Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Animals animals	2.7	4.9	2011	16.1 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Environments environments	3.5	5.7	2014	25.7 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering jmse	2.7	4.4	2013	16.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Toxics toxics	3.9	4.5	2013	15.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Water water	3.0	5.8	2009	16.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

18 pages, 3691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variability in Microbial Communities Driven by Particulate Matter on Human Facial Skin

by Kai Fu, Qixing Zhou and Heli Wang

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070497 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 400

Microbial communities are known to play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and can be used as an indicator for assessing environmental pollution. Numerous studies have revealed that air pollution can alter the structure of microbial communities, which may increase health risks. [...] Read more.

Microbial communities are known to play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and can be used as an indicator for assessing environmental pollution. Numerous studies have revealed that air pollution can alter the structure of microbial communities, which may increase health risks. Nevertheless, the relationships between microbial communities and particulate matter (PM) caused by air pollution in terms of health risk assessment are not well understood. This study aimed to validate the influences of PM chemical compositions on microbial communities and assess the associated health risks. Our results, based on similarity analysis, revealed that the stability structure of the microbial communities had a similarity greater than 73%. In addition, the altered richness and diversity of microbial communities were significantly associated with PM chemical compositions. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exerted a positive influence on microbial communities in different environmental variables. Additionally, a stronger linear correlation was observed between hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and the richness of microbial communities. All estimated health risks from PM chemical compositions, calculated under different environmental variables, significantly exceeded the acceptable level by a factor of more than 49. Cr and 1,2-Dibromoethane displayed dual adverse effects of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Overall, the study provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms of the variability in microbial communities driven by PM, which may support the crucial role of PM chemical compositions in the risk of microorganisms in the atmospheric environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid)s in the Overlying Water of Small Wetlands Based on Monte Carlo Simulation

by Liling Wang, Mamattursun Eziz, Yonglong Hu and Xayida Subi

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070488 - 3 Jul 2024

Viewed by 453

Abstract

Heavy metal(loid) (HM) contamination is a significant threat to wetland ecosystem. However, contamination risks of HMs in overlying water of small wetlands, which are easily ignored because of their minor occupancy in an overall area, are nearly unknown. A total of 36 water [...] Read more.

Heavy metal(loid) (HM) contamination is a significant threat to wetland ecosystem. However, contamination risks of HMs in overlying water of small wetlands, which are easily ignored because of their minor occupancy in an overall area, are nearly unknown. A total of 36 water samples containing six HMs were collected from the urban and rural small wetlands of Urumqi in China, and the contamination levels and probabilistic health risks caused by HMs were assessed using the Nemerow pollution index (NPI) and the health risk assessment model introduced by the US EPA. The results revealed that the average concentration of Hg in the urban and rural small wetlands surpassed the Class II thresholds of the Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water (GB 3838-2002) by factors of 3.2 and 5.0 times, respectively. The overall contamination levels of HMs in the small wetlands fall into the high contamination level. Results of a health risk assessment indicated that non-carcinogenic health risk of the investigated HMs are found to be lower than the acceptable range for adults, but higher than the acceptable range for children. Meanwhile, As falls into the low carcinogenic risk level, whereas Cd falls into the very low carcinogenic risk level. Overall, HMs in rural small wetlands showed relatively higher contamination levels and probabilistic health risks than that of urban small wetlands. In addition, As was identified as the dominant health risk factor in the overlying water of small wetlands in the study area. Findings of this study provide scientific support needed for the prevention of HM contamination of small wetlands in arid zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Levels of Potentially Toxic and Essential Elements in Water and Estimation of Human Health Risks in a River Located at the Interface of Brazilian Savanna and Amazon Biomes (Tocantins River)

by Thiago Machado da Silva Acioly, Marcelo Francisco da Silva, Letícia Almeida Barbosa, José Iannacone and Diego Carvalho Viana

Toxics 2024, 12(7), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070444 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 442

Abstract

The Tocantins–Araguaia basin is one of South America’s largest river systems, across three Brazilian states (Maranhão, Tocantins, and Pará), within the Legal Amazon region. Despite draining extensive Cerrado savanna and rainforest ecosystems, it has suffered significant degradation, notably in the past 40 years. [...] Read more.

