Assessment of Some Toxic Metals in Ziziphora (Ziziphora persica) Obtained from Local Market in Lahijan, Northern Iran

: Heavy metals cause significant issues when people are exposed to many specific types of them. They can cause many disorders and affect the biochemical pathways in the body. Herbs are known as one of the richest sources of modern patented drugs, particularly in Iranian references. Many metals, particularly heavy metals, are toxic. Various studies have shown a higher level of heavy metals than standards in some countries like Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, and Nigeria. A preliminary study was conducted to determine some toxic elements in powdered Ziziphora (Ziziphora persica) collected from the local market in Lahijan city, northern Iran. Twenty random samples were gathered from various markets, and a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) was used to detect some featured toxic elements, including copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg). The results showed higher Pb, Cd, and Hg levels than standards. Besides, Cu and Zn were detected to be lower than standards.

State of trace element contamination of sediments from the Nangbéto hydroelectric dam lake (Togo)

The Nangbéto hydroelectric dam lake, which is a spillway for agricultural input residues, urban and industrial effluents present in the Mono basin, is exposed to all forms of pollution. The aim of this work is to estimate the content of seven trace elements present in the sediments of the aforementioned lake in order to assess the ecological risk incurred by the aquatic biocenosis and therefore by man. Forty-two sediment samples (21 per season) are realized in different areas of the Lake. Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, As and Hg are measured out in the sediments by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer in these pre-mineralized samples. The results show average contents varying from the lowest level 0.04 mg / kg for Hg to the highest 12.15 mg / kg for Cu in the rainy season and from 0.03 mg / kg for Hg and for As to 9.14 mg/kg for Cu in the dry season. All of these values are below Canadian sediment quality standards. The strongest average geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) are obtained for Pb with values less than 2. The mean values of the contamination factor (FC) are less than 1. The mean indices of contamination (Im) are less than 2, threshold d 'an onset of polymetallic contamination. The ecological risk (Ri) in relation to the contamination of the sediments of the Lake with trace elements is low in any season (Ri <40) and this implies a low risk of contamination of the biocenosis. However, the present study only deals with metallic trace elements. It does not take into account other pollutants, nor the potential "cocktail" effects between them. Additional work should therefore be continued in this direction to consolidate the low risk recorded for the biocenosis. Le Lac du barrage hydroélectrique de Nangbéto qui constitue un déversoir des résidus des intrants agricoles, des effluents urbains et industriels présent dans le bassin du Mono est exposé à toutes formes de pollution. Le but de ce travail est de quantifier les teneurs de sept (7) éléments traces dans les sédiments dudit Lac afin d’évaluer le risque écologique encouru par la biocénose aquatique et partant par l’homme.Quarante-deux (42) échantillons de sédiments (21 par saison) sont échantillonnés dans différentes zones du Lac. Le Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, As et Hg sont dosés dans les sédiments par le spectrophotomètre d’absorption atomique à flamme dans ces échantillons minéralisés. Les résultats montrent des teneurs moyennes variant de la plus faible teneur 0,04mg/kg pour le Hg à la plus forte (12,15mg/kg) pour le Cu en saison pluvieuse et de 0,03 mg/kg pour le Hg et pour l’As à la plus forte (9,14 mg/kg) pour le Cu en saison sèche. Toutes ces valeurs sont inférieures aux normes canadiennes de qualité des sédiments. Les plus forts indices de géoaccumulation (Igeo) moyens sont obtenus chez le Pb avec des valeurs inférieures à 2. Les valeurs moyennes de facteur de contamination (FC) sont inférieures à 1. Les indices moyens de contamination (Im) sont inférieurs à 2, seuil d’un début de contamination polymétallique. Le risque écologique (Ri) par rapport à la contamination des sédiments du Lac en éléments traces est faible en toute saison (Ri < 40) et cela implique un faible risque de contamination de la biocénose. La présente étude ne porte toutefois que sur les éléments traces métalliques. Elle ne tient compte ni des autres polluants, ni des effets "cocktail" potentiels entre eux. Un travail complémentaire devra donc être poursuivi dans ce sens pour consolider le faible risque enregistré pour la biocénose.

Level and distribution of heavy metals in Miri River, Malaysia

Heavy metal pollution in water resources has become a serious and hazardous environmental problem all over the world because of its non-biodegradability, emanating from multiple sources, easy accumulation, and biological toxicity. This research was carried out to study the level and distribution of heavy metals at different sampling locations (upstream, midstream, and downstream), at different depths (0.5 m and 1.5 m from surface water level), and during low tide and high tide conditions in the Miri River of Miri City in Malaysia. The river water samples were collected and analyzed for Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentration of Ca was found to be the highest in the Miri River, followed by Mg and Fe, and with traces of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. An increase in the concentration of heavy metals, such as Cu, Mg, and Ni, was observed while flowing from upstream to downstream of the Miri River. Concentrations of heavy metals, such as Ca, Mg, Cu, and Zn, were clearly lower at 1.5 m depth than at 0.5 m depth. High tides in the river decrease the concentration of heavy metals, such as Ca, Cu, Mn, and Ni, compared to low tides. From this research, it gets clear that using the Miri River water for domestic and recreational purposes, washing, and fishing is detrimental to human health and the environment.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Some Selected Heavy Metals in Brassica rapa var. parachinensis in Peninsular Malaysia

