Levels of antimony,arsenic, cadmium,copper, lead,mercury, selenium,silver, tin and zinc in bone tissue of industrially exposed workers

The contents of the elements antimony, arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, tin and zinc in bone tissue from autopsy specimens of the femur of workers who had been exposed to a large number of metals in a smeltery and refinery in Northern Sweden as well as of a control group have been quantitatively assayed.The analytical techniques used were atomic absorption spectrophotometry, neutron activation analysis and particle induced X-ray emission analysis (PIXE) in a proton microprobe. Increased levels of lead in the bone tissue of exposed workers compared to a non-exposed control group were observed. The median level of lead in the group of exposed workers exceeded the corresponding value of the control group about 5 times.Using the proton microprobe in the PIXE-mode, concentration profiles of copper, lead and zinc were examined within the Haversian system of the bone samples.     

Trace element levels in harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) from the Greenland Sea. A multivariate approach

Concentrations of the essential trace elements, iron, copper, zinc and selenium and the non-essential elements arsenic, cadmium, total mercury and lead, were measured in the meat, liver and kidney of two species of seals, harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) collected in the Greenland Sea. The spread among the individual seals was considerable. However, multivariate statistics simplified the evaluation of the data. The muscle tissue contained lower levels of the elements than kidney and liver. The kidney and liver tissue were also different, in particular with higher levels of iron in the liver and higher levels of cadmium in the kidney. Species differences were clear in both liver and kidney tissue, with higher levels of most of the elements in the hooded seals, while the harp seals had a higher burden of arsenic in the two tissues. Male hooded seals had higher levels of mercury and selenium than the females in all tissues. For harp seal there was a slight difference between the sexes in the muscle tissue, while no difference was observed in the liver and kidney tissues. The juvenile seals generally had lower levels of the elements in their tissues than the adults, although copper and zinc were higher in the muscles and livers of the juveniles as was iron in the muscles. No correlation between age and trace element levels in the tissues of the adult seals was observed.     

Total and extractable contents of trace metals in agricultural soils of the Valderas area, Spain

The surface horizons of four agricultural field soils (Mollic ustifluvents, Alfic Xerochrepts, Typic Palexeralfs, Typic Haploxeralfs) were sampled to determine the total copper, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, chromium, nickel, selenium, cadmium, lead, mercury, lithium and strontium, and were also fractionated by an extraction procedure to estimate the quantities of these trace metals in soluble form. The extractants used were the following: 1.0 N NH4 OAc for lithium and strontium, 0.05 M Na2-EDTA for cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc, 2.5% (w/v) acetic acid for lead, 2.5% (w/v) acetic acid and 2% (w/v) dithizone for cobalt, 2% (w/v) diethyldithiocarbamate solution for selenium, 0.1 NHCl for chromium, and 0.5 NHCl for mercury. The total content of these twelve elements in the four field soils sampled were lower than the levels quoted in the literature, although for different geochemical systems. The percentage of the total element content in soluble form was (except for selenium) generally very low, averaging between 5.5 and 8% for copper, 1.6 and 2.5% for cobalt, 8 and 10% for molybdenum, 1.8 and 2.2% for zinc, 14.2 and 17.7% for chromium, 5.5 and 6.4% for nickel, 30 and 55% for selenium, 8 and 14% for cadmium, 3 and 3.6% for lead, 8.3 and 11% for mercury, 5 and 7% for lithium, and 4.4 and 5.7% for strontium, regardless of the soil type.     

陶瓷地理标志产品微量元素迁移量检测研究

利用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪对20种陶瓷地理标志产品中的砷、镉、铬、镍、铅、锑、锌、铜、锰等9种微量元素迁移量情况进行检测。结果显示,镉、铬、锑在20种地理标志产品陶瓷中均未检出;铅、锌、铜、锰迁移量在有釉瓷（陶）器的多数种类中检出,其中锌迁移量突出;砷、镍迁移量在无釉陶器中检出。     

Levels of non-essential elements in muscle from harp seal (Phagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) caught in the Greenland Sea area

