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Hu Y, Zhang L, Tian C, Chen F, Li P, Zhang A, Wang W. Molecular crosstalk and putative mechanisms underlying mitochondrial quality control: The hidden link with methylmercury-induced cognitive impairment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116360. [PMID: 38678690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116360] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxin associated with foetal neurodevelopmental and adult cognitive deficits. Neurons are highly dependent on the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP and meet their high energy demands. Therefore, mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is critical for neuronal homeostasis. While existing studies have generated a wealth of data on the toxicity of MeHg, the complex cascades and molecular pathways governing the mitochondrial network remain to be elucidated. Here, 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 mg/kg body weight of MeHg were administered intragastrically to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats to model maternal MeHg exposure. The results of the in vivo study revealed that MeHg-treated rats tended to perform more directionless repetitive strategies in the Morris Water Maze and fewer target-orientation strategies than control offspring. Moreover, pathological injury and synaptic toxicity were observed in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the autophagosomes encapsulated damaged mitochondria, while showing a typical mitochondrial fission phenotype, which was supported by the activation of PINK1-dependent key regulators of mitophagy. Moreover, there was upregulation of DRP1 and FIS1. Additionally, MeHg compensation promoted mitochondrial biogenesis, as evidenced by the activation of the mitochondrial PGC1-α-NRF1-TFAM signalling pathway. Notably, SIRT3/AMPK was activated by MeHg, and the expression and activity of p-AMPK, p-LKB1 and SIRT3 were consistently coordinated. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the potential molecular mechanisms regulating MeHg-induced cognitive deficits through SIRT3/AMPK MQC network coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Li Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Changsong Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Fang Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Collaborative Innovation Centre for Prevention and Control of Endemic and Ethnic Regional Diseases Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China; Collaborative Innovation Centre for Prevention and Control of Endemic and Ethnic Regional Diseases Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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Szada-Borzyszkowska A, Krzyżak J, Rusinowski S, Sitko K, Pogrzeba M. Toxic effect of mercury on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonisation and physiological status of three seed-based Miscanthus hybrids. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127391. [PMID: 38219458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, mercury pollution is a widespread problem in the world. As mercury is difficult to remove from the environment, it has long-term negative effects on soil health and human life. One of the techniques to stabilise Hg is phytostabilisation, which can be supported by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). METHODS In a 4-month pot experiment, we investigated the suitability of three seed-based Miscanthus hybrids (GNT3, GNT34, GNT43) for growth on soils heavily polluted with mercury (6795.7 mg kg-1). During the experiment, the effects of high soil contamination with mercury on physiological parameters and colonisation of roots of seed-based Miscanthus hybrids by indigenous AMF from Hg-contaminated and uncontaminated soils were investigated. RESULTS A high pseudo-total Hg concentration (6795.75 mg kg-1) in soil was found. The Hg content in the aerial part of GNT34 grown on Hg-contaminated soil was 1.5 times and 3 times higher than GNT3 and GNT43, respectively. The Hg content in the roots of GNT3 on Hg-contaminated soil was 25% and 10% lower than that of GNT34 and GNT43, respectively. The N content in the aboveground part of GNT34 in the Hg variant was 13.5% lower compared to the control soil. The P and K content in the shoots of the Miscanthus hybrids was lower in the plants grown on Hg-contaminated soil. The P content in GNT43 in the Hg variant was 33% and 19% lower than in GNT34 and GNT3, respectively. The K content in GNT34 in the Hg variant was 24.7% and 31.4% higher than in GNT43 and GNT3, respectively. The dry weight of the shoots and roots as well as the shoot height of the Miscanthus hybrids were lower in Hg-contaminated soil. Lower values of AMF root colonisation parameters (F, M) were observed in the plants in the Hg variant. In the Hg variant, a lower photosynthetic rate and a decrease in chlorophyll content were observed in the leaves of the Miscanthus hybrids. In the Hg variant, an increase in the content of flavonols was observed. The strongest toxic effect of mercury on the light phase of photosynthesis was measured in GNT34. CONCLUSION Soils heavily contaminated with mercury negatively affected the physiological parameters of Miscanthus, as evidenced by a decrease in photosynthetic rate and biomass. The ability of indigenous AMF from Hg-contaminated soils to colonise the roots of seed-based Miscanthus hybrids was limited.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacek Krzyżak
- Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas, 6 Kossutha St., 40-844 Katowice, Poland
| | - Szymon Rusinowski
- Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas, 6 Kossutha St., 40-844 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sitko
- Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas, 6 Kossutha St., 40-844 Katowice, Poland; Plant Ecophysiology Team, University of Silesia in Katowice, 28 Jagiellońska St., 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marta Pogrzeba
- Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas, 6 Kossutha St., 40-844 Katowice, Poland.
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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x. [PMID: 38683471 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Leal-Nazaré CG, Arrifano GP, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Barthelemy JL, Soares-Silva I, Crespo-Lopez ME, Augusto-Oliveira M. Methylmercury neurotoxicity: Beyond the neurocentric view. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170939. [PMID: 38365040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170939] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a highly toxic metal widely used in human activities worldwide, therefore considered a global public health problem. Many cases of mercury intoxication have occurred in history and represent a huge challenge nowadays. Of particular importance is its methylated form, methylmercury (MeHg). This mercurial species induces damage to several organs in the human body, especially to the central nervous system. Neurological impairments such as executive, memory, motor and visual deficits are associated with MeHg neurotoxicity. Molecular mechanisms involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity include excitotoxicity due to glutamatergic imbalance, disturbance in calcium homeostasis and oxidative balance, failure in synaptic support, and inflammatory response. Although neurons are largely affected by MeHg intoxication, they only represent half of the brain cells. Glial cells represent roughly 50 % of the brain cells and are key elements in the functioning of the central nervous system. Particularly, astrocytes and microglia are deeply involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, resulting in distinct neurological outcomes depending on the context. In this review, we discuss the main findings on astroglial and microglial involvement as mediators of neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses to MeHg intoxication. The literature shows that these responses depend on chemical and morphophysiological features, thus, we present some insights for future investigations, considering the particularities of the context, including time and dose of exposure, brain region, and species of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Gustavo Leal-Nazaré
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jean Ludger Barthelemy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Isabela Soares-Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
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5
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Spanu D, Butti L, Recchia S, Dossi C, Monticelli D. A high-throughput, straightforward procedure for biomonitoring organomercury species in human hair. Talanta 2024; 270:125612. [PMID: 38169277 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a pervasive and concerning pollutant due to its toxicity, mobility, and tendency to biomagnify in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Speciation analysis is crucial to assess exposure and risks associated with mercury, as different mercury species exhibit varying properties and toxicities. This study aimed at developing a selective detection method for organic mercury species in a non-invasive biomonitoring matrix like human hair. The method is based on frontal chromatography (FC) in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), using a low pressure, homemade, anion exchange column inserted in a standard ICP-MS introduction system, without requiring high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) hyphenation. In addition to the extreme simplification and cost reduction of the chromatographic equipment, the proposed protocol involves a fast, streamlined and fully integrated sample preparation process (in contrast to existing methods): the optimized procedure features a 15-min ultrasonic assisted extraction procedure and 5 min analysis time. Consequently, up to 100 samples could be analyzed daily, making the method highly productive and suitable for large-scale screening programs in public and environmental health. Moreover, the optimized procedure enables a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.5 μg/kg for a 10 mg hair microsample. All these features undeniably demonstrate a significant advancement in routine biomonitoring practices. To provide additional evidence, the method was applied to forty-nine human hair samples from individuals with varying dietary habits successfully finding a clear correlation between methylmercury levels (ranging from 0.02 to 3.2 mg/kg) in hair and fish consumption, in line with previous literature data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Spanu
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, 22100, Italy
| | - Laura Butti
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, 22100, Italy
| | - Sandro Recchia
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, 22100, Italy
| | - Carlo Dossi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Science, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - Damiano Monticelli
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, 22100, Italy.
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Peng X, Yang Y, Yang S, Li L, Song L. Recent advance of microbial mercury methylation in the environment. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:235. [PMID: 38407657 PMCID: PMC10896945 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury formation is mainly driven by microbial-mediated process. The mechanism of microbial mercury methylation has become a crucial research topic for understanding methylation in the environment. Pioneering studies of microbial mercury methylation are focusing on functional strain isolation, microbial community composition characterization, and mechanism elucidation in various environments. Therefore, the functional genes of microbial mercury methylation, global isolations of Hg methylation strains, and their methylation potential were systematically analyzed, and methylators in typical environments were extensively reviewed. The main drivers (key physicochemical factors and microbiota) of microbial mercury methylation were summarized and discussed. Though significant progress on the mechanism of the Hg microbial methylation has been explored in recent decade, it is still limited in several aspects, including (1) molecular biology techniques for identifying methylators; (2) characterization methods for mercury methylation potential; and (3) complex environmental properties (environmental factors, complex communities, etc.). Accordingly, strategies for studying the Hg microbial methylation mechanism were proposed. These strategies include the following: (1) the development of new molecular biology methods to characterize methylation potential; (2) treating the environment as a micro-ecosystem and studying them from a holistic perspective to clearly understand mercury methylation; (3) a more reasonable and sensitive inhibition test needs to be considered. KEY POINTS: • Global Hg microbial methylation is phylogenetically and functionally discussed. • The main drivers of microbial methylation are compared in various condition. • Future study of Hg microbial methylation is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuya Peng
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Liyan Song
- School of resources and environmental engineering, Anhui University, No 111 Jiulong Road, Economic and Technology Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, People's Republic of China.
