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Water Quality, Exposure and Health
Number of Followers: 2  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 1876-1666 - ISSN (Online) 1876-1658 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Interdisciplinary Assessment of Children’s Lead Exposure in Residential
Areas Degraded by Mining (Upper Meža Valley, Slovenia)-
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Abstract: Children’s lead exposure in three mining-impacted residential areas (Črna, Mežica and Žerjav) was modelled using the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model for Lead in Children (IEUBK). Site-specific environmental and dietary Pb source values were determined for modelling. For the first time, dietary exposure from both market and local foods was studied in detail. Children (Group 1: 24–36 and Group 2: 36–48 months) geometric mean blood lead levels (BLLs) were predicted and lead uptake from multiple sources was quantified according to the different dietary exposure scenarios. Biomonitoring data were used for validation. Site-specific soil, house dust and local food Pb contents are higher than legislative and background levels, remaining a cause for concern. Drinking tap water concentrations and outdoor air contents were found in acceptable levels. The determined dietary exposures, ranging from 0.7 to 3.3 µg/kg bw/day, were above the benchmark dose level of 0.5 µg/kg bw/day for developmental neurotoxicity set for Pb in children, indicating a health concern. In general, the estimated BLLs matched reasonably well with the observed BLLs in the Črna and Mežica area for both age groups and in the Žerjav area for Group 2. For Group 1, in the Žerjav area, the output of the IEUBK model overestimated the actual BLLs of the children. For both groups, the primary exposure pathway in Žerjav is from soil/dust, ranging from 55.3 to 84.8%. In Črna and Mežica, soil/dust exposure ranged between 24.2 and 57.8% and between 26.4 and 61.7%, respectively, indicating that dietary exposure predominates when local foods are included. The results of our study also suggest that using the IEUBK default diet value would reduce the dietary exposure up to 25.2% in Črna, 24.2% in Mežica and 8.6% in Žerjav. One of the main findings is that a diet containing local foods can be an important source of lead in mining-contaminated areas.
PubDate: 2025-06-14
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- Low-Level Environmental Cadmium Exposure and Its Effects on Renal and Bone
Health in Brazilian Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study-
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Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of low-level, chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd) on renal and bone health. A cross-sectional study was conducted on postmenopausal women (n = 380) from Cascavel, Brazil, an agricultural region where the use of Cd-containing fertilizers may exacerbate environmental contamination. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and cumulative Cd exposure was assessed through urinary Cd (UCd) concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Renal tubular function was evaluated by measuring urinary β2-microglobulin, and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Median UCd concentrations confirmed low exposure (0.30 µg/g creatinine; interquartile range: 0.15–0.55). Univariate analysis revealed a borderline association between higher UCd concentrations and lower BMD at the femoral neck across normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic groups (p = 0.067). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that UCd was not independently associated with reduced BMD but was a significant predictor of renal tubular damage (p
PubDate: 2025-06-13
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- Sources, Pathways, and Health Risk Assessment of Harmful Elements in Soil
and Crops: A Case Study from East Cameroon-
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Abstract: This study aimed to assess the contamination of soils by potentially harmful elements (PHEs), their transfer to food crops, and the potential health risks to humans. Samples of four rock types, ten soil sample...
PubDate: 2025-06-06
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- The Assessment of Total Hg Concentrations in Tissues of Tench (Tinca tinca
L. 1758) Caught in the Oxbow Lakes of the Wisła River as a Risk for
Consumers Health-
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Abstract: The study aims to determine the mercury (Hg) content of tench (Tinca tinca L. 1758) organs from natural habitats around the middle Wisła River. The work is also an attempt to answer the question of whether the consumption of fish obtained there may have a potential impact on consumers’ health and which of the tench’s tissues is characterized by the highest burden of mercury. The determination of total mercury content in fish was performed through cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry at a wavelength of 254 nm using AMA-254 (Altec Ltd., Czech Republic). The total mercury content in the fish tissues studied can be ranked in the following descending order: muscle, hepatopancreas, intestine, kidney, scales, gills, and gonads. The mercury content of muscle was more than 2.25 times that of the hepatopancreas, three times that of the intestine, and more than 3.7 times that of the kidney. It was found that older individuals had a statistically significant higher median mercury concentration in muscle than younger ones. The muscle tissue of Tench accumulates the most mercury, the level of which increases over time. Although the mercury concentration in the skeletal muscle does not pose a significant toxicological risk in general, in some older individuals, the values recorded exceed the permissible levels of 0.5 mg·kg−1. Therefore, limiting the consumption of tench meat to younger specimens whose body weight does not exceed 1.5 kg seems reasonable.
