Relative importance of food and water sources to cadmium uptake by Gambusia affinis (Poeciliidae).

Bioaccumulation and oxidative stress parameters in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) exposed to different thorium concentrations.

The adult male albino rats were grouped into five groups (control group and four variably treated groups with thorium (Th) in single or successive with or without alginate treatment). The IP administration of thorium nitrate (13.6 mg/kg b.wt.) induced a regional distribution and accumulation ordered as cerebellum > cerebral cortex > brain stem > hippocampus > hypothalamus > striatum. Also, it induces a significant increase in Na+, Ca2+, and Fe3+ ion content and malondialdehyde (MDA) level while K+ ions and glutathione (GSH) level were significantly decreased. On the other hand, the daily oral administration of 5% alginate showed a significant decreasing in the accumulation of thorium in the different brain areas and mitigated its hazardous effects. By the alginate treatment, Na+, Ca2+, Fe3+, and level of MDA were declined while K+ ions and GSH level showed a significant increase. The improvement of the investigated parameters was attributed to the specific chelating, regeneration, and antioxidant properties of the alginate. So, alginate administration could ameliorate the hazardous effects of thorium nitrate.

A Neuro-Comparative Study between Single/Successive Thorium Dose Intoxication and Alginate Treatment

Review of methods for assessing the carcinogenic hazards from coal-using energy technologies

The second Research Triangle Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment was held to further highlight the many diverse aspects of trace metal research currently being conducted by area scientists. The biological effects of toxic trace metals in both marine and agricultural ecosystems as well as aspects of metal analysis, biochemistry, and toxicology were examined in the first phase of the conference. Research papers on trace metal analysis, biochemistry, and toxicology were presented on the second day of the conference.

B A Fowler

Papers

Heavy metals in the environment II: overview.