The non-essential elements, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, inevitably accumulate in marine top predators such as seals. The concentration of these elements and the essential element selenium, due to its proposed protective properties against mercury toxicity in marine mammals, were measured in muscle, liver and kidney from reproductive active females of harp seal (Phagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) caught in the drift ice between Iceland and East Greenland. Arsenic levels were below 1 microg/g w.w. in all analysed samples, and were therefore low compared to other seafood products. The concentrations of arsenic found in the present study were comparable to the results reported in a similar study from 1985. Mean concentrations of total mercury in muscle from the present study were higher than levels in other seafood products. The levels of total mercury from the present study showed a tendency of lower levels in all tissue samples compared to the study from 1985. Methyl mercury displayed a trend of a lower ratio of methyl mercury to total mercury as the concentration of total mercury increased, indicating a demethylation of methyl mercury at high total mercury concentrations (e.g. mercury in liver of hooded seal). The concentration ratio of methyl mercury to total mercury in muscle samples was more than 75%, with total mercury concentration less than 0.5 microg/g w.w., whereas the ratio for liver was as low as 0.2% with a total mercury concentration of 128 microg/g w.w. The molar concentration ratios of selenium to mercury showed that selenium was present in a molar surplus to mercury in all tissues with low mercury concentration. However, there seemed to be a general mobilisation of selenium in liver and kidney tissues of harp seal and hooded seal, whereas an extraordinary mobilisation seemed to take place at hepatic mercury concentrations exceeding 50 microg/g w.w. The mean concentrations of lead in muscles in the present study were higher than in fish and other seafood products from the Barents Sea. The lead concentrations from the present study were lower than levels reported in the 1985 study. However, the levels of the non-essential elements analysed in muscle from the two seal species in the present study should not prevent the use of seal meat in human nutrition.     

The mine tailing accident in Aznalcollar

Massive amounts of acidic waters and mud (pH approximately 3) containing toxic metals such as zinc, lead, arsenic, copper, antimony, cobalt, thallium, bismuth, cadmium, silver, mercury and selenium were released in the surroundings of Do?ana Park as a consequence of the mine tailings spill accident in Aznalcollar (SW Spain). This introductory paper describes the main characteristics of Do?ana Park, the mine activities developed in Aznalcollar and their related environmental risks. The tailing spill accident and the first package of urgent actions undertaken for preventive and mitigation purposes are also summarized.     

Heavy metal and arsenic content in seabirds affected by the Prestige oil spill on the Galician coast (NW Spain)

Seabirds are top consumers in marine foodchains which offer opportunities to detect and assess the toxicological effects of different inorganic elements on the marine ecosystem. In order to provide baseline data concerning trace element levels in seabird species from NW Spain, zinc, copper, arsenic, chromium, lead, cadmium and mercury concentrations were analyzed in liver of three different seabird species (common guillemot, Atlantic puffin and razorbill) affected by the Prestige oil spill in September 2002 on the Galician coast. In general, with the exception of mercury, levels of all the analyzed elements were similar or lower in comparison with those reported for the same species in other Atlantic areas, and did not exceed levels indicative of increased environmental exposure.     

Ecological and biological determinants of trace elements accumulation in liver and kidney of Pontoporia blainvillei

The present work tested whether ecological and biological variables have an influence on the assimilation of trace elements by the tissues of a cetacean from the Western South Atlantic Ocean. No significant differences were observed in the concentrations for both sexes. As individuals from the two sampling areas belong to distinct genetic and morphological populations, animals of similar body length were older on the southeastern than on the southern coast. The liver showed the highest concentrations of mercury, whereas the highest levels of cadmium were found in the kidney. Hepatic mercury, cadmium and selenium in individuals from the south coast were about four times as high as those from the southeast coast. However, arsenic in the liver and kidney were similar in both coastal areas. Hepatic mercury, cadmium and selenium concentrations increased with body length in individuals from the southeastern coast, although no significant correlations (P>0.05) were observed between body length from either area and the renal and hepatic As concentrations. A significant positive linear relationship was observed between molar concentrations of Hg and Se in the liver of all individuals from both areas (r2=0.93; P<0.001), presenting Se:Hg ratios close to 4. Differences found among the concentrations of Hg, Cd and Se in dolphins from both areas were probably due to the preferred prey, bioavailability of elements in each marine environment, and environment variables (water temperature, net primary production). As a consequence, concentrations of trace elements in the tissues of this species can be considered to be a result of the surrounding environment.     

