Toxicological studies of zinc oxide nanomaterials in rats

In this study, we have evaluated the ability of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles to induce pulmonary and extrapulmonary toxicities was examined in rats following intratracheal (IT) instillation. Lungs of rats were instilled IT with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)?+?1% Tween 80, ZnO nanoparticles, carbonyl iron or quartz particles at a dose of 1 or 5?mg?kg^?1 body weight. Following exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, blood samples and organs including lung, liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, and brain were collected at 24?h, 1 week, or 1 month of post instillation of nanoparticles and different parameters estimated to assess toxicity. BAL fluid was analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to assess pulmonary toxicity. Exposures to ZnO or quartz particles produced transient dose-dependant increase in BAL fluid LDH and ALP activities at all post exposure periods. Blood samples were analyzed for the tissue damage biomarkers to assess extrapulmonary toxicity. Histopathological examination of lung, liver and kidneys revealed dose-dependent degeneration and necrosis which worsened at 1 week post-instillation periods but recovered at 1 month post instillation. Histopathological examination of rat pancreas, heart, and brain exposed to quartz or ZnO particles showed no marked changes. Data suggest the instillation of ZnO nanoparticles produced a greater pulmonary toxicity in rats comparable with quartz; and extrapulmonary toxicities of these ZnO nanoparticles might be due to translocation into liver and kidney.     

Spatial distribution of lead concentrations in urban surface soils of New Orleans, Louisiana USA

Immediately following hurricane Katrina concern was raised over the environmental impact of floodwaters on the city of New Orleans, especially in regard to human health. Several studies were conducted to determine the actual contaminant distribution throughout the city and surrounding wetlands by analyzing soil, sediment, and water for a variety of contaminants including organics, inorganics, and biologics. Preliminary investigations by The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech University concluded that soils and sediments contained pesticides, semi-volatiles, and metals, specifically arsenic, iron, and lead, at concentrations that could pose a significant risk to human health. Additional studies on New Orleans floodwaters revealed similar constituents as well as compounds commonly found in gasoline. More recently, it has been revealed that lead (Pb), arsenic, and vanadium are found intermittently throughout the city at concentrations greater than the human health soil screening levels (HHSSLs) of 400, 22 (non-cancer endpoint) and 390 μg/g, respectively. Of these, Pb appears to present the greatest exposure hazard to humans as a result of its extensive distribution in city soils. In this study, we spatially evaluated Pb concentrations across greater New Orleans surface soils. We established 128 sampling sites throughout New Orleans at approximately half-mile intervals. A soil sample was collected at each site and analyzed for Pb by ICP-AES. Soils from 19 (15%) of the sites had Pb concentrations exceeding the HHSSL threshold of 400 μg/g. It was determined that the highest concentrations of Pb were found in the south and west portions of the city. Pb concentrations found throughout New Orleans in this study were then incorporated into a geographic information system to create a spatial distribution model that can be further used to predict Pb exposure to humans in the city.     

非暴露式气管滴注3种典型纳米材料对大鼠肝、肾的毒性效应

为探讨纳米二氧化硅(Nano-SiO2)、纳米四氧化三铁(Nano-Fe3O4)和单壁碳纳米管(SWCNTs)对大鼠肝、肾的毒性效应,将49只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为7组,包括生理盐水对照组,以及3种纳米材料的低剂量组(2mg·mL-1)和高剂量组(10mg·mL-1),采用非暴露式气管滴注法染毒,每2d染毒1次,每次每只0.2mL,共染毒5周,眼眶取血后处死大鼠,称肝、肾重量计算脏器系数,测定大鼠血清中反映肝、肾功能的生化指标,并对肝、肾进行病理学观察.结果表明,1)3种纳米材料均可导致大鼠体重明显降低,但对肝、肾脏器系数无明显影响;2)病理学观察发现,3种纳米材料均可导致大鼠肝细胞轻度脂肪变性,肾脏则无明显改变;3)3种纳米材料均可导致大鼠肝功能异常,部分肝功能指标如谷草转氨酶(AST)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)等出现显著降低;4)3种纳米材料均可导致大鼠肾功能异常,部分肾功能指标如尿酸(UA)、肌酐(CREA)、尿素氮(BUN)等出现显著升高或降低.以上结果提示,经呼吸道染毒的Nano-SiO2、Nano-Fe3O4和SWCNTs均可对大鼠肝、肾产生一定的毒性效应.     

