules on yttrium oxide nanoparticles from a Daphnia magna survival rate perspective. Nanotoxicology 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37428876 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2023.2226712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The attention to rare earth oxide nanoparticles (NPs), including yttrium oxide (Y2O3), has increased in many fields due to their unique structural characteristics and functional properties. The aim of our study was to investigate the mechanisms by which bio-corona formation on Y2O3 NPs affects their environmental fate and toxicity. The Y2O3 NPs induced toxicity to freshwater filter feeder Daphnia magna at particle concentrations of 1 and 10 mg/L, regardless of particle size. Interactions between naturally excreted biomolecules (e.g. protein, lipids, and polysaccharides) derived from D. magna, and the Y2O3 NPs (30-45 nm) resulted in the formation of an eco-corona, which reduced their toxic effects toward D. magna at a particle concentration of 10 mg/L. No effects were observed at lower concentrations or for the other particle sizes investigated. Copper-zinc (Cu-Zn) superoxide dismutase, apolipophorins, and vitellogenin-1 proteins proved to be the most prominent proteins of the adsorbed corona, and possibly a reason for the reduced toxicity of the 30-45 nm Y2O3 NPs toward D. magna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle Kelpsiene
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tingru Chang
- Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aliaksandr Khort
- Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Bernfur
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Inger Odnevall
- Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tommy Cedervall
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jing Hua
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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7
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Andrade M, Soares AMVM, Solé M, Pereira E, Freitas R. Threats of Pollutants Derived from Electronic Waste to Marine Bivalves: The Case of the Rare-Earth Element Yttrium. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:166-177. [PMID: 36511525 PMCID: PMC10107937 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The production of electrical and electronic equipment waste (e-waste) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. This may eventually lead to its accumulation in aquatic environments, mainly because of the presence of nonbiodegradable components. The rare-earth element yttrium (Y) is particularly relevant because it is present in a wide variety of electro-based equipment. Within this context, the present study investigated the biological consequences of anthropogenic Y exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to Y (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/L) for 28 days, and their bioaccumulation and biomarkers related to metabolism, oxidative stress defenses, cellular damage, and neurotoxicity were evaluated. The results revealed that tissue Y content increased at increasing exposure concentrations (though the bioconcentration factor decreased). At the lowest Y dosage (5 µg/L), mussels lowered their electron transport system (ETS) activity, consumed more energy reserves (glycogen), and activated superoxide dismutase activity, thus preventing cellular damage. At the highest Y dosage (40 μg/L), mussels reduced their biotransformation activities with no signs of cellular damage, which may be associated with the low toxicity of Y and the lower/maintenance of ETS activity. Although only minor effects were observed, the present findings raise an environmental concern for aquatic systems where anthropogenic Y concentrations are generally low but still may compromise organisms' biochemical performance. Particularly relevant are the alterations in energy metabolism and detoxification processes for their longer-term impacts on growth and reproduction but also as defense mechanisms against other stressors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:166-177. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalena Andrade
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAMUniversidade de AveiroAveiroPortugal
| | | | - Montserrat Solé
- Departamento de Recursos Marinos RenovablesInstituto de Ciencias del Mar ICM‐CSICBarcelonaSpain
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Departamento de Química & CESAM/LAQV‐REQUIMTEUniversidade de AveiroAveiroPortugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAMUniversidade de AveiroAveiroPortugal
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Lu XX, Gu YG, Wang ZH, Liang RZ, Han YJ, Li HS. Risk on assessment of 15 REEs and mixtures by DGT in Songhua River system sediments of China's largest old industrial base. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113368. [PMID: 35513058 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly used in the high-tech sectors in the world and are therefore called burgeoning contaminants. As diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) can be used to assess the bioavailability of inorganic matters, in this paper, we evaluated, for the first time, the ecotoxicology risks of REEs and their mixtures in river sediments of China's old industrial base by DGT. During our research, taking the Songhua River system (SRS) as an example, we detected its surficial sediments, of which the DGT-labile concentration of REEs (∑REEs) was 2.07-8.76 μg/L. As for the single toxicity, the risk quotient (RQ) values of Y at all sites were significantly greater than 1; while the values of Nd and Pr in some upstream reaches were all significantly greater than the threshold (1), indicating that these adverse effects of single REEs were not neglected. In terms of the combined toxicity of REEs mixtures, we carried out an assessment of the risks of probabilistic ecotoxicology, which showed that the SRS superficial sediments had a low probability of toxicity to aquatic organisms (0.54%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Lu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Heilongjiang Province, 150025, China
| | - Yang-Guang Gu
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510300, China; Key Laboratory of Open-Sea Fishery Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510300, China.
