High-carbon wood ash biochar for mine tailings restoration: A field assessment of planted tree performance and metals uptake

Unique properties of biochar render it appealing for revegetating and decontaminating historic, barren, and chemically complex mine tailings. Bottom ash from bioenergy facilities can contain high levels of charcoal residue, and thus qualify as a type of biochar; the wide availability of this material at low cost makes it of particular interest in the context of tailings remediation. Nevertheless, bottom ash is variable and often contains residual toxic metal/loids that could be phytoabsorbed into plant tissues. We implemented a replicated field trial on historic contaminated metal mine tailings in Northern Ontario (Canada) over a range of high‑carbon wood ash biochar (HCWAB) dosages (0-30 t/ha) to evaluate tree and substrate responses. Sapling survivorship and aboveground biomass growth were quantified over a 4-year period; substrate chemical parameters were measured using acid-digestion and ICP-MS, as well as ion exchange resin probes. To assess elemental composition of sapling tissues, we used electron probe microanalysis combined with laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) on intact samples across the range of dosages applied. Survival and growth of saplings peaked at mid-range ash dosages of 3-6 t/ha. Similarly, substrate ion availability of P, K, and Zn were stable at lower dosages, but increased above 6 t/ha. The trace amounts of toxic metal/loids of concern measured in wood ash (As, Cd, Cu, and Pb) did not result in significantly increased sapling tissue concentrations at low to moderate dosages, but in some cases tissue contaminant levels were elevated at the highest dosage examined (30 t/ha). Our findings highlight the potential for high‑carbon wood ash biochar to be used for metal mine restoration at low to moderate dosages.

Equilibrium passive sampling: A novel approach to determine internal tissue concentrations of hydrophobic organic compounds in biota

Equilibrium passive sampling has been applied in numerous abiotic environmental matrices. This approach was extended to biological material. In this work, a passive equilibrium sampling method for the measurement of HOCs in biota was developed as an innovative alternative because classical exhaustive extraction techniques are time-consuming and error-prone. The newly developed method is based on the well-proven SPME fiber method for sediment. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were used as model lipophilic organic pollutants. Partition coefficients of PAHs and PCBs between the lugworm tissue and the PDMS sampling phase were determined. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coated glass fibers were directly inserted in homogenized lugworm tissue and glass fibers were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The method application on lugworms from tidal sand flats near Wilhelmshaven showed that the mean body residue values of PCBs (4 μg g^-1) and PAHs (256 μg g^-1) were about five times higher for PCBs and more than 22 times higher for PAHs compared to literature data for the North Sea area. This high level of contamination might be a consequence of the oil processing refinery located in direct proximity to the sampling site. This novel approach of applying the SPME method to biota will make biological monitoring more effective and holistic, because seasonally and area-wide changes in all environmental compartments can be recorded quickly.

Tissue distribution of epirubicin after severe extravasation in humans

PURPOSE

As critical parameter after extravasation of cytotoxic vesicants, anthracyclines were determined in removed tissue from patients requiring surgical intervention due to tissue necrosis. We monitored their distribution within the affected lesion to establish a possible dose-toxicity relation.

METHODS

From six patients scheduled for surgery, removed tissue flaps were systematically analysed by HPLC (epirubicin: 5 subjects; doxorubicin: 1 subject).

RESULTS

After extravasation, tissue concentrations were highly variable with an individual anthracycline distribution pattern ranging from a few nanograms up to 17 µg per 100 mg tissue, which indicated a substantial difference in tissue sensitivity among patients. The resection borders coincided with the extension of the erythema and guided the surgical intervention after demarcation of the lesion, which occurred usually 2 or 3 weeks after extravasation. At that time, drug was hardly detected at the resection borders. Wound drains were negative for the extravasated drugs while showing a time profile of vascular growth factors and inflammatory cytokines, which was highly similar to routine surgery. In all six patients, surgical debridement with immediate wound closure led to healing within approximately 2 weeks, when therapy was resumed in all patients with reasonable time delay.