Sensitive crop species and appropriate bioassays for potential use in phytotoxicity assessment of Pb-contaminated soils

The present study aims to determine the phytotoxic effects of lead (Pb) on corn (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and to identify the sensitive crop species and appropriate bioassays for potential use in phytotoxicity assessment of Pb-contaminated soil. In a laboratory experiment, Pb(NO₃)₂ was added to the background soil to obtain eight Pb treatments. The results indicate that the seed germination rate of lettuce decreases by 14.44%, 30.00% and 40.00% at 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg Pb kg^?1 soil, respectively. However, the germination of corn, wheat, cucumber and cabbage is not significantly influenced by the Pb-contaminated soil treated with all the tested concentrations. Furthermore, the root elongation is more sensitive to Pb than is seed germination. The minimum concentrations of adverse effect of maize, wheat, cucumber, cabbage and lettuce are 2000, 3000, 1300, 800 and 300 mg Pb kg^?1 soil, respectively. Moreover, dicotyledon species are more sensitive than monocotyledon species. In the genotoxicity study, the mitotic index (MI) fluctuates with an increasing Pb concentration. The micronuclei (MN) frequencies of cucumber, cabbage and lettuce exhibit a dose-dependent effect at concentrations ranging from 1300 to 4000 mg Pb kg^?1 soil. It can be concluded that lettuce is a good candidate for indicating the toxicity of Pb in soil. Root elongation and the micronucleus frequency of dicotyledon are appropriate bioassays for potential use in phytotoxicity assessment of Pb-contaminated soil.     

Lead availability in soils from Portugal’s Centre Region with special reference to bioaccessibility

Previous environmental biomonitoring studies indicated higher environmental lead (Pb) pollution levels at the districts of Aveiro and Leiria (Portugal). In evaluating the risk for human health, which is associated with contaminated soils after oral uptake, total soil concentrations have generally been held against criteria established from toxicological studies based upon the assumption that the uptake of the contaminant is similar in the toxicological studies and from the soils assessed. This assumption is not always valid, as most toxicological studies are carried out with soluble forms of the contaminants, whereas many soil contaminants are or become embedded in the soil matrix and thus exhibit limited availability. This study intends to estimate the soluble fraction of Pb in the soils from central Portugal, and to assess the bioaccessibility of Pb and, hence, infer exposure and risk for human health. Yet, as the physical–chemical properties of the soil exert some control over the solubility of Pb in the surface environment, the relation between such soil properties and the estimated soluble and/or bioaccessible fractions of Pb is also investigated. Other objective, with a more practical nature, was to give some contribution to find a suitable in vitro mimetic of the gastrointestinal tract environment. The results indicate relatively low total metal concentrations in the soils, even if differences between regions were observed. The Aveiro district has the higher total Pb concentration and the metal is in more soluble forms, that is, geoavailable. Soils with higher concentrations of soluble Pb show higher estimates of bioaccessible Pb. Soil pH seems to influence human bioaccessibility of Pb.     

