High-levels of toxic elements and radioactivity in an abandoned sulphur mine: Insights on the origin and associated environmental concerns

Giordani, Matteo; Taussi, Marco; Meli, Maria Assunta; Roselli, Carla; Zambelli, Giacomo; Fagiolino, Ivan; Mattioli, Michele

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167498

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…The first sample (Epsom salt) is a synthetic phase of pure magnesium sulfate (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, Merck) and has been tested compared with natural epsomite. The second sample (epsomite crystals, named MP) is a natural fibrous magnesium sulfate collected in the Perticara mine (Rimini province, Italy) and described and characterized by , Giordani et al, (2024). In this sample, a significant fraction of the fibers shows a very small size, and it is potentially inhalable for humans.…”

Section: Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The chemical composition of the MP sample is sulfur trioxides (32.93 wt%) and magnesium oxides (16.34 wt%); the water content, calculated by difference, is 50.73 wt %. It is worth noting that the MP sample contains a significant amount of radiogenic isotope 210 Po (about 5.5 Bq/g) and a minor amount of other trace elements ( 228 Th, Pb, As, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, i, Sr, Ti, Zn) (Giordani et al, 2024;.…”

Section: Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The in vitro cytotoxic effects of natural (fibrous epsomite crystals) and synthetic (Epsom salt) magnesium sulfate

Salucci,

Giordani,

Betti

et al. 2023

Microscopy Res & Technique

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Exposure to mineral fibers represents an occupational and environmental hazard since particulate inhalation leads to several health disorders. However, few data are available on the effect of fibers with high solubility like natural epsomite, a water‐soluble fiber with an inhalable size that allows it to penetrate biological systems, with regard to the respiratory tract. This study evaluated the natural (fibrous epsomite) and synthetic (Epsom salt) magnesium sulfate pathogenicity. Investigations have been performed through morpho‐functional and biochemical analyses, in an in vitro cell model that usually grows as monocytes, but that under appropriate conditions differentiates into macrophages. These latter, known as alveolar macrophages, if referred to lungs, represent the first line of defense against harmful inhaled stimuli. Morphological observations reveal that, if Epsom salt induces osmotic stress on cell culture, natural epsomite fibers lead to cellular alterations including thickening of the nuclear envelope and degenerated mitochondria. Moreover, the insoluble fraction (impurities) internalized by cells induces diffuse damage characterized at the highest dosage and exposure time by secondary necrosis or necrotic cell death features. Biochemical analyses confirm this mineral behavior that involves MAPK pathway activation, resulting in many different cellular responses ranging from proliferation control to cell death. Epsom salt leads to MAPK/ERK activation, a marker predictive of overall survival. Unlike, natural epsomite induces upregulation of MAPK/p38 protein involved in the phosphorylation of downstream targets driving necrotic cell death. These findings demonstrate natural epsomite toxicity on U937 cell culture, making the inhalation of these fibers potentially hazardous for human health.Research Highlights Natural epsomite and synthetic Epsom salt effects have been evaluated in U937 cell model. Epsom salt induces an osmotic cellular stress. Natural epsomite fibers lead to cellular damage and can be considered potentially dangerous for human health.

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Section: Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%