Evidence of excessive releases of metals from primitive e-waste processing in Guiyu, China

Guiyu, China is infamous for its involvement in primitive e-waste processing and recycling activities. Freshwater samples were collected in and outside of Guiyu for dissolved metal analysis. It was found that dissolved metal concentrations were higher in Lianjiang and Nanyang River within Guiyu than the reservoir outside of Guiyu. Lianjiang was enriched with dissolved As, Cr, Li, Mo, Sb and Se, while Nanyang River had elevated dissolved Ag, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Temporal distributions of the metals suggested recent discharges of metals attributable to a strong acid leaching operation of e-waste, where dissolved Ag, Cd, Cu and Ni (0.344+/-0.014, 0.547+/-0.074, 87.6+/-3.0 and 93.0+/-1.4 microg/L, respectively) were significantly elevated. Pb isotopic composition of dissolved Pb confirmed that more than one non-indigenous Pb were present in Lianjiang and Nanyang River. In summary, it was evident that the riverine environment of Guiyu was heavily impacted by e-waste related activities.     

ALAD genotypes and blood lead levels of neonates and children from e-waste exposure in Guiyu,China

Extensive e-waste recycling activity in Guiyu, China, has been conducted using primitive techniques for the last 20 years, resulting in serious heavy metal environmental contamination. A polymorphic variant of the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) gene has been found to influence lead uptake and, thus, may influence an individual’s susceptibility to lead toxicity. We therefore explored whether the ALAD gene polymorphism affects blood lead levels of newborns and children in Guiyu. A total of 273 newborns and 504 children, and a combination of 2004/2005 and 2006 independent recruitments were used for this study. Umbilical cord blood from newborns (Guiyu/exposed group 189 vs. Chaonan/reference group 84) and venous blood from children (exposed group, 319 vs. Chendian/reference group 185) were collected. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) for all samples, while ALAD genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP for 273 neonate cord blood and 246 children’s blood. The median BBLs of neonates in exposed group vs. the reference group were 10.50 (2.36–40.78) vs. 7.79 (0.8–19.51) for 2004/2005 and 9.41 (9.28–47.60) vs. 5.49 (0.35–18.68) for 2006, while child mean BLLs were 15.31?±?5.79 vs. 9.94?±?4.05 for 2004/2005 and 13.17?±?5.98 vs. 10.04?±?4.85 for 2006. The genotype frequencies in newborns were 98.90 % for the ALAD-1/ALAD-1 homozygote and 1.10 % for the ALAD-1/ALAD-2 heterozygotes, while the values were 95.93 and 4.07 %, respectively, in children. The allele frequencies of the ALAD-1 and ALAD-2 were 99.45 and 0.55 % for newborns, but 97.97 and 2.03 % for children, respectively. No significant differences in blood lead levels were found between ALAD-1/ALAD-1 and ALAD-1/ALAD-2 either in newborns or in children. The frequency distribution of the ALAD-2 allele in newborns from the exposed group was lower than that of the reference group. There were no significant differences, between the two different ALAD genotypes in the lead load of newborns and children. The frequency distribution of ALAD gene does not influence the blood lead levels of newborns and children in this case, which means that the higher lead burden in the exposed children was possibly influenced by e-waste recycling, but not ALAD genotypes.     

Trace metal contamination of sediments in an e-waste processing village in China

This study examined trace metal contamination of sediments in Guiyu, China where primitive e-waste processing activities have been carried out. It was found that some river sediments in Guiyu were contaminated with Cd (n.d.-10.3mg/kg), Cu (17.0-4540mg/kg), Ni (12.4-543mg/kg), Pb (28.6-590mg/kg), and Zn (51.3-324mg/kg). The (206)Pb/(207)Pb and (208)Pb/(207)Pb ratios of the Pb-contaminated sediments of Lianjiang (1.1787+/-0.0057 and 2.4531+/-0.0095, respectively) were lower than those of Nanyang River (1.1996+/-0.0059 and 2.4855+/-0.0082, respectively), indicating a significant input of non-indigenous Pb with low (206)Pb/(207)Pb and (208)Pb/(207)Pb ratios. Copper, Pb and Zn in the non-residual fractions noticeably increased in the contaminated sediments compared to those in the uncontaminated sediments. A genuine concern is associated with potential transport of the contaminated sediments downstream and enhanced solubility and mobility of trace metals in the non-residual fractions.     

