The effect of graded doses of cadmium on lead,zinc and copper content of target and indicator organs in rats

Eleven groups of inbred Wistar rats, five males and five females in each group, received graded doses of CdCl₂, from 0–25 ppm, in the drinking water from conception until sacrifice at the age of ten weeks. The Pb, Zn and Cu levels of various indicators and target organs were recorded by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cd concentrations above 5 ppm caused a significant increase in Zn content of kidneys, liver, spleen, heart and adrenal glands in most of the experimental groups, and in addition a significant positive correlation between Cd and Zn in the same tissues. With concentrations above 10 ppm, Zn contents of epiphyses and diaphyses decreased significantly, and through all groups there was a significant negative correlation between Zn and Cd in diaphysis. This local Zn deficit may cause a retarded growth of long bones. Cd supply resulted in a significant decrease in Zn content of incisors and molars, but did not significantly affect the Cu content. Neither were Zn nor Cu concentrations in hair affected. Cd supply led to a significantly increased storage of Cu in liver, spleen, heart and skeletal muscle and a positive correlation between Cd and Cu content in the same tissues. Cd administration caused a significant decrease of Pb concentrations in molars, hair, kidney cortex, heart, skeletal muscle and adrenal glands in several of the experimental groups, and also a significant negative correlation between Pb and Cd content of molars, hair, kidney cortex, liver and heart. This can be a result of decreased uptake, increased excretion or changes in the distribution pattern of Pb.     

Blood lead and its effect on Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe and hemoglobin levels of children

The levels of heavy metals, such as Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe, in whole blood samples of Mumbai and Hyderabad children have been determined. In the present study, 576 blood samples of children (3-6 years old) were collected during 1996-1998 and analyzed for heavy metal contents by anodic stripping voltammetry and atomic absorption spectrometry. The geometric mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in blood of Mumbai children were 8.0, 0.10, 86.5 and 398.9 microg dl(-1), while those for Hyderabad children were 13.3, 0.13, 100.6 and 483.4 microg dl(-1) respectively. The geometric mean concentrations of Fe in the blood of Mumbai and Hyderabad children were 21.9 and 34.5 mg dl(-1), respectively. Of the Mumbai children, 61.8% were found to have a blood lead concentration lcss than 10 microg dl(-1), while the corresponding proportion of Hyderabad children was 27.4%. Higher concentrations of Pb in the children's blood were observed at high traffic areas in both cities. A decreasing trend in the hemoglobin content with increasing blood lead levels was observed for Mumbai children. A good negative correlation (-0.61) between the blood lead and iron has been observed for Mumbai children The hemoglobin content of 85% of the study population was found to vary between 8 and 14 g%.     

Metal distribution and metallothionein in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles

The first aim of our study was to determine the concentrations of selected trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cd and Pb) in tissues of green turtles from Tortuguero National Park on the North Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and of loggerheads from the Mediterranean Sea. Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Cd were present at detectable concentrations in all samples and showed clear organotropism, whereas Pb was not always over the detection limit and did not show any particular tissue distribution. The two species presented significant differences: Cu and Cd in liver and kidney of Chelonia mydas were significantly higher with respect to the concentrations found in Caretta caretta. The second and major goal of our study was to evaluate hepatic and renal metallothionein (MT) as a biomarker of environmental metal exposure. The present paper is the first to describe and quantify MT in kidney and liver of loggerhead turtles and in kidney of green turtles. MT concentrations were higher in green than in loggerhead turtles. In addition, positive correlations were found between Cu and Cd concentrations and Cu-MT and Cd-MT in liver and kidney in both species, suggesting a pivotal role of MT in metal storage and detoxification. The quantification of metals and MT in liver and kidney may be a valid biomarker of metal exposure in the aquatic environment to assess the health of marine sea turtles as long as accurate analytical methods are adopted.     