PubDate: 2025-06-04
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- Identifying Populations with Elevated PFAS Exposure by Targeted Serum
Sample Pooling-
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Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a focus of biomonitoring studies globally. In Australia, population PFAS serum concentrations have been determined since 2002 using pooled de-identified serum samples (n = 4800) collected from the population bi-annually, as a component of the Australian Human Biomonitoring (HBM) project. Locations of environmental PFAS contamination (‘PFAS hotspots’) are known to exist in Australia, but the extent of human exposure at many of these hotspots remains unknown. This study assesses if systematic use of geographical pooling of surplus pathology samples can be effective to identify if elevated PFAS exposure has occurred in populations residing near ‘PFAS hotspots’. De-identified surplus pathology serum samples (n > 1800) were obtained and pooled from postcodes near three ‘PFAS hotspots’. Samples were analyzed for PFAS and compared with the Australian HBM project. Selected PFAS were consistently higher compared to the Australian HBM project in pools from two of the three ‘PFAS hotspots’, suggesting that these populations may have experienced elevated exposure to PFAS. This study demonstrates that targeted serum pooling can be an effective tool for determining indications of population exposure to persistent chemicals in communities at risk. The technique has the potential to be used for rapid surveillance and as a trigger for further investigations of populations in proximity to sites with known contamination. Graphical Abstract
PubDate: 2025-05-20
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- Impacts of Land Use/Land Cover Changes on Groundwater Fluoride and Arsenic
Levels: A Case Study in the Central Yinchuan Plain, China-
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Abstract: Changes in land use/land cover (LULC) patterns have important implications for groundwater quality. This study investigated the long-term spatial and temporal variations of fluoride (F) and arsenic (As) in the central Yinchuan Plain, along with the LULC patterns for the years 2006, 2012 and 2018 using statistical models, Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation and Spearman correlation analysis. Results indicate substantial changes in LULC patterns over the 12 year period, characterized by a significant increase in urban land area, and a decrease in agricultural and forest/grassland areas. Urbanization has significantly expanded the extent of F and As contamination, leading to the emergence of new pollution hotspots. Although urban land exhibits a positive correlation with groundwater F concentrations, elevated F levels are typically absent within urban areas due to surface imperviousness and effective drainage systems that limit infiltration and fluoride accumulation. Conversion of agricultural and forest/grassland land to urban use generally leads to decreased F concentrations, attributed to the cessation of irrigation and increased dilution. In contrast, transitions between forest/grassland and bare land promote F enrichment due to ecological disturbance and enhanced percolation that facilitates fluoride mobilization. Arsenic concentrations significantly increase when forest/grassland is converted to agricultural land, primarily as a result of intensified irrigation, fertilizer application, and altered redox conditions that enhance arsenic release. These results demonstrate that LULC changes exert a substantial influence on the spatial–temporal distribution of groundwater contaminants and emphasize the necessity for coordinated land and water resource management.