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention after demarcation of the extravasation lesion allows for almost uninterrupted continuation of treatment independent of the amount of extravasated anthracycline. As even minor amounts of the vesicants may trigger tissue necrosis, preventive measures merit the highest priority.

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Trachurus Mediterraneus and Merlangius Merlangus Captured from Marmara Sea, Turkey and Associated Health Risks

Rapid industrialization and excessive human population growth may cause deterioration in marine water quality and biodiversity. Heavy metals are one of the most common pollutants in the seas and marine organisms, including demersal and pelagic fish, can accumulate them from the environment. Assessment of the ecological risk of heavy metals from fish has an important role in public health. In this study, some heavy metal (Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn, and Fe) concentrations were determined in the muscle tissues of two commonly consumed fish species, Trachurus mediterraneus (Mediterranean horse mackerel) and Merlangius merlangus (Whiting), which are the fifth (14,222 tons/year) and sixth (6814 tons/year) highest commercial catches of marine fish species in Turkey, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations of samples collected from four sites (Adalar, İzmit Bay, Yalova, and Tekirdağ) in the Marmara Sea were determined using ICP-MS. Fish samples caught at Yalova station were found to have the highest heavy metal concentrations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in terms of the mean values, only As, and Cr were higher than permissible limits in T. mediterraneus, while Pb, Cd, As, and Cr were higher in M. merlangus. Arsenic concentrations were higher than maximum limits in both T. mediterraneus and M. merlangus. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) was calculated to assess the potential health impact. The EWI for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury for some sites was above the provisional tolerable weekly intake.

Treatment and protective effects of metalloproteinase inhibitors alone and in combination with N-Acetyl cysteine plus vitamin E in rats exposed to aflatoxin B1

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors dexamethasone and minocycline administrations -both single and in combination with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and vitamin E-on the tissue distribution and lethal dose (LD)₅₀ of aflatoxin (AF)B₁ in rats. We performed this study on male Wistar rats (8-10 weeks) in two phases. In the first phase, rats were administered dexamethasone (5 and 20 mg/kg) and minocycline (45 and 90 mg/kg), both as single treatments and in combination with NAC (200 mg/kg) and vitamin E (600 mg/kg); these treatments followed AFB₁ administration (2 mg/kg). In the second phase, the therapeutic effect value (TEV) was calculated to determine the treatment effect on the LD₅₀ level of AFB₁. The tissue affinity of AFB1 from high to low was liver, kidney, intestine, brain, heart, spleen, lung, testis, and vitreous humor, respectively. Dexamethasone at the 20 mg/kg dose significantly reduced AFB₁ concentrations in the plasma and the other tissues, except for the vitreous humor. The effects of minocycline on the plasma and tissue concentrations of AFB₁ varied by dose and tissue. The combinations of dexamethasone or minocycline with NAC and vitamin E increased the AFB₁ concentrations in the plasma and all tissues, except for vitreous humor and liver. In male rats, the LD₅₀ value of AFB₁ was 11.86 mg/kg. The TEV of dexamethasone (20 mg/kg) was calculated to be 1.5. Dexamethasone can be administered in repeated doses at ≥20 mg/kg to increase survival in AFB₁ poisoning.

Tissue contaminants and wild fish health in the St. Clair River Area of Concern - Part 2: Spatial trends and temporal declines in organics

We explored tissue concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides, and relevant organochlorines and fish health in the following adult wild fish in the St. Clair River Area of Concern (Ontario, Canada): shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides). We collected adult fish from sites within the river's industrial zone (Stag Island), a downstream site adjacent to Walpole Island (Chenal Écarte), and an upstream reference site in Lake Huron in 2002/2003 and 2014. We tested for trends in tissue concentrations of organic contaminants across sites and over time; we assessed the potential effects of contaminants on morphological indicators of fish health across sites by year. Over the 12-year period, the tissue concentrations of most PCBs declined at the river sites, except for some non-legacy PCBs (PCB11 and 185), which increased in yellow perch at Stag Island, a new observation for fish in the St. Clair River AOC. There was little difference between the concentrations of calculated toxic equivalents (TEQs) of the Lake Huron and the St. Clair River fish in 2014, except for emerald shiners from Stag Island which had elevated ΣPCB and TEQs. Each fish species at all sites exceeded the Canadian tissue residue guideline for PCBs for the protection of mammalian wildlife consumers of aquatic biota, but fish-derived TEQs indicated little potential health risk to fish. Over time, hexachlorobutadiene and hexachlorobenzene concentrations increased in some fish at Stag Island by about 8- and 4-fold, respectively, whereas they decreased at other sampling locations. Principal Component Analysis followed by Linear Discriminant Analysis of the 2014 SHRH data suggested that although the fish separated by site, tissue concentrations of PCB and organochlorine contaminants did not have consistent relationships to the morphological health indicators, including egg production in females, which implied the absence of causative relationships.

