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In 2015, a breach in the Fundão Dam in Mariana (Minas Gerais State, Brazil) resulted in the release of contaminated tailings into the Doce River basin. This accident increased the concentrations of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), and manganese (Mn) in the soil, posing a potential hazard to the physiology of native species. The purpose of this study was to assess whether chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) in Allagoptera arenaria and Guapira pernambucensis changed following this accident when tested under different precipitation regimes in relation to soil properties and metal(loid) absorption. Our research was conducted in two sites located in the state of Espírito Santo in southeastern Brazil. Five independent biological replicates of A. arenaria and G. pernambucensis were selected at each site for nutritional and chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis. Five years after the dam rupture, A. arenaria and G. pernambucensis had absorbed As, Pb, and V. The increased amounts of metal(loid)s absorbed did not significantly impair the OJIP curve configuration for either species during the evaluated periods. However, A. arenaria at Biological Reserve of Comboios (RBC) during the rainy season showed increases in the values of maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (φP0) and total performance index on absorption basis (PITOTAL). These changes indicated more efficient tolerance mechanisms for increases in the concentrations of As, Pb, and V than those observed in G. pernambucensis. It was concluded that A. arenaria and G. pernambucensis exhibited an acclimation strategy in response to increased absorption of metal(loid)s.

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Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) play important roles in plant growth and defense under heavy metal (HM) stress. The direct integration of microbial and plant signals is key to the regulation of plant growth and HM stress defense, but the underlying mechanisms are still limited. Herein, we reveal a novel mechanism by which PGPR regulates plant growth-regulating substances in plant tissues and coordinates plant growth and defense in pak choi under cadmium (Cd) stress. This might be an efficient strategy and an extension of the mechanism by which plant-microbe interactions improve plant stress resistance. Azospirillum brasilense and heme synergistically reduced the shoot Cd content and promoted the growth of pak choi. The interaction between abscisic acid of microbial origin and heme improved Cd stress tolerance through enhancing Cd accumulation in the root cell wall. The interaction between A. brasilense and heme induced the growth-defense shift in plants under Cd stress. Plants sacrifice growth to enhance Cd stress defense, which then transforms into a dual promotion of both growth and defense. This study deepens our understanding of plant-microbe interactions and provides a novel strategy to improve plant growth and defense under HM stress, ensuring future food production and security.

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Environmental stressors in aquatic organisms can be assessed using a bioenergetic approach based on the evaluation of changes in their physiological parameters. We evaluated the chronic effects of cadmium (Cd2+) on the energy balance as well as the survival, growth, metabolism, nitrogen excretion, hepatosomatic index, oxidized energy substrate, and osmoregulation of the shrimp Penaeus vannamei with the hypothesis that the high energy demand related to the homeostatic regulation of Cd2+could disrupt the energy balance and as a consequence, their physiological functions. The shrimp exposed to Cd2+ had higher mortality (30%), directed more energy into growth (33% of energy intake), ingested 10% more energy, and defecated less than control animals. Cd2+ exposure caused a tendency to decrease metabolism and ammonia excretion but did not alter the hepatosomatic index, type of energy substrate oxidized, and the hyperosmorregulatory pattern of the species. The Cd+2 exposure may have induced a trade-off response because there was a growth rate increase accompanied by increased mortality.