Hepatic and renal concentrations of 10 trace elements in crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in the Kafue and Luangwa rivers in Zambia

Hepatic and renal concentrations of the elements arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, selenium and zinc were determined in samples collected from four crocodiles from the Kafue River, Kafue National Park and five crocodiles from the Luangwa River, Luangwa National Park, Zambia. The concentrations of the essential elements were similar to those reported in other vertebrates. Arsenic and cadmium concentrations were low (medians below 0.05 microg As/g and below 0.16 microg Cd/g, wet wt.). Mercury and lead concentrations were several orders of magnitude higher (medians up to 3.7 microg Hg/g, and up to 8.7 microg Pb/g, all wet wt.) than in hippopotami from the same rivers, probably as a result of food-chain biomagnification. Judging by the results obtained in this study, pollution from the mining activity around the Kafue River drainage area in the Copperbelt region has not significantly influenced the trace element concentrations in tissues of the crocodiles in the Kafue National Park. The trace element concentrations measured may serve as reference values in future studies on crocodilians.     

Chromium, cobalt and lanthanum in lung, liver and kidney tissue from deceased smelter workers

Lung, liver and kidney tissue concentrations of chromium, cobalt and lanthanum from 66 deceased copper smelter workers have been compared with 14 controls. Samples were taken in connection with ordinary autopsies at the local hospital. Neutron activation analysis was used. The mean exposure time for the smelter workers was 30 y, the mean time to date of death after termination of exposure was 7.4 y. A four-fold increase of chromium (p = 0.001) and a two-fold increase of cobalt (p less than 0.001) and lanthanum (p = 0.013) in lung tissue was found for smelter workers compared to controls. Of the smelters nearly one third died from malignancies (approximately 10% from respiratory cancer) and approximately 45% from cardiovascular disease. In the control group nearly 80% died from cardiovascular diseases and no malignancies were found. In lung tissues the concentration of chromium, cobalt and lanthanum did not decline with time after exposure had ended, indicating a long biological half-time. The causes of death could not be related to a single factor. The findings indicate a multifactorial genesis.     

Trace elements, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in New Zealand common dolphins (Delphinus sp.)

Trace elements, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine (OC) pesticide levels were determined in tissues collected from stranded and bycaught common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) from New Zealand waters between 1999 and 2005. The concentrations of mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), tin (Sn), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and silver (Ag) were determined in blubber, liver and kidney tissue. PCBs (45 congeners) and a range of OC pesticides including dieldrin, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites DDE and DDD were determined in blubber samples. Cr and Ni were not detected in any of the samples and concentrations of Co, Sn and Pb were generally low. Concentrations of Hg ranged from 0.17 to 110 mg/kg wet weight. Organochlorine pesticides dieldrin, HCB, o,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE were present at the highest concentrations. Sum DDT concentrations in the blubber ranged from 17 to 337 and 654 to 4430 microg/kg wet weight in females and males, respectively. Similarly, Sigma45CB concentrations ranged from 49 to 386 and 268 to 1634 microg/kg wet weight in females and males, respectively. The mean transmission of SigmaDDTs and ICES7CBs between a genetically determined mother-offspring pair was calculated at 46% and 42%, respectively. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides determined in the present study are within similar range to those reported for Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhyncus hectori) from inshore New Zealand waters.     

Chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, mercury and lead in Dutch fishery products 1977-1984

Within the framework of a monitoring programme, carried out by order of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, fishery products from Dutch coastal waters, estuaries and inland waters were investigated for the presence of trace elements. In this report the results for the period 1977-1984 are presented. The investigated fishery products included sole, cod, plaice, herring, eel, pike-perch, shrimp and mussel, in which the elements chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, mercury and lead were determined. The results are compared with data from the literature and with the trace element levels usually found in other animal products. The daily intake of trace elements in The Netherlands through the consumption of Dutch fishery products is calculated.     