Presence of pharmaceutical compounds, levels of biochemical biomarkers in seafood tissues and risk assessment for human health: Results from a case study in North-Western Spain

This study assessed the presence of 27 pharmaceutically active compounds belonging to common therapeutic groups (cardiovascular, antiashmatic, psychoactive, diuretic, analgesic/anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic drugs) in the tissues of representative seafood species of bivalves, cephalopods, arthropods, and fish of high economic importance and consumption rates in North-Western Spain. Four pharmaceutical compounds, out of the 27 analyzed, were detected in the collected samples. The benzodiazepine citalopram was detected in the tissues of common octopus (14.1 ng g^-1 dry weight) and pod razor (9.4 ng g^-1 dw). The anxiolytic venlafaxine was detected in the tissues of common cockle (2.9 ng g^-1 dw). The veterinary antiparasitic ronidazole was found in pod razor (2.3 ng g^-1 dw) and, finally, the psychoactive compound alprazolam was also measured in common octopus (0.3 ng g^-1 dw). Hazard quotients were calculated to assess the hazard posed by the consumption of the sampled seafoods. Octopus and pod razor tissues containing citalopram and alprazolam exceeded our chosen hazard limits (HQ > 0.1) for toddlers who are high consumers of seafood (HQ values between 0.18 and 0.27). A battery of biochemical biomarkers of effects (acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase; catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes activities and reduced/oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde levels) was applied to samples of the study species with the aim of characterizing their basal levels and evaluating their suitability as a tool in the monitoring chronic exposure to environmental contaminants such as those analyzed in this study. According to the measured biomarkers, pod razor and cockles have the potential to be good bioindicator species, based on the observed among-site differences detected on acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities; reduced/oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde levels.

The excessive enrichment of trace elements in migratory and breeding red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) in China

The excessive enrichment of trace elements, such as Pb and Cd, from food may contribute to the decline of migratory red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) in China. To test this prediction, we determined the concentrations of Pb and Cd, as well as further macro and trace elements (Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn) in the target species and their prey (sediment, reed root, mollusk, arthropods, and common fish species) in both the wintering (Yancheng wetland) and breeding sites (Zhalong wetland) of cranes in China. The maximum concentrations of Pb (130 mg kg^-1 dry weight (dw)) and Cd (10.60 mg kg^-1 dw) in the sediments of breeding site and the maximum concentration of Cd (4.50 mg kg^-1 dw) in the sediments of wintering site exceeded the probable effect level values (91.30 mg kg^-1 for Pb and 3.53 mg kg^-1for Cd), suggesting the potential exposure risk of the examined species. Indeed, Pb and Cd contents of essential foods, i.e., aquatic animals, sampled in two sites were above the limit of allowable concentration recommended by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization food standards program. Approximately 80, 31.4, and 60.3 mg kg^-1 dw of Pb were detected in the eggshells, liver, and kidney, respectively, of the target species, and the values are above the levels of concern (1.7 mg kg^-1 for eggshell and 30 mg kg^-1 for liver and kidney) in common birds. Nevertheless, the increased Pb and Cd levels in the prey and bodies of the red-crowned cranes did not induce the levels of Ca and Mg depletion. Average contents of the macronutrients, Ca (1.38 g kg^-1 dw) and Mg (1.32 g kg^-1 dw), in the liver of the examined species exceeded the background concentrations (0.2-0.4 g kg^-1 for Ca and 0.4-0.8 g kg^-1 for Mg) in the liver of birds. Consumption of Ca-rich foods, e.g., grits and exoskeleton species, may aid in compensating the possible loss caused by the increased Pb and Cd concentrations in the bodies of the cranes.

