Hidroarsenicismo: mecanismos de acción asociados a la toxicidad del arsénico / Hydroarsenicism: Mechanisms of action related to arsenic toxicity

La exposición crónica al arsénico (As) inorgánico a través del agua de bebida da lugar al desarrollo de la enfermedad conocida como hidroarsenicismo. Esta enfermedad presenta sintomatología característica, sin embargo, para la mayoría de los efectos tóxicos que produce del As aún no se conoce en detalle el mecanismo de acción tóxica. Los mecanismos moleculares de acción del arsenito (unión a grupos sulfhidrilos) y del arseniato (sustitución del fosfato) están bien identificados, sin embargo, las consecuencias a nivel subcelular, celular, tisular y orgánico de esos mecanismos todavía presentan muchos huecos por llenar. A nivel subcelular y celular, la generación de especies reactivas de oxígeno (ERO) y de nitrógeno (ERN) son los mecanismos de acción tóxica del As más estudiados últimamente. Se los ha vinculado con la diferenciación y proliferación de queratinocitos, con la disfunción endotelial, con la resistencia a la insulina, con la inducción de peroxidación lipídica en hígado, de necrosis tubular renal y con cambios en la expresión del receptor estrogénico. Por último, la respuesta celular a proteínas no plegadas (como consecuencia del estrés del retículo endoplásmico) podría ser un mecanismo para explicar la afectación de la inmunidad humoral y la celular.

Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (As) through drinking water leads to the development of the disease known as hydroarsenicism. This disease presents characteristic symptomatology but the mechanisms underlying most of the toxic effects produced by As are not fully understand. The molecular mechanisms of action of arsenite (binding to sulfhydryl groups) and arsenate (phosphate substitution) are well identified, however, the consequences at the subcellular, cellular, tissue and organic levels of these mechanisms still have many gaps to fill. At the subcellular and cellular level, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are the most studied mechanisms of toxic action. They have been linked to the differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, induction of lipid peroxidation in the liver, renal tubular necrosis and changes in the expression of estrogen receptor. Finally, the cellular response to unfolded proteins (as a consequence of the stress of the endoplasmic reticulum) could be a mechanism to explain the affectation of humoral and cellular immunity.

Effects of water-soluble fraction of petroleum on growth and prey consumption of juvenile Hoplias aff. malabaricus (Osteichthyes: Erythrinidae) / Efeitos da fração solúvel de petróleo no crescimento e consumo em juvenis de Hoplias aff. malabaricus (Osteichthyes: Erythrinidae)

Abstract The influence of the water-soluble fraction of petroleum (WSF) on prey consumption and growth of juvenile trahira Hoplias aff. malabaricus was investigated. Juveniles were submitted to either WSF or Control treatment over 28 days, and jewel tetra Hyphessobrycon eques adults were offered daily as prey for each predator. Total prey consumption ranged from 16 to 86 individuals. Despite the initially lower prey consumption under WSF exposure, there were no significant differences in overall feeding rates between the two treatments. Water-soluble fraction of petroleum had a negative effect on the growth in length of H. aff. malabaricus juveniles. Although unaffected, prey consumption suggested a relative resistance in H. aff. malabaricus to WSF exposition and the lower growth of individuals exposed to WSF than the Control possibly reflects metabolic costs. The implications of the main findings for the individual and the food chain are discussed, including behavioral aspects and the role played by this predator in shallow aquatic systems.

Resumo A influência da fração solúvel de petróleo (FSP) no consumo de presas e crescimento de juvenis da traíra Hoplias aff. malabaricus foi investigada. Os juvenis foram submetidos aos tratamentos FSP e Controle durante 28 dias, e adultos de matogrosso Hyphessobrycon eques foram oferecidos diariamente como presa para cada predador. O total de presas consumidas variou de 16 a 86 indivíduos. Apesar do menor consumo inicial de presas sob exposição de FSP, não houve diferenças significativas nas taxas de consumo entre os dois tratamentos. A FSP teve um efeito negativo no crescimento em tamanho de juvenis de H. aff. malabaricus. Embora a ausência de efeito no consumo de presas sugira uma relativa resistência de H. aff. malabaricus à exposição à FSP, o menor crescimento em tamanho dos indivíduos expostos ao poluente reflete possivelmente custos metabólicos. As implicações dos principais resultados nos níveis do organismo e da cadeia alimentar são discutidos, incluindo aspectos comportamentais e o papel desempenhado por este predador em ecossistemas aquáticos rasos.

