IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN RESTRICTION OF COVID-19 ON SELECTIVE DISSOLVED HEAVY METALS IN COASTAL WEST BENGAL

In this study, the effect of COVID-19 lockdown (2020) on dissolved heavy metal load (Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the coastal West Bengal were analyzed concerning the pre-COVID 19 phases (2016-2019). Two stations namely Shankarpur (Stn.1) and Haldia (Stn. 2) were selected for the study as both have two contrasting operational features. Haldia is an important port-cum-industrial complex whereas Shankarpur is an important fish landing station-cum-tourism site. The results showed that in both the stations there was a drastic fall in the metal concentrations due to lockdown implementation, but in Haldia, the aquatic health exhibits much improvement as in lockdown there was complete shut-down of the industries. ANOVA results also highlight significant variations between the two stations as well as between the pre COVID-19 (2016-2019) and COVID-19 lockdown phases.

Retention of metals in periprosthetic tissues of patients with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty is reflected in the synovial fluid to blood cobalt transfer ratio in the presence of a pseudotumour

Background Modern metal-on-metal (MOM) arthroplasties were performed for over a decade before alarming reports of adverse metal reactions dramatically reduced their use. Failures are seen more often with high-wearing implants, but also well-positioned components with more favourable wear patterns can cause problems. There are no specific clinical indicators that could help us to predict the prognosis of these implants. For this reason, we still need more information on the effect of underlying factors that contribute to this process. Methods In this prospective cohort study, we investigated how cup orientation and type of pseudotumour determined by the Hart classification effect the distribution of metals in blood, synovial fluid and tissues surrounding the metal-on-metal hip prosthesis in revision surgery patients. One thousand two hundred twenty-nine metal-on-metal hip patients were screened and of those, 60 patients that had a revision surgery due to adverse metal reaction were included. Whole blood, synovial fluid and synovial/pseudotumour tissue samples were analysed for metal ion concentrations (Co, Cr, Mo and Ti). Results The lowest metal concentrations were found when both cup anteversion and inclination were optimal, and the highest when both were suboptimal. Suboptimal anteversion alone raised Cr-ion concentrations more than suboptimal inclination. The concentrations of metals in blood, synovial fluid or synovial soft tissue were the same in patients with and without a pseudotumour, but the relative transfer percentage of cobalt from synovial fluid to blood was higher in patients with a pseudotumour. Conclusions The implant orientation alone does not explain the metal concentrations found in tissues or distribution of metals between different tissues. The accumulation of metals in periprosthetic soft tissues increase the total metal load, and in the presence of a pseudotumour this is reflected in the transfer ratio of Co from synovial fluid to the blood. The total metal load of the pseudotumour tissue should be defined in future studies to determine if this will provide new insights for clinical practice.

Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Load in Soils of Ebocha Gas Flaring Site in Rivers State, Nigeria

The negative impact of gas flaring on the environment cannot be overemphasised. This study assessed the effect of gas flaring on the physicochemical properties and heavy metal contents in soils of Ebocha gas flaring site in Rivers State. It involved the assessment of various distances from gas flaring point to 200 meters away (50 m, 100 m, 150 m, and 200 m) which represents the extent of gas flared pollution on soils to determine the physicochemical properties and heavy metal load. The gas flaring significantly decreased soil organic carbon and calcium content when compared with non-gas flaring polluted soils. Soil acidity increased, soil exchangeable ions decreased. N, P and K were altered in gas flared soils when compared to the controls. There were detrimental effects on soils physicochemical properties. Heavy metals observed were Cd (Cadmium), Ni (Nickel), As (Arsenic), Cr (Chromium), while Pb (Lead) was not detected. The concentration of heavy metals in gas flared soils decreases down soil depth from 0-15 cm to 45-60 cm respectively. The gas flaring extremely caused the acidic nature of gas flared soils. Coefficient of variation (CV) in percentage shows significant increase in acidic nature of the gas flared soils when compared with the control soils.

Relationship Between Metal Load (Selenium, Arsenic, Molybdenum) of Soil, Plant and Serum of Buffaloes

Presence of hazardous minerals in three major components (soil, forage and buffalo serum) was evaluated for determining extent of metal contamination in Sargodha, Pakistan. Ten soil and forage samples for each season were taken from ten randomly selected sites. 30 grazing buffaloes of �niliravi� breed (calves, non-lactating and lactating) were also sampled randomly from these sites for collection of serum. Heavy metal quantification via atomic absorption spectrophotometry was carried out for selenium, molybdenum and arsenic. Non-significant but positive correlation was found for selenium (Se) concentrations in soil, forage and serum and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in soil and serum. Negative correlation (p]0.05) was obtained for Mo level between forage-serum and soil-forage which was indicative of molybdenum deficiency in the soil. The results suggested that the heavy metals remained below maximum permissible levels and were non-toxic for the ruminants of the study area.

Spatial variations of mercury in sediments of Aviles Harbour and its implications on dredging

<p>Aviles estuary is one of the most impacted estuaries of the north of Spain. In its margins, there are several heavy industries such as steel, zinc and aluminium factories together with other little factories dedicated to secondary metallurgical products. Because of the intense metallurgical activities developed in the area, sediments of the estuary show an important metal load. Among the different heavy metals present in the estuary, Hg in one of the most important due to its toxicity and potential transference to biota. To study the Hg concentrations present in the estuary, 52 scattered samples were collected. Samples were analysed for total Hg, and other parameters such as grain size, organic matter and sulphur have been determined. Total Hg concentration in the estuary sediments ranged between 0.1 to 18.3µg g<sup>-1</sup> with an average of 4.3 µg g<sup>-1</sup>. The particle size of the sediment governed the mercury dispersion in the estuary. In the inner part where silt and clay fraction are predominant, Hg showed the highest values while in areas where sands predominate Hg concentrations decrease. The Hg concentration in a total of 36 samples exceed the probable effect level established by NOAA, which suggest that Hg may be transferred to the biota of the estuary and could be a problem for the health status of the area. On the other hand, concentrations of 26 samples were above the C level of the Spanish dredging regulations, limiting its management to encapsulation in non-vulnerable areas or its management as waste by an authorized manager.</p>