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Zhou X, Lei B, Yin D, Kang J, He Z, He T, Xu X. Application potential of biofertilizer-assisted Pennisetum giganteum in safe utilization of mercury-contaminated paddy fields. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119291. [PMID: 37832289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
High mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in crops such as rice in Hg-contaminated areas presents a potential health hazard to humans and wildlife. To develop a safe alternative technique, bacillus-inoculated biofertilizer, citric acid, earthworms, and selenium-modified activated clay were compared for their ability to regulate Hg bioaccumulation in Pennisetum giganteum (P. giganteum). This biofertilizer significantly increased Bacillus sp. abundance in the soil by 157.12%, resulting in the removal of 27.52% of water-soluble Hg fractions through volatilization and adsorption mechanisms. The variation in bioavailable Hg in the soil significantly reduced the total Hg concentration in P. giganteum young leaves, old leaves, stems, and roots of P. giganteum by 74.14%, 48.08%, 93.72%, and 50.91%, respectively (p < 0.05), which is lower than the Chinese feed safety standard (100 ng g-1). The biofertilizer inhibitory potential was highly consistent with that of the selenium-modified activated clay. Biofertilizers significantly reduced the methylmercury concentration in various P. giganteum tissues (p < 0.05), whereas selenium-modified activated clay failed to achieve a comparable effect. This biofertilizer-assisted planting pattern can achieve an economic income quadruple that of the rice planting pattern in the Hg-contaminated paddy fields. Because of its significant environmental and financial applications, the biofertilizer-assisted planting pattern is expected to replace Hg-contaminated paddy fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhou
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environment Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Bangxing Lei
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environment Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Jichuan Kang
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Zhangjiang He
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
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Mestanza-Ramón C, Jiménez-Oyola S, Gavilanes Montoya AV, Vizuete DDC, D'Orio G, Cedeño-Laje J, Urdánigo D, Straface S. Human health risk assessment due to mercury use in gold mining areas in the Ecuadorian Andean region. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 344:140351. [PMID: 37797899 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140351] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Mining activity drives economic development and has established itself as one of the main industrial spheres globally. However, illegal, and artisanal gold mining, which uses mercury (Hg), is a major source of global pollution. Hg is highly toxic and persistent in the environment, affecting human health and the ecosystem. The objective of this research is to; (a) analyze Hg concentrations in surface waters of nine provinces of the Andean region of Ecuador and compare them with the maximum permissible limits of Ecuadorian regulations, and (b) evaluate the health risk of people exposed to waters with high Hg content through residential and recreational scenarios. In this study, 147 water samples from rivers and streams were analyzed. The results revealed worrying levels of Hg, especially in the provinces of Azuay and Loja where Hg values of up to 0.0913 mg/L and 0.0387 mg/L, respectively, were detected. In addition, it was found that 45% of the samples did not meet the water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life, which represents a severe risk to the ecosystem. The probabilistic risk analysis yielded values that exceeded the acceptable exposure limit for adults and children in residential settings in Azuay and Loja, while in the recreational scenario the safe exposure limit was exceeded for both receptors only in the province of Azuay. The elevated presence of Hg in the provinces, mainly in Azuay and Loja, possibly related to illegal gold mining activity, represents a threat to water quality and aquatic life in the Andean region of Ecuador. Children are especially vulnerable, and effective regulation is required to ensure the safety of the population. This study provides valuable information for decision makers regarding the risk associated with Hg exposure in areas of mining activity in the Ecuadorian Andean region. In addition, it can contribute to the development of policies and strategies to control contamination in mining environments and protect human and environmental health in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca, 20001, Ecuador; Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01- 5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
| | - Alex Vinicio Gavilanes Montoya
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, Riobamba EC, 060155, Ecuador; Department of Forest Engineering, Forest Management Planning and Terrestrial Measurements, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, Şirul Beethoven 1, 500123, Brasov, Romania.
| | - Danny Daniel Castillo Vizuete
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, Riobamba EC, 060155, Ecuador; Department of Forest Engineering, Forest Management Planning and Terrestrial Measurements, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, Şirul Beethoven 1, 500123, Brasov, Romania.
| | - Giovanni D'Orio
- Department of Economics, Statistics and Finance, University of Calabria, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Juan Cedeño-Laje
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01- 5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
| | - Doménica Urdánigo
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01- 5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
| | - Salvatore Straface
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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9
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Hu P, Tang Y, Zhu H, Xia C, Liu J, Liu B, Niu X. Multifunctional light-controllable nanozyme enabled bimodal fluorometric/colorimetric sensing of mercury ions at ambient pH. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 238:115602. [PMID: 37595475 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic features (nanozymes) find wide use in analytical sensing. Apart from catalytic characteristics, some other interesting functions coexist in the materials. How to combine these properties to design multifunctional nanozymes for new sensing strategy development is challenging. Besides, in nanozymes it is still a challenge to conveniently control the catalytic process, which also hinders their further applications in advanced biochemical analysis. To remove the above barriers, here we design a light-controllable multifunctional nanozyme, namely manganese-inserted cadmium telluride (Mn-CdTe) particles, that integrates oxidase-like activity with luminescence together, to achieve the fluorometric/colorimetric dual-mode detection of toxic mercury ions (Hg2+) at ambient pH. The Mn-CdTe exhibits a light-triggered oxidase-mimicking catalytic behavior to induce chromogenic reactions, thus enabling one to start or stop the catalytic progress easily via applying or withdrawing light irradiation. Meanwhile, the quantum dot material can exhibit bright photoluminescence, which provides the fluorometric channel to sense targets. When Hg2+ is introduced, it rapidly leans toward Mn-CdTe through electrostatic interaction and Te-Hg bonding and induces the aggregation of the latter. As a result, the luminescence of Mn-CdTe is dynamically quenched, and the masking of active sites in aggregated Mn-CdTe leads to the decrease of light-initiated oxidase-mimetic activity. According to this principle, a new fluorometric/colorimetric bimodal method was established for Hg2+ determination with excellent performance. A 3D-printed portable platform combining paper-based test strips and an App-equipped smartphone was further fabricated, making it possible to achieve in-field sensing of the analyte in various matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panwang Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Yuhan Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Hengjia Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Changkun Xia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China.
| | - Jinjin Liu
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
| | - Bangxiang Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Xiangheng Niu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China; School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China.
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10
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Gray KM, Blanchard MR, LePrevost CE. Educator beliefs and organizational constraints: Factors that influence informal education about fish consumption advisories in a southeastern US state. SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT 2023; 9:2259716. [PMID: 38031579 PMCID: PMC10686613 DOI: 10.1080/27658511.2023.2259716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
All US states, and many countries around the world, have waterways with environmental health advisories intended to protect individuals from harmful chemicals in fish, yet little is known about how informal science educators, even those who engage anglers along waterways, incorporate advisory information into their educational activities. This study, grounded in environmental health literacy, investigated the practices, knowledge, and beliefs of 24 informal educators housed in varied agencies and organizations in a southeastern US state. Participants described a range of educational activities and identified organizational constraints on their education about fish consumption advisories, which varied by organization type. Their knowledge of relevant environmental health concepts was incomplete, and they described health and teaching beliefs consistent with limited focus on advisory education. Local government and nonprofit educators were well positioned to educate anglers about advisories, due to their freedom to design and deliver instruction and their regular contact with anglers. Educators in wildlife agencies had more contact with anglers and were identified as potential conduits given their interactions, but organizational constraints (such as educators' ability to choose content/pedagogy and conflicting missions of agencies) would need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Gray
- Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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11
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Duan X, Li Y, Zhao C, Shen Y, Guo Q, Huang Z, Shan D, Gao Y, Zhang K, Shi J, Liu J, Chen Y, Yuan CG. Efficient immobilization and detoxification of gaseous elemental mercury by nanoflower/rod WSe 2/halloysite composite: Performance and mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131898. [PMID: 37354718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous mercury pollution control technologies with low stability and high releasing risks always face with great challenges. Herein, we developed one halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)-supported tungsten diselenide (WSe2) composite (WSe2/HNTs) by one-pot solvothermal approach, curing Hg0 from complicated flue gas (CFG) and reducing second environment risks. WSe2 as a monolayer with nano-flower structure and HNTs with rod shapes in the as-prepared sorbent exhibited outstanding synergy efficiency, resulting in exceptional performance for Hg0 removal with high capture capacity of 30.6 mg·g-1 and rate of 9.09 μg·g-1·min-1, which benefited from the high affinity of selenium and mercury (1 ×1045) and the adequate exposure of Se-terminated. The adsorbent showed beneficial tolerance to high amount of NOx and SOx. An online lab-built thermal decomposition system (TPD-AFS) was employed to explore Hg species on the used-sorbent, finding that the adsorbed-mercury species were principally mercury selenide (HgSe). Density functional theory calculations indicated that the hollow-sites were the major adsorption sites and exhibited excellent selectivity for Hg0, as well as HgSe generation needed to overcome the 0.32 eV energy barrier. The adsorbed mercury displayed high environmental stability after the leaching toxicity test, which significantly decreased its secondary environmental risks. With these advantages, WSe2/HNTs possess enormous potential to achieve the effective and permanent immobilization of gaseous mercury from CFG in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Duan