| | - Zhao-Hui Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rui-Ze Liang
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China; School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yan-Jie Han
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China; College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Hai-Song Li
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Hanana H, Gagné F, Trottier S, Bouchard P, Farley G, Auclair J, Gagnon C. Assessment of the toxicity of a mixture of five rare earth elements found in aquatic ecosystems in Hydra vulgaris. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113793. [PMID: 35759983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are considered critical elements for technology and their extraction through mining activities is expected to increase in the future. Due to their chemical similarities, they often co-occur in minerals and thus their ecotoxicity should be assessed as a group/family. However, the available ecotoxicological studies focused mainly on the evaluation of the potential toxicological impacts of individual REEs rather than their mixtures. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the toxicity of a representative mixture of five REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Sm) spanning environmentally relevant concentrations ranging from 0.05X (29 µg REEs L-1) to 5X (2926 µg REEs L-1) to the test organism, Hydra vulgaris, at the morphological, reproductive and regenerative levels. The data showed that lethality occurred at concentrations near (2.5 fold) to those inducing sublethal effects after chronic exposure of 7 days. The mixture affected reproduction and head regeneration and even lethality at concentrations even below those reported at environmental concentration (0.5X = 293 µg REEs L-1) in lakes. This suggests that REEs concentrations found in lakes near mining activities could disrupt regeneration and impair embryonic development. Our data also revealed that combining the 5 REEs results in an antagonistic effect, suggesting that those elements share the same receptor and that low molecular weight and high radius elements (approaching iron) were less toxic. Taken together, hydra could be used as a sensitive model organism for the assessment of aquatic ecotoxicological risks of REE mixtures but further analyses of biochemical and gene expressions should improve our understanding of the long-term effects of REEs mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Hanana
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada.
| | - François Gagné
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Sylvain Trottier
- Quebec Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pascale Bouchard
- Quebec Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Farley
- Quebec Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Joëlle Auclair
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Christian Gagnon
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
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Short-Term Toxicity of Lanthanum to Embryonic and Yolk-Sac Stage Larvae of the Rare Minnow Gobiocypris rarus Ye & Fu, 1983. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14132084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The wide use of rare-earth elements in China for aquacultural purposes and many other applications has resulted in their accumulation in the aquatic environment and has caused concern about their safety. In this study, we tested the toxicity of lanthanum (La (III)) to the early life stages (embryonic and sac-fry stages) of the rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus Ye & Fu, 1983. We exposed fertilized eggs to 0, 0.06, 0.13, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.92 mg/L of La (III) until the yolk sac was exhausted in any group (at about 168 h of exposure). Exposure to 1.00 and 1.92 mg/L La (III) had obvious lethal effects on embryos, La (III) exposure also accelerated the development of embryos and had a significant inhibitory effect on the hatching rate after 96 h. As the exposure time increased, the larvae exhibited obvious yolk-sac edema, pericardium edema, spinal curvature, tail bending, and other symptoms of poisoning, including deflated swim-bladder. In general, these results clearly indicate that La pollutants hinder the development of rare minnow embryos and are acutely toxic to rare minnow larvae. Our finding would provide a theoretical basis for further research of relevant feed additive criteria for this fish.