Regulamentação do estrogênio sintético 17-etinilestradiol em matrizes aquáticas na Europa, Estados Unidos e Brasil / Regulación del estrógeno sintético 17-etinilestradiol en matrices acuáticas en Europa, Estados Unidos y Brasil / Regulation of the synthetic estrogen 17-ethinylestradiol in water bodies in Europe, the United States, and Brazil

O estrogênio sintético 17α-etinilestradiol, principal componente utilizado em formulações de contraceptivos orais, tem sido apontado como um dos principais compostos responsáveis por provocar efeitos adversos no sistema endócrino de várias espécies. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o estado da arte dos dispositivos legais e normativos referentes ao controle desse estrogênio sintético nas águas da Europa e dos Estados Unidos, e traçar um paralelo com a realidade brasileira. No geral, os países têm buscado ampliar a regulamentação e monitoramento de alguns micropoluentes emergentes que antes não eram objeto de atenção por parte dos dispositivos legais. A Europa está mais avançada no que tange à qualidade dos corpos hídricos, enquanto que nos Estados Unidos esta substância é alvo de regulamentação apenas para a água destinada ao consumo humano. No Brasil, ainda não há nenhum dispositivo legal ou normativo que aborde esse estrogênio, o que pode ser associado a uma baixa maturidade do sistema brasileiro quanto ao controle de poluentes hídricos.

El estrógeno sintético 17α-etinilestradiol, principal componente utilizado en fórmulas de contraceptivos orales, ha sido apuntado como uno de los principales compuestos responsables por provocar efectos adversos en el sistema endócrino de varias especies. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el estado de la cuestión de los dispositivos legales y normativos referentes al control de este estrógeno sintético en las aguas de Europa y de los Estados Unidos, y trazar un paralelo con la realidad brasileña. En general, los países han buscado ampliar la regulación y el monitoreo de algunos microcontaminantes emergentes que antes no eran objeto de atención por parte de los dispositivos legales. Europa está más avanzada en lo que se refiere a la calidad de los cuerpos hídricos, mientras que en los Estados Unidos esta substancia es objeto de regulación solamente para el agua destinada al consumo humano. En Brasil todavía no existe ningún dispositivo legal o normativo que aborde este estrógeno, lo que puede ser asociado a una inmadurez del sistema brasileño respecto al control de contaminantes hídricos.

The synthetic estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol, the principal component of oral contraceptives, has been identified as one of the main compounds accounting for adverse effects on the endocrine system in various species. This study aimed to analyze the state-of-the-art in legislation and guidelines for the control of this synthetic estrogen in water bodies in Europe and the United States and to draw a parallel with the Brazilian reality. Countries have generally attempted to expand the regulation and monitoring of certain emerging micropollutants not previously covered by legislation. Europe is more advanced in terms of water quality, while in the United States this estrogen is only regulated in water for human consumption. Brazil still lacks legal provisions or standards for this estrogen, which can be explained by the relatively limited maturity of the country's system for controlling water pollutants.

