Relationships of Metals Between Feathers and Diets of Black-Tailed Gull (Larus crassirostris) Chicks

In birds, metal contaminants in feathers are influenced by prey concentrations and environmental quality. In Black-tailed Gull chicks, Cd, Pb and Cu concentrations were strongly correlated between feathers and stomach contents. Between feathers and livers, Pb, Zn and Fe concentrations were significantly correlated. Cd concentrations were within the range of other seabirds and within the background level for bird feathers (<2 μg/g dw). At the lighthouse, eight chicks exceeded the background for Pb level in feathers (>4 μg/g dw). Elevated Pb concentrations might be attributed to ingestion of paint-based chips and natural (soil and rocks) sources. There is evidence that the analyzed birds suffered from acute toxicity, including high levels of pecking from conspecifics and increased mortality from elevated Pb levels. It seems likely that these birds might experience negative health effects from this increased Pb exposure. As a result, Black-tailed Gull chick feathers are a very useful monitoring tool for assessing Cd, Pb and Cu contamination. Essential elements such as Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu were all within the acceptable range of normal concentrations for seabird species including gulls and may be maintained by normal homeostatic mechanisms.     

Concentrations and correlations for eight metals in human liver

This study was undertaken to determine concentrations for eight metals in human liver and investigate correlations among these metals as well as subject age. Autopsy specimens from 32 males, ranging from 38–88 years of age, were analyzed for calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Respective mean concentrations were 49.6, 2.1, 4.9, 318.7, 0.72, 135.2, 0.19, and 53.4 μg/g wet wt., and 209.2, 8.8, 20.6, 1342.2, 0.81, 569.4, 3.1 and 228.8 μg/g dry wt. Variables, including age and metal concentrations, were subjected to simple and multiple correlation analysis. Four metal pairs Zn-Cd, Fe-Pb, Mg-Hg, and Mg-Zn gave significant positive correlations. Age and Cu correlated negatively. Multiple correlations were found for Mg with Hg and Zn, Pb with Fe and age, Pb with Fe and Cu, and Zn with Mg and Cd. Results are discussed within the context of relevant literature.     

Heavy-Metal Levels in Feathers of Cattle Egret and Their Surrounding Environment: A Case of the Punjab Province, Pakistan

Levels of 10 heavy metals in cattle egret chick feathers, prey, and surrounding soils from three heronries in Punjab Province, Pakistan, were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean levels of cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and lithium (Li) in feathers, manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni) in prey, and lead (Pb), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), and lithium (Li) in soils were significantly different among Trimun Headworks, Shorkot, and Mailsi heroneries. Mean levels of Pb (43.10 μg/g), Cr (35.77 μg/g), Co (18.34 μg/g), Cu (0.20 μg/g), and Ni (0.22 μg/g) in feathers were significantly greater at Mailsi, and Mn (3.07 μg/g), Zn (18.83 μg/g), and Li (1.5 μg/g) levels were significantly greater at Shorkot. Multivariate analysis identified that some metals, such as Fe, Zn, and Li, in feathers were either associated with natural sources or with human-related activities, whereas Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Co, and Mn were correlated mainly with anthropogenic processes. Alarming levels were recorded for Cr, Pb, and Cd in feathers that were above threshold levels that may affect cattle egret flighting capacity and reproduction, thus leading to their population decline in Punjab Province. The results of this study provide evidence for the potential of feathers of cattle egret to be used as a biomonitor for the local heavy-metal contamination.     

An Assessment of Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Asian Swamp Eel, Monopterus albus, During Plowing Stages of a Paddy Cycle

Livers and muscles of swamp eels (Monopterus albus) were analyzed for bioaccumulation of heavy metals during the plowing stage of a paddy cycle. Results showed heavy metals were bioaccumulated more highly in liver than muscle. Zinc (Zn) was the highest bioaccumulated metal in liver (98.5 ± 8.95 μg/g) and in muscle (48.8 ± 7.17 μg/g). The lowest bioaccumulated metals were cadmium (Cd) in liver (3.44 ± 2.42 μg/g) and copper (Cu) in muscle (0.65 ± 0.20 μg/g). In sediments, Zn was present at the highest mean concentration (52.7 ± 2.85 μg/g), while Cd had the lowest mean concentration (1.04 ± 0.24 μg/g). The biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) for Cu, Zn, Cd and nickel (Ni) in liver tissue was greater than the corresponding BSAF for muscle tissue. For the three plowing stages, metal concentrations were significantly correlated between liver and muscle tissues in all cases, and between sediment and either liver or muscle in most cases. Mean measured metal concentrations in muscle tissue were below the maximum permissible limits established by Malaysian and U.S. governmental agencies, and were therefore regarded as safe for human consumption.     

