Copper and zinc concentrations in plant and animal raw materials collected in the vicinity of the Żelazny most waste treatment tailings pond

Disorders of the Reproductive Health of Cattle as a Response to Exposure to Toxic Metals

“…It is also worth noting the fact that the copper deficiency in the organism may cause metabolic and immune disorders in humans and animals, which was confirmed by Harada et al (2020) [62]. Zinc is also known as a crucial element of the human health status, being responsible for protein synthesis or cell growth, similar to growth and sex hormones [59]. It was also notes that the adequate Zn content is necessary for normal skeletal condition, reproductive functions and enzyme reactions.…”

“…Nevertheless, an increased presence of zinc from the environmental sources is a serious risk affecting animals and products of animal origin. As it was mentioned by Kołacz et al (2020) [59] that zinc present in an animal body interacts in metabolic processes with other metals (Cu, Fe and Ca), affecting blood circulation and also resulting in mental disorders which may be an effect of metabolic disturbances and a major cause of toxic effects in humans. The heavy metals (especially Cd and Pb) do not participate directly in redox reactions, and the effects of their toxicity reduce the effectiveness of cellular antioxidants [58].…”

“…Furthermore, Kołacz et al (2020) [59] confirmed that the contamination of plants, as well as animals, is an important aspect of animal husbandry affected by environmental pollutions, as well as by human nutrition policy, especially from Cu and Zn. Moreover, it was noted that the cooper easily binds to proteins and the excess of this metal may cause the effect of growth retardation, bone diseases, anaemia, teratogenesis or even Wilson's disease or idiopathic copper toxicosis [59]. Kupczyński et al (2017) [60] found that the high levels of microelements in the nutrition of ruminants may cause their bioaccumulation and toxic effects in the organism.…”

“…It was also found that literature data related to the influence of environmental pollutants (including metals considered as toxic) on metabolic changes in cattle (especially the metabolism of cows' liver, e.g., the enzymatic activity of AST, LDH or GTP) are rare [58]. Furthermore, Kołacz et al (2020) [59] confirmed that the contamination of plants, as well as animals, is an important aspect of animal husbandry affected by environmental pollutions, as well as by human nutrition policy, especially from Cu and Zn. Moreover, it was noted that the cooper easily binds to proteins and the excess of this metal may cause the effect of growth retardation, bone diseases, anaemia, teratogenesis or even Wilson's disease or idiopathic copper toxicosis [59].…”

Challenges in the Application of Dendrochemistry in Research on Historical Environmental Pollution in an Old Copper Mining Area

“…They are often disposed in tailings storage facilities (TSF) using the hydrotransport method. Waste streams often contain hazardous contaminants such as heavy metals, sulfur compounds, and process reagents [7,8]. Therefore, dam failure poses a great risk to TSFs.…”