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Lanthanides Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryos Are Correlated to Their Atomic Number. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060336. [PMID: 35736944 PMCID: PMC9227082 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical metallic materials with a broad application in industry and biomedicine. The exponential increase in REEs utilization might elevate the toxicity to aquatic animals if they are released into the water due to uncareful handling. The specific objective of our study is to explore comprehensively the critical factor of a model Lanthanide complex electronic structures for the acute toxicity of REEs based on utilizing zebrafish as a model animal. Based on the 96 h LC50 test, we found that the majority of light REEs display lower LC50 values (4.19–25.17 ppm) than heavy REEs (10.30–41.83 ppm); indicating that they are atomic number dependent. Later, linear regression analyses further show that the average carbon charge on the aromatic ring (aromatic Cavg charge) can be the most significant electronic structural factor responsible for the Lanthanides’ toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Our results confirm a very strong correlation of LC50 to Lanthanide’s atomic numbers (r = 0.72), Milliken charge (r = 0.70), and aromatic Cavg charge (r = −0.85). This most significant correlation suggests a possible toxicity mechanism that the Lanthanide cation’s capability to stably bind to the aromatic ring on the residue of targeted proteins via a covalent chelating bond. Instead, the increasing ionic bond character can reduce REEs’ toxicity. In addition, Lanthanide toxicity was also evaluated by observing the disruption of photo motor response (PMR) activity in zebrafish embryos. Our study provides the first in vivo evidence to demonstrate the correlation between an atomic number of Lanthanide ions and the Lanthanide toxicity to zebrafish embryos.
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Piarulli S, Hansen BH, Ciesielski T, Zocher AL, Malzahn A, Olsvik PA, Sonne C, Nordtug T, Jenssen BM, Booth AM, Farkas J. Sources, distribution and effects of rare earth elements in the marine environment: Current knowledge and research gaps. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118230. [PMID: 34597732 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) are critical elements for a wide range of applications and consumer products. Their growing extraction and use can potentially lead to REY and anthropogenic-REY chemical complexes (ACC-REY) being released in the marine environment, causing concern regarding their potential effects on organisms and ecosystems. Here, we critically review the scientific knowledge on REY sources (geogenic and anthropogenic), factors affecting REY distribution and transfer in the marine environment, as well as accumulation in- and effects on marine biota. Further, we aim to draw the attention to research gaps that warrant further scientific attention to assess the potential risk posed by anthropogenic REY release. Geochemical processes affecting REY mobilisation from natural sources and factors affecting their distribution and transfer across marine compartments are well established, featuring a high variability dependent on local conditions. There is, however, a research gap with respect to evaluating the environmental distribution and fate of REY from anthropogenic sources, particularly regarding ACC-REY, which can have a high persistence in seawater. In addition, data on organismal uptake, accumulation, organ distribution and effects are scarce and at best fragmentary. Particularly, the effects of ACC-REY at organismal and community levels are, so far, not sufficiently studied. To assess the potential risks caused by anthropogenic REY release there is an urgent need to i) harmonise data reporting to promote comparability across studies and environmental matrices, ii) conduct research on transport, fate and behaviour of ACC-REY vs geogenic REY iii) deepen the knowledge on bioavailability, accumulation and effects of ACC-REY and REY mixtures at organismal and community level, which is essential for risk assessment of anthropogenic REY in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Piarulli
- Department of Climate and Environment, SINTEF Ocean, Brattørkaia 17C, 7010, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Bjørn Henrik Hansen
- Department of Climate and Environment, SINTEF Ocean, Brattørkaia 17C, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tomasz Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anna-Lena Zocher
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, 28759, Bremen, Germany
| | - Arne Malzahn
- Department of Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry, SINTEF Ocean, Brattørkaia 17C, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål A Olsvik
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Universitetsalléen 11, 8026, Bodø, Norway
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Trond Nordtug
- Department of Climate and Environment, SINTEF Ocean, Brattørkaia 17C, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andy M Booth
- Department of Climate and Environment, SINTEF Ocean, Brattørkaia 17C, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Julia Farkas
- Department of Climate and Environment, SINTEF Ocean, Brattørkaia 17C, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