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It is crucial to investigate the effects of mixtures of contaminants on aquatic organisms, because they reflect what occurs in the environment. Cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) are metals that co-occur in aquatic ecosystems, and information is scarce on their joint toxicity to Chlorophyceae using multiple endpoints. We evaluated the effects of isolated and combined Cd and Ni metals on multiple endpoints of the chlorophycean Raphidocelis subcapitata. The results showed that Cd inhibited cell density, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (up to 308% at 0.075 mg L-1 of Cd), chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence (0.050-0.100 mg L-1 of Cd), cell size (0.025-0.100 mg L-1 of Cd), and cell complexity in all concentrations evaluated. Nickel exposure decreased ROS production by up to 25% at 0.25 mg L-1 of Ni and Chl a fluorescence in all concentrations assessed. Cell density and oxygen-evolving complex (initial fluorescence/variable fluorescence [F0/Fv]) were only affected at 0.5 mg L-1 of Ni. In terms of algal growth, mixture toxicity showed antagonism at low doses and synergism at high doses, with a dose level change greater than the median inhibitory concentration. The independent action model and dose-level-dependent deviation best fit our data. Cadmium and Ni mixtures resulted in a significant increase in cell size and cell complexity, as well as changes in ROS production and Chl a fluorescence, and they did not affect the photosynthetic parameters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1855-1869. © 2024 SETAC.

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SUMMARY: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic element that accumulates in kidney and liver. L-carnitine(LC) is a natural compound that has been shown to exhibit antioxidant activity. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of L-carnitine against cadmium-induced changes in liver and kidney tissues in prepubertal female rats. In this study 21-day-old female Wistar Albino rats were used. Control, cadmium (2 mg/kg cadmium intraperitoneally), L-carnitine (300 mg/kg orally) and cadmium+L-carnitine groups were formed. Liver and kidney tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson Trichrome. Histological scoring was performed in liver and kidney. In the liver tissue given Cd, bile duct proliferation, inflammation cells and connective tissue in the portal area were decreased in treatment group. In kidneys, cadmium group treated with L-carnitine, it was observed that the capillary congestion in the kidneys decreased, but tubular dilatation continued in some places. In fibrosis scoring of the liver groups,statistically significant decrease was observed in the Cd+LC group compared to group of cadmium. In the histological scoring results of the kidney groups, statistically significant decrease in congestion and tubular epithelial degeneration was observed in the group treated with L-carnitine compared to group with cadmium. In conclusion medium-dose cadmium has toxic effects in liver and kidney of prepubertal female rats in subacute period,these effects are alleviated with L-carnitine.

El cadmio (Cd) es un elemento tóxico que se acumula en los riñones y el hígado. La L-carnitina (LC) es un compuesto natural que ha demostrado tener actividad antioxidante. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto de la L-carnitina contra los cambios inducidos por el cadmio en los tejidos del hígado y el riñón en ratas hembra prepúberes. En este estudio se utilizaron ratas Wistar Albinas hembra de 21 días de edad. Se formaron grupos control, cadmio (2 mg/kg de cadmio por vía intraperitoneal), L- carnitina (300 mg/kg por vía oral) y cadmio + L-carnitina. Se tiñeron secciones de tejido de hígado y riñón con Hematoxilina-Eosina y tricrómico de Masson. La puntuación histológica se realizó en hígado y riñón. En el tejido hepático que recibió Cd, la proliferación de los conductos biliares, las células inflamatorias y el tejido conectivo en el área portal disminuyeron en el grupo con tratamiento. En los riñones, en el grupo de cadmio tratado con L- carnitina, se observó que la congestión capilar disminuyó, pero la dilatación tubular continuó en algunos sitios. En la puntuación de fibrosis de los grupos de hígado, se observó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en el grupo de Cd+LC en comparación con el grupo de cadmio. Los resultados de puntuación histológica de los grupos de riñón, arrojó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en la congestión y el epitelio tubular Se observó degeneración en el grupo tratado con L-carnitina en comparación con el grupo con cadmio. En conclusión, las dosis medias de cadmio tienen efectos tóxicos en el hígado y los riñones de ratas hembras prepúberes en el período subagudo; estos efectos se alivian con L-carnitina.

