Effects of combined treatment of cadmium and oxytetracycline on the terrestrial isopod Porcellio leavis / Efeitos do tratamento combinado de cádmio e oxitetraciclina no isópode terrestre Porcellio laevis

The influence of pharmaceutical residues and heavy metals on living organisms has received global attention. The present study assessed the interactive effect of antibiotic residues and heavy metals in soil, as contaminated food with cadmium (Cd) and oxytetracycline (OTC) on the isopod Porcellio leavis. It was fed on fresh plant leaves contaminated with different concentrations of cadmium, Cd+OTC1000 ppm, Cd+OTC2000 ppm and Cd+OTC3000 ppm for 4 weeks. The changes in the feeding patterns, protein, lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase activity (CAT), and total free amino acids (TFAA) were recorded. There were significant differences in the obtained results where Cd reduced the egestion ratio (ER) however, OTC enhanced this ratio. Biochemical analysis illustrated that combination between OTC and Cd inhibits the toxic effects of Cd at low concentration (1000 ppm), while at high concentration (3000 ppm) raise the toxicity. Detailed studies are required for further understanding of the interaction between OTC and heavy metals, and also its impact on soil animals and for improving soil risk evaluation.

A influência de resíduos farmacêuticos e metais pesados em organismos vivos tem recebido atenção global. O presente estudo avaliou o efeito de resíduos de antibióticos e metais pesados no solo, como alimentos contaminados com cádmio (Cd) e oxitetraciclina (OTC), sobre o isópode Porcellio laevis, o qual foi alimentado com folhas frescas de plantas contaminadas com diferentes concentrações de cádmio, Cd + OTC1000 ppm, Cd + OTC2000 ppm e Cd + OTC3000 ppm, por quatro semanas. As mudanças nos padrões de alimentação, proteína, peroxidação lipídica (LPO), atividade da catalase (CAT) e aminoácidos livres totais (TFAA) foram registradas. Houve diferenças significativas nos resultados obtidos, em que o Cd reduziu a taxa de excreção (ER), no entanto o OTC aumentou essa proporção. A análise bioquímica mostrou que a combinação entre OTC e Cd inibe os efeitos tóxicos do Cd em baixa concentração (1.000 ppm), enquanto, em alta concentração (3.000 ppm), aumenta a toxicidade. Estudos detalhados são necessários para uma maior compreensão da interação entre OTC e metais pesados, e seu impacto sobre os animais do solo, bem como para melhorar a avaliação de risco do solo.

Genótipos e Fenótipos de Resistência a Metais Pesados e Agrotóxicos em Patógenos de Alto Risco em Saúde Única / Genotypes and Phenotypes of Resistance to Heavy Metals and Pesticides in High-Risk Pathogens in Single Health

As atividades industriais e de agronegócio, embora necessárias para o desenvolvimento da sociedade, tem causado sérios problemas ambientais devido à eliminação inadequada de seus efluentes, sendo o tratamento destes um dos assuntos mais importantes em relação ao controle de poluição. Os microrganismos podem ser utilizados como biomarcadores de contaminação, portanto, o conhecimento de mecanismos associados à resistência e a capacidade de imobilização e biotransformação de poluentes é um fator importante para a identificação de linhagens adaptadas, que podem ser eficientes no tratamento e na recuperação de áreas contaminadas. O objetivo do presente projeto foi avaliar o perfil de tolerância de patógenos bacterianos de alto risco em saúde única, aos metais pesados (mercúrio, prata, telúrio e arsênio) e ao agrotóxico glifosato; identificando o resistoma associado. A correlação fenótipo-genótipo foi avaliada em isolados de Klebsiella pneumoniae (n= 35), Escherichia coli (n=46), e Salmonella spp. (n=19), determinando a CIM pelo método de microdiluição, e analisando as respectivas sequências genômicas. Entre os isolados de K. pneumoniae, 32 cepas apresentaram CIM elevadas (64- 512µg/mL) para o metal prata, dos quais 20 carregam o operon silPABCRSE responsável por conferir resistência. Uma cepa de K. pneumoniae carregando genes terABCE apresentou uma CIM de 64 µg/mL para telúrio. Seis cepas de E. coli apresentaram uma CIM >32 µg/mL para telúrio, sendo que 3 cepas carregam os genes tehA/B. Outras 6 cepas de E. coli apresentaram CIM para prata de 256-512 µg/mL, mas só duas carregaram genes silPFCE. Duas cepas de Salmonella apresentaram CIM 64-128 µg/mL para telúrio, e carregam genes tehA/B e terABCDEF. Em relação ao arsênio, 24 cepas de E. coli apresentaram uma CIM ≥ 512 µg/mL, e destas, 12 cepas carregam os genes arsRBC. Salmonella spp., que carregam o gene merR apresentaram CIMs de 8-16 µg/mL para mercúrio. Não foi possível correlacionar a presença do operon phnC-P (sugerido como responsável pela tolerância ao glifosato) com CIMs elevadas para este composto. Os resultados obtidos suportam a hipóteses que a exposição de bactérias de origem humana, animal e ambiental, aos metais pesados pode estar contribuindo para a seleção de linhagens tolerantes, sendo que a tolerância à prata mediada pelo operon silPABCRSE em K. pneumoniae foi predominante no grupo clonal CG258, característica com potencial de biomarcador que pode ser utilizado para monitorar o impacto do uso deste metal nas diferentes atividades humanas. Neste trabalho foi possível padronizar a técnica de PCR com os genes do operon sil de interesse