沙尘暴源区土壤盐碱扬尘对大鼠呼吸系统的免疫损伤

为研究沙尘暴源区土壤盐碱扬尘对大鼠呼吸系统的免疫损伤,采集距北京200多公里的张家口张北地区的安固里诺尔干盐湖(N41.316°,E114.350°)0~5 cm的盐碱表土,过200目(75μm)筛,测试土壤盐碱扬尘中水溶性离子。将32只雄性7周龄Wistar大鼠随机分为4组,即生理盐水对照组、低浓度组(1.5 mg·kg~(-1))、中浓度组(7.5 mg·kg~(-1))、高浓度组(37.5 mg·kg~(-1)),配制颗粒物悬液,采用气管滴注急性染毒方式,24 h后处死动物,检测血常规及血浆和肺泡灌洗液(BALF)的总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、转化生长因子(TGF-β1)等氧化炎症因子,并制作肺组织和气管病理切片。结果表明,沙尘暴源区土壤盐碱扬尘中含有大量的SO_4~(2-)、NO_3~-和NH_4~+等离子;土壤盐碱扬尘急性染毒会对大鼠气管和肺组织造成明显的炎症病变,并随着染毒试剂浓度的升高而加重;但对大鼠血常规的影响较小。中、高浓度染毒使血浆中T-AOC显著下降(P0.05);染毒促使血浆TGF-β1分泌显著增加(P0.05),但不存在剂量-效应关系,其他氧化炎症指标分泌无显著变化。中、高浓度组BALF的TGF-β1因子分泌量显著高于生理盐水对照组(P0.05),高浓度组BALF中IL-6含量显著低于生理盐水对照组(P0.05),其他氧化炎症指标分泌无显著变化。这些研究显示土壤盐碱扬尘粒径大小及化学成分可能是造成大鼠氧化炎症差异的原因。     

中国典型土壤中铅的生物可给性的影响因素分析与健康风险评估

土壤铅污染及其危害备受关注。作为评估其对人体健康风险的科学指标之一,土壤铅的生物可给性的影响因素仍不甚明确。采集中国5种典型土壤(红壤、褐土、黑土、棕壤和黄壤),根据国标中一类建设用地的管制值制备成800 mg·kg^-1的铅污染土壤样品,利用先进的基于生理学的体外试验方法(改进的PBET模型)研究经口部摄入的土壤铅的生物可给性及其对人体的健康风险,进而从土壤理化性质和铅的赋存形态角度,全面综合地探讨土壤铅的生物可给性的影响因素,并分析不同土壤间差异的原因。结果表明,土壤铅在胃阶段的生物可给性为72.7%—82.6%,各类型土壤间差异极显著,其中红壤较高而黑土较低;进入小肠阶段后,土壤铅的生物可给性极显著降低至22.8%—27.7%,各类型土壤间无显著差异。土壤铅对人体的健康风险评估结果与之相同。对儿童而言,土壤铅在胃阶段的非致癌风险达到可接受限值的2.1倍;且整体而言,土壤铅对儿童的非致癌风险平均达到成人的7.6倍,必须加以重视。此外,土壤铅的生物可给性与土壤pH、有机质质量分数和迁移系数均存在高度显著相关性,其中,土壤pH是影响土壤铅在胃肠道的生物可给性的主导因子。通过体外试验可直接、简便而准确地获取土壤铅的生物可给性信息,建议在今后实地的污染土壤健康风险评估工作中引入该方法。该研究成果将为铅污染土壤健康风险评估工作提供准确的科学依据与有价值的参考。     