Cyanosis by methemoglobinemia in tadpoles of Cochranella granulosa (Anura: Centrolenidae)

Tadpoles inhabit generally well oxygenated rivers and streams, nevertheless they were found in areas with limited oxygen availability inside the rivers. To assess this feature, I examined factors that influence centrolenid tadpole behaviour using Cochranella granulosa. The tadpoles were reared in well-oxygenated and hypoxic environments and their development, survivorship and growth were compared. The tadpoles in oxygenated water acquired a pale color, while tadpoles in hypoxic water grew faster and were bright red and more active. In the oxygenated water, the ammonium, which had its origin in the tadpoles’ urine and feces, was oxidized to nitrate. In contrast, in the hypoxic treatment, the nitrogen compounds remained mainly as ammonium. Presumably, the nitrate in oxygenated water was secondarily reduced to nitrite inside the long intestine coils, because all symptoms in the tadpoles point to methemoglobinemia, which can occur when the nitrite passes through the intestine wall into the bloodstream, transforming the hemoglobin into methemoglobin. This could be checked by a blood test where the percentage of methemoglobin was 2.3% in the blood of tadpoles reared in hypoxic condition, while there was a 19.3% level of methemoglobin in the blood of tadpoles reared in oxygenated water. Together with the elevated content of methemoglobin, the growth of the tadpoles was delayed in oxygenated water, which had high nitrate content. The study about quantitative food-uptake showed that the tadpoles benefit more from the food in hypoxic water, although they spent there more energy moving around than the tadpoles living in oxygenated but nitrate-charged water. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1467-1478. Epub 2010 December 01.

Los renacuajos por lo general viven en ríos y arroyos bien oxigenados, sin embargo, como han sido encontrados en áreas con disponibilidad de oxígeno limitada en los ríos, se estudió como influye este factor en su comportamiento. Renacuajos de Cochranella granulosa fueron criados en ambientes bien oxigenados y de hipoxia para comparar su desarrollo, supervivencia y crecimiento. En el agua que no fue cambiada durante al menos un mes, los renacuajos mostraron diferencias en su desarrollo cuando vivían en agua hipóxica u oxigenada. Los renacuajos en el agua aireada tenían un color pálido, mientras que en la hipóxica fueron más activos y de un color rojo brillante. En el agua hipóxica, el nitrógeno que se originó de la orina y las heces de los renacuajos se mantuvo principalmente en forma de amonio; en cambio, el amonio fue oxidado a nitrato en el agua aireada. Presumiblemente, el nitrato en el agua oxigenada se redujo secundariamente a nitrito dentro del intestino, ya que todos los síntomas en los renacuajos que vivían en esta agua apuntaron a una metahemoglobinemia, que se produce cuando el nitrito pasa a través de la pared del intestino a la corriente sanguínea transformando la hemoglobina en metahemoglobina. Esto pudo comprobarse mediante un análisis sanguíneo en donde el porcentaje de metahemoglobina fue del 2.3% en la sangre de los renacuajos criados en condición hipóxica y de un 19.3% de metahemoglobina en aquellos criados en agua aireada. En la misma forma en que la metahemoglobina aumenta en la sangre de los renacuajos que viven en agua oxigenada, su crecimiento disminuye en agua con alto contenido de nitrato. El estudio cuantitativo de la ingestión de nutrientes mostró que el crecimiento de los renacuajos se beneficia más de los alimentos en agua hipóxica, a pesar de que los renacuajos son más activos en sus movimientos que los que viven en agua oxigenada pero cargada de nitratos.

Optimización y validación metodológica de la cuantificación de arsénico por inyección en flujo -generación de hidruros- espectrometría de absorción atómica (IF-GH-EAA) previa derivatización con L-cisteína / Optimization and validation method for arsenic quantification by flow injection-hydride generation - atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-HG-AAS) after L-cysteine derivatization

El arsénico (As) es un contaminante natural que afecta una amplia zona de Argentina. El nivel de As en agua de consumo es utilizado para evaluar la fuente de exposición y en orina para evaluar exposición a este tóxico. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo la optimización y validación metodológica de una técnica para la cuantificación de As [As suma = As inorgánico (AsI) + especies metiladas: ácido monometilarsónico (MMA) y ácido dimetilarsónico (DMA)], producto del metabolismo del AsI, por inyección en flujo- generación de hidruros- espectrometría de absorción atómica (IF-GH-EAA), previa derivatización con L-cisteína. La recuperación de las especies estudiadas: AsI (AsIII y AsV), MMA y DMA fue cercana al 100% en todos los casos. Los límites de detección y cuantificación encontrados fueron para agua y orina: 2 y 3 µg/L; 5 y 8 µg/L respectivamente y el rango dinámico de trabajo establecido fue desde 5 a 75 µg/L, permitiendo cuantificar As en muestras de agua cercanos a los estándares internacionales vigentes para valores máximos de As en agua de consumo y en orina en niveles comparables con los establecidos en población laboralmente no expuesta. Esta propuesta metodológica es una alternativa para evaluar la exposición al As en muestras de agua y orina, sin necesidad de utilizar prolongados pre-tratamientos de muestra, de forma más rápida y económica.

Arsenic (As) is a natural contaminant that affects a large area of Argentina. Quantification of As in drinking water has been used to evaluate the source of exposure and As in urine to assess exposure to this toxic. This study aimed to optimize and validate a methodological technique for the quantification of As [As sum = inorganic As (AsI) + methylated species: monometilarsonic acid (MMA) and dimetilarsinic acid (DMA)], product of AsI metabolism by flow injection hydridegeneration-atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-GH-AAS), after derivatization with L-cysteine. The recovery of the studied species: AsI (AsIII and AsV), MMA and DMA was close to 100% in all cases. The limits of detection and quantitation were foundfor water and urine: 2 and 3 µg/L; 5 and 8 µg/L respectively and a linear working range from 5 to 75 µg/L, allowing quantify As in water close to international standards of maximum As values for drinking water and urine samples with levels comparables with those found in people non exposed ocupacionally . This methodology is a valid alternative for assessing exposure to As in water and urine samples without the need of prolonged pre-treatment sample, more quickly and inexpensively.

Acid rain and its ecological consequences.

Acidification of rain-water is identified as one of the most serious environmental problems of transboundary nature. Acid rain is mainly a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids depending upon the relative quantities of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen emissions. Due to the interaction of these acids with other constituents of the atmosphere, protons are released causing increase in the soil acidity Lowering of soil pH mobilizes and leaches away nutrient cations and increases availability of toxic heavy metals. Such changes in the soil chemical characteristics reduce the soil fertility which ultimately causes the negative impact on growth and productivity of forest trees and crop plants. Acidification of water bodies causes large scale negative impact on aquatic organisms including fishes. Acidification has some indirect effects on human health also. Acid rain affects each and every components of ecosystem. Acid rain also damages man-made materials and structures. By reducing the emission of the precursors of acid rain and to some extent by liming, the problem of acidification of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem has been reduced during last two decades.

In vivo alternative testing with zebrafish in ecotoxicology

Although rodents have previously been used in ecotoxicological studies, they are expensive, time-consuming, and are limited by strict legal restrictions. The present study used a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model and generated data that was useful for extrapolating toxicant effects in this system to that of humans. Here we treated embryos of the naive-type as well as a transiently transfected zebrafish liver cell line carrying a plasmid (phAhREEGFP), for comparing toxicity levels with the well-known aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-binding toxicants: 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and 3-methylcholanthrene. These toxicants induced a concentration-dependent increase in morphological disruption, indicating toxicity at early life-stages. The transient transgenic zebrafish liver cell line was sensitive enough to these toxicants to express the CYP1A1 regulated enhanced green fluorescent protein. The findings of this study demonstrated that the zebrafish in vivo model might allow for extremely rapid and reproducible toxicological profiling of early life-stage embryo development. We have also shown that the transient transgenic zebrafish liver cell line can be used for research on AhR mechanism studies.

Arsenic contamination in groundwater: a global perspective with emphasis on the Asian scenario.

The incidence of high concentrations of arsenic in drinking-water has emerged as a major public-health problem. With newer-affected sites discovered during the last decade, a significant change has been observed in the global scenario of arsenic contamination, especially in Asian countries. This communication presents an overview of the current scenario of arsenic contamination in countries across the globe with an emphasis on Asia. Along with the present situation in severely-affected countries in Asia, such as Bangladesh, India, and China, recent instances from Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Cambodia, etc. are presented.