Industrial and agribusiness activities have caused serious environmental problems due to the inadequate disposal of their effluents, the treatment of which being one of the most important issues in relation to pollution control. Microorganisms can be used as biomarkers of contamination, therefore the knowledge of mechanisms associated with resistance and the immobilization and biotransformation capacity of pollutants can be an important factor for the identification of adapted strains, efficient in the treatment and recovery of contaminated areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance profile of critical priority bacterial pathogens relevant in One Health, to heavy metals (mercury, silver, tellurium, and arsenic) and to the pesticide glyphosate, identifying the associated resistome. The phenotype-genotype correlation was evaluated in antibiotic-resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n= 35), Escherichia coli (n= 46), and Salmonella spp. (n= 19), by MIC determination using the microdilution method, and by analysis of their respective genomic sequences. Among the isolates of K. pneumoniae, 32 strains showed elevated MIC (64-512 µg/mL) for silver metal, of which 20 carried the silPABCRSE operon responsible for conferring resistance. A strain of K. pneumoniae carrying terrace genes showed a MIC of 64 µg/mL for tellurium. Six strains of E. coli showed an MIC> 32 µg/mL for tellurium, with 3 strains carrying the Thea/B genes. Other 6 strainsof E. coli showed MIC for silver of 256-512 µg/mL, but only two carried silPFCE genes. Two strains of Salmonella showed MIC 64-128 µg/mL for tellurium and carried the/B and terABCDEF genes. In relation to arsenic, 24 strains of E. coli had a MIC 512 µg/mL, and of these, 12 strains carried the arsRBC genes. Salmonella spp., which carriedthe mer gene, had MICs of 8-16 µg/mL for mercury. It was not possible to correlate thepresence of the phonic-P operon (suggested as responsible for glyphosate tolerance) with elevated MICs for this compound. The silver tolerance mediated by the operon sil was a predominant feature in K. pneumoniae strains belonging to the clonal group CG258, suggesting a intrinsic property that has contributed to the persistence and wide dissemination of CG258 within a One Health context, which could be as a biomarkerto monitor the impact of the use of silver compounds and silver-based biomaterial on different human activities. In this work it was possible to standardize the PCR technique with the genes of the sil operon of interest

Application of pollution indices for evaluation of heavy metals in soil close to phosphate fertilizer plant, Assiut, Egypt

Pollution indices were used to investigate the levels of heavy metal concentrations in a polluted area under the effect of fertilizer plant emissions at Manqabad, Assiut. Huge amounts of dusts, fumes and gases containing heavy metals which are released from the industrial processing activities, precipitated in the neighbouring area by the effect of meteorological factors causing soil pollution. Soil samples were taken from the area downwind of the factory and analyzed to detect concentration of heavy metals in the study area. Results of soil analysis showed that the area has been harmfully affected by the heavy metals: Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn and their average concentrations are 0.3 mg/kg, 57.0 mg/kg, 94.7 mg/kg and 80.7 mg/kg respectively. These values exceeded the concentrations in soil background [0.013 mg/kg for Cd, 9.62 mg/kg for Cu, 5.17 mg/kg for Pb and 11.56 mg/kg for Zn] obtained from unpolluted area far from industrial activities and also exceeded the international standards for soil pollution stated by WHO. Pollution indices were developed to evaluate the levels of soil pollution with heavy metals. Index of geo-accumu!ation [Igeo], Enrichment Factor [EF], Pollution Index [PI], and Load Pollution Index [LPI], were estimated. The calculated results of contamination degree showed that the investigated area lies under the class of high pollution. In final conclusion, the investigated area is highly affected by emissions from the fertilizer plant So control measures should be applied to the fertilizer plant and the polluted soil area adjacent to the factory should be remediate

Effects of antioxidants [antox] on the liver of adult male albino rat exposed to herbicides [paraquat]