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The assessment of human health risk due to the presence of hazardous elements in the environment is now necessary for environmental management and legislative initiatives. This study aims to determine the contamination by As, Cd, Pb, and Cr in soils near gold mines in three municipalities located in the Andean region of Colombia. One of the main objectives of the study is to explore possible correlations between the Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) and phytotoxicity biomarkers using a simple and rapid-response plant model, radish (Raphanus sativus L.). In the municipality of Yalí, Puerto Berrío, and Buriticá, the hazardous elements concentrations ranged from 8.1 to 35.5, 1.7 to 892, and 5.8 to 49.8 for As, 0.1 to 4.6, 0.1 to 65.2, and 0.5 to 18.2 for Cd, 18.5 to 201.3, 13.0 to 1908, and 189 to 2345 for Pb, and 5.4 to 118.4, 65.4 to 301, and 5.4 to 102.3 for Cr, respectively. The results showed that the biomarkers intracellular H2O2 concentration, antioxidant activity, and radicle elongation exhibited significant (P < 0.05) variations associated with the concentration of hazardous elements in the soils. Significant correlations (P < 0.05, r > 0.58) were found between the biomarkers and the LCR for Cd, Pb, and Cr, but not for As. The results using biomarkers reveal that soil pH and organic matter content are important variables that control the bioavailability of these elements in the soil. The use of indicators like LCR alone has limitations and should be accompanied by the use of biomarkers that allow for a better understanding of the biological system's response to exposure to potentially toxic elements. The results obtained show the urgent need to implement public policies to minimize exposure to hazardous substances in areas near gold mining projects.

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The excessive use of pesticides in agriculture and the widespread use of metals in industrial activities and or technological applications has significantly increased the concentrations of these pollutants in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, making aquatic biota increasingly vulnerable and putting many species at risk of extinction. Most aquatic habitats receive pollutants from various anthropogenic actions, leading to interactions between compounds that make them even more toxic. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the compounds Chlorpyrifos (insecticide) and Cadmium (metal), both individually and in mixtures, on the cladocerans Ceriodaphnia rigaudi and Ceriodaphnia silvestrii. Acute toxicity tests were conducted for the compounds individually and in mixture, and an ecological risk assessment (ERA) was performed for both compounds. Acute toxicity tests with Cadmium resulted in EC50-48 h of 0.020 mg L-1 for C. rigaudi and 0.026 mg L-1 for C. silvestrii, while tests with Chlorpyrifos resulted in EC50-48 h of 0.047 µg L-1 and 0.062 µg L-1, respectively. The mixture test for C. rigaudi showed the occurrence of additive effects, while for C. silvestrii, antagonistic effects occurred depending on the dose level. The species sensitivity distribution curve for crustaceans, rotifers, amphibians, and fishes resulted in an HC5 of 3.13 and an HC50 of 124.7 mg L-1 for Cadmium; an HC5 of 9.96 and an HC50 of 5.71 µg L-1 for Chlorpyrifos. Regarding the ERA values, Cadmium represented a high risk, while Chlorpyrifos represented an insignificant to a high risk.

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Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that acts as endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). Few studies have investigated the effects of Cd exposure on metabolic dysfunctions, such as type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM). Thus, we assessed whether subacute Cd exposure at occupational levels causes abnormalities in white adipose tissue (WAT), liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle. We administered cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (100 ppm in drinking water for 30 days) to female rats and evaluated Cd levels in serum and metabolic organs, morphophysiology, inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and gene expression. High Cd levels were found in serum, WAT, liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle. Cd-exposed rats showed low adiposity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress compared to controls. Cd exposure reduced adipocyte size, hyperleptinemia, increased cholesterol levels, inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis in WAT. Cd-exposed rats had increased liver cholesterol levels, insulin receptor beta (IRß) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC1α) expression, karyomegaly, inflammation, and fibrosis. Cd exposure reduced insulin levels and pancreatic islet size and increased inflammation and fibrosis. Cd exposure reduced skeletal muscle fiber diameter and increased IR expression and inflammation. Finally, strong positive correlations were observed between serum, tissue Cd levels, abnormal morphology, tissue inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, these data suggest that subacute Cd exposure impairs WAT, liver, pancreas and skeletal muscle function, leading to T1DM and T2DM features and other complications in female rats.