The effects of chemical remediation treatments on the extractability and speciation of cadmium and lead in contaminated soils

Two rural soils contaminated by cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were used to evaluate the effect of different chemical treatments on changes in speciation and extractability of Cd and Pb, and in phytoavailability to wheat. Triplicates of seven chemical treatments were tested to compare and evaluate the remediation techniques for contaminated soils using pot experiments. Treatments applied were calcium carbonate, a high quantity of phosphate salt, hog composts, iron oxide, manganese oxide, zeolite, and unamended control. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) was planted in the different amended soils for a further one month to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments on uptake of Cd and Pb by the wheat shoots. Results indicated that addition of calcium carbonate, manganese oxide, or zeolite reduces the extractability of Cd or Pb in both soils, and significantly reduce the uptake of Cd and Pb by wheat shoots. Changes in the extractability and metal sequential fractionations indicate that the exchangeable (or available) form of Cd and Pb in two soils can be transformed into unavailable forms after these amendments.     

Molecular cloning and expression of novel metallothionein (MT) gene in the polychaete Perinereis nuntia exposed to metals

To report a novel metallothionein (MT) gene and evaluate its potency as a biomarker, we clone this MT gene and measured the expression levels in the metal-exposed polychaete Perinereis nuntia. Accumulated metal contents and metallothionein-like proteins (MTLPs), which have been recognized as potential biomarkers, were compared with the relative mRNA expressions of the MT gene of P. nuntia (Pn-MT). In addition, the metal-binding affinity was estimated by recombinant Pn-MT protein. Pn-MT having high cysteine residues with three metal response elements in the promoter region closely clusters with those of other invertebrates. The accumulation patterns of metals were dependent on the exposure times in lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) exposure. Particularly, both MTLP levels and relative mRNA expressions of MT were increased with accumulated metal contents and exposure time in P. nuntia exposed to Pb and Cd. There was no significant modulation of the Pn-MT gene in polychaetes exposed to Zn and As. However, the metal-binding ability of the recombinant Pn-MT protein provides a clear evidence for a high affinity of MT to several metal elements. These results suggest that Pn-MT would play an important role in the detoxification and/or sequestration of specific metals (e.g., Pb and Cd) in P. nuntia and have potential as a molecular biomarker in the monitoring of the marine environment using a polychaete.     

Species- and age-related variation in metal exposure and accumulation of two passerine bird species

We measured the concentration of several elements (arsenic [As], calcium [Ca], cadmium [Cd], copper [Cu], nickel [Ni], lead [Pb], selenium [Se] and zinc [Zn]) in adult and nestling pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) and great tits (Parus major) at different distances to a Cu-Ni smelter in 2009. Feces of nestlings generally failed to correspond with internal element concentrations but reflected the pollution exposure, indicating an increased stress by removal of excess metals. The uptake of Cu and Ni were regulated, but As, Cd, Pb and Se accumulated in liver tissue. Pied flycatchers had generally higher element concentrations than great tits. The higher accumulation of As and Pb in pied flycatcher livers was explained by a more efficient absorption, whereas the higher Cd concentration was primarily due to different intake of food items. Age-related differences occurred between the two species, though both Cd and Se accumulated with age.     

Export of toxic chemicals - a review of the case of uncontrolled electronic-waste recycling

This paper reviews the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants such as flame retardants (PBDEs), dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals/metalloid concentrations of different environmental media at Guiyu, a traditional rice-growing village located in southeastern Guangdong Province (PR China), which has turned into an intensive electronic-waste (e-waste) recycling site. Incomplete combustion of e-waste in open air and dumping of processed materials are the major sources of various toxic chemicals. By comparing with existing data available in other areas and also guidelines adopted in different countries, it is obvious that the environment is highly contaminated by these toxic chemicals derived from the recycling processes. For example, the monthly concentration of the sum of 22 PBDE congeners contained in PM(2.5) (16.8ngm(-3)) of air samples at Guiyu was 100 times higher than published data. In order to safeguard the environment and human health, detailed investigations are urgently needed, especially on tracking the exposure pathways of different toxic chemicals which may affect the workers and local residents especially mothers, infants and children.     