Paraquat [PQ] is widely used as a herbicide. Although it is very toxic for humans and animals, it is still used in about 130 countries of the world to control harmful weeds in growing corn, fruit trees and vegetables. The aim of the present study was to elucidate histological changes of the possible protective role of antioxidant [Antox] on the adult male albino rat liver when given with the PQ. 21 male adult albino rats were used and were classified into three groups; Control group [G1], PQ given group [G2] and Antox with PQ-given group [G3]. Paraffin sections of liver parenchyma were prepared and stained with H and E. Others were prepared for electron microscope examination. The histological examination of the liver of PQ-given rats eith H and E revealed remarkable changes versus control animals. The liver parenchyma showed marked congestion with dilated blood sinusoid and congested central vein. Hepatocytes showed contracted, pyknotic nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm. There was markedly congested central vein invaded with inflammatory cells indicationg that there was severe hepatocyte necrosis. The histological examination of the livers of G3 given animals revealed that antox ameliorated the PQ induced liver injuries and improved the histological liver appearance. The electron microscopic examination of sections of G2 livers showed that the degenerated hepatocytes. The cytoplasm of the hepatocytes contained dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, bizarre-shaped mitochondaria, and lysosomes. Nuclei of degenerating hepatocytes were irregular or small shrunken and the parenchyma was infiltrated with a neutrophil with an indented nucleus. The electron microscopic examinations of sections of the livers of G3 showed apparently normal hepatocytes. There were some hepatocytes having euchromatic euchromatic nuclei. Other hepatocytes were having dark elongated nuclei. The cytoplasm contained a variable shaped mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, a few lipid droplets and the cells canalicular border were facing relatively dilated bile canaliculi. The parenchyma was infiltrated with a neutrophil having fine granules. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of the combination antioxidants [Antox] in reducing the paraquat-related degenerative histological changes in the liver parenchyma. It also demonstrated that the antox plays major role in ameliorating these delirious changes. It is recommended to investigate the other possible factors which may be involved in the PQ- associated liver damage [e.g. heavy metals]

Niveles de elementos traza en tejidos cardiovasculares de pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardíaca en la región de antofagasta: chile / Trace elements in cardiovascular tissues of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a heavy metal contaminated area, the antofagasta region:chile

Introducción: La población de la Región de Antofagasta se encuentra expuesta a contaminación ambiental por metales pesados (MP). Los elementos traza (ET) podrían actuar con As como agonistas o antagonistas. El presente estudio detalla la determinación de las concentraciones totales (CT) de V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se y Boro en aurícula derecha (AD), arteria mamaria izquierda (AMI), vena safena (VS) y tejido adiposo (TA) de personas que padecen patologías cardiovasculares (CV) y han requerido cirugía cardíaca. Métodos: Se analizaron AMI, VS, AUD, y TA en un grupo de 50 pacientes con cardiopatía coronaria de la Región de Antofagasta que han sido sometidos a cirugía cardíaca (grupo expuesto, E), y en un grupo de 20 pacientes control sometidos a cirugía cardíaca en el mismo período en Santiago (grupo no expuesto, NE). Las determinaciones de ET y MP se realizaron mediante Técnicas Ópticas y Atómicas. Resultados: En el grupo de pacientes E residentes en la Región de Antofagasta Boro presenta correlaciones interelementales significativas (p=0,05), que no se presentan o son escasas en el grupo NE. El rango de CT de B en AD fue de 24,721 - 932,032 μg/g, niveles muy superiores a los encontrados en el resto de los elementos en estudio. El rango de CT de B encontrada para AD fue de 25,205 - 56,873 μg/g. Conclusión: Individualmente, el elemento más enriquecido en todos los tipos de tejidos del grupo E de la Región de Antofagasta es B, le siguen As y Mn. Cu está empobrecido en el grupo NE, en particular en AD y AMI.

The Antofagasta population is exposed to environmental contamination with heavy metals (HM). Trace elements (TE) might interact with As either as agonists or antagonists. The total concentracions of V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Se and B in the right atrium (RA), left internal mammary artery (LIMA), saphenous vein (SV) and adipose tissue (AT) from patients undergoing cardiac surgery are reported. Methods: LIMA, SV, RA and AT from 50 patients with myocardial infarction submitted to revascularization surgery in Antofagasta (exposed group, E) or Santiago (non exposed group NE, 20 patients) were analyzed. Optical and atomic techniques were used for analysis of HM and TE. Results: Significant inter elemental correlations were observed for B in group E, (p<0.05), which are not present in group NE. The RA concentrarion of B in group A ranged from 24.72 to 932.03 ug/g, substancially higher than concentracion of the other elements under study. Corresponding concentra-rions of B in the NE group were 25.21 to 56. 87 ug/g. Conclusion: B was the most enriched element in the exposed group, followed by As and Mn. Cu content was significantly lower in RA and LIMA from patients in the non exposed group.