Association of arsenic-contaminated drinking-water with prevalence of skin cancer in Wisconsin's Fox River Valley.

During July 2000-January 2002, the Wisconsin Division of Public Health conducted a study in 19 rural townships. A high percentage of private drinking-water wells in these townships contained traces of arsenic. Residents were asked to collect well-water samples and complete a questionnaire regarding residential history, consumption of drinking-water, and family health. In total, 2,233 household wells were tested, and 6,669 residents, aged less than one year to 100 years, provided information on water consumption and health. The well-water arsenic levels ranged from less than 1.0 to 3,100 microg/L. The median arsenic level was 2.0 microg/L. The arsenic levels were below the federal drinking-water standard of 10 microg/L in 80% of the wells, while 11% had an arsenic level of above 20 microg/L. Of residents aged over 35 years, those who had consumed arsenic-contaminated water for at least 10 years were significantly more likely to report a history of skin cancer than others. Tobacco use was also associated with higher rates of skin cancer and appeared to synergize the effect of arsenic on the development of skin cancer.

Arsenic exposure in pregnancy: a population-based study in Matlab, Bangladesh.

This study assessed the exposure of pregnant women to arsenic in Matlab, Bangladesh, an area with highly-elevated concentrations of arsenic in tubewells, by measuring concentrations of arsenic in urine. In a defined administrative area, all new pregnancies were identified by urine test in gestational week 6-8, and women were asked to participate in the assessment of arsenic exposure. Urine for analysis of arsenic was collected immediately and in gestational week 30. In total, 3,426 pregnant women provided urine samples during January 2002-March 2003. There was a considerable variation in urinary concentrations of arsenic (total range 1-1,470 microg/L, adjusted to specific gravity 1.012 g/mL), with an overall median concentration of 80 microg/L (25th and 75th percentiles were 37 and 208 microg/L respectively). Similar concentrations were found in gestational week 30, indicating no trend of decreasing exposure, despite the initiation of mitigation activities in the area. Arsenic exposure was negatively associated with socioeconomic classes and achieved educational level. There were marked geographical variations in exposure. The results emphasize the urgent need for efficient mitigation activities and investigations of arsenic-related reproductive effects.

Arsenic exposure from drinking-water and carotid artery intima-medial thickness in healthy young adults in Bangladesh.

Epidemiological studies have linked high levels (>200 microg/L) of chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking-water with elevated risks of several vascular diseases. In this pilot study, the association between low-level arsenic exposure and carotid artery intimal-medial thickness (IMT) was evaluated among 66 healthy, normotensive, relatively young individuals (mean age 35 years) participating in the ongoing Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study in Bangladesh. Participants with a higher carotid IMT (>0.75 mm) in general had higher levels of past chronic exposure of arsenic than those with a lower carotid IMT (< or = 0.75 mm). Although the differences in average arsenic exposure between the two groups were not statistically significant, the findings suggest a possible association between low-level arsenic exposure from drinking-water and carotid atherosclerosis, warranting the need for larger studies.

Prevalence of arsenic-related skin lesions in 53 widely-scattered villages of Bangladesh: an ecological survey.

A survey was carried out to provide a representative assessment of prevalence and risk of arsenic-related skin lesions in relation to geographical distribution of arsenic in wells of rural Bangladesh as a necessary background for research into effects in pregnancy and cancer risks. A systematic random sample of 53 villages in four divisions of Bangladesh served by Gonoshasthaya Kendra was selected, and all women aged 18 years or more (n=16,740) were listed. Trained paramedics recorded the presence of skin thickening and nodules on the palms and soles, together with information on tubewell use. The prevalence was related to the mean concentration of arsenic for the district as indicated by data from the British Geological Survey and to the date the first well in the village was installed. Overall, the observed prevalence was 176 cases (1.3%) in 13,705 women examined, varying from 0% in 26 villages to 23% in one; lesions were observed more frequently on hands than on feet. The estimate doubled with concentrations of arsenic from 11 to < or =50 microg/L and increased more than 20 times at >50 microg/L. In the absence of further information, priority for control measures should be directed at areas where the average concentrations of arsenic are above 50 microg/L, especially in villages where skin lesions have been identified.

