Abstract  Investigations of potential risk from biosolids generally indicate that land application does not threaten human or ecosystem health, but questions continue to arise concerning the environmental effects of this practice. This research project was initiated to evaluate ecotoxicity resulting from the amendment of soils with biosolids from municipal wastewater treatment plants. Toxicity was evaluated using standard tests, including earthworm mortality, growth, and reproduction; seedling germination and root elongation; microbial respiration; and nematode mortality and reproduction. Nineteen municipal wastewater treatment plants were identified to participate in an initial screening of toxicity, and five were chosen for a more detailed evaluation. In addition, two soils with historically high applications of high-metal biosolids were evaluated. Contaminants examined were zinc, copper, nickel, chromium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Single applications had no effect on soil metal concentrations. Coplanar PCBs were not detectable in any of the soils or biosolids. All target organisms were sensitive to reference toxicants. Limited toxicity was observed in a small number of the amended soils, but no patterns emerged. Approximately one-half of the negative effects of biosolids on bioindicators could be attributed to routine properties, such as slight depression of pH and/or elevated salinity. None of the accumulated metal concentrations were excessive, and most would not be considered elevated. These observations suggest that current regulations for application of biosofids to soils are providing adequate ecosystem protection.

Abstract  The nomadic herding population of the Darhad Valley, in northern Mongolia, collects and utilizes a salt precipitate, called hujir, which develops at the saline system, Tohi. This culturally important indigenous dietary supplement is consumed daily as an ingredient in a salty milk-tea and because of its essential micro- and macronutrients it is a beneficial and necessary part of their daily diet. Despite its benefits, there are increasing health concerns among the Darhad people as a result of consuming hujir. Therefore, we conducted a dietary risk assessment. Consumption rates were obtained from interviews with nomadic herders of the valley and a chronic exposure assessment was completed using chemical analyses on hujir samples. A combination of chronic toxicity threshold values, dietary reference intake recommendations, and drinking water guidelines were used to estimate dietary risks related to hujir consumption. Exposures to arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate were as high as 33, 1.2, and 1.3 times the chronic oral reference dose, respectively. Exposures to antimony, arsenic, and lead were 1.7, 19, and 14 times the drinking water guidelines, respectively. Given these results, additional studies are needed to better understand possible health effects associated with hujir consumption in the Darhad population, especially for arsenic.

Abstract  Heavy metals are natural components of the Earth's crust. They cannot be degraded or destroyed. As trace elements, some heavy metals (copper, zinc. selenium), are essential to maintain the metabolism of the human body. However, at higher concentrations they can lead to poisoning. Heavy metals poisoning could result from drinking-water contamination (for instance, lead pipes), high ambient air concentrations near emission sources, or intake via the food chain. This paper presents a study of some of the toxic heavy metals distribution on the Jiu river course, an important fiver in Romania. The most pollutants heavy metals from Jiu river course are lead, mercury and arsenic. The concentration of metals was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Abstract  In vitro gastrointestinal (IVG) methods have been developed to provide an expedient and inexpensive means to estimate bioavailability of arsenic and other contaminants from ingestion of contaminated soil. Both in vivo and in vitro techniques have used a fasting model when determining Pb bioavailability/bioaccessibility as a conservative estimate of risk. Some IVG procedures have incorporated a dosing vehicle (DV) or food (i.e., milk) to simulate in vivo conditions. Potential differences in the bioaccessibility of contaminants between fasting and fed states remain a concern for those interested in adopting in vitro procedures for regulatory purposes. In this study, the effect of eliminating a dough-like DV on As bioaccessibility (BA), and this effect on the relationship between in vitro bioaccessible and in vivo relative bioavailability (RBA) As is determined. Also, the effect of phosphate from the DV on IVG BA is investigated. Two types of smelter-contaminated soils, calcine and iron slag, were used to examine the effect of dosing vehicle (DV) on BA determined by IVG. Dosing vehicle did not affect BA in the gastric extraction (GE) or intestinal extraction (IE) for 3 of the 5 calcinated contaminated soils. Inclusion of DV in the GE slightly increased BA for 2 of the 5 slag-contaminated soils. Increases in BA from DV may be attributed to ligand exchange of arsenate with phosphate. Strong relationships between BA and in vivo RBA As were found with or without DV. Bioaccessible As measured by the GE was strongly correlated with in vivo RBA As ( IVG without DV: r = 0.92, P < 0.01; IVG with DV: r = 0.96; P < 0.01). Similarly, BA measured by the IE was strongly correlated with in vivo RBA As ( IVG without DV: r = 0.90, P < 0.01; IVG with DV: r = 0.96, P < 0.01). The IVG method, with or without DV, is a reliable method to use as a rapid screening tool to provide an estimate of BA in contaminated soils. Further studies should be conducted to determine the influence of foodstuffs on BA for different types of As contaminated soil (i.e., non-smelter soil).