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Changxian Zhao
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yiwen Shen
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Zhihao Huang
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Dexu Shan
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Kegang Zhang
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chun-Gang Yuan
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
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12
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Huang Y, Gong X, Liu L, Luo L, Leng S, Lin Y. Maternal exposure to metal components of PM 2.5 and low birth weight in New Mexico, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:98526-98535. [PMID: 37608181 PMCID: PMC10829739 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29291-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Infants with low birth weight (LBW) are more likely to have health problems than normal weight infants. In studies examining the associations between particulate matter (PM) exposures and LBW, there is a tendency to focus on PM2.5 as a whole. However, insufficient information is available regarding the effects of different components of PM2.5 on birth weight. This study identified the associations between maternal exposure to 10 metal components of PM2.5 and LBW in offspring based on small area (divided by population size) level data in New Mexico, USA, from 2012 to 2016. This study used a pruned feed-forward neural network (pruned-FNN) approach to estimate the annual average exposure index to each metal component in each small area. The linear regression model was employed to examine the association between maternal PM2.5 metal exposures and LBW rate in small areas, adjusting for the female percentage and race/ethnicity compositions, marriage status, and educational level in the population. An interquartile range increase in maternal exposure to mercury and chromium of PM2.5 increased LBW rate by 0.43% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18-0.68%) and 0.63% (95% CI: 0.15-1.12%), respectively. These findings suggest that maternal exposure to metal components of air pollutants may increase the risk of LBW in offspring. With no similar studies in New Mexico, this study also posed great importance because of a higher LBW rate in New Mexico than the national average. These findings provide critical information to inform further epidemiological, biological, and toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Huang
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- UNM Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Xi Gong
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
- UNM Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Lin Liu
- UNM Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Shuguang Leng
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Lung Cancer Program, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- UNM Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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13
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Weyde KVF, Winterton A, Surén P, Andersen GL, Vik T, Biele G, Knutsen HK, Thomsen C, Meltzer HM, Skogheim TS, Engel SM, Aase H, Villanger GD. Association between gestational levels of toxic metals and essential elements and cerebral palsy in children. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1124943. [PMID: 37662050 PMCID: PMC10470125 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1124943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood, but its causes are only partly known. Early-life exposure to toxic metals and inadequate or excess amounts of essential elements can adversely affect brain and nervous system development. However, little is still known about these as perinatal risk factors for CP. This study aims to investigate the associations between second trimester maternal blood levels of toxic metals, essential elements, and mixtures thereof, with CP diagnoses in children. Methods In a large, population-based prospective birth cohort (The Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study), children with CP diagnoses were identified through The Norwegian Patient Registry and Cerebral Palsy Registry of Norway. One hundred forty-four children with CP and 1,082 controls were included. The relationship between maternal blood concentrations of five toxic metals and six essential elements and CP diagnoses were investigated using mixture approaches: elastic net with stability selection to identify important metals/elements in the mixture in relation to CP; then logistic regressions of the selected metals/elements to estimate odds ratio (OR) of CP and two-way interactions among metals/elements and with child sex and maternal education. Finally, the joint effects of the mixtures on CP diagnoses were estimated using quantile-based g-computation analyses. Results The essential elements manganese and copper, as well as the toxic metal Hg, were the most important in relation to CP. Elevated maternal levels of copper (OR = 1.40) and manganese (OR = 1.20) were associated with increased risk of CP, while Hg levels were, counterintuitively, inversely related to CP. Metal/element interactions that were associated with CP were observed, and that sex and maternal education influenced the relationships between metals/elements and CP. In the joint mixture approach no significant association between the mixture of metals/elements and CP (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = [0.67, 1.50]) was identified. Conclusion Using mixture approaches, elevated levels of copper and manganese measured in maternal blood during the second trimester could be related to increased risk of CP in children. The inverse associations between maternal Hg and CP could reflect Hg as a marker of maternal fish intake and thus nutrients beneficial for foetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Vegard F. Weyde
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Adriano Winterton
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Surén
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guro L. Andersen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torstein Vik
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Guido Biele
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle K. Knutsen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle M. Meltzer
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thea S. Skogheim
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stephanie M. Engel
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Heidi Aase
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro D. Villanger
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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14
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López-González U, Riutort-Mayol G, Soler-Blasco R, Lozano M, Murcia M, Vioque J, Iriarte G, Ballester F, Llop S. Exposure to mercury among Spanish adolescents: Eleven years of follow-up. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116204. [PMID: 37211180 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effects of mercury exposure on human health are a public health concern. The most important source of this exposure is the consumption of fish and marine mammals. This study aims to describe hair mercury concentrations and their evolution from birth until eleven years of age in adolescents from the INMA (Environment and Childhood) birth cohort study, and to assess the association of hair mercury concentrations at eleven years of age with sociodemographic and dietary factors. The sample comprised 338 adolescents from the sub-cohort of Valencia (in eastern Spain). Total mercury (THg) was measured in hair samples collected at 4, 9 and 11 years old and in cord blood at birth. The equivalent of hair for cord-blood THg concentrations was calculated. Fish consumption and other characteristics at 11 years old were collected through questionnaires. Multivariate linear regression models were conducted to explore the association between THg concentrations, fish consumption and covariates. The geometric mean of hair THg concentrations at 11 years of age was 0.86 μg/g (95%CI: 0.78-0.94) and 45.2% of the participants presented concentrations above the equivalent RfD proposed by the US EPA (1 μg/g). Consumption of fish such as swordfish, canned tuna and other large oily fish was associated with higher levels of hair mercury at 11 years of age. Swordfish had the highest effect with an increase of 125% in hair mercury (95%CI: 61.2-214.9%) given a 100 g/week increase in its consumption, and, taking into account the frequency of consumption, canned tuna was the main contributor to Hg exposure among our population. The hair THg concentrations at 11 years of age represented a reduction of around 69% with respect to that estimated at childbirth. Even though THg exposure shows a sustained decreasing trend, it can still be considered elevated. INMA birth cohort studies provide a longitudinal assessment of mercury exposure in a vulnerable population, its associated factors and temporal trends, and this information could be used to adjust recommendations about this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Riutort-Mayol
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Lozano
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Servei de Planificació I Avaluació de Polítiques de Salut, Conselleria de Sanitat Universal I Salut Pública, Generalitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research, University Miguel Hernandez (ISABIAL-UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Gorka Iriarte
- Public Health Laboratory in Alava, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Nyamato GS. Perspectives and prospects of chelation extraction of heavy metals from wastewater: A review. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2023; 88:47-61. [PMID: 37452533 PMCID: wst_2023_182 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals' contamination of water resources is a global environmental issue due to their detrimental effects on human health. To safeguard humans and the environment, toxic heavy metals must be removed from contaminated water because they cannot be broken down. Diverse technologies are employed to reduce the levels of heavy metals in wastewater. However, these technologies suffer from being either costly or ineffective, particularly when the effluent has extremely low residual amounts. This review outlines the main accomplishments and promising future directions for solvent extraction as one of the potential methods of extracting heavy metals from water, utilizing literature reports. In addition to reviewing some of the commercial chelating reagents now in use, this article also discusses some of the obnoxious effects on human health that are associated with exposure to heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Simba Nyamato
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Embu, P.O. Box 6-60100, Embu, Kenya E-mail:
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16
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Roozbahani A, Salahinejad M, Gholipour V. An Exploratory in N-Doped Carbon Dots as Green Fluorescence Probes for Hg(II) Ions Detection. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2023:1-24. [PMID: 37261901 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2023.2220891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
AbstractCarbon dots (CDs), as a fascinating carbon nanomaterial, have important applications in various fields due to their unique properties. The physical and chemical properties of CDs can be fine-tuned using heteroatom doping and surface functionalization. Here, we synthesized N-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) by reacting Citric acid, which serve as the carbon core, with twenty amino acids under microwave irradiation. The fluorescence quenching of each amino acid doped CDs by Hg(II) ions were experimentally measured. Then the effect of the molecular features and chemical properties of amino acids on the fluorescence quenching of N-CDs by Hg(II) ions was investigated by using the quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) method. Applying different machine learning techniques including correlation-based and ReliefF algorithm feature selection approaches to choose relevant descriptors, multi linear regression and support vector machine to construct QSPR model, some reliable and predictive models were developed. Based on the variables used throughout the final QSPR models, hydrophobic interactions, in addition to hydrogen bonding interactions, can be considered a major factor governing the photoluminescence behavior of different N-CDs quenched by Hg(II) ions. N-CDs derived from amino acids bearing larger hydrophobic surfaces show greater fluorescence quenching, indicating that a greater capacity to interact with Hg(II) metal ions resulting in further fluorescence quenching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Roozbahani