Monitoring of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc status in young children using toenails: comparison with scalp hair

Cadmium, copper, lead and zinc concentrations were determined (atomic absorption spectrometry) in the proximal end of scalp hair (n = 474) and in toenail clippings (n = 461) of children, aged 3-7 years, living in an industrialized and in a rural area of the Federal Republic of Germany. With the exception of Zn in hair, levels of the elements were log-normally distributed. Data are presented as geometric means. Toenail Cd and Pb levels were much higher than those in hair (Cd, 457 vs 90 ng g-1; Pb, 8.5 vs 2.7 micrograms g-1), while Cu and Zn values were similar in both biological media (toenail vs hair: Cu, 7.5 vs 10.6 micrograms g-1; Zn, 129 vs 108 micrograms g-1). In toenails, all elements were positively correlated with each other. In hair, there was a close relationship only between Cd and Pb; Cd and Pb were inversely related to Zn. With the exception of Zn (no correlation), there was a minor relationship between metal levels in hair and those in toenails. Using stepwise regression analysis, seasonal variation was found to be the main factor influencing hair metal levels, while nail metal levels were mainly influenced by place of residence (with the exception of Cu concentrations, for which there were no significant predictors). Multiple correlation coefficient was higher for hair than for nails. It is concluded that, for biological monitoring, toenail clippings are less suitable than hair samples.     

Assessment of metal pollution in Onsan Bay, Korea using Asian periwinkle Littorina brevicula as a biomonitor.

Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in the marine gastropod, Littorina brevicula Philippi, were determined to assess the metal pollution in Onsan Bay, Korea. Samples of L. brevicula employed as a biomonitor and seawater were collected from 12 to 20 stations of Onsan Bay in November 1997, respectively. Dissolved metal concentrations in surface seawater were highest at the station near Onsan Non-ferrous Industrial Complex: 1.15 micrograms l-1 for Cd, 2.49 micrograms l-1 for Pb, 3.75 micrograms l-1 for Cu and 23.98 micrograms l-1 for Zn. These values were 1-2 orders higher than those shown at outer regions of the Bay. Metal concentrations in the soft body of periwinkles were highly variable at different sampling locations: 0.48-27.11 micrograms g-1 for Cd, 1.41-24.91 micrograms g-1 for Pb, 57-664 micrograms g-1 for Cu and 83-246 micrograms g-1 for Zn. The values from stations near the industrial complex were higher than those expected from relationships between body sizes and metal body burdens in periwinkles collected from the whole Korean coast. Spatial distribution of metal concentrations in the periwinkle and seawater indicated that Onsan industrial complex near the Bay is the input source of these metals. Especially, Cd and Pb concentrations in the periwinkle and seawater were distinctly decreased with distance from the Onsan industrial complex. Non-essential metals such as Cd and Pb in the periwinkle showed a strong correlation with dissolved metal concentrations in seawater. Conversely, essential Cu and Zn in the periwinkle were hardly explained by those in seawater, except at the most contaminated sites.     

血锌、铁、铅水平与婴幼儿佝偻病的关系

目的探讨血锌（Zn2＋）、铁（Fe2＋）、铅（Pb2＋）水平与婴幼儿佝偻病的关系。方法从2006年9月至2008年6月在江西省妇幼保健院儿童保健门诊体检检查出佝偻病患儿中随机选择出216例作为研究组;选择同期在江西省妇幼保健院儿童保健门诊体检的健康儿童220名作为健康对照组。采用原子吸收光谱仪检测2组血Zn2＋、Fe2＋水平,采用钨舟原子吸收光谱仪检测血Pb2＋水平。结果研究组血Zn2＋、Fe2＋水平均显著低于健康对照组,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0.01）;研究组血Pb2＋水平显著高于健康对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。研究组Zn、Fe缺乏的检出率均显著高于健康对照组,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0.01）;研究组Pb中毒的检出率显著高于健康对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论对患佝偻病的婴幼儿应考虑检测微量元素,以便早期发现Zn、Fe缺乏和高血Pb,并给予相应的处理,从而提高佝偻病的治疗效果。     

Kidney and liver levels of some major, minor and trace elements in two Ontario communities

The contents of Ag, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr, Th, Ti and Zn in 143 autopsied liver and kidney specimens from two Ontario communities (Kingston and Ottawa) were determined using the techniques of inductively-coupled plasma--atomic emission spectrometry, and electrothermal atomization--atomic absorption spectrometry coupled with hydride evolution (As, Se), reduction--aeration (Hg), or solvent extraction (Pb). The majority of samples came from individuals older than 50 y. In general, the data for the various elements were independent of age or sex but showed some dependence on location for elements such as Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se and Zn. Despite these differences the elemental values of the liver and kidney samples from both the communities were within the normal range.     

