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Transfer Factors for Endocrine Disrupting Metals in a Rural Mining Area, NW RomaniaKeywords: endocrine disrupting metals , transfer factor , ICP-MS 1. Introduction Environmental contamination and exposure to heavy metals is a serious growing problem throughout the world , which has risen dramatically in the last 50 years as a result of an exponential increase in the use of heavy metals in industrial processes and products. Some metals are naturally found in the body and are essential to human health , being necessary for a proper metabolism (Cu , Zn , Mn , Co) , but become toxic at high concentrati Abstract: In this study, concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb in vegetables (carrots and potatoes) andadjacent soil samples were determined, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, subsequentlyappropriate wet acid digestions. Samples were collected from the private gardens in the villages situated nearsedimentation ponds, in Baia Mare mining area, NW Romania. In order to assess the bio-available fraction the DTPAextractable metals content was analyzed. Transfer factors were calculated and Pearson correlations were performed,revealing a common pollution source of vegetables and soils with heavy metals.
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