The Tocantins–Araguaia basin is one of South America’s largest river systems, across three Brazilian states (Maranhão, Tocantins, and Pará), within the Legal Amazon region. Despite draining extensive Cerrado savanna and rainforest ecosystems, it has suffered significant degradation, notably in the past 40 years. Human activities, including agricultural expansion, deforestation, and the introduction of non-native species, have worsened the environmental damage, which is alarming since many residents and villages along the middle Tocantins River rely on it for water supply, recreation, and fishing. This study assessed the concentration of potentially toxic and essential elements in water samples from four sampling sites distributed along the middle Tocantins River. The monitoring occurred throughout 2023, involving the measurement of parameters both on-site and in the laboratory. Water quality and its health implications were evaluated using the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI), the Water Quality Index (WQI), and the health risk assessment index. The levels of aluminum, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium exceeded legal standards. Seasonal fluctuations indicate a complex dynamic influenced by climatic or seasonal factors, with February showing the highest values. Site P1, located in urban areas, exhibited elevated mean concentrations for conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and chlorophyll, indicating the need for continuous monitoring. The nitrogen concentrations at P1 raise concerns regarding drinking water quality, which is a concern for the region’s residents who use untreated river water. Despite seasonal variations in element concentrations, the overall WAWQI categorized all sections as “Excellent,” and the WQI rated as “Good.” Human health risk assessments detected no risks, but continuous monitoring and interventions are crucial for sustained water quality improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 8313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Migration Patterns and Potential Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in the Soil–Plant System in the Production Area of the Chinese Medicinal Herb Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.

by Yufeng Gong, Wei Ren and Zhenming Zhang

Toxics 2024, 12(5), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050355 - 11 May 2024

Viewed by 744

Abstract

Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. holds a prominent place among Chinese medicinal herbs. Assessing the soil–plant system of its origin is crucial for ensuring medication safety. Although some trace elements are essential for the normal functioning of living organisms, exposure to higher concentrations is harmful [...] Read more.

Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. holds a prominent place among Chinese medicinal herbs. Assessing the soil–plant system of its origin is crucial for ensuring medication safety. Although some trace elements are essential for the normal functioning of living organisms, exposure to higher concentrations is harmful to humans, so in order to assess the possible health risk of trace elements in the soil–plant system of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. origin for human assessment, we used non-carcinogenic risk (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) for their evaluation. In this paper, the following trace elements were studied in the soil–Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. system: manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). Correlation and structural equation analyses showed that the effect of soil in the root zone on the plant was much greater than the effect of soil in the non-root zone on the plant. The single-factor pollution index (Pi) showed that the soil in the production area of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. was polluted to a certain extent, notably with Pb showing the highest average Pi values of 0.94 and 0.89 in the non-root and root zones, respectively. Additionally, the Nemerow composite pollution indices (PN) for both zones indicated an alert range. Regarding health risks, exposure to soil in the non-root zone posed higher non-carcinogenic risk (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) compared to the root zone, although neither zone presented a significant carcinogenic risk. The potential non-carcinogenic risk (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) from consuming Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. leaves and stems were more than ten times higher than that of roots. However, the carcinogenic risk (CR) values for both the soil and plant of interest in the soil– Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. system did not exceed 10⁻⁴, and therefore no significant carcinogenic risk existed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 13023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecotoxicology of Polymetallic Nodule Seabed Mining: The Effects of Cobalt and Nickel on Phytoplankton Growth and Pigment Concentration

by Rimei Ou, Hao Huang, Xuebao He, Shuangshuang Lin, Danyun Ou, Weiwen Li, Jinli Qiu and Lei Wang

Toxics 2023, 11(12), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11121005 - 8 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1409

Abstract

In order to improve the understanding of the environmental impacts of polymetallic nodule mining, ecotoxicological studies were conducted on the growth of model phytoplankton species Skeletonema costatum and Prorocentrum donghaiense using cobalt and nickel. This study evaluated various physiological and ecological indicators, such [...] Read more.

