Robert Stawarz

Concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in leg skeletal muscles of three species of wild birds

The aim of this study was to monitor accumulation of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in leg skeletal muscle of some wild birds from selected areas of Slovakia and the correlations among the heavy metals. A total of 160 wild birds representing 3 species—Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) (n = 24), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) (n = 68) and pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) (n = 68) were involved for analyses. Concentrations of heavy metals from samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Metal concentrations are expressed as mg/kg wet weight. The order of lead and arsenic concentrations in muscles of wild birds were as follows: mallard > pheasant > Eurasian coot; in the case of arsenic the differences were significant (P < 0.05). Muscle of Eurasian coot accumulated the highest concentration of cadmium and mercury followed by pheasant and the lowest in mallard, but differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Moderately negative correlations were noted in pheasant between cadmium and mercury (r = −0.39), and between mercury and arsenic (r = −0.45). Moderately negative correlation between cadmium and arsenic (r = −0.31) was found for Eurasian coot.

Concentration of trace elements in human semen and relation to spermatozoa quality.

In this study the concentrations of trace elements such as lead, cadmium, iron, nickel, copper and zinc in the human semen (n = 47), occurrence of pathological spermatozoa, and correlations of these elements to pathological forms were investigated. For each sample of human spermatozoa at least 500 spermatozoa were evaluated. Metal contents were determined by the voltametric method and flame absorption spectrophotometry method. The concentrations of trace elements in human semen were: lead 1.49 ± 0.40 mg.kg− 1, cadmium 0.13 ± 0.15 mg.kg− 1, iron 2.59 ± 0.21 mg.kg− 1, nickel 0.40 ± 0.07 mg.kg− 1, copper 0.28 ± 0.06 mg.kg− 1, and zinc 153.93 ± 67.08 mg.kg− 1, respectively. The total percentage of pathological spermatozoa was 41.61 ± 9.80% with predominancy of broken flagellum, flagellum torso and separated flagellum. In relation to trace elements the analysis showed correlation between copper and lead (r = −0.47), nickel and iron (r = 0.36), lead and flagellum ball (r = −0.39), cadmium and large heads (r = 0.37) and between iron and other forms of pathological spermatozoa (r = −0.32). Results of this study describe possible effects of trace elements on the spermatozoa quality in normal human sperm.

Mercury-induced alterations in rat kidneys and testes in vivo

In this study effects of mercury administration on the kidney and testicular structure of adult rats were evaluated. Rats received mercury (HgCl2) in single intraperitoneal dose 20 mg HgCl2 (group A), 10 mg HgCl2 (group B) and 5 mg HgCl2 (group C) per kilogram of body weight and were killed after 48 hours following mercury administration. After the preparation of histological samples the results were compared with control group (K). In kidney decreased diameters of glomeruli and renal corpuscles, damaged tubules with affected quality of tubular cells and infiltration of interstitium were detected. Quantitative analysis demonstrated increased relative volume of tubules and renal corpuscles. Also the number of nuclei and glomeruli was increased in all experimental groups. The diameter of glomeruli and renal corpuscles was decreased. In testis undulation of basal membrane, dilatation of blood vessels in interstitium and occurrence of empty spaces in germinal epithelium were observed. Decreased relative volume of germinal epithelium, increased relative volume of interstitium and increased apoptosis occurrence suggest damaged interstitium and revealed occurrence of edemas. The relative volume of seminiferous tubules showed higher luminization. The number of nuclei was decreased in all experimental groups what is in positive relation with occurrence of empty spaces. Also other evaluated criteria demonstrated significant differences between control group and experimental groups. This study reports a negative effect of mercury on the structure and function of kidney and testes.

Mercury concentrations in human placenta, umbilical cord, cord blood and amniotic fluid and their relations with body parameters of newborns

Studies were conducted on samples taken from giving birth women (n = 40) living in Poland, representing three age groups: 19-25, 26-30 and 31-38 years old. Mercury concentrations were measured with CV-AAS in placenta, umbilical cord, cord blood and amniotic fluid. The placentas weight did not exceed the 750 g value and was heavier than 310 g. Mean values of Hg concentrations in blood, placenta and umbilical cord were similar (c.a. 9 μg/g). High levels of mercury were noted in cord blood which in 75% of all observations exceeded (up to 17 μg/L) the safe dose set by US EPA (5.8 μg/L). No statistically significant differences in medium level of Hg in all the studied tissues among age groups of women were observed. Positive correlations between Hg concentrations in placenta and umbilical cord and cord blood were revealed as well as some negative ones between mercury concentrations and pregnancy parameters.