The uptake of chemical elements from coal ash and settling basin effluent by primary producers II. Relation between concentrations in ash deposits and tissues of grasses growing on the ash

A number of reports of biomagnification of trace metals by plants indicate that elements are selectively concentrated within certain tissues when plants grow on coal ash. This study determined the uptake by, and tissue bioaccumulation of, 15 chemical elements within broom sedge and nut grass growing in the drainage system of a coal ash basin. Biomagnification of these elements by the grasses was compared to concentrations of these elements found in duckweed within the same system.Aluminium, arsenic, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, titanium, and zinc were measured by neutron activation analysis in roots, stems, leaves and fruit of the grasses which grew in sediments within the effluent. Mercury and zinc were biomagnified in both grasses and duckweed to a level exceeding the concentration in sediment. All elements were biomagnified above the water concentration in all parts of the plants. Bioaccumulation of elements in the leaves and fruit of these plants provides a concentrated source of potentially toxic chemical elements for passage to animals which may consume these plants. The mechanisms of movement of potentially toxic elements from coal ash or water into food webs need additional study as utilization of coal is increased.     

Distribution of trace elements in organs of six species of cetaceans from the Ligurian Sea (Mediterranean), and the relationship with stable carbon and nitrogen ratios

Mercury (total and organic), cadmium, lead, copper, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc concentrations were measured in different organs of 6 different cetacean species stranded in an area of extraordinary ecological interest (Cetaceans' Sanctuary of the Mediterranean Sea) along the coast of the Ligurian Sea (North-West Mediterranean). Stable-isotopes ratios of carbon ((13)C/(12)C) and nitrogen ((15)N/(14)N) were also measured in the muscle. A significant relationship exists between (15)N/(14)N, mercury concentration and the trophic level. The distribution of essential and non-essential trace elements was studied on several organs, and a significant relationship between selenium and mercury, with a molar ratio close to 1, was found in the cetaceans' kidney, liver and spleen, regardless of their species. High selenium concentrations are generally associated with a low organic to total mercury ratio. While narrow ranges of concentrations were observed for essential elements in most organs, mercury and selenium concentrations are characterised by a wide range of variation. Bio-accumulation and bio-amplification processes in cetaceans can be better understood by comparing trace element concentrations with the stable-isotopes data.     

An investigation of trace element losses during lyophilization of marine biological samples

Trace element losses during lyophilization of selected macroalgae and marine flesh tissues were investigated. No significant losses (p > 0.1) of arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, tin and zinc were found. Significant losses of chromium (3–15%) occurred from several specimens. An all-glass freeze drying apparatus is also illustrated.     

Mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium lead, and selenium in feathers of pigeon guillemots (Cepphus columba) from Prince William Sound and the Aleutian Islands of Alaska

Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury and selenium were analyzed in the feathers of pigeon guillemots (Cepphus columba) from breeding colonies in Prince William Sound and in the Aleutian Islands (Amchitka, Kiska) to test the null hypothesis that there were no differences in metal levels as a function of location, gender, or whether the birds were from oiled or unoiled areas in Prince William Sound. Birds from locations with oil from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in the environment had higher levels of cadmium and lead than those from unoiled places in Prince William Sound, but otherwise there were no differences in metal levels in feathers. The feathers of pigeon guillemots from Prince William Sound had significantly higher levels of cadmium and manganese, but significantly lower levels of mercury than those from Amchitka or Kiska in the Aleutians. Amchitka had the lowest levels of chromium, and Kiska had the highest levels of selenium. There were few gender-related differences, although females had higher levels of mercury and selenium in their feathers than did males. The levels of most metals are below the known effects levels, except for mercury and selenium, which are high enough to potentially pose a risk to pigeon guillemots and to their predators.     

Trace elements in home-produced eggs in Belgium: Levels and spatiotemporal distribution

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in home-produced eggs, soils and kitchen waste samples of private chicken owners in Belgium, and to determine spatiotemporal differences in trace element contents in eggs. Eggs were sampled in all provinces of Belgium in autumn 2006 and spring 2007. A total number of 59 private chicken owners participated in the study. Trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry except for mercury, which was determined by atomic absorption of mercury vapour. The mean fresh weight concentrations in eggs in autumn and spring respectively were < 8.0 and < 8.0 µg/kg for arsenic, 0.5 and < 0.5 µg/kg for cadmium, 116 and 74 µg/kg for lead, 0.43 and 0.52 mg/kg for copper, 20.3 and 19.2 mg/kg for zinc, and 3.15 and 4.44 µg/kg for mercury. Analysis of variance determined significant differences in some trace element concentrations in eggs among seasons and regions in Belgium. Average concentrations of arsenic, cadmium and mercury corresponded well with values measured in other countries, while copper and zinc concentrations were within the same order of magnitude as in other countries. Average lead concentrations were high compared to concentrations in eggs from other countries and correlated well with lead concentrations in soil, indicating that the soil is an important source. Other sources of trace elements in eggs might be home-grown vegetables and forage (grass and herbs), and indirectly, air pollution.     

