Search Results (935)

Increased precipitation and extreme weather due to climate change can remobilize recent and legacy environmental contaminants from soil, sediment, and sewage overflows. Heavy metals are naturally distributed in Earth’s crust, but anthropogenic activity has resulted in concentrated emissions of toxic heavy metals and deposition in surrounding communities. Cities around the world are burdened with heavy metal pollution from past and present industrial activity. The city of Camden, NJ, represents a valuable case study of climate impacts on heavy metal mobilization in stormwater runoff due to similar legacy and present-day industrial pollution that has taken place in Camden and in many other cities. Various studies have shown that lead (Pb) and other toxic heavy metals have been emitted in Camden due to historic and recent industrial activity, and deposited in nearby soils and on impervious surfaces. However, it is not known if these heavy metals can be mobilized in urban stormwater, particularly after periods of high precipitation. In this study, Camden, NJ stormwater was collected from streets and parks after heavy rain events in the winter and spring for analysis with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to identify lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As). Lead was by far the most abundant of the four target elements in stormwater samples followed by Hg, Cd, and As. The locations with the highest Pb concentrations, up to 686.5 ppb, were flooded allies and streets between commercial and residential areas. The highest concentrations of Hg (up to 11.53 ppb, orders of magnitude lower than Pb) were found in partially flooded streets and ditches. Lead stormwater concentrations exceed EPA safe drinking levels at the majority of analyzed locations, and Hg stormwater concentrations exceed EPA safe drinking levels at all analyzed locations. While stormwater is not generally ingested, dermal contact and hand-to-mouth behavior by children are potential routes of exposure. Heavy metal concentrations were lower in stormwater collected from parks and restored areas of Camden, indicating that these areas have a lower heavy metal exposure risk. This study shows that heavy metal pollution can be mobilized in stormwater runoff, resulting in elevated exposure risk in industrial cities. Full article

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are secreted by microalgae and contribute to protecting cells from damage induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure. However, the response mechanism of Chlorella sp. to Cd(II) stress as well as associated changes in the chemical properties (including functional groups and composition) of soluble EPS (SL-EPS), loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS), and tightly bound EPS (TB- EPS) in this microalga, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of EPS in enabling Chlorella sp. to resist Cd(II) stress. The results demonstrated that Cd(II) stress resulted in a significant inhibition of algal, chlorophyll a (Chl a) contents, and maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of Chlorella sp., with 7 d EC₃₀ of 6 mg/L. Nevertheless, Cd(II) exposure significantly increased both superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and EPS content. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis revealed that differences existed in the functional groups involved in Cd(II) binding across algal cell density, SL-EPS, LB-EPS, and TB-EPS. The carboxyl group was identified as the most prominent functional group and were found to play a crucial role in the adsorption of Cd(II). Additionally, Tryptophan-like protein substance in EPS may be the main component binding with Cd(II) in Chlorella sp. This study indicated that Chlorella sp. resisted Cd(II) stress by increasing SOD activity and EPS content, with protein-like substance containing tryptophan proteins in EPS which could also contribute to protection against Cd stress. Full article

Sedum alfredii is a cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator, but the regulatory mechanisms linking phytohormones and redox balance to Cd transporter expression remain unclear. In this study, we omitted external cadmium (Cd) stress to isolate and examine the interplay between phytohormone and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. Exogenous treatments with abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA₃), trans-zeatin (t-Z), and H₂O₂ were combined with analyses of hormone levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and transporter gene expression. Correlation and PLS-SEM analyses identified the CAT–H₂O₂ module as a key node: ABA and IAA enhanced CAT activity and alleviated ROS-mediated repression of transporters, while GA₃ and t-Z exerted opposite effects. Functional validation using an H₂O₂ scavenger revealed that the regulation of HMA3 and Nramp5 by ABA and t-Z is H₂O₂-dependent. In contrast, IAA modulates Nramp5 through a ROS-independent pathway, while the regulatory effects of GA₃ were negligible. Functional validation under Cd exposure suggests a model wherein HMA3 and Nramp5 act in a complementary manner to sequester and redistribute Cd in leaves, thereby supporting hyperaccumulation. These findings highlight hormone-specific ROS pathways as central to transporter regulation and provide mechanistic insights to improve phytoremediation efficiency. Full article