Cadmium Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Oligochaetes Using a Biodynamic Model: A Review of Values of Physiological Parameters and Model Validation Using Laboratory and Field Bioaccumulation Data

This study reviews certain physiological digestive parameters in the literature that could be used to predict tissue residues in aquatic oligochaetes using the biodynamic model. Predictions were evaluated with independently measured Cd bioaccumulation data in sediment bioassays and field oligochaetes. The parameter review focused on three species commonly used in ecotoxicity testing and bioaccumulation studies: Tubifex tubifex (Tt), Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri (Lh) and Lumbriculus variegatus (Lv). Median Ingestion rates (g g^-1 d^-1, dw) at unpolluted conditions were 7.8 (Tt), 24.5 (Lh) and 11.5 (Lv), while results were lower (1.7-2.4) at polluted conditions. Assimilation efficiencies ranged from 3.4-19.6% (Tt), 2.7-16.1% (Lh), and 10.9-25.6% (Lv). The biodynamic model accurately predicted Cd tissue concentration in T. tubifex exposed to spiked sediments in laboratory bioassays. Comparisons of predicted vs. measured Cd tissue concentration in bioassays or field aquatic oligochaetes suggest that the biodynamic model can predict Cd tissue concentration within a factor of five in 81.3% of cases, across a range of measured tissue concentrations from 0.1 to 100 μg Cd g^-1 dw. Predictions can be refined by using physiological parameter values that have been measured under varying environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen). The model can underestimate tissue concentration by up to one order of magnitude when worms are exposed to highly contaminated sediments. Contrarily, predictions overestimate tissue concentration by up to two orders of magnitude when the measured Cd < 0.1 μg g^-1 dw, although in most cases these predictions do not fail bioaccumulation-based risk assessments, using a tissue threshold value of 1.5 μg Cd g^-1 dw.

Blood and tissue distribution of posaconazole in a rat model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Posaconazole is the recommended prophylactic agent in patients at high risk of invasive fungal infection, since adequate drug levels seem to be reached in target sites despite the relatively low levels detected in blood. The objective of this study is to obtain pharmacokinetic (PK) information associated to blood and tissue distribution of posaconazole in an animal model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The PK parameters in lung samples were systematically higher than in serum. After multiple-dose administration of posaconazole, a significant accumulation of the drug was evident in lung tissue. The PK behavior of posaconazole in this particular experimental model is similar to that observed in humans. Thus, we believe this model could be a valid tool to evaluate posaconazole exposure-response relationship.

Tissue distribution of organochlorine pesticides in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from laboratory exposure and a contaminated lake

Tissue concentrations of persistent organochlorine pesticides in laboratory-exposed largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and in bass collected from Lake Apopka, FL were determined by both total mass and lipid normalized mass to better understand the bioaccumulation pathways of contaminants. In the laboratory study, male bass were orally administered a single dose of a mixture of two pesticides (p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and dieldrin) and then fed uncontaminated food for 28 days. Gastrointestinal tract, liver, brain, gonad, kidney, spleen, and muscle were collected for chemical analysis. Different profiles were observed by total contaminant mass in tissues compared to lipid normalized mass. On a lipid normalized basis, p,p'-DDE was highest in the gastrointestinal tract followed by the liver, gonad, spleen, muscle, kidney and then brain. Dieldrin, on the other hand, was highest in the gastrointestinal tract and spleen and then followed by the gonad, muscle, liver, kidney, and brain. Distribution of the chemicals among the organs differed by their log KOW values and generally followed the blood flow path after the gastrointestinal tract. The low contaminant levels found in kidney and brain suggest insufficient time for equilibration into these tissues, especially into the brain where the blood-brain barrier may be slow to traverse. In Lake Apopka fish, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDXs, sum of p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, and p,p'-DDT), Drins (sum of aldrin, dieldrin, and endrin), and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were found. For DDXs, the lipid normalized concentrations in each tissue were about the same, as predicted from theory. For Drins and HCHs, the lipid normalized concentrations were similar for kidney, spleen, brain, gonad and muscle, but much lower in the gastrointestinal tract and liver, probably because of metabolism occurring in those tissues.

