Critically raw materials as potential emerging environmental contaminants, their distribution patterns, risks and behaviour in floodplain soils contaminated by heavy metals

The expanding demand for new critical raw materials can lead to their increased release to the environment in the form of emerging environmental contaminants (EECs). However, there has never been a comprehensive study that takes into account the total EEC content, the content of various EEC fractions, their behaviour in floodplain soils, and potential ecological and human health risks. The occurrence, fractions, and influencing factors of the seven EECs (Li, Be, Sr, Ba, V, B, Se) originating from historical mining in floodplain soils of various ecosystems (arable lands, grasslands, riparian zones, contaminated sites) were investigated. Based on the evaluation of the overall levels of EECs (potentially toxic elements) in comparison to the soil guideline values set by European legislation for Be, Ba, V, B, and Se, it was found that only Be did not exceed the recommended limits. Among the elements analyzed, Li had the highest average contamination factor (CF) of 5.8, followed by Ba with 1.5 and B with 1.4. Particularly concerning was the discovery of a potential serious health risk associated with Li exposure for children, as indicated by hazard quotients ranging from 0.128 to 1.478. With the exception of Be and Se, the partitioning of the EECs into the different fractions revealed that the EECs are primarily bound with the residual fraction. Be (13.8%) had the highest percentage of exchangeable fraction as the most bioavailable in the first soil layer, followed by Sr (10.9%), Se (10.2%), Ba (10.0%), and B (2.9%). The most frequently observed correlations were between EEC fractions and pH/KCl, followed by soil organic carbon and manganese hydrous oxides. Variance analyses confirmed the impact of different ecosystems on EEC total content and fractions.

Increasing prevalence of celiac disease - where to look for answers?

Celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy is a relevant health concern in today's world. Three prerequisites need to be met to trigger the disease, namely a genetic predisposition, gluten consumption, and environmental factors. Retrospective studies conducted across all age groups have ruled out the possibility that improved diagnostic methods were behind the increased prevalence. Since the genetic predisposition is more or less constant in the population, it is assumed that external factors may play a major role in this increase. Although it is generally believed that modern wheat varieties are to be blamed for the increase in gluten intolerance-related diseases, this assumption is refuted based on the analysis of the current and 100-year-old varieties. However, the increased prevalence could be related to modern lifestyles, changes in food preparation technology or composition, disruption of the intestinal barrier in viral disease, and other factors leading to intestinal dysbiosis. A possible preventive strategy in predisposed individuals could be the avoidance of gluten from the diet when ill, especially with a viral infection. This article openup a new perspective on the currently common autoimmune disease.