An eight-year study report on arsenic contamination in groundwater and health effects in Eruani village, Bangladesh and an approach for its mitigation.

Based on several surveys during 1997-2005 and visits of a medical team to Eruani village, Laksham upazila, Comilla district, Bangladesh, the arsenic contamination situation and consequent clinical manifestations of arsenicosis among the villagers, including dermatology, neuropathy, and obstetric outcome, are reported here. Analysis of biological samples from patients and non-patients showed high body burden of arsenic. Even after eight years of known exposure, village children were still drinking arsenic-contaminated water, and many of them had arsenical skin lesions. There were social problems due to the symptoms of arsenicosis. The last survey established that there is a lack of proper awareness among villagers about different aspects of arsenic toxicity. The viability of different options of safe water, such as dugwells, deep tubewells, rainwater harvesting, and surface water with watershed management in the village, was studied. Finally, based on 19 years of field experience, it was felt that, for any successful mitigation programme, emphasis should be given to creating awareness among villagers about the arsenic problem, role of arsenic-free water, better nutrition from local fruits and vegetables, and, above all, active participation of women along with others in the struggle against the arsenic menace.

Levels of arsenic in drinking-water and cutaneous lesions in Inner Mongolia.

The most common health effects from drinking-water containing dissolved arsenic are skin abnormalities and lesions that are typically diagnosed as keratosis and pigment disorder. It was previously reported that the prevalence of cutaneous lesions was about 44% in arsenic-affected villages. However, there has been little research on the relationship between levels of arsenic in drinking-water and cutaneous lesions in Inner Mongolia. One study examined the association between the prevalence of keratosis and levels of arsenic exposure and the relationship between pigment disorder and levels of arsenic exposure among villagers aged 18 years or older in the arsenic-affected village of Hetao Plain in Inner Mongolia, PR China. The study included 227 participants who were affected by cutaneous lesions and 221 participants who were not affected by cutaneous lesions diagnosed in 1996 and 1998. Well-water drunk by the participants was collected to analyze arsenic content. Adjusting for age, sex, and smoking, logistic regression was applied to calculate the risks that arsenic in drinking-water will lead to cutaneous lesions. The results from the logistic regression showed that, with the increase of arsenic concentration in water, the risk of pigment disorder also increased (odds ratio [OR]=5.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-83.24 for 50-199 microg/L; OR=10.97, 95% CI 1.50-79.95 for 200-499 [microg/L; OR=10.00, 95% CI 1.39-71.77 for > or = 500 microg/L (p=0.000), but the association between risk of keratosis and levels of arsenic was not significant (p=0.346). The findings suggest that keratosis is an early feature of arsenic poisoning, and the development of pigment disorder depends on higher doses of arsenic intake rather than keratosis. Further studies are needed to confirm that cutaneous lesions and other adverse health effects occur at low levels of arsenic exposure.

Arsenic in drinking-water and reproductive health outcomes: a study of participants in the Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Programme.

This study examined 2,006 pregnant women chronically exposed to a range of naturally-occurring concentrations of arsenic in drinking-water in three upazilas in Bangladesh to find out relationships between arsenic exposure and selected reproductive health outcomes. While there was a small but statistically significant association between arsenic exposure and birth-defects (odds ratio=1.005, 95% confidence interval 1.001-1.010), other outcomes, such as stillbirth, low birth-weight, childhood stunting, and childhood under-weight, were not associated with arsenic exposure. It is possible that the association between arsenic exposure from drinking-water and birth-defects may be a statistical anomaly due to the small number of birth-defects observed. Future studies should look more closely at birth-defects, especially neural tube defects, to elucidate any potential health effects associated with arsenic exposure from drinking-water. Further, given the knowledge that serious health effects can result from chronic arsenic exposure, efforts to find alternatives of safe drinking-water for the population must continue.

Study on ground water characteristics and the effects of discharged effluents from textile units at Karur District.