Elevated levels of circulating β₂-microglobulin (β₂M) are linked to an increased risk of hypertension and mortality from diabetes. The present study tests the hypothesis that the environmental pollutants, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), by increasing plasma β₂M levels, promote the development of hypertension and progression of diabetic kidney disease. Herein, we analyzed data from a Thai cohort of 72 individuals with diabetes and 65 controls without diabetes who were chronically exposed to low levels of Cd and Pb. In all subjects, serum concentrations of β₂M inversely correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = −0.265) and directly with age (r = 0.200), fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.210), and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.229). The prevalence odds ratio (POR) for hyperglycemia increased 7.7% for every 1-year increase in age and increased 3.9-fold, 3.1-fold, and 3.7-fold in those with serum β₂M levels ≥ 5 mg/L, Cd/Pb exposure categories 2 and 3, respectively. The POR for hypertension increased 2.9-fold, 3-fold, and 4-fold by hyperglycemia (p = 0.011), Cd/Pb exposure categories 2 and 3. The POR for albuminuria increased 3.5-fold by hyperglycemia. In conclusion, kidney damage, evident from albuminuria, was particularly pronounced in participants with diabetes who had a serum β₂M above 5 mg/L plus chronic exposure to low-dose Cd and Pb. For the first time, through a mediation analysis, we provide evidence that links Cd exposure to the SH2B3-β₂M pathway of blood pressure homeostasis in people with and without diabetes. Full article

Cadmium exposure has been associated with shortened telomeres, alterations in DNA methylation patterns, and increased mortality. However, the role of DNA methylation in mediating the relationship between cadmium and telomere dynamics is still unclear. Additionally, it is unknow how telomere dynamics and DNA methylation alterations may affect the association between cadmium exposure and mortality outcomes. We utilized data from 8716 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants aged 18 and above, collected between 1999 and 2002, and linked these to mortality outcomes from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) through 2019. In the final model, ln-blood cadmium was significantly and inversely associated with ln-T/S ratio (β = −0.043, 95% CI: −0.059 to −0.027, p < 0.001), while ln-Horvath DNAmTL was strongly and positively associated with ln-T/S ratio (β = 1.782, 95% CI: 1.467 to 2.097, p < 0.001). Moreover, ln-blood cadmium also showed a significant inverse association with ln-Horvath DNAmTL (β = −0.010, 95% CI: −0.014 to −0.006, p < 0.001). Structural equation modeling showed that the association between cadmium and T/S ratio was mediated by Horvath DNAmTL, with a total effect of −0.044, a direct effect of −0.027, and an indirect effect of −0.017. Furthermore, stratified analyses revealed that a 1-unit increase in ln-blood cadmium was associated with higher all-cause mortality, with hazard ratios (HR) of 1.47 for participants with T/S ratio below the median and 1.41 for those above. Similar patterns were observed for cardiovascular (HR = 1.68 vs. 1.30) and cancer mortality (HR = 1.75 vs. 1.42). For Horvath DNAmTL, the association was significant only for all-cause mortality (HR = 1.36 vs. 1.31). However, no significant interactions were detected. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Horvath DNAmTL is associated with the relationship between cadmium and telomere length, suggesting a potential DNA methylation pathway that warrants further longitudinal investigation. Individuals with lower T/S ratios or Horvath DNAmTL appear to be more susceptible to cadmium-related mortality. Further research is necessary to confirm these results. Full article

The deposition of particulate matter (PM) in the lungs is a health problem that primarily affects individuals working in mines and other highly polluted environments. People living in large cities also accumulate PM in their lungs throughout their lives due to the high levels of air pollution often observed in urban environments. In addition to the direct effects that the physical deposition of PM causes in the lungs, such as increased levels of inflammation and fibrosis, these pollutants can be associated with additional toxic effects, including genotoxicity and other molecular, cellular, and systemic alterations that can lead to the development of multiple diseases. This occurs because PM carries a number of toxic pollutants to the lungs, especially metals and metalloids such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury. Although the histopathological effects of occupational (pneumoconiosis) or environmental (anthracosis) deposition of PM in the human lungs are well described, little is discussed about how these morphological alterations can be a proxy for acute and chronic exposure to several toxic metals. Furthermore, the effects of PM–metal complexes on the health of animals, especially those living in urban environments, are often overlooked. In this context, this narrative review aims to discuss the impacts of lung-deposited PM–metal complexes on the health of multiple species, highlighting the broad effects caused by air pollution. Using the One Health approach, this article examines how environmental issues impact the health of both humans and animals. Full article

Emerging evidence reveals that cadmium exposure is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and anemia, among others. Toxic metal exposure poses a particular threat to American Indian/Alaska Native populations, particularly given their proximity to mining waste. This review aims to summarize and organize evidence explaining the cardiovascular and hematologic consequences of cadmium exposure in children, including specific data on this exposure in AI/AN people, and strategies and policy actions to mitigate these consequences in AI/AN children. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in rivers is a serious environmental and public health concern, especially in areas affected by mining. This study evaluated the levels of contamination and the associated ecological and carcinogenic risks in the sediments of the Cunas River, located in the central highlands of Peru. Sediment samples were collected from upstream and downstream sections. Several metals and metalloids were analyzed, including copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd). The ecological risk assessment focused on ten of these elements, while carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were assessed for seven metals selected based on their toxicological importance. The results showed that Cd and Pb concentrations were higher in the downstream section. Cd and As exceeded ecological risk thresholds. Regarding human health, As and Pb surpassed the acceptable limits for both the Hazard Index (HI) and the Potential Carcinogenic Risk (PCR). According to EPA guidelines, these values indicate a potentially significant lifetime cancer risk. The main exposure routes include direct contact with sediments and the consumption of aquatic organisms. Continuous monitoring, phytoremediation actions, and restrictions on the use of contaminated water are strongly recommended to reduce ecological and health risks. Full article