Elemental composition of ancient Japanese bones

Excavated bones (rib) obtained from 50 sites in Japan were measured by ICP atomic emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry for concentration of 19 elements, including Al, B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn. One hundred and forty-one specimens were classified into five groups according to Japanese prehistoric and historic eras (Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun, Kamakura and Muromachi, and Edo). The elements, with concentrations which showed no significant change with era were Al, B and Cr. Average concentrations of Ca were in the range 2-2.5 X 10(-1) g g-1 and those of P ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 X 10(-1) g g-1, indicating a well-preserved bone mineral matrix. The Ca/P ratio (mol/mol) was lowest in the Edo group--1.48 as compared with 1.54-1.66 in the other groups. Among the elements which showed changes with era were Pb, Fe, Co and Mn, all of which showed remarkably elevated concentrations in the Edo group. In addition to this unique elemental composition of Edo bones, samples from the Kofun era showed a completely different composition from those of other periods, i.e. they had the highest concentrations of Cd, Zn and Mg, and the lowest concentrations of Cu, K, Ni and Sr. The cause of the elevated Pb concentration in Edo bones is discussed in relation to human activities which may have led to environmental Pb pollution.     

Reproductive cycle and heavy metals in the organs of red mullet, Mullus barbatus (L.), from the northwestern Mediterranean.

Concentrations of the heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe Mn, V and Zn have been measured in the principal tissues of the red mullet, Mullus barbatus (L.), during a complete sexual cycle. By comparison of metal levels during the reproductive and non-reproductive periods, it was found that concentrations as well as total amounts of Cu, Mn and Zn in liver and gonads of male and female mullets were dependent upon the stage of the sexual cycle. No relationship with the sexual cycle was noted for these metals measured in muscle, kidney, spleen or pyloric caecum. Because of the observed variation in liver and gonad metal concentrations, these tissues appear to be poor indicators of ambient levels of metals in the surrounding waters. However, muscle may prove useful as an indicator tissue owing to its apparent independence of effects of the sexual cycle.     

Levels of lead,cadmium, zinc and copper in the blood of an urban population

Levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were measured in the blood of normal children and adults of Greater Bombay, India using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The median concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in the whole blood of children and adults were 11.54, 0.21, 484.2 and 86.2 μg dl⁻¹, respectively. The blood lead concentration showed an increase with age. Children living in industrial zones with high vehicular traffic have significantly higher blood lead concentrations than their counterparts living in the cleaner suburban parts of the city. The mean levels of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in blood of Bombay children and adults are compared with those from other countries.     

Studies of blood lead levels in children by proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE)

Blood lead levels of children admitted to Sion Hospital, Bombay (India), from the adjoining Dharavi slum areas have been determined by proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Blood samples were collected from 36 children with suspected lead poisoning and from 20 control children. The analysis showed that the lead concentration of the patients varied from 0.1 to 6.0 micrograms ml-1. In addition to lead, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Br and Rb were also detected simultaneously, of which the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb and Pb were determined. The high blood lead levels of the children from this area may be ascribed to environmental pollution due to heavy vehicular traffic and industrial sources.     

Trace metals in Shatt al-Arab River,Iraq

The distribution of 10 trace metals Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn have been determined along the northern section of the Shatt al-Arab River, Iraq. Analyses were carried out, employing a flameless AAS instrument. The mean concentrations of the dissolved species were as follows (expressed in μg l^?1): 0.25 Cd, 0.9 Cu, 716 Fe, 1.3 Mn, 0.3 Pb, 0.2 V and 1.8 Zn. Mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in the particulate matter were 55.2, 6.0, 188, 77, 31 472, 1731, 3807, 93, 207 and 77 μg g^?1 respectively. In the exchangeable fraction of the sediment were 0.15, 5.5, 11.1, 11.9, 1625, 482, 42, 30.5, 25.7 and 6 μg g^?1, whereas in the residual were 0.025, 11.5, 96.1, 22, 5176, 258, 613, 3.9, 162 and 56.8 μg g^?1 respectively. Thus, the exchangeable trace metals represent the following mean percentage of the total; 75% Cd, 33% Co, 10% Cr, 34% Cu, 24% Fe, 63% Mn, 7% Ni, 74% Pb, 14% V and 23% Zn. The concentration of Ni and V were relatively high, this was attributed to the petroleum-rich deposits of the region. The concentrations observed for other metals were lower or equal to those reported for control sites except for Pb which was slightly higher. The data obtained were subjected to simple linear regression analysis and expressed in the form of correlation coefficients. It was found that the inter-elemental relationships are rather complex.     