Pollutants in harp seals (Phoca groenlandica). II. Heavy metals and selenium

Between 1976 and 1978, 248 harp seals were sampled from five locations in the Northwest Atlantic and Arctic for heavy metal and selenium residue analyses in tissue. Significant loading was apparent only in blood, brain, kidney, liver and muscle. Samples were analysed for mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The seals carried higher levels of Cd than of the other metals. Residue levels of Cd were highest in kidney tissue; levels of other metals were highest in liver. Both males and females bioaccumulated Cd, Hg and Se.Cd, Hg, Se and Cu residues were detected in tissue from neonatal seals, indicating that transplacental and transmammary transfer of these elements had occurred. Despite the passage of residues from mother to pup, females bore significantly higher levels of Hg and Cd than males. Conversely, levels of Cu, Se or Pb did not appear to differ significantly between sexes. There was considerable individual variation in residue levels. This, coupled with the extensive annual migration undergone by these animals, made it difficult to arrive at definite conclusions regarding geographic accumulation patterns.     

Metal levels in feathers of 12 species of seabirds from midway atoll in the northern Pacific Ocean

Seabirds are excellent subjects for examination of heavy metals because they are long-lived, feed at different distances from land, and exhibit different trophic levels. In this paper we compare the levels of lead, cadmium, mercury arsenic, chromium, manganese, selenium, and tin in the feathers of birds nesting on Midway Atoll in the northern Pacific Ocean. We test the null hypothesis that there are no interspecific differences in the levels of metals in the feathers of the adult black-footed albatross (Diomedea nigripes), Laysan albatross (Diomedea immutabilis), red-footed booby (Sula sula), great frigatebird (Fregata minor), Bonin petrel (Pterodroma hypoleuca), Christmas shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis), red-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda), wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus), brown noddy (Anous stolidus), sooty tern (Stema fuscata), grey-backed tern (Stema lunata), and white tern (Gygis alba), and young of some of these species. There were interspecific differences in the levels of all metals for adults. Christmas shearwater had the highest levels of lead, cadmium, selenium and manganese, but the second lowest levels of mercury. In general, metal levels were the lowest in the smallest species (white tern), but were not the highest in the largest species (black-footed albatross), except for manganese, arsenic and mercury. There was a high variance in metal levels among adults for some species, but not for others. White tern adults were variable for lead, while Christmas shearwaters were variable for lead and cadmium. Compared to the means for metals in other birds generally (after Burger, 1993), Christmas shearwaters had higher levels of lead, white terns, brown noddy, Christmas shearwater, frigatebirds and Laysan albatrosses had higher levels of cadmium, and bonin petrel, wedge-tailed shearwater, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, and both albatrosses had higher levels of mercury. Whereas the means for lead and cadmium were below the known effects levels, some individuals had levels high enough to cause adverse effects in the birds. The mean values for mercury in Bonin petrel, red-tailed tropicbird, and black-footed albatross were higher than the levels known to cause adverse reproductive and behavioral effects.     

An interlaboratory comparison programme for several toxic substances in blood and urine

Since 1979, the Centre de Toxicologie du Québec has operated an interlaboratory comparison programme for several toxic substances in blood and urine. We initiated this program due to the unavailability of reliable and representative reference materials for toxic elements in blood and urine. The main objective is to enable participants to improve or maintain the accuracy of their analytical work by periodically comparing their results. There are presently 76 laboratories registered in the programme for one or more substances. The majority are located in North America with several others in Europe and South America. Available substances include lead and cadmium in blood, aluminum in serum, and mercury, arsenic, cadmium, fluoride and chromium in urine. Samples are prepared by pooling specimens obtained from exposed workers. We have examined the performance of participants over the course of the years using as criteria the deviation from the target value, the scatter of results and the proficiency within preset limits of toxicological significance. Whenever possible the influence of analytical methods was evaluated. The feedback provided by participation in the programme appears to be a significant factor in the maintenance or improvement of analytical proficiency. The vast majority of participants obtain results of adequate reliability for use in the monitoring of exposed workers.