Abstract  Members of the Brassicaceae family are known for their anticarcinogenic and genetic material protective effects. However, many of the species of this family accumulate high amounts of metals, which is an undesirable feature. Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) has shown to accumulate metals in roots to a higher extent than others members of Brassicaceae. The main objectives of this work are (i) to study the distribution of the accumulated As, Pb and Cd in radish plants and (ii) to establish the genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activities of the root and shoot of this vegetable. Results indicate that (i) the shoots of radish accumulate higher concentrations of metal(oid)s than roots; (ii) the shoots were genotoxic at the different concentrations studied, with the root showing such genotoxic effect only at the highest concentration assayed; (iii) the antigenotoxic potential of radish is reduced in plants with high metal content and (iv) the tumouricide activities of the radish plants were negatively correlated to their metal(oid) contents. An interaction between metal(oid)s and the isotyocianates (hydrolysis products of the glucosinolates) contained in the radish is suggested as the main modulator agents of the genotoxic activity of the plants grown in contaminated soils with metal(oid)s.

Abstract  The chemical speciation model BIOCHEM was extended with ecotoxicological transfer functions for uptake of metals (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) by plants and soil invertebrates. It was coupled to the object-oriented framework ORCHESTRA to achieve a flexible and dynamic decision support system (DSS) to analyse natural or anthropogenic changes that occur in river systems. The DSS uses the chemical characteristics of soils and sediments as input, and calculates speciation and subsequent uptake by biota at various scenarios. Biotic transfer functions were field-validated, and actual hydrological conditions were derived from long-term monitoring data. The DSS was tested for several scenarios that occur in the Meuse catchment areas, such as flooding and sedimentation of riverine sediments on flood plains. Risks are expressed in terms of changes in chemical mobility, and uptake by flood plain key species (flora and fauna). (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  In the frame of the ARCHIMEDES Research Project regarding 'Evaluation of the Transboundary Pollution of the Axios River - Direct and Indirect Impact to Man and Environment' coordinated by Technological Educational Institution of Thessaloniki (T.E.I)., the Republic Institute for Health Protection - Skopje has realised 4 seasonal measurements (4 each season) during 2005, and there are 4 more measurements to be done in 2006. The measurements were performed in two (2) localities along the Axios valley. In the context with the Convention on Transboundary Pollution from 1992, Republic Institute for Health Protection - Skopje has monitored the presence and distribution of heavy metals, pesticides and radionuclides in the river Axios. Steel plant in Skopje, and the lead smelter plant in Veles in the middle of the country have been polluted the surface waters of the river Axios more than three decades by heavy metals - iron, manganese, lead, cadmium and zinc. In spring, summer, and autumn 2005, the Republic Institute for Health Protection has measured the concentrations of the lead, cadmium, zinc, iron, copper, arsenic, chromium, manganese, mercury and nickel, pesticides and radionuclides downstream from Skopje and Veles. With a goal to assess pollution by heavy metals in the past the Republic Institute for Health Protection - Skopje has performed investigations of heavy metals in sediment of the river Axios. There have been two measuring sites (same as for surface water), on the right shore of the river bank. Using the appraising levels of soil contamination and pollution with heavy metals, registered levels of examined heavy metals have been lower than recommended levels in Austria. Only for chromium has been found higher concentration than the MAC in June 2005 on the measuring site v. Gomo Lisice. That could be explained by pollution of the river Axios by chromium few decades ago upstream of Skopje from JUGOHROM - Jegunovce. Despite the fact that cadmium's levels were lower than the MAC, data have shown almost 4 fold higher concentrations downstream of Veles compared to v. Gomo Lisice due tu the impact of the lead smelter plant in Veles. Zinc was almost twice higher downstream of Veles, compared to v. Gomo Lisice. In April 2005 lead has been 10 fold higher downstream of Veles, compared to v. Gomo Lisice. All samples of surface water have shown no pollution with pesticides. Almost all samples of sediments have shown no pollution with pesticides, with exception of Lindan and HCH on the both measuring sites Gradsko and v. G. Lisice in October and November. From the data it can be assumed that there was not registered high potential for possible transboundary pollution by lead, cadmium, zinc, and other heavy metals of interest, as well by pesticides and radionuclides, because they are far below the MACs (maximum allowed concentrations) from the national legislative, with except of Lindan and HCH in sediments (possibly as a result of historical pollution from the chemical plant 'OHIS'-Skopje).

