Mercury concentrations in the surface sediments of the intertidal area along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Total mercury (Hg) levels in the intertidal surface sediments along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia were analysed by using heat vaporization method. Total Hg levels in these sediments ranged from 3.00 to 201?µg?kg^?1 dry weight with a mean concentration of 60.0?µg?kg^?1 dry weight. More than 90% of the samples studied have the total Hg concentrations less than 150?µg?kg^?1 dry weight. Compare with the regional data and sediment quality guidelines, the Hg contamination in the intertidal area along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia was not serious, except for a few sites that might have received anthropogenic Hg in the samples collected between 1999 and 2000. It is suggested that a similar study of heavy metals in the sediments of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia be conducted regularly.     

Determination of mercury and arsenic levels in fish caught in the Beheshtabad River,Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province,Iran

Mercury and arsenic pollution has been recognized as a potential environmental and public health problem for over 40 years. The major source of exposure to mercury for humans is the ingestion of fish. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the levels of mercury and arsenic in the muscles of four fish species caught in the Beheshtabad River and comparing the results with the maximum tolerance levels for mercury and arsenic. The samples of 90 fish were used for the determination of both the metals by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that the concentrations ranged from 1.5 to 3.8 µg kg^?1 for mercury and from 35 to 70 µg kg^?1 for arsenic, with means of 2.7 ± 0.5 and 57 ± 12 µg kg^?1, respectively. Both mean levels were lower than the threshold limits acceptable by WHO standards.     

Potentially toxic elements in some fresh water bodies in Ethiopia

A total of thirty three water samples were collected from Tinishu Akaki River, Lake Awassa, and Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. Multi-element determination of trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in water samples was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after acidification with 1% HNO₃. The concentration (in µg?L^?1) of the elements were in the range of 1.0–19, <0.42–83, 1.1–1580, <45–1760, <0.11–2.0, 0.43–13, 0.77–13, 6–300, <0.94–2.0, <0.3–1.5, <0.012–0.63, 0.13–4.8, <0.29, and 0.2–7.2 for V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb, respectively. The concentrations of all the quantified elements, with the exception of Mn, were in the range of the permissible limits of the Ethiopian, European Community, and World Health Organization for both drinking water quality guidelines and irrigation water guidelines. The accuracy of the method was validated by analyzing trace elements in water standard reference material (SRM 1643e). The measured values of trace elements in the SRM agreed well with the certified values at the 95% confidence level.     

Speciation of mercury in South African coals

Total mercury (Hg_TOT) concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) for South African Highveld coals. The distribution of Hg in coals was investigated using a four-stage sequential leaching protocol and isotope dilution/gas chromatography coupled to ICP MS (ID-GC-ICP MS). The results show that Hg_TOT ranged from 144 to 303?µg?kg^?1 with a mean of 199?±?26?µg?kg^?1, while Hg_TOT leached from coals using different solvents ranged between 103 and 310?µg?kg^?1 (mean: 218?±?60?µg?kg^?1). Hg leaching rates of 53–78% were achieved in crushed coals. Hg⁰, Hg²⁺, and CH₃Hg⁺ were identified in all coals. CH₃Hg⁺ in studied coals ranged between 0.1 and 0.4 (mean: 0.2) µg?kg^?1. GC ICP MS chromatograms also showed unknown Hg peaks which were identified as other organomercury species such as ethylmercury. Modes of occurrence of Hg in coals were variable with the organic-bound (37–40%) and the sulfide-bound (37–39%) being the dominant mercury forms. Increasing the HCl concentration in the used protocol increased the amount of Hg leached (16%) during this step.     

Inorganic and methyl-mercury speciation in sediments of the Swarzędzkie Lake

Sediment samples were analysed for mercury and methylmercury content in different parts of the bottom sediment of Swarz ?dzkie Lake, which were influenced by different external pollution sources. The results of determination with two methods of mineralization using two separate media (HNO₃/H₂O₂ and HF) were compared. The accuracy of the studied methods was analysed using certified reference material IAEA 405 of river sediment. The recovery of mercury was satisfactory and ranged from 97.5 to 98.8%. Methylmercury compounds in the studied sediments were found in limited concentrations. Their concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 58.1 μg kg^?1, i.e. 1.0–7.4% of the total mercury content. The depth profile displayed high values of both total and methylmercury content at a depth of 10–20 cm, related to the heavy pollution of the lake in the 1980s. Canonical analysis displayed the relationship of both total mercury and methylmercury concentrations with organic matter and phosphorus content in bottom sediments.     

