The prevalence of trace elements from industrial and traffic activities poses potential health risks through inhalation exposure. Prior studies have focused on trace elements in water, food, and dust, and less attention has been paid to their occurrence in fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In this study, 1424 air samples were collected from three districts (Nanshan, Longgang, and Yantian) in Shenzhen from 2016 to 2021, and we analyzed the concentrations, temporal trends, and spatial distributions of PM2.5 and associated trace elements. Both PM2.5 and trace elements exhibited decreasing trends and similar seasonal variations, with high levels in cold seasons and low levels in warm seasons. In terms of spatial distributions, the concentrations of PM2.5 and trace elements in Nanshan and Longgang were significantly higher than those in Yantian, likely due to the industrial structure and traffic activities. It is worth noting that PM2.5 was identified as a potential mediator of the effect of meteorological parameters on trace element levels. Besides, the values of estimated daily intake (EDI) and uptake (EDU) suggested that infants and young children experienced an elevated risk of exposure to trace elements. While the annual average excess hazard indexes (R) were below the safety threshold (10-6), carcinogenic trace elements like arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) posed a greater potential threat to human health compared to non-carcinogenic trace elements.

Molybdenum (Mo), an essential mineral, plays a key role in the vital activity of the organism. However, excess Mo in the forage will cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, emaciation, bone injury, joint abnormalities, and anemia in animals. In order to study molybdenosis in the Procapra picticaudata in the animal rescue center, samples of soils, forages, blood, and liver were collected. The mineral contents of all samples were determined, and the blood parameters were also measured. The results showed that the Mo level in the soil and forage in the animal rescue center was significantly higher than that in healthy pastures (p < 0.01). The Mo concentrations in the blood and liver in the P. picticaudata from the animal rescue center were also noticeably higher than those in healthy animals (p < 0.01). The level of Cu in the blood and liver were noticeably lower than those in healthy P. picticaudata (p < 0.01). The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) were significantly lower than those in healthy animals. Supplementing copper sulfate (CuSO4) could significantly decrease the Mo content in the blood, and cure molybdenosis. In summary, the excessive Mo content in the soil and forage in the animal rescue center had greatly affected physiological parameters and antioxidant capacity. It is likely that the molybdenosis of the P. picticaudata is caused by the high Mo contents in soils and forages. CuSO4 may alleviate molybdenosis in P. picticaudata.

Trace elements are the essential mineral nutrients in grassland, however, we still know little about the distributions of trace elements in grassland with long-term grazing exclusion. The contents, stocks, and proportions of iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) in green plant-litter-root-soil were evaluated by enclosing for 18, and 39 years inside the fence (F18 and F39) and grazing outside the fence (F0) in Inner Mongolia grassland. The results showed that F18 and F39 decreased the stocks of Fe, Al, and Mn in green plant and root compared to F0 (p < .05), while increased the stocks of them in litter (p < .05). The stock of Fe, Al, and Mn in green plant at F39 was 28.6%, 13.9%, and 39.2% higher than that at F18. The stocks of four trace elements in first layer litter at F39 were increased by 12.7%-52.2% compared to F18, whereas the stocks of them in third layer litter were decreased by 32.2%-42.5%. The F18 obviously increased the stocks of Fe and Mn in soil, especially B (p < .05). While the stocks of these trace elements in soil at F39 were 9.1%-28.0% lower than that at F18, especially B (p < .05). In conclusion, the trace elements were mainly shifted from green plant and root to soil and third layer litter with 18-year grazing exclusion. Compared to 18-year grazing exclusion, the trace elements were shifted from third layer litter and soil to root with 39-year grazing exclusion.