Concentrations of selected metals in honey consumed in Nigeria

The concentration of metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) was measured in selected samples of honey in Nigeria with a view to providing information on the regional concentration profile of metals in these honeys. The honey samples were digested with a mixture of acids and analysed for metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of metals (mg kg^?1) in these honeys ranged from < 0.3 for Cd,<0.50–39.75 for Pb,<0.25–6.98 for Ni,<0.25–55.25 for Cr,<0.25–71.25 for Cu,<0.25–3.50 for Co,<5.0–163.15 for Fe,<11.0–31.75 for Mn and 1.0–31.0 for Zn. The concentrations of metals were relatively high but lower than their respective permissible limits in food except for Pb and Cu in some samples. The regional distribution patterns of metals indicated that honey samples from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria had higher mean concentrations of Ni, Cr, Co, Fe and Zn than honey samples from other regions. The honey samples from the northern region had higher mean concentrations of Pb and Cu.     

Heavy metals in maternal and cord blood

Heavy metal concentrations have been determined in maternal and cord blood samples collected from mothers in the age group 20-25 years with full-term neonates (37-40 weeks). The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn were found to be low in cord blood as compared to mother's blood and the ratio between cord blood and maternal blood for the respective elements was found to be approximately 0.80, 0.86, 0.47 and 0.40. On the other hand, the concentrations of Fe and Mg in the mother's blood were found to be lower than those in the cord blood. Prenatal exposure to lead in Mumbai, though low (5.1 microg/dl), is approximately 2-3 times higher than that observed in Canada or Italy. A strong correlation (r = 0.79) between the maternal and cord blood lead levels has been observed during the present study.     

Heavy metals in the tissues of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded on the Portuguese coast.

The concentrations of Hg, Sn, Cr, Zn, Ni, Co, Cd, Mn, Fe and Cu were determined in the liver, kidney and muscle of 24 common dolphins stranded on the Portuguese coast between 1995 and 1998. Nitric acid was used to extract the metals from the tissues for analysis by inductively-coupled plasma/atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP/AES). Those metals with relatively higher concentrations included Fe, Zn and Hg, particularly in liver. Other metals including Cr, Ni and Cd tended to show much lower levels, or were even undetected (e.g. Co). Different metals seemed to show different temporal trends, although due to substantial variations of the mean concentrations for each year obtained, such temporal pattern has to be studied further. Total Hg concentration in the kidney, muscle and particularly liver, were higher in females than in males. Total Hg concentrations in all the organs increased with body length of dolphins, whilst those of Zn and Cu in muscle decreased with dolphin length. A strong correlation was found between essential metals Zn and Cu in muscle, possibly resulting from sequestration of these metals by metallothionein. In addition, significant co-associations existed between the same metal (e.g. Hg, Sn and Zn) in different organs.     

Distribution of Cd, Zn, Cu and Fe among selected tissues of the earthworm (Allolobophora caliginosa) and Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)

We have measured the concentrations of heavy metals in soils, earthworms and tissues of woodcocks in Quaderna Valley, northern Italy. The soil concentration of metals analysed in this research is consistent with data reported by other authors for uncontaminated or slightly contaminated soils. In earthworms, metals were mostly accumulated in the encapsulating chloragogenous tissue; the positive correlation between Cu concentration in the soil and in earthworms is noteworthy. Heavy metal distribution in the tissues of woodcock showed that Cd accumulation in the kidney was linked to the diet. Cu and Fe were preferentially concentrated in the liver and Zn in the testis. Kidney Cd and Zn concentrations were higher in adults than in juveniles. In addition, a main kidney metallothionein isoform, containing Cd and Zn, was isolated. In the kidney, Cd levels were linearly correlated with the concentration of metallothionein. Of the investigated metals, Cd raises the greatest concern, due to the increasing soil contamination by human activities.     

Lack of significantly positive correlations between elemental concentrations in hair and in organs

Elemental concentrations (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, P, Se and Zn) in the hair of Japanese were examined in relation to those in internal organs (cerebrum, cerebellum, heart, spleen, liver, kidney and rib). No significantly positive correlation was found between elemental concentration in hair and that in internal organ. This result indicates the restricted use of hair as a medium for the estimation of nutritional status of the essential elements examined in the present study, at least on an individual basis. The correlations between the concentrations in organs are also presented.     