Tissue Distribution of Metals in White-fronted Geese and Spot-Billed Ducks from Korea

This study presents concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cd in livers, kidneys, muscles and bones of white-fronted geese Anser albifrons (geese) and spot-billed ducks Anas poecilorhyncha (ducks). Iron in livers, kidneys and muscles, Zn in muscles, Mn and Cd in every tissue, Cu in livers, muscles and bones and Pb in bones differed between species, and there were significant differences among tissues in both species. Essential elements such as Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu concentrations were within the background levels. Lead concentrations in livers of 7 of 14 geese and 7 of 19 ducks and in bones of 4 of 19 ducks exceeded background concentrations for waterfowl (5 μg/g dw for the liver, 10 μg/g dw for the bone). Almost all samples of both species had the background Cd concentrations in the liver (33 of 33 geese and ducks) and kidney (14 geese and 18 ducks). Tissue concentrations of Cd were greater in geese than ducks. In contrast, tissue concentrations of Pb in bones were greater in ducks than in geese. These different trends for Cd and Pb reflect a short and/or long term difference in exposure and degree of accumulation of these metals.     

Spatial and Seasonal Distribution of Trace Metal Concentrations in Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and Sediment of Bosphorus and Golden Horn

The Golden Horn Estuary and Bosphorus Strait are two major marine environments of metropolitan Istanbul which have been exposed to intensive industrial discharges for more than 50 years. In the present study, concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were measured in mussel tissue and sediment samples by using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy to assess the current status of metal pollution in the Golden Horn and Bosphorus Strait. Ranges of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in soft parts of the mussels were BDL-2.59; BDL-7.35; 3.96–20.90; BDL-10.0; and 124.8–293.2 μg g^?1 dry weight (dw), respectively, while the ranges of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in <63 μm sediment fractions were BDL, 19.5–300.3, 16.9–724.7, 10.5–260.9, and 39.3–793.1 μg g^?1 dw, respectively. Ranges of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in >63 μm sediment fractions were BDL, 4.73–52.81, 3.45–481.87, 3.13–174.67 and 10.7–241.2 μg g^?1 dw, respectively. Trace metal concentrations found in sediment of the Golden Horn were 5–10 times higher than average literature values obtained in Mediterranean marine environment, whereas those of the Bosphorus Strait were consistent with or slightly higher than average literature values.     

DNA Alterations Triggered by Environmentally Relevant Polymetallic Concentrations in Marine Clams Ruditapes philippinarum and Polychaete Worms Hediste diversicolor

We exposed marine clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) and aquatic worms (Hediste diversicolor) to environmentally relevant concentrations of two metal mixtures each containing three divalent metals [(C₁ in µg/L) cadmium (Cd) 1, mercury (Hg) 0.1, and lead (Pb) 4] and [C₂ in µg/L) Cd 17, Hg 1.1, and Pb 55]. Animals collected in the Arcachon Bay were exposed for 8 days in microcosms made up of a mixed biotope consisting of a water column and natural marine sediment both taken up from the Arcachon Bay. Bioaccumulation analysis showed a significant increase of Cd, Hg, and Pb in clams, particularly at C₂ concentration in the water column reaching, in soft body, 2.3 ± 0.3 µg Cd/g, 0.7 ± 0.2 µg Hg/g, and 45 µg Pb/g dry weight (dw). DNA alterations and upregulation of the cox1 mitochondrial gene were also observed in clam gill after exposure to the metal blend. For worms exposed to the C₂ metal blend, DNA alterations and significant increase of Cd and Hg concentrations were observed reaching 0.5 ± 0.1 µg Cd/g and 2 ± 0.6 µg Hg/g dw.     

Temporal Trends of Some Trace Metals in Lithophaga lithophaga (L., 1758) from Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea)

This study compared the levels of the trace metals zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) in the bivalve Lithophaga lithophaga from Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea) between 2001 and 2011. Comparisons were made on the basis of season, as well as year. All values were measured by voltammetry. Median values of trace metals for all seasons in 2011 were 244.67 μg Zn g^?1, 1.09 μg Cd g^?1, 7.64 μg Pb g^?1 and 56.03 μg Cu g^?1 as dry weight. The results showed a general trend of decreasing Zn, Pb and Cu concentrations over time, but an increasing trend for Cd. Mean trace metal concentrations in individuals of L. lithophaga in 2011 exceeded the permissible limit published in the Turkish Food Codex for Pb, and closely approached the limit for Zn. The mean Cd concentration was within the permissible limit of the Turkish Food Codex, but exceeded the limit of the World Health Organization. Levels of Cu were within permissible limits of published regulations.     