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Gomes AS, Boldrini-França J, Aride PHR, Gomes LC. Gene Expression Changes in Epinephelus marginatus (Teleostei, Serranidae) Liver as Molecular Biomarker of Iron Ore Contamination. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:855-859. [PMID: 34255108 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03324-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine selected molecular biomarkers of iron ore contamination in Epinephelus marginatus. Molecular biomarkers were tested by checking the relative expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, trace element regulation, and cellular damage, by RT-qPCR. Iron ore exposure caused the downregulation of ferroportin (FP) gene expression and a significant upregulation in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) genes. Iron ore affects gene expression in E. marginatus liver, indicating that it can potentially induce toxic effects in fish. Moreover, this altered gene expression pattern may be applied in monitoring iron ore contamination in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Silva Gomes
- Universidade Vila Velha, Rua Comissário José Dantas Melo, 21, Vila Velha, ES, 29102-770, Brazil
| | - Johara Boldrini-França
- Universidade Vila Velha, Rua Comissário José Dantas Melo, 21, Vila Velha, ES, 29102-770, Brazil.
| | | | - Levy Carvalho Gomes
- Universidade Vila Velha, Rua Comissário José Dantas Melo, 21, Vila Velha, ES, 29102-770, Brazil.
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Morel E, Cui L, Zerges W, Wilkinson KJ. Mixtures of rare earth elements show antagonistic interactions in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117594. [PMID: 34175518 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In order to better understand the environmental risks of the rare earth elements (REEs), it is necessary to determine their fate and biological effects under environmentally relevant conditions (e.g. at low concentrations, REE mixtures). Here, the unicellular freshwater microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, was exposed for 2 h to one of three soluble REEs (Ce, Tm, Y) salts at 0.5 μM or to an equimolar mixture of these REEs. RNA sequencing revealed common biological effects among the REEs. Known functions of the differentially expressed genes support effects of REEs on protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, phosphate transport and the homeostasis of Fe and Ca. The only stress response detected was related to protein misfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum. When the REEs were applied as a mixture, antagonistic effects were overwhelmingly observed with transcriptomic results suggesting that the REEs were initially competing with each other for bio-uptake. Metal biouptake results were consistent with this interpretation. These results suggest that the approach of government agencies to regulate the REEs using biological effects data from single metal exposures may be a largely conservative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Morel
- Biophysical Environmental Chemistry Group, University of Montreal, P.O. Box 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lei Cui
- Biophysical Environmental Chemistry Group, University of Montreal, P.O. Box 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William Zerges
- Dept. of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke W., H4B 1R6, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin J Wilkinson
- Biophysical Environmental Chemistry Group, University of Montreal, P.O. Box 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Zhao Y, Liang J, Meng H, Yin Y, Zhen H, Zheng X, Shi H, Wu X, Zu Y, Wang B, Fan L, Zhang K. Rare Earth Elements Lanthanum and Praseodymium Adversely Affect Neural and Cardiovascular Development in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:1155-1166. [PMID: 33373191 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Increasing rare earth element (REE) mining and refining activities have led to a considerable release of these substances into aquatic environment, yet the knowledge of their impacts on aquatic organisms is still limited. Here, we explored the developmental effects of 16 REEs (concentration ranged from 0.46 to 1000 mg/L) to zebrafish embryos and highlighted the adverse effects of lanthanum (La) and praseodymium (Pr). Among the multiple developmental parameters measured, the significant effects on swimming behavior and cardiac physiology were the most prominent. Transcriptomic analysis of La and Pr at concentrations of 1.1 to 10 mg/L revealed their rather uniform effects at molecular levels. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis revealed that among others, notch, glutamate, and serotonin signaling, as well as cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac muscle contraction, were significantly affected. These changes of neural signaling were consistent with behavior effects observed and supported by neurotransmitter changes and thus provide a reasonable molecular mechanistic explanation. Furthermore, increased DNA damage and apoptotic activity at high concentrations were observed, especially in the heart. They may contribute to explain the observed adverse morphological and physiological outcomes, such as pericardial edema. The effect concentrations observed in the present study were comparable to the concentrations of REE residues at highly contaminated sites (several mg/L), indicating ecotoxicological effects at environmentally relevant concentrations. Overall, the present data help to clarify the potential developmental toxicity of REEs that was not yet fully recognized and thus contribute to their environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiahui Liang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haoyu Meng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yue Yin