Trace metal concentrations are higher in cartilage than in bones of scaup and pochard wintering in Poland

Bones and cartilage of two species of diving ducks: the scaup Aythya marila (n=24) and the pochard A. ferina (n=24) were studied. Scaup is protected in Poland where it spends only the winter, while pochard is a game bird, abundant and breeding in Poland. In winter, the two species form large flocks off the southern coast of the Baltic, particularly in the Szczecin Lagoon where they were collected for this study. The bones and cartilage (trachea) were assayed for concentrations (dry weight-based) of three essential metals: iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn); concentrations of the two toxic metals: lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were assayed as well. These hard tissues of the two species showed the following order of metal concentrations Zn>Fe>Pb>Cu>Cd. In scaup and pochard bones, the respective geometric mean concentrations of Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu, and Cd were 94.4 and 102.0; 20.2 and 24.7; 6.2 and 9.6; 0.19 and 0.26; 0.114 and 0.162 mg/kg. The levels of all the metals in cartilage (Zn 149.1 and 165.8; Fe 58.4 and 116.3; Pb 10.6 and 14.9; Cu 1.41 and 3.31; Cd 0.144 and 0.175 mg/kg, respectively) were higher than in the bones of A. marila and A. ferina. However, statistically significant differences were found in respect to the essential metals only (Zn, Fe, Cu). The inter-species comparisons showed the two species to differ in their cartilage concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Cd and in their bone concentrations of Pb and Cd. In each case, the pochard exhibited higher concentrations of metals. This study showed distinct differences between trace element accumulation by two heavily mineralised avian body parts: leg bones (tarsometatarsus) and cartilage (trachea). The results are in agreement with data reported by other workers who analysed trace metals in cartilaginous and bone components of the femoral head in homoiotherm vertebrates, including humans. Therefore it is important that intra- and inter-species comparisons of hard biological components be based on corresponding body parts, and that relevant biochemical and ecotoxicological research be pursued.     

Trace metals and organochlorines in the bamboo shark Chiloscyllium plagiosum from the southern waters of Hong Kong, China

The bamboo shark Chiloscyllium plagiosum is an abundant benthic species along the shallow continental shelf of Southeast Asia. It is commonly taken by fishermen in China, India, Taiwan and Thailand for human consumption. This study measured trace metal and organochlorine concentrations in C. plagiosum collected from the southern waters of Hong Kong, China. Metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were measured in three different tissues: dorsal muscle, spleen and liver. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides in the dorsal muscle were identified and quantified using gas chromatography. Metal concentrations varied among the three different tissues, with liver having higher levels of Ag and Cd, and spleen possessing higher levels of Cu and Mn. Both Ni and Pb in all tissues were below the detection limit. Tissue concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn generally decreased with increasing body weight whilst no significant concentration-size relationship was found for other metals. In muscle tissues, total PCBs ranged from 1.056-4.771 ng/g (wet wt.) with a median of 1.801 ng/g, while total DDTs ranged from 0.602-23.55 ng/g with a median of 1.109 ng/g, in which p,p'-DDE was the predominant metabolite. Levels of total hexachlorohexanes and cyclodienes were low. The pesticide p,p'-DDT was the only compound found to be positively correlated with body weight, indicating temporal bioaccumulation of this compound. Zn concentrations in the muscle of C. plagiosum were comparatively higher than recorded in other shark species, however, concentrations of other metals and organochlorines were relatively low. C. plagiosum feeds primarily on polychaetes, shrimps and small fishes, and thus is unlikely to contain levels of contaminants of human health concern.     

Dissolved and particulate metal chemistry of the Central and Eastern Basins of Lake Erie

Dissolved and particulate forms of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in the Central and Eastern Basins of Lake Erie during May, August and September 1978.No temporal or spatial differences in the average concentrations of dissolved Cu, Ni, Al and Fe were observed between May and September. In contrast, Mn and Zn showed significant seasonal variations with Mn having distinct concentration maxima in both basins during September. This behaviour is attributed to net release of Mn and Zn from the bottom sediments.Phytoplankton activity is shown to be important in causing large increases (1.8–5.4 times the concentrations in May) in particulate elemental concentrations during the bloom periods. The removal of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn from the water column is mediated by the decay of plankton populations.