Metal Discharges by Sinaloa Rivers to the Coastal Zone of NW Mexico

The aim of this work was to survey the discharges of dissolved and particulate Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn of the eight main rivers of Sinaloa State to the Mexican coastal environment. Zn was the most abundant dissolved metal and Fe was the most abundant particulate (8.02–16.90 and 51.8–1,140.3 μg/L, respectively). Only particulate Mn had significantly (p = 0.028) higher values in summer-fall (rainy season), whereas the significantly (p = 0.036) higher values of dissolved Zn were observed in winter and spring. The highest annual total discharges to Sinaloa coastal waters were those of the rivers San Lorenzo and Piaxtla (>2 × 10³ m.t.) and the lowest those of rivers Baluarte and El Fuerte (349 and 119 m.t., respectively). Pb concentrations may become of concern, because they are higher than the value recommended for the welfare of aquatic communities of natural waters.     

Heavy Metal Concentration in Largehead Hairtail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichiurus lepturus</Emphasis> Linneaus, 1758) and Savalai Hairtail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepturacanthus savala</Emphasis> (Cuvier, 1829)) Obtained from Karachi Fish Harbour,Pakistan

In this study, muscle samples gathered from Largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus Linneaus, 1758) and Savali hairtail [Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829)] from the Karachi Fish Harbour, Pakistan were analyzed to determine heavy metal concentrations (iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], manganese [Mn], lead [Pb] and cadmium [Cd]) between January and December 2016. All samples were analyzed using the AAnalyst 700 Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was observed that the average measured level of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd in muscle were 77.72?±?47.84 µg/g, 20.34?±?8.49 µg/g, 2.23?±?1.16 µg/g, 0.57?±?0.36 µg/g, 0.20?±?0.16 µg/g and 0.42?±?0.19 µg/g for T. lepturus, respectively. Besides, the average level of the same metal concentrations in muscle for L. savala were 85.11?±?57.64 µg/g, 16.63?±?9.25 µg/g, 2.53?±?1.90 µg/g, 0.47?±?0.27 µg/g, 0.23?±?0.18 µg/g and 0.47?±?0.20 µg/g, respectively. The correlation between size groups and metal accumulation in muscle tissues were investigated for both fish. In terms of public risk assessment, the provisional tolerable weekly intake’s of various heavy metals were compared with the consumption of both fish. As a result of the analysis, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd accumulations in muscle tissues of T. lepturus and L. savala collected from Karachi Fish Harbour Pakistan did not exceed limit values.     

Evaluation of Trace Metals in Tea Samples from Jeddah and Jazan, Saudi Arabia by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, Fe, Cr and Cu content were determined in various teas available in local markets of Jeddah and Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Concentrations of the trace metals were measured after acid digestion using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Validation of the digestion procedure was performed by the analysis of a certified reference material. The cadmium, lead, manganese, zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron, chromium and copper concentrations were found in the range of below the detection limit (BDL)—0.7 μg/g, BDL—8.7 μg/g, 48–859 μg/g, 6.6–120 μg/g, BDL—16.9 μg/g, BDL—3.1 μg/g, 46–348 μg/g, BDL—4.9 μg/g and 5.2–21.6 μg/g respectively. The values found in this study were compared with literature values.     

Differential Metal Tolerance and Accumulation Patterns of Cd,Cu, Pb and Zn in the Liverwort <Emphasis Type="Italic">Marchantia polymorpha</Emphasis> L.

In this study, we investigated the bioaccumulation, tissue distribution and physiological responses to different metal concentration (0.2 and 2 mM) and time of exposure of 1, 2 and 3 weeks with cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) using the model liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Our data showed, on one hand, a significant enrichment and tissue translocation of Cu, Zn, and specially Cd, reaching concentrations of 1800 µg g^??1 in 3 weeks. On the other hand, Pb exhibited the lowest concentration values (50 µg g^??1), and 90% of the total concentration in the rhizoids. We could observe a positive correlation between tissue concentration, metal translocation and an enhanced toxic response. The results obtained in this study might contribute not only in the application of this species in environmental studies with heavy metals but also as a starting point to study the evolution of metal tolerance in land plants.     

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Different Body Tissues of Atlantic Salmon,Salmo salar L., Exposed to a Model Mixture (Cu,Zn, Ni,Cr, Pb,Cd) and Singly to Nickel,Chromium, and Lead

One-year-old Atlantic salmon smolts were exposed for 2 weeks either to six priority heavy metal mixture or to Ni, Pb, and Cr singly at a concentration corresponding to Lithuanian inland water standards: Cu – 0.01, Zn – 0.1, Ni – 0.01, Cr – 0.01, Cd – 0.005 and Pb – 0.005 mg/L, respectively under semi-static conditions. The presence of metal mixture in the water only partly (by 50 %) affected the accumulation of single metals in body tissues (muscle, gills, liver and kidneys) probably due to the synergistic interactions among metals. Although metal concentrations increased in most cases, only Pb exceeded recommended level for human consumption (0.2 Pb mg/L) by 1.1-fold to 2.1-fold.     

Low iron stores are related to higher blood concentrations of manganese, cobalt and cadmium in non-smoking, Norwegian women in the HUNT 2 study

Low iron (Fe) stores may influence absorption or transport of divalent metals in blood. To obtain more knowledge about such associations, the divalent metal ions cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) and parameters of Fe metabolism (serum ferritin, haemoglobin (Hb) and transferrin) were investigated in 448 healthy, menstruating non-smoking women, age 20-55 years (mean 38 years), participating in the Norwegian HUNT 2 study.The study population was stratified for serum ferritin: 257 were iron-depleted (serum ferritin <12 μg/L) and 84 had iron deficiency anaemia (serum ferritin <12 μg/L and Hb<120 g/L). The low ferritin group had increased blood concentrations of Mn, Co and Cd but normal concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb. In multiple regression models, ferritin emerged as the main determinant of Mn, Co and Cd (p<0.001), while no significant associations with Cu, Zn and Pb were found. Adjusted r² for the models were 0.28, 0.48 and 0.34, respectively. Strong positive associations between blood concentrations of Mn, Co and Cd were observed, also when controlled for their common association with ferritin. Apart from these associations, the models showed no significant interactions between the six divalent metals studied. Very mild anaemia (110≤Hb<120 g/L) did not seem to have any effect independent of low ferritin. Approximately 26% of the women with iron deficiency anaemia had high concentrations of all of Mn, Co and Cd as opposed to 2.3% of iron-replete subjects.The results confirm that low serum ferritin may have an impact on body kinetics of certain divalent metal ions, but not all. Only a fraction of women with low iron status exhibited an increased blood concentration of divalent metals, providing indication of complexities in the body's handling of these metals.     

The distribution of blood concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn) in residents of the German Ruhr area and its potential association with occupational exposure in metal industry and/or other risk factors

Objective

This study investigated the metal distribution in blood samples from the general population and the risk of having high metal concentration for metal workers.

Levels and Variability of Metals in Soils of the Province of Golestan (Iran)

Studying the concentration distribution of metals is necessary for soil pollution monitoring and maintaining environmental quality. To date, very little large-scale research has been performed to investigate metal contamination in developing countries. In this study, the content and spatial distributions of five metals (cadmium [Cd], copper [Cu], nickel [Ni], lead [Pb], and zinc [Zn]) were quantified based on 346 topsoil samples from 12 districts in the province of Golestan (northeast [NE] Iran). The concentration levels (mg/kg) of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn varied from 0.02 to 0.36, 9.3 to 93.7, 6.8 to 44, 9.5 to 85.35, and 25 to 417.4, respectively. The average concentrations (mg/kg) obtained were as follows: Cd 0.12 ± 0.07, Cu 23.9 ± 9.07, Ni 34.88 ± 11.59, Pb 15.42 ± 5.81 and Zn 82.08 ± 30.87. Significant differences in the distribution of trace elements among districts were detected. The AzadShahr and BandarGaz districts displayed the highest metal concentrations. Greater metal values were obtained in the central, south, west, and NE areas, although Zn concentration was also high to the north of the province. Values of contamination factor and contamination degree indicated that the metal pollution level was on the order of Zn > Cd > Pb > Cu > Ni and that all of the metals belonged to a low or moderate pollution category. Ni and Cu levels derived from natural sources, whereas Cd, Pb, and Zn derived from anthropogenic activities with greater mean concentrations than reference concentrations.     

Effects of Copper and Cadmium on Lipogenic Metabolism and Metal Element Composition in the Javelin Goby (Synechogobius hasta) After Single and Combined Exposure

The present study was performed to determine the effects of single and combined exposure of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) on lipogenic metabolism and metal element composition of javelin goby Synechogobius hasta. Two hundred and forty uniform-sized S. hasta (initial mean weight 20.3 ± 0.3 g [mean ± SEM throughout]; initial body length 15.2 ± 0.2 cm) were randomly assigned to 12 fiberglass tanks (water volume 300 l) with 20 fish/tank. The fish were exposed to four treatments with different Cu and Cd concentration for 30 days, respectively: (1) control (without extra Cu and Cd addition), (2) Cu (nominal concentrations of 77 μg/l), (3) Cd (79 μg/l), and (4) Cu + Cd (Cu/Cd coexposure). Growth decreased, but hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index, and lipid content increased after metal exposure. Staining with Oil Red O and haematoxylin and eosin showed extensive alterations in liver of metals-exposed fish. Metal exposure influenced the accumulation of metal elements (Cu, Cd, iron, zinc, and manganese) in several tissues (muscle, gill, intestine, liver, and spleen) and increased hepatic 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and fatty acid synthase activities. The results of the present study indicated that the changes in lipogenic metabolism and metal element compositions of fish under Cu and Cd coexposure could not be explained by synergism of the addition of the effects observed in singly Cu- or Cd-exposed fish. To our knowledge the present study, for the first time, investigated the effects of Cu and Cd coexposure on hepatic lipogenic metabolism and metal element compositions in a wide range of tissues and organs in fish, which provided new evidence for Cu and Cd interactions in fish.     

Sensitivity of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium lanchesteri (Crustacea: Decapoda), to heavy metals

Adult Macrobrachium lanchesteri were exposed for a 4-day period in laboratory conditions to a range of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) concentrations. Mortality was assessed and median lethal times (LT??) and concentrations (LC??) were calculated. At the end of the 4-day period, live prawns were used to determine bioconcentration of the metals. LT?? and LC?? increased with the decrease in mean exposure concentrations and times, respectively, for all metals. LC??s for 96 hours for Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb were 32.3, 7.0, 525.1 and 35.0 μg/L, respectively. Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb bioconcentration in M. lanchesteri increases with exposure to increasing concentrations and Cd was the most toxic to M. lanchesteri, followed by Pb, Cu and Zn. Comparison of LC?? values for metals for this species with those for other freshwater crustacean organisms reveals that M. lanchesteri is equally or more sensitive to heavy metals than most other tested crustaceans.     

Concentrations of Metals in Water,Sediment, Biofilm,Benthic Macroinvertebrates,and Fish in the Boulder River Watershed,Montana, and the Role of Colloids in Metal Uptake

To characterize the partitioning of metals in a stream ecosystem, concentrations of trace metals including As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were measured in water, colloids, sediment, biofilm (also referred to as aufwuchs), macroinvertebrates, and fish collected from the Boulder River watershed, Montana. Median concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn in water throughout the watershed exceeded the U.S. EPA acute and chronic criteria for protection of aquatic life. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in sediment were sufficient in the tributaries to cause invertebrate toxicity. The concentrations of As, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn in invertebrates from lower Cataract Creek (63, 339, 59, 34, and 2,410 μg/g dry wt, respectively) were greater than the concentrations in invertebrates from the Clark Fork River watershed, Montana (19, 174, 2.3, 15, and 648 μg/g, respectively), that were associated with reduced survival, growth, and health of cutthroat trout fed diets composed of those invertebrates. Colloids and biofilm seem to play a critical role in the pathway of metals into the food chain and concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, and Zn in these two components are significantly correlated. We suggest that transfer of metals associated with Fe colloids to biological components of biofilm is an important pathway where metals associated with abiotic components are first available to biotic components. The significant correlations suggest that Cd, Cu, and Zn may move independently to biota (biofilm, invertebrates, or fish tissues) from water and sediment. The possibility exists that Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations increase in fish tissues as a result of direct contact with water and sediment and indirect exposure through the food chain. However, uptake through the food chain to fish may be more important for As. Although As concentrations in colloids and biofilm were significantly correlated with As water concentrations, As concentrations in fish tissues were not correlated with water. The pathway for Pb into biological components seems to begin with sediment because concentrations of Pb in water were not significantly correlated with any other component and because concentrations of Pb in the water were often below detection limits.     

Role of low exposure to metals as male reproductive toxicants

The objective of the study was to examine the associations between environmentally relevant low metal concentrations and semen quality parameters in men. The concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), and lead (Pb) in the seminal plasma and urine were measured from 196 male human subjects in Taiwan. Urinary Cd concentrations were negatively associated with sperm viability (p = 0.006). Seminal plasma Cu concentrations of the normal group (≥?15?×?10⁶/ml) were significantly lower than those of the abnormal group (p = 0.023). However, the linear regression analysis showed a weak association between Cu concentration and sperm concentration, along with other semen parameters. No significant relationship between other metals (As, Pb, Zn, and Se) and semen quality was observed.