Blood lead level in the children of western Uttar Pradesh,India

The objective of this study was to determine the blood lead levels (blls) of children under an age of 5 years living in western Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 100 blood samples, 100 drinking water samples, and 21 vegetable samples were assessed for lead contamination. Blood levels in the range of 30–116?µg?L^?1 were observed at Kazipur village. The levels of lead in water samples were reported to be in the range of 0.006–0.095?ppm and identified at up to 9.5 times the stated permissible limit. A significant positive correlation (+0.679) was obtained between blls and water lead levels. All vegetable samples were also contaminated with lead up to 12 times higher than the permissible limit of 2.5?mg?kg^?1 of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) 1954. The cottage lead battery industry, industrial effluents, and lead paints were identified as possible factors for lead incidence in the study area. Lead may be associated with increased antisocial activities of the children living in western Uttar Pradesh. Children with elevated blls had poorer nutritional status than those with normal levels, and parents did not know that lead causes health problems. A national population-based study is recommended to determine the prevalence of elevated blls.     

Low blood lead levels and hemoglobin concentrations in preschool children in China

It is well known that lead (Pb) produces reduced haemoglobin (Hb) levels and risk of anemia when blood lead levels (BPb) are greater than 20?µg?dL^?1. Two recent studies reported an increased risk of anemia in children with BPb between 10–20?µg?dL^?1, but few studies examined the association between Hb levels or risk of anemia and BPb under 10?µg?dL^?1. In the present study this association was examined using data of 140 preschool children from a larger prospective cohort study in China. Data showed that compared to children with BPb <5?µg?dL^?1, children with BPb between 7.5–10?µg?dL^?1 had significantly lower Hb levels, but there were no marked differences for other groups. A linear regression model showed a negative relationship between BPb and Hb levels after controlling for age, gender, height, weight, and iron (Fe) deficiency. This finding, although limited by a small sample size, suggests it may be important to examine Pb-induced hemosynthesis effect at concentrations less than 10?µg?dL^?1.     

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.     

Contamination status of arsenic,lead, and cadmium of different wetland waters

The present investigation was conducted to determine the contamination status of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in the wetland waters of Bhaluka in Bangladesh. Water samples were collected from 15 selected wetlands of Bhaluka region and analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Estimated results of three metals detected were As (7–80?µg?L^?1), Pb (0–86?µg?L^?1) and Cd (0–70?µg?L^?1) in water samples in all wetlands. The level of As in all investigated wetlands (93%) was higher than that of WHO recommended permissible limit of drinking water except Alanga wetland. However, As levels were higher than that recommended for livestock water quality levels. Eighty-seven percent of the investigated wetlands showed lower content of Pb than WHO recommended permissible limit of drinking water, but two wetland waters (Dohuria-1 and Chowdhuri) were polluted with higher Pb levels. Sixty-seven percent of the investigated wetlands displayed higher levels of Cd than WHO recommended permissible limit in drinking water. Dissolved organic material showed no significant difference among the 15 investigated wetlands water, but total dissolved solids was significantly greater. The condition of the water of all wetlands was basic pH. All water samples were applied to linear regression equation and correlation coefficients where values showed no significant differences. Data demonstrate that the estimated high metal concentrations of these ponds may contribute to bioaccumulation within plants, food grains and shrimp.     

Comparative study of plasma lead levels in the staff of Dandy Zinc Factory of Zanjan and in normal individuals

Pollution is a global problem which affects various human population functions. Despite the decline in plasma lead (Pb) levels among the general population during the past 20 years, this metal continues to be a public health concern for individuals with past and present exposures. The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BPbL) in the staff of Dandy Zinc Company and compare them to control subjects. The test group included 40 staff of Dandy Zinc Company of Zanjan, while controls were selected from general population. Five milliliters of blood and plasma was sent to Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AOEI) reference lab to measure BPbL by Flameless Atomic Absorption. BPbL in test group (16.6 + 8.18 µg dL^?1) was significantly higher than control (10.47 + 2.10 µg dL^?1). In both groups BPbL was significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers. Blood lead levels in molding workers were significantly higher than other workers. BPbL in exposed workers were directly related to duration of work and age. Data indicate Pb exposure was of significant magnitude to be a public health concern especially in zinc-and Pb-related industries.     

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.     