气管滴注大气细颗粒物对大鼠心脏的急性毒性及其机制研究

为探讨大气细颗粒物(PM2.5)对大鼠心脏的急性毒性及其机制,将28只健康雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为空白膜对照组、7.5mg·kg-1、15mg·kg-1和30mg·kg-1剂量组.细颗粒物采用一次性咽喉部气管滴注染毒,24h后处死动物.分别于染毒30min、1h和24h后测定大鼠心电图,采用间接免疫荧光化学方法测定大鼠心脏缝隙连接蛋白Cx43的分布,采用免疫印迹法(Western blot)测定连接蛋白Cx43的表达;光镜下观察心脏的组织病理学改变.结果发现,染毒30min后,各组大鼠心律失常发生率均高于基础测量时,染毒1h后对照组恢复正常心律,而颗粒物染毒组仍显示异常心律,与对照组相比,15mg·kg-1和30mg·kg-1剂量组大鼠心律失常发生频率显著增加(p<0.05),染毒24h后各组均恢复正常心律.Cx43免疫荧光结果显示,染毒24h后,15mg·kg-1和30mg·kg-1剂量组大鼠心肌Cx43荧光强度显著降低(p<0.01);Western blot测定结果显示,随着PM2.5染毒剂量的增加,心肌组织Cx43表达逐渐减少,15mg·kg-1和30mg·kg-1剂量组Cx43蛋白水平分别为对照的57%和51%,与对照组相比,差异具有显著性(p<0.01);病理切片结果发现,对照组和各剂量均可见到心肌横纹,心肌排列正常,横纹清晰,未见明显心肌细胞萎缩、变性,亦未见炎细胞浸润.本次研究结果表明,大气PM2.5可引起健康Wistar大鼠心律异常的发生,心肌组织Cx43分布和表达的异常可能是其机制之一.     

Application of eggshell waste for the immobilization of cadmium and lead in a contaminated soil

Liming materials have been used to immobilize heavy metals in contaminated soils. However, no studies have evaluated the use of eggshell waste as a source of calcium carbonate (CaCO?) to immobilize both cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of eggshell waste on the immobilization of Cd and Pb and to determine the metal availability following various single extraction techniques. Incubation experiments were conducted by mixing 0-5% powdered eggshell waste and curing the soil (1,246 mg Pb kg?1 soil and 17 mg Cd kg?1 soil) for 30 days. Five extractants, 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl?), 1 M CaCl?, 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl), 0.43 M acetic acid (CH?COOH), and 0.05 M ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), were used to determine the extractability of Cd and Pb following treatments with CaCO? and eggshell waste. Generally, the extractability of Cd and Pb in the soils decreased in response to treatments with CaCO? and eggshell waste, regardless of extractant. Using CaCl? extraction, the lowest Cd concentration was achieved upon both CaCO? and eggshell waste treatments, while the lowest Pb concentration was observed using HCl extraction. The highest amount of immobilized Cd and Pb was extracted by CH?COOH or EDTA in soils treated with CaCO? and eggshell waste, indicating that remobilization of Cd and Pb may occur under acidic conditions. Based on the findings obtained, eggshell waste can be used as an alternative to CaCO? for the immobilization of heavy metals in soils.     

Lead redistribution in a mine soil treated with three manures and incubated at two different temperatures

The study of heavy metals’ redistribution between different fractions allows to know their bioavailability and mobility in soils. Soil samples were collected from a lead mine in Hamadan provinces, NW Iran. In a factorial experiment soil was treated with cow, sheep and poultry manures (20?g?kg^?1 soil) separately and incubated near field capacity at 10°C and 37°C. An untreated soil (as control) was also incubated at the same temperatures. After 0 and 120 days, a sequential extraction scheme was used to fractionate Pb of incubated samples into soluble-exchangeable (Sol-Exch), organic matter associated (AOM), carbonates associated (ACar), and residual (Res) forms. Soil Pb in Sol-Exch and AOM fractions were increased by manure application significantly. The AOM and ACar forms of Pb were higher in soils treated with the manures and incubated in lower temperature. In contrast, the Sol-Exch and Res chemical forms of Pb were higher in the soils incubated at 37°C. These results may be related to the higher calcium carbonate dissolution and organic matter decomposition because of better biological activity in the soils incubated in higher temperature. The increase of the Res fraction (stable form) in this condition may resulted in lower toxicity and mobility in soil environment.     