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We aimed to investigate whether the consumption of Egg White Hydrolysate (EWH) acts on nervous system disorders induced by exposure to Cadmium (Cd) in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into (a) Control (Ct): H2O by gavage for 28 days + H2O (i.p. - 15th - 28th day); (b) Cadmium (Cd): H2O by gavage + CdCl2 - 1 mg/kg/day (i.p. - 15th - 28th day); (c) EWH 14d: EWH 1 g/kg/day by gavage for 14 days + H2O (i.p.- 15th - 28th day); (d) Cd + EWH cotreatment (Cd + EWHco): CdCl2 + EWH for 14 days; (e) EWH 28d: EWH for 28 days; (f) EWHpre + Cd: EWH (1st - 28th day) + CdCl2 (15th - 28th day). At the beginning and the end of treatment, neuromotor performance (Neurological Deficit Scale); motor function (Rota-Rod test); ability to move and explore (Open Field test); thermal sensitivity (Hot Plate test); and state of anxiety (Elevated Maze test) were tested. The antioxidant status in the cerebral cortex and the striatum were biochemically analyzed. Cd induces anxiety, and neuromotor, and thermal sensitivity deficits. EWH consumption prevented anxiety, neuromotor deficits, and alterations in thermal sensitivity, avoiding neuromotor deficits both when the administration was performed before or during Cd exposure. Both modes of administration reduced the levels of reactive species, and the lipid peroxidation increased by Cd and improved the striatum's antioxidant capacity. Pretreatment proved to be beneficial in preventing the reduction of SOD activity in the cortex. EWH could be used as a functional food with antioxidant properties capable of preventing neurological damage induced by Cd.

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Dietary cadmium (Cd2+) intake is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and anaemia, but there is a paucity of information on the haematological changes in hypertensive conditions. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate the effects of Cd2+ on blood pressure (BP) and haematological indices in the Sprague-Dawley rat model. Three cohorts (n = 10 each) of control and Cd2+-fed male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. Cd2+-exposed rats received 2.5 or 5 mg/kg b.w. cadmium chloride via gavage thrice-weekly for eight weeks, while control animals received tap water. BP and flow were measured non-invasively from rat tails twice-weekly using a CODA machine, while weights were measured thrice-weekly. Haematological indices were assessed using the Cell-Dyn Emerald Haematology Analyzer. Data were reported as mean ± SEM, and statistically analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance. Bonferroni post hoc test was used for multiple comparisons. Cd2+-exposure induced hypertension by significantly (p < 0.05) elevating systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BPs, pulse pressure, and heart rate (HR), and increased (p < 0.05) blood flow. Mean cell volume (MCV) and haemoglobin (MCH) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, and red cell distribution width (RDW) significantly (p < 0.01) increased by exposure to 5 mg/kg b.w. Cd2+. Haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell, platelet, mean platelet volume, and white blood cell counts were unaffected by Cd2+-exposure. Cd2+ induced hypertension, microcytosis, hypochromicity, and anisocytosis without anaemia, which may be precursor to microcytic anaemia and coronary artery disease. This study is important in Cd2+-exposed environments and warrants further investigations.

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In order to assess the metal pollution in the southwestern Atlantic coast, levels of eleven metals: Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn and one metalloid: As in water and tissues of Odontesthes argentinensis from the Samborombón Bay (SB) and Partido de La Costa (PC) were examined. Additionally, bioconcentration, and bioaccumulation factors, estimated daily intake (EDI) for adults and children, and the hazard risk for fishermen and general populations were evaluated. Cadmium, Cu and Zn levels in the water samples exceeded the limits established by international guidelines for the protection of aquatic life in marine environments (CCME). The liver showed the highest concentrations of As, Cu, Fe, and Zn, while muscle showed the least levels of all elements examined. Bioaccumulation of Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn were observed in all tissues, while Ba and Sr bioaccumulated significantly in the gills. The fish δ15N values significantly varied between sites, however, no biodilution or biomagnification was observed. The Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) and the Carcinogenic Risk (CR) indices suggest that there is no human health risk to the fishermen and general populations from the O. argentinensis consumption. Furthermore, As (27%) and Cr (33%) concentrations in silversides from PC and SB, respectively, exceeded the levels recommended by local and international guidelines.

