Journal Detail Information

1

Cite

Share

Health effects of microplastics and nanoplastics: review of published case reports

Oche Joseph OTORKPA ; Chinenye Oche OTORKPA

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024020-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024020

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent a pervasive environmental pollutant, raising significant concerns about potential health effects on humans. These tiny plastic particles have been detected across various environmental matrices, including air, water, soil, and food sources. While the adverse impacts of MNPs on wildlife and ecosystems are well-documented, understanding their effects on human health is still in its infancy. This study aims to comprehensively review existing case reports documenting adverse health outcomes associated with MNPs exposure. Through an extensive literature search, relevant articles were identified and analyzed. MNPs exposure primarily occurs through ingestion and inhalation routes. Health effects on the digestive system include oxidative stress, inflammation, dysbiosis, and metabolic disorders, with cases linking MNPs exposure to gastrointestinal injury and liver dysfunction. Respiratory system impacts include asthma exacerbation and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, particularly in industries involving plastic production. MNPs exposure has also been associated with nervous system conditions, reproductive toxicity, skeletal system interference, excretory system disruption, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite limited case reports, the widespread presence of MNPs warrants further investigation into their potential health risks. This study underscores the urgency of understanding and mitigating the adverse health effects posed by MNPs exposure. Further research is imperative in order to comprehensively assess and address the dangers associated with MNPs contamination in the environment.

2

Cite

Share

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in community drinking water, Nsisioken, Nigeria: Source and health risk assessment

Chinemerem C. NWAOZUZU ; Stephen O. ABAH ; Kingsley C. PATRICK-IWUANYANWU

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024015-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024015

In 2011, the United Nations Environment Programme discovered high levels of hydrocarbon pollution in drinking water wells in Nsisioken Agbi Ogale Rivers State, Nigeria. However, the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the same community's water supply was unknown. A comprehensive study of PAHs in three household dug wells and three boreholes was conducted using Agilent 7890B gas chromatography and 5975A mass spectrometry. The detected PAHs were mainly 4 - 5 ringed PAHs, such as Chrysene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene, Benzo[a]anthracene, and Benzo[b]fluoranthene. The total mean concentration was 5.8 ± 2.3 μg/L, with values ranging from not detected in borehole 3 to 8.0 μg/L at well 2. Source identification analysis suggested that the PAHs originated from fuel and biomass combustion. The incremental lifetime cancer risk for children and adults due to groundwater ingestion and skin contact ranged from ND to 7.448 × 10−3 and ND to 1.83 × 10−3 respectively. The Risk index (RI) values from ingestion and dermal routes were 1.5 ×10-2 and 2.4 × 10-2, indicating high risk of cancer. The hazard quotient for the two non-carcinogenic PAHs was greater than 1, indicating high toxicity. The PAH concentrations exceeded the maximum contamination limits set by the World Health Organization and the U.S. environmental Protection Agency, highlighting potential health risks associated with water use in the community. Authorities should provide a safe alternative water source for the community.

3

Cite

Share

Benzene: A critical review on measurement methodology, certified reference material, exposure limits with its impact on human health and mitigation strategies

Poonam KUMARI ; Daya SONI ; Shankar G AGGARWAL

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024012-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024012

Benzene is a carcinogenic pollutant with significant emission sources present in the atmosphere. The need for accurate and precise measurement of benzene in the atmosphere has become increasingly evident due to its toxicity and the adverse health effects associated with exposure to different concentrations. Certified reference material (CRM) is essential to establish the traceability of measurement results. The present review compiles the available national and international measurement methods, certified reference materials (CRMs) for benzene and the limit of benzene in fuel composition (v/v) worldwide. Overall, the review indicates the benzene level in the atmosphere and the resulting impacts on the environment and human health, which frequently exceed the exposure limits of different environment regulatory agencies. An extensive literature review was conducted to gather information on monitoring and analysis methods for benzene, revealing that the most preferred method, i.e. Gas Chromatography- Flame Ionization Detector and Mass Spectrometry, is neither cost-effective nor suitable for real-time continuous monitoring. By analysing existing literature and studies, this review will shed light on the understanding of the importance of benzene pollution monitoring in ambient air and its implications for public health. Additionally, it will reflect the mitigation strategies applied by regulators & need for future revisions of air quality guidelines.

