Genotoxicity and mutagenicity of electronic waste leachates using animal bioassays

Human exposure to electronic waste (e-waste) is increasing, especially in developing nations. This has potential short and chronic adverse health risks. Information is currently scarce on potential genotoxicity of e-waste leachate. In this study, the potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects of leachates from e-waste dumpsites at two electronic markets in Lagos, Nigeria, were investigated. The assays utilized were: bone marrow micronucleus (MN) and chromosome aberration (CA), spermatogonia CA, sperm morphology, and sperm count in mice. Experiments were carried out at concentrations of 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50% (v/v; leachate: distilled water) of leachate samples. MN analysis showed a concentration-dependent induction of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) across the treatment groups. In the CA tests (bone marrow and spermatogonia), there was concentration-dependent significant reduction in mitotic index and induction of different types of CA. Assessment of sperm shape showed a significant increase in sperm abnormalities with significant decrease in mean sperm count in treated groups. Heavy metals analyzed in the tested samples are believed to contribute significantly to the observed genetic damage. This indicates that e-waste contains potential genotoxic agents; and constitutes a genetic risk in exposed human population.     

Metals in roadside soils of different grain sizes from high traffic roads in Kano metropolis,Nigeria

Roadside surface soil samples were collected from 10 locations along high traffic roads and a control site between December 2009 and September 2010. The samples were analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn in different grain sizes. Generally, the results show a decrease in the concentrations of all the studied metals during the wet season in the following order, Zn?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Cu?>?Cr?>?Cd. Correlation of metal concentrations on traffic volume is low except for Pb; other sources seem to contribute significantly to the metal burden of the soil. The ecological risk index indicates that the roadsides of Kano metropolis are suffering from high metal contamination, though ameliorated by rain.     

High level leaching of heavy metals from colorful ceramic foodwares: a potential risk to human

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Ceramic foodwares are among the products used by people on daily basis without being cautious of exposures to heavy metals through possible leaching...