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Heavy metals are found naturally in our environment and have many uses and applications in daily life. However, high concentrations of metals may be a result of pollution due to industrialization. In particular, cadmium (Cd), a white metal abundantly distributed in the terrestrial crust, is found in mines together with zinc, which accumulates after volcanic eruption or is found naturally in the sea and earth. High levels of Cd have been associated with disease. In the human body, Cd accumulates in two ways: via inhalation or consumption, mainly of plants or fish contaminated with high concentrations. Several international organizations have been working to establish the limit values of heavy metals in food, water, and the environment to avoid their toxic effects. Increased Cd levels may induce kidney, liver, or neurological diseases. Cd mainly accumulates in the kidney, causing renal disease in people exposed to moderate to high levels, which leads to the development of end-stage chronic kidney disease or death. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of Cd-induced nephrotoxicity, the mechanisms of Cd damage, and the current treatments used to reduce the toxic effects of Cd exposure.

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This study estimates the intake of arsenic, lead and cadmium by the adult population (aged 18-91) of Cuba. The food consumption indices were obtained through 24-h dietary recall surveys applied to 450 people between October 2020 and March 2021. The Estimated Dietary Intake (EDI) of t-As (54.6 µg/day), Pb (118.5 µg/day) and Cd (35.1 µg/day) complied with Cuban legislation but was higher than the EDI for Cd established by the CONTAM Panel. The Target Hazard Quotients for the three contaminants were: iAs (0.220), Pb (0.409) and Cd (0.424), making the value of the Total Target Hazard Quotient 1.05, which indicates potential health risks for the population. Additionally, associated carcinogenic risks were: iAs (1.0·10-4), Pb (7.2·10-4) and Cd (25.9·10-4). Therefore, 10, 72 and 259 persons per 100,000 inhabitants are likely prone to developing cancer due to the ingestion of iAs, Pb and Cd, respectively.

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As a result of intensive anthropogenic impact in the biosphere there is a rapid process of accumulation of heavy metal salts. They have led to the aggravation of problems associated with the pollution of ecosystems and basic food products of plant and animal origin. Environmental pollution by these compounds is caused by their persistence in environmental objects, migration ability, accumulation by plants. This contributes to their accumulation in the human environment. A number of studies have shown that heavy metals have mutagenic, toxic effects and affect the intensity of biochemical processes. Therefore, the presence of heavy metals in the environment is extremely undesirable. Moreover, the ecological state of the environment is directly related to changes in the human internal environment. Deficiency or excess of certain bioelements in soils and drinking water or non-compliance with its stable chemical composition causes the development of dysmicroelementosis. The ecological situation of the Carpathian region is closely related to the state of soils and water resources. In this regard, it is advisable to study and control the level of cadmium compounds in the environment of the region. The study of the effect of cadmium intoxication on the macro- and microelement composition of the brain and myocardium of experimental animals is also worthwhile. Materials and methods. Soils and drinking water of the plain, foothill and mountainous zones of the region, as well as organs and tissues of experimental animals served as the object of research. Cadmium levels in drinking water and myocardial tissues and brain of experimental animals have been measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results and discussion. The study of soils in the Prykarpattia region has revealed an increase in the toxic element cadmium. Its content is 1.1-1.5 times higher than background levels. The analysis of drinking water allowed to establish that a significant number of people living in the plain and foothill zone of the region consume water with a high content of cadmium. The main stages of cadmium intake and accumulation in plants have been analyzed. Significant disorders in the body of experimental animals under conditions of excessive intake of cadmium compounds have been revealed. It was accompanied by the accumulation of cadmium in the myocardium and brain, on the background of redistribution of vital macronutrients calcium and magnesium along with micronutrients copper and zinc. Thus, excessive intake of cadmium salts causes the development of dysmicroelementosis, which is accompanied by a violation of the homeostasis of a living organism. It is suggested to conduct continuous monitoring of the level of toxicants in the ecosystem as an integral component of environmental monitoring.