4

Cite

Share

Assessment of fishes, sediment and water from some inland rivers across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria for microplastics

Victoria Funmilayo DOHERTY ; Idowu Ayisat ANEYO ; Oluwatoyin Tirenioluwa FATUNSIN ; Christian Ebere ENYOH ; Tajudeen Olanrewaju YAHAYA ; Ikechi Godslove EMERONYE ; Oluwatosin Aishat AMOLEGBE ; Nnamdi Henry AMAEZE ; Felix Emeka ANYIAM ; Aderonke Ajibola OLOIDI ; Folashade AJAGBE ; Oluwaseun POPOOLA ; Moses UGOCHUKWU

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024018-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024018

In Nigeria, limited research has been conducted on Microplastics (MPs) in inland rivers, necessitating a comprehensive assessment to understand the extent of contamination. This study aimed to assess the abundance, distribution, and composition of MPs in fishes, sediment, and water from inland rivers across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Samples were collected from selected rivers in each geopolitical zone (Rivers Yauri, Benue, Argungu, Jamare, Ogun, Ethiope and Orashi). MPs were isolated using a combination of filtration, density separation, and visual identification. MPs abundance, distribution, shapes, colors, and chemical composition were determined using microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The study presents the first report of MPs in six in land rivers in Nigeria and found that MPs were present in all the fishes, sediments and river waters studied across all the rivers. The abundance and composition of MPs varied among the different sample types, with fibers being the most abundant shape in both water and fish samples. PET, PP, and PE were the most prevalent types of plastics found in fish samples, while PE/PA/Nylon, PVA, and PVC were predominant in water samples. PA/Nylon, PUR, PVC, and PET were the most common in sediment samples. Source analysis by Principal component analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) indicated that the presence of MPs was mainly influenced by local anthropogenic activities. However, estimated daily intakes are generally low, indicating that daily consumption of the samples is not likely to be harmful. The widespread presence of MPs in inland rivers across Nigeria highlights the urgent need for effective waste management strategies and environmental conservation efforts to mitigate plastic pollution.

5

Cite

Share

Abundance, characterization, and health risk evaluation of microplastics in borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria

Tajudeen YAHAYA ; Mutiyat Kehinde ADEWALE ; Abdulgafar Bala IBRAHIM ; Baliqees ABDULKADIR ; Chikelu Chinelo EMMANUELA ; Adamu Zainab FARI ; Asiya Koko ATTAHIRU ; Joseph Dahali WANDA

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024017-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024017

Microplastic pollution has become a global menace, and water, being a major "sink" for pollutants, represents a significant source of human exposure. This study aimed to assess the safety of borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, specifically concerning microplastic pollution. Water samples were collected from boreholes in selected areas, including Bayan Kara, Malali, Rafin Atiku, Aliero Quarters, GwadanGaji, FUBK Takeoff Site, Kalgo Market, and Tarasa. Microplastics were extracted from the water samples through filtration using glass fiber filter papers, and were subsequently subjected to spectroscopy and microscopy to determine concentrations, shapes, and polymer types. Health risks associated with the microplastics were also calculated. The results revealed that the samples from Tarasa exhibited the highest concentrations of microplastics (96.967 particles/L), followed by Bayan Kara (92.70 particles/L), Rafin Atiku (92.33 particles/L), GwadanGwaji (92.30 particles/L), FUBK Takeoff Site (91.07 particles/L), Aliero Quarters (90.43 particles/L), Kalgo Market (88.00 particles/L), and Malali (86.40 particles/L). The most dominant shape was fibers (73 %), followed by fragments (16 %), foams (6 %), and filaments (5 %). Polyethylene and polyamide, in that order, were the most dominant polymers, while polystyrene was the least common. The majority of risk scores were classified as III. It can be inferred from the results that microplastic pollution in borehole water poses a health hazard in the city. Consumers of borehole water in the studied areas are advised to treat the water before consumption to mitigate potential health risks.