- Radiation Application Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Chemistry, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Salahinejad
- Radiation Application Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
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17
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González-Rubio JM, Domínguez-Morueco N, Pedraza-Díaz S, Cañas Portilla A, Lucena MÁ, Rodriguez A, Castaño A, Esteban-López M. A simple method for direct mercury analysis in dried blood spots (DBS) samples for human biomonitoring studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107958. [PMID: 37285712 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to mercury can have serious health effects, especially in vulnerable groups such as children and fetuses. The use of dried blood spot (DBS) samples to collect capillary blood greatly facilitates sample collection and fieldwork, being a less invasive alternative to blood collection by venipuncture, needing a small volume of sample, and does not require specialized medical staff. Moreover, DBS sampling reduces logistical and financial barriers related to transport and storage of blood samples. We propose here a novel method to analyze total mercury in DBS samples in a Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA) that allow the control of the volume of the DBS samples. This method has shown good results in terms of precision (<6% error), accuracy (<10% coefficient of variation) and recovery (75-106%). The applicability of the method in human biomonitoring (HBM) was demonstrated in a pilot study involving 41 adults aged 18-65. Mercury concentrations of DBS samples from capillary blood collected by finger prick (real DBS samples) were determined in the DMA and compared with those determined in whole blood (venous blood) by ICP-MS, the method usually used in HBM. The sampling procedure was also validated by comparison of real DBS samples and DBS generated artificially in the laboratory by depositing venous samples in cellulose cards (laboratory DBS). There were no statistically significant differences in the results obtained using both methodologies (DMA: Geometric Mean (confidence interval 95%) = 3.87 (3.12-4.79) µg/L; ICP-MS: Geometric Mean (confidence interval 95%) = 3.46 (2.80-4.27) µg/L). The proposed method is an excellent alternative to be applied in clinical settings as screening methodology for assessing mercury exposure in vulnerable groups, such us pregnant woman, babies and children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susana Pedraza-Díaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Cañas Portilla
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Lucena
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Esteban-López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Sarvestani MRJ, Madrakian T, Afkhami A, Ajdari B. Applicability of a synthesized melamine based covalent organic framework as a novel ionophore for the potentiometric determination of mercury (II): Computational and experimental studies. Microchem J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2023.108483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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19
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Basu N, Bastiansz A, Dórea JG, Fujimura M, Horvat M, Shroff E, Weihe P, Zastenskaya I. Our evolved understanding of the human health risks of mercury. AMBIO 2023; 52:877-896. [PMID: 36790578 PMCID: PMC10073381 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01831-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical of health concern worldwide that is now being acted upon through the Minamata Convention. Operationalizing the Convention and tracking its effectiveness requires empathy of the diversity and variation of mercury exposure and risk in populations worldwide. As part of the health plenary for the 15th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP), this review paper details how scientific understandings have evolved over time, from tragic poisoning events in the mid-twentieth century to important epidemiological studies in the late-twentieth century in the Seychelles and Faroe Islands, the Arctic and Amazon. Entering the twenty-first century, studies on diverse source-exposure scenarios (e.g., ASGM, amalgams, contaminated sites, cosmetics, electronic waste) from across global regions have expanded understandings and exemplified the need to consider socio-environmental variables and local contexts when conducting health studies. We conclude with perspectives on next steps for mercury health research in the post-Minamata Convention era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Basu
- McGill University, 204 CINE Building, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - Ashley Bastiansz
- McGill University, 204 CINE Building, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - José G. Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciencias da Saude, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970 Brazil
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008 Japan
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emelyn Shroff
- Public Health Authority of Seychelles, Mont Fleuri, Mahe, Seychelles
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Sigmundargøta 5, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Irina Zastenskaya
- WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Platz Der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany
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20
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Huang Y, Gong X, Liu L, Luo L, Leng S, Lin Y. Maternal exposure to metal components of PM2.5 and low birth weight in New Mexico, USA. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2666605. [PMID: 37034648 PMCID: PMC10081375 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2666605/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Infants with low birth weight (LBW) are more likely to have health problems than normal weight infants. In studies examining the associations between particulate matter (PM) exposures and LBW, there is a tendency to focus on PM 2.5 as a whole. However, insufficient information is available regarding the effects of different components of PM 2.5 on birth weight. This study identified the associations between maternal exposure to 10 metal components of PM 2.5 and LBW in offspring based on small area (divided by population size) level data in New Mexico, USA, from 2012 to 2016. This study used a pruned feed-forward neural network (pruned-FNN) approach to estimate the annual average exposure index to each metal component in each small area. The linear regression model was employed to examine the association between maternal PM 2.5 metal exposures and LBW rate in small areas, adjusting for the female percentage and race/ethnicity compositions, marriage status and educational level in the population. An interquartile range increase in maternal exposure to mercury and chromium of PM 2.5 increased LBW rate by 0.43% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18%-0.68%) and 0.63% (95% CI: 0.15%-1.12%), respectively. These findings suggest that maternal exposure to metal components of air pollutants may increase the risk of LBW in offspring. With no similar studies in New Mexico, this study also posed great importance because of a higher LBW rate in New Mexico than the national average. These findings provide critical information to inform further epidemiological, biological, and toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Huang
- The University of New Mexico - Albuquerque: The University of New Mexico
| | | | - Lin Liu
- University of New Mexico - Albuquerque: The University of New Mexico
| | - Li Luo
- University of New Mexico - Albuquerque: The University of New Mexico
| | - Shuguang Leng
- University of New Mexico - Albuquerque: The University of New Mexico
| | - Yan Lin
- University of New Mexico - Albuquerque: The University of New Mexico
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21
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Kim K, Park H. Association of mercury exposure with the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in Korean adults. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1062741. [PMID: 37056650 PMCID: PMC10088518 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1062741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there is evidence that mercury (Hg) exposure may be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), few nationwide epidemiological researches have analyzed the association between blood Hg concentration and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level as a biomarker of CVD. The present population-based national study was performed with data from the 2016–2017 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In the total sample of 3,773 adults aged ≥20 years, the serum hs-CRP concentrations were 1.03 mg/L among participants in the lowest quartile of blood Hg level and 1.18 mg/L among those in highest quartile. The trend for the prevalence of a risky (>1.0 mg/L) hs-CRP level (moderate risk and high risk) was significantly related to an increased quartile blood Hg concentration. After adjustment for confounders, participants with the highest quartiles of blood Hg had increased odds of a risky (>1.0 mg/L) hs-CRP level (adjusted odds ratio = 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.77) compared with those with the lowest quartile of blood Hg. These findings demonstrate that a high blood Hg level increases the concentration of serum hs-CRP, a sensitive marker of chronic low-grade inflammation, and imply that the increased body burden associated with high blood Hg is a potential risk factor in the development of many inflammatory diseases, including CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kisok Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Kisok Kim,
| | - Hyejin Park
- Department of Health Sciences, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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22
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Chen F, Zhang Y, Qin Y, Zhang W, Wu W, Li X, Zhang M. Specifically functionalized MTT-Ag NP/SA film sensor for the ultrasensitive detection of Hg 2+ in lettuce samples. Food Chem 2023; 404:134705. [PMID: 36444083 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, highly efficient 5-Methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol-modified silver nanoparticles (MTT-Ag NPs) were successfully synthesized and could be used for convenient and sensitive detection of Hg2+. MTT acts as a protective agent by forming Ag-S bonds with Ag NPs, meantime, MTT can also be captured Hg2+ through NN bonds. Furthermore, to improve the sustainability and stability of MTT-Ag NPs, sodium alginate (SA) was used as a substrate material for the formation of SA-MTT-Ag NPs films. As expected, SA-MTT-Ag NPs could be stored for more than 180 days at room temperature. When used SA-MTT-Ag NPs thin films as colourimetric sensors for detection of Hg2+ in lettuce, the low detection limit could be down to 0.22 μM (44 ppb) with wide linear range (0-1 µM and 1-150 µM) and good recovery (96.25 % - 98.75 %). Therefore, the method enables highly selective and efficient monitoring of Hg2+ in food samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang 830017, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Gentic Engineering, Xinjiang 830017, China; College of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yukun Zhang
- College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang 830017, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Gentic Engineering, Xinjiang 830017, China
| | - Yanan Qin
- College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang 830017, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Gentic Engineering, Xinjiang 830017, China
| | - Wenrui Zhang
- College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang 830017, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Gentic Engineering, Xinjiang 830017, China
| | - Wanfeng Wu
- College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang 830017, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Gentic Engineering, Xinjiang 830017, China
| | - Xinbo Li
- College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang 830017, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Gentic Engineering, Xinjiang 830017, China
| | - Minwei Zhang
- College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang 830017, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Gentic Engineering, Xinjiang 830017, China.