Como consequência do intenso impacto antrópico na biosfera, um rápido processo de acúmulo de sais de metais pesados ocorre. Esse processo tem é um agravante para os problemas associados à poluição dos ecossistemas e dos produtos alimentares básicos de origem vegetal e animal. A poluição ambiental por esses compostos é causada por sua persistência em objetos ambientais, capacidade de migração, acúmulo pelas plantas. Isso contribui para o seu acúmulo no ambiente humano. Vários estudos mostraram que os metais pesados têm efeitos mutagênicos, tóxicos e afetam a intensidade dos processos bioquímicos. Portanto, a presença de metais pesados no meio ambiente é extremamente indesejável. Além disso, o estado ecológico do meio ambiente está diretamente relacionado às mudanças no ambiente interno humano. A deficiência ou excesso de certos bioelementos nos solos e na água potável ou o não cumprimento de sua composição química estável provoca o desenvolvimento da dismicroelementose. A situação ecológica da região dos Cárpatos está intimamente relacionada com o estado dos solos e dos recursos hídricos. Nesse sentido, é aconselhável estudar e controlar o nível de compostos de cádmio no ambiente da região. O estudo do efeito da intoxicação por cádmio na composição de macro e microelementos do cérebro e miocárdio de indivíduos experimentais também devem ser analisados. Solos e água potável das zonas plana, sopé e montanhosa da região, bem como órgãos e tecidos de indivíduos experimentais serviram de objeto de pesquisa. Os níveis de cádmio na água potável e nos tecidos do miocárdio e cérebro de indivíduos experimentais foram medidos por espectroscopia de absorção atômica. Nesse sentido, o estudo dos solos da região de Prykarpattia revelou um aumento do elemento tóxico cádmio. Seu conteúdo é 1,1-1,5 vezes maior que os níveis de fundo. A análise da água potável permitiu constatar que um número significativo de pessoas residentes na zona de planície e sopé da região consome água com elevado teor de cádmio. As principais etapas da ingestão e acúmulo de cádmio nas plantas foram analisadas. Distúrbios significativos no corpo de indivíduos experimentais sob condições de ingestão excessiva de compostos de cádmio foram revelados, acompanhados pelo acúmulo desse elemento no miocárdio e no cérebro, no contexto da redistribuição dos macronutrientes cálcio e magnésio, juntamente com os micronutrientes cobre e zinco. Assim, a ingestão excessiva de sais de cádmio causa o desenvolvimento de dismicroelementose acompanhada por uma violação da homeostase de um organismo vivo. Sugere-se a realização de monitoramento contínuo do nível de tóxicos no ecossistema como um componente integral do monitoramento ambiental.

