The silver deposits located in the upper basin of the Felent Stream are currently the largest producing mine in the Türkiye. It is also significantly impacted by industrial, agricultural, and thermal spring-related waste in Kütahya Province. The main objectives of this study were to examine the spatiotemporal variations of 12 dissolved potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface water of Felent Stream, to identify their possible sources, and to assess their probable risks. As a result of this study, among investigated PTEs, the highest mean concentrations of 3592-14,388 µg/L for Mg and the lowest of 0.15-0.19 µg/L for Cd were noted in Felent Stream water. The average concentrations of PTEs were found in the order of Mg > Ca > Na > As > Mn > B > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd. Remarkably, during the dry season, there was a conspicuous escalation in the average PTEs contents of water, with an approximately multifold amplification. PTEs in stream water were evaluated for their potential ecotoxicological risks and possible sources. Based on ecological risk assessment indices, the stream exhibited low pollution levels during the wet season but displayed elevated pollution levels during the dry season, indicating a general shift towards heightened pollution conditions. The hazard index (HI) data for As exhibited significant potential noncarcinogenic risks across all monitoring stations. Conversely, the carcinogenic risk (CR) data underscored the imperative nature of addressing the health risks associated with As in the waters of the studied region. Mining activities were identified as the primary origin of PTEs based on principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, upstream regions, proximal to the mining site, emerged as the most heavily contaminated areas according to cluster analysis (CA).

This study analysed ten widely used commercial fishfeeds in aquaculture from six countries spanning three continents to assess microplastic (MP) contamination. MPs with an average abundance of 1130 ± 259.07 particles/kg and an average length of 2.64 ± 0.62 mm ( ± SE) were found in aquaculture feeds, with fibres (85 %) and fragments (15 %). The majority of these MPs were black. The abundance of MPs varied among the samples, with the highest in feed SP (26 %), followed by IF, GA, ELS, NT, EW, TB, GR, VR, and the least in HCF (3 %). Polymers identified consisted of Polyethylene terephthalates (PET, 20 %), Polyamide (PA, 30 %), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyurethane (PU), and Polystyrene (PS) with 15 % each, and Polypropylene (PP, 5 %). SEM-EDX analysis of fibres showed flakes, cracks, and pits and the presence of heavy metals Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Au, Hg, Cd, Ti, and Pb. Additionally, some fragments contained Nb (Niobium) alongside the naturally occurring elements. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) for the polymers in ten feeds was calculated, and nine were in the highly hazardous category (IV and V) with PHI values ranging from 400-394825. The work showcases the graveness of MPs in fishfeeds and advocates control measures to curtail MPs in fishfeeds for sustainable aquaculture production.

In recent years, the growing importance of fish species obtained through aquaculture, coupled with a decline in wild-caught fish, has raised concerns about the potential accumulation of pollutants in these fish. This work aimed to analyze the amounts of elements in trout cultured mainly between Sinop and Samsun shores at the south of the Black Sea and marketed in Sinop fish markets. The comparison of these values with national and internationally accepted regulations was conducted, and evaluation of health risks for consumers was performed. Oncorhynchus mykiss samples were bought in April, May, and June of 2022 and 2023. The heavy metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fish tissues were wet digested in Teflon vessels. The outcomes were contrasted with established regulatory limits for heavy metals in fish. Fortunately, the metal concentrations detected in the fillets were found to be below the permissible levels set by regulations, indicating that the fish were not significantly contaminated. Furthermore, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) values, which are utilized to evaluate the possible health risks connected with heavy metal exposure, were calculated. It was reassuring to find that both EDI and THQ values were below the acceptable thresholds, suggesting that the consumption of O. mykiss is not likely to pose a threat to human health. To preserve seafood safety and safeguard public health, however, constant monitoring of fish metal levels is necessary.

The groundwater quality in the vicinity of the Makum coalfield, renowned for its high-sulfur coal deposits, was investigated. The oxidation of sulfur in the coal generates acid mine drainage (AMD), a global environmental challenge that contaminates natural resources. The region\'s high sulfur coal content intensifies AMD formation, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of its impact on human health and the environment. This study analyzes the water quality parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, HCO3-, SO4-2, F-, Cl -, and NO3- in groundwater, findings concerning low pH levels (5.8) and fluoride concentration (0.15 mg/L) compared to standards. Groundwater chemistry was analyzed to identify the sources controlling water composition through Gibbs diagrams, Piper diagrams, and saturation indices. The Gibbs diagram shows that rock weathering is the crucial factor controlling groundwater chemistry, while the Piper diagram indicates Ca-Cl as the Principal water type. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of groundwater chemistry reveals that carbonate dissolution primarily occurs due to minerals like calcite, dolomite, and gypsum, findings supported by saturation indices. The present study yielded an average water quality index of 40.19, indicating excellent to good water quality in 51 out of 52 samples analyzed. The average hazard index values for adults and children were 0.60 and 0.58, respectively, indicating that 49 of 52 samples pose negative non-carcinogenic risks associated with nitrate and fluoride contamination. The irrigation indices, graphical representations such as the Wilcox and Doneen classification, and the USSL diagram elucidate the suitability for irrigation purposes. Moreover, the Principal Component Analysis identified the sources of ions as originating from geogenic processes and mining activities. The study stresses environmental assessments, health risk management, and sustainable practices for groundwater in high-sulfur coal mining areas.

The consumption of metal-contaminated offal of animals will affect the health of humans. Thus, the research determined the concentrations of heavy metals in the offal and muscle tissues of cows, goats, and ram slaughtered at the main abattoir in Lokoja, northcentral Nigeria. Furthermore, an evaluation was carried out to assess the potential health hazards faced by the indigenous population due to the consumption of heavy metals from these animals. The mean concentrations of metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) in the kidney, liver, and muscle of cows, goats, and rams were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Estimated daily intake of the metals, hazard quotient, hazard index, and cancer risk were calculated. All internal organs had Ni levels above the regulatory threshold limit. The average concentration of Pb in the muscle tissue and liver of the tested animals exceeded the permissible limits by the WHO. Similarly, the concentration of Cd in the muscle tissues was above the Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL) of 0.05 mg kg-1. Except for cow kidneys, all internal organs contain Cr levels below the MPL (1.0) limit. The THQ value for the metals was < 1 except Cd. It indicates potential health risks due to Cd. The calculated HI values were > 1. The percentage contribution of Cd to the HI value was the highest. The observed sequence is Cd > Ni > Cr > Pb > Al. The results show that eating the offal and muscle under investigation has a carcinogenic effect.

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxicologically concerning because of their potential to bioaccumulate and their persistence in the environment and the human body. We determined PFAS levels in cosmetic and personal care products and assessed their health risks. We investigated the trends in concentrations and types of PFAS contaminants in cosmetic and personal care products before and after perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were added to the list of persistent organic pollutants. The total PFAS concentration ranged from 1.98 to 706.75 ng g-1. The hazard quotients (HQs) for PFOA, PFOS and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) were lower than 1, indicating no appreciable risk to consumers. Assuming the simultaneous use of all product types and the worst-case scenario for calculations, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs) also had hazard indices lower than 1. We found that adverse effects are unlikely to occur when each type of cosmetic is used separately, or even when all product types are used together. Nevertheless, the persistence and bioaccumulation characteristics of additional PFAS present in cosmetics continue to be a cause for concern. Further research is necessary to investigate the long-term impacts of using such cosmetics and the associated risks to human health.

The present study investigates human health risks upon consumption of herbal medicines in terms of ten toxic metalloids in 20 plant-based anti-diabetic therapeutics. The analysis of metalloids was determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer after microwave-assisted digestion. The computation of hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard indexes (HI) of metalloids leads to the assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks. Carcinogenic risk was assessed based on cancer slope factor (CSF) and chronic daily intake (CDI) values. Comparison with WHO regulatory cut-off points for each metalloid: seven samples for Mn, 12 samples for Hg, three samples for Cu, eight samples for Ni, four samples for Cd, two samples for Pb, one sample for Cr, and eight samples for Zn are unsafe to consume. Non-carcinogenic human health risk is predicted for Mn in seven samples, Fe in one sample, Hg in ten samples, Cu in three samples, Ni in one sample, and Pb in two samples. HI values greater than 1 predict non-carcinogenic health risk in thirteen samples. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) remains for As (inorganic) in 12 samples, Cr (+ 6) in one sample, and Pb in no samples. To guarantee consumer safety, the implementation of strict monitoring is suggested.