Source of lead in humans from Broken Hill mining community

This paper documents the first precise lead isotope measurements for men, women and children from the same family in an attempt to determine the source of lead in their blood. The subjects reside in one of the world's largest lead mining cities, Broken Hill, NSW, Australia. Biological and environmental samples have been compared using isotopic compositions and lead contents. Adult males have isotopic profiles (or compositions) which appear to be related to their occupations. Adult females have low blood leads (<10 g dL^–1) and their main source of lead is not from the mine dumps around which the city is built but probably from a mixture of petrol, food and perhaps water. The blood lead contents in children from 1 to 14 years old vary and are partly dependent on age. There is a moderate correlation of blood lead and isotopic compositions (r = 0.73) indicating that a significant component of blood lead derives from the mine dumps in children with elevated blood leads. Some children with blood leads <20 g dL^–1, however, also have a dominant component of mine lead in their blood     

Online solid phase preconcentration using EGDMA–MAA copolymer for lead determination by FAAS

A Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) methacrylic acid (MAA) resin was used for preconcentration of lead at trace levels in water samples. For this purpose, a flow-injection, solid phase extraction method was developed for the determination of lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead ions were sorbed on a EGDMA–MAA column at pH 4, followed by an elution step using 288 µL of 4.0 M nitric acid solution and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Optimum conditions for quantitative sorption involving the pH, sample volume, loading and elution flow rates, eluent type, and volume were investigated. A 868-fold enrichment factor could be reached. The detection limit for the water samples, estimated from the noise on the signal obtained for 250 mL of 10 µg L^?1 loaded at 4.9 mL min^?1 was 1.04 µg L^?1. The method was applied for lead determination in river water samples collected in Edirne, Turkey. Recoveries of spiked solutions (10 µg L^?1) to river water samples were quantitative. Finally, the method was validated by the analysis of certified reference material SRM 2704 (Buffalo River Sediment).     

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.     

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.     

A comparison of lead exposures in industrial “hot spots” in Jordan and Israel

The aim of this study was to compare two hot spots of lead (Pb) exposure in Israeli and Jordanian occupational settings. The study also sought to assess whether any differences in regulations and legislation regarding occupational health could be identified as a source of exposure disparities. Blood and hair specimens were collected from workers in a battery factory in Jordan and a secondary Pb smelter in Israel and compared. About 33% of the currently exposed group showed blood lead (BPb) levels above the internationally recommended concentration of 40 µg dL^?1. Although the differences of BPb levels between Israel and Jordan were not statistically significant, average levels were lower in Jordan. Beyond the difference in the factory types, disparity in exposure levels might be explained due to a combination of proclivities of factory management, public policies, existing medical surveillance and insurance, as well as cultural differences. Results reveal that despite existing regulations and the growing attention that is dedicated to Pb and metal occupational exposures, there are still hot spots for Pb exposure in Israel and Jordan. The contrasting experience found in the current study raises the possibility that information and technology exchange between the two countries Israel and Jordan, may be beneficial for improving occupational health policy in these two neighboring countries.     

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.     

Maternal and fetal blood lead concentrations under non-occupational lead exposure and associated factors in Pakistan

This study in selected Pakistani populations was conducted to determine the blood lead levels (BLL) in mothers and their developing fetuses. Associated factors were correlated with the maternal BLL. Blood samples from 113 pregnant women and their umbilical cords were examined for BLL and cord blood lead levels through a graphite furnace-attached atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A structured questionnaire was also used to obtain sociodemographic and obstetric data based on basic demographic data, reproductive history, hemoglobin levels, gestational age, parity, mode of delivery, maternal and baby weight, drinking water, menarche age, blood pressure, lead (Pb)-containing eye liner use, smoking, and nutritional status. In order to assess the strength of the relationship between different parameters, Pearson's coefficient correlation was utilized and their significance was determined by applying the t-test. Data demonstrated that the maternal BLL were always higher than the recommended concentrations of 10 µg/dl and many factors contributed towards such results. Drinking water seemed to affect the Pb concentration as women using spring water had relatively higher BLL. The calcium concentration in pregnant women and their fetuses ranged from 9 to 13 mg/dl. Majority of the pregnant women were undergraduates with 12 years of education (equivalent to high school in the United States). Evidence indicates that the avoidance of Pb intake and its associated factors in the study area will diminish risk to newborns.     

The accumulation levels of heavy metals (Ni,Cr, Sr, & Ag) in marine algae from southwest coast of India

In the context of use of marine algae as biological indicators of heavy metal pollution in coastal waters, six species of marine algae collected from the southwest coast of India were analysed for the levels of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Sr, and Ag). Interspecies and interclass variations were determined on a spatial and temporal scale. The metal contents varied in the ranges, Ni: 0.20–21.06?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?10.13?µg?g^?1), Cr: non-detectable level (ND)–37.18?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?13.86?µg?g^?1), Sr: 2.19–103.90?µg?g^?1 (mean =?29.40?µg?g^?1), and Ag: ND–6.39?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?1.80?µg?g^?1). Ni and Cr contents were of similar magnitude to those reported for algae from polluted areas.     