Linfoma no Hodgkin gástrico asociado a intoxicación por metales pesados / Gastric non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with heavy metal exposures

El Linfoma no Hodgkin (LNH) extraganglionar es una neoplasia maligna que corresponde al 40% de los casos de LNH, siendo el tracto gastrointestintal (TGI) la localización más común. Dentro del TGI es el estómago el órgano más afectado (60%). Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 52 años trabajador en empresa minera por más de 10 años, el cual es derivado al Servicio de Gastroenterología por presentar un cuadro de epigastralgia, náuseas y baja de peso. La endoscopía digestiva mostró una lesión ulcerada en cuerpo gástrico a la cual se le tomaron múltiples biopsias. El estudio histológico y el posterior análisis inmunohistoquímico permitieron realizar el diagnóstico de LNH B difuso de células grandes. Asimismo, el paciente presentó compromiso de múltiples órganos en relación a exposición crónica de metales pesados, lo cual fue comprobado en el mineralograma, siendo las de mayor concentración el uranio, talio, arsénico, plomo y mercurio. En la literatura se ha descrito la asociación de exposición laboral crónica a Uranio y Arsénico con la presentación de LNH de compromiso gastrointestinal. Por tal motivo, el compromiso gástrico no se puede considerar como un daño aislado, sino más bien parte del compromiso sistémico asociado a concentraciones elevadas de metales. La minería constituye el principal motor de ingresos económicos para el Perú, sin embargo, no existen reportes hasta la fecha de la asociación de LNH de compromiso gastrointestinal en relación a exposición laboral a metales pesados.

Primary extranodal Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a non epithelial tumours that accounts for 40% of cases of NHL. Spread of nodal lymphomas to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the most common location. Within the GIT is the stomach the most affected organ (60%). We report the case of 52-year- old man, mining company worker for over 10 years, which is derived to the Service of Gastroenterology with history of epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination revealed an ulcerated lesion on greater curve of stomach and histopathological examination and subsequent immunohistochemical analysis showed diffuse large B cell gastric NHL. Also, the patient had multiple organ involvement in relation to chronic exposure to heavy metals, which was found in the mineralograma, with the highest concentration of uranium, thallium, arsenic, lead and mercury. The literature has described the association of chronic occupational exposure to uranium and arsenic with NHL presenting gastrointestinal involvement. Therefore, gastric commitment can not be considered as an isolated injury, but rather part of systemic involvement associated with elevated concentrations of metals. Mining is a key driver of income for Peru; however, there are no reports to date of the association of gastrointestinal NHL commitment regarding occupational exposure to heavy metals.

Bacia hidrográfica dos Rios Guandu, da Guarda e Guandu-Mirim: experiências para a gestão dos recursos hídricos / Rivers Guandu basin, Guard and Guandu-Mirim: experiences in the management of water resources

Em comemoracão aos 10 anos de atuação do Comitê Guandu, esta publicação apresenta múltiplas ações desenvolvidas nas bacias da Região Hidrográfica, notadamente aquelas voltadas ao saneamento ambiental e à recuperação da cobertura vegetal em mananciais estratégicos. Muitas dessas ações foram possibilitadas pela atuação do Comitê Guandu, a partir da cobrança pelo uso da água, do plano de bacia hidrográfica e do apoio de sua agência delegatária (Agevap), em parceria communicípios, órgãos estaduais, usuários e associações civis. Os textos apresentados aprofundam questões fundamentais para a gestão integrada dos recursos hídricos, contribuindo para o conhecimento das bacias hidrográficas dos rios Guandu, da Guarda e Guandu-Mirim.

Acumulación de mercurio (Hg) por caña flecha (Gynerium sagittatum) (Aubl) Beauv. in vitro / Accumulation of mercury (Hg) by arrow cane (Gynerium sagittatum) (Aubl) Beauv. in vitro

En este estudio se evaluó, in vitro, la capacidad de acumulación de mercurio (Hg) que pueda poseer la caña flecha (Gynerium sagittatum) (Aubl) Beauv. como una alternativa viable de ser implementada para la rehabilitación de suelos contaminados. Este estudio fue realizado en el laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal de la Universidad de Sucre (9º18’ N, 75º23’ O). Se usó un diseño experimental de bloques al azar, un análisis de varianza para comparación de medias, una prueba de Tukey (p≤0,05) para la establecer las diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos, pruebas de normalidad (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) y test de homogeneidad de varianza de Bartlett. Los análisis de mercurio se realizaron en un espectrofotómetro de absorción atómica Thermo Electron S4, provisto de una celda con ventanas de cuarzo, por el método de espectroscopia de absorción atómica con vapor frío. Los resultados muestran que la parte de la planta que presenta mayor acumulación es la raíz con 55,98 µg g-1 HgT, seguida de los tallos-hojas con 14,84 µg g-1 HgT, valores relacionados con el grado de concentración del metal en el medio de cultivo. Además, la acumulación de mercurio en raíces y tallos aumentó con el tiempo. En conclusión, in vitro esta planta acumula Hg debido a las altas concentraciones en sus tejidos sin afectar la viabilidad de las plantas.