低浓度Pb2+、Cd2+对鲫鱼肝脏组织中 HSP70诱导的影响

以鲫鱼(Carassius auratus)作为实验对象,经过40 d Pb2+、Cd2+不同浓度的暴露后,运用SDS-PAGE和Western Blotting方法检测鱼肝脏组织内应激蛋白HSP70的诱导表达情况.结果表明,在实验浓度下,与对照组相比,Pb2+、Cd2+对鱼肝脏内HSP70有显著的诱导(P＜0.05),但在Cd2+浓度为0.2 mg/L有停止表达HSP70的现象,可能是由于浓度过高造成了组织病理损伤而破坏了诱导表达机制.实验还发现,在实验浓度低于国家渔业用水标准时,HSP70仍然表现为明显诱导(P＜0.05),充分说明运用分子生物学指标要比传统的环境检测指标敏感,具有对污染物早期预警的作用.     

Potential health risks of toxic heavy metals and nitrate via commonly consumed bivalve and vegetable species in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study aimed to evaluate the health risks of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), inorganic arsenic (As), and nitrate exposure through the consumption of...     

Metal accumulation in soil arthropods in relation to micro-nutrients

Nine species of soil arthropod collected at two sites of different pollution levels were compared for concentrations of seven different elements (Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) and correlations between the different elements were calculated. Significant effects of site on element concentrations of the animals were found for cadmium, iron, manganese and zinc, whereas calcium, copper and lead concentrations showed no significant difference between the sites. Significant differences between the species were found for all metal. The pattern of accumulation was comparable for some of the metals. Correlations were found between calcium, iron, manganese and lead concentrations and between zinc and cadmium concentrations of the species. No significant correlations were found for copper. The study showed that species can not be easily categorised as accumulators or non-accumulators; the pattern depends on the metal.     

Predicting cadmium, lead and fluoride levels in small mammals from soil residues and by species-species extrapolation

The effects of heavy metals on wild mammals are often assessed by analysing residues in body organs. This paper reviews published studies to determine whether cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and fluoride (F) residues in small mammals can be predicted directly from residues in soil or, when this is not possible, from residues in other species. It was found that residues in soil could be used to predict Cd and Pb concentrations in small mammals. There were significant (P < 0.05) relationships between Cd residues in soil and in the liver and kidneys of wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus and common shrews Sorex araneus; similar relationships occurred in field voles Microtus agrestis (0.05 < P < 0.10). There were also significant relationships between Pb residues in soil and body organs for wood mice and field voles. Insufficient data were available to relate either Pb levels in soil to those in shrews or F levels in soil to residues in any species. However, both Cd and F residues in any one of the three small mammal species examined could be predicted from the corresponding residues in the other species, there being significant relationships between species for residues in the liver and kidneys (Cd) or bone (F). Too few data were available to determine species-species relationships for Pb.     

Bioaccumulation of metals and effects of landfill pollution in small mammals. Part I. The greater white-toothed shrew, Crocidura russula

Here we quantified the bioaccumulation of metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and chromium) and assessed several morphological (RI, relative weights) and genotoxic parameters as biomarkers of pollution from the landfill of Garraf (Barcelona, NE Spain). Specimens of Crocidura russula (Insectivora, Mammalia) from the landfill site showed increased Pb, Cd, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Cr concentrations in their tissues. Levels of mercury were below detection limits. Concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr varied significantly with age and no differences were found between males and females. While no differences were found in morphological parameters between shrews from the two sites, those from the polluted one showed more micronuclei in blood than those from reference site (1.786+/-0.272 vs. 0.088+/-0.045 per thousand; U=46.000, p<0.001). The considerable amounts of potentially toxic metals (Pb till 59.71 and Cd till 56.57microgg(-1) DW in kidneys) and the genotoxic effects indicate the harmful effect on biota. We consider necessary biomonitoring this landfill sited in a partially protected area.     

Translocation analysis and safety assessment in two water spinach cultivars with distinctive shoot Cd and Pb concentrations

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the translocation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and assess the safety of edible parts in two cultivars of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.) contrasting in shoot Cd and Pb concentrations. A low-Cd-Pb cultivar (QLQ) and a high-Cd-Pb cultivar (T308) were grown in five soils with different concentrations of Cd and Pb. The results showed that QLQ had lower Cd and Pb concentrations in stems and leaves and higher root Cd concentration than T308 did. Root Pb concentration of T308 dramatically increased with increasing soil Pb concentration and was higher than that of QLQ in the highest Pb treatment. The root-to-stem Cd translocation ability in T308 was 2.3–3.0-fold higher than that in QLQ. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in root-to-stem Pb translocation between QLQ and T308. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for Cd and Pb in the two cultivars remained stable in different Cd or Pb treatments, which were attributable to the homeostatic control mechanisms of Cd and Pb in water spinach.     