The role of root organic acids in the tolerance of Festuca rubra to zinc,lead and cadmium

Abstract

Festuca rubra L. plants are pseudometallophytes colonizing abandoned Pb/Zn mine areas, successfully employed in phytostabilization. To study the contribution of low-molecular weight organic acids to metal tolerance, F. rubra plants were grown for three months in hydroponics with Cd (1.8, 18 and 36 µmol?L^?1), Pb (50, 250 and 500?µmol?L^?1) and Zn (0.3, 3 and 6?mmol?L^?1), separately, and in ternary combination (18?µmol?L^?1 Cd + 250?µmol?L^?1 Pb + 0.3?mmol?L^?1 Zn). The roots retained most of the metals but their distribution from shoot to root was altered when the plants were treated with the ternary combination. The main organic acids in roots were citrate and malate. At the lowest concentrations, the metals caused small reductions in biomass, had no effects on photosynthetic pigments nor on malondialdehyde, but led to increases in root organic acids. At higher concentrations, phytotoxic responses were observed, associated with a decline of citrate and malate in the roots.     

Electrochemical hydride generation of tin(II) and its determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with in situ trapping in the graphite tube atomizer

An electrolytic hydride generation system for the determination of tin(II) by means of batch electrochemical hydride generation-electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (EcHG-ETAAS) with in situ trapping in a graphite tube atomizer is described. The effects of four permanent chemical modifiers – palladium, tungsten, iridium, and platinum – for graphite tube treatment on analyte absorbance and the effects of four cathode materials, i.e., Pb, Sn, Pb–Sn alloy, and glassy carbon, are checked. Three electrolytes, i.e., nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid, are examined as catholyte solutions. The influence of several parameters on EcHG is investigated using multivariate and univariate methods. Interferences of some concomitant ions are evaluated. The calibration curve is linear from 1 to 200?µg?L^?1, with a detection limit of 0.8?µg?L^?1 and a relative standard deviation of 6.2% (n?=?3) for 100?µg?L^?1 Sn(II). The proposed method was successfully applied in the analysis of real environmental water samples and reference materials, and good spiked recoveries over the range of 93.1–115% were obtained. The proposed technique provides a means for developing hydride generation of other elements.     

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.     

Enrichment and exposure of particulate lead in a traffic environment in India

Enrichment of lead in respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and exposure of human blood to particulate lead in traffic environment were investigated. Samples of RSPM, non-respirable suspended particulate matter (NRSPM) and total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) were collected in 10 sampling sites located on National Highway No. 6, Durg–Bhilai section of Chhattisgarh State of India. Forty blood samples, out of which 20 of highway traffic personnel with chronic exposure and other 20 of general population who were residing more than 10 km away from the National Highway, were collected. Samples of particulate matter were weighed and analysed for particulate lead. Results have shown a higher concentration of average RSPM and TSPM in all the sampling sites compared to the Indian permissible limits. Geometric mean of lead levels was found in the range of 0.880–1.414 µg/m³ (TSPM) in the study sites. Concentrations of lead in RSPM have shown a higher enrichment (range 2.645–3.171) relative to NRSPM. Blood lead levels in traffic personnel and general population were found in the range of 56.70–101.17 µg/dL and 7.92–31.22 µg/dL, respectively.     

Arsenic in freshwater ecosystems of the Bengal delta: status,sources and seasonal variability

The study aimed to examine the contamination status of arsenic (As) in excavated small water bodies, commonly known as ponds – the integral part of daily life in the arsenic-affected rural areas of West Bengal, India in comparison to the unaffected areas. The ponds of the contaminated area had higher levels of As: water 2–174 µg L^?1 (mean 31 ± 2 µg L^?1) and sediment 1.3–37.3 mg kg^?1 (mean 10.3 ± 0.4 mg kg^?1), than those from the unaffected area: water 1–8 µg L^?1 (mean 4 ± 0 µg L^?1) and sediment 1.4–5.3 mg kg^?1 (mean 3.0 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the water and sediment arsenic content of the ponds of the arsenic-affected region (r = 0.688, n = 277, p < 0.0001). Contaminated ground water, either as direct input or through agricultural washings, was found to be the major contributor of arsenic pollution to these ecosystems. Seasonal variations were not prominent. This study emphasized the beneficial role of using the studied ecosystems over the highly contaminated ground water for various livelihood activities in the Gangetic delta region.     

Distribution of mercury in the sediments of some freshwater bodies in Ethiopia

Sediment samples were collected from Tinishu Akaki River (TAR), Lake Awassa, and Lake Ziway, Ethiopia for determination of mercury. The air-dried samples were analyzed for mercury with a differential atomic absorption spectrometer after thermal evaporation of bound mercury converting it to its atomic form. Certified reference materials (CRMs) of sediments and soils were used to validate the method. The recovery of mercury from CRMs and sediments was in the range of 95–100%. The limit of detection for the determination of mercury was 50?ng?kg^?1. The concentration of total mercury in the sediments varied from 3.9 to 110?µg?kg^?1 for TAR, 14 to 67?µg?kg^?1 for Lake Awassa, and 17 to 110?µg?kg^?1 for Lake Ziway. It was found that the total mercury concentrations in all samples were below the United States Environmental Protection Agency guideline of 200?µg?kg^?1.