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23
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Xu W, Park SK, Gruninger SE, Charles S, Franzblau A, Basu N, Goodrich JM. Associations between mercury exposure with blood pressure and lipid levels: A cross-sectional study of dental professionals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115229. [PMID: 36610536 PMCID: PMC10173801 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) exposure is a public health problem worldwide that is now being addressed through the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Fish containing methylmercury and dental amalgam containing elemental Hg are the major sources of exposure for most populations. There is some evidence that methylmercury impacts cardiovascular and metabolic health, primarily in populations with high exposure levels. Studies of elemental Hg and these outcomes are relatively rare. We aimed to examine associations between Hg exposure (both elemental and methylmercury) and blood pressure, as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In 2012, we recruited dental professionals attending the Health Screening Program at the American Dental Association (ADA) Annual Session in California. Total Hg levels in hair and blood samples were analyzed as indicators of methylmercury exposure and in urine as an indicator of primarily elemental Hg exposure (n = 386; mean ± sd age 55 ± 11 years). We measured blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL] and triglycerides). The geometric means (geometric standard deviations) for blood, hair, and urine Hg were 3.64 (2.39) μg/L, 0.60 (2.91) μg/g, and 1.30 (2.44) μg/L, respectively. For every one μg/L increase in specific gravity-adjusted urine Hg, LDL increased by 2.31 mg/dL (95% CI = 0.09, 4.54), in linear regression adjusting for BMI, race, sex, polyunsaturated fatty acid intake from fish consumption, smoking status, and use of cholesterol-lowering medication. No significant associations between Hg biomarkers and blood pressure or hair or blood Hg with lipid levels were observed. Results suggest that elemental Hg exposure may influence LDL concentrations in adults with low-level exposure, and this relationship merits further study in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiya Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Simone Charles
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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24
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Hu P, Xia C, Liu B, Feng R, Wang M, Zhu H, Niu X. In situ controllable growth of Ag particles on paper for smartphone optical sensing of Hg2+ based on nanozyme activity stimulation. Talanta 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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25
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Lewis J. Global Beauty Hazard: Assessing Mercury in Skin-Lightening Products. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:14002. [PMID: 36705937 PMCID: PMC9881649 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
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26
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Thai TD, Lim W, Na D. Synthetic bacteria for the detection and bioremediation of heavy metals. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1178680. [PMID: 37122866 PMCID: PMC10133563 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1178680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic heavy metal accumulation is one of anthropogenic environmental pollutions, which poses risks to human health and ecological systems. Conventional heavy metal remediation approaches rely on expensive chemical and physical processes leading to the formation and release of other toxic waste products. Instead, microbial bioremediation has gained interest as a promising and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods, but the genetic complexity of microorganisms and the lack of appropriate genetic engineering technologies have impeded the development of bioremediating microorganisms. Recently, the emerging synthetic biology opened a new avenue for microbial bioremediation research and development by addressing the challenges and providing novel tools for constructing bacteria with enhanced capabilities: rapid detection and degradation of heavy metals while enhanced tolerance to toxic heavy metals. Moreover, synthetic biology also offers new technologies to meet biosafety regulations since genetically modified microorganisms may disrupt natural ecosystems. In this review, we introduce the use of microorganisms developed based on synthetic biology technologies for the detection and detoxification of heavy metals. Additionally, this review explores the technical strategies developed to overcome the biosafety requirements associated with the use of genetically modified microorganisms.
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Dantas ADO, Castro TDSDSD, Câmara VDM, Santos ADSE, Asmus CIRF, Vianna ADS. Maternal Mercury Exposure and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:1126-1133. [PMID: 36580940 PMCID: PMC9800149 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present review aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding mercury (Hg) exposure and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). DATA SOURCES The PubMed, BVS/LILACS, SciELO and UFRJ's Pantheon Digital Library databases were systematically searched through June 2021. STUDY SELECTION Observational analytical articles, written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, without time restriction. DATA COLLECTION We followed the PICOS strategy, and the methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. DATA SYNTHESIS We retrieved 77 articles, of which 6 met the review criteria. They comprised 4,848 participants, of which 809 (16.7%) had HDP and 4,724 (97.4%) were environmentally exposed to Hg (fish consumption and dental amalgam). Mercury biomarkers evaluated were blood (four studies) and urine (two studies). Two studies found a positive association between Hg and HDP in the group with more exposure, and the other four did not present it. The quality assessment revealed three satisfactory and three good-rated studies (mean: 19.3 ± 1.6 out 28 points). The absence or no proper adjustment for negative confounding factor, such as fish consumption, was observed in five studies. CONCLUSION We retrieved only six studies, although Hg is a widespread toxic metal and pregnancy is a period of heightened susceptibility to environmental threats and cardiovascular risk. Overall, our review showed mixed results, with two studies reporting a positive association in the group with more exposure. However, due to the importance of the subject, additional studies are needed to elucidate the effects of Hg on HDP, with particular attention to adjusting negative confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline de Oliveira Dantas
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Address for correspondence Aline de Oliveira Dantas, medical student Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroAv. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 2° andar, Sala 49, 21044-020, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJBrazil
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28
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Álvarez-Fernández N, Martínez Cortizas A, López-Costas O. Structural equation modelling of mercury intra-skeletal variability on archaeological human remains. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158015. [PMID: 35970463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158015] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Archaeological burial environments are useful archives to investigate the long-term trends and the behaviour of mercury. In order to understand the relationship between mercury, skeletons and soil, we applied Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to a detailed, multisampling (n = 73 bone samples +37 soil samples) design of two archaeological graves dating to the 6th to 7th centuries CE (A Lanzada site, NW Spain). Mercury content was assessed using a DMA-80, and data about bone structure and the grave soil/sediments were obtained using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. The theoretical model is supported by proxies of bone structure, grave soil/sediments, and location of the bone within the skeleton. The general model explained 61 % of mercury variance. Additionally, Partial Least Square - Prediction Oriented Segmentation (PLS-POS) was also used to check for segmentation in the dataset. POS revealed two group of samples depending on the bone phase (hydroxyapatite or collagen) controlling the Hg content, and the corresponding models explained 86 % and 76 % of Hg variance, respectively. The results suggest that mercury behaviour in the graves is complex, and that mercury concentrations were influenced by i) the ante-mortem status of the bone matrix, related to the weight of each bone phase; ii) post-mortem evolution of bone crystallinity, where bone loses mercury with increasing alteration; and iii) the proximity of the skeletal pieces to mercury target organs, as decomposition and collapse of the thoracic and abdominal soft tissues causes a secondary mercury enrichment in bones from the body trunk during early post-mortem. Skeletons provide a source of mercury to the soil whereas soil/sediments contribute little to skeletal mercury content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Álvarez-Fernández
- CRETUS, EcoPast (GI-1553), Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 16782, Spain; Boscalia Technologies S.L., Spain.
| | - Antonio Martínez Cortizas
- CRETUS, EcoPast (GI-1553), Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 16782, Spain; Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-10691, Sweden
| | - Olalla López-Costas
- EcoPast (GI-1553), CRETUS, Area of Archaeology, Department of History, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain; Archaeological Research Laboratory, Stockholm University, Wallenberglaboratoriet, SE-10691, Sweden; Laboratorio de Antropología Física, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18012, Spain
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29
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Ghaemi M, Hajiaghababaei L, Tehrani RM, Najafpour J, Sadat Shahvelayati A. A theoretical and experimental approaches to the use of benzoyl carbamothioyl alanine as a new ionophore for development of various mercury selective electrodes. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.121043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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30
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Mohammadi Ziarani G, Roshankar S, Mohajer F, Badiei A, Sillanpää M. The synthesis of SBA-Pr-N-Is-Bu-SO3H as a new Hg2+ fluorescent sensor. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2022.110100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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31
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Kurniawan D, Sharma N, Rahardja MR, Cheng YY, Chen YT, Wu GX, Yeh YY, Yeh PC, Ostrikov KK, Chiang WH. Plasma Nanoengineering of Bioresource-Derived Graphene Quantum Dots as Ultrasensitive Environmental Nanoprobes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:52289-52300. [PMID: 36349361 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination and energy shortage are among the most critical global issues that require urgent solutions to ensure sustainable ecological balance. Rapid and ultrasensitive monitoring of water quality against pollutant contaminations using a low-cost, easy-to-operate, and environmentally friendly technology is a promising yet not commonly available solution. Here, we demonstrate the effective use of plasma-converted natural bioresources for environmental monitoring. The energy-efficient microplasmas operated at ambient conditions are used to convert diverse bioresources, including fructose, chitosan, citric acid, lignin, cellulose, and starch, into heteroatom-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with controlled structures and functionalities for applications as fluorescence-based environmental nanoprobes. The simple structure of citric acid enables the production of monodispersed 3.6 nm averaged-size GQDs with excitation-independent emissions, while the saccharides including fructose, chitosan, lignin, cellulose, and starch allow the synthesis of GQDs with excitation-dependent emissions due to broader size distribution. Moreover, the presence of heteroatoms such as N and/or S in the chemical structures of chitosan and lignin coupled with the highly reactive species generated by the plasma facilitates the one-step synthesis of N, S-codoped GQDs, which offer selective detection of toxic environmental contaminants with a low limit of detection of 7.4 nM. Our work provides an insight into the rapid and green fabrication of GQDs with tunable emissions from natural resources in a scalable and sustainable manner, which is expected to generate impact in the environmental safety, energy conversion and storage, nanocatalysis, and nanomedicine fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin Kurniawan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
| | - Neha Sharma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
| | - Michael Ryan Rahardja
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yuan Cheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Teng Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Xian Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yu Yeh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chun Yeh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
| | - Kostya Ken Ostrikov
- School of Chemistry and Physics and QUT Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland4000, Australia
| | - Wei-Hung Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei10607, Taiwan
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32