In order to improve the understanding of the environmental impacts of polymetallic nodule mining, ecotoxicological studies were conducted on the growth of model phytoplankton species Skeletonema costatum and Prorocentrum donghaiense using cobalt and nickel. This study evaluated various physiological and ecological indicators, such as cell proliferation, chlorophyll a, pigments, total protein, and antioxidant enzyme markers. The results show that the introduction of low amounts of cobalt or nickel increased the growth rate of phytoplankton. The phytoplankton benefited from low concentrations of cobalt and nickel stress. The increased protein levels and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes considerably impacted physiological responses during the promotion of cell abundance. High concentrations of cobalt or nickel resulted in decreased light-absorbing pigments, increased photoprotective pigments, an inactive chlorophyll content, decreased total proteins, and maximal antioxidant enzyme activity in phytoplankton. Throughout the experiment, both the phytoplankton protein and enzyme activity declined with prolonged stress, and the cells underwent age-induced damage. Thus, seabed mining’s repercussions on phytoplankton could result in both short-term growth promotion and long-term damage. These consequences depend on the impurity concentrations infiltrating the water, their duration, and the organism’s physiological responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Accumulation of Toxic Elements (Pb, Hg, Cd, As, and Cu) in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in Qianjiang and the Associated Risks to Human Health

by Lang Zhang, Ziwei Song, Yuntao Zhou, Shan Zhong, Yali Yu, Ting Liu, Xiaoping Gao, Lekang Li, Chiping Kong, Xinna Wang, Li He and Jinhua Gan

Toxics 2023, 11(7), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070635 - 22 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

Due to rapidly expanding crayfish consumption worldwide, the food safety of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is of great concern. China is the largest consumer and producer of crayfish globally. As of yet, it is unknown whether the main crayfish production [...] Read more.

Due to rapidly expanding crayfish consumption worldwide, the food safety of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is of great concern. China is the largest consumer and producer of crayfish globally. As of yet, it is unknown whether the main crayfish production cities in China are within safe levels of toxic heavy metals and metalloids. For 16 consecutive years, Qianjiang city ranked first in China in processing export volumes of red swamp crayfish. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the enrichment levels and associated health risks of the species in Qianjiang. In our research, samples of four crayfish tissues, including the head, hepatopancreas, gills, and muscles, were collected from 38 sampling sites distributed in Qianjiang to evaluate the concentration levels of five heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, As, and Cu). The concentration levels of all five metals in muscle did not surpass the national standard. Furthermore, eight significant correlations have been found. For further in-depth assess risk of crayfish in Qianjiang, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), carcinogenic risk (CR), and estimated maximum allowable consumption rates (CR_mm) were evaluated in the abdomen muscle and hepatopancreas. The THQ values for each metal were found to be less than 1, while the CR values were below 10^–6. Additionally, the CR_mm for adults was determined to be 17.2 meals per month. These findings, based on the analysis of five metallic elements included in this study, suggest that the consumption of crayfish abdomen muscle in Qianjiang does not pose any significant health risks. However, it is noteworthy that certain regions exhibit elevated levels of arsenic in the hepatopancreas, surpassing the national standard, thereby rendering them unsuitable for excessive consumption. In general, the findings can be used to provide guidance for safe dietary practices in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 9013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accumulation Pattern and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Permafrost-Affected Agricultural Soils in Northeast China

by Junbo Yu, Chuanfang Zhou, Ke Yang, Qifa Sun, Qipeng Zhang, Zhiwei Yang and Yangyang Chen

Toxics 2023, 11(7), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070632 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 948

Abstract

The accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural soils is of particular concern in China, while its status, ecological risks, and human health hazards have been little studied in the permafrost areas of Northeast China. In this study, 75 agricultural soil samples [...] Read more.

The accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural soils is of particular concern in China, while its status, ecological risks, and human health hazards have been little studied in the permafrost areas of Northeast China. In this study, 75 agricultural soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from the Arctic Village, Mo’he City, in the northernmost part of China. The average concentration (mean ± standard deviation) of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 12.11 ± 3.66 mg/kg, 0.11 ± 0.08 mg/kg, 52.50 ± 8.83 mg/kg, 12.08 ± 5.12 mg/kg, 0.05 ± 0.02 mg/kg, 14.90 ± 5.35 mg/kg, 22.38 ± 3.04 mg/kg, and 68.07 ± 22.71 mg/kg, respectively. Correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis indicated that As, Cu, Ni, and Zn likely originated from geogenic processes, Hg and Pb from long-range atmospheric transport, Cd from planting activities, and Cr from Holocene alluvium. The geo-accumulation index and enrichment factor showed that As, Cd, Hg, and Zn are enriched in soils. The Nemerow pollution index showed that 66.67%, 24%, and 1.33% of soil samples were in slight, moderate, and heavy pollution levels, respectively, with Hg being the most important element affecting the comprehensive pollution index. The potential ecological risk index showed that 48.00% and 1.33% of soil samples were in the moderate ecological risk and high potential ecological risk levels, respectively. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risk index for adults and children were both less than 1, which was within the acceptable range. This study revealed the accumulation pattern of PTEs in agricultural soils of permafrost regions and provided a scientific basis for research on ecological security and human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Multivariate Statistical Analyses of Human Health Risk Associated with the Consumption of Heavy Metals in Groundwater of Monterrey Metropolitan Area, Mexico

by Edrick Ramos, Raja Karim Bux, Dora Ileana Medina, Héctor Barrios-Piña and Jürgen Mahlknecht

Water 2023, 15(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15061243 - 22 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2067

Abstract

Groundwater is the main source of drinking water supply in most urban environments around the world. The content of potentially toxic elements is increasing in many groundwater systems owing to inadequate groundwater recharge, aquifer overexploitation, natural source release, or various anthropogenic activities that [...] Read more.

Groundwater is the main source of drinking water supply in most urban environments around the world. The content of potentially toxic elements is increasing in many groundwater systems owing to inadequate groundwater recharge, aquifer overexploitation, natural source release, or various anthropogenic activities that lead to groundwater quality degradation. The ingestion of groundwater contaminated with potentially toxic elements has been reported to have harmful health effects. This study aimed to assess the presence of several potentially toxic elements (Al, As, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in groundwater of the Monterrey metropolitan area in Northern Mexico and the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic human health risks associated with exposure. Multivariate statistics and geospatial analysis were applied to identify the causative determinants that modify the groundwater quality along the metropolitan area. Mean concentrations of trace metals remained below drinking water standards and World Health Organization guidelines. The risk of harmful effects on human health due to ingestion of all eight metal(loid)s in groundwater was assessed as 2.52 × 10⁻² for adults and 2.16 × 10⁻² for children, which can be considered as negligible chronic risk and a very low cancer risk. However, the risks of oral consumption of Cr being carcinogenic to children and adults were 7.9 × 10⁻³ and 9.2 × 10⁻⁴, respectively. As these values exceeded the target risk of 1 × 10⁻⁴, it can thus be considered “unacceptable”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Trace and Macro Elements in the Red Crab Pleuroncodes planipes in the Pacific Coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

by Juan Antonio De Anda-Montañez, Tania Zenteno-Savín, Eduardo F. Balart, Baudilio Acosta-Vargas, Ramón Gaxiola-Robles and Lia Celina Méndez-Rodríguez

Animals 2023, 13(5), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050822 - 24 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1558

Abstract

The red crab, Pleuroncodes planipes, is a decapod crustacean abundant off the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula. This species is caught and used in preparing animal feed, such as flour, particularly for aquaculture. Levels of calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper [...] Read more.

The red crab, Pleuroncodes planipes, is a decapod crustacean abundant off the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula. This species is caught and used in preparing animal feed, such as flour, particularly for aquaculture. Levels of calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) were measured in red crabs collected from three geographic zones during three cruises in different seasons. Significant differences were found in the levels of Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, P, and Zn between the two El Niño years (cruises C1 and C3, based on a threshold of ±0.5 °C for the Oceanic Niño Index). The highest concentrations of most elements were observed in the south of the Baja California Peninsula, a highly productive area influenced by upwelling events. Our findings suggest that while environmental temperature plays a central role in the benthic or pelagic distribution of red crabs, their content and variability of trace and macro elements appear to be associated with the presence of oceanic conditions, such as upwelling and potential changes in the composition of their diet associated with the depth in which these crustaceans are collected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Topic Menu

Topic Editors

Health Risk Assessment of the Trace and Macro Elements

Topic Information

Keywords

Participating Journals

Published Papers (9 papers)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI