Researcher Profile and Settings

Master

Affiliation (Master)

• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine　Veterinary Medicine　Environmental Veterinary Sciences

Affiliation (Master)

• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine　Veterinary Medicine　Environmental Veterinary Sciences

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Profile and Settings

Degree

• PhD (Toxicology)（Hokkaido University）

Profile and Settings

• Name (Japanese)

  Yohannes

• Name (Kana)

  Yared Beyene

• Name

  201501018717896290

Achievement

Research Areas

• Environmental science/Agricultural science / Environmental impact assessment
• Environmental science/Agricultural science / Environmental effects of chemicals

Published Papers

• Role of brain monoamines in acetamiprid-induced anxiety-like behavior.

  Anri Hirai, Chitoku Toda, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Nimako Collins, Mai Tamba, Kei Nomiyama, Akifumi Eguchi, Nobuhiko Hoshi, Tetsushi Hirano, Shouta M M Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka, Yoshinori Ikenaka

  Toxicology 153839 - 153839 2024/05/21 [Refereed]
   

  Neonicotinoid (NN) pesticides have been linked to increased brain dysfunction in mammals, such as anxiety-like behavior; this is thought to involve monoamines (MA), neurotransmitters that control behavior, memory, and learning. However, the mechanism by which NNs affect the central nervous system is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether MAs affect NNs-induced anxiety-like behavior. Mice were orally administered acetamiprid (ACE), an NN, at the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of mouse (20mg/kg body mass) set by the Food Safety Commission of Japan, and the elevated zero-maze (EZM) test was performed 30min after administration. After behavioral analysis, levels of four MA (dopamine, 3-MT, serotonin, and histamine) in selected brain regions were determined by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). In the exposed group, a trend toward increased anxiety-like behavior was observed, and at least one MA concentration was significantly increased in each region. Further, significant correlations were found between behavioral test results and hippocampal serotonin and striatal dopamine concentrations, as well as between dopamine and serotonin concentrations, in the exposed group. As anxiety can influence activity in the behavioral tests, the activity of neurons in the raphe nuclei (RN), a brain region greatly involved in anxiety via the serotonergic system, was examined by staining with anti-serotonin antibodies, and increased serotonergic activity was observed. Taken together, these results suggest that ACE regulates MA levels, notably serotonin levels in the hippocampus and that RN plays an important role in ACE-induced anxiety-like behavior.
• Current situation of lead (Pb) exposure in raptors and waterfowl in Japan and difference in sensitivity to in vitro lead exposure among avian species.

  Mizuki Maruyama, Nana Ushine, Yukiko Watanabe, Chihiro Ishii, Keisuke Saito, Hidefumi Sakai, Takeshi Kuritani, Rio Doya, Kohei Ogasawara, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Mayumi Ishizuka, Shouta M M Nakayama

  Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) 123907 - 123907 2024/04/04 

  Although lead (Pb) poisoning in wild birds has been considered a serious problem in Japan for over 30 years, there is little information about Pb exposure and its sources throughout Japan except for Hokkaido. Furthermore, to identify and effectively prioritize the conservation needs of highly vulnerable species, differences in sensitivity to Pb exposure among avian species need to be determined. Therefore, we investigated the current situation of Pb exposure in raptors (13 species, N = 82), waterfowl (eight species, N = 44) and crows (one species, N = 6) using concentration and isotope analysis. We employed blood or tissue samples collected in various Japanese facilities mainly in 2022 or 2023. We also carried out a comparative study of blood δ-ALAD sensitivity to in vitro Pb exposure using blood of nine avian species. Pb concentrations in the blood or tissues displayed increased levels (>0.1 μg/g blood) in two raptors (2.4%), ten waterfowl (23%) and one crow (17%). Among them, poisoning levels (>0.6 μg/g blood) were found in one black kite and one common teal. The sources of Pb isotope ratios in ten blood samples with high Pb levels were determined as deriving from shot pellets (N = 9) or rifle bullets (N = 1). In the δ-ALAD study, red-crowned crane showed the highest sensitivity among the nine tested avian species and was followed in order by five Accipitriformes species (including white-tailed and Steller's sea eagle), Blakiston's fish owl, Muscovy duck and chicken, suggesting a genetically driven variance in susceptibility. Further studies on contamination conditions and exposure sources are urgently needed to inform strict regulations on the usage of Pb ammunition. Furthermore, detailed examinations of δ-ALAD sensitivity, interspecific differences, and other factors involved in the variability in sensitivity to Pb are required to identify and prioritize highly sensitive species.
• Effect of chicken manure amendment on lead burden in mice: exposure to lead-spiked soil

  Nyein Chan Soe, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Takamitsu Ohigashi, Hokuto Nakata, Chikae Tatsumi, Yoshitaka Uchida, Walubita Mufalo, Mayumi Ito, Tsutomu Sato, Toshifumi Igarashi, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama

  Journal of Soils and Sediments 1439-0108 2024/03/13
• Quantification of the tissue distribution and accumulation of the neonicotinoid pesticide clothianidin and its metabolites in maternal and fetal mice.

  Tetsushi Hirano, Shuji Ohno, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kanoko Onaru, Shizuka Kubo, Yuka Miyata, Mizuki Maeda, Youhei Mantani, Toshifumi Yokoyama, Collins Nimako, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Shouta M M Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka, Nobuhiko Hoshi

  Toxicology and applied pharmacology 116847 - 116847 2024/02/07 

  Neonicotinoids (NNs) are commonly used pesticides that have a selective agonistic action on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Recent evidence has shown that NNs have adverse effects in the next generation of mammals, but it remains unclear how NNs transferred from dams to fetuses are distributed and accumulated in fetal tissues. Here, we aimed to clarify the tissue distribution and accumulation properties of the NN clothianidin (CLO) and its 6 metabolites in 7 tissues and blood in both dams and fetuses of mice administered CLO for a single day or for 9 consecutive days. The results showed that the total concentrations of CLO-related compounds in the brain and kidney were higher in fetuses than in dams, whereas in the liver, heart, and blood they were lower in fetuses. The multi-day administration increased the total levels in heart and blood only in the fetuses of the single administration group. In addition, dimethyl metabolites of CLO showed fetus/dam ratios >1 in some tissues, suggesting that fetuses have higher accumulation property and are thus at higher risks of exposure to CLO-related compounds than dams. These findings revealed differences in the tissue-specific distribution patterns of CLO and its metabolites between dams and fetuses, providing new insights into the assessment of the developmental toxicity of NNs.
• Evaluation of anticoagulant rodenticide sensitivity by examining in vivo and in vitro responses in avian species, focusing on raptors

  Kraisiri Khidkhan, Fuyu Yasuhira, Aksorn Saengtienchai, Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua, Ratiwan Sitdhibutr, Kohei Ogasawara, Hikaru Adachi, Yukiko Watanabe, Keisuke Saito, Hidefumi Sakai, Kazuo Horikoshi, Hajime Suzuki, Yusuke K. Kawai, Kazuki Takeda, Yared B. Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Barnett A. Rattner, Mayumi Ishizuka, Shouta M.M. Nakayama

  Environmental Pollution 122837 - 122837 0269-7491 2023/11
• Association between Chronic Environmental Lead (Pb) Exposure and Cytokines in Males and Females of Reproductive Age from Kabwe, Zambia.

  Andrew Kataba, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Hokuto Nakata, John Yabe, Haruya Toyomaki, Kaampwe Muzandu, Golden Zyambo, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka, Shouta M M Nakayama

  International journal of environmental research and public health 20 (8) 2023/04/20 

  Lead (Pb) poisoning remains a great public health challenge globally known to induce a wide range of ailments in both children and adults. The current study investigated the association of chronic environmental Pb exposure and immunomodulatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in adult males and females living in Kabwe, Zambia. The standard human cytokine/chemokine Milliplex assay was used to quantify plasma cytokines from four groups categorized as low (<10 μg/dL) and high (>10 μg/dL) blood lead level (BLL) groups, namely, low BLL female (n = 47; BLL = 3.76 μg/dL), low BLL Male (n = 43; BLL = 4.13 μg/dL), high BLL female (n = 21; BLL = 23.5 μg/dL), and high BLL male (n = 18; BLL = 23.7 μg/dL), respectively. The low BLL group was associated with increased TNF-α levels, and the high BLL group was associated with reduced TNF-α levels in female subjects. No associations between BLL and the levels of IL-8 and TNF-α cytokines were observed in either females or males, respectively. A negative correlation between BLL and TNF-α was found in female subjects, suggesting that an increase in BLL accompanied by a reduction in TNF-α. The reduced levels of circulating TNF-α in female subjects suggest that chronic Pb exposure could predispose females to immune and inflammation-related disorders than their male counterparts. Further studies are recommended to ascertain the impact of chronic Pb exposure on immunomodulatory cytokines, especially in females.
• Characteristics of tissue distribution, metabolism, effects on brain catecholamines, and environmental exposure of frogs to neonicotinoid insecticides.

  So Shinya, Fumiya Nishibe, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Mayumi Ishizuka, Shouta M Nakayama, Yoshinori Ikenaka

  Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands) 257 106437 - 106437 2023/04 

  Pesticide exposure is considered to be one important factor responsible for declining amphibian populations worldwide. The usage of neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) has markedly increased in recent years, and there are concerns regarding the effects of NNI-induced toxicity on the development and behavior of amphibians. However, there have been few reports on the metabolism, distribution, and neurotoxicity of NNIs in amphibians. In this study, we exposed the Western clawed frog (Silurana tropicalis) to clothianidin (CLT) in water. After 24 h of exposure, the highest concentrations were detected in the skin, indicating that frogs are at a high risk of absorbing CLT through their skin along with water. Excretion of CLT was estimated based on the concentrations of CLT metabolites in the water until 48 h of exposure. The findings showed that frogs had higher CLT metabolic ability than zebrafish. Serotonin levels in the brain were lower in the high-concentration CLT exposure group than in the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant. This suggested that catecholamine-related effects of CLT on the brain cannot be disregarded. In addition, quantitative analyses of NNI residue in wild frogs, soil, and water in agricultural areas in Hokkaido, Japan, were performed and four NNIs were detected. These results indicated the possible risk of NNI-induced toxicity in frogs. This is the first report of the characteristics of tissue distribution and metabolism of NNIs in frogs, which may facilitate the design of appropriate conservation programs for amphibians.
• Investigation of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) on xenobiotic enzyme disruption and metabolomic bile acid biosynthesis in DDT-sprayed areas using wild rats.

  Kodai Motohira, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Akifumi Eguchi, Shouta Mm Nakayama, Victor Wepener, Nico J Smit, Johan Hj VAN Vuren, Mayumi Ishizuka

  The Journal of veterinary medical science 85 (2) 236 - 243 2023/01/02 

  Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is an organochlorine insecticide used worldwide. Several studies have reported the toxic effects of DDT and its metabolites on steroid hormone biosynthesis; however, its environmental effects are not well understood. This study examined wild rats collected in DDT-sprayed areas of South Africa and quantified plasma metabolites using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS). Fold change analysis of the metabolome revealed the effect of DDT on bile acid biosynthesis. Gene expression of the related enzyme in rat liver samples was also quantified. Significant association was found between DDT and gene expression levels related to constitutive androstane receptor mediated enzymes, such as Cyp2b1 in rat livers. However, our results could not fully demonstrate that enzymes related to bile acid biosynthesis were strongly affected by DDT. The correlation between DDT concentration and gene expression involved in steroid hormone synthesis in testis was also evaluated; however, no significant correlation was found. The disturbance of metabolic enzymes occurred in rat liver in the target area. Our results suggest that DDT exposure affects gene expression in wild rats living in DDT-sprayed areas. Therefore, there is a need for DDT toxicity evaluation in mammals living in DDT-sprayed areas. We could not find an effective biomarker that could reflect the mechanism of DDT exposure; however, this approach can provide new insights for future research to evaluate DDT effects in sprayed areas.
• Accumulation of Metals in the Environment and Grazing Livestock near A Mongolian Mining Area.

  Bayartogtokh Bataa, Kodai Motohira, Delgermurun Dugar, Tsend-Ayush Sainnokhoi, Lkhamjav Gendenpil, Tserenchimed Sainnokhoi, Bolormaa Pelden, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Sumiya Ganzorig, Shouta M M Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka, Yoshinori Ikenaka

  Toxics 10 (12) 2022/12/10 

  The Mongolian economy is supported by rich deposits of natural resources, such as copper, coal, and gold. However, the risk of heavy metal pollution to livestock and human have been recently discussed. This research collected various samples from soil and animal (sheep, goat, horse, cow, and camel), blood and organs (kidney and liver) in the Mongolian countryside. These samples were processed, and the concentration of metals was quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). As previously reported, arsenic was found at high levels of accumulation in soil. Selenium is another concern, as median concentration in one area exceeded the maximum allowable level. Cadmium and selenium were found to be highly accumulated in animal kidney. This research revealed the current pollution level in Mongolia based on evaluation of soil and animals. The concentration in animals could not indicate that animals had severe effects because of heavy metal exposure. However, kidney is eaten in Mongolia, and so there is a direct connection to human health, and this research suggested the possible risks posed by each edible animal. In particular, evaluation of metals in livestock is rare in Mongolia. This result can contribute to animal and human health in Mongolian communities.
• Characteristics of cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism in the liver of the wild raccoon, Procyon lotor.

  So Shinya, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta Mm Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka, Shoichi Fujita

  The Journal of veterinary medical science 84 (12) 1665 - 1672 2022/11/02 

  Wildlife is exposed to a wide range of xenobiotics in the natural environment. In order to appropriately assess xenobiotic-induced toxicity in wildlife, it is necessary to understand metabolic capacities. Carnivores, in general, have low metabolic abilities, making them vulnerable to a variety of chemicals. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the wild have been found to have high levels of xenobiotics. However, little is known about the metabolic capacity of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in this species. Thus, this study used liver samples to investigate the characteristics of CYP enzymes in wild raccoons. In 22 wild raccoons, CYP concentrations in hepatic microsomes were examined. To better understand the properties of CYP-dependent metabolism, in vitro metabolic activity studies were performed using ethoxyresorufin, pentoxyresorufin and testosterone as substrates. In addition, three raccoons were fed commercial dog food in the laboratory for one week, and the effects on CYP-dependent metabolism were investigated. In comparison to other mammalian species, raccoons had very low concentrations of CYP in their livers. In an in vitro enzymatic analysis, raccoons' ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase (PROD) metabolic capacities were less than one-fifth and one-tenth of rats', respectively. These results indicate the possible high risk in raccoons if exposed to high levels of environmental xenobiotics because of their poor CYP activity. In this study, the features of CYP-dependent metabolism in wild raccoons are described for the first time.
• Methylation profiles of global LINE-1 DNA and the GSTP1 promoter region in children exposed to lead (Pb)

  Yared Beyene Yohannes, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, John Yabe, Haruya Toyomaki, Andrew Kataba, Hokuto Nakata, Kaampwe Muzandu, Chihiro Miyashita, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka

  EPIGENETICS 17 (13) 2377 - 2388 1559-2294 2022/09 

  Lead (Pb) exposure has adverse health effects and altered DNA methylation may contribute to Pb toxicity. LINE-1 is an interspersed repeated DNA that is used as a surrogate marker for estimating genomic DNA methylation levels, and GSTP1 is an isozyme that detoxifies xenobiotics like Pb, and its expression is inhibited by methylation. Thus, to assess the effects of Pb exposure on global hypomethylation and gene-specific promoter hypermethylation, we examined DNA methylation at LINE-1 repetitive elements and the GSTP1 promoter region. Blood samples were obtained from children (N = 123) living in Pb-polluted areas (as exposed children) and children (N = 63) living in Pb-unpolluted areas (as control children) in Kabwe, Zambia. ICP-MS was used to determine blood lead levels (BLLs), and pyrosequencing and a fluorescence-based polymerase chain reaction assay were used to determine levels of LINE-1 methylation and GSTP1 promoter methylation, respectively. Inverse association was found between BLLs and LINE-1 methylation (beta = - 0.046, p = 0.006). The highest quartile of BLL had significant hypomethylation of LINE-1 (p for trend = 0.03), suggesting the higher the BLL, the lower LINE-1 methylation. GSTP1 methylation levels did not differ significantly between the two areas (p = 0.504), nor was it associated with Pb poisoning risk (OR = 1.03, p = 0.952), indicating GSTP1 methylation may not be a reliable biomarker of Pb exposure in healthy people. Therefore, Pb-related health problems could result from global DNA methylation changes due to high BLLs.
• Estimation of the Effects of Neonicotinoid Insecticides on Wild Raccoon, Procyon lotor , in Hokkaido, Japan: Urinary Concentrations and Hepatic Metabolic Capability of Neonicotinoids

  So Shinya, Mariko Sashika, Miku Minamikawa, Tetsuji Itoh, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka, Collins Nimako, Yoshinori Ikenaka

  Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 0730-7268 2022/06/09
• Environmentally relevant lead (Pb) water concentration induce toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae.

  Andrew Kataba, Tarryn L Botha, Shouta M M Nakayama, Yared B Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Victor Wepener, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP 252 109215 - 109215 2022/02 

  Early developmental stages of aquatic organisms including fish are inherently vulnerable to lead (Pb) and other water metal contaminants. However, reports on the deleterious effects of environmentally relevant Pb levels are limited. To this end, we exposed 2.5 h post fertilization (hpf) old zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to a range of Pb concentrations encompassing environmentally relevant levels (1, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg/L Pb) until 96 hpf. Exposure negatively impacted the development and survival of zebrafish embryos by inducing embryo coagulation related mortalities in a concentration-dependent manner. At 24 hpf, the highest level of exposure (100 μg/L Pb) had impaired embryo activity characterized by reduced burst activity and the number of movements per minute made by embryos. At 72 hpf, newly hatched larvae exhibited adverse cardiovascular effects (100 μg/L Pb group) and neuromuscular effects (50 and 100 μg/L Pb groups). The antioxidant system dysregulation evidenced by downregulation of catalase, and upregulation of mRNA expression of glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome oxidase subunit I were observed. The pro-apoptotic tumour protein P53 (TP53) and the anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma -2 (Bcl-2) mRNA expression levels were also affected. The former was downregulated across exposed groups and the latter was upregulated and downregulated in the groups with Pb concentrations less than 50 μg/L Pb and downregulated in 50 μg/L Pb, respectively. These findings suggest that Pb within environmentally relevant levels may be deleterious to developing zebrafish.
• Lead concentrations and isotope ratios in blood, breastmilk and feces: contribution of both lactation and soil/dust exposure to infants in a lead mining area, Kabwe, Zambia.

  Haruya Toyomaki, John Yabe, Shouta M M Nakayama, Yared B Yohannes, Kaampwe Muzandu, Tiza Mufune, Hokuto Nakata, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Takeshi Kuritani, Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) 286 117456 - 117456 2021/10/01 

  Lead (Pb) poses a serious public health concern. Breastmilk may be a possible source of Pb exposure in infants, as Pb can be transferred from the maternal blood to breastmilk. The present study was undertaken to determine the Pb exposure and the contribution of lactation as one of the exposure pathways to infants in a Pb mining area, Kabwe, Zambia. Blood, breastmilk and infants' feces were collected from 418 pairs of infants and mothers. The Pb concentrations, isotope ratios in the samples, and biochemistry in mothers' plasma were analyzed. The overall mean of blood lead levels (BLLs) in infants and mothers were 18.0 and 11.3 μg/dL, respectively. High Pb concentration in breastmilk (range: 0.4-51.9, mean: 5.3 μg/L) above the WHO acceptable level between 2 and 5 μg/L were found and could be one of the sources of Pb exposure in infants. The Pb isotope ratios in infants' feces were the most similar to Pb ratios in the soil samples. The results suggest that infants are also exposed to Pb from the environment. Pb exposure in infants through breastfeeding and soil ingestion could potentially exceed daily intake of Pb which causes neurodevelopmental toxicity. In contrast to the high BLLs in mothers, the plasma biochemical profiles of most analyzed parameters were interestingly within, or close to, the standard reference values. Our data suggest that environmental remediation is urgently needed to reduce the Pb exposure in infants and mothers from the environment in Kabwe in parallel with chelation therapy.
• Effects of zinc on tissue uptake and toxicity of lead in Sprague Dawley rat.

  Andrew Kataba, Shouta M M Nakayama, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Haruya Toyomaki, Hokuto Nakata, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka

  The Journal of veterinary medical science 83 (11) 1674 - 1685 2021/09/16 

  Lead (Pb) exposure occurs together with other metals including zinc (Zn). This study investigated the impact of Zn on Pb tissue accumulation and Pb-induced toxicities. Animals (n = 6 rats per group) were exposed to lead acetate (PbAc) or a combination of PbAc and zinc acetate (ZnAc) under the following groups: control (deionized water), low PbAc [12 mg/kg PbAc (3 mg PbAc/rat/day)], low PbAc-ZnAc [12 mg/kg PbAc (3 mg PbAc/rat/day) + 0.2 mg ZnAc/rat/48 hr], high PbAc [120 mg/kg (30 mg PbAc/rat/day)], and high PbAc-ZnAc [120 mg/kg (30 mg PbAc/rat/day) + 1 mg ZnAc/rat/48 hr] for 8 weeks. A significant reduction in body weight gain was observed in the high PbAc group relative to the control group. Muscles and testes both had reduced and increased Pb uptake in low PbAc-ZnAc and high PbAc-ZnAc groups compared to PbAc only groups, respectively. Bone Pb levels in the high PbAc-ZnAc group were lower than the high PbAc group. Zinc co-administration attenuated Pb-induced inhibition of delta aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme and enhanced catalase enzyme activity at a high level of exposure. Moreover, ZnAc seems to have minimized the effects of Pb-induced mRNA dysregulation in antioxidant and antiapoptotic enzymes encoding genes. Heme oxygenase-1 was downregulated in the kidney and brain in the low PbAc group. Liver glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase-1 were downregulated in the high PbAc group. These findings suggest that zinc co-administration with lead may partially mitigate against Pb-induced toxicities.
• Glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphisms in association with susceptibility to lead toxicity in lead- and cadmium-exposed children near an abandoned lead-zinc mining area in Kabwe, Zambia.

  Yared Beyene Yohannes, Shouta M M Nakayama, John Yabe, Haruya Toyomaki, Andrew Kataba, Hokuto Nakata, Kaampwe Muzandu, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Environmental science and pollution research international 29 (5) 6622 - 6632 2021/08/28 

  Interindividual genetic variations determine human's susceptibility to heavy metal-induced toxicity. Thus, we analyzed blood concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in 140 lead-exposed children. Genotyping of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes, was carried out to investigate their possible association with heavy metal concentrations and the risk of susceptibility to Pb toxicity. Exposure to both heavy metals was prevalent among the children. The blood Pb level ranged from 3.30 to 74.0 μg dL-1 with an average value of 26.8 μg dL-1 that is five times above its reference level. The average Cd level (0.22 μg L-1) was below its reference level. The metal-gene interaction showed positive correlation between GSTT1 null genotype and Pb and Cd levels (β = 0.11; p = 0.02 and β = 0.10; p = 0.01, respectively). More pronounced effects (β = 0.19; p < 0.01 and β = 0.25; p = 0.04) were found for the mixture of the three putative genes with blood Pb concentration. The susceptibility analysis using 10 μg dL-1 as blood Pb cutoff level showed a high risk of Pb toxicity (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.02-6.32, p = 0.04) for children carrying the GSTP1 Ile/Val genotype. Further, the combined effect of GSTP1 Ile/Val with GSTT1 null genotype was more pronounced and showed an increased risk of susceptibility to Pb toxicity (OR = 11.7; 95% CI: 1.36-102.1, p = 0.02). In summary, this study suggests that GSTT1 null and GSTP1 Ile/Val genotypes are the main genetic factors, and individual and specific combinations of GSTP1 Ile/Val with GSTM1 and GSTT1 GST polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to Pb toxicity.
• Bioaccumulation of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides in amphibians from two conservation areas within malaria risk regions of South Africa.

  Nico J Wolmarans, Lieven Bervoets, Ruan Gerber, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Shouta Mm Nakayama, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka, Patrick Meire, Nico J Smit, Victor Wepener

  Chemosphere 274 129956 - 129956 2021/07 

  The threat to wildlife from chemical exposure exists regardless of the presence of conservation boundaries. An issue exacerbated by the use of environmentally persistent insecticides for vector control and long-range transport of legacy persistent organic pollutants. In this comparative study between two important conservation regions in South Africa, Kruger National Park (KNP) and Ndumo Game Reserve (NGR), we assessed organochlorine pesticide (OCP) accumulation in several anuran species collected from within the conservation regions. The two conservation regions differ in size and subsequent proximity of collection sites to OCP input sources. Detectable concentrations of OCPs were present in ∼ half the frogs analysed from KNP and ∼all frogs from NGR and total OCP loads were similar between regions, where measured in the same species. The OCP profiles in KNP frogs were representative of legacy pesticides likely introduced via long-range transport, whereas NGR profiles showed influence of current use of DDT consistent with close proximity to sources. This indicates amphibians can accumulate OCPs within conservation regions and that the exposure of non-target organisms inside conservation regions to current use pesticides has a strong association with proximity to sources. These results serve to inform conservation management decision making with regard to the non-target organism effects of chemical interventions such as vector control pesticide use in and around conservation regions.
• Assessment of LeadCare® II analysis for testing of a wide range of blood lead levels in comparison with ICP-MS analysis.

  Hokuto Nakata, Shouta M M Nakayama, John Yabe, Kaampwe Muzandu, Haruya Toyomaki, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Andrew Kataba, Golden Zyambo, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Chemosphere 271 129832 - 129832 2021/05 

  The LeadCare® testing system, which utilizes anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) methodology, has been widely used worldwide for cost-effective blood lead level (BLL) screening. However, some concerns have recently been issued regarding inaccurate results obtained using LeadCare®. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of BLL measured by LeadCare® II (BLLLC) by comparison with ICP-MS (BLLIM) by the Passing-Bablok regression, Deming regression, and Bland-Altman analyses by using 994 venous blood samples. BLLLC ranged from 3.3 to 162.3 μg/dL, while BLLIM ranged from 0.8 to 154.8 μg/dL. Although BLLLC and BLLIM exhibited a strong and positive correlation, BLLLC values were generally greater than BLLIM values, indicative of the overestimation of the LeadCare® analysis. A large positive bias of 19.15 ± 8.26 μg/dL and 29.25 ± 14.04 μg/dL for BLLLC compared with BLLIM were recorded in the BLLLC range of 45.0-64.9 μg/dL and for ≥65.0 μg/dL, respectively. In contrast, a bias of ≤0.3 μg/dL was observed at a BLLLC of less than 10.0 μg/dL. Blood copper, cadmium, and iron levels did not exhibit an effect on the bias of BLLLC, indicative of the minimal potential interferences of the metals; these interferences are a cause for concern with the ASV method. In conclusion, LeadCare® analysis is thought to be a good tool for screening purposes at a lower BLL around the reference level of 5 μg/dL in the initial stage; however, conversion or retesting using a laboratory analyzer is recommended at a higher BLL for appropriate clinical evaluation and research.
• Levels of DDTs and other organochlorine pesticides in healthy wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from a flagship conservation area

  Ruan Gerber, Hindrik Bouwman, Danny Govender, Mayumi Ishizuka, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Yared B. Yohannes, Nico J. Smit, Victor Wepener

  Chemosphere 264 (Pt 1) 128368 - 128368 0045-6535 2021/02 

  Mass Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) deaths in Africa's premier conservation area, the Kruger National Park (KNP), prompted numerous studies to determine possible causes of the sudden die-offs. The majority highlighted the involvement of the anthropocene to crocodile mass mortalities. One of the potential causative agents was identified as legacy compounds such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) present in the various aquatic ecosystems of the KNP. Thus, this study aimed to quantify OCP levels in wild crocodiles from the aquatic systems associated with the KNP. As part of a larger study, muscle tissue samples were collected from tails of 12 wild crocodiles. Results indicated that eight of the 19 OCPs analysed for were quantifiable. These included DDTs (2130-167968 ng/g lw), chlordanes (BD - 7583 ng/g lw) and cyclodeines (BD - 872 ng/g lw). Measured concentrations indicated spatial- and sex-related differences in accumulation patterns. DDT and its metabolites, paricularly p,p'-DDE accumulated to the highest concentrations of the OCP groups. Levels of the different groups of OCPs were the highest recorded in recent history from any crocodilian tissue. The different measured OCP residues were between 2.5 and 120 times higher than levels reported in literature, depending on the compound. These results are of ecotoxicological significance and have several management implications. In view of individuals being sampled from a conservation area it emphasizes the fact that pollutants know no boundaries and that premier conservation areas such as the world renowned KNP may be some of the most contaminated areas of the world.
• Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes polymorphisms in children residing in an abandoned lead‑zinc mine area in Kabwe, Zambia

  Yared B. Yohannes, Shouta M.M. Nakayama, John Yabe, Haruya Toyomaki, Andrew Kataba, Hokuto Nakata, Kaampwe Muzandu, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Meta Gene 27 100838 - 100838 2214-5400 2021/02 

  Lead is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that poses serious health problems to humans, especially to children. However, genetic variability in individuals varies their susceptibility to lead poisoning. One possible factor is genetic polymorphism. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between blood lead level (BLL), and polymorphisms in the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) MspI (rs1800435) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI (rs19735810), BsmI (rs15444410), ApaI (rs7975232) and TaqI (rs731236) genes in children exposed to lead. A total of 140 children (aged 2-10 years) were recruited in areas living closer to and far away from an abandoned lead-zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia. Blood samples were collected from each child for BLLs and polymorphisms analysis.All children were homozygous for the ALAD 1 allele, indicating there might be bioavailable lead in the children's blood which can transfer to the soft tissues and the brain. The distribution of the VDR gene polymorphisms showed major alleles prevalence's of 81%, 80%, 68%, and 75% for FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI polymorphisms, respectively. The aa genotype of VDR ApaI showed significantly higher BLL compared to other genotypes of the VDRs polymorphism. The TaqI - TT genotype was associated with an increase of lead exposure risk in female children (OR = 2.06; 95% CI:1.04-4.06, p = 0.03). The haplotype analysis showed 10 haplotypes with a frequency above 1%, and the FbAt haplotype showed a protective role against lead toxicity. In conclusion, the children, especially female children, which exposed to lead mainly from the abandoned lead-zinc mine might be at a higher risk of developing lead poisoning. Further, larger scale sample sizes are needed to corroborate the role of ALAD and VDR genetic variants on the implications of lead toxicity in the general population, particularly in children.
• An Investigation of the Wild Rat Crown Incisor as an Indicator of Lead (Pb) Exposure Using Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Laser Ablation ICP-MS.

  Andrew Kataba, Shouta M M Nakayama, Hokuto Nakata, Haruya Toyomaki, Yared B Yohannes, John Yabe, Kaampwe Muzandu, Golden Zyambo, Ayano Kubota, Takehisa Matsukawa, Kazuhito Yokoyama, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka

  International journal of environmental research and public health 18 (2) 2021/01/18 

  Lead (Pb) is a metal toxicant of great public health concern. The present study investigated the applicability of the rat incisor in Pb exposure screening. The levels of lead in teeth (Pb-T) in the crown and root of incisors in laboratory Pb-exposed Sprague Dawley rats were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The crown accumulated much Pb-T than the root of the Sprague Dawley rat incisor. The levels of lead in blood (Pb-B) were positively correlated with the Pb-T in the crown and root incisors of the Sprague Dawley rats. As an application of the Pb-T crown results in experimental rats, we subsequently analyzed the Pb-T in the crown incisors of Pb-exposed wild rats (Rattus rattus) sampled from residential sites within varying distances from an abandoned lead-zinc mine. The Pb-T accumulation in the crown of incisors of R. rattus rats decreased with increased distance away from the Pb-Zn mine. Furthermore, the Pb-T was strongly correlated (r = 0.85) with the Pb levels in the blood. Laser ablation ICP-MS Pb-T mappings revealed a homogenous distribution of Pb in the incisor with an increased intensity of Pb-T localized in the tip of the incisor crown bearing an enamel surface in both Sprague Dawley and R. rattus rats. These findings suggest that Pb-T in the crown incisor may be reflective of the rat's environmental habitat, thus a possible indicator of Pb exposure.
• Evaluation of the ameliorative effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on parameters relating to lead poisoning and obesity in C57BL/6J mice

  Nakata Hokuto, Nakayama Shouta M.M., Kataba Andrew, Kataba Andrew, Yohannes Yared Beyene, Yohannes Yared Beyene, Ikenaka Yoshinori, Ikenaka Yoshinori, Ishizuka Mayumi

  Journal of Functional Foods 77 1756-4646 2021 [Refereed]
  
• Clinical biochemical parameters associated with the exposure to multiple environmental metals in residents from Kabwe, Zambia.

  Hokuto Nakata, Shouta M M Nakayama, John Yabe, Kaampwe Muzandu, Haruya Toyomaki, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Andrew Kataba, Golden Zyambo, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Chemosphere 262 127788 - 127788 2021/01 

  Lead (Pb) interferes with various bodily functions. Although high blood Pb (Pb-B) levels in residents from Kabwe, Zambia have been reported, the accumulation pattern of other metals remains unknown. The study was designed to determine the Pb-B, blood cadmium (Cd-B), and zinc (Zn-B) values of 504 representative samples from Kabwe, as well as the potential associated adverse health effects. The Pb-B level ranged from 0.79 to 154.75 μg/dL and generally increased in areas near the mine. A significant elevation of Cd-B was observed in two areas (0.37 ± 0.26 and 0.32 ± 0.30 μg/L) where the two highest mean Pb-B levels were recorded. By contrast, the Zn-B values did not differ greatly with respect to area. Some blood biochemical parameters relating to hepatic and renal functions were out of the normal range in approximately 20-50% of studied adult participants. The δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity was significantly inhibited in the two areas contaminated by Pb and Cd. A significant negative relationship was observed between metal levels and clinical parameters, e.g., between Pb-B and δ-ALAD for all the age categories and between Cd-B and the estimated glomerular filtration rate for all the age categories except 0-4 years. The elevated Cd-B in areas near the mine relative to the other areas suggested the potential adverse health effects of Cd and/or the interaction of Pb and Cd. A significant association of metal levels with clinical parameters also indicated the effects of metal exposure on hematopoietic, hepatic, and renal systems.
• Acute exposure to environmentally relevant lead levels induces oxidative stress and neurobehavioral alterations in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio).

  Andrew Kataba, Tarryn L Botha, Shouta M M Nakayama, Yared B Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Victor Wepener, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands) 227 105607 - 105607 2020/10 

  The ubiquitous contamination of environmental lead (Pb) remains a worldwide threat. Improper Pb mine waste disposal from an abandoned lead-zinc mine has recently unearthed widespread Pb poisoning in children in Kabwe Zambia. Although the adverse effects of Pb on human health have begun to receive attention, the ecotoxicological effects on aquatic vertebrates still need further investigation. In addition, there is paucity in the knowledge on the behavioural and molecular subcellular responses in larval zebrafish exposed to Pb within the range of environmental relevant concentration (average 3 μg/L with maximum of 94 μg/L) on aquatic organisms such as zebrafish. The adverse effects of environmentally relevant levels of Pb on larval zebrafish was evaluated by measuring swimming behaviour under alternating dark and light conditions. Larval zebrafish acutely exposed to environmentally relevant Pb exhibited neuro-behavioural alteration including enhanced hyperactivity under light conditions evidenced by increased distanced covered and speed compared to the control. The alteration of entire behavioral profiles was further associated with the disturbed expression patterns of mRNA level of key genes associated with antioxidant (HO-1, Ucp-2 and CoxI), proapoptotic gene (TP53), and antiapoptotic gene (Bcl-2). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of environmentally relevant Pb levels from Kabwe, Zambia and their adverse neurobehavioural effects and subcellular molecular oxidative responses in larval zebrafish acutely exposed within a 30 min period. The current results would be beneficial in our understanding of the effects of low Pb levels acutely discharged into an aquatic environment and the life of aquatic organisms.
• Blood lead levels and aberrant DNA methylation of the ALAD and p16 gene promoters in children exposed to environmental-lead.

  Yared B Yohannes, Shouta Mm Nakayama, John Yabe, Hokuto Nakata, Haruya Toyomaki, Andrew Kataba, Kaampwe Muzandu, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Environmental research 188 109759 - 109759 2020/06/05 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) is a well-known toxic heavy metal which can have serious public health hazards. As of today, there is no safe threshold for Pb exposure, especially for children. Lead exposure has been associated with adverse health outcomes involving epigenetic mechanisms, such as aberrant DNA methylation. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the associations between blood lead levels (BLLs) and gene-specific promoter DNA methylation status in environmental Pb-exposed children from Kabwe, Zambia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 2 to 10-year-old children from high Pb exposed area (N = 102) and low Pb exposed area (N = 38). We measured BLLs using a LeadCare II analyzer and investigated the methylation status of the ALAD and p16 gene promoters by methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS: The mean BLLs were 23.7 μg/dL and 7.9 μg/dL in high Pb exposed and low Pb exposed children, respectively. Pb exposure was correlated with increased methylation of the ALAD and p16 genes. The promoter methylation rates of ALAD and p16 in high Pb exposed children were 84.3% and 67.7%, and 42.1% and 44.7% in low Pb exposed children, respectively. Significantly increased methylation was found in both genes in high Pb exposed children compared with low Pb exposed children (p < 0.05). Children with methylated ALAD and p16 genes showed an increased risk of Pb poisoning (odd ratio >1) compared to the unmethylated status. CONCLUSIONS: This study for the first time tries to correlate promoter methylation status of the ALAD and p16 genes in environmental Pb-exposed children from Kabwe, Zambia as a representative. The result suggests that Pb exposure increases aberrations in ALAD and p16 gene methylation, which may be involved in the mechanism of Pb toxicity.
• Land Use in Habitat Affects Metal Concentrations in Wild Lizards Around a Former Lead Mining Site.

  Rio Doya, Shouta Mm Nakayama, Hokuto Nakata, Haruya Toyomaki, John Yabe, Kaampwe Muzandu, Yared B Yohannes, Andrew Kataba, Golden Zyambo, Takahiro Ogawa, Yoshitaka Uchida, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Environmental science & technology 54 (22) 14474 - 14481 2020/06/03 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  We investigated the potential effects of different land use and other environment factors on animals living in a contaminated environment. The study site in Kabwe, Zambia, is currently undergoing urban expansion, while lead contamination from former mining activities is still prevalent. We focused on a habitat-generalist lizards (Trachylepis wahlbergii). The livers, lungs, blood and stomach contents of 224 lizards were analyzed for their lead, zinc, cadmium, copper, nickel and arsenic concentrations. Habitat types were categorized based on vegetation data obtained from satellite images. Multiple regression analysis revealed that land use categories of habitats and three other factors significantly affected lead concentrations in the lizards. Further investigation suggested that the lead concentrations in lizards living in bare fields were higher than expected based on distance from the contaminant source, while those in lizards living in green fields were lower than expected. In addition, lead concentration of lungs were higher than that of liver in 19% of the lizards, implying direct exposure to lead via dust inhalation besides digestive exposure. Since vegetation reduces the production of dust from surface soil, it is plausible that dust from the mine is one of the contamination sources, and that vegetation can reduce exposure to this.
• Current trends of blood lead levels, distribution patterns and exposure variations among household members in Kabwe, Zambia.

  John Yabe, Shouta Mm Nakayama, Hokuto Nakata, Haruya Toyomaki, Yared B Yohannes, Kaampwe Muzandu, Andrew Kataba, Golden Zyambo, Masato Hiwatari, Daiju Narita, Daichi Yamada, Peter Hangoma, Nosiku Sipilanyambe Munyinda, Tiza Mufune, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Kennedy Choongo, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Chemosphere 243 125412 - 125412 2020/03 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Childhood lead (Pb) poisoning has devastating effects on neurodevelopment and causes overt clinical signs including convulsions and coma. Health effects including hypertension and various reproductive problems have been reported in adults. Historical Pb mining in Zambia's Kabwe town left a legacy of environmental pollution and childhood Pb poisoning. The current study aimed at establishing the extent of Pb poisoning and exposure differences among family members in Kabwe as well as determining populations at risk and identify children eligible for chelation therapy. Blood samples were collected in July and August 2017 from 1190 household members and Pb was measured using a portable LeadCare-II analyser. Participants included 291 younger children (3-months to 3-years-old), 271 older children (4-9-years-old), 412 mothers and 216 fathers from 13 townships with diverse levels of Pb contamination. The Blood Lead Levels (BLL) ranged from 1.65 to 162  μg/dL, with residents from Kasanda (mean 45.7  μg/dL) recording the highest BLL while Hamududu residents recorded the lowest (mean 3.3  μg/dL). Of the total number of children sampled (n = 562), 23% exceeded the 45  μg/dL, the threshold required for chelation therapy. A few children (5) exceeded the 100  μg/dL whereas none of the parents exceeded the 100  μg/dL value. Children had higher BLL than parents, with peak BLL-recorded at the age of 2-years-old. Lead exposure differences in Kabwe were attributed to distance and direction from the mine, with younger children at highest risk. Exposure levels in parents were equally alarming. For prompt diagnosis and treatment, a portable point-of-care devise such as a LeadCare-II would be preferable in Kabwe.
• Avian interspecific differences in VKOR activity and inhibition: Insights from amino acid sequence and mRNA expression ratio of VKORC1 and VKORC1L1.

  Shouta M M Nakayama, Ayuko Morita, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Yusuke K Kawai, Kensuke P Watanabe, Chihiro Ishii, Hazuki Mizukawa, Yared B Yohannes, Keisuke Saito, Yukiko Watanabe, Masaki Ito, Natsuo Ohsawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP 228 108635 - 108635 2020/02 [Not refereed][Not invited]
   

  Worldwide use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) for rodents control has frequently led to secondary poisoning of non-target animals, especially raptors. In order to suggest some factors that may help considering the mechanism of the incidents, this study focused on the avian vitamin K 2, 3-epoxide reductase (VKOR) that is the target protein of ARs. We addressed the interspecific differences in VKOR activity and inhibition related to amino acid sequence and mRNA expression of VKORC1 and VKORC1-like1 (VKORC1L1). Poultry have been considered to be more tolerant to ARs than mammals. However, VKOR activity of owls, hawks, falcon and surprisingly, canaries, was lower and inhibited by warfarin more easily than that of chickens and turkeys. The amino acid sequence of VKORC1 and VKORC1L1 implied that the value of Ki for VKOR activity to ARs could depend on the amino acid at position 140 in the TYX warfarin-binding motif in VKORC1, and other amino acid mutations in VKORC1L1. The mRNA expression ratio of VKORC1:VKORC1L1 differed between turkey (8:1) and chicken (2:3) liver. VKORC1L1 has been reported to be resistant to warfarin compared to VKORC1. Hence, both the Ki of specific VKORC1 and VKORC1L1, and the mRNA expression ratio would cause avian interspecific difference of the VKOR inhibition. Our study also suggested the high inhibition of VKOR activities in raptors and surprisingly that in canaries as well. These factors are the most likely to contribute to the high sensitivity to ARs found in raptors.
• Factors associated with lead (Pb) exposure on dogs around a Pb mining area, Kabwe, Zambia.

  Haruya Toyomaki, John Yabe, Shouta M M Nakayama, Yared B Yohannes, Kaampwe Muzandu, Allan Liazambi, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Takeshi Kuritani, Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Chemosphere 247 125884 - 125884 0045-6535 2020/01/13 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Lead (Pb)-poisoning is a serious public health concern and dogs have been useful as a sentinel-animal for Pb exposure of humans. In the present study, the blood Pb concentrations (BLC), isotope ratios (208 Pb/206 Pb and 207 Pb/206 Pb), and biochemistry of 120 domestically owned dogs living around a Pb mining area, in Kabwe, Zambia were analyzed to determine factors associated with Pb exposure. The overall mean value of Pb in dog blood in the present study was 271.6 μg/L. The BLC in the dogs from sites near the mine were significantly higher than those in the dogs from a site 4 km from the mine (352.9 ± 205.1 μg/L versus 28.0 ± 13.9 μg/L). BLC significantly decreased with both increasing age of the dogs and distance from the mine. The Pb isotope ratios in the dog that resided near the mine showed values similar to those reported at the galena mine in Kabwe, which is considered to be the source of Pb exposure. In contrast to the high metal exposure that was determined in these dogs, the mean values of most analyzed parameters in the blood biochemical analysis were surprisingly within or close to the standard reference values. Moreover, none of the dogs showed overt signs of Pb-poisoning or other clinical symptoms. The results of analysis of Pb exposure of the dogs obtained in the present study, which are similar to the previously reported results in human in this location, suggest that dogs could be useful as a sentinel animal for Pb exposure of humans in Kabwe.
• Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) levels in rat livers collected from a malaria vector control region.

  Kodai Motohira, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Shouta M M Nakayama, Victor Wepener, Nico J Smit, Johan H J VAN Vuren, Ana Catarina Sousa, Alex Ajeh Enuneku, Emmanuel Temiotan Ogbomida, Mayumi Ishizuka

  The Journal of veterinary medical science 81 (11) 1575 - 1579 2019/11/14 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is an organochlorine insecticide that has been used for indoor residual spraying for the control of mosquito-borne diseases including malaria. However, due to its toxicity and environmental persistence, there are concerns about its potential deleterious effects in humans and wildlife. Therefore, the current study aimed to monitor and estimate the level of DDTs in human communities. The accumulation of DDT and its metabolites was evaluated in house rat (as sentinel) livers collected in an area where DDT was sprayed. DDTs were measured using a gas chromatography / Electron Capture Detector. The results revealed high concentrations of DDTs in the rat livers and the levels of DDTs were similar to findings reported from the same area in 2014.
• Bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants and their trophic transfer through the food web: Human health risks to the rural communities reliant on fish from South Africa's largest floodplain

  C.M. Volschenk, R. Gerber, M.T. Mkhonto, Y. Ikenaka, Y.B. Yohannes, S. Nakayama, M. Ishizuka, J.H.J. van Vuren, V. Wepener, N.J. Smit

  Science of The Total Environment 685 1116 - 1126 0048-9697 2019/10
• One year exposure to Cd- and Pb-contaminated soil causes metal accumulation and alteration of global DNA methylation in rats.

  Shouta M M Nakayama, Hokuto Nakata, Yoshinori Ikenaka, John Yabe, Balazs Oroszlany, Yared B Yohannes, Nesta Bortey-Sam, Kaampwe Muzandu, Kennedy Choongo, Takeshi Kuritani, Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) 252 (Pt B) 1267 - 1276 0269-7491 2019/09 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Metal pollution has been associated with anthropogenic activities, such as effluents and emissions from mines. Soil could be exposure route of wild rats to metals, especially in mining areas. The aim of this study was to verify whether soil exposure under environmentally relevant circumstances results in metal accumulation and epigenetic modifications. Wistar rats were divided to three groups: 1) control without soil exposure, 2) low-metal exposure group exposed to soil containing low metal levels (Pb: 75 mg/kg; Cd: 0.4), and 3) high-metal exposure group exposed to soil (Pb: 3750; Cd: 6). After 1 year of exposure, the metal levels, Pb isotopic values, and molecular indicators were measured. Rats in the high-group showed significantly greater concentrations of Pb and Cd in tissues. Higher accumulation factors (tissue/soil) of Cd than Pb were observed in the liver, kidney, brain, and lung, while the factor of Pb was higher in the tibia. The obtained results of metal accumulation ratios (lung/liver) and stable Pb isotope ratios in the tissues indicated that the respiratory exposure would account for an important share of metal absorption into the body. Genome-wide methylation status and DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt 3a/3b) mRNA expressions in testis were higher in the high-group, suggesting that exposure to soil caused metal accumulation and epigenetic alterations in rats.
• Evidence of impacts from DDT in pelican, cormorant, stork, and egret eggs from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

  H Bouwman, Y B Yohannes, S M M Nakayama, K Motohira, M Ishizuka, M S Humphries, V van der Schyff, M du Preez, A Dinkelmann, Y Ikenaka

  Chemosphere 225 647 - 658 2019/06 

  DDT remains in use for malaria control in South Africa. We quantified DDTs in aquatic bird eggs from the highly biodiverse northern KwaZulu-Natal, a province of South Africa where DDT has been used for more than 80 years for malaria control. Pelican eggs had the highest ΣDDT concentration (7200 ng/g lipid mass; lm), Little Egret eggs had 6900 ΣDDT lm, African Openbill eggs had 3400 ng/g lm ΣDDT, and White-breasted Cormorant had 2400 ng/g lm. All species had non-significantly different mean concentrations of o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT, and ΣDDT, but with significant differences for p,p-DDE, o,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDD, %DDT, %DDD, and %lipid. The thinnest pelican eggshell (0.40 mm) had a ΣDDT concentration of 3300 ng/g lm.; the thickest shell (0.96 mm) had the lowest ΣDDT concentration at 29 ng/g lm; a 58% difference. Linear regressions of concentrations with shell thickness for the pelican eggs were significant for p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDD, indicating risk of reproductive impairment. Compositional profiles indicate different food webs for the different species. DDT concentrations were lower than from another DDT-sprayed locality in South Africa, possible linked to differences in hydrology and rainfall. We conclude that significant ecotoxic threats associated with DDT remain in this area, and possibly threatens birds from less polluted areas. Our findings suggest continued negative human health and environmental impacts from DDT. There is an urgency to move away from DDT as quickly as possible; alternatively, to implement practices that prevent emissions of DDT to the environment while protecting human life.
• Baseline bio-accumulation concentrations and resulting oxidative stress in Synodontis zambezensis after an acute laboratory exposure to 4,4'-DDT.

  C M Volschenk, Y Ikenaka, Y B Yohannes, S M Nakayama, M Ishizuka, E Smit, J H J van Vuren, R Greenfield

  Pesticide biochemistry and physiology 156 44 - 55 2019/05 

  The use of 1,1'-(2,2,2-Trichloro-1,1-ethanediyl)bis(4-chlorobenzene) (DDT) as a pesticide for the control of insects vectors responsible for the spread of many life threatening diseases was officially banned in 1972 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). It was banned throughout the world, in most developed countries, because of the toxic effects it causes in wildlife, including birds and fish. However, DDT is still used in approximately 43 African countries, including South Africa, to control the spread of malaria. The lipophilic nature of DDT and therefore its persistence in the environment makes it extremely important for laboratory based studies to be conducted in an effort to evaluate the accumulation potential and possible physiological effects of DDT in aquatic organisms under controlled conditions. The aim of this study was to establish baseline bioaccumulation concentrations within Synodontis zambezensis following an acute exposure to 4,4'-DDT. The three metabolites analysed were 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDD and 4,4'-DDT. None of the 2,4'-isomers were analysed in this study since the acute exposure used a solution of 98.7% pure 4,4'-DDT (Sigma-Aldrich PESTANAL®, Analytical Standard, CAS-No 50-29-3, Batch number SZBE057XV) and not a mixture of 4,4'-DDT and 2,4'-DDT as found in technical grade DDT. Soxhlet extraction of tissue samples and liquid/liquid extraction of water samples followed by analysis through Gas-chromatography mass-spectrophotometry was completed. Mean 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDD and 4,4'-DDT concentrations ranged from 15.34 ng/g to 45.34 ng/g, 28.16 ng/g to 63.25 ng/g and 28.64 ng/g to 96.21 ng/g respectively. All of the accumulated concentrations fell within environmentally relevant concentrations with no input through the food web. The accumulated concentrations of 4,4'-DDT and its three metabolites resulted in oxidative stress responses within the gills and the liver tissue of S. zambezensis. Significant differences (p ≤ .05) were observed between malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) within the liver and in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the gills.
• Linking organochlorine exposure to biomarker response patterns in Anurans: a case study of Müller's clawed frog (Xenopus muelleri) from a tropical malaria vector control region.

  Nico J Wolmarans, Louis H Du Preez, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka, Nico J Smit, Victor Wepener

  Ecotoxicology (London, England) 27 (9) 1203 - 1216 2018/11 

  Organochlorine pesticides are highly persistent in aquatic ecosystems. Amphibians, specifically anurans, play an intricate part in the aquatic food web, and have very permeable skin which makes them prone to bioaccumulation of persistent pollutants. In this study the bioaccumulation of various legacy organochlorine pesticides (OCPs)-including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), currently used for malaria vector control (MVC)-was assessed along with a set of biomarker responses in Müller's clawed frog Xenopus muelleri collected from the lower Phongolo River floodplain in South Africa. Possible relationships between bioaccumulation and biomarkers (of exposure, oxidative stress biomarkers, and cellular energy allocation) alongside their temporal changes were investigated. The OCP concentrations showed a significant increase over time for the duration of the study. The increase correlated negatively with rainfall from the region. DDT levels were well below expected effects levels with p,p-DDE being the main contributing metabolite. The results of this study indicate OCPs actively accumulate at sub-lethal levels in aquatic frogs from the study area, while showing possible relations towards some of the biochemical stress responses measured. Most notable were negative relationships indicated between p,p-DDE and acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde, and carbohydrates and protein energy availability. Levels of DDT were not found to be significantly higher than other legacy pesticides in the frog tissue, although evidence of newly introduced DDT in the frog tissue was found. Further investigation about sub-lethal effects of these pesticides on anurans is required to gain better insight into their full impact on animal livelihood.
• Fish consumption from urban impoundments: What are the health risks associated with DDTs and other organochlorine pesticides in fish to township residents of a major inland city.

  Wihan Pheiffer, Nico J Wolmarans, Ruan Gerber, Yared B Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka, Nico J Smit, Victor Wepener, Rialet Pieters

  The Science of the total environment 628-629 517 - 527 2018/07/01 [Refereed]
   

  Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in South Africa have for the most part been banned, except dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) which is still used as malaria vector control. The aim of this study was to determine OCP residues in the aquatic fauna of one of South Africa's most populated areas, Soweto. Risk to human health through OCP exposure via fish consumption was investigated. Clarias gariepinus was chosen as bioindicator because it is an apex predator that is in abundance, but is also a valued food source. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), and chlordanes (CHLs) were detected in the fish tissue with the DDTs being the most prevalent at all sites. Of the three locations, Fleurhof, Orlando, and Lenasia, the latter location's fish had the highest ΣOCP load, ranging between 81 and 1190ng/gwm. The DDTs were determined to be from historic use, whereas the CHL levels indicated more recent inputs. Although the possibility of illegal use cannot be excluded completely, the presence of OCPs outside of their allowed areas of use indicate that these compounds not only stay in the aquatic systems long term, but may be of concern in areas previously not considered high risk areas. The OCP residues in C. gariepinus from the study area pose an extremely high risk to human health when consumed, and has a cancer risk as high as 1 in 10. This potential problem should be kept in consideration when developing national health and conservation strategies.
• Lead and cadmium excretion in feces and urine of children from polluted townships near a lead-zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia.

  John Yabe, Shouta M M Nakayama, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Yared B Yohannes, Nesta Bortey-Sam, Abel Nketani Kabalo, John Ntapisha, Hazuki Mizukawa, Takashi Umemura, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Chemosphere 202 48 - 55 2018/07 

  Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are toxic metals that exist ubiquitously in the environment. Children in polluted areas are particularly vulnerable to metal exposure, where clinical signs and symptoms could be nonspecific. Absorbed metals are excreted primarily in urine and reflect exposure from all sources. We analyzed Pb and Cd concentrations in blood, feces and urine of children from polluted townships near a lead-zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia, to determine concurrent childhood exposure to the metals. Moreover, the study determined the Pb and Cd relationships among urine, feces and blood as well as accessed the potential of urine and fecal analysis for biomonitoring of Pb and Cd exposure in children. Fecal Pb (up to 2252 mg/kg, dry weight) and urine Pb (up to 2914 μg/L) were extremely high. Concentrations of Cd in blood (Cd-B) of up to 7.7 μg/L, fecal (up to 4.49 mg/kg, dry weight) and urine (up to 18.1 μg/L) samples were elevated. metal levels were higher in younger children (0-3 years old) than older children (4-7). Positive correlations were recorded for Pb and Cd among blood, urine and fecal samples whereas negative correlations were recorded with age. These findings indicate children are exposed to both metals at their current home environment. Moreover, urine and feces could be useful for biomonitoring of metals due to their strong relationships with blood levels. There is need to conduct a clinical evaluation of the affected children to fully appreciate the health impact of these metal exposure.
• Human Health Risk from Consumption of Marine Fish Contaminated with DDT and Its Metabolites in Maputo Bay, Mozambique.

  L A Thompson, Y Ikenaka, Y B Yohannes, T Ichise, G Ito, N Bortey-Sam, J J van Vuren, V Wepener, N J Smit, W S Darwish, S M M Nakayama, H Mizukawa, M Ishizuka

  Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 100 (5) 672 - 676 2018/05 

  Many countries with incidence of malaria, including those surrounding Maputo Bay, use dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) to reduce mosquitoes. This study is the first to estimate the human health risk associated with consumption of marine fish from Maputo Bay contaminated with DDTs. The median for ∑DDTs was 3.8 ng/g ww (maximum 280.9 ng/g ww). The overall hazard ratio for samples was 1.5 at the 75th percentile concentration and 28.2 at the 95th percentile. These calculations show increased potential cancer risks due to contamination by DDTs, data which will help policy makers perform a risk-benefit analysis of DDT use in malaria control programs in the region.
• Investigation of mRNA expression changes associated with field exposure to DDTs in chickens from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

  Lesa A Thompson, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Wageh S Darwish, Yared B Yohannes, Johan J van Vuren, Victor Wepener, Nico J Smit, Atnafu G Assefa, Ahmed Tharwat, Walaa Fathy Saad Eldin, Shouta M M Nakayama, Hazuki Mizukawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  PloS one 13 (10) e0204400  2018 

  The objective of this study was to identify potential mRNA expression changes in chicken livers associated with environmental exposure to dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDTs). In particular, we focused on genes relating to the immune system and metabolism. We analyzed liver samples from free-ranging chickens in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for contamination by DDTs. This area predominantly uses DDT in its malaria control program, and homes are sprayed annually with the pesticide. Genes relating to the immune system and metabolism were selected as potential genetic biomarkers that could be linked to higher contamination with DDTs. RT-qPCR analysis on 39 samples showed strong correlations between DDTs contamination and mRNA expression for the following genes: AvBD1, AvBD2, AvBD6 and AvBD7 (down-regulated), and CYP17, ELOVL2 and SQLE (up-regulated). This study shows for the first time interesting and significant correlations between genetic material collected from environmentally-exposed chickens and mRNA expression of several genes involved in immunity and metabolism. These findings show the usefulness of analysis on field samples from a region with high levels of environmental contamination in detecting potential biomarkers of exposure. In particular, we observed clear effects from DDT contamination on mRNA expression of genes involved in immune suppression, endocrine-disrupting effects, and lipid dysregulation. These results are of interest in guiding future studies to further elucidate the pathways involved in and clinical importance of toxicity associated with DDT exposure from contaminated environments, to ascertain the health risk to livestock and any subsequent risks to food security for people.
• Assessment of DDT contamination in house rat as a possible bioindicator in DDT-sprayed areas from Ethiopia and South Africa

  Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Gengo Ito, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Hazuki Mizukawa, Victor Wepener, Nico J. Smit, Johan H. J. Van Vuren, Mayumi Ishizuka

  ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 24 (30) 23763 - 23770 0944-1344 2017/10 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Ethiopia and South Africa are among the few countries to still implement indoor residual spraying with dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) for malaria vector control. In this study, we investigated the levels and ecological risks of DDT and its metabolites in liver tissues of house rat, as a sentinel animal, for providing an early warning system for public health and wildlife intervention from Ethiopia and South Africa. The results showed that Sigma DDT concentration ranged from 127 to 9155 mu g/kg wet weight, and the distribution order of DDT and its metabolites in the analyzed liver samples was p,p'-DDD > p,p'-DDE >> p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, and o,p'-DDD. The risk assessment indicated a potential adverse impact on humans, especially for pregnant women and children, because they spend majority of their time in a DDT-sprayed house. The ecological assessment also showed a concern for birds of prey and amphibians like frogs. This study is the first report on DDT contamination in liver tissues of house rats from Ethiopia and South Africa, and henceforth, the data will serve as a reference data for future studies.
• Contamination Levels and Sources of Heavy Metals and a Metalloid in Surface Soils in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.

  Osei Akoto, Nesta Bortey-Sam, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M M Nakayama, Elvis Baidoo, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Journal of health & pollution 7 (15) 28 - 39 2017/09 

  Background: Environmental contamination with heavy metals and metalloids due to industrial, smelting and mining activities have become common in large and growing cities. Kumasi is one of the most industrialized cities in Ghana and experiences metal pollution due to recent and past activities. Although metals are naturally abundant in the area, their accumulation in soils could potentially lead to adverse effects on local ecosystems. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the distribution, enrichment, geoaccumulation and sources of metals in Kumasi soils and to estimate the contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) of these metals in soils. Methods: Concentrations of eight heavy metals and a metalloid were determined in 112 soil samples randomly collected from 31 sampling sites in the area. In addition, 5 soil samples were collected from a pristine site (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Botanical Gardens) for data comparison, to determine the local background values for metal concentrations and to evaluate the extent of metal pollution in the study area. Results: Heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were enriched in 65, 32, 58 and 93% of the sampling sites, respectively, and geo-accumulation indexes for Cr, Zn, Cd, mercury (Hg) and Pb showed moderate to extreme contamination in 100, 97, 77, 65 and 45% of the sampling sites, respectively. Principal component and cluster analyses revealed that industrial activities including mining were the major sources of metals in Kumasi soils with high metal input in the community of Suame. Distribution maps revealed hotspots of Cd, nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) and Pb in Suame. The highest CFs for Cu, Cd, Ni, As, Co and Pb highlighted anthropogenic inputs in Suame, while Hg was highest in Mbrom, Zn in Suntreso, and Cr in Aboabo. Conclusions: The PLI of metals revealed Suame as the most polluted study site, while Anomangye and Bomso were the least polluted.
• Contamination status and accumulation characteristics of heavy metals and arsenic in five seabird species from the central Bering Sea

  Chihiro Ishii, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Hazuki Mizukawa, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yutaka Watanuki, Masaaki Fukuwaka, Mayumi Ishizuka

  JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE 79 (4) 807 - 814 0916-7250 2017/04 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Seabirds are marine top predators and accumulate high levels of metals and metalloids in their tissues. Contamination by metals in the highly productive offshore region has become a matter of public concern. It is home to 80% of the seabird population in the U.S.A., 95% of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), and major populations of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) and whales. Here, the concentrations of eight heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb) and a metalloid (As) in the liver and kidneys of the northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia), short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris), tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) and horned puffin (Fratercula corniculata) collected in the Bering Sea were measured. As proxies of trophic level and habitat, nitrogen (delta N-15) and carbon (delta C-13) stable isotope ratios of breast muscles were also measured. Hepatic Hg concentration was high in northern fulmar, whereas Cd level was high in tufted puffin and northern fulmar. The Hg concentration and d15N value were positively correlated across individual birds, suggesting that Hg uptake was linked to the trophic status of consumed prey. Furthermore, Hg concentration in our study was higher than those of the same species of seabirds collected in 1990.
• Trace Element Contamination in Tissues of Four Bird Species from the Rift Valley Region, Ethiopia

  Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Hazuki Mizukawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 98 (2) 172 - 177 0007-4861 2017/02 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Concentrations of ten trace elements (Hg, As, Cd, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se and Zn) were determined in different tissues (liver, kidney, muscle, heart and brain) of African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) and great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) inhabiting the Ethiopian Rift Valley region. There were differences in trace element patterns among the bird species. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of Cd (5.53 A mu g/g dw +/- 2.94) in kidney and Hg (0.75 A mu g/g ww +/- 0.30) in liver were observed in the great white pelican compared to the other species, and liver concentrations of these two elements showed positive correlations with trophic level. Concentrations of toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) in liver were below their respective toxicological thresholds, indicating that the data may provide baseline information for future studies.
• Monitoring Lead (Pb) Pollution and Identifying Pb Pollution Sources in Japan Using Stable Pb Isotope Analysis with Kidneys of Wild Rats.

  Hokuto Nakata, Shouta M M Nakayama, Balazs Oroszlany, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Hazuki Mizukawa, Kazuyuki Tanaka, Tsunehito Harunari, Tsutomu Tanikawa, Wageh Sobhy Darwish, Yared B Yohannes, Aksorn Saengtienchai, Mayumi Ishizuka

  International journal of environmental research and public health 14 (1) 1661-7827 2017/01/10 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Although Japan has been considered to have little lead (Pb) pollution in modern times, the actual pollution situation is unclear. The present study aims to investigate the extent of Pb pollution and to identify the pollution sources in Japan using stable Pb isotope analysis with kidneys of wild rats. Wild brown (Rattus norvegicus, n = 43) and black (R. rattus, n = 98) rats were trapped from various sites in Japan. Mean Pb concentrations in the kidneys of rats from Okinawa (15.58 mg/kg, dry weight), Aichi (10.83), Niigata (10.62), Fukuoka (8.09), Ibaraki (5.06), Kyoto (4.58), Osaka (4.57), Kanagawa (3.42), and Tokyo (3.40) were above the threshold (2.50) for histological kidney changes. Similarly, compared with the previous report, it was regarded that even structural and functional kidney damage as well as neurotoxicity have spread among rats in Japan. Additionally, the possibility of human exposure to a high level of Pb was assumed. In regard to stable Pb isotope analysis, distinctive values of stable Pb isotope ratios (Pb-IRs) were detected in some kidney samples with Pb levels above 5.0 mg/kg. This result indicated that composite factors are involved in Pb pollution. However, the identification of a concrete pollution source has not been accomplished due to limited differences among previously reported values of Pb isotope composition in circulating Pb products. Namely, the current study established the limit of Pb isotope analysis for source identification. Further detailed research about monitoring Pb pollution in Japan and the demonstration of a novel method to identify Pb sources are needed.
• Concentrations and human health risk assessment of DDT and its metabolites in free-range and commercial chicken products from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

  L. A. Thompson, Y. Ikenaka, Y. B. Yohannes, J. J. van Vuren, V. Wepener, N. J. Smit, W. S. Darwish, S. M. M. Nakayama, H. Mizukawa, M. Ishizuka

  FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS PART A-CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS CONTROL EXPOSURE & RISK ASSESSMENT 34 (11) 1959 - 1969 1944-0049 2017 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Organochlorine pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) have been used in agriculture and for disease control purposes over many decades. Reports suggest that DDT exposure may result in a number of adverse effects in humans. In the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, DDT is sprayed annually in homes (indoor residual spraying) to control the mosquito vector of malaria. In the northern part of the Province, samples of free-range chicken meat (n=48) and eggs (n=13), and commercially produced chicken meat (n=6) and eggs (n=11), were collected and analysed. Of the free-range chicken meat samples, 94% (45/48) contained DDTs (sigma DDTs median 6.1ng/g wet weight [ww], maximum 79.1ng/g ww). Chicken egg contents were also contaminated (sigma DDTs in free-range eggs median 9544ng/g ww, maximum 96.666ng/g ww; and in commercial eggs median 1.3ng/g ww, maximum 4.6ng/g ww). The predominant DDT congener detected was p,p'-DDE in both free-range meat (>63%) and eggs (>66%), followed by p,p'-DDT and then p,p'-DDD. Based on estimated daily intake values, calculated human risk ratio (carcinogenic) values were >1 for DDTs detected in both free-range chicken products. Consumption of free-range eggs poses a particularly high health risk.
• DDTs and other organochlorine pesticides in tissues of four bird species from the Rift Valley region, Ethiopia

  Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Hazuki Mizukawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 574 1389 - 1395 0048-9697 2017/01 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Despite the presence of a wide variety and number of birds, there is exceedingly little data on organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in birds inhabiting in Africa. In the present study, concentrations of dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes, drins, cyclodienes, and hexachlorobenzene were measured in liver, kidney, heart and brain of 4 bird species from the Rift Valley region, Ethiopia. Indoor residual spraying of DDT for malaria vector control, and indiscriminate and illegal use of pesticides underline the relevance of this study. Levels of Sigma OCPs ranged from 1.87 to 4586 ng/g wet weight, and the scavenger bird species Leptoptilos crumeniferus had the highest level in liver. In all tissues, contamination profiles of OCPs within the species were similar, with DDTs >> other OCPs. Among the DDTs, p,p'-DDE was the most abundant compound and had significantly a higher burden in all tissues. The risk characterization demonstrated potential risks to the studied birds associated with DDE exposure. Maximum hepatic levels of p,p'-DDE exceeded the levels reported to trigger adverse effects. The detection of p,p'-DDT in all bird tissues suggests the release of fresh DDT to the environment. This is the first study to assay OCPs in different tissues of birds from the Ethiopian Rift Valley region, and henceforth the data will serve as a reference data for future studies. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
• Bioaccumulation and human health risk assessment of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides in an apex aquatic predator from a premier conservation area

  Ruan Gerber, Nico J. Smit, Johan H. J. Van Vuren, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Yared B. Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka, Victor Wepener

  SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 550 522 - 533 0048-9697 2016/04 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  With the second highest gross domestic product in Africa, South Africa is known to have a high pesticide usage, including the highly persistent and banned group of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). South Africa is also one of few countries to still actively spray DDT as malaria vector control. The aim of the study was to determine the degree to which aquatic biota in selected rivers of the world renowned Kruger National Park (KNP) arc exposed to by use of OCPs in the catchments outside the KNP and how this exposure relates to human health. Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) arc economically important apex predators and was selected as bioindicator for this study. Fish were sampled from the KNP sections of the Luvuvhu, Letaba and Olifants rivers during the high and low flow periods from 2010 to 2011 within the KNP and 19 OCPs were determined in muscle tissue using GC-ECD techniques. Significant flow related and spatial OCP bioaccumulation was observed. Tigerfish from the Luvuvhu River displayed the highest OCP bioaccumulation. Concentrations of the majority of the OCPs including the DDTs were the highest levels ever recorded from South African freshwater systems and in many cases the concentrations were higher than most contaminated areas from around the world. The concentrations found in H. vittatus muscle also exceeded maximum residue levels in edible fat as set by the European Union. The health risk assessment also demonstrated that the levels of OCPs pose very high cancer risks to the local populations consuming tigerfish, as high as 2 in 10 increased risk factor. This is of concern not only when managing the water resources of the conservation area but also for surrounding communities consuming freshwater fish. Contaminants enter the park from outside the borders and pose potential risks to the mandated conservation of aquatic biota within the KNP. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
• Distribution and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residue in edible cattle tissues from northeastern part of Egypt: High accumulation level of OCPs in tongue

  Abdallah Fikry A. Mahmoud, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Yared B. Yohannes, Wageh S. Darwish, Elsaid A. Eldaly, Alaa Eldin M. A. Morshdy, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Hazuki Mizukawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  CHEMOSPHERE 144 1365 - 1371 0045-6535 2016/02 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Food consumption is an important route of human exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). In order to assess the potential human health risks associated with OCPs, edible cattle tissues (liver, kidney and tongue) were collected from three slaughter houses in Mansoura, Zagazig and Ismailia cities, Egypt. Levels of 22 OCPs such as hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), aldrin, dieldrin and endrin (Drins), chlordanes (CHLs), heptachlors (HPTs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) residues were investigated. Among the investigated OCPs, HCHs represented the most dominant group with high proportions of gamma-HCH isomer (53-91% of total HCHs). Mansoura city had the highest OCPs contamination load ranged from 0.1 to 2827 ng g(-1) lw (lipid weight). Surprisingly, tongue samples collected from Mansoura showed the highest concentration of HCHs (448 ng g(-1) lw) in comparison to liver (152 ng g(-1) lw) and kidney (266 ng g(-1) lw). Generally, contamination pattern of OCPs was in the order of HCHs > Drins > CHLs > DDTs congruent to HCB and HPTs. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) through dietary consumption of cattle tissues were lower than the recommended acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) established by FAO/WHO. However, the hazard ratios (HRs) based on cancer risk were greater than 1.0 for HCHs based on the average and 95th centile concentrations, indicating carcinogenic effects to consumers through cattle tissues consumption. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
• Application of a Sediment Quality Index for the assessment and monitoring of metals and organochlorines in a premier conservation area

  Ruan Gerber, Nico J. Smit, Johan H. J. van Vuren, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Yared B. Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Mayumi Ishizuka, Victor Wepener

  ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 22 (24) 19971 - 19989 0944-1344 2015/12 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  The physical and chemical characteristics of surface sediments from a leading conservation area, namely the Kruger National Park, were determined in order to identify potential stressors in the systems that may contribute to overall deterioration in sediment quality within the reserve, leading to potential threats to the aquatic biota conserved within these stretches of river. Sediment samples were collected during four surveys (two low flow and two high flow) from 2009 to 2011. Samples were analysed for organic content, grain size determination, metals and various organochlorine pesticides. Results indicated that the Olifants River sediments did not show any great improvement over the years and point towards the continued input of pollutants into this system. Sediment quality in the Luvuvhu and Letaba Rivers is better than that of sediments from the Olifants River in terms of metals, but metal concentrations are still comparable and point towards anthropogenic inputs of metals into these rivers. Even though the data indicate that these systems are being contaminated with both metals and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), levels were still below contaminated sediments from around the globe. Sediment Quality Index scores showed that the sediment quality of these rivers is in a relatively good state. High metal concentrations were the drivers behind lowered sediment quality, and in some cases certain OCPs played a role. Both metals and OCP concentrations were highly correlated with finer grain sizes. Sediment assessments are not routinely applied in South Africa resulting in very little reference or background data available for the area. The metal concentrations for the study area were generally lower than those for other studies in more polluted regions. The study also contributes to the available knowledge on surrounding metal pollution in riverine sediments in South Africa.
• Metal extent in blood of livestock from Dandora dumping site, Kenya: Source identification of Pb exposure by stable isotope analysis.

  Hokuto Nakata, Shouta M M Nakayama, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Hazuki Mizukawa, Chihiro Ishii, Yared B Yohannes, Satoru Konnai, Wageh Sobhy Darwish, Mayumi Ishizuka

  Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) 205 8 - 15 0269-7491 2015/10 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Nairobi city in Kenya produces 2000 tons/day of garbage, and most of it is dumped onto the Dandora dumping site, home to a quarter-million residents. This study was conducted (1) to assess the contamination levels of nine metals and a metalloid (arsenic) in the blood of pigs, goats, sheep and cattle from Dandora, and (2) to identify a possible source of lead (Pb) pollution. Cadmium (Cd, 0.17-4.35 μg/kg, dry-wt) and Pb (90-2710 μg/kg) levels in blood were generally high, suggesting human exposure to Cd through livestock consumption and Pb poisoning among pigs (2600 μg/kg) and cattle (354 μg/kg). Results of Pb isotope ratios indicated that the major exposure route might differ among species. Our results also suggested a possibility that the residents in Dandora have been exposed to the metals through livestock consumption.
• Levels, potential sources and human health risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particulate matter (PM10) in Kumasi, Ghana

  Nesta Bortey-Sam, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Osei Akoto, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Elvis Baidoo, Hazuki Mizukawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 22 (13) 9658 - 9667 0944-1344 2015/07 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Airborne particulate samples were collected on quartz filters to determine the concentrations, sources and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air in Kumasi, Ghana. A total of 32 air samples were collected in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus (pristine site) and city centre (CC). Samples were extracted with 1:2v/v acetone/hexane mixture prior to GC-MS analyses. The sum of concentrations of 17 PAHs in air ranged from 0.51 to 16 (KNUST) and 19-38 ng/m(3) (CC). The concentration of benzo[a]pyrene, BaP, ranged from below detection limit to 0.08 ng/m(3) (KNUST) and 1.6 to 5.6 ng/m(3) (CC). Chemical mass balance model showed that PAHs in air in Kumasi were mainly from fuel combustion. The total BaP equivalent concentration (BaPeq) in CC was 18 times higher compared to KNUST; based on the European Legislation and Swedish and UK Standards for BaP in air, CC could be classified as highly polluted. Estimated carcinogenicity of PAHs in terms of BaPeq indicated that BaP was the principal PAH contributor in CC (70 %). Health risk to adults and children associated with PAH inhalation was assessed by taking into account the lifetime average daily dose and corresponding incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The ILCR was within the acceptable range (10(-6) to 10(-4)), indicating low health risk to residents.
• Human health risks from metals and metalloid via consumption of food animals near gold mines in Tarkwa, Ghana: Estimation of the daily intakes and target hazard quotients (THQs)