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Hussain S, Yang J, Hussain J, Sattar A, Ullah S, Hussain I, Rahman SU, Zandi P, Xia X, Zhang L. Mercury fractionation, bioavailability, and the major factors predicting its transfer and accumulation in soil-wheat systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157432. [PMID: 35853525 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil mercury (Hg) and its bioaccumulation in food crops have attracted widespread concerns globally due to its harmful effects on biota. However, soil mercury fractionation, bioavailability, and the major factors predicting its transfer and accumulation in soil-wheat-systems have not been thoroughly explored. Twenty-one (21) soil samples collected throughout China with a wide spectrum of physico-chemical characteristics were contaminated with HgCl2 and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown on the soils in a greenhouse pot-culture experiment for 180 days. A four-step sequential extraction was used segregating soil Hg into water-soluble (F1, 0.21 %), exchangeable (F2, 0.07 %), organically bound (F3, 16.40 %), and residual fractions (F4, 83.32 %). Step-wise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and path analysis (PA) were used to develop a prediction model and identify the major controlling factors of soil-wheat Hg transference. The SMLR results revealed that wheat Hg in leaves, husk, and grain was positively correlated with soil total and available Hg, and crystalline manganese (Cryst-Mn), while negatively correlated with soil pH, amorphous manganese (Amor-Mn) and crystalline aluminium (Cryst-Al). Bioconcentration factor (BCF) values were significantly higher in acidic soils (highest 0.05), with phytotoxic effects in some soils, as compared to alkaline soils (lowest 0.006). Furthermore, wheat grain Hg was significantly correlated with total (R2 = 0.25), water-soluble (R2 = 0.54) and NH4Ac-extractable Hg (R2 = 0.43) while also had a good correlation with soil pH (R2 = -0.20). In conclusion, the soil total and available Hg (water-soluble + exchangeable fraction), pH, organic matter, and Amor-Mn are the most important soil variables that support Hg uptake in the wheat plants, which benefit managing Hg-enriched agricultural soils for safe wheat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Hussain
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jianjun Yang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | | | - Abdul Sattar
- College of Agriculture, Baha Uddin Zakariya University, Bahadur Sub-Campus Layyah, Pakistan
| | - Subhan Ullah
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Imran Hussain
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology Comsats University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Pakistan
| | - Shafeeq Ur Rahman
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China; MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peiman Zandi
- International Faculty of Applied Technology, Yibin University, Yibin 644000, China; Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xing Xia
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Liandong Zhang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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Bastiansz A, Ewald J, Rodríguez Saldaña V, Santa-Rios A, Basu N. A Systematic Review of Mercury Exposures from Skin-Lightening Products. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:116002. [PMID: 36367779 PMCID: PMC9651181 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Minamata Convention on Mercury (Article 4) prohibits the manufacture, import, or export of skin-lightening products containing mercury concentrations above 1 ppm. However, there is a lack of knowledge surrounding the global prevalence of mercury-added skin-lightening products. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to increase our understanding of worldwide human mercury exposure from skin-lightening products. METHODS A systematic search of peer-reviewed scientific literature was performed for relevant articles in four databases (PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and TOXLINE). The search strategy, eligibility criteria, and data-extraction methods were established a priori. The search identified 2,303 unique scientific articles, of which 41 were ultimately deemed eligible for inclusion after iterative screens at the title, abstract, and whole-text levels. To facilitate data extraction and synthesis, all papers were organized according to four data groups a) "Mercury in products," b) "Usage of products," c) "Human biomarkers of exposure," and d) "Health impacts." RESULTS This review was based on data contained in 41 peer-reviewed scientific papers from 22 countries worldwide published between 2000 and 2022. In total, we captured mercury concentration values from 787 skin-lightening product samples [overall pooled central median mercury level was 0.49μg/g; interquartile range (IQR): 0.02-5.9] and 1,042 human biomarker measurements from 863 individuals. We also synthesized usage information from 3,898 individuals and self-reported health impacts associated with using mercury-added products from 832 individuals. DISCUSSION This review suggests that mercury widely exists as an active ingredient in many skin-lightening products worldwide and that users are at risk of variable and often high exposures. These synthesized findings identify data gaps and help increase our understanding of the health risks associated with the use of these products. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10808.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Bastiansz
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Ewald
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Andrea Santa-Rios
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Qing Y, Li Y, Yang J, Li S, Gu K, Bao Y, Zhan Y, He K, Wang X, Li Y. Risk assessment of mercury through dietary exposure in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:120026. [PMID: 36029907 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread heavy metal causing various damages to health, while insufficient studies assessed its exposure risk across China. This study explored concentrations in food items and dietary exposure risks across China by comprehensively analyzing the researches on total Hg (THg) in eight food items and methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic foods published between 1980 and 2021. According to the included 695 studies, the average THg concentration in all food items was 0.033 mg/kg (ranging from 0.004 to 0.185 mg/kg), with the highest concentration in edible fungi. The average daily dietary THg exposure from all foods was 12.9 μg/day. Plant-based foods accounted for 62.7% of the dietary THg exposure. Cereals and vegetables were the primary source of THg exposure. The MeHg concentration in aquatic foods was 0.08 mg/kg, and the average dietary exposure was 3.8 μg/day. Monte Carlo simulations of the dietary exposure risk assessment of THg and MeHg showed that approximately 6.4 and 7.0% of residents exceeded the health-based guidance value set by the European Food Safety Authority, with higher exposure risk in Southwest and South China. The nationwide target hazard quotient index of THg was greater than 1, suggesting that the non-carcinogenic risk of dietary exposure to THg needed further concern. In summary, this study has a comprehensive understanding of dietary Hg exposure risks across China, which provide a data basis for Hg exposure risk assessment and policy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qing
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yongzhen Li
- Children's hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shichun Li
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Kaixin Gu
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yunxia Bao
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yuhao Zhan
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Kai He
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, 201300, China.
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Insights into ion-imprinted materials for the recovery of metal ions: Preparation, evaluation and application. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Aubrac G, Bastiansz A, Basu N. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mercury Exposure among Populations and Environments in Contact with Electronic Waste. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191911843. [PMID: 36231146 PMCID: PMC9564538 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling releases mercury (Hg) into the environment, though to our knowledge Hg levels at such sites have yet to be examined on a worldwide basis. A systematic review of scientific studies was conducted to extract, analyze, and synthesize data on Hg levels in e-waste products, environments near recycling sites, and in people. Data were extracted from 78 studies from 20 countries, and these included Hg levels in 1103 electrical and electronic products, 2072 environmental samples (soil, air, plant, food, water, dust), and 2330 human biomarkers (blood, hair, urine). The average Hg level in products was 0.65 μg/g, with the highest levels found in lamps (578 μg/g). Average soil and sediment Hg levels (1.86 μg/g) at e-waste sites were at least eight times higher than at control sites. Average urinary Hg levels (0.93 μg/g creatinine) were approximately two-fold higher among e-waste workers versus control groups. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that e-waste recycling may lead to Hg contamination in environments and human populations in close proximity to processing sites. These findings contribute to a growing knowledge base of mercury exposure through diverse source-exposure pathways, and the work has potential policy implications in the context of the Minamata Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen Aubrac
- Bieler School of Environment, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada
| | - Ashley Bastiansz
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Xiong J, Lv Y, Wei Y, Liu Z, Li X, Zhou J, Liu Y, Zhao F, Chen C, Gu H, Wang J, Zheng X, Xue K, Qiu Y, Shen T, Shi X. Association of blood mercury exposure with depressive symptoms in the Chinese oldest old. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 243:113976. [PMID: 35994910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Depressive symptoms have a significant impact on the quality-of-life among the oldest old (aged ≥ 80 years) in the population. Current research on the association of blood mercury with depressive symptoms has mainly targeted the general population. However, it is unclear whether this association is present in the oldest old. We used data from the Healthy Aging and Biomarker Cohort Study carried out in 2017-2018, with 1154 participants aged ≥ 80 years eligible for analysis. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to detect blood mercury (Hg) levels, while the CES-D10 depression scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. The association between blood mercury levels and depressive symptoms was investigated using log-binomial and Poisson regression models. We also used restricted cubic splines (RCS) to assess the linear or nonlinear association of blood mercury with depressive symptoms scores. The 1154 participants ranged in age from 80 to 120 years, while the geometric mean of blood mercury concentration was 1.01 μg/L. After adjustment for covariates, log-binomial and Poisson regression analyses revealed a statistically significant, positive association of blood mercury with depressive symptoms. In comparison to the first tertile, the adjusted relative risks of blood mercury and the presence of depressive symptoms in the second and third tertiles were 1.55 (1.20-1.99) and 1.45 (1.11-1.90), respectively. The RCS model showed a linear association between blood mercury level and depressive symptoms scores. In conclusion, among the oldest old, we demonstrated that blood mercury levels were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Further surveys, especially cohort studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Xiong
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuebin Lv
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Zuyun Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xinwei Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Jinhui Zhou
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yang Liu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chen Chen
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Heng Gu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jun Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xulin Zheng
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Kai Xue
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yidan Qiu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Tong Shen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China.
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Vinogradova IA, Varganova DV, Lugovaya EA. Gender and Age Related Macro- and Trace Minerals Estimation Survey among the European North Residents. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057022030158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Landrigan P, Bose-O'Reilly S, Elbel J, Nordberg G, Lucchini R, Bartrem C, Grandjean P, Mergler D, Moyo D, Nemery B, von Braun M, Nowak D. Reducing disease and death from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) - the urgent need for responsible mining in the context of growing global demand for minerals and metals for climate change mitigation. Environ Health 2022; 21:78. [PMID: 36028832 PMCID: PMC9412790 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) takes place under extreme conditions with a lack of occupational health and safety. As the demand for metals is increasing due in part to their extensive use in 'green technologies' for climate change mitigation, the negative environmental and occupational consequences of mining practices are disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries. The Collegium Ramazzini statement on ASM presents updated information on its neglected health hazards that include multiple toxic hazards, most notably mercury, lead, cyanide, arsenic, cadmium, and cobalt, as well as physical hazards, most notably airborne dust and noise, and the high risk of infectious diseases. These hazards affect both miners and mining communities as working and living spaces are rarely separated. The impact on children and women is often severe, including hazardous exposures during the child-bearing age and pregnancies, and the risk of child labor. We suggest strategies for the mitigation of these hazards and classify those according to primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Further, we identify knowledge gaps and issue recommendations for international, national, and local governments, metal purchasers, and employers are given. With this statement, the Collegium Ramazzini calls for the extension of efforts to minimize all hazards that confront ASM miners and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Landrigan
- Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Boston, USA.