Abstract  Project : Noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus is supposed to be associated with fluctuations in the plasma levels of several trace elements. There is accumulating evidence that the metabolism of several trace elements is altered in patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and that these nutrients might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progression of this disorder. Procedure: The aim of the present study is to compare the levels of essential trace and toxic elements including lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), aluminium (Al), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), barium (Ba), silver (Ag), and mercury (Hg) in patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus ( n= 31), impaired glucose tolerance (n= 20), impaired fasting glucose (n = 14), and healthy controls (n = 22). Plasma concentrations of the elements were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The results indicated that values of lead, nickel, aluminium, copper, and chromium were significantly higher, but not above toxic levels, in the plasma of nonsmoker patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05). The values for these elements were found to be significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in patients with impaired fasting glucose than in controls. Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was found between plasma levels of glycated hemoglobin and of some trace elements like lead, nickel, aluminium, copper, chromium, cadmium, and mercury. Conclusions : Thus, it was concluded that chronic complications of glucose metabolism disorders might be associated with alterations in the levels of some trace elements. Nevertheless, some more timely and extensive studies are required to clarify the exact mechanisms of each of these changes.

Abstract  Microprobe studies have facilitated recognition of the first documented occurrence of geocronite from Isik Dagi (Ankara, Turkey). While yenerite remains a discredited species along the PbS-Sb2S3 compositional join, our analyses show significant arsenic as did the original analyses for yenerite; thus, this name might be retained for arsenic-bearing varieties of boulangerite.

Abstract  Toxic doses of transition metals are capable of disturbing the natural oxidation/reduction balance in cells through various mechanisms stemming from their own complex redox reactions with endogenous oxidants and effects on cellular antioxidant systems. The resulting oxidative stress may damage redox-sensitive signaling molecules, such as NO, S-nitrosothiols, AP-1, NF-kappaB, IkappaB, p53, p21ras, and others, and thus derange the cell signaling and gene expression systems. This, in turn, may produce a variety of toxic effects, including carcinogenesis. Experimental support for the relevance of oxidative damage to the mechanisms of metal toxicity and carcinogenicity is particularly strong for two essential (but toxic when overdosed) metals--iron and copper-- and three well-established human metal carcinogens--nickel, chromium, and cadmium. However, along with more specific effects of toxic metals associated with their selective binding to particular cell constituents and affecting calcium signaling, oxidative damage seems to become important as well in explaining mechanisms of pathogenicity of other metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.

Abstract  The river floodplain 'Afferdense and Deestsche Waarden' (ADW) in The Netherlands is diffusely contaminated with several heavy metals. It is, however, unclear whether this mixed contamination exerts any adverse ecotoxicological effects. In November 2000 and May 2001 a field survey was conducted in two areas in the ADW to collect a wide range of data concerning contamination levels, bioavailability, enchytraeids and earthworms and abiotic factors such as lutum and organic matter content, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil nutrient concentrations. Earthworms and enchytraeids were also analyzed for heavy metal content. At both sites arsenic and zinc were present in, soil at relatively high concentrations (above the Dutch intervention value). In the two areas, both enchytraeids, and earthworms accumulated metals. Fridericia ulrikae accumulated more cadmium than Enchytraeus buchholzi and Henlea perpusilla. The earthworm Lumbricus rubellus accumulated larger concentrations of Cr, Cu and Pb than Aporrectodea caliginosa and Allolobophora chlorotica. Dietary, physiological and behavioral characteristics may have contributed to these differences. (c) 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The American woodcock is an important migratory species to both consumptive and nonconsumptive users throughout the species range. Woodcock populations have been declining steadily since surveys began in 1968. Laboratory and field studies have demonstrated several adverse effects associated with metals in other species, which has led to their inclusion as potential contributing factors to the woodcock population decline. We investigated the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in pectoral muscle (n = 100), livers (n = 108), and kidneys (n = 104) and Pb in wing bones (n = 53) from woodcock harvested in Connecticut. Cd concentrations were elevated in 99% of woodcock livers and kidneys; 30% of kidneys were above 100 μg/g dry weight, a Cd level of reported adverse tissue and reproductive effects in other species. Hg and Cr concentrations were below current biologically significant thresholds. Asc, Pb, and Se in soft tissues were associated with lead shot use in collection. Se in 24% of livers was above 10 μg/g dry weight, the reported threshold for avian health. Wing-bone Pb was elevated above 20 μg/g in 61% of adults and 23% of juveniles examined. Our findings indicate that woodcock are being exposed to potentially damaging levels of at least two metals with known effects in other species.

Abstract  This paper describes a set of multipathway, multimedia models for estimating potential human exposure to environmental contaminants. The models link concentrations of an environmental contaminant in air, water, and soil to human exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and dermalcontact routes. The relationship between concentration of a contaminant in an environmental medium and human exposure is determined with pathway exposure factors (PEFs). A PEF is an algebraic expression that incorporates information on human physiology and lifestyle together with models of environmental partitioning and translates a concentration (i.e., mg/m3 in air, mg/liter in water, or mg/kg in soil) into a lifetime-equivalent chronic daily intake (CDI) in mg/kg-day. Human, animal, and environmental data used in calculating PEFs are presented and discussed. Generalized PEFs are derived for air → inhalation, air → ingestion, water → inhalation, water → ingestion, water → dermal uptake, soil → inhalation, soil → ingestion, and soil → dermal uptake pathways. To illustrate the application of the PEF expressions, we apply them to soil-based contamination of multiple environmental media by arsenic, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and trinitrotoluene (TNT).

Abstract  In a population-based case-referent study, the occupational experience of 86 men with oral or oropharyngeal cancer and 373 referents was analyzed with respect to employment in 41 occupations and 40 industries, as well as to exposure to 16 chemicals, as estimated via a job-exposure matrix. Among the occupations and industries at higher risk were machinery operator (odds ratio [OR] 2.0; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.0-4.0), plumber (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.2-21.5), building industry (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.3-4.5), textile industry (OR 2.5; 95% CI 0.6-4.6), and electricity production (OR 2.8; 95% CI 0.7-12.1). All the OR estimates were adjusted for age, education, area of birth, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption. An association between formaldehyde exposure and oral cancer was suggested (OR for any exposure 1.6, 95% CI 0.9-2.8; OR for probable or definite exposure 1.8, 95% CI 0.6-5.5). No other chemical included in the matrix showed any risk pattern. The evidence of an association between formaldehyde exposure and oral or oropharyngeal cancer is strengthened by the results of this study.

Abstract  In a comparative study on 135 compounds of various chemical classes, 30 agents inducing direct nonreparable DNA damage in repair-deficient E. coli failed in reverting strains TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98 and TA100 of S. typhimurium (De Flora et al., 1984b). These compounds were re-assayed in the Ames test using strains TA97 and TA102. A dose-dependent mutagenic response was detected with aminoantipyrine and p-rosaniline in TA97 and with streptomycin and formaldehyde in TA102. p-Rosaniline was the only mutagen requiring metabolic activation. 5 compounds, i.e. o-aminophenol in TA97 and methanol, ethanol, cadmium chloride and cadmium sulfate in TA102, induced a reproducible increase in revertants over controls, but this was less than 2-fold. The remaining 21 chemicals--including amino compounds, aliphatics, aromatics, heterocycles, hydrazine derivatives and inorganics--confirmed their inactivity in the Ames test. Overall data for 135 compounds, comparing the Ames test (7 strains) and the DNA-repair test (3 strains), are re-assessed on the basis of these findings.

Abstract  To assess the genotoxicity of 14 chemical agents used as locally applied agents in dental practice, the ability of these agents to elicit chromosome aberrations was examined using Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells. Chromosome aberrations in SHE cells were induced by treatment with three of eight chemical agents used as endodontic medicaments, i.e. ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), formocresol (a mixture of formalin and tricresol), and sodium arsenite. The other five chemical agents, i.e. chloramphenicol, p-chlorophenol, p-phenolsulfonic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and tetracycline hydrochloride exhibited a negative response for chromosome aberrations. Assessment of three dyes used for disclosing dental plaque showed chromosome aberrations induced by basic fuchsin but not by acid fuchsin and erythrosine B. Three local anesthetics, lidocaine hydrochloride, prilocaine hydrochloride, and procaine hydrochloride, were negative for chromosome aberrations. Among the ten chemical agents that exhibited a negative response in the assay, p-chlorophenol, sodium hypochlorite, and erythrosine B induced chromosome aberrations in SHE cells when treated in the presence of exogenous metabolic activation. The percentages of cells with polyploidy or endoreduplication were enhanced by formocresol, sodium arsenite, p-chlorophenol, p-phenolsulfonic acid, sodium hypochlorite, erythrosine B, prilocaine hydrochloride, and procaine hydrochloride in the absence or presence of exogenous metabolic activation. Our results indicate that the chemical agents that had a positive response in the present study are potentially genotoxic to mammalian cells.

Abstract  Large interindividual variability in urinary arsenic profiles, following chronic inorganic arsenic exposure, is well-known in humans. To understand this variability, we studied the relationship between polymorphisms in the gene for human monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)) reductase/hGSTO1 and the urinary arsenic profiles of individuals chronically exposed to arsenic in their drinking water. To ensure that we did not overlook rare polymorphisms, not included in the public databases, we amplified and sequenced all six exons of the gene and their flanking regions, using DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples of 75 subjects, living in the vicinity of Torreon, Mexico. Four groups, based on the levels of arsenic (9-100 microg/L) in their drinking water, were studied. We identified six novel polymorphisms and two reported previously. The novel polymorphisms were a three base pair deletion (delGGC) in the first intron; a G > C transversion, leading to a serine-to-cysteine substitution at amino acid 86; a G > T transversion and a A > T transversion in intron 5; a G > A transition resulting in glutamate-to-lysine substitution in amino acid 208; and a C > T transition producing an alanine-to-valine substitution in amino acid 236. Two subjects displayed significant differences in patterns of urinary arsenic; they had increased levels of urinary inorganic arsenic and reduced levels of methylated urinary arsenic species as compared to the rest of the study population. These two subjects had the same unique polymorphisms in hGSTO1 in that they were heterozygous for E155del and Glu208Lys. The identified SNPs may be one of the reasons for the large interindividual variability in the response of humans to chronic inorganic arsenic exposure. The findings suggest the need for further studies to identify unambiguously specific polymorphisms that may account for interindividual variability in the human response to chronic inorganic arsenic exposure.

Abstract  Arsenic (As) contamination of drinking water is considered a serious worldwide environmental health threat that is associated with increased disease risks including skin, lung, bladder and other cancers; type 2 diabetes; vascular and cardiovascular disease; reproductive and developmental effects; and neurological and cognitive effects. Increased health risks may occur at as low as 10-50 ppb, while biological effects have been observed in experimental animal and cell culture systems at much lower levels. We previously reported that As is a potent endocrine disruptor, altering gene regulation by the closely related glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, progesterone and androgen steroid receptors at concentrations as low as 0.01 µM ( 0.7 ppb). Very low doses enhanced hormone-mediated gene transcription whereas slightly higher but still non-cytotoxic doses were suppressive. We report here that As also disrupts the more distally related estrogen receptor (ER) both in vivo and in cell culture. At non-cytotoxic doses (1-50 µmol/kg arsenite) As strongly suppressed ER-dependent gene transcription of the 17ß-estradiol (E2)-inducible vitellogenin II gene in chick embryo liver in vivo. In cell culture, non-cytotoxic levels (0.25-3 µM, 20-225 ppb) of As significantly inhibited E2-mediated gene activation of an ER-regulated reporter gene and the native ER-regulated GREB1 gene in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. While the effects of As on ER-dependent gene regulation were generally similar to As effects on the other steroid receptors, there were specific differences, particularly the lack of significant enhancement at the lowest doses, that may provide insights into possible mechanisms.

Abstract  AP-1/cJun, NF-κB and STAT3 transcription factors control expression of numerous genes, which regulate critical cell functions including proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Sodium arsenite is known to suppress both the IKK-NF-κB and JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways and to activate the MAPK/JNK-cJun pathways, thereby committing some cancers to undergo apoptosis. Indeed, sodium arsenite is an effective drug for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia with little nonspecific toxicity. Malignant melanoma is highly refractory to conventional radio- and chemotherapy. In the present study, we observed strong effects of sodium arsenite treatment on upregulation of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in human and mouse melanomas. Arsenite treatment upregulated surface levels of death receptors, TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2, through increased translocation of these proteins from cytoplasm to the cell surface. Furthermore, activation of cJun and suppression of NF-κB by sodium arsenite resulted in upregulation of the endogenous TRAIL and downregulation of the cFLIP gene expression (which encodes one of the main anti-apoptotic proteins in melanomas) followed by cFLIP protein degradation and, finally, by acceleration of TRAILinduced apoptosis. Direct suppression of cFLIP expression by cFLIP RNAi also accelerated TRAIL-induced apoptosis in these melanomas, while COX-2 suppression substantially increased levels of both TRAIL-induced and arsenite-induced apoptosis. In contrast, overexpression of permanently active AKTmyr inhibited TRAIL-mediated apoptosis via downregulation of TRAIL-R1 levels. Finally, AKT overactivation increased melanoma survival in cell culture and dramatically accelerated growth of melanoma transplant in vivo, highlighting a role of AKT suppression for effective anticancer treatment

Abstract  OBJECTIVES: Chronic arsenic poisoning, due to ingestion of contaminated ground-water, is a major public health problem in West Bengal. It causes multiorgan damage. The present study attempts to objectively investigate the pulmonary involvement by examining the lung function. The nature of lung changes was also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and seven subjects with (cases) and 52 subjects without (controls) chronic arsenic poisoning were examined by spirometry. Forced expiratory volume-I second (FEVI), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in five cases with and five cases without pulmonary involvement. RESULTS: Thirty three (30.8%) cases and four (7.6%) controls (p<0.01) had respiratory involvement. The pattern of involvement in cases was: obstructive- 20(68.9%) (including three (10%) with bronchiectasis), restrictive- 1(3.5%), mixed- 8(27.6%), malignancy- 4(12.1%) (adenocarcinoma-I, squamous cell- 2, undifferentiated- I). FEVI (69.7+/-25.9 [n=105] vs 83.7+/-15.19 [n=51], p=0.0005), FVC (77.4+/-22.7 [n=105] vs 85.6+/-18.23 [n=51], p=0.025), FEVI/FVC (73.6+/-13.38 [n=105] vs 79.1+/-18.65 [n=52], p=0.007) and PEFR (53.9+/-21.52 [n= 103] vs 67.3+/-18.36 [n=51], p=0.0002) (percent of predicted) were all reduced more in cases compared to controls. Worsening of these parameters correlated with increasing degree of arsenic toxicity. Markers of inflammation (macrophage, lactate dehydrogenase, nitric oxide) were apparently more in the BAL fluid of those with lung involvement than in those without, though the arsenic content did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Chronic arsenic poisoning causes pulmonary involvement, predominantly obstructive, the degree of which worsens with increasing degree of arsenic toxicity. Inflammation, rather than direct toxicity, appears to be the underlying mechanism.

Abstract  Arsenic concentrations were determined in serum and packed cells of 7 chronic hemodialysis patients, in fresh dialysate and in a heparin solution. The analytical technique was radiochemical neutron activation analysis. The accuracy of the method was tested by the analysis of As in certified reference materials. Patients showed elevated serum and packed cell arsenic concentrations compared with controls (serum, range: 2.3-79.8 ng As/ml, median: 11.5 ng As/ml; versus range: 0.132-4.783 ng As/ml, median: 0.38 ng As/ml; packed cells, range: 2.1-68.4 ng As/g, median: 9.5 ng As/g; versus range: 0.51-14.44 ng As/g, median: 3.17 ng As/g). Arsenic concentrations remained unaltered, before versus after a single hemodialysis treatment. The arsenic contents of serum and packed cells were significantly correlated (n = 7, r = 0.96, p < 0.05). No arsenic could be detected in the heparin solution or in the dialysate.