In this in vitro study was evaluated the potential for accumulation of mercury (Hg) that can hold the cane arrow (Gynerium sagittatum) (Aubl) Beauv. as a viable alternative to be implemented for the rehabilitation of contaminated soils. This study was conducted at the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Sucre (9º 18' N, 75° 23' W). An experimental design was randomized block, an analysis of variance to compare means, Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05) to establish significant differences between the treatments, tests of normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) and homogeneity test Bartlett variance. The mercury analyses were performed on atomic absorption spectrophotometer Thermo Electron S4, a cell equipped with quartz windows, by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry with cold steam. The results show that the plant part that presents the greatest accumulation is the root with 55.98 mg g-1 HgT, followed by the stems, leaves 14.84 g g-1 HgT and these values ​​are related to the degree of metal concentration in the culture medium. Furthermore, the accumulation of mercury in roots and stems increased with time. In conclusion, in vitro this plant accumulates due to the high Hg concentrations in their tissues without affecting the viability of plants.

Adverse effect of lead acetate on Drosophila melanogaster

As lead is an important environmental noxious waste which directly or indirectly contaminate the foods, soil water, and air thus, insects could be influenced easily by the lead. Therefore, lead was studied as lead acetate in different doses. viz 0.125 mg., 0.25 mg., 0.5 mg, 01 mg and 02 mg, on external morphology on Drosophila melanogaster at 48 hours post treatment. It was observed that under the effects of lead abnormalities and deformity were developed in the larvae of flies. Morphological changes were observed as elongated wings, de-shaped wings, elongated and folded legs, change in color of larvae, pupae and adults. Some other structural abnormalities of larvae and pupa shape were also observed. Thus the Dipterous flies could present a useful module for the quick transmission of the environmental hazards due to lead contamination, which exerts a specific physiological and morphological effect on these flies. So, in this respect, Drosophila melanogaster, could be used as a test method for heavy metals effects

Influence of accumulation of heaps of steel slag on the environment: determination of heavy metals content in the soils

The presence of high level of heavy metals involves a human healthy risk that could induce chronic diseases. This work reports on the metal contamination due to heaps of steel-slag accumulated during more than 40 years in allotments and industrial areas in the southern part of Madrid (Spain). Several slag and soil samples were collected in an area of 10 km² and characterized by different conventional (XRD and XRF) and no so common methods (ESEM, thermoluminescence and EDS-WDS). The analysis reveal the presence of: (i) important amounts of Fe (43 percent), Mg (26 percent), Cr (1.1 percent), Mn (4.6 percent), S (6.5 percent) in the form of Fe-rich slag phases (wustite, magnetite...), Si and Ca-rich phases (larnite, ghelenite...), Cr (chromite), Mn (bustamite) and graphite, (ii) traces of some other contaminants such as Cr (7700 ppm), Zn (3500 ppm), Ba (3000 ppm), Pb (700 ppm) or Cu (500 ppm) on pathway soil samples that come from the steel slag, and (iii) Co (13 ppm), Pb (78 ppm) and V (54 ppm) in farmland soil samples. Although the existing heavy metals content is not appropriate for the current use, the extremely high metal contamination of the surrounding areas is more worrying. The properties of the soil farmlands (pH circa 7, 13 percent of clay, mainly illite, and 1-4 percent of organic matter content) show suitable conditions for the retention of cationic metals, but further studies on the movilization of these elements have to be performed to determine the possibility of severe human health risks. This sort of study can provide useful information for the politicians regarding the appropriate use of the territory to prevent possible health hazard for the population.

A presença de altos niveis de metais pesados envolve riscos à saúde humana e pode induzir doenças crônicas. Este trabalho relata a contaminação metálica causada por pilhas de escória siderúrgica acumulada durante mais de 40 anos em áreas industriais na parte sul de Madrid (Espanha). Amostras de escória e solo foram coletadas em uma área de 10 km² e caracteri-zada por diferentes métodos, convencionais (XRD, XRF) ou não (ESEM, termoluminescência e EDS-WDS). A análise revela a presença de: i) quantidades importantes de Fe (43 por cento), Mg (26 por cento), Cr (1,1 por cento), Mn (4,6 por cento), S (6,5 por cento) formando várias fases ricas em Fe (wüstita, magnetita), Si e Ca (larnita, guelenita), Cr (cromita), Mn (bustamita) e grafite; (ii) tiajos de outros contaminantes, como Cr (7700 ppm), Zn (3500 ppm), Ba (3000 ppm), Pb (700 ppm) e Cu (500 ppm), no solo dos caminhos para as pilhas de resíduos e (iii) Co (13 ppm), Pb (78 ppm) e V (54 ppm) em amostras de solo agrícola. Embora os teores de metais pesados não sejam apropriados para uso corrente, a elevada contaminação de areas adjacentes é mais preocupante. Os solos adjacentes (pH ca. 7, 13 por cento de argila - principalmente ilita) e 1-4 por cento de matéria orgânica mostram condições adequadas para a retenção de cátions, mas outros estudos deverão ser realizados para determinar a possibilidade de riscos à saúde humana. Este tipo de trabalho pode fornecer informaçãoo útil para gestores públicos, com relação ao uso do território e prevenção de riscos à saúde da população.