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco City, Monaco.
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Elbel
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gunnar Nordberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Roberto Lucchini
- Institute of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Casey Bartrem
- TerraGraphics International Foundation, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Wellbeing, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dingani Moyo
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Occupational Health Division, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Margrit von Braun
- TerraGraphics International Foundation, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
- Environmental Science Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Hair methylmercury levels are inversely correlated with arterial stiffness. Atherosclerosis 2022; 357:14-19. [PMID: 36037758 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary heart disease, are the leading cause of death worldwide. Several studies investigating the relationship between fish intake, methylmercury exposure, and CVDs in adults have reported inconsistent results. This study aimed to determine the association between hair methylmercury levels and arterial stiffness using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). METHODS This cross-sectional study included 891 seemingly healthy Korean adults (418 men and 473 women). The anthropometric and biochemical profiles, including methylmercury levels in the hair, were measured. Arterial stiffness was measured using baPWV, wherein high baPWV was defined as >1375 cm/s (>75th percentile). The odds ratios for high baPWVs were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders across the quintiles of hair methylmercury levels (Q1 = ≤0.6, Q2 = 0.6-0.8, Q3 = 0.8-1.1, Q4 = 1.1-1.5, and Q5=>1.5 μg/g). RESULTS After adjusting for multiple confounders-age, sex, height, body weight, smoking status, weekly alcohol consumption, total metabolic equivalent of task, mean arterial blood pressure, resting heart rate, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, uric acid and white blood cell count-the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for high baPWVs in each quintile of hair methylmercury levels were 1.00, 0.36 (0.17-0.76), 0.38 (0.20-0.76), 0.28 (0.13-0.61), and 0.49 (0.24-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Within non-toxic low levels, higher hair methylmercury levels are independently associated with lower arterial stiffness in seemingly healthy Korean adults regardless of classical cardiovascular risk factors.
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Pollet IL, Provencher JF, McFarlane Tranquilla L, Burgess NM, Mallory ML. Mercury levels in North Atlantic seabirds: A synthesis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113884. [PMID: 35809474 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113884] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is globally-distributed, with severe toxic effects on wildlife. Methylmercury biomagnifies within food webs, so long-lived, top predators such as seabirds are prone to high mercury concentrations. We synthesized historical and contemporary data on mercury concentrations in seabirds from the North Atlantic. We collected 614 values determined from 39 species and 115 locations, ranging from 1895 to 1940 and from 1970 to 2020. Highest blood-equivalent Hg values were in Phalacrocoracidae. For the same species/tissue/collection site, blood-equivalent values were lower during pre-1940 than post-1970 period. In almost 5 % of post-1970 values, mean blood-equivalent Hg concentrations were above those considered to pose severe risks of adverse effects, and 21 % were above the high-risk effect. We found an imbalance in sample effort and did not find Hg values for many species. We argue that stronger, trans-Atlantic Hg monitoring schemes are required to coordinate research and better compare trends across a wide scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid L Pollet
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada; Birds Canada, 43 Main Street, Sackville, NB E4L 1G6, Canada.
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | | | - Neil M Burgess
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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Torres FG, De-la-Torre GE. Mercury pollution in Peru: geographic distribution, health hazards, and sustainable removal technologies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:54045-54059. [PMID: 35650340 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Peru is one of the great gold producers worldwide. However, a significant portion of the gold produced in Peru derives from artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Andes and Amazon. In ASGM, gold amalgamation with mercury (Hg) is a critical procedure to refine gold through the formation of Au-Hg alloys. Due to the rudimentary and improvised techniques conducted by small-scale and informal miners, Hg contamination has become of great concern and is strictly associated with ASGM. Multiple studies have evidenced notably high concentrations of Hg in consumable fish species, rivers, sediments, and air in locations where ASGM is one of the main sources of income to local communities and is carried out aggressively. In the present review, we have conducted a systematic search for national and international literature reporting the concentration and distribution of Hg pollution across environmental compartments, biota, and human samples in Peru. The results and data retrieved from the articles were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed, and the distribution of Hg across environmental compartments was visualized through a geographic information system. Additionally, we reviewed the use of adsorption techniques as alternatives to treat Hg0 vapor from the gold shop and smelter flues, one of the main sources of hazardous levels of Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando G Torres
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. Av. Universitaria 1801, Lima, 15088, Peru.
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Basu N, Abass K, Dietz R, Krümmel E, Rautio A, Weihe P. The impact of mercury contamination on human health in the Arctic: A state of the science review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154793. [PMID: 35341859 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The 2021 Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Mercury (Hg) Assessment is motivated by Arctic populations, and most notably Indigenous Peoples in the region, who are particularly vulnerable to Hg pollution. The objective of this review paper is to answer the following AMAP policy-relevant question: what is the human health impact of Hg pollution in the Arctic? In doing so, this state of the science review paper builds on information published 10 years ago in the last AMAP Hg assessment. The synthesized results demonstrate that: a) global influences (e.g., sources and transport pathways, biogeochemical processes, climate change, globalization) drive Hg exposures into human communities; b) Hg exposures are realized through dietary intake of certain country food items, and that new exposure science approaches are helping to deepen understandings; c) the nutritional and cultural benefits of country foods are immense, though a dietary transition is underway raising concerns over metabolic syndrome and broader issues of food security as well as cultural and social well-being; d) blood Hg measures are among the highest worldwide based on the results of human biomonitoring studies; e) Hg exposures are associated with adverse health outcomes across life stages (e.g., neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children to cardiovascular disease in adults); and f) risk communication needs to be balanced, targeted and clear, culturally appropriate, and be done collaboratively. These synthesized findings are particularly timely and policy-relevant given that the Minamata Convention entered into legal force worldwide in 2017 as a regulatory scheme to reduce the use and environmental release of Hg in order to protect human health and the environment. The Convention was influenced by health concerns raised by northern populations as indicated in the preamble text which makes reference to "the particular vulnerabilities of Arctic ecosystems and Indigenous communities".
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Khaled Abass
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Pesticides, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, Frederiksbirgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Eva Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council - Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and University of the Arctic, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pal Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Sigmundargøta 5, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; Center of Health Science, University of The Faroe Islands, J.C. Svabosgøta 14, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
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Potential Application of Living Microorganisms in the Detoxification of Heavy Metals. Foods 2022; 11:foods11131905. [PMID: 35804721 PMCID: PMC9265996 DOI: 10.3390/foods11131905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal (HM) exposure remains a global occupational and environmental problem that creates a hazard to general health. Even low-level exposure to toxic metals contributes to the pathogenesis of various metabolic and immunological diseases, whereas, in this process, the gut microbiota serves as a major target and mediator of HM bioavailability and toxicity. Specifically, a picture is emerging from recent investigations identifying specific probiotic species to counteract the noxious effect of HM within the intestinal tract via a series of HM-resistant mechanisms. More encouragingly, aided by genetic engineering techniques, novel HM-bioremediation strategies using recombinant microorganisms have been fruitful and may provide access to promising biological medicines for HM poisoning. In this review, we summarized the pivotal mutualistic relationship between HM exposure and the gut microbiota, the probiotic-based protective strategies against HM-induced gut dysbiosis, with reference to recent advancements in developing engineered microorganisms for medically alleviating HM toxicity.
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Amin A, Naveed M, Sarwar A, Rasheed S, Saleem HGM, Latif Z, Bechthold A. In vitro and in silico Studies Reveal Bacillus cereus AA-18 as a Potential Candidate for Bioremediation of Mercury-Contaminated Wastewater. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:847806. [PMID: 35733958 PMCID: PMC9207742 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.847806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution is a worldwide problem and increasing day by day due to natural and anthropogenic sources. In this study, mercury-resistant (HgR) bacterial isolates were isolated from industrial wastewater of Ittehad Chemicals Ltd., Kala Shah Kaku, Lahore, Pakistan. Out of 65 bacterial isolates, five isolates were screened out based on showing resistance at 30–40 μg/ml against HgCl2. Selected Hg-resistant bacterial isolates were characterized as Bacillus subtilis AA-16 (OK562835), Bacillus cereus AA-18 (OK562834), Bacillus sp. AA-20 (OK562833), Bacillus paramycoides AA-30 (OK562836), and Bacillus thuringiensis AA-35 (OK562837). B. cereus AA-18 showed promising results in the resistance of HgCl2 (40 μg/ml) due to the presence of merA gene. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of immobilized B. cereus AA-18 showed the accumulation Hg on the cell surface. The inoculation of immobilized B. cereus AA-18 remediated 86% Hg of industrial wastewater up to 72 h at large scale (p < 0.05). In silico analysis showed structural determination of MerA protein encoded by merA gene of B. cereus AA-18 (OK562598) using ProtParam, Pfam, ConSurf Server, InterPro, STRING, Jpred4, PSIPRED, I-TASSER, COACH server, TrRosetta, ERRAT, VERIFY3D, Ramachandran plot, and AutoDock Vina (PyRx 8.0). These bioinformatics tools predicted the structural-based functional homology of MerA protein (mercuric reductase) associated with mer operon harboring bacteria involved in Hg-bioremediation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aatif Amin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Aatif Amin ;
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Arslan Sarwar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Sunbul Rasheed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Ghulam Murtaza Saleem
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zakia Latif
- School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Andreas Bechthold
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Lazarus M, Orct T, Sekovanić A, Skoko B, Petrinec B, Zgorelec Ž, Kisić I, Prevendar Crnić A, Jurasović J, Srebočan E. Spatio-temporal monitoring of mercury and other stable metal(loid)s and radionuclides in a Croatian terrestrial ecosystem around a natural gas treatment plant. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:481. [PMID: 35668141 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10140-6] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The natural gas industry bears a certain contamination risk to human and biota due to, among others, mercury, arsenic, and naturally occurring radioactive material content in gas. We tracked multiple stabile metal(loid)s and radionuclides within the natural gas treatment plant Molve, Croatia, ecosystem during the last decade through a comprehensive monitoring of soil, earthworms, moss, livestock (blood, milk, hair, urine, and feces from cows), and wildlife animals (brain, muscle, liver, and kidney of European hare and pheasant). The level of mercury and other stable metal(loid)s has shown temporal variation, but without an obvious trend. The found spatial differences in soil and earthworms were based on the differing soil characteristics of the sampled locations and exceeded the maximal allowable concentration of arsenic and zinc for agricultural soil. The status of essential copper, selenium, and zinc in cows, hares, and pheasants inclined towards deficiency. The measured stable metal(loid) levels in soil and animal samples were generally in the same range of values reported in earlier decades from the same area or non-polluted areas across Europe. The consumption of local cow and game products (e.g., milk, meat) can be considered safe for human health, although game offal is advised to be avoided as a food item due to the low risk of lead and cadmium's adverse effects. Although the activity concentrations of some radionuclides in moss were higher than reported for pristine areas, transfer from soil to moss was assessed as average (except for lead-210). Radiological risk to human and biota around the gas treatment plant Molve was estimated as negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Lazarus
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Radiation Protection Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Božena Skoko
- Radiation Protection Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Petrinec
- Radiation Protection Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željka Zgorelec
- Department of General Agronomy, Division of Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Kisić
- Department of General Agronomy, Division of Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andreja Prevendar Crnić
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Emil Srebočan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Feng X, Li P, Fu X, Wang X, Zhang H, Lin CJ. Mercury pollution in China: implications on the implementation of the Minamata Convention. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:634-648. [PMID: 35485580 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00039c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal released into the environment through human activities and natural processes. Human activities have profoundly increased the amount of Hg in the atmosphere and altered its global cycling since the Industrial Revolution. Gaseous elemental Hg is the predominant form of Hg in the atmosphere, which can undergo long-range transport and atmospheric deposition into the aquatic systems. Hg deposition elevates the methylmercury (MeHg) level in fish through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, which poses a serious human health risk. Acute poisoning of MeHg can result in Minamata disease, while low-level long-term exposure in pregnant women can reduce the intelligence quotient of infants. After five sessions of intergovernmental negotiation, the Minamata Convention on mercury entered into force in August 2017 to protect human health and the environment from Hg pollution. Currently China contributes the largest quantity of Hg production, consumption, and emission globally. However, the status of Hg pollution in the environment in China and its associated health risk remains relatively unknown, which hinders the development of implementation plans of the Minamata Convention. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review on the atmospheric release of Hg, distribution of air Hg concentration, human exposure to MeHg and health impacts caused by Hg pollution in China. Ongoing improvement of air pollution control measures is expected to further decrease anthropogenic Hg emissions in China. Air Hg concentrations in China are higher than the background values in the Northern Hemisphere, with spatial distribution largely influenced by anthropogenic emissions. Long-term observations of GEM in China show a decline in recent years. The net Hg transport outflow from China in 2013 is estimated to be 511 t year-1, and ∼60% of such outflow is caused by natural surface Hg emissions. Hg concentrations in fish and rice in China are relatively low and therefore the associated risks of human Hg exposure are low. Future research needs and recommendations for the implementation of the Minamata Convention are also discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA
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48
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Rashid S, Shah IA, Supe Tulcan RX, Rashid W, Sillanpaa M. Contamination, exposure, and health risk assessment of Hg in Pakistan: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 301:118995. [PMID: 35189298 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a highly toxic and highly mobile heavy metal. It has been regarded as more toxic than other nonessential and toxic nonradioactive heavy metals. Moreover, it has a high tendency of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the environmental and health risks related to Hg. Seventy studies related to Hg in environmental media, aquatic biota, and food stuffs across Pakistan were reviewed, and their concentrations were used for ecological and human health risk assessments. High concentrations of Hg were reported in the environment, with maximum concentrations of 72 mg L-1, 144 mg kg-1, 887 mg kg-1, and 49,807 ng m-3 in surface water, surface soil, surface sediments, and urban atmosphere, respectively. The possible non-carcinogenic health risk (hazard quotient) of Hg was assessed in soil, water, and fish. High risks were calculated for seafood and vegetable consumption, while low risks were estimated for soils and groundwater ingestion and exposure. Overall, children showed higher risks than adults. Last, the risk quotient analysis (RQ) revealed significant risks for aquatic species. RQs showed that multiple species, especially those with smaller resilience, could face long-term detrimental impacts. High, medium, and low risks were calculated from 66.66, 16.17, and 16.17% of the reported Hg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Rashid
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Izaz Ali Shah
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Roberto Xavier Supe Tulcan
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Wajid Rashid
- Department of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, University of Swat, 19130, Pakistan.
| | - Mika Sillanpaa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa; Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; International Research Centre of Nanotechnology for Himalayan Sustainability, Shoolini University, Solan, 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
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49
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Bao QJ, Zhao K, Guo Y, Wu XT, Yang JC, Yang MF. Environmental toxic metal contaminants and risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:32545-32565. [PMID: 35190994 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18866-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between toxic metals in the environment and clinical stroke risk remains unclear, although their role as immunotoxicants and carcinogens has been well established. We conducted a systematic review of the relationship between five metals (arsenic, mercury, copper, cadmium, and lead) and stroke. First, we comprehensively searched 3 databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane) from inception until June 2021. Random-effects meta-analyses, pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were applied to evaluate the effect value. We finally identified 38 studies involving 642,014 non-overlapping participants. Comparing the highest vs. lowest baseline levels, chronic exposure to lead (RR = 1.07; 95%CI,1.00-1.14), cadmium (RR = 1.30; 95%CI,1.13-1.48), and copper (RR = 1.19; 95%CI,1.04-1.36) were significantly associated with stroke risks. However, the other two metals (arsenic and mercury) had less effect on stroke risk. Further analysis indicated that the association was likely in a metal dose-dependent manner. The results may further support the possibility that environmental toxic metal contaminants in recent years are associated with the increased risk of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Ji Bao
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Xin-Ting Wu
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Jin-Cai Yang
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Ming-Fei Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, 810007, Qinghai, China.
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50
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Yang K, Chen C, Yan Q, Shen X, Jiang L, Ma R, Lu L, Zhu J, Tian Y, Cai W, D'Alton ME, Zhang J, Kahe K. Combined association of early exposure to long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mercury and selenium with cognitive performance in 1-year-old infants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112186. [PMID: 34627802 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112186] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3PUFAs) and infant neurodevelopment did not consider effect modifications of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se). OBJECTIVES To examine the joint association of prenatal LCn3PUFAs, Hg and Se with infant cognitive performance, and to explore whether DNA methylation may explain this potential association. METHODS A total of 484 newborns were enrolled from the Shanghai Birth Cohort with available data on cord blood LCn3PUFA, nail Hg and Se during 2015-2016. Cord blood LCn3PUFA concentrations were assessed by gas chromatography, and nail Hg and Se concentrations were measured using clippings collected within 6 months of birth by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Five aspects of infant neurodevelopment (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills) were assessed using the Age and Stage Questionnaire (ASQ) at ages 6 and 12 months. Multivariable-adjusted generalized estimating equations models were performed to examine the associations between cord blood LCn3PUFA concentrations and ASQ test scores, and these associations were stratified by nail Hg and Se levels. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation in cord blood was compared in a random subgroup consisting of 19 infants from the highest and 21 from the lowest decile of LCn3PUFA concentrations. RESULTS LCn3PUFAs were not significantly associated with any ASQ test scores. However, in the subgroup with lower Hg (<median 0.13 ppm) and higher Se (≥median 0.87 ppm) levels, infants with higher LCn3PUFA concentrations had higher ASQ scores indicating better performance in gross motor skills [quartile 4 vs. 1: mean difference = 7.78; 95% confidence interval=(3.47, 12.09); Ptrend<0.01; Pinteraction = 0.03]. Additionally, twenty CpG sites were differentially methylated when comparing high to low LCn3PUFA groups. CONCLUSION The association of prenatal LCn3PUFA concentrations with infant neurodevelopment, particularly gross motor skills, may be observed among infants with high Se and low Hg levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kefeng Yang
- Department of Nutrition, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Xiuhua Shen
- Department of Nutrition, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlei Jiang
- Instrumental Analysis Platform, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Ma
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Jie Zhu
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Ying Tian
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Cai
- Department of Nutrition, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Mary E D'Alton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ka Kahe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA.
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