Study of controlled migration of cadmium and lead into foods from plastic utensils for children

Lead (Pb) is a highly neurotoxic chemical element known for reducing intelligence quotient (IQ) and promoting antisocial behavior in children and adolescents, while cadmium (Cd) is a carcinogenic bioaccumulative element. Both these metals are included in the priority pollutant list of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and in the WHO List of Chemicals of Major Public Health Concern, where contaminated foods and beverages are the most common pathways of exposure. The objective of this study was to determine total Cd and Pb levels in colored plastic utensils (cups, mugs, bowls, feeding bottles, and plates) for use by children and to measure the specific migration of these elements into beverages and foods. Total contaminant levels were determined using a handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzer. Specific migration tests were conducted using the simulant solutions acetic acid 3% (m/v) and water. Migration levels were determined by ICP-MS. Specific migration tests for Pb were also performed on commercially available samples (cola soft drink, orange juice, vinegar, and milk), with levels determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). A total of 674 utensils were analyzed in loco at major commercial centers in Greater São Paulo, of which 87 were purchased for containing Cd and Pb concentrations above permitted limits. Mean concentrations of the metals detected in the purchased utensils were 1110 ppm for Pb and 338 ppm for Cd. For specific migration assays, Pb levels were 187, 13, and 380 times above the permitted limit (0.01 mg.kg -1) for acetic acid, water, and orange juice, respectively. Cd levels were 50 and 2.4 times above the maximum permitted limit (0.005 mg.kg -1) for acetic acid and water, respectively. The districts where the utensils were purchased were grouped according to their social vulnerability index and compared using ANOVA. Pb levels were different between low and medium/high social vulnerability groups (p?=?0.006). The findings corroborate the initial hypothesis that these utensils constitute a major source of exposure to PTEs such as Cd and Pb, pointing to the need for stricter regulation and inspection by the Brazilian regulatory agencies.

     

Environmental materials for remediation of soils contaminated with lead and cadmium using maize (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> L.) growth as a bioindicator

Heavy metal pollution is a severe environmental problem. Remediation of contaminated soils can be accomplished using environmental materials that are low cost and environmentally friendly. We evaluated the individual and combination effects of humic acid (HA), super absorbent polymer (SAP), zeolite (ZE), and fly ash composites (FC) on immobilization of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in contaminated soils. We also investigated long-term practical approaches for remediation of heavy metal pollution in soil. The biochemical and morphological properties of maize (Zea mays L.) were selected as biomarkers to assess the effects of environmental materials on heavy metal immobilization. The results showed that addition of test materials to soil effectively reduced heavy metal accumulation in maize foliage, improving chlorophyll levels, plant growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The test materials reduced heavy metal injury to maize throughout the growth period. A synergistic effect from combinations of different materials on immobilization of Pb and Cd was determined based on the reduction of morphological and biochemical injuries to maize. The combination of zeolite and humic acid was especially effective. Treatment with a combination of HA?+?SAP?+?ZE?+?FC was superior for remediation of soils contaminated with high levels of Pb and Cd.     

A case–control study on the relationship between urine trace element levels and autism spectrum disorder among Iranian children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder characterized mainly by qualitative deficiencies in social communication skills, accompanied by repetitive and restricted behavior patterns. This study was conducted to investigate the associations between the risk of ASD development in children and exposure to trace elements (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)). Two groups of children, including 44 ASD and 35 typically developing (TD) children, were selected, and their fasting urine samples were obtained. The concentration levels of trace elements were assayed using ICP-MS. The results showed that as compared to the TD group, the concentration levels of As (p = 0.002) and Pb (p < 0.001) and also Cr (p < 0.001), Cu (p = 0.001), and Ni (p < 0.001) were significantly higher among ASD children. In terms of gender, boys with ASD showed elevated levels of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, whereas the urine levels of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb were markedly higher among girls when compared to the non-ASD children. Under the logistic regression model, the risk difference for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn remained significant when adjustment was applied for age and gender confounders.