6

Cite

Share

Heavy metals pollution and ecological risk assessment around artisanal gold mines in Zamfara, Nigeria

Bate Garba BARDE ; Adeniyi Olanrewaju ADELEYE ; Amoo Afeez OLADEJI ; Yunana Bitrus DUHU

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024016-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024016

Heavy metals pollution and potential ecological risk index were assessed in artisanal gold mining areas of Zamfara state, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from three mines namely Kwali (05°45.49'E–11°59.66'N), Duke (06°19.56'E–12°21.45'N) and Maraba (06°22.43'E–12°20.26'N) while a non–mining area; Kadauri (06°08.71'E–12°13.56'N) was also chosen as a control. Samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the results obtained showed that; the most abundant metal was Pb (148.59 mg/kg) in Kwali and the least was Ni (1.25 mg/kg) in Kadauri while the metals generally occurred in the order; Pb > Fe > Au > Al > Zn followed by other metals in an unspecified manner. All metal concentrations differed significantly (P<0.05) across sampling stations except Mn and Zn and they were all above the WHO limit which portrays a health risk. A strong positive correlation was found between metal pairs with r ≥ 0.5 (*p<0.05) in about 70% of them indicating commonality of source. Pb, Cd, Al and Au had contamination factors > 1in all sampling locations indicating increment in their concentrations above the pre–anthropogenic activities reference levels. Geoaccumulation index showed concentrations above background values of Pb, Cd, Al and Au while potential ecological risk index was highest (782.79) in Kwali and lowest (142.15) in Kadauri. Two principal components accounted for about 99.64% of the total variation in metals concentration with PC1 (95.21%) and PC2 (4.43%). This study showed the influence of artisanal gold mining on heavy metals concentration and suggested regulation of these practices.

7

Cite

Share

Alterations in viscera histoarchitecture and organosomatic index as biomarkers of toxicity induced by Aba-Eku and Olusosun solid waste landfill leachates in Rattus norvegicus

Chibuisi Gideon ALIMBA

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024022-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024022

Solid waste disposal generates leachate, a mixture of deleterious chemical, physical and microbial contaminants, which poses risk to human and wildlife health. Leachate toxicity on relative organ weight and histopathology of important viscera in mammalian body is scarce. Leachate induced toxic effects on organosomatic indices and histopathology of vital mammalian organs were investigated. Wister rats were orally exposed to 1 – 25 % of raw and simulated leachates from Aba-Eku and Olusosun landfills for 30 days. At post-exposure, organosomatic index and histoarchitectural assessment of major viscera (heart, spleen, thymus and lungs) were conducted. The physico-chemical and organic compositions of the leachates were analysed using standard protocol. The tested leachates decreased weekly and terminal body weights, and altered organosomatic index of examined viscera in rats. The histoarchitecture of the investigated viscera revealed pathologies that ranged from mild to severe degeneration, cellular infiltration, haemorrhage, congestion, necrosis, disorganization of tissues and vacuolations. Others include increased histiocytes within the bronchial associated lymphoid, lymphoid depletions, haemosiderin deposits and apoptosis were observed in the examined viscera. Physico-chemical analysis of the leachates showed different concentrations of toxic metals, PAHs and PCBs that were higher than national and international permissible limits allowed in wastewaters. The physico-chemical compositions of the leachates are capable of eliciting the observed alterations in organosomatic indices and histopathological lesions in mammalian viscera. Xenobiotic components of the leachates possibly generated free radicals and/or directly disrupted the organ architectures. These findings suggest health risk to wildlife and human population exposed to emissions from waste landfills.

8

Cite

Share

Occurrence and seasonal variation of organochlorine pesticides in selected vegetable farmlands in Lagos State, Nigeria

Fidelia Ijeoma OSUALA ; Olamide Florence HUMPHREY ; Miriam Nwana IGWO-EZIKPE ; Arnold Godfrey UDOH ; Iyanuoluwa ADEGBUYI ; Mojeed FASASI ; Precious AGADA ; Azeemah JIMOH ; Olufunke OKUBAMOWO

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024013-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024013

Pest infestation in crop production have increased farmers' interest in pesticides use with short and long term consequences. This study investigated the occurrence and seasonal variations of organochlorine pesticide residues in vegetable farms in selected areas of Lagos State. Non carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment was also evaluated. Soil samples were collected during the wet and dry seasons at soil depth of 0-30 cm. Gas chromatography coupled with an Agilent mass spectrometer was used to analyse organochlorine residues (alpha-lindane,lindane, delta.-lindane, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, alpha.-endosulfan, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), endrin, endosulfan, m,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (m,p'-DDD), endosulfan sulfate, o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p'-DDT) and endrin ketone) in soil. Heptachlor epoxide showed maximum concentration of 43.03 mg/kg in Station 19 in Western zone during the dry season while m,p'-DDD and endosulfan had minimum value of 0.004 mg/kg in Station 2 and Station 5 respectively during the wet season in the Far eastern zone. The concentrations of organochlorine residues were intermediate in the Eastern zone in both seasons. There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in dry season concentrations when compared to wet season. The risk assessment indicated Hazard Quotient (HQ) > 1 for non-cancer risk and cancer risk > 10-6. Thus a need for stringent monitoring programs for pesticides.