Abstracts to forthcoming papers

Food is the major source of metal exposure for the nonsmoking general population. Food samples of plant and animal origin from Ismailia, Egypt, were analyzed for the content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) using AAS. The Cr, Zn, and Cu concentrations were in the range of 1.7–249?µg?kg^?1 wet weight (ww), 2–66?mg?kg^?1?ww, and 0.5–3.46?mg?kg^?1?ww, respectively. The mean daily intake of Cr, Zn, and Cu was 28.9?µg day^?1, 8.55?mg day^?1, and 1.7?mg day^?1, respectively. The intake estimates are within the range of the recommended intake established internationally. Concentrations of Cd and Pb were in the range of 10–321?µg?kg^?1?ww and 31–1200?µg?kg^?1?ww, respectively. The weekly dietary intake for Cd and Pb (4.02 and 20.4?µg?kg^?1 b.w, respectively) is lower than the FAO/WHO PTWI. Bread is the foodstuff that provided the highest rate of Pb and Cd (62 and 46% of the daily intake) to adults in Ismailia city.     

Concentrations of lead in cosmetics commonly used in South Africa

In this study, we present evidence of lead in lip liner, oil absorbent powder, mascara, concealer, lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation. The samples were analyzed for lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels of lead in concealer, mascara, lip liner, and oil absorbent powder were found to be 7.4?±?1.3?µg?g^?1, 15.8?±?0.2?µg?g^?1, 29.0?±?9.2?µg?g^?1, and 17.3?±?2.9?µg?g^?1, respectively. The levels of lead in lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation ranged from not detected to 73.1?±?5.2?µg?g^?1, 4.7 to 11.7?±?2.8?µg?g^?1, and 7.8 to 32.9?±?1.4?µg?g^?1, respectively. Thus, in the majority of samples, the concentrations of lead are higher than the USFDA maximum permissible concentration of 0.10?µg?g^?1 in candy and cosmetics. In lipsticks alone, only 25% of 40 samples were found to meet the requirement. Therefore, continuous use of cosmetic products in which lead concentration exceeds the maximum permissible level may pose a health hazard for the female population of South Africa in the long run.     

Assessment of metals in soil extracts and their uptake and movement within Tamarix nilotica at Lake Nasser banks,Egypt

This study aims to determine heavy-metal levels in soil from the banks of Lake Nasser, the ability of Tamarix nilotica to accumulate such metals from soil and hence its potential for phytoextraction. Soil and Tamarix samples were collected from the banks of four bights around Lake Nasser and analysed for Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb by atomic absorption spectrometry, whereas Na and K were measured by atomic emission spectrophotometry. Three different methods of extraction were used for the soil samples. Lead, copper and zinc were equally distributed between the exchangeable phase and Fe/Mn oxide-bound form, while other measured metals were mainly present in the Fe/Mn oxide fraction. With the exception of iron, all metals studied showed total concentrations within the geochemical background values. T. nilotica exhibited elevated concentrations of Na (36.2–48.5?mg?g^?1) and K (2.74–4.33?mg?g^?1) in stems, and relatively high concentrations of Pb, Cd and Co (0.39–1.03?µg?g^?1, 0.24–1.3?µg?g^?1 and 1.94–5.3?µg?g^?1, respectively) are found in plant leaves. Bioaccumulation factors of Na and K (9.3 and 12.63, respectively) were high in T. nilotica stems. While the bioaccumulation of Pb, Cd, Co and Ni (2870.1, 2035.4, 10.5 and 5313.2, respectively) was high in plant leaves, Fe, Mn, Ca and Mg were accumulated relatively equally in plant stems and leaves. T. nilotica was found to secrete high amounts of Na, Ca and K, in addition to small amounts of all accumulated metals except Cd and Cu. These secreted metals appeared as salt crystals (67.5% Na; 25.8% Ca; 5% Mg; 1.5% K and 0.16% trace and minor elements) on the plant surface. The concentrations of all the metals studied in T. nilotica were higher than in the salt crystals. Statistical analysis of the database suggests bioaccumulation of these metals from soil to T. nilotica. This reflects the importance of using T. nilotica as a model in the phytoremediation process as an established environmental clean-up technology.     

Mercury pollution in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh,India, and its health impacts

The Sonbhadra district in the Singrauli area of Uttar Pradesh, India, has many coal mines and thermal power plants and is a critically polluted area. Many residents of this area reported adverse health conditions which may be linked to metal pollution, especially of mercury investigated here.