     

Use of scalp hair as indicator of human exposure to heavy metals in an electronic waste recycling area

Scalp hair samples were collected at an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling area and analyzed for trace elements and heavy metals. Elevated levels were found for Cu and Pb with geometric means (GMs) at 39.8 and 49.5 μg/g, and the levels of all elements were found in the rank order Pb > Cu ? Mn > Ba > Cr > Ni > Cd > As > V. Besides Cu and Pb, Cd (GM: 0.518 μg/g) was also found to be significantly higher compared to that in hair samples from control areas. Differences with age, gender, residence status and villages could be distinguished for most of the elements. The high levels of Cd, Cu and Pb were likely found to be originated from e-waste related activities, and specific sources were discussed. This study shows that human scalp hair could be a useful biomarker to assess the extent of heavy metal exposure to workers and residents in areas with intensive e-waste recycling activities.     

Metal bioaccumulation in the greater white-toothed shrew, Crocidura russula, inhabiting an abandoned pyrite mine site

Hepatic and renal concentrations of iron, magnesium, zinc, lead, copper, manganese, mercury, cadmium, molybdenum, chromium, and nickel were quantified in shrews (Crocidura russula) inhabiting a pyrite mine site in Portugal. Several morphological parameters (body weight, residual index, and relative weights) were also examined to clarify the physiological effects of pollution. Shrews from the mine showed increased bioavailability of Fe, Pb, Hg, Cd, Mo, and Ni in comparison with reference specimens. Adult shrews had the highest Cd levels while Cr and Ni concentrations diminished. Intersexual differences were found for Mo and Ni. As a consequence of metal pollution, the relative hepatic weight was higher in shrews from the mine site when compared with reference specimens. These data indicate that C. russula is a good bioindicator of metal pollution. We also evaluated the toxic effects of Pb, Hg, Cd, and Ni, because several shrews from the polluted site showed high concentrations of these metals. To approximate at the real biological impact of abandoned mines, after this first step it is necessary to associate the bioaccumulation levels and morphological effects with other physiological, ecological and genetical biomarkers.     

The use of peat in the historical monitoring of trace metals in the atmosphere

The concentrations of lead, zinc, copper, manganese, cadmium and calcium have been measured in three peat bogs. The distribution of Pb, Zn, Mn and Ca are dependent on the position and fluctuations of the water table. They all become depleted in the waterlogged, anaerobic zone. Copper and cadmium are uniformly distributed and appear to be immobilised, probably by the formation of metal/organic complexes, and independent of the acid and redox conditions existing in the bogs. The use of the concentration profiles of the metal ions as a means of historical monitoring of trace metal contamination is complex for Pb, Zn, Mn and Ca but may be more straightforward for Cu and Cd.     

Recombinant luminescent bacterial sensors for the measurement of bioavailability of cadmium and lead in soils polluted by metal smelters

Environmental hazard of heavy metals in soils depends to a large extent on their bioavailability. The approach used in this study enables the determination of bioavailable metals in solid-phase samples. Two recombinant bacterial sensors, one responding specifically to cadmium and the other to lead and cadmium by increase of luminescence (firefly luciferase was used as a reporter) were used to determine the bioavailability of these metals in soil-water suspensions (a contact assay) and respective particle-free extracts. Fifty agricultural soils sampled near zinc and lead smelters in the Northern France containing up to (mg/kg) 20.1 of Cd, 1050 of Pb and 1390 of Zn were analysed. As the soil matrix interferes with the assay, recombinant luminescent control bacteria lacking the metal recognizing protein and corresponding promoter (thus, being not metal-inducible) but otherwise comparable to the sensor bacteria (the same host bacterium and plasmid encoding luciferase) were used in parallel to take into account the possible quenching and/or stimulating effects of the sample on the luminescence of the sensor bacteria. Both, chemical and sensor analysis showed that only microg/l levels of metals were extracted from the soil into the water phase (0.1% of the total Cd, 0.07% of Pb and 0.5% of Zn). However, 115-fold more Cd and 40-fold more Pb proved bioavailable if the sensor bacteria were incubated in soil suspensions (i.e., in the contact assay). The bioavailability of metals in different soils varied (depending probably on soil type) ranging from 0.5% to 56% for cadmium and from 0.2% to 8.6% for lead.