The purpose of the study is to assess the possibilities of using groundwater for water supply in the East European Arctic agglomeration based on an assessment of their quality and health risks. For this purpose, high-precision determinations of the complete macro- and microcomponent composition were carried out in sixty-six water samples taken from wells up to 180 m deep. It was found that in some samples the concentrations of Na+, Fe, B, Ba, Mn and U exceeded WHO standards. The least mineralized young waters are characterized by the processes of dissolution of carbonates with the transition of Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr into water, and the processes of leaching of Fe and Mn by acidic swamp waters from near-surface sediments. Waters of high mineralization, enriched in Na+, Cl-, B, Mo, Cd, Pb, were formed as a result of the dissolution of aluminosilicate rocks over thousands of years and mixing with relics of ancient and modern marine transgressions. An assessment of the average Water Quality Index value of the studied aquifer showed that, in general, the water is of excellent quality. Non-carcinogenic risks were determined primarily by uranium concentrations. The average danger index values for this element for children were 1.22. In adults it was slightly lower and amounted to 0.83. Carcinogenic risks are associated primarily with arsenic concentrations. The average total carcinogenic risk associated with this element was 3.8.10-5, which is acceptable, but samples from two wells showed total carcinogenic risk values above 10-4, which is in the high-risk area. For drinking purposes, it is preferable to use low-mineralized water with a minimum content of toxic elements. If necessary, preliminary aeration of the water is possible, during which precipitation of iron, arsenic and uranium occurs. Due to the typical nature of the problem under consideration for the Arctic regions, the results obtained can be used at other sites in the Subpolar zone.

The study assessed the health risks associated with heavy metal ingestion and explored the use of honey bee products as a bio-indicator for heavy metal pollution. All honey bee products tested showed heavy metals, but some honey samples had concentrations exceeding permissible limits for Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr. The mean concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) in the honey, propolis, bee wax, and bee pollen were Fe (1.32) > Zn (1.31) > Pb (0.46) > Ni (0.18) > Cr (0.16) > Cu (0.14) > Co (0.12) > Mn (0.05) > Cd (0.03), Fe (8) > Zn (1.13) > Mn (0.59) > Pb (0.13) > Ni (0.07) > Cu (0.06) > Co (0.05) > Cr (0.03) > Cd (0.02), Fe (1.31) > Pb (0.41) > Ni (0.407) > Zn(0.25) > Mn (0.12) > Co(0.10) > Cu (0.07) > Cr (0.05) > Cd (0.002), and Fe (2.2) > Zn (0.75) > Ni (0.25) > Pb (0.16) > Cu (0.05) > Mn (0.045) > Co (0.04) > Cr (0.01) > Cd(0.002), respectively. Similarly, the mean concentration of heavy metals (mg/kg) in the soil, flowers and pine pollen was Fe (539.08) > Zn (89.53) > Mn (66.91) > Ni (58.5) > Co (19.2) > Cr (11.42) > Pb (6.58) > Cu (5.71) > Cd (0.19), Fe (3.12) > Zn (0.95) > Mn (0.72) > Ni (0.29) > Cu (0.16) > Cr (0.14) > Pb (0.059) > Co (0.057) > Cd (0.003) and Fe (2.59) > Zn (1.75) > Mn (0.43) > Pb (0.34) > Co (0.1) > Cr (0.07) > Cu (0.06) > Cd (0.039) > Ni (0.03), respectively. The atomic absorption spectrophotometry procedure was validated through a recovery study and achieved accuracy through the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). The mean Bio concentration factor (BCF) indicated that the transfer from soil to honey was higher than from soil to flower. The metal pollution index (MPI) of the selected indicators was in descending order: soil > honey > flowers > propolis > pine pollen > beeswax > bee pollen. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were below one, showing no chronic health risk. The carcinogenic risk (CR) of Cd, Cr, and Ni in honey for children, male and female adults for the consumers exceeds the acceptable level, making Cd, Cr, and Ni the most concerning heavy metals in honey. The study suggests that regular monitoring of heavy metal pollution is essential.

Changes caused by air-cleaning devices in the amounts of volatile organic compounds in an intensive care unit were monitored in the study. The cancer risk and hazard index were calculated. The measurements were made for one month at isolated room and two different points and times in the intensive care unit. According to the sampling program, the air-cleaning devices were turned off in weeks 1 and 4 and turned on in weeks 2 and 3. Volatile organic compounds were collected by active sampling. Samples were analyzed by a thermal desorber coupled to a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry instrument with selective ion monitoring. The results showed that the concentrations of benzene, toluene, and o-xylene decreased by about 70% after the air-cleaning devices were installed. The cancer risk assessment for naphthalene was recorded at the highest level of cancer risk (Class A). The hazard index value of naphthalene was recorded at the harmful level when air-cleaning devices were not installed. The concentrations of benzene (p = 0.01), toluene (p = 0.02), ethylbenzene (p = 0.02), styrene (p = 0.01), and m, p-xylene (p = 0.04) before the air-cleaning devices were installed were significantly different from those recorded when the air-cleaning devices were turned on.