9

Cite

Share

Measuring air quality in smoking and nonsmoking areas of Nevada casinos (Reno/Sparks): Potential exposure of minors to secondhand smoke

Eric CROSBIE ; Sara PEREZ ; Johnny HARTMAN ; Lisa SHERETZ ; Neil E. KLEPEIS

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024014-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024014

To understand the potential exposure to tobacco smoke in Washoe County (Reno/Sparks), Nevada casinos by measuring air quality in smoking areas relative to non-smokingon-gaming areas in which minors may be present. To act as a pilot study in community-based health research and policy campaigns by evaluating low-cost air monitors to measure personal secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. We used customized mobile apps, AtmoTube PRO Air Monitors, and hand clickers to measure the timing and minute-by-minute levels of PM2.5 (a tobacco smoke marker). The app was used to record the number of smokers, minors, and total patrons associated with ~10-minute sequential time periods in standardized casino locations, including outdoor areas, slots, tables, restaurants, bars/lounges, arcades, among others. Between April and May 2022, we successfully visited 14 casinos and 18 distinct types of indoor casino locations. We found high PM2.5 peaks in casino locations even with zero, or a low percentage of, observed active smokers, including in both gamingon-gaming areas. Indoor areas, regardless of smokingon-smoking areas, consistently had higher PM2.5 levels than outdoor background levels. Indoor locations had median PM2.5 levels up to 18 times higher than the lowest outdoor background levels. Minors were present throughout all casino locations, and thus were likely exposed to elevated PM2.5 levels. Potential PM2.5 exposures due to smoking can be high regardless of ventilation systems. Small proportions of smokers in a location can lead to high levels of exposure. Establishing comprehensive smoke-free casinos is the only way to protect against SHS harms.

10

Cite

Share

Microplastics exposure altered hematological and lipid profiles as well as liver and kidney function parameters in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Tajudeen Olanrewaju YAHAYA ; Abdulgafar Bala IBRAHIM ; Abdulrahman Sani KALGO ; Mutiyat Kehinde ADEWALE ; Chikelu Chinelo EMMANUELA ; Baliqees ABDULKADIR ; Adamu Zainab FARI ; Asiya Koko ATTAHIRU ; Abdullahi SAADATU ; Joseph Dahali WANDA

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology.2024;39(2):e2024021-. doi:10.5620/eaht.2024021

The global occurrence of microplastics and their poorly understood health implications underscore the need for scientific investigation. This study aimed to assess the effects of microplastics exposure. Twenty-five (25) albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into five (5) groups, each consisting of five rats. Group 1 (the negative control) received normal feed; group 2 (the positive control) was administered a 10 % lead acetate solution; and groups 3, 4, and 5 were administered 1 %, 5 %, and 10 % microplastic solutions, respectively. The rats were monitored for 28 days, after which blood samples were taken for hematological and lipid profiles as well as liver and kidney function parameters. The results revealed dose-dependent significant (p < 0.05) alterations in the health indices of the treated rats and the positive control compared with the negative control. Specifically, the hematological parameters, including the white blood cells (WBC) and its subtypes, were reduced, indicating immunosuppressive effects, and the red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelets, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were reduced, indicating anemia. The 1 % and 5 % microplastic solutions raised the lipid profiles of the treated rats, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while the 10 % concentration decreased them, causing hyperlipidemia and hypolipidemia, respectively. The liver function parameters, including total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were elevated, indicating liver damage. Elevation of kidney function parameters, including sodium ion (Na+), potassium ion (K+), chloride ion (Cl-), urea, and creatinine (CRT), were noticed, suggesting kidney injuries. It can be inferred from these results that microplastics are toxic. Hence, human exposure to microplastics should be reduced to a minimum.

DISPLAY OPTIONS

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share