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Metal contamination poses a significant threat to elasmobranchs, underscoring the need for targeted conservation approaches. The critically endangered Brazilian guitarfish, Pseudobatos horkelii, confronts an array of challenges, notably overexploitation, putting its survival at risk. Our study investigated the potential toxicity arising from arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) contamination across various adult guitarfish tissues from southeastern Brazil. Serological stress indicators, nutritional metabolites, and creatinine, an organ function marker, were also assessed, and Selenium (Se) levels were also investigated for possible protective effects. Our investigation unveiled significant correlations between metal concentrations and the determined physiological markers, shedding light on potential adverse effects. Remarkably, six correlations were indicative of how Hg and Pb negatively impact hepatic metabolite assimilation, while As was shown to influence renal phosphorus dynamics, Cd to affect rectal gland phosphorus regulation, and Pb to influence creatinine production in muscle tissue. Furthermore, Se demonstrated protective properties against Cd, Hg, and Pb, suggesting a role in alleviating the toxicity of these elements. Despite probable protective Se influences, the detected elemental interactions still suggest potential for organ impairment. These findings gain heightened significance within the context of the cumulative stressors faced by the Brazilian guitarfish, with metal contamination exhibiting the capacity to erode this species resilience against both anthropogenic and environmental pressures, thereby disrupting systemic equilibrium and jeopardizing wild populations. By investigating the intricate balance between metal accumulation and physiological consequences, our study contributes with crucial insights into potential conservation strategy formulations towards pollution for this critically endangered elasmobranch species.

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At the present time one of the tasks of modern agricultural industry consists in obtaining the ecologically safe and clean products. Contamination of soils with heavy metals due to an anthropogenic impact drives up their content in the composition of plant products. This shapes not only a reduction in crop yields, but also a deterioration in products quality. Within the terms of vegetation research in soil culture, there has been studied the protective and stimulating effect of sodium selenite upon the adaptive capacity of spring wheat plants of the variety Zlata under conditions of oxidative stress due to the soil contamination with cadmium. There has been studied the effect of different methods of sodium selenite application on the yield of spring wheat and the plants photosynthetic activity, depending on the level of soil contamination with cadmium. The object of research was a spring wheat variety Zlata. Plants have been cultivated in a greenhouse trial under soil culture conditions in Mitscherlich-vessels with a capacity of 6 kg of soil. Sod-podzolic soil has been used for research. Sodium selenite was introduced in three ways: pre-sowing seed treatment, foliar treatment of vegetative plants at the beginning of stage VI of organogenesis - the end of the tillering phase - the beginning of the stem-extension phase and the application of a salt solution into the soil when packing the vessels. The control samples represented variants without sodium selenite. To assess the plants photosynthetic productivity, there has been determined the chlorophyll content in plant leaves. The research results made it possible to determine the protective effect of sodium selenite on the adaptive capacity of plants under conditions of oxidative stress due to the soil contamination with cadmium. The increase in the adaptive capacity of plants manifested itself through the decrease in yield diminishing due to the improvement of conditions for fertile florets and ear initiations on the vegetative apex, as well as the development of flowers into grains, which contributed to increase in the grain content of the spike. The stimulating effect of selenium on the intensity of photosynthetic processes has been revealed, which showed not only the increase of chlorophylls content, but also the ratio changes of chlorophylls a and b.

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The objective of this work was to evaluate elemental changes in pepper exposed to Cd stress through different chemometric tools. For this purpose, pepper plants were grown under five different treatments with different Cd concentrations in the nutrient solution. Considering the hypothesis that pepper plants exposed to Cd stress during growth undergo changes in the macro- and microelemental distribution in leaves, stems, and roots, principal component analysis (PCA) and parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis were applied to compare bidirectional and multivariate chemometric strategies to assess elemental changes in pepper plants. Since the number of variables and the data generated were large and complex, the application of chemometric tools was justified to facilitate the visualization and interpretation of results. The mineral composition, namely the Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, and P contents, was assessed in 180 samples of leaves, stems, and roots of the cultivated peppers. Then, PCA and PARAFAC analysis were applied to compare bidirectional and multivariate chemometric strategies to assess elemental changes throughout pepper plants. The visualization of the trend on each sample and their intrinsic relationship with the variables were possible with the application of PCA. The use of PARAFAC analysis permitted the simultaneous study of all samples in a straightforward representation of the information that facilitated a quick and comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of elements in plants. Thus, macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, N, and P) that were found in higher concentrations in leaves did not present significant differences in the distribution along the plants under different treatment conditions. In contrast, a significant impact on the microelement (Cu, Fe, and Mn) distribution was produced between uncontaminated and contaminated samples. This analysis revealed a significant accumulation of Cd in roots and adverse effects on normal plant growth, demonstrating their level of phytotoxicity to pepper.