- State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Huajun Zhen
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuehan Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haochun Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiuzhi Wu
- College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Yao Zu
- College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University and Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liuyin Fan
- Student Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
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Hanana H, Taranu ZE, Turcotte P, Gagnon C, Kowalczyk J, Gagné F. Evaluation of general stress, detoxification pathways, and genotoxicity in rainbow trout exposed to rare earth elements dysprosium and lutetium. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111588. [PMID: 33396111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) have been recently identified as emergent contaminants because of their numerous and increasing applications in technology. The impact of REEs on downstream ecosystems, notably aquatic organisms, is of particular concern, but has to date been largely overlooked. The purpose of this study was thus to evaluate the toxicity of lanthanide metals, lutetium (Lu) and dysprosium (Dy) in rainbow trout after 96 h of exposure. The lethal concentration (LC50) was determined and the expression of 14 genes involved in different pathways such as oxidative stress, xenobiotic detoxification, mitochondrial respiration, DNA repair, protein folding and turnover, inflammation, calcium binding and ammonia metabolism were quantified in surviving fish. In parallel, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage (DSB), metallothionein level (MT) and cyclooxygenase activity (COX) were examined. The acute 96 h-LC50 data revealed that Lu was more toxic than Dy (1.9 and 11.0 mg/L, respectively) and was able to affect all investigated pathways by changing the expression of the studied genes, to the exception of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). It also induced a decrease in DNA repair at concentrations 29 times below the LC50. This suggests that Lu could trigger a general stress to disrupt the cell homeostasis leading to genotoxicity without promoting oxidative stress. However, Dy induced modulation in the expression of genes involved in the protection against oxidative stress, detoxification, mitochondrial respiration, immunomodulation, protein turnover and an increase in the DNA strand breaks at concentrations 170 times lower than LC50. Changes in mRNA level transcripts could represent an early signal to prevent against toxicity of Dy, which exhibited inflammatory and genotoxic effects. This study thus provides useful knowledge enhancing our understanding of survival strategies developed by rainbow trout to cope with the presence of lanthanides in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Hanana
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada.
| | - Zofia E Taranu
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Patrice Turcotte
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Christian Gagnon
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Joanna Kowalczyk
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - François Gagné
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill street, 7th Floor, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
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Kang J, Kang AM. Trend of the research on rare earth elements in environmental science. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:14318-14321. [PMID: 32088825 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) consist of 17 transition metals which are the 15 lanthanides and yttrium and scandium. These elements have great utility in the production of modern technology, especially electronics. However, these materials may pose a serious threat to the environment if handled or disposed of incorrectly; the effects of which are being studied by the field of environmental toxicology. A multitude of studies have indicated that rare earth elements have harmful impacts on biological life, making a reform to the disposal of rare earth elements increasingly pressing. Scientific interest in REEs is constantly rising due to the increased use of REEs due to their utility. In this paper, we display our meta-analysis of a scientific literature database, PubMed, to quantitatively map the temporal flux of research and interest pertaining to REEs, especially in the field of environmental science. Our findings may prove useful for planning research on REEs or predicting the future of REE usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghoon Kang
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, 31698, USA.
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