Daily fluctuations and distribution of xenobiotics, nutritional and biogenic elements in human milk in Southern Poland

Cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium levels were determined (with voltametric and AAS methods) in mature breast milk (obtained 12 weeks after birth) from women living in the Malopolska District, near Krakow, Poland. Milk was sampled from lactating women during a 14-day period three times a day: at 9:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 9:00 pm. A total of 210 milk samples was collected. In general we noticed the presence of differences both in the levels of Cd and Pb between milk samples taken from diferent women and statistically significant daily changes of Cd level in two cases and Pb level in three cases. We found daily fluctuations of trace elements levels in milk samples taken from two women in case of Zn, and from one woman in case of Cu. Among the nutritional elements magnesium and cadmium daily fluctuations were detected in isolated cases, respectively. The diferences in their levels among samples taken from different women were statistically significant. We found significant correlations between xenobiotics and two major nutritional elements and between xenobiotics and biogenic elements in breast milk samples. We found strong positive correlations between Cd and Ca (R = 0.220), Cd and Mg (R = 0.201), Cd and Zn (R = 0.279), Cu and Ca (R = 0.347), Cu and Mg (R = 0.084), Zn and Mg (R = -0.089) and negative correlation between Pb and Ca (R = -0.295). Our results suggest that xenobiotics such as Cd and Pb are transported to womens milk during lactation, and their presence has an important influence on trace and nutritional elements in breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid situations in which they run the risk of xenobiotics interactions.

Environmental concentration of selected elements and relation to physicochemical parameters in honey

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content of selected elements and physicochemical indicators of the honey of Apis mellifera. Samples of blossom, blend and honeydew honeys were randomly obtained from the Eastern, Western and Central of Slovakia. Contents of elements were measured with the use of flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) method and anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) method with CGMDE as working electrode. The content of heavy metals (mg/kg dry weight) ranged as follows: Zn 0.25–3.82; Cu 0.12–1.37; Ni 0.06–0.60; Mg 0.10–50.43; Ca 10.32–87.21; Pb and Cd were under detectable limit (0.001 mg/kg). The physical and chemical indicators ranged as follows: moisture (%) 16.00–19.80; HMF (mg/kg) 10.00–40.00; pH 3.58–5.12; conductivity (mS/m) 13.45–99.12 and a w 0.456–0.659. Significant difference (P < 0.05) for elements and physicochemical indicators was analyzed. Significant correlations between Cu – Zn, Cu – Ni, Cu – Mg, Ca – Zn and Ca – Mg were detected. With reference to Codex Alimentarius of Slovakia, maximal levels of heavy metals content and selected physicochemical properties were not exceeded. On average, the content of trace elements decreased in the order: Ca > Mg > Zn > Cu > Ni and physicochemical indicators decreased: conductivity > HMF > moisture > pH > aw.

In vitro effect of nickel on bovine spermatozoa motility and annexin V-labeled membrane changes

In this study the effect of in vitro culture of bovine spermatozoa with nickel (NiCl2) on spermatozoa motility and membrane changes was analyzed. The spermatozoa motility significantly decreased after 120 min of culture at the concentration of 1000 μm Ni ml−1 (P < 0.05) and after 240 min of culture at the concentration of 500 and 1000 μm Ni ml−1 (P < 0.001) as compared with control. The progressive motility was the highest in the control group and in the groups with the lowest nickel concentrations (7.8 and 125 μm Ni ml−1). The progressive spermatozoa motility was significantly altered even after 30 min of culture in the group with the highest nickel concentration (1000 μm Ni ml−1). A significant decrease in progressive motility from the concentration of 250 μm Ni ml−1 was detected after 240 min of culture. Concentrations from 125 μm Ni ml−1 in various time periods of culture stimulated spermatozoa motility after 30 min (P < 0.001), but later an inhibitory effect was noted. After 240 min of in vitro spermatozoa culture with 125 μm Ni ml−1 a typical Annexin V fluorescence reaction was detected. Fluorescence was detected in mitochondrial segment of bovine spermatozoa. In spermatozoa exposed to higher nickel concentrations the Annexin V‐positive reaction was detected also on the spermatozoa head membrane. In the group with the highest concentration and the longest time of exposure (1000 μm Ni ml−1; 240 min) the apoptotic Annexin‐positive regions were detected not only in the mitochondrial part, but also in the spermatozoa head (acrosomal and postacrosomal part), showing significant alteration of spermatozoa membrane integrity. Copyright