PubDate: 2025-05-17
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- Human Health Impact from Nonferrous Metal Mining: Exposure Risk with Hair
as Biomarkers and the Associated Influencing Factors-
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Abstract: The examination of hair is widely recognized for its ability to yield valuable insights into environmental and toxic exposures. To identify the prioritized risks and human health impacts associated with Pb–Zn mining, we collected scalp hair from residents in mining areas (n = 441) as biomarkers to characterize 16 metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Cr, V, Ni, As, Al, Cd, Sb, Hg, and Pb) and evaluate health risks. Results indicated that variations of metals were observed in scalp hair. The mean concentrations of metals in scalp hair decreased as the order of Ca (614.95 μg/g) > Zn (110.08 μg/g) > Mg (37.93 μg/g) > Al (21.19 μg/g) > Fe (20.81 μg/g) > Pb (10.66 μg/g) > Cu (9.20 μg/g) > Cr (5.19 μg/g) > Mn (1.27 μg/g) > As (0.28 μg/g) > Cd (0.22 μg/g) > Ni (0.15 μg/g) > Hg (0.07 μg/g) > Sb (0.05 μg/g) > V (0.04 μg/g) > Co (0.02 μg/g). Additionally, significant gender-related variations were observed in the distribution of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, As, Ca, and Pb in the scalp hair of mining-area residents (p
PubDate: 2025-05-16
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- Association of Human Milk Dioxin Like-POPs Levels with Maternal
Characteristics and Newborn Anthropometric Measurements: A Cross-sectional
Study from Southern India-
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Abstract: The legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like polychlorinated dibenzo dioxin/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are potentially toxic environmental and food contaminants entailing extensive surveillance and regulatory controls. Human milk is an ideal matrix for portraying the global baseline levels and human exposure risk estimates of dioxin like (dl)-POPs, though relevant information is scarce from many economies in transition like India, bringing obvious geographical gaps. This pilot scale cross-sectional study was aimed to assess the current PCDD/Fs and PCBs body burden of general population of Kerala, Southern India with substantial animal-origin food intake, and to employ the observed levels for articulating the related maternal risk factors, newborn anthropometric measurements and postnatal infant intakes. The detected median milk dl-POPs level (5.39 pgTEQ/g fat), being lower than the EFSA reference value (5.9 pgTEQ/g fat), indicated that the study population was under safe exposure levels in general. Regarding breastfeeding infant exposure risks, median dl-POPs daily intake was estimated to be 19.84 pgTEQ kg−1bw day−1, comparable to the globally observed levels. Further, on exploring the association of milk contaminant levels with characteristics related to maternal recurrent exposure, maternal age, BMI and animal-origin food intake were identified as the key contributors to population exposure. Moreover, investigations regarding birth outcomes revealed significant inverse association of newborn birth weight and length with milk ndl-PCBs. However, the stratified findings by gender revealed a positive association of dl-PCBs levels with birth weight and length amongst male infants. Overall, our observations depicted advancing information on chemical exposure that recommends continuous surveillance of human dietary exposure and body burdens, and source reduction measures via stringent regulatory controls to further reduce dl-POPs human exposure risks in the region. Graphical Abstract
PubDate: 2025-05-14
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- Low Meconium Metal Concentrations in Newborns from NYC: A Cross-Sectional
Analysis-
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Abstract: Prenatal exposure to metals is a significant concern, particularly in urban settings where environmental factors and maternal characteristics may contribute to varying exposure levels. Understanding the factors influencing metal concentrations in newborns is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This study assessed the association between maternal characteristics, including country of origin and residential factors, and prenatal metal exposure in newborns delivered at public hospitals in New York City. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 301 mother-newborn dyads. Meconium samples were collected and analyzed for ten metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations of metals, including aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel, and lead, varied based on demographic variables in the study population. Asian and Spanish-speaking mothers had significantly higher lead concentrations compared to White and English-speaking mothers. No significant associations were found between maternal housing characteristics and metal concentrations, potentially due to participants predominantly residing in environmental justice areas. The findings suggest that prenatal metal exposure in this population may be influenced by prior exposures in the country of origin and socio-economic factors post-immigration. These insights highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce prenatal metal exposure in vulnerable urban populations.