This study explores the dual functionality of cadmium-based pigments (CdS, CdSe, and CdS_1−xSe_x solid solutions) as historical colorants and visible-light photocatalysts. Synthesized pigments here replicated hues of traditional cadmium reds. At the same time, their photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated using model dyes, such as indigo carmine (anionic) and fuchsine (cationic), as a representative of heritage materials. Structural and optical characterization confirmed tunable bandgaps (1.63–2.28 eV) and phase-dependent microstructures, with CdS_1−xSe_x composites exhibiting compositional heterogeneity. Photocatalytic tests revealed specific degradation mechanisms. Indigo carmine degradation was dominated by superoxide radicals (O₂^•−), while fuchsine degradation relied on photogenerated electrons (e′). Scavenger experiments highlighted the synergistic role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and charge carriers, with CdS and CdSe showing the highest activity. Intermediate composites displayed selective reactivity, suggesting trade-offs between phase homogeneity and surface interactions. Reduced photocatalytic efficiency in composites aligns with cultural heritage needs, where pigment stability under light exposure is critical. This work bridges material science and conservation, demonstrating how the compositional tuning of CdS_1−xSe_x can balance color fidelity, photocatalytic activity, and longevity in art preservation. Full article

Maternal health during pregnancy can be influenced by exposure to essential trace and toxic elements, notably cadmium, lead, chromium, and arsenic. Using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, this study determined blood concentrations of toxic elements together with zinc, copper, and iron, which are nutritionally essential, in 200 pregnant women who attended the antenatal care at Thasala Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat, between January and July 2023. Associations of maternal clinical outcomes with the measured blood elemental composition were evaluated by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Iron showed the highest concentration among trace elements (75,178 ± 12,045 µg/dL), followed by zinc (1189.20 ± 211.38 µg/dL) and copper (294.72 ± 67.19 µg/dL). Among the toxic elements, lead had the highest concentration (5.59 ± 1.61 µg/dL), followed by chromium (2.80 ± 1.47 µg/dL), with arsenic and cadmium having the lowest concentrations. Synergistic associations were observed among lead, zinc, and iron. Blood lead concentration correlated inversely with hematocrit, while blood arsenic and blood cadmium both showed inverse association with urine glucose. Plasma glucose concentration varied directly with zinc and iron. These findings indicate effects and interactions of essential versus toxic elements on the health of pregnant women. They underscore the need to continue research into the strategies to minimize the impact of toxic elements and to further improve the nutritional status of zinc and iron during pregnancy. Full article

Non-CG DNA methylation plays a critical role in regulating root development and stress responses in Arabidopsis thaliana under cadmium (Cd²⁺) exposure. We compared wild type (WT) plants with the ddc triple mutant (deficient in DRM1, DRM2, and CMT3) to assess how epigenetic modifications affect the root apical meristem (RAM) under 100 µM and 150 µM CdCl₂ treatments. Cd²⁺ exposure led to RAM disorganization, reduced cortical cell number, and quiescent center (QC) cell loss in WT roots, while ddc mutants maintained meristem integrity and exhibited QC cell expansion. Auxin signaling, assessed via pDR5::GFP, was disrupted in WT roots at high Cd²⁺ levels but remained stable in ddc mutants. Similarly, WT roots showed elevated reactive oxygen species accumulation under stress, whereas ddc mutants displayed a reduced oxidative response. These results suggest that non-CG DNA methylation suppresses key regulators of stem cell maintenance, hormonal balance, and redox homeostasis during heavy metal stress. Loss of this methylation in the ddc mutant confers enhanced resilience to Cd²⁺ toxicity, highlighting an epigenetic mechanism underlying root stress adaptation. Full article