In May 2012, samples of water (23), soil (7), blood, hair, and nails from persons showing adverse health conditions selected at random were collected and analyzed for total mercury by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Twenty percent drinking water samples contained mercury from 3 to 26 μg L^?1 (3–26 times the permissible limit). Soil samples had 0.5–10.1 mg kg^?1 Hg.

The average concentrations of mercury in human blood, hair, and nails were found to be 34 μg L^?1, 7.4 mg kg^?1, and 0.8 mg kg^?1, respectively. Mercury concentrations in the blood of these persons were 45 and 28 μg L^?1 on average in the case of men and women. This is much higher than the safe level of 5.8 μg L^?1 set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

It was concluded that all residents of Sonbhadra sampled could be suffering from mercury toxicity as the area is polluted by Hg released from the coal-fired thermal power plants.     

Exposure assessment for mercury from consumption of marine fish in Iran

Seven species of marine fish in the Persian Gulf and three species of marine fish in the Caspian Sea were collected from the local wholesale market in Mashhad, Iran. The mercury (Hg) concentration in muscle samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. High total Hg concentration was found in Anchovy sprat (2.04 ± 1.23 µg g^?1) and Whitecheek shark (1.26 ± 1.85 µg g^?1) and the lowest content was detected in common carp (0.24 ± 0.24 µg g^?1) and Caspian salmon (0.25 ± 0.08 µg g^?1). The mean Hg content in all samples was 0.91 ± 1.07 µg g^?1. All samples of Persian Gulf and one sample of Caspian Sea had mean Hg concentration above 0.5 µg g^?1, the level established by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. Results showed that the estimated weekly intake of total Hg by a 60 kg adult is below the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. For prevention of health risks, populations in Iran need to consume fish in moderate amounts.     

Distributions of total metals in the surface sediments of the Bandirma and Erdek Gulfs,Marmara Sea,Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine the contents of aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, chromium, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sediments at 1–30?m depths of the Band?rma and Erdek Gulfs in the Southern Inner Shelf of the Marmara Sea. Sediment samples were collected from different depths (1?m, 5?m, 10?m, 20?m, 30?m) at each region in February 2008. Primary hydrographic conditions, such as temperature (6.6–14.5°C), salinity (22.6–26.875 psu), percentage of dissolved oxygen saturation (35–83 %), and pH (8.0–8.4) were recorded for each sampling point. Moreover the total organic carbon (0.5–2.9%) and the total calcium carbonate contents (0.8–60%) of sediment samples were determined. In surface sediments of both gulfs, Pb (21–62?mg?kg^?1) and Cd (0.52–0.86?mg?kg^?1) contents were determined to be higher than the shale average (Pb 20?mg?kg^?1, Cd 0.2?mg?kg^?1) while the other metal contents were measured to be lower in general. On the other hand, generally Hg (0.06–1.1?mg?kg^?1) contents were higher than the shale average (0.3?mg?kg^?1)at all of the examined stations in the Band?rma Gulf and lower than the shale average in the Erdek Gulf.     

Contamination and source assessment of metals,polychlorinated biphenyls,and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils from Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

Urban areas in developing countries are facing vast environmental problems as a result of rapid urbanization and industrialization. Of major concern is the contamination of soils which are increasingly becoming sinks for environmental pollutants. However, to date only little is known about the pollution in the megalopolises of developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the contamination and potential sources of metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the urban environment of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The investigation revealed the presence of most of the analyzed pollutants in soil and sediment samples with total concentrations (dry wt) of PAHs ranging from 186 to 3150?µg?kg^?1, PCBs from 0.4 to 19?µg?kg^?1, Cu from 14 to 173?mg?kg^?1, Zn from 36 to 440?mg?kg^?1, Pb from 9 to 700?mg?kg^?1, and Ni from 16 to 72?mg?kg^?1. In addition, polyaromatic sulfur heterocycles, typical for oil and petrol residues, were detected in several soil samples. Source identification approaches revealed that Pb, Zn, and Cu are most likely derived from pyrolytic sources, with elevated values in samples related to waste combustion and traffic emissions. Ni is most probably of geogenic origin. For PCBs it is indicated that they are derived from a single source. However, correlations with technical PCB mixtures were inconsistent. PAHs originate from the combustion of biomass, vehicular exhausts, and petrogenic sources.     