Abstract  Abstract: Arsenic is present at relatively high concentrations in surface water and groundwater as a result of both natural impacts and anthropogenic discharge, which requires proper treatment before use. The present study describes As adsorption on a siderite–hematite filter as a function of activating condition, empty bed contact time, and As species. Hydrogen peroxide activating increased As adsorption on siderite by 16.2μg/g, and on hematite by 13.0μg/g. The H2O2 conditioning enhanced adsorption efficiency of activated siderite–hematite filters up to throughput of 500 pore volumes of 500μg/L As water. At values greater than 47min, the empty bed contact time (EBCT) had only a weak influence on the removal capacity of pristine siderite–hematite filters. Due to the formation of fresh Fe(III)-oxide layer in the H2O2-conditioned filter and the pristine hematite–siderite filter, both of them may be utilized as a cost-effective reactor for treating As water. A toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test showed that the spent minerals were not hazardous and could be safely landfilled. [Copyright 2008 Elsevier] Copyright of Journal of Hazardous Materials is the property of Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts)

Abstract  A procedure for arsenic species fractionation in alga samples (Sargassum fulvellum, Chlorella vulgaris, Hizikia fusiformis and Laminaria digitata) by extraction is described. Several parameters were tested in order to evaluate the extraction efficiency of the process: extraction medium, nature and concentration (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, phosphoric acid, deionised water and water/methanol mixtures), extraction time and physical treatment (magnetic stirring, ultrasonic bath and ultrasonic focussed probe). The extraction yield of arsenic under the different conditions was evaluated by determining the total arsenic content in the extracts by ICP-AES. Arsenic compounds were extracted in 5mL of water by focussed sonication for 30s and subsequent centrifugation at 14,000xg for 10min. The process was repeated three times. Extraction studies show that soluble arsenic compounds account for about 65% of total arsenic. An ultrafiltration process was used as a clean-up method for chromatographic analysis, and also allowed us to determine the extracted arsenic fraction with a molecular weight lower than 10kDa, which accounts for about 100% for all samples analysed. Speciation studies were carried out by HPLC-ICP-AES. Arsenic species were separated on a Hamilton PRP-X100 column with 17mM phosphate buffer at pH 5.5 and 1.0mLmin(-1) flow rate. The chromatographic method allowed us to separate the species As(III), As(V), MMA and DMA in less than 13min, with detection limits of about 20ng of arsenic per species, for a sample injection volume of 100muL. The chromatographic analysis allowed us to identify As(V) in Hizikia (46+/-2mugg(-1)), Sargassum (38+/-2mugg(-1)) and Chlorella (9+/-1mugg(-1)) samples. The species DMA was also found in Chlorella alga (13+/-1mugg(-1)). However, in Laminaria alga only an unknown arsenic species was detected, which eluted in the dead volume.

Abstract  Soil properties mitigate hazardous effects of contaminants through soil chemical sequestration and should be considered when evaluating ecological risk from terrestrial contamination. Empirical models that quantify, relationships between soil properties and toxicity to ecological receptors are necessary for site-specific adjustments to ecological risk assessments. However, differential sensitivities of test organisms in dose-response studies may limit the utility of such models. We present a novel approach to toxicity estimation that partitions the effect of differential sensitivities of test organisms from that of soil chemical/physical properties. Five soils chat ranged in selected properties were spiked with five concentrations of sodium arsenate. Bioassays were conducted where above ground dry matter growth and the corresponding tissue arsenic concentrations were evaluated for three terrestrial plants (Alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.; Perennial ryegrass, Lolium perrene L.; and Japanese millet, Echinochloa crusgalli L.). Estimates were combined into a plant contaminant sensitivity index (PCSI) and used to normalize phytotoxicity parameters to the most sensitive species (i.e., alfalfa) where necessary Simple linear regression and ANCOVA indicated a 36.5% increase in the explanatory power of the modifying effects of soil properties on phytotoxicity when differential arsenate sensitivities were accounted for by PCSI (r(2) = 0.477-0.833). Normalization of ecotoxicity parameters by PCSI is a seemingly effective approach to quantify the modifying effects of soil properties on phytotoxicity endpoints when it is of interest to consider multiple Plant species (or varieties within a species) with differential sensitivities to experimental contaminants.