Freshwater pollution is a global issue that can impact aquatic organisms in multiple ways. One of the many detrimental consequences of freshwater pollution is the disruption of the intestinal microbiome in aquatic animals. This review addresses the impact of various chemical entities like pesticides, heavy metals, antibiotics, dyes, and microplastic. Gut microbiota serves as a crucial regulator of metabolic processes across all organisms. Since numerous metabolic pathways are coordinated by microbial communities, even minor disruptions can lead to consequences ranging from mild to severe. The widespread use of chemicals in modern life has made them a primary focus of current gut microbiota research. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) can serve as a model organism to investigate gut microbiome responses to exposure to hazardous contaminants. In this review we include research studying pesticides (methomyl, λ-cyhalothrin, cyproconazole, dieldrin, penthiopyrad, acetochlor, metamifop, imidacloprid, difenoconazole, imazalil, cypermethrin), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, copper, and various nanoparticles), antibiotics (oxytetracycline, florfenicol, doxycycline, trimethoprim, erythromycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and clarithromycin), and microplastics (polystyrene, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene). This review study provides a description of microbiome alterations due to single and combined short- and long-term exposure to the aforementioned contaminants in zebrafish and larvae microbiomes. Full article

Milk and dairy products play a key role in the human diet but may also be vehicles for toxic contaminants, particularly heavy metals and metalloids (HMs), such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As). This integrative review examines peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 to examine sources, occurrence, and health risks associated with HM contamination in milk and dairy products. Key sources include industrial emissions, agricultural runoff, contaminated feed and water, and inadequate packaging. This review highlights regulatory inconsistencies, limited surveillance, and underuse of metal speciation analysis, which hinder accurate toxicity assessment. Advances in trace-level HM detection systems are discussed in terms of sensitivity, accessibility, and feasibility. Studies from diverse geographic regions frequently report high levels of Pb and Cd in samples originating from industrialized areas in low- and middle-income countries. Health risk indicators, such as target hazard quotients (THQs) and margins of exposure (MOEs), often exceed safety thresholds, particularly in children, indicating significant public health risks, especially with prolonged exposure. These findings underscore the urgent need for systematic contaminant monitoring, harmonized regulations, source-focused mitigation policies, and investment in rapid, cost-effective testing technologies to safeguard milk and dairy product safety worldwide. Full article

Background: Cadmium (Cd) exposure is linked to cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults, but the modifying role of essential minerals is unclear. This study aimed to identify key protective minerals and quantify their joint antagonistic effect against Cd neurotoxicity. Methods: Baseline serum minerals and urinary Cd were measured in 6795 adults (≥40 years) from the 2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Cognitive function (MMSE) was assessed after 3 years. Associations were analyzed using multiple linear regression and Quantile g-computation (QGC) for joint effects. Combined exposure groups and interaction terms were assessed. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models explored potential nonlinear dose–response relationships. Results: Participants in the highest urinary Cd quartile had significantly lower MMSE score (β = −0.09, 95% CI: −0.15, −0.02) than the lowest quartile. Serum calcium (Ca), ferrum (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and phosphorus (P) were positively associated with MMSE. QGC revealed that the joint effect of Cd and the 5-mineral mixture (β = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.14) was weaker than the protective effect of the 5-mineral mixture. Any high-mineral group had significantly higher MMSE score compared to the high-Cd/low-mineral group. Conclusions: Essential minerals Ca, Fe, Mg, Se, and P effectively antagonize Cd-associated cognitive decline. Their combined exposure demonstrates significant protective effects, providing key evidence for precision nutrition and environmental health risk management in Cd-exposed populations. Full article

With the rapid development of industry, heavy metal pollution has emerged as a significant threat to food safety and human health. Among these pollutions, cadmium (Cd) pollution has become a global environmental concern. Caenorhabditis elegans, with its short life cycle and evolutionary conservation with humans, serves as an ideal model organism for studying toxicity mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of toxicity induced by Cd in C. elegans and the intervention of ascorbic acid (V_C) and fruit juices on toxicity induced by Cd. Using fluorescent probes, we observed that Cd exposure (5 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL of CdCl₂) significantly decreased the vitality of C. elegans in a dose-dependent manner within 6 h. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) accumulated concurrently. Further exploration revealed that ROS played a crucial role in Cd-induced acute toxicity. The inhibition of ROS by Imidazole (IMZ) and Pyridine (PY) not only reduced NO levels but also restored the vitality of C. elegans. Conversely, the removal of NO by cPTIO [2-(4-Carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide] or L-NMMA (N^G-Monomethyl-L-arginine) improved the vitality; however, it still did not affect ROS levels, indicating that ROS accumulation is a primary event in Cd-induced toxicity. We also examined the protective effects of V_C and fruit juices. Both V_C (0.5 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL) and fruit juices (50% (v/v) of the total volume of the medium) significantly enhanced the vitality of C. elegans under CdCl₂ stress and reduced the accumulation of ROS and NO. This suggests that V_C-rich materials effectively scavenge ROS and NO, thereby alleviating Cd-induced oxidative stress and toxicity. In summary, our results elucidate that CdCl₂ exposure leads to ROS accumulation in C. elegans, which in turn triggers NO production and ultimately reduces nematode activity. V_C and V_C-rich materials can effectively mitigate CdCl₂ toxicity by scavenging ROS and NO, providing a potential strategy for alleviating Cd poisoning. Full article