EDTA-assisted phytoextraction of lead from lead-contaminated soils by Echinochloa crusgalli var. frumentacea

The herbaceous plant Echinochloa crusgalli var. frumentacea is highly resistant to a wide range of heavy metal concentrations. In this study we tested the phytoextraction capacity of E. crusgalli var. frumentacea. Specifically, we compared the effect of EDTA on lead (Pb) accumulation in two groups of plants: those sown in lead contaminated soil and those transplanted to the contaminated soil as seedlings. The result of the time development of the Pb concentrations in the plants in the seedling and seed groups shows that for the seedling group, the effect of adding EDTA to the Pb-contaminated soil was even more pronounced in the shoots than the roots, which showed Pb concentrations 32-fold higher. Compared to the seedling group, the Pb concentrations in the roots of plants in the seed group were approximately 5 times higher in controls and 2 to 10 times higher in the presence of EDTA. Collectively, these results might be considered that EDTA elevates the bioavailability of Pb in soil and this native species is particularly suited to use in Pb phytoextraction.     

土壤中铅的植物可利用性化学调控研究

针对重庆市蔬菜重金属污染现状，选取Pb为研究对象，通过盆栽试验，探讨石灰、腐殖酸、硫化钠对污染土壤中Pb活性的影响及Pb在植物体内的积累效应。研究结果表明，石灰、腐殖酸、硫化钠均能降低Pb的植物可利用性。不同石灰用量均能明显抑制Pb向植物迁移；在石灰的各种加入量中，10．0g／kg的加入量对Pb的抑制效果最明显，莴笋中Pb质量分数下降了35．7％；在腐殖酸的各种加入量中，2．67g/kg的加入量对Pb的抑制效果最明显，植物中Pb质量分数下降了23．0％；在硫化钠的各种加入量中，0．47g/kg的加入量对Pb的抑制效果最明显，植物体内Pb质量分数降低了23．8％。各种添加剂均能使植物根部Pb的分配系数下降，而茎、叶Pb的分配系数上升。     

Factors controlling lead bioavailability in the Butte mining district,Montana, USA

Microprobe analyses of 38 soil and 5 mine-waste samples from Butte, Montana, demonstrated that the samples contain predominantly sulphide/sulphate and oxide/phosphates of lead (Pb)-bearing phases associated with mine waste. The sulphide/sulphate assemblage consists primarily of galena altering to anglesite and plumbojarosite, with secondary jarosite precipitating and rinding the Pb-bearing minerals. In addition, galena was encapsulated within pyrite or quartz grains. The oxide/phosphate assemblage consists of pH-neutral soils in which a plausible paragenetic sequence of PbO to Pb phosphates, PbMnO, or PbFeO is proposed, dependent on the activity of P, Mn, Fe, and Cl in the soil. In addition, Pb-bearing grains are occasionally armoured by the presence of a 1- to 3-(m rind of authigenic silicate. The low solubility of the Pb-bearing minerals resulting from encapsulation in non-Pb-bearing reaction rinds may provide an explanation for the limited Pb bioavailability observed when Butte soils were fed to rats (Freemanet al., 1992). Further evidence of the lack of absorption of lead from these soils is provided by the results of a blood-Pb study indicating very low blood-Pb levels in Butte children. The lower bioavailability of Pb from mining sites, compared to smelting and urban environments, is also due to kinetic limitations that control dissolution rates of Pb-bearing solids relative to the residence time of soil in the gastrointestinal (Gl) tract. When the test soil was fed to New Zealand White rabbits, only 9% of the total Pb was solubilised in the stomach, and therefore available for absorption. Anin vitro assay, developed to estimate maximum available Pb from soil, demonstrates that ingestion of mine-waste-bearing soil results in limited Pb dissolution, and produces results similar to thein vivo testing.     

Preliminary assessment of surface soil lead concentrations in Melbourne,Australia

Urban soils in many cities have been found to be contaminated with lead from past usage of leaded petrol, deteriorating lead-based exterior paints and industrial sources. Currently, the spatial distribution of soil lead concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area is unknown. The objective of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the spatial distributions of the surface soil lead (Pb) concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area, Australia. Fifty-eight surface soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–2 cm along three linear transects oriented across the Melbourne metropolitan area. Surface soil samples were also collected at a higher density in five Melbourne suburbs. Soil cores (0–50 cm) were collected in four locations, soil transects were collected at intervals with distance away from the roadway (0–50 m) in two inner city parks, and one control soil sample was collected in a rural setting. The median soil Pb concentration of the soil transect samples was 173 mg/kg (range 32–710 mg/kg), and the median soil Pb concentration of the five suburbs was 69 mg/kg (range 9–1750 mg/kg). The suburb of Footscray had the highest soil Pb concentration with a median soil Pb concentration of 192 mg/kg (range 40–1750 mg/kg). Soil Pb concentrations were generally higher nearest the centre of the Melbourne metropolitan area and in the west of Melbourne and lower in the outer suburbs to the east and north of the city centre. Soil Pb concentrations decreased with distance from roadways in the two transects taken from urban parks, and soil lead decreased with depth in the four soil cores. The soil Pb concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area appear to be lower than soil lead concentrations observed in inner city areas of Sydney New South Wales (NSW) and Newcastle NSW. The spatial extent of the soil Pb hazard remains undefined in portions of the Melbourne metropolitan area.     

The biokinetics and dosimetry of radon-222 in the human body following ingestion of groundwater

This paper presents a general model for the biokinetics of Rn-222 in the adult human body following ingestion of the radon in water. Such a model is needed for the calculation of doses which would result from the ingestion of radon, a natural component of drinking water supplies. Information on the movement and concentration of xenon in the body was obtained from a separate study conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital. This information was used to develop a model of radon kinetics in the body and estimates were obtained of the rate constants associated with transfer between the various body compartments. The model was then used to develop estimates of the dose equivalent delivered to each tissue or organ of the body following ingestion of 1 Bq of radon in water. From the reported results, it appears that the stomach receives a much larger dose equivalent than other organs and tissues, followed in order by the other segments of the gastro-intestinal or Gl tract, the liver, the lungs and the general body water compartment. A comparison is made between these doses and the doses delivered as a result of exposure to airborne radon.     

Estimated lead (Pb) exposures for a population of urban community gardeners

Urban community gardens provide affordable, locally grown, healthy foods and many other benefits. However, urban garden soils can contain lead (Pb) that may pose risks to human health. To help evaluate these risks, we measured Pb concentrations in soil, vegetables, and chicken eggs from New York City community gardens, and we asked gardeners about vegetable consumption and time spent in the garden. We then estimated Pb intakes deterministically and probabilistically for adult gardeners, children who spend time in the garden, and adult (non-gardener) household members. Most central tendency Pb intakes were below provisional total tolerable intake (PTTI) levels. High contact intakes generally exceeded PTTIs. Probabilistic estimates showed approximately 40 % of children and 10 % of gardeners exceeding PTTIs. Children’s exposure came primarily from dust ingestion and exposure to higher Pb soil between beds. Gardeners’ Pb intakes were comparable to children’s (in µg/day) but were dominated by vegetable consumption. Adult household members ate less garden-grown produce than gardeners and had the lowest Pb intakes. Our results suggest that healthy gardening practices to reduce Pb exposure in urban community gardens should focus on encouraging cultivation of lower Pb vegetables (i.e., fruits) for adult gardeners and on covering higher Pb non-bed soils accessible to young children. However, the common practice of replacement of root-zone bed soil with clean soil (e.g., in raised beds) has many benefits and should also continue to be encouraged.     

Alterations in some renal parameters of rats induced by aqueous soil extracts

Soil ingestion can be an important route of exposure to contaminants present in the environment. This study examined the effects of exposure to contaminants in aqueous soil extracts from an industrial urban settlement in renal biochemical parameters of treated rats. Male Wistar rats were gavaged with an aqueous soil extract, from the municipality of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. After exposure, plasma and urine concentrations and plasma protein were assessed compared to rats treated with aqueous soil from relatively unpolluted site (control soil). There was increase in plasma creatinine and total protein in urine, and a decreased glomerular filtration rate in treated rats compared to control. It is possible that Cd, Cr, As, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni analyzed in the soil samples and unidentified components may have provoked the observed changes in renal biochemistry of the exposed rat. This may suggest that exposure to contaminated soils can cause damage to the viscera in mammals and it is of public health importance.     

麻疯树对铅胁迫的生理耐性研究

通过盆栽试验研究土壤中不同浓度（0、200、400、800、1 600和3 200 mg.kg-1）Pb胁迫对麻疯树生长、Pb吸收及相关生理指标的影响。结果表明,当土壤w（Pb）≥800 mg.kg-1时,麻疯树生长受到明显抑制;麻疯树植株不同部位Pb含量随土壤Pb浓度的升高而增加,且各部位Pb含量从高到低依次为根、叶和茎;当土壤w（Pb）≥800mg.kg-1时,麻疯树叶中超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性,以及可溶性糖、脯氨酸和酸溶性巯基（SH）含量均显著提高,而谷胱甘肽（GSH）含量仅在土壤w（Pb）为3 200 mg.kg-1时才显著增加;可溶性蛋白质含量随Pb浓度的增加呈倒＂W＂型变化,当土壤w（Pb）为400 mg.kg-1时,其含量最大;上述生理指标的变化可缓解重金属Pb对麻疯树的毒害。主成分分析结果表明Pb胁迫处理的聚类结果与各处理麻疯树生物量及生理指标的变化规律相吻合,POD活性和可溶性糖含量对缓解重金属Pb毒害的贡献较大。可见,麻疯树在Pb污染土壤修复中具有一定的应用前景。     

沪宁高速公路两侧土壤和小麦重金属污染状况

以沪宁高速公路为研究对象,分路段采集公路两侧土壤及小麦样品进行重金属污染监测。结果表明,沪宁高速公路两侧距路肩250m范围内土壤和小麦已受不同程度铅污染。土壤中铅最大污染指数达3.26,铜、镍、铬、镉污染不显著。公路两侧小麦籽粒中铅含量超标率99%以上,最大超标倍数达1.73倍,锌有部分样品超标,镉及铜无超标现象。多数地段土壤铅含量在距路肩100m处较高,而小麦籽粒铅含量则多以距路肩50m和100m处较高。公路交通铅污染仍然是影响公路两侧农产品质量安全的重要因子之一。     

Assessment of bioaccessibility and exposure risk of arsenic and lead in urban soils of Guangzhou City,China

Soil ingestion is an important human exposure pathway of heavy metals in urban environments with heavy metal contaminated soils. This study aims to assess potential health risks of heavy metals in soils sampled from an urban environment where high frequency of human exposure may be present. A bioaccessibility test is used, which is an in vitro gastrointestinal (IVG) test of soluble metals under simulated physiological conditions of the human digestion system. Soil samples for assessing the oral bioaccessibility of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) were collected from a diverse range of different land uses, including urban parks, roadsides, industrial sites and residential areas in Guangzhou City, China. The soil samples contained a wide range of total As (10.2 to 61.0 mg kg⁻¹) and Pb (38.4 to 348 mg kg⁻¹) concentrations. The bioaccessibility of As and Pb in the soil samples were 11.3 and 39.1% in the stomach phase, and 1.9 and 6.9% in the intestinal phase, respectively. The As and Pb bioaccessibility in the small intestinal phase was significantly lower than those in the gastric phase. Arsenic bioaccessibility was closely influenced by soil pH and organic matter content (r ² = 0.451, p < 0.01) in the stomach phase, and by organic matter, silt and total As contents (r ² = 0.604, p < 0.001) in the intestinal phase. The general risk of As and Pb intake for children from incidental ingestion of soils is low, compared to their maximum doses, without causing negative human health effects. The exposure risk of Pb in the soils ranked in the order of: industrial area/urban parks > residential area/road side. Although the risk of heavy metal exposure from direct ingestion of urban soils is relatively low, the risk of inhalation of fine soil particulates in the air remains to be evaluated.