A study was made on the physico-chemical characteristics of water samples mixed with effluent discharged from textile industries at Chellandipalayam (Site--I), Senaparatti (Site--II) and Pasupathipalayam (Sites--III and IV) revealed the elevated levels of Ca, Mg, Na, Cr, K, Ni, Cu, Zn, CO3, SO4, NO3 and Cl- . The concentrations of these ions exceeded the limit prescribed by ISI. The increase in the concentrations of ions was revealed by higher values of electrical conductivity (EC). Water at these sites was found to be hard, brackish and unsuitable for drinking purpose. In all these sites, the seed germination of rice alone was significantly affected among the other crops tested. Irrigation of crops with ground water notably lowered the quantity of reserve food in rice, wheat (starch), and sugarcane (sugar), indicating the interference of their metabolic pathway by polluted ground water.

A study on arsenical dermatosis in rural community of West Bengal.

The spatial distribution of chronic arsenicosis due to consumption of arsenic contaminated tube well water in different districts of West Bengal was gradually unfolding since 1983. Arsenical dermatosis was found to be the commonest and earliest manifestation of chronic arsenic toxicity. This study was conduct in Baruipur block of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Total 313 people selected from three randomly selected villages with reported arsenic contamination in tube well water and 342 people living three randomly selected villages without such evidence of contamination were examined as control population. 5.97% of exposed population and 2.05% of unexposed population showed melanosis (p < 0.01). Moreover, 5.11% of exposed population and 0.88% of unexposed population showed keratosis (p < 0.01). The prevalence of dermatosis among exposed population was also seen to have increased with increasing age, from 7.19% in 0-19 year age group to 37.50% in above 40 year group (p < 0.001). Prevalence was also found to be more with increase in level of contamination. The prevalence rate of dermatosis among unexposedgroup was 2.92%. But age adjusted prevalence rate among exposed group was 19.08% at arsenic contamination level of 0.487 ppm. Mean arsenic concentration in nail and hair samples of exposed group was also found higher than the prescribed limit.

The influence of catchment on chemical and biological characteristics of two freshwater tropical lakes of southern Rajasthan.

The effects of catchment characteristics on chemical and biological properties of two freshwater tropical lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan were investigated. The study indicated that the catchment characteristics influence, in a major way, the water chemistry and dredging, could be an effective measure for the restoration of dryland lakes.

Magnitude of arsenic toxicity in tube-well drinking water in Bangladesh and its adverse effects on human health including cancer: evidence from a review of the literature.

Only after a decade from 1993, arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangladesh has been reported as the biggest arsenic catastrophe in the world. It is a burning public health issue in this country. More than 50 percent of the total population is estimated at risk of contamination. Already thousands of people have been affected by the disease arsenicosis. Many more may be on the way to manifest lesions in future. We conducted a review of previous studies and published articles including MEDLINE database on this issue. We found that 59 districts out of 64 have been already affected by arsenic in underground drinking water, where this particular source of drinking water is the main source for 97 percent of the rural people. The water is unfortunately now a great threat for the human being due to high level of arsenic. Continuous arsenic exposure can lead people to develop arsenicosis, which in turn elevates the risk of cancer. Skin lesions are the most common manifestations in arsenicosis patients. Relatively poor rural people and other socio-economically disadvantaged groups are more affected by this exposure. Until now cancer patients have been relatively limited in Bangladesh. One of the reasons may be that several years are needed to show cancer manifestations from the beginning of arsenic exposure. But it is suspected that after some years a large number of patients will appear with cancer in different sites for arsenic exposure in drinking water. Various studies have been conducted in arsenic affected countries - notably in Argentina, Chile, China, Japan, and Taiwan -to find the potential of arsenic exposure to cause development of cancer. Among the arsenic related cancers, liver, lung, skin, bladder and kidney cancers are reported to be prevalent in these countries. Unfortunately no scientific study has been yet conducted in Bangladesh to find the relationship between arsenic exposure and cancers in different sites of the body. So our aim is to conduct an ecological as well as a case-control study in the country in the future.