Biomonitoring of heavy metals is an important part of the ecotoxicological study. However, without the application of the metal data to reflect human wellbeing, it is considered the low impact on the society. In this study, the heavy metals in green mustard Brassica rapa var. parachinensis were collected from Sikamat (Negeri Sembilan in 2013), Kg. Sitiawan (Perak in 2016), and Ara Kuda (Penang in 2016) of Peninsular Malaysia, were determined. The samples are analyzed for the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn by using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. For the leafy edible part, the metal concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) ranged from 16.1-18.5 for Cu, 145-207 for Fe, 1.02-1.64 for Ni, 0.90-2.73 for Pb, and 74.0-203 for Zn. These metal data were assessed for human health risks. It was found that all the values of target hazard quotients for Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in both adults and children were less than 1.00. This exhibited there were no non-carcinogenic risks of the five metals through the intake of the Brassica from the present study. This could indicate that the accumulation of metals and pollution threshold is below the limit of causing hazardous effects to consumers. Nonetheless, regular assessment of health risks of heavy metals in this vegetable needs to be conducted from time to time these vegetables are prone to continuous heavy metal contamination.

Synthesis, Characterization and Thermogravimetric Study of Some Metal Complexes of Selenazone Ligand Nanoparticles Analogue of Dithizone

A new method for preparing 1,5-diphenylselenocarbazone (selenazone) nanoparticles and their complexes with Pb2+, Cd2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ has been performed using hot methanol solvent. The ligand and its complexes were characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), EI-mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), HG and flame-atomic absorption spectrophotometer, thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and molar conductance measurements. The molar conductance measurements in all complexes were recorded low values in DMSO, indicating that all the metal complexes were non-electrolytes except the nickel complex that possessed an electrolytic nature. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of complexes (A, E, ∆H, ∆S, and ∆G) have been computed using three kinetic models of Coast-Redfern, Broido, and Horowitz-Metzger, that illustrated the decomposition reactions in all steps were nonspontaneous. Thermogravimetric analyses (TG/DTA) were consistent with the atomic spectroscopy data proving that the geometry shape of all the complexes was octahedral.

Isolation and Characterization of Nickel-Tolerant Trichoderma Strains from Marine and Terrestrial Environments

Nickel contamination is a serious environmental issue that requires immediate action. In this study, 23 strains of Trichoderma were isolated from terrestrial and marine environments and identified using a polyphasic approach of morphological characterization and ITS gene sequence analysis. The Trichoderma strains were tested for their tolerance and biosorption of nickel. Our results showed the growth of all Trichoderma strains on Trichoderma Selective Medium (TSM) with 50–1200-ppm nickel, indicating their tolerance of this heavy metal even at a relatively high concentration. Six Trichoderma strains (three isolated from terrestrial substrates and three from marine substates) had the highest radial growth on TSM with 50-ppm Ni. Among these fungal isolates, Trichoderma asperellum (S03) isolated from soil exhibited the best growth after 2 days of incubation. For the biosorption of nickel, the accumulation or uptake efficiency by the six selected Trichoderma was determined in Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) supplemented with 50-ppm Ni using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The percent uptake efficiency of the three strains of T. asperellum (S03, S08, and LL14) was computed to be up to 66%, while Trichoderma virens (SG18 and SF22) and Trichoderma inhamatum (MW25) achieved up to 68% uptake efficiency. Observation of the Trichoderma strains with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) before and after the absorption of nickel showed very minimal damage on the hyphal and conidial surface morphology, but changes in the colonial characteristics were observed. Our study highlighted the potential of terrestrial and marine strains of Trichoderma for the bioremediation of nickel pollution.

Preliminary Investigation of Inorganic and Organic Contaminants in Soils within Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria

This study aimed at the preliminary investigation of inorganic and organic contaminants in soils within Wukari metropolis and to assess the contamination status and metal bioavailability. Digested soil samples for total metals and fractionation were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations in triplicates using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while 5 Varian Bond Elu SI SPE cartridges was used for solid phase extraction and the soil sample extracts were analyzed by GC-MS. The percentage bioavailability of metals ranged from Fe: 13.81 – 98.85 %, Ni: 65.01 - 80.93 %, Cr: 34.82 – 77.19 %, Pb: 66.93 - 86.59 % and Co: 70.35 - 99.14 % respectively. The bioavailability of Fe, Ni, Pb and Co station ST3 which is an agricultural area were above 50.00%. This indicates that food crops grown in the area may be contaminated by the metals. Irrespective of sampling points, the distribution of metals in the soil samples generally followed the order Fe: residual > carbonate > exchangeable > oxidizable; Ni: exchangeable > carbonate > oxidizable > residual; Pb: exchangeable > residual > carbonate > oxidizable; Co: exchangeable > carbonate > oxidizable > residual. Organic contaminants such as Halo alkanes; bromodichloromethane (molecular weight 162.0 g/mol) and chloroform (molecular weight 118.0 g/mol) were detected in ST1 while, 1, 1, 2 trichloroethane (molecular weight 132.0 g/mol). Another contaminant phenol d5 was recorded in sample ST2, ST3 and ST4 respectively. BTEX compounds were also contaminants present in ST5 (Fuel station near some automobile workshops).