Maize (Zea mays L.), a staple food and significant economic crop, is enriched with riboflavin, micronutrients and other compounds that are beneficial for human health. As emphasis on the nutritional quality of crops increases maize research has expanded to focus on both yield and quality. This study exploreed the genetic factors influencing micronutrient levels in maize kernels through a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS). We utilized a diverse panel of 244 inbred maize lines and approximately 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate the accumulation of essential and trace elements including cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). Our analysis identified 842 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), with 12 QTLs shared across multiple elements and pinpointed 524 potential genes within a 100 kb radius of these QTLs. Notably ZmHMA3 has emerged as a key candidate gene previously reported to influence the Cd accumulation. We highlighted ten pivotal genes associated with trace element transport including those encoding heavy metal ATPases, MYB transcription factors, ABC transporters and other crucial proteins involved in metal handling. Additionally, haplotype analysis revealed that eight inbred linesaccumulated relatively high levels of beneficial elements while harmful elements were minimized. These findings elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying trace element accumulation in maize kernels and provide a foundation for the breeding of nutritionally enhanced maize varieties.

This study aimed to compare the effects of various dietary selenium (Se) sources (0.5 mg/kg) on performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in broilers as well as essential trace elements concentrations in their blood and tissues. A total of 360 one-day-old male yellow-feathered chickens (37.00 ± 0.17 g) were randomly allocated to 5 diet treatments: the basal diet (CON) and 4 diets supplemented with sodium selenite (SS), selenomethionine (SM), selenium-enriched yeast (SY), and nano-selenium (NS) for 56 d, respectively, with 6 replicates per treatment and 12 chickens per replicate. Dietary Se supplementation did not affect growth performance and carcass characteristics in broilers (P > 0.05). Supplemental SM enhanced the redness in the pectoral muscle compared to CON and NS (P < 0.05). Supplementation of SY and NS improved the concentrations of Se, copper, manganese, and zinc in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SS also elevated the zinc content in the serum (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the SY diet showed increased Se content in the liver and pectoral muscle compared to those fed CON, SM, and NS diets (P < 0.05). Also, SY improved the pectoral muscle Se concentration compared to SS (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary Se supplementation increased the Se content in the thigh muscle (P < 0.05), with SY showing highest Se deposition. Dietary supplementation with SS, SM, and NS improved the activities of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SY also elevated the T-AOC in the serum (P < 0.05). Additionally, SS and SM enhanced the T-AOC in the liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplemental SM affected meat color. Supplementing diets with various Se sources increased antioxidant capacity and Se content in the thigh muscle of broilers, with SY showing a more pronounced deposition efficiency. Besides, diets supplemented with different Se sources had variable effects on the concentrations of essential trace elements in the serum and tissues of broilers.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of farmland soils leads to Cd accumulation in crops and reduced micronutrient uptake, posing grave risks to food safety. Herein, we investigated the enrichment and transportation patterns of Cd and trace elements in different parts of six wheat genotypes grown in weakly alkaline Cd-contaminated soils via pot experiments. The results revealed that the wheat grain variety with high Cd accumulation (Ningmai13) demonstrated a 1.94-fold increase compared to the variety with low accumulation (Yanong0428). The transfer factor of Cd from wheat straw to grain ranged from 0.319 to 0.761, while the transfer factor of Cd from root to straw ranged from 0.167 to 0.461. Furthermore, the concentrations of other metals in wheat grains followed the order of Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd and Mn in grains, indicating a potential synergistic effect. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the regulation of micronutrient intake to modulate Cd uptake in wheat.

Chromium (Cr) pollution may threaten food safety in China. In this study, the concentration, pollution level, distribution, and non-cancer risk of Cr in wheat grains grown in 186 areas across 28 provinces in China were investigated. Results indicated that mean concentration of Cr was 0.28 ± 2.5 mg/kg, dry mass (dm). Of the samples, 7.5 % were found to be polluted with Cr. The mean concentrations were in the following order: Northwest > Northeast > South > East > North > Southwest > Central China. Based on deterministic models, mean hazard quotient (HQ) values for adult males, adult females, and children were 0.11 ± 3.4, 0.11 ± 3.4, and 0.13 ± 3.5, respectively with < 6 % of HQ values ≥ 1. Eleven sites in northern China were identified as hotspots, whereas Gansu Province and Northwestern China were labeled as priority provinces and regions for risk control. The mean HQ values estimated by probabilistic risk assessment were two times greater than those estimated using deterministic models. The risk probabilities for adult males, adult females, and children were 4.81 %, 3.78 %, and 6.55 %, respectively. This study provides valuable information on Cr pollution in wheat grains and its risks at a national scale in China.

BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis has emerged as a global affliction, recognized as one of the most excruciating medical issues. The elemental composition of stones provides crucial information, aiding in understanding the causes, mechanisms, and individual variations in stone formation. By understanding the interactions between elements in various types of stones and exploring the key role of elements in stone formation, insights are provided for the prevention and treatment of urinary stone disease.
METHODS: This study collected urinary stone samples from 80 patients in Beijing. The chemical compositions of urinary stones were identified using an infrared spectrometer. The concentrations of major and trace elements in the urinary stones were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The data were processed using correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods.
RESULTS: Urinary stones are categorized into five types: the calcium oxalate (CO) stone, carbonate apatite (CA) stone, uric acid (UA) stone, mixed CO and CA stone, and mixed CO and UA stone. Ca is the predominant element, with an average content ranging from 2.64 to 27.68% across the five stone groups. Based on geochemical analysis, the high-content elements follow this order: Ca > Mg > Na > K > Zn > Sr. Correlation analysis and PCA suggested significant variations in the interactions between elements for different types of urinary stones. Trace elements with charges and ionic structures similar to Ca may substitute for Ca during the process of stone formation, such as Sr and Pb affecting the Ca in most stone types except mixed stone types. Moreover, the Mg, Zn and Ba can substitute for Ca in the mixed stone types, showing element behavior dependents on the stone types.
CONCLUSIONS: This study primarily reveals distinct elemental features associated with five types of urinary stones. Additionally, the analysis of these elements indicates that substitutions of trace elements with charges and ion structures similar to Ca (such as Sr and Pb) impact most stone types. This suggests a dependence of stone composition on elemental behavior. The findings of this study will enhance our ability to address the challenges posed by urinary stones to global health and improve the precision of interventions for individuals with different stone compositions.

Due to the degradation of pasture and strict restrictions on grazing ranges in recent years, copper (Cu) deficiency in Yudong black goats has been occurring, mainly manifested as emaciation, anemia, loss of appetite and lack of spirit. To explore the main causes of Cu deficiency in Yudong black goats, 40 black goats (1 year old, 25.11 ± 0.52 kg) were selected for this experiment; among them, 20 Yudong black goats with Cu deficiency from the experimental pasture were used as the experimental group, and 20 healthy Yudong black goats from the control pasture were used as the control group. In the pre-experiment, the mineral contents of the soil, forage, blood, and liver of black goats in both groups were determined, and in formal experiments, blood hematological, biochemical, antioxidant, and hemorheological parameters were analyzed. An experiment on the treatment of Cu deficiency in black goats was also conducted. This study showed that selenium (Se) levels in the soil, forage, blood, and liver from the experimental group were significantly lower than those from the control group (p < 0.01). The content of sulfur (S) in the forage was considerably higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The contents of Cu in the blood and liver from the experimental group were significantly lower than that from the control group (p < 0.01), and the content of S was considerably higher than that from the control group (p < 0.01). The blood hematology of the experimental group was affected, as evidenced by a decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. The immunity and antioxidant capacity of black goats in the experiment group were impaired to varying degrees, with significant decreases in ceruloplasmin, immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, and substantial increases in malondialdehyde. In addition, the experimental group showed a decrease in blood viscosity as evidenced by the rise in high shear viscosity, low shear viscosity, erythrocyte rigidity index, erythrocyte aggregation index, and erythrocyte deformation index, and a decrease in plasma viscosity. In the treatment experiment, oral administration of copper sulfate solution was carried out on 10 black goats with Cu deficiency. All the Cu deficiency goats were cured, and the Cu content in their bodies rebounded. In summary, low Se soil caused an increase in S content in the forage, and Yudong black goats feeding on high S forage resulted in a decrease in Cu absorption, which led to a secondary Cu deficiency.

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