Lead in the Red-Crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis) in Zhalong Wetland, Northeastern China: A Report

The dietary uptake of Cd and Pb may contribute to the decline of migratory red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) on the Asian mainland. To uncover the relevance of this hypothesis, we determined the concentrations of Pb and Cd as well as further macro and trace elements (Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Hg and As) in the gastric contents, gastric wall, intestinal wall, liver, kidney, muscle, and feathers of two individuals found dead in Zhalong Wetland in Northeastern China. Indeed, the Pb concentrations in the liver and kidney tissues was with 31.4 and 60.3 mg kg(-1) dry weight (dw), respectively, above concentrations considered as potentially toxic level in common birds (i.e. 30 mg kg(-1)). These Pb concentration may have possibly been associated with lethal toxicosis in this endangered species suggesting Pb as major threat for G. japonensis populations. Thus, the inputs of Pb into Zhalong Wetland should be reduced to maintain and reestablish environmental conditions supporting the population development of these migratory red-crowned cranes in the Zhalong Wetland, a critical crane habitat for the long-term sustainability of this species.

Plasma pharmacokinetics and synovial concentrations of S-flurbiprofen plaster in humans

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics and deep tissue penetration capability of the newly developed S-flurbiprofen plaster (SFPP) in humans.

METHODS

Study 1: SFPP tape-type patch (2-60 mg) was applied to the lower back for 24 h in healthy adult volunteers. S-flurbiprofen (SFP) plasma concentration was measured over time to examine SFP pharmacokinetics. Study 2: SFPP (20 mg) was applied for 12 h to the affected knee of osteoarthritis (OA) patients who were scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. Deep tissues (synovial tissue and synovial fluid) were collected during surgery to compare SFP concentrations after application of SFPP or a commercially available flurbiprofen (FP) gel-type patch.

RESULTS

Study 1: The plasma concentration of SFP was sustained during 24-h topical application of the SFPP, showing a high percutaneous absorption ratio of 51.4-72.2 %. Cmax and AUC0-∞ were dose-proportional. Study 2: After application of the SFPP for 12 h, SFP concentrations in the synovial tissue and synovial fluid were 14.8-fold (p = 0.002) and 32.7-fold (p < 0.001) higher, respectively, than those achieved by the FP patch.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustained plasma concentration of SFP and high percutaneous absorption ratio was observed after 24-h topical application of the SFPP. Compared to the FP patch, the SFPP showed superior percutaneous absorption and greater tissue penetration of SFP into the synovial tissue. Greater tissue penetration of the SFPP seemed to be primarily due to its formulation. Thus, SFPP is expected to show higher efficacy for the treatment of knee OA.

Spatio-temporal comparisons of imposex status and tissue organotin concentration in the whelk Reishia clavigera collected along the coasts of Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay, Shenzhen, China

Organotin compounds (OTs) have caused widespread adverse effects on marine organisms. As no local restrictions on OT-based antifouling paints have been implemented in China, high concentrations of OTs still occur in coastal environments. In this study, we measured the imposex status and tissue concentrations of OTs in the whelk Reishia clavigera collected along the coast of Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay of Shenzhen, China in 2013. Our results showed that all female whelks suffered from the onset of imposex. The highest concentration of total OTs was 27,756 μg kg(-1) dry weight in the samples collected from Shuitousha. Triphenyltin was the most predominant residue, accounting for more than 97.8% of total OTs across all sites. Compared with the results from previous studies, the marine environment of this region is still heavily contaminated with OTs. Therefore, a tightened control is necessary to regulate the use and release of OTs in China.