  Nesta Bortey-Sam, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Osei Akoto, Elvis Baidoo, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Hazuki Mizukawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 111 160 - 167 0147-6513 2015/01 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Heavy metal and metalloid contamination in food resulting from mining is of major concern due to the potential risk involved. Food consumption is the most likely route of human exposure to metals. This study was therefore to assess metals in different organs and different animal species near gold mines used for human consumption (free-range chicken, goat and sheep) in Tarkwa, Ghana, and to estimate the daily intake and health risk. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were measured with an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer and Hg analysis was done using the mercury analyzer. Principal component analysis of the results showed a clear separation between chicken, grouped on one side, and the ruminants clustered on another side in both offal and muscle. Interestingly, As, Cd, Hg, Mn and Pb made one cluster in the offal of chicken. Chicken muscle also showed similar distribution with As, Hg and Pb clustered together. The daily intake of metals (mu g/kg body weight/day) were in the following ranges; As [0.002 (kidneys of goat and sheep)-0.19 (chicken gizzard)], Cd [0.003 (chicken muscle)-0.55 (chicken liver)], Hg [0.002 (goat muscle)-0.29 (chicken liver)], Pb [0.01 (muscles and kidneys of goat and sheep)-0.96 (chicken gizzard)] and Mn [0.13 (goat kidney)-8.92 (sheep liver)]. From the results, daily intakes of As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Mn in these food animals were low compared to the provisional tolerable daily intake guidelines. The THQs although less than one, indicated that contributions of chicken gizzard and liver to toxic metal exposure in adults and especially children could be significant. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Inc.
• Lead poisoning in children from townships in the vicinity of a lead-zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia

  John Yabe, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Yared B. Yohannes, Nesta Bortey-Sam, Balazs Oroszlany, Kaampwe Muzandu, Kennedy Choongo, Abel Nketani Kabalo, John Ntapisha, Aaron Mweene, Takashi Umemura, Mayumi Ishizuka

  CHEMOSPHERE 119 941 - 947 0045-6535 2015/01 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Childhood lead poisoning is a serious public health concern worldwide. Blood lead levels exceeding 5 mu g dL(-1) are considered elevated. In Kabwe, the capital of Zambia's Central Province, extensive Pb contamination of township soils in the vicinity of a Pb-Zn mine and posing serious health risk to children has been reported. We investigated BLLs in children under the age of 7 years in townships around the mine; where blood samples were collected and analyzed using an ICP-MS. All of the sampled children had BLLs exceeding 5 mu g dL(-1). Children in these areas could be at serious risk of Pb toxicity as 18% of the sampled children in Chowa, 57% (Kasanda) and 25% (Makululu) had BLLs exceeding 65 mu g dL(-1). Eight children had BLLs exceeding 150 mu g dL(-1) with the maximum being 427.8 mu g dL(-1). We recommend that medical intervention be commenced in the children with BLL exceeding 45 mu g dL(-1). (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
• Occurrence, distribution, sources and toxic potential of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface soils from the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

  Nesta Bortey-Sam, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Osei Akoto, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Elvis Baidoo, Hazuki Mizukawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 496 471 - 478 0048-9697 2014/10 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  As a developing country, the economic and population growth rates in Ghana over the past few years have seen a tremendous increase. The growing rate of industrialization is gradually leading to contamination and deterioration of the environment and pollution is likely to reach disturbing levels. Surface soil samples were collected randomly from 36 communities in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, to determine the concentrations, distribution, sources and toxic potential of emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) since no such comprehensive study had been conducted. The mean concentration of total PAHs in the surface soils in each community ranged from 14.78 at Ahinsan to 2084 ng/g dry weight at Adum with an average of 442.5 +/- 527.2 ng/g dry weight. Diagnostic ratios and chemical mass balance models of the results showed that PAHs in surface soil samples from the study area were mainly from fuel combustion. Carcinogenic potency of PAH load from the city centre was approximately 150 times higher as compared to a pristine site, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology's Botanical Garden. BaP, a human carcinogen, contributed 70% of the total PAHs toxicity level from the city centre of Kumasi. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
• Organochlorine pesticides in bird species and their prey (fish) from the Ethiopian Rift Valley region, Ethiopia

  Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka

  ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 192 121 - 128 0269-7491 2014/09 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and stable isotopes were measured in muscle from 4 bird and 5 fish species from the Ethiopian Rift Valley region where DDT is used for malaria control and vast agricultural activities are carried out. We investigated the bioaccumulation of OCPs such as DDTs, HCHs, chlordanes, and heptachlors between the species, and examined the potential risk posed by these compounds for bird species. Significant differences in contaminant profiles and levels were observed within the species. Levels of total OCPs ranged from 3.7 to 148.7 mu g/g lipid in bird and 0.04 to 10.9 mu g/g lipid in fish species. DDTs were the predominant contaminant, and a positive relationship between delta N-15 and Sigma DDT concentrations was found. The main DDT metabolite, p,p'-DDE was the most abundant and significantly greater concentrations in bird species (up to 138.5 mu g/g lipid), which could have deleterious effects on survival and/or reproduction of birds. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
• Concentrations and human health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides in edible fish species from a Rift Valley lake-Lake Ziway, Ethiopia

  Yared B. Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Aksorn Saengtienchai, Kensuke P. Watanabe, Shouta M. M. Nakayam, Mayumi Ishizuka

  ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 106 95 - 101 0147-6513 2014/08 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Fish consumption is known to have several health benefits for humans. However, the accumulation of organic pollutants, like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) could pose health hazards. Thus, OCPs in edible fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii, Carassius spp., and Clarias gariepinus) from Lake Ziway, an Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake were investigated to assess the potential human health hazards of these contaminants. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes, and heptachlors were observed with Sigma OCPs concentration ranging from 1.41 to 63.8 ng g(-1) ww. DDTs were the predominant contaminants (0.9 to 61.9 ng g(-1) ww), followed by HCHs. The predominance of DDTs may be attributed to their current use in vector control and contamination from past usage. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of OCPs from all fish species were much lower than the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs), indicating that consumption of fish is at little risk to human health at present. However, the cancer risk estimates in the area of concern and the hazard ratios (HRs) of HCHs, DDTs, and heptachlors exceeded the threshold value of one, indicating daily exposure to these compounds is a potential concern. This may result in a lifetime cancer risk greater than of I in 10(6). (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
• Contamination status and accumulation characteristics of metals and a metalloid in birds on Teuri Island, Hokkaido, Japan

  Chihiro Ishii, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Yuya Suzuki, Yutaka Watanuki, Yuji Watanabe, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Hazuki Mizukawa, Mayumi Ishizuka

  JAPANESE JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 62 (3) 143 - 149 0047-1917 2014/08 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Teuri Island, Hokkaido in Japan is an important place for seabirds breeding. We measured the concentrations of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) and a metalloid (As) in rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata) (n = 7), thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia) (n = 2), spectacled guillemot (Cepphus carbo) (n = 6), slaty-backed gull (Larus schistisagus) (n = 15), jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) (n = 3), Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonica) (n = 6) and Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus azonus) (n = 2). Spectacled guillemot had high As concentrations, with its source being their feeding habitat. Concentration of Hg in kidney of jungle crow was higher than other seabird species at Teuri.
• Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk assessment of DDTs and heavy metals in surface sediments from Lake Awassa-Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake

  Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Aksorn Saengtienchai, Kensuke P. Watanabe, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka

  ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 20 (12) 8663 - 8671 0944-1344 2013/12 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and heavy metals are ubiquitous contaminants with high bioaccumulation and persistence in the environment, which can have adverse effects on humans and animals. Although applications of DDTs have been banned in many countries, developing countries like Ethiopia are still using these for agricultural and medicinal purposes. In addition, heavy metals are naturally present in the aquatic environment and distributed globally. In this study, the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk of DDTs and heavy metals in surface sediments from one of the Ethiopian rift valley lakes were studied. Twenty-five surface sediment samples from Lake Awassa, Ethiopia were collected and analyzed for DDTs and heavy metals. Results showed that concentrations of total DDTs ranged from 3.64 to 40.2 ng/g dry weight. High levels of DDTs were observed in the vicinity of inflow river side and coastal areas with agricultural activities. The heavy metals content were followed the order Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cr > Co > As > Cd > Hg. Correlation analysis and principal components analysis demonstrated that heavy metals were originated from both natural and anthropogenic inputs. The levels of DDE and DDD in surface sediments exceeded the sediment quality guideline values, indicating that adverse effects may occur to the lake. A method based on toxic-response factor for heavy metals revealed that the calculated potential ecological risk indices showed low ecological risk for the water body.
• Organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in fish from Lake Awassa, Ethiopia: Insights from stable isotope analysis

  Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Aksorn Saengtienchai, Kensuke Watanabe, Mayumi Ishizuka

  CHEMOSPHERE 91 (6) 857 - 863 0045-6535 2013/05 [Refereed][Not invited]
   

  The levels and bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and heavy metals were studied in muscle and liver of three fish species, with two trophic levels, from Lake Awassa, Ethiopia. DDTs were the predominant organic pollutant in all species with a maximum level of 73.28 ng g(-1) wet weight (ww). p,p'-DDE was the predominate congener and showed a significant (p <0.001) relationship with delta N-15, which indicates that DDTs could biomagnified in the food web of the lake. Generally, high levels of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg) were found in liver samples as compared to muscles. The levels of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb in liver samples showed negative correlation with delta N-15. They were found markedly higher in the lower trophic level fish species (p < 0.05) that indicates biodilution whereas; Zn level showed positive correlation with delta N-15. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MISC

• 鉛中毒マウスの短期作業記憶低下および血中ステロイドの分析

  村上昂暉, 中山翔太, 一瀬貴大, 中田北斗, YARED B. Yohannes, YARED B. Yohannes, ANDREW Kataba, ANDREW Kataba, 平井杏梨, 池中良徳, 石塚真由美  日本獣医学会学術集会講演要旨集  164th (CD-ROM)-  2021
• マラリアベクターコントロールにおけるDDTの使用実態とリスク評価

  池中良徳, THOMPSON Lesa, DARWISH Wageh, YOHANNES Yared, VAN VUREN Johan, SMIT Nico, WEPENER Victor, 中山翔太, 水川葉月, 石塚真由美  環境化学討論会要旨集(CD-ROM)  27th-  2018
• Heavy metal pollution in Japanese seabirds

  Chihiro Ishii, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M.M. Nakayama, Yuya Suzuki, Yutaka Watanuki, Yuji Watanabe, Masa aki Fukuwaka, Yared B. Yohannes, Yusuke K. Kawai, Mayumi Ishizuka  Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research  61-  (SUPPL.)  2013  

  It is reported that seabirds accumulate high levels of metals, prompting concerns regarding poisoning. The present study investigated the accumulation patterns of metals in tissues among four species of seabirds (Fratercula corniculata, Uria lomvia, Puffinus tenuirostris, and Fulmarus glacialis). Furthermore, we focused on Slaty-backed Gulls, which accumulated high levels of cadmium and mercury, and compared the areal differences. Geographic variation of metal levels could also contribute to differences in metal accumulation levels in these bird species. Therefore, the concentrations of metals in seabirds are considered to reflect their habitat. There are differences in the accumulation pattern among the seabird species. The high accumulation of metals could affect seabirds even if they do not show any symptoms.