PubDate: 2025-05-12
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- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Snow, River, and Drinking
Waters from a Typical Rural Area of Shandong, China-
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Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of global environmental concern because of their persistence and potential threats to ecosystems and human health. In China, most studies have centered on industrial and urban areas, while PFAS contamination in rural regions is not well understood. To fill this gap, this study explored the occurrence, distribution, and partitioning characteristics of PFAS in snow, river, tap water, and well water in a rural area in Shandong Province, northern China. Among the 72 targeted PFAS, 13 were detected, with total concentrations varying from 4.21 to 453 ng/L. Short-chain PFAS were predominant in the samples, which is in line with their increasing global prevalence. Atmospheric deposition, domestic discharges, and seasonal snowmelt were identified as potential key contributors to PFAS contamination. The sole detection of perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) in tap water indicates the influence of water treatment processes. In well water, the predominance of perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), 3:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (3:3FTCA), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) reflects the mobility and persistence of short-chain PFAS in subsurface environments. These findings show the complexity of PFAS transport and transformation in rural settings and emphasize the need for further research on their sources, environmental behaviors, and potential health risks. Understanding PFAS contamination in rural China is crucial for formulating pollution mitigation strategies and reducing human exposure risks. Graphical Abstract
PubDate: 2025-05-06
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- Distribution of Water-Soluble Arsenic Species in the Sub-thallus of
Australian Brown Macroalgae-
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Abstract: Algae are known to accumulate high concentrations of arsenic in different forms as inorganic or organic molecules called arsenic species. This study reports the water-soluble arsenic species in seven brown macroalgae collected from Mosquito Bay, New South Wales, Australia, during autumn 2021. The algae thalli were sectioned into four parts, i.e., holdfast, old stipe, young stipe, and blade. The total arsenic concentration and water-soluble arsenic species were measured using HPLC–ICPMS. Results indicated that arsenic concentration significantly differs between algae taxa (F6.14 = 689, p
PubDate: 2025-05-02
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- Association Between Exposure to Benzophenones and Dietary Pattern and
Health Risk Among the General Population in Taiwan-
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Abstract: Benzophenone (BP) and its derivatives are extensively used as UV filters in numerous consumer goods, raising significant concern regarding their potential health risks and environmental contamination. This study sought to evaluate the urinary concentrations of BPs within the general Taiwanese population, investigate the association between internal BP exposure levels and frequency of dietary intake, and assess the resultant health risks. A total of 706 urine samples were obtained from participants in the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan. Quantification of urinary BPs was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The median concentrations observed were 2.72 µg/g creatinine (cre.) for BP, 15.17 µg/g cre. for BP-1, and 16.17 µg/g cre. for BP-3, respectively. Adults aged 19–64 years exhibited the highest BP levels and detection frequencies. Statistically significant positive correlations emerged between BP levels and intake of grains, bread, and dairy products within the 19–64 years group adults. In contrast, among children aged 6–11 years, higher BP concentrations were notably linked to meat consumption. Health risk assessment, based on estimated daily BP intake levels, indicated that BP exposure across all age groups remained substantially below the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established reference dose of 30 μg/kg-bw/day, thereby indicating a low likelihood of adverse health effects. Nonetheless, further investigation is warranted to elucidate additional exposure sources contributing to BPs exposure.
PubDate: 2025-05-01
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- Reduction of Cadmium Accumulation in Rice and Human Exposure by Foliar
Spraying Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles-
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Abstract: Limited studies have performed the foliar application of zinc (Zn) fertilizer impact on rice consumption and the associated health risks. Here, we investigated the impact of foliar spraying with different concentrations (0.5 nm, 2 nm) and various sizes of Zn fertilizer (Zn(NO3)2, 30 nm Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), and 300 nm ZnO-NPs) on the accumulation and subcellular distribution of Cd and Zn in rice plants. Additionally, the bioaccessibility of Cd and Zn in rice was assessed through a simulated in vitro digestion experiment to evaluate the potential risk of dietary intake of Cd. The results indicated that all treatments were able to significantly decrease the Cd concentration in grains by approximately 41% to 61% and increase the Zn concentration in grains by about 9% to 21%. This pertains to the increase in Cd fixation in the leaf cell wall. The in vitro study of simulated digestion revealed that foliar spraying of small-sized ZnO-NPs could decrease the Cd concentration and increase the Zn concentration in gastrointestinal phase, thereby reducing the bioaccessibility of Cd. However, the use of ZnO-NPs resulted in lower bioaccessibility of Zn in rice compared to the control group. The prediction, based on the daily intake of bioaccessible Cd, suggests that using large-sized and low-concentration ZnO-NPs can minimize the theoretical intake of Cd to the greatest extent possible. The application of this study is that foliar applications of ZnO-NPs can effectively enhance the nutritional quality of rice and reduce the human Cd exposure.