Evaluation of Heavy metals pollution around Kano municipal solid waste Dumpsites, Kano state, Nigeria

The research was conducted to assess the level of heavy metals contamination using single and integrated pollution indices in soils around municipal solid waste dumpsites of Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria. Forty two soil samples were collected from seven municipal solid waste dumpsites of Kano metropolis using circular plot method. A stainless hand auger at a depth of (0 to 15) top soils and sub-surface soils (15-30cm) depth were collected and analyzed with Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine the heavy metal concentration. The mean concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals from the depth of (15-30 cm) were observed to follow a decreasing order Pb (7.71)>Zn (0.50) > Ni (0.45) > Cr (0.31) > Cd (0.025) while for surface soils (0- 15cm) the mean concentration were in the following order: Pb (1.77) > Ni (0.49) > Zn (0.30) > Cr (0.27) > Cd (0.012).The results showed that calculated CF and Er recorded that investigated soil samples are uncontaminated with Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr and Pb and Ni. The pollution load index (PLI) was less than unity showing that there was minimum pollution in the studied dumpsite. The potential ecological risk showed that soil samples were in the class of low contaminated with the studied heavy metals. The results showed that concentrations of heavy metals of soil samples from dumpsites location at waste dumpsites of Kano Metropolis were within limits of European Union (2002) standards. Keywords: Heavy metals, single and integrated pollution indices Kano, Municipal dumpsites

Bio-Accessibility and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Indoor Dust From Higher Institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria

Quality of indoor air has been a major concern over time particularly in urban areas. Amidst the indoor air parameters, particulate matter/dust is of core interest owing to the fact that it acts as sediment for metals and other pollutants. Considering the ample amount of time spent indoor by students, this study has been mapped out to investigate the quality of air in tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria based on their proximity to more anthropogenic activities. Herein, pH, conductivity, and anion concentrations in the indoor dust samples were estimated employing standard analytical methods. Our findings revealed a sequence of anion concentration level as follows, Cl−>SO42−>NO3−. Also, the concentrations of some selected metals were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). The variation in metal concentration observed in most study sites was in the order Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cd. The mean heavy metal variation followed the trend based on the sample collection sites considered in the present study with FE > OA > FU > HT and Cu (0.480mg/kg), Zn (0.409mg/kg), Cr (0.407mg/kg), Pb (0.149mg/kg) and Cd (0.029mg/kg) being the highest concentration of each of the metals. However, all the metal concentrations were below the permissible level. The result from non-carcinogenic study indicates that the average daily dose (by ingestion) was found to be the core exposure pathway such that ADDing > ADDderm > ADDinh. Nevertheless, the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were less than 1. This implies that no potential health risk. More generally, a relative degree of safety and strict regulations is suggested to be put in place to maintain the status.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in migratory waterbirds at two wetlands of Indus river

Waterbirds are used as a bioindicator for analyzing wetland health because they are very sensitive to changes in ecosystems at the nutrient level and through exposure to pollutants. In the present study, bioaccumulation of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Co, Cd, and Mn) was investigated in Common Coot Fulica atra, Gadwall Anas strepera, and Eurasian Teal Anas crecca at Taunsa barrage and Chashma barrage located on Indus River, Punjab, Pakistan. Samples of water, sediments, and waterbirds tissues were collected during autumn 2018 and the spring of 2019. Metal concentrations were assessed by using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific iCE 3000 Series). We found that the maximum bioaccumulation in birds was of cadmium. Order of metal accumulation was Cd &gt; Pb &gt; Zn &gt; Co &gt; Mn &gt; Cu &gt; Ni (Common Coot) and Cd &gt; Pb &gt; Zn &gt; Co &gt; Cu &gt; Ni &gt; Mn (Gadwall and Eurasian Teal) at Taunsa barrage. At Chashma barrage metal accumulation order was Cd &gt; Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Co &gt; Cu &gt; Mn &gt; Ni (Common Coot), Cd &gt; Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Cu &gt; Co &gt; Ni &gt; Mn (Gadwall) and Cd &gt; Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Co &gt; Cu &gt; Ni &gt; Mn (Eurasian Teal). A. crecca was the species in which the most of the trace elements (Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, and Mn) were accumulated at Taunsa barrage, while at Chashma barrage Zn, Pb, Cd, and Co accumulated in F. atra. Zn, Pb and Cd (avg. &gt; 10) had a high bioaccumulation ratio and Co, Cu, Ni, and Mn (avg. &lt; 10) had low bioaccumulation ratio. When tissues were compared for accumulation, the highest concentrations were observed in the intestine followed by gizzard, probably because of the feeding habits of these waterbirds.