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1 – 10 of over 6000
Article
Publication date: 5 March 2024

Fateme Asadi Touranlou, Ahmad Raeesi and Mitra Rezaei

This study aims to systematically review the health risk assessment of the concentration of heavy metals in Pistacia species globally.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to systematically review the health risk assessment of the concentration of heavy metals in Pistacia species globally.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors systematically searched PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar to identify all articles published between 1 January 2002 and 20 August 2022. A total of 33 studies met the authors’ inclusion criteria, and their data were extracted. Additionally, the potential risk to human health was assessed by calculating the target hazard quotient and hazard index for both child and adult consumers.

Findings

The estimated daily intake for heavy metals in the included studies ranged from 9.72 × 10–9 to 7.35 (mg/day) in the following order: zinc (Zn) > mercury (Hg) > iron (Fe) > lead (Pb) > copper (Cu) > aluminum (Al) > nickel (Ni) > chromium (Cr) > manganese (Mn) > cadmium (Cd) > arsenic (As) > selenium (Se) > cobalt (Co). Among the studies that investigated heavy metals in Pistacia species around the world, the non-carcinogenic risk for all species of Pistacia was determined to be less than 1, except for Pb and Hg in Pistacia lentiscus.

Originality/value

The soil near the industrial area contained excessive amounts of heavy metals, which led to the transfer of heavy metals to plants. Owing to the insufficiency of the number of studies that examined heavy metals in Pistacia species, further monitoring and investigations were recommended.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 54 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the case of toxic metal contamination of Sepetiba Bay caused by the Ingá Company. The paper reviews the history of the contamination and discusses the current presence of metals in the bay sediments, demonstrating that the toxic metals are clearly enriched. Sepetiba Bay is prone to significant dredging activities that make metals available in the food chain, affecting human populations, mainly fishermen communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents the case of the Ingá Company based on international literature and data provided by previous studies.

Findings

Through the analysis and compilation of diverse data from the literature, this study demonstrates that the Ingá Company is a major source of Cd, Pb and Zn due to its calamine processing activities used to obtain high purity Zn.

Originality/value

This study highlights important research to complete the historical scenario of heavy metal contamination of the Sepetiba Bay by Ingá Company. The results indicate that the contaminants from the Ingá Company can indeed be traced in the sediments of Sepetiba Bay. These data have the utmost value for the environmental management of this coastal system, because such high concentrations of toxic metals in marine sediments have serious implications for the environmental quality of the bay and may negatively affect biota and human health. Therefore, this study suggests that it is now necessary to monitor this region for contamination continuously.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2013

Yap Wing Fen and W. Mahmood Mat Yunus

The purpose of this paper is to review the novel application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in sensing heavy metal ions and the development of SPR to become an alternative…

1083

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the novel application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in sensing heavy metal ions and the development of SPR to become an alternative heavy metal ions sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

The possible dangerous toxic effects of heavy metal ions are revealed in the short introduction. The existing conventional methods for sensing heavy metal ions and their drawbacks are also discussed. To overcome these drawbacks, SPR has been investigated from the basic principle to the potential alternative in sensing heavy metal ions.

Findings

Application of SPR in sensing heavy metal ions emerged a decade ago. A wide range of active layers or recognition elements (e.g. polymer, protein, nanoparticles) have been developed to combine with SPR. The detection limit, sensitivity and selectivity of SPR sensing in heavy metal ions have been improved from time to time, until the present.

Originality/value

This paper provides up-to-date and systematic information on SPR sensing for heavy metal ions. Different advancements on active layers or recognition molecules have been discussed in detail and arranged in the order of their chronological evolution. The present review may provide researchers with valuable information regarding novel heavy metal ions sensor using SPR and encourage them to take this area for further research and development.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 June 2020

Kamaruzzaman Yunus, M.A. Zuraidah and Akbar John

This study aims to examine the metal pollution in coastal sediment in the Peninsular Malaysia.

10823

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the metal pollution in coastal sediment in the Peninsular Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Approximately 141 published studies were screened from 1,285 documents and reviewed to determine the existing pollution status in the coastal areas of Peninsular Malaysia and the metals under review were Pb, Hg, Cd, Ar, Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni. Sources of pollutants and their effect on biological systems, marine organisms and human health were addressed in this review as well as recommendation of heavy metal removal or remedies in short. Emphasis is placed on marine pollution, particularly on the toxic metal accumulation in biota.

Findings

This study has revealed the different concentrations of pollutants, low, moderately, and chronically contaminated areas from heavy metals and the consequences to aquatic ecosystem and indirectly to human health, since an increasing in the coastal developments in Peninsular Malaysia.

Originality/value

This study has revealed the different concentrations of pollutants, low, moderately, and chronically contaminated areas from heavy metals and the consequences to aquatic ecosystem and indirectly to human health, since an increasing in the coastal developments in Peninsular Malaysia.

Details

Ecofeminism and Climate Change, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-4062

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2000

P. Tucker, P. Douglas, A. Durrant and A.S. Hursthouse

Examines whether there are any environmental or health implications associated with the increased use of colour in newspapers, if the newspapers are reused or recycled. New heavy…

Abstract

Examines whether there are any environmental or health implications associated with the increased use of colour in newspapers, if the newspapers are reused or recycled. New heavy metal analyses of UK daily newspapers from 1992, 1996 and 1998 are reported. Lead, mercury and cadmium were found to be below their measurement detection limits (4ppm, 5ppm and 1ppm respectively) in nearly all samples. Barium and total chromium levels were highest in supplements printed on “glossy” paper. Copper was present at levels around 20‐30ppm in the standard newsprint sections and at levels of 80ppm or more in the supplements. Copper concentrations increased by 33‐40 per cent between 1992 and 1998 which correlated well with the increased colour content. A scientific appraisal and review showed that the heavy metal contents of newspapers are highly unlikely to pose any environmental risk or to have any health implications.

Details

Environmental Management and Health, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 October 2018

Paula Rowe

Abstract

Details

Heavy Metal Youth Identities: Researching the Musical Empowerment of Youth Transitions and Psychosocial Wellbeing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-849-5

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1983

Much to the relief of everyone, the general election has come and gone and with it the boring television drivel; the result a foregone conclusion. The Labour/Trade Union movement…

Abstract

Much to the relief of everyone, the general election has come and gone and with it the boring television drivel; the result a foregone conclusion. The Labour/Trade Union movement with a severe beating, the worst for half a century, a disaster they have certainly been asking for. Taking a line from the backwoods wisdom of Abraham Lincoln — “You can't fool all the people all the time!” Now, all that most people desire is not to live easy — life is never that and by the nature of things, it cannot be — but to have a reasonably settled, peaceful existence, to work out what they would consider to be their destiny; to be spared the attentions of the planners, the plotters, provocateurs, down to the wilful spoilers and wreckers. They have a right to expect Government protection. We cannot help recalling the memory of a brilliant Saturday, but one of the darkest days of the War, when the earth beneath our feet trembled at the destructive might of fleets of massive bombers overhead, the small silvery Messerschmits weaving above them. Believing all to be lost, we heaped curses on successive Governments which had wrangled over rearmament, especially the “Butter before Guns” brigade, who at the word conscription almost had apoplexy, and left its people exposed to destruction. Now, as then, the question is “Have they learned anything?” With all the countless millions Government costs, its people have the right to claim something for their money, not the least of which is the right to industrial and domestic peace.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 85 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2020

Pravina Jeevanaraj, Aliah Ahmad Foat, Halimah Tholib and Nurul Izzah Ahmad

Malaysians are the highest seafood consumers in the region; be it fresh or processed. Environmental pollution has put the safety of seafood at stake, heavy metals among others…

Abstract

Purpose

Malaysians are the highest seafood consumers in the region; be it fresh or processed. Environmental pollution has put the safety of seafood at stake, heavy metals among others. This study was done to assess the health risk associated with selected heavy metals ingestion from processed seafood.

Design/methodology/approach

The most preferred processed seafood type and the intake rates were determined from a cross-sectional survey among communities in Shah Alam, Selangor (n = 90). The processed seafood were then purchased from local traders (n = 81), underwent homogenization, acid digestion (0.5 g) in Multiwave 3,000 and heavy metal quantitation (Hg, Pb, Cd, As) using ICP-MS. Estimated weekly ingestion (EWI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), lifetime cancer risk (LCR), and target risk (TR) were used to estimate the risk associated with processed seafood consumption.

Findings

Arsenic was the highest metal detected, acetes topping the list (10.05 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Mercury was detected at significantly higher level in salted fourfinger threadfin (0.88 ± 0.09 mg/kg) while Pb and Cd in toli shad (2.67 ± 0.16 mg/kg; 0.32 ± 0.22 mg/kg). Non-cancer risk was estimated for consumption of dried/salted food types with hazard index (HI) anchoives (5.2) > salted fourfinger threadfin (1.8) > toli shad (1.7). Besides, an unacceptable cancer risk was estimated for all food types for continuous consumption (Total risk (TR) > 10–4), except the dried acetes.

Research limitations/implications

This study implies that although the concentration of most heavy metals were well below the permitted value, significant amount of risk present for consumption of several species. In addition, for selected heavy metals such as Hg and As, speciation analysis followed by risk assessment would provide a clearer picture.

Practical implications

There is a need to refer back to the local permissible level of heavy metals in processed seafood and formulate safe consumption guide.

Social implications

The food types are advised to be consumed with caution especially by the sensitive group.

Originality/value

This study estimated the risk of cancer and other non-cancer disease from processed seafood consumption among Malaysian women.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 122 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1997

Mariola Wasilewska, Wieslaw Hreczuch, Jan Szymanowski and Andrzej Krysztafkiewicz

Investigates the direct relationship between iron contamination of bisphenol A and its colour. Discusses the possibility of electrochemical migration of the metal impurity from…

309

Abstract

Investigates the direct relationship between iron contamination of bisphenol A and its colour. Discusses the possibility of electrochemical migration of the metal impurity from installation material into reaction medium during the synthesis. Also suggests reducing the reaction time despite the less concentrated product obtained, especially since a better quality bisphenol A can be obtained.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1990

Meira Fields

Recent studies have shown that the type of dietary carbohydrateconsumed greatly affects copper homeostasis. Simple sugars such assucrose and fructose exacerbate the signs…

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that the type of dietary carbohydrate consumed greatly affects copper homeostasis. Simple sugars such as sucrose and fructose exacerbate the signs associated with the deficiency, and the consumption results in the mortality of the animal. In contrast, complex carbohydrates such as starch ameliorates the deficiency and protects against the morbidity and mortality of copper deficiency. This is the first of a two‐part article in which the effects of dietary carbohydrates on metabolic, biochemical and physiological pathways associated with copper deficiency in experimental animals and humans are summarised. In the first part of the review the effects that dietary carbohydrates exert on copper absorption, distribution and excretion are discussed. In addition, the role that copper plays in carbohydrate metabolism, insulin secretion and binding, glucose tolerance and the complications of diabetes (retinopathy and glomerular nephropathy) is reviewed. In the second part, the attention is focused on the cardiovascular system, sexual differences in copper‐carbohydrate interaction and copper deficiency during pregnancy and lactation. The mechanisms that may play a role in this interaction are discussed.

Details

Environmental Management and Health, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

Keywords

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