PubDate: 2025-04-20
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- Exploring the Relationships Between Exposure Levels of Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Prostate Cancer Occurrence in Southwest
China-
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Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as endocrine disruptors, may increase the risk of prostate cancer by interfering with the endocrine system, however, current population-based evidence is still limited, and there are relative few types of PFAS involved. This study aims to investigate the association between exposure to 18 kinds of PFAS and the incidence of prostate cancer in southwest China. In the case–control study, plasma samples from 97 PCa patients and 111 controls without a family history were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. The association between PFAS concentrations and prostate cancer was analyzed using Mann–Whitney U tests and Bayesian logistic regression. The detection limits of the proposed UPLC-MS/MS method ranged from 0.00070 to 0.30 ng/mL. The detection rate of most PFAS is greater than 75%, except for Perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorohexadecanoic acid (PFHxDA), Perfluorooctadecanoic acid (PFODA), Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA). Mann–Whitney U test results showed that differences in Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) between the two groups were statistically significant, suggesting that exposure to these compounds may be associated with prostate cancer occurrence. Bayesian analysis showed no significant correlation for several PFAS, but Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) [OR2≥4.02 = 2.86, 95% CI2 (1.64, 6.28)], Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) [OR2≥1.61 = 3.82, 95% CI2 (1.22, 16.08)], and PFUnDA [OR2≥0.462 = 7.14, 95% CI2 (1.12, 68.7)] demonstrated a positive correlation in high-concentration groups. Conversely, PFOS showed a negative correlation after adjustment [OR2≥3.71 = 0.97, 95% CI2 (0.87, 0.99)]. These results suggest a potential link between PFAS exposure and prostate cancer in the Chinese population, warranting further research.
PubDate: 2025-04-16
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- Investigating the Possible Human Health Risks Associated with Bioallethrin
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Abstract: Bioallethrin is a frequently employed pesticide for managing household and outdoor pests, leading to inevitable human exposure. This study explored the cytotoxic effects of bioallethrin on two distinct human cell lines, HepG2 and Caco-2, while also employing RNA sequencing to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cells were exposed to different bioallethrin concentrations (5, 10, and 20 µM for cytotoxicity and 10 µM in RNA sequencing) for 24 h. This revealed that exposure to bioallethrin led to a concentration-dependent decrease in cell number and an increase in nuclear and mitochondrial damage, as well as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The changes observed were more pronounced in Caco-2 cells, except for mitochondrial damage, which was elevated in HepG2 cells. RNA sequencing revealed many differentially expressed genes in bioallethrin treated cell lines (HepG2, 4.83%; Caco-2, 17.7%). Several genes associated with protein processing, apoptosis, oxidative stress, cancer, and cellular irregularities were significantly up- or downregulated in bioallethrin treated cells. In conclusion, this research unveiled various adverse effects specific to human hepatic and intestinal cells following bioallethrin exposure. This highlights the need to identify safer alternatives and better understand and mitigate the health risks associated with this widely used pesticide. Graphical abstract
PubDate: 2025-04-09
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- Urinary Biomonitoring and Cancer Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbon Exposure in Relation to Water Intake in Calabar, Nigeria-
