Environmental Copper: Its Dynamics and Human Exposure Issues

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the environmental patterns and dynamics of copper from the perspective of issues that affect our ability to examine current human exposures. It presents selected summary information on the levels of copper found in various media and exposure pathways from a variety of information sources, and discusses the breadth and the limitations of this information. The analysis presented focuses on the ability to provide quantitative values for both external metrics of exposures (microenvironmental levels) and internal biological markers of exposure. The status of the current information on environmental copper is placed within a conceptual framework that can be used to identify data gaps, assess the utility of current biological markers of exposure, and examine the need for systematic and consistent data-gathering studies to improve our ability to complete exposure assessments. A primary concern is the exposure to copper through potable water supplies; this is considered within a framework that examines copper levels and distribution in food, soil, air and sediments, as well as the levels found in biological media such as urine, blood, and hair. An existing water consumption model for copper and associated exposure factors is briefly discussed. This type of model will eventually be valuable within a total exposure analysis modeling framework that can consider and prioritize exposures from multiple routes and differentiate levels of concern for both excesses and deficiencies in exposure, an important issue, since copper is an essential nutrient. Finally, this review attempts to examine the needs for better information using as a basis the concerns briefly mentioned in the recent NRC report "Copper in Drinking Water" (National Research Council, 2000).

Salicylic acid accumulation as a result of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb interactions in common reed (Phragmites australis) growing in natural ecosystems

“…The values are comparable to the results of Vymazal et al (2009) for constructed wetland, but are higher than levels observed in natural habitats in Poland (Parzych et al 2015). High Cu release in suburban areas probably originates from domestic waste water, wood production and preservation, phosphate fertilization of agricultural soil and also domestic combustion of waste and biomass (Georgopoulos et al 2001). The highest Cu concentrations in leaves were observed in S1 and S2 (city surrounding areas), and were accompanied by the lowest Zn contents, proving their antagonistic interactions (Arredondo et al 2006).…”

Cell-type specificity of lung cancer associated with low-dose soil heavy metal contamination in Taiwan: An ecological study

“…Residents living in areas where soil heavy metal concentration is elevated are prone to exposure to air, drinking water, and food with elevated heavy metal concentrations [1-11]. For example, Romero et al [8] showed that the concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in human serum were related to those in the soil and to the eating habits of local residents.…”

“…Cao et al [10] reported that an area with Cu-contaminated water could cause both irrigated soil and rice to have significantly higher Cu concentrations. Cu concentration in human serum may increase as humans ingest water or food with a high Cu concentration [11]. These studies have shown that heavy metals in soil may affect the heavy metal concentration in human serum, thus exposing human tissues and organs to the metals.…”

Potentiation of the Cytotoxic Activity of Copper by Polyphosphate on Biofilm-Producing Bacteria: A Bioinspired Approach

“…Copper (Cu) as a transitional metal occurs in nature in several oxidation states: Elemental copper Cu(0) (solid metal), Cu(I) cuprous ion, Cu(II) cupric ion, and rarely Cu(III) [56]. The most prevalent form of copper in the aqueous milieu is Cu 2+ [56].…”

“…Copper (Cu) as a transitional metal occurs in nature in several oxidation states: Elemental copper Cu(0) (solid metal), Cu(I) cuprous ion, Cu(II) cupric ion, and rarely Cu(III) [56]. The most prevalent form of copper in the aqueous milieu is Cu 2+ [56]. Besides being required as a co-factor for a series of enzymes or functional proteins [23], copper displays adverse effects, e.g., accumulation in distinct tissues resulting in the formation of cirrhosis/fibrosis and hyperplasia, followed by lysosomal damage, apoptotic and necrotic cell death (see [57]).…”