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Bioremediation of toxic metals is a feasible and low-cost remediation tool to reduce metal contamination. Plant-fungus interactions can improve this technique. Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms is a macrophyte reported to bioremediate contaminated water. Thus, the present study aimed to isolate endophytic fungi from E. crassipes, select a highly cadmium (Cd) tolerant isolate and evaluate its bioremediation potential. This was evaluated by (1) the fungus tolerance and capacity to accumulate Cd; (2) Cd effects on cell morphology (using SEM and TEM) and on the fungal antioxidant defense system, as well as (3) the effect on model plant Solanum lycopersicum L. cultivar Calabash Rouge, inoculated with the endophyte fungus and exposed to Cd. Our results selected the endophyte Mucor sp. CM3, which was able to tolerate up to 1000 g/L of Cd and to accumulate 900 mg of Cd/g of biomass. Significant changes in Mucor sp. CM3 morphology were observed when exposed to high Cd concentrations, retaining this metal both in its cytoplasm and in its cell wall, which may be linked to detoxification and metal sequestration mechanisms related to the formation of Cd-GSH complexes. In addition, Cd stress induced the activation of all tested antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) - in this endophytic fungus. Moreover, when inoculated in tomato plants, this fungus promoted plant growth (in treatments without Cd) and induced an increased metal translocation to plant shoot, showing its potential to increase metal bioremediation. Therefore, this study indicates that the isolated endophyte Mucor sp. CM3 can be applied as a tool in different plant conditions, improving plant bioremediation and reducing the environmental damage caused by Cd, while also promoting plant growth in the absence of contaminants.

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Prenatal exposure to potentially toxic metals (PTM) may impair fetal growth (FG). We investigated the relationship between maternal exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) and birth weight (BW) of 74 newborns. Blood was collected during the second trimester of pregnancy to determine Pb (PbB) and Cd (CdB), while hair (MnH) and toenails (MnTn) were used for Mn. Samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Sociodemographic and BW data were collected from questionnaires and maternity records, respectively. The medians (P25th-P75th) of PbB, CdB, MnH, and MnTn were, respectively, 0.9 (0.5-1.8) µg/dL; 0.54 (0.1-0.8) µg/L; 0.18 (0.1-0.4) µg/g; and 0.65 (0.37-1.22) µg/g. The means (standard deviation) of birth weight according to sex were 3067 (426.3) and 3442 (431) grams, respectively, for girls and boys. MnTn presented an inverse correlation with the BW/gestational age ratio for girls (rho = -0.478; p = 0.018), suggesting the effect of sex modification. Although BW correlation with CdB was not statistically significant, hierarchical linear regression (beta = -2.08; 95% CI-4.58 to 0.41) suggested a fetotoxic effect. These results confirmed the threat PTMs may represent and the need for more extensive research to elucidate their role in inadequate FG in developing countries.

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Heavy metals are elements found into the environment mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Naturally occurring and higher released doses cause disorders in the prostate, which depends on appropriate hormonal regulation, and exposure to heavy metals may impair prostate homeostasis. The current work highlighted the main mechanisms of toxicity of different environmental heavy metal contaminants, such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and nickel, and their impacts found in the prostate morphophysiology of murine models. The repercussions triggered by heavy metals on the prostate include hormonal imbalance and oxidative damage, leading to morphological alterations, which can vary according to the chemical properties of each element, exposure time and concentration, and age. The information of altered biological pathways and its impacts on the prostate of exposed murines are related to human outcomes being useful in the real context of human exposure.

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