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Abstract: Non-smokers' exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through PAH-contaminated food, particularly barbecued food, which is widely consumed in Calabar, Nigeria. PAHs are known carcinogens that can accumulate in the body and pose long-term health risks. Studies have reported elevated PAH levels in populations consuming charred and grilled foods, with significant associations with increased cancer risk. This study evaluated urinary OH–PAH levels in individuals consuming barbecued food compared to non-consumers. It also explored the influence of daily water intake on PAH metabolite excretion. A cross-sectional study of seventy adults (aged 18–40) was conducted, including 35 barbecued food consumers and 35 non-consumers. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using standardized methods based on participants' height and weight measurements. Daily water intake was assessed using a standardized self-reported questionnaire. Urinary PAH metabolites, including 2-hydroxy-1-naphthalene (2-OHNaph), 9-hydroxyfluorene (9-OHFlu), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene (3-OHPhen), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyrene), and 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (3-OHBenzo), were quantified via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, t-tests, and correlation analysis, with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. The mean (± SD) urinary concentrations of PAH metabolites were as follows: 2-OHNaph (2.83 ± 10.81 µg/gCr, range: 0.00–87.08), 9-OHFlu (1.46 ± 1.82 µg/gCr, range: 0.03–8.91), 3-OHPhen (1.89 ± 3.29 µg/gCr, range: 0.00–22.36), 1-OHPyrene (1.01 ± 1.44 µg/gCr, range: 0.00–8.78), and 3-OHBenzo (1.18 ± 1.64 µg/gCr, range: 0.15–10.58). Urinary 3-OHBenzo levels were significantly higher in barbecued food consumers compared to non-consumers (1.67 ± 0.36 vs. 0.68 ± 0.12 µg/gCr, P = 0.012). Individuals consuming > 1 L of water/day exhibited higher urinary levels of 9-OHFlu (P = 0.031) and 3-OHBenzo (P = 0.020) compared to those consuming ≤ 1 L/day. Significant correlations were observed between 3-OHBenzo and 1-OHPyrene (r = 0.842, P
PubDate: 2025-04-07
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- Associations Between Urinary Pesticide Metabolites and Serum Inflammatory
Biomarkers in Adolescents Living in an Agricultural Region-
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Abstract: In-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown evidence for the immuno-modulatory properties of different pesticides. However, few epidemiological studies on inflammation and pesticide exposure exist, with none in children and adolescents. Associations between pesticide metabolites in urine and inflammatory biomarkers in serum were evaluated among children and adolescents (n = 512) of rural Ecuador as part of the ESPINA study. Seventeen urinary biomarkers of insecticide, herbicide and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) insect repellent exposure were measured. Among them, acetamiprid-N-desmethyl [AND], 3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol [TCPy], para-nitrophenol [PNP], malathion dicarboxylic acid [MDA], 3-phenoxybenzoic acid [3-PBA], 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D], glyphosate and 3-(diethylcarbamoyl) benzoic acid [DCBA] were included in analyses as they were detected in > 30% of participants. Serum analysis included c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-⍺ (TNF-⍺), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), serum amyloid A (SAA), and soluble CD14 (sCD14). Associations were evaluated by generalized estimating equations (GEE) and partial least squares (PLS) regression, adjusting for demographic, anthropometric and socioeconomic variables. Positive quadratic associations were found between 2,4-D and CRP (β2 = 0.13, [0.00, 0.27]), IL-6 (β2 = 0.10, [0.04, 0.15]), SAA (β2 = 0.13, [0.01, 0.30]), sICAM-1 (β2 = 53.25, [27.26, 79.24]) and sVCAM-1 (β2 = 61.11, [30.52, 91.70]). The pesticide metabolites PLS composite variable was positively associated with IL-6 (β = 0.09, [0.01. 0.17]), SAA (β = 0.43, [0.13, 0.17]), sICAM-1 (β = 63.52, [9.92, 117.13]), sVCAM-1 (β = 69.03, [8.29, 129.76]), and TNF-⍺ (β = 0.08, [0.00, 0.16]), and negatively associated with CRP (β = − 0.28, [− 0.49, − 0.08]). Our findings demonstrate a novel pesticide/herbicide-inflammation link in adolescents, which may be an underlying mechanism of the health impacts of pesticides/herbicides.
PubDate: 2025-04-07
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- Modeling Human Exposure to Chemicals Via Different Freshwater Pathways
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Abstract: Assessing human health risks from chemicals in freshwater is inherently complex due to the multitude of exposure pathways involved. This study presents a novel aggregate exposure model to provide a comprehensive assessment of human chemical exposure from freshwater sources. Our framework incorporates distinct freshwater types (e.g., surface water, groundwater) and multiple exposure pathways, including aquaculture (fish consumption), aquatic activities (swimming, fishing), and routine household practices (drinking water, bathing). By using chemical concentrations in specific freshwater types as a basis for calculating the lifetime average daily dose, the model improves both precision and practicality in exposure assessment. Our findings reveal significant variation in the contributions of different exposure pathways and routes depending on the chemical analyzed. For example, di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHP), a chemical with high dermal uptake, accounted for approximately 55% of total exposure via the dermal route during swimming and showering. In contrast, ingestion dominated exposure for chemicals like urea, primarily through contaminated drinking water and fish consumption. These route-specific differences underscore the need to tailor water treatment strategies to chemical types and water sources. For instance, households relying on unfiltered groundwater should closely monitor BDE-209 and urea levels, as conventional water treatment methods are insufficient to mitigate exposure from household water use. This study underscores the importance of considering multiple exposure pathways to effectively assess and mitigate health risks from freshwater contaminants. By providing a pathway-specific understanding of exposure dynamics, our study offers a robust framework for tailoring interventions and mitigating health risks associated with freshwater contaminants.
PubDate: 2025-04-04
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- High Urinary aMT6s Concentrations are Linked to Lead-Induced Inflammation
in Children-
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Abstract: Lead (Pb), a toxic metal, accumulates to trigger inflammation via excess free radicals and Nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, causing neuroendocrine dysfunction. However, human studies on Pb's inflammatory effects disrupting endogenous melatonin secretion remain scarce. We explored links between Pb exposure, inflammation, and endogenous melatonin in healthy children. We conducted demographic surveys and physical exams in 213 children (108 from Guiyu electronic waste (e-waste) recycling area, 105 from Haojiang reference). Circulating melatonin was assessed via urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), with blood measurements of Pb, inflammatory cells, and 7 serum cytokines. Blood Pb levels were significantly elevated in exposed versus reference groups, correlating with hygiene practices and living conditions. Exposed children showed higher urinary aMT6s, neutrophil/monocyte counts, and serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, IL-13, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), head circumference, milk consumption, and e-waste proximity (
PubDate: 2025-03-25
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- Nutrient Distribution and Interrelationships in Chaohu Lake, China:
Insights from Sedimentary Records-
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Abstract: Many methods are available for assessing nutrient pollution in lakes; however, few of them integrate sedimentary history in their evaluations. This study collected 32 undisturbed sediment samples from Lake Chaohu, China, to analyze the distribution patterns of total nitrogen (TN), organic matter (OM), and total phosphorus (TP). The distributions of TN, TP, and OM, and their relationships with sediment depth were investigated. The findings revealed an exponential relationship between sediment depth and the OM/TN ratio, effectively reflecting historical and current environmental dynamics in the lake. TP, as a relatively stable indicator, demonstrated its capacity to reveal trends in water quality based on its inherent characteristics. To enhance sediment pollution risk assessment, this study developed the ONP coefficient, which integrates the relationships among OM, TN, and TP. The ONP approach was analyzed in comparison with conventional nutrient risk assessment methods, highlighting its potential advantages. ONP values were categorized into five risk levels, from low to extreme, providing a structured framework for sediment pollution assessment. This approach offers a deeper understanding of historical and present lake water conditions, contributing to more informed and effective lake management strategies.
PubDate: 2025-03-23
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