Heavy metal content in the femora of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) from different types of polluted environment in Slovakia

Heavy metal content in the femora of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) caught in different polluted biotopes of a low hill level in Slovakia (Nováky and Kolín̆any) was investigated in the present study. Length, weight and histological structure of mouse bones have also been analysed. According to our results, higher concentrations of Cd, Ni, Fe, Cu and Zn were detected in the femora of A. flavicollis from Kolín̆any area. Similarly, we observed higher concentrations of Ni, Fe, Cu and Zn in the bones of A. sylvaticus trapped at the same biotope. Significant differences were observed for concentrations of Ni and Zn in both species (P < 0.05). The measured values for bone length and bone weight were higher in yellow-necked mice and wood mice from Nováky locality (P < 0.01). Histological observation of thin sections from femora of A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus revealed an outer and inner non-vascular lamellar layer around a poorly developed reticular layer. We did not identify demonstrable changes in qualitative histological characteristics of the femora between the mice (A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus separately) from different types of polluted environment. Also, no statistically significant differences for all the measured variables of primary osteons’ vascular canals were observed. Correlation analysis in yellow-necked mouse showed high positive relation between bone weight and bone length (r = 0.66), area and perimeter (r = 0.87) and perimeter and maximum diameter (r = 0.87). In wood mouse, high positive correlation between bone weight and bone length (r = 0.80), area and perimeter (r = 0.72), area and maximum diameter (r = 0.66) and perimeter and maximum diameter (r = 0.74) was found. Our results demonstrate slightly elevated accumulation of some heavy metals in the femora of yellow-necked mouse and wood mouse from Kolín̆any biotope and thus give an evidence of a contamination of the environment.

Cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations and their influence on morphological parameters in blood donors from different age groups from southern Poland

Due to industrial development, environmental contamination with metals increases which leads to higher human exposure via air, water and food. In order to evaluate the level of the present exposition, the concentrations of metals can be measured in such biological materials as human blood. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in blood samples from male blood donors from southern Poland (Europe) born in 1994 (n=30) and between 1947 and 1955 (n=30). Higher levels of Pb were seen in the group of older men (4.48 vs 2.48μg/L), whereas the Hg levels were lower (1.78 vs 4.28μg/L). Cd concentrations did not differ between age groups (0.56μg/L). The levels of Cd and Pb in older donors were significantly correlated (Spearman R 0.5135). We also observed a positive correlation between the number of red blood cells (RBC) and Hg concentrations in the older group (Spearman R 0.4271). Additionally, we noted numerous correlations among morphological parameters. Based on our results, we can state that metals influence the blood morphology and their concentrations in blood vary among age groups.

Concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc in tissues of mallard and coot from southern Poland

The aim of this study was to present the content of cadmium, copper and zinc in tissues of the most common game waterbirds from southern Poland. Concentrations of the three metals were measured in brain, pectoral muscle, heart muscle, liver and kidney of mallard (n = 10) and coot (n = 10) shot in 2003 on fishponds around Zator, Southern Poland. The lowest concentrations were noted in the case of cadmium. Its highest median occurred in kidney (mallard 8.4251 μg/g d.w., coot 5.0704 μg/g d.w.). Average concentrations of this element in muscles oscillated in both species around 0.94 μg/g d.w. In the comparison of cadmium concentrations to the safety norms for consumable meat, almost all samples were non-fit for human consumption. Copper concentrations showed a significant variation between species but their range in different tissues was generally narrow. The highest median was noted among mallards in liver (39.4863 μg/g d.w.) and among coots in pectoral muscle (40.2684 μg/g d.w.). Zinc concentrations did not differ statistically between species only in the case of liver and kidney. Median of this element hit to 98.4883 μg/g d.w. (liver of mallard) and 107.6153 μg/g d.w. (heart muscle of coot). No statistically significant correlations between concentrations of studied metals in different samples were noted. Concentrations of study elements were also evaluated in environmental samples. Water contained trace amounts of researched elements (medians from 0.0401 for Cd to 0.1251 mg/L for Cu). In deposit and forage samples, zinc occurred in the highest concentration (median up to 56.7701 μg/g d.w.).