Ultrastructure alterations of retinal photoreceptors of the black rat, Rattus rattus exposed to certain heavy metals

This study was designed to investigate the impact of lead and cadmium on the retinal photoreceptors of rats. Adult black rats, Rattus rattus, were selected and divided into control and exposed groups. The exposed group was housed in industrial car batteries room containing fumes of lead and cadmium. The retina prepared for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy revealed different lead-cadmium changes represented by gradual increasing in spaces between segments of the photoreceptors, associated with swelling of their inner segments and accompanied with rupture, degeneration and decreased numbers of some rods and cones in the outer segments. Disorganization, shortening, a decrease in number of the photoreceptors and a great deformity were the characteristic changes after prolonged exposure to the heavy metals. The aforementioned damages of the photoreceptors were confirmed at the ultrastructural level using transmission electron microscope in the form of progressive disorganization, shortening, swelling, widening of the intradiscal spaces, vacuolization and degeneration of the lamellae of the outer segments [OS], followed by the damage of mitochondria of the inner segments[IS]. Excessive penetration of the processes of the pigmented epithelium [PE] filled with pigments of different shapes and sizes between the damaged segments were noted. These pathological changes were considered the first symptoms in the retinal toxicity. The present results are alarming and call for further investigations to elucidate the impact of exposure to these heavy metals for longer periods on the rat vision and eye structure

Ecotoxicology and testicular damage (environmental chemical pollution): a review

This review briefly considers the testicular damage elicited by environmental chemical pollution. It includes a short comment on environmental toxicology as an introduction to environmental chemical pollution, highlighting the importance of this current field of study and its impact on male reproductive health. Furthermore an experimental animal model addressing the effect of organophosphorated agropesticides as a testicular toxicant is presented. Moreover two relevant chemical contaminants and their effect on the testis, such as the classical case of lead and the rarely reported case of Boron on spermatogenesis, are considered. Additionally, the subject of biosentinel species and their relevance for the monitoring of pollution in aquatic and/or terrestrial ecosystems is considered. In conclusion, it should be stressed that environmental health is closely related to the reproductive health of all living beings.

Esta revisión considera el daño testicular provocado por la contaminación química ambiental. Incluye un breve comentario sobre toxicología ambiental a modo de introducción respecto a la polución química ambiental y destaca la importancia de este campo de estudio actual y su impacto sobre la salud reproductiva masculina. Además se presenta un modelo experimental animal concerniente al efecto de agropesticidas organofosforados como tóxicos testiculares. Se consideran dos contaminantes químicos relevantes y su efecto en el testículo como son el clásico caso del plomo y el menos conocido caso del boro y sus efectos sobre la espermatogénesis. También se trata el tema de las especies biocentinelas y su importancia para el monitoreo de la evolución de ecosistemas acuáticos y/o terrestres. En conclusión, es necesario insistir que la salud medioambiental está íntimamente relacionada con la salud reproductiva de todos los seres vivos.

Cuantificación de las concentraciones de metales pesados en tejidos de peces y crustáceos de la Laguna de Unare estado Anzoátegui Venezuela / Quantification of the concentrations of heavy metals in tissues of fich and crustaceans of the Unare Lagoon Anzoategui state Venezuela

Se analizó por Espectrofotometría de Absorcion Atomica de llama el contenido de Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd y Pb en tejidos musculares de peces y crustáceos de la laguna de Unare, estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela. Adicionalmente, se determinaron los niveles en el material en suspension del agua y en el sedimento para detectar posibles impactos en el ecosistema. En el agua, las concentraciones medias de metales fueron bajos (0,104-0,53 µmol/L Fe; 0,004-0,06 µmol/L Mn; 0,002-0,028 µmol/L Zn; 0,004-0,012 µmol/L Cr; no detectado-0,011 µmol/LNi y no detectado- 0,001 µmol/L Cd). En el sedimento se evidencia intervención antropogénica con valores medios que decrecen Mn (516,37)>Zn (127,49)>Ni (52,41)>Cr (51,69)>Cu (41,13)>Pb (29)>Cd (1,51 µg/g) y que superan los niveles establecidos para sedimentos no contaminados. En los tejidos de los organismos se detectó la presencia de metales tóxicos como el plomo y cadmio que superan los 0,16 y 0,04 µg/g, res-pectivamente, al igual que el zinc que alcanza niveles elevados que sobrepasan 17 µg/g en la mayoría de las especies. Las pruebas estadísticas de ANOVA (P<0,05) indican discrepancias en las concentraciones metales en los tejidos por los diferentes géneros y especies, al igual que en los valores de los individuos de la misma especie (Cathorops spixii) que habitan dentro y fuera de la laguna. Los niveles son mayores en los habitantes del interior de la laguna evidenciando fenómenos de bioacumulación. La investigación confirman un progresivo deterioro ambiental de la laguna y de las especies ícticas de este ecosistema que son comercializadas por las poblaciones aledañas a la laguna, las cuales sustentan su economía de su explotación pesquera.

The content of Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb in muscle tissues of fish and crustaceans from the Unare lagoon (Laguna de Unare) in the state of Anzoátegui, Venezuela, was analyzed by flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The levels of these metals present in suspended material of the water and in sediments were also determined in order to detect possible impact on the ecosystem. The mean concentrations in the water were low (0.104-0.53 µmol/L Fe; 0.004-0.06 µmol/L Mn; 0.002-0.028 µmol/L Zn; 0.004-0.012 µmol/L Cr; undetectable-0.011 µmol/L Ni and undectable-0.001 µmol/L Cd). In the sediments, evidence was found of anthropogenic intervention with mean values in decreasing order of Mn (516.37) > Zn (127.49) > Ni (52.41) > Cr (51.69) > Cu (41.13) > Pb (29) > Cd (1.51 µg/g), all of which are greater than established levels for uncontaminated sediments. Toxic metals were detected in the examined organisms, such as lead and cadmium with levels above 0.16 and 0.04 µg/g, respectively, and zinc with levels greater than 17 µg/g in the majority of the species. ANOVA statistical tests (P < 0.05) show discrepancies in the concentrations or the metals in the tissues of the different genera and species, as well as in the values for individuals of the same species (Cathorops spixii) which live inside and outside of the lagoon. The levels are higher in those which live within the lagoon, which indicates bioaccumulation processes. This study confirms that the lagoon and its biota have suffered a progressive and important deterioration inasmuch as the neighboring population relies on the commercialization of the fish and crustaceans for their economic stability.

Preliminary contamination hazard assessment of land resources in central Bekaa plain of Lebanon

The Central Bekaa plain constitutes the main region with prime agricultural land in Lebanon. The agricultural sector is the main consumer of available water resources [up to 70%]. Intensive agriculture, urban expansion and industrial activity have been increasingly stressing the limited soil and water resources. In the Central Bekaa, farmers are enforced to use contaminated water to recompense water shortage during the peak crop demands. Water scarcity and mismanagement increased contagion hazards and pressure on soil and groundwater quality. The objective of this study was to provide a synopsis of the assessment methodologies and analyze the soil-groundwater vulnerability to contamination by heavy metals as based on the risks of metal transfer and the degree of protection offered by the soil cover and soil-metal interaction. The soils of the area are distinguished by a high content of clay and relatively high pH that would reduce the danger of heavy metals transfer and mobility. However, throughout the study area, the perched groundwater table is relatively high with a depth varying between 60 and 500 cm making it highly vulnerable to pollution. Metals might be more mobile under reducing conditions. The area of high, medium and low soil and groundwater table vulnerability were determined and spatially located according to international standards. Referring to the German Concept on soil protection effectiveness, the residence time of percolating water carrying soluble pollutants in the unsaturated soil zone was assessed. It varied between several months and 10 years. Zones of high soil and ground water vulnerability risk require special management to establish pollution prevention programs. Results can help land use planning oriented to the choice of suitable crops, promulgate sustainable use of natural resources and environmental preservation

[Heavy metal removal from aqueous solution by adsorption on modified banana shell]

Heavy Metals in Water resources is one of the most important environmental problems of countries. Up to now various methods of removing of these metals is considered, which is including using of low prices materials. In this study the potential of banana shells was assessed for adsorption of heavy metal ions such as Pb and Cd from aqueous solution. Banana shells were pretreated separately with 0.4 mol/L NaOH, 0.4 mol/L HNO and distilled water and their adsorption ability were compared. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of the initial ion concentration, pH and adsorbent dosage. Adsorption isotherms of metal ions on adsorbents were determined and correlated with common isotherm equations such as Lungmuir, Freundlich and BET models. The maximum adsorption capacities were achieved by alkali modified banana shells [36 mg/g] for Pb and by acidic modified banana shells [16 mg/g] for Cd. Experimental results showed that the best pH for adsorption was 6 and the adsorption values decreased with lowering pH. Isotherm models indicated best fit for Freundlich model for modified banana shells. In comparing the parameters of models, it was observed that the capacity of banana shells for adsorption of lead is higher than for adsorption of cadmium, but the adsorption of cadmium is stronger than the adsorption of lead

Effect of bread making process on heavy metals content of Egyptian breads

A total of 105 samples of flour, dough and bread from 35 bakery units were selected from various areas of Cairo The contents of lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd], cupper [Cu] and iron [Fe] were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Effect of breadmaking process was evaluated regarding heavy metals content. Results showed that slight increase of heavy metals content in flour compared to [Codex], i.e., Pb ranged between 0.177 - 2.98mg/kg m. Balady bread and ranged between 0.480 - 2.860mg/kg in Fino bread [0.5 mg/kg] while Cd ranged between 0.093 - 0.197 mg/kg in Balady bread and ranged between 0.071-0.176mg/kg in Fino bread [0.1 mg/kg]. Heavy metals increased as flour extraction increased .Also heavy metals content affected by breadmaking process. Breads had higher content of heavy metals than its dough or flour. Balady bread had higher content of determined heavy metals than Fino bread

Estado del conocimieno de las concentraciones de mercurio y otros metales pesados en peces dulceacuícolas de Colombia / Current State of Knowledge of the Concentration of Mercury and Other Heavy Metals in Fresh Water Fish in Colombia

Una de las problemáticas ambientales más importantes en el país se refiere al uso indiscriminado de precursores químicos en actividades ilícitas, el uso de metales pesados como mercurio en actividades mineras, el vertimiento de aguas servidas y otro tipo de compuestos relacionados con actividades industriales y prácticas agrícolas inadecuadas. Lo anterior, ha llevado a que la contaminación química en especial por metales pesados, constituya una de las más peligrosas para los ecosistemas acuáticos y las especies presentes en ellos. Los peces tienen la capacidad de almacenar en su organismo una concentración mayor de estos compuestos en comparación con la presente en el medio, por lo que son un indicador importante de la contaminación, pero también esto implica que su consumo se puede convertir en un problema de salud para las poblaciones que se alimentan de este recurso. La concentración de metales pesados en peces de agua dulce es conocida de mejor manera en la cuenca del río Magdalena, especialmente en la región de la Mojana y en las ciénagas del sur del departamento de Bolívar donde se han estudiado los niveles de contaminación por mercurio y otros metales producida por el desarrollo de múltiples actividades industriales, entre las cuales sobresalen la minería de oro y la petroquímica. Sin embargo, es escaso el conocimiento que se tiene en el país de la problemática generada por la disposición en los cuerpos de agua de metales pesados y su impacto sobre el recurso íctico, el deterioro de ecosistemas y la salud humana. Con base en las normas vigentes se han realizado bioensayos como criterio para comprobar los efectos de la contaminación acuática con organismos dulceacuícolas y la evaluación de por lo menos tres parámetros (metales pesados, temperatura, efluentes), utilizando ocho especies de peces dulceacuícolas: Carassius auratus, Oreochromis spp., Piractus brachypomus, Prochilodus magdalenae, Astyanax fasciatus, Colossoma bidens, Gambusia affinis...

Avaliação do impacto da emissões de metais geradas no coprocessamento de resíduos em fábricas de cimento / Impact assesment of metal emissions generated in cement mill waste coprocessing

Objetivo. Desenvolver um procedimento para a estimativa das emissões de metais resultantes do coprocessamento em fábricas de cimento para avaliação do seu impacto na atmosfera. Metodologia. Foram pesquisados os tipos de processo de produção de clínquer e a origem dos metais nosistema. Os teores de metais das correntes de entrada e saída do processo foramdeterminados por meio de coleta e análise de amostras das mesmas. Com esses dados foi realizado um balanço de massa para determinar a distribuição ( por cento) dos metais, baseada na retenção em cada corrente. Depois foi realizada a estimativa das emissões de cada elemento, para comparação com padrões de emissão. As emissões estimadas e dados meteorológicos etopográficos, aplicados num modelo de dispersão atmosférica, permitiram a predição das concentrações de metais na atmosfera para avaliação de impactos. Foi realizado um estudo de caso com dados secundários para aaplicação da metodologia proposta. Resultados. Para alguns metais as emissões estimadas ultrapassaram limites estabelecidos na legislação estadual e federal. Com a aplicação do modelo de dispersão, também houve ultrapassagem da concentração de referência de alguns metais na atmosfera. Conclusão. O procedimento proposto foi válido para a estimativa das emissões e para avaliação do impacto da concentração de metais naatmosfera. Para melhor análise dos resultados, recomenda-se o desenvolvimento de Padrões de Qualidade do Ar para metais adequado à realidade brasileira ou procedimentos para análise de risco atmosférico no caso de metais tóxicos. Os resultados de impacto são válidos nas condições do estudo de caso e necessitariam ser verificados caso a caso.

Nitrate reductase activty: a solution to nitrate problems tested in free and immobilized algal cells in presence of heavy metals

Every organism has different potential to accumulate NO3- from the environment. Nitrate reduction processes are perhaps most significant in maintaining water quality by alteration of nitrate to nitrite. A comparative study between the nitrate reductase NR activity of green and blue green algae in presence of heavy metals is being conducted to present a situation where nitrate reductase process may be affected in presence of heavy metals. Metals interacted negatively with the nitrate reductase activity of a blue green alga, Anacystis nidulans and green algae, Chlorella vulgaris in both free and immobilized state. The activity was more repressed in C. vulgaris in presence of Ni compared to Zn and Cd. However, Cd was more toxic to NR activity in A. nidulans [free state]. Metal dependent variation between free and immobilized cells were found to be significant [P< 0.01] however, the concentration dependent pattern in the activity between free and immobilized state was non significant in both the test organisms. C.vulgaris is more efficient in conversion of nitrate to nitrite compared to A.nidulans in presence of heavy metals