Comparative evaluation of trace elements in the scalp hair of arthritis patients and healthy donors

This study was aimed to evaluate the comparative distribution, correlation and apportionment of selected elements (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb and Zn) in the scalp hair of arthritis patients and healthy subjects. The hair samples collected from the patients (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis) and healthy donors were digested in nitric acid and perchloric acid mixture, followed by the quantification of trace elements using atomic absorption spectrometry. In the case of healthy donors, highest mean concentration was shown by Ca (3240?µg?g^?1), followed by Mg (340?µg?g^?1), Zn (192?µg?g^?1), Fe (184?µg?g^?1) and Pb (27?µg?g^?1), whereas, the estimated average metal levels in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients were 3160, 290, 197, 61 and 23?µg?g^?1, and 3090, 300, 182, 50 and 21?µg?g^?1, respectively. Most of the elements revealed diverse and random distribution in the scalp hair of the donor groups. The correlation study pointed out significant disparities in the mutual relationships among the trace elements in the patients and controls. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis of the element data manifested diverse apportionment of the selected elements in the scalp hair of the patients compared with the healthy counterparts.     

Determination of metals in printed wiring boards of waste mobile phones

Metal contents of waste mobile phones represent a major environmental risk, especially considering the adoption of inappropriate management options in developing countries including open burning and disposal into surface water bodies. In this study the metal contents of mobile phone printed wiring board (PWB) samples were assessed. Sixty-two waste mobile phones of 15 brands were collected, dismantled, and their PWB samples were analyzed for Cu, Pb, Ag and Cd. The metal concentrations in the samples varied widely between and within brands. Among these metals, Cu and Pb were found to be at very high concentrations. The range (mean?±?SD) of Cu and Pb concentrations were 94.1–532?g?kg^?1 (250?±?92.3?g?kg^?1) and 7.0–46.2?g?kg^?1 (20.1?±?8.4?g?kg^?1), respectively. All Cu and Pb concentrations exceeded toxicity threshold limit concentration (TTLC) regulatory limits used in characterizing wastes as hazardous in the state of California, USA. The mean Cu and Pb concentrations exceeded the corresponding TTLC limits by factors of 100 and 20, respectively. The Ag and Cd concentrations were in the range 59.4–759?mg?kg^?1 (mean 227?±?104?mg?kg^?1) and ND – 15.6?mg?kg^?1 (2.1?±?3.3?mg?kg^?1), respectively.     

Uranium quantification in groundwater and health risk from its ingestion in Haryana,India

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element which may cause toxicological or radiological hazards to the public if present in drinking water. This study reports the quantification of uranium in groundwater of major towns of the district Fatehabad, Haryana, India. Uranium concentrations ranged between 0.3 and 48 μg L^?1. In 22% of the groundwater samples, uranium concentrations were higher than the World Health Organization maximum permissible limit of 30 µg L^?1. The radiological dose for males was found to be in the range of 4.8?×?10^?4–7.1?×?10^?2 mSv y^?1 and for females 3.5?×?10^?4–5.2?×?10^?2 mSv y^?1. The results showed that due to the ingestion of groundwater in the study area, radiological cancer risk is in the range of 9.1?×?10^?7–1.3?×?10^?4, lower than the risk limit. Uranium ingestion from groundwater varied from 0.02 to 3.5 µg kg^?1 day^?1, which is within acceptable limit.     

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of a mangrove forest affected by forest fire

Surface soils affected by forest fires from Igbanko mangrove forest in Nigeria were analyzed for 16 EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total PAHs concentrations in the soils ranged from 63 to 188?µg?kg^?1 dry weight (average: 108?µg?kg^?1). The three predominant PAHs in the soils were naphthalene (Na), fluoranthene (Flu), and benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF). Compared to the control sample (19?µg?kg^?1), elevated PAHs concentrations were observed in the soils, an indication of some level of PAHs contamination. PAHs source diagnostic ratios of Flu/(Flu?+?Pyr) and Ant/(Ant?+?Phe) indicated that the PAHs have a pyrogenic origin which may have resulted from combustion of grass, wood, or coal. An assessment based on Canadian soil quality guidelines indicated that the studied locations do not pose any serious adverse risk on human health.     

Estimate of zearalenone exposure through the intake of white and brown rice in the Korean population

Rice samples (n = 482) harvested for 2010–2012 in South Korea were analyzed for zearalenone content by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. The exposure of the Korean populations was assessed by a deterministic approach. Because the proportion of non-detectable results was >80% in white rice but less than <60% in brown rice, the zearalenone levels for white rice were reported as 0.52 µg kg^?1 as lower bound and 2.54 µg kg^?1 as upper bound, while for brown rice the middle bound value was 13.9 µg kg^?1. The average dietary intake of zearalenone from white and brown rice by the Korean population was estimated to be 1.5 ng kg^?1 body weight (bw) day^?1 each. For heavy consumers, the average intakes were 18.5 and 10.1 ng kg^?1 bw day^?1, respectively. The age groups with the highest zearalenone intake were 1–2-year-old children for white rice and 3–6-year-old children for brown rice. Overall, the dietary exposure of the Korean population to zearalenone from white and brown rice was found to be lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of 0.5 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1.     

Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soils of a previous E-waste processing center

Surface soil samples were taken from a previous electronic waste (E-waste) recycling centerin Taizhou area, Zhejiang province, China. Concentrations, profiles, and possible sources of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls and 7 poly-brominated diphenyl ethers were analyzed to assess their current state in the soil after phase out of massive dismantling of E-wastes. The concentrations of the 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers ranged from 11 to 128 µg kg^?1 with an average of 41 ± 10 µg kg^?1 (dw), with 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromdiphenyl ether being the most abundant. These values were substantially lower than the levels in 2006. The concentrations of the 19 polychlorinated biphenyls ranged from 36 to 760 µg kg^?1, with an average of 181 ± 68 µgkg^?1 (dw) which was also lower than the levels in 1995 or 2006. However, the concentrations of some tetra-, penta- and hexa-chlorobiphenyls were comparable or even higher than before. Furthermore, the average concentration of 7 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls was 108 ± 41 µg kg^?1(dw) which exceeded the New Dutch List target value of 20 µgkg^?1. Principal component analysis indicated that polychlorinated biphenyls were mainly distributed into three groups in accordance with the number of chlorine atoms and anthropogenic source. Therefore, the impact of the historical dismantling of E-wastes is still significant.     

Toxicokinetics,metabolism, and microsomal studies of chlorpropham in rats

A study on the toxicokinetic behavior, metabolism of chlorpropham, and its effect on cytochrome P₄₅₀ from liver microsomes was carried out in albino rats after a single and consecutive oral administration at 500?mg?kg^?1 body weight for 10 and 20 days. Chlorpropham was detected in the blood at 0.08?h (11.43?±?1.72?µg?mL^?1) reaching a maximum concentration at 2?h (30.90?±?2.55?µg?mL^?1) and a minimum at 48?h (1.95?±?0.20?µg?mL^?1) after a single oral administration of 500?mg?kg^?1. The absorption rate constant (K _a) was 0.66?±?0.48?h^?1. The Vd _area (18.01?±?2.78?L?kg^?1) and t _1/2 β (12.23?±?1.96?h) values suggested a wide distribution and long persistence of the compound in the body, respectively. The higher Cl_R (0.82?±?0.00?L?kg^?1?h^?1) compared to Cl_H (0.18?±?0.02?L?kg^?1?h^?1) value indicated that a major portion of chlorpropham was excreted through the urine (30%) compared to the faeces (2.81%). Chlorpropham residue was detected in all tissues of rat at 0.25?h while its metabolite, meta-chloroaniline was detected in liver, kidney, heart, lung, and spleen tissue at 0.25?h. Meta-chloroaniline was not detected in skeletal muscle, brain, fat, and stomach tissue at any time of the observation period. Maximum concentrations of chlorpropham and meta-chloroaniline were detected at 2?h (except in the spleen), and minimum concentrations of chlorpropham at 24 (heart, lung, spleen, skeletal muscle, and stomach) and 48?h (liver, kidney, brain, and fat tissue) respectively; and meta-chloroaniline at 24?h (except heart and spleen). The tissue half-life of chlorpropham in rat varied from 3.80 to 11.60?h. Repeated oral administration of chlorpropham at 500?mg?kg^?1 for 10 and 20 days caused an induction of the liver microsomal pellet of rat.     

Persistence of carbaryl and its risk assessment through consumption of treated grapes

The average initial deposits of carbaryl were observed to be 1.4 and 3.1?mg?kg^?1, respectively, following four applications of the insecticide at 4.95 and 9.9?kg active ingredient per hectare. Residues of carbaryl dissipated below its limit of quantification of 50?µg?kg^?1 after 7 and 10 days at single and double the application dosage, respectively. The half-life values (t _1/2) of carbaryl were worked out to be 1.3 and 0.7 days, respectively, at single and double dosages. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for carbaryl has been fixed at 8?µg?kg^?1 body weight per day. Keeping in view the residues of carbaryl observed one day after the last application, a child of 10?kg and an adult of 60?kg will have an intake of 77 and 154?µg carbaryl after consumption of 100 and 200?g grapes, in comparison to its ADI of 80 and 480?µg; thus, no health risk is to be expected. Therefore, a waiting period of 1 day has been suggested for the safe consumption of carbaryl-treated grapes to avoid any health hazards.