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Heavy metal-associated oxidative stress and glutathione s-transferase polymorphisms among E-waste workers in Pakistan

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Abstract

Increased E-waste generation during recent times has become a global concern, especially for developing countries that are at receiving end from the developed countries. Their improper handling and lacking management practices in developing countries including Pakistan are contributing enormous addition of toxicants into the environment and affecting the health of exposed workers associated with E-waste recycling activities. A systematic cross-sectional study was designed comprising workers associated with E-waste recycling activities in Peshawar city, Pakistan. The study aimed to investigate metal concentrations in dust, particulate matter and urine of exposed workers and correlate with oxidative stress and glutathione s-transferases genotypes (GSTM1 and GSTT1) that play a role in detoxification of metals in humans. A total of 120 blood samples comprising dismantlers (n = 52), repairers (n = 21), smelters (n = 17) and controls (n = 30) were collected. Results showed that metal concentrations were significantly higher in the dust (P = 0.020), particulate matter (P = 0.021) and urine samples (P = 0.00) as compared to controls. We observed significant increase in MDA (P = 0.00) and decrease in SOD (P = 0.00) and CAT (P = 0.00) levels among exposed subjects as compared to controls. Additionally, GSTT1 null genotype was more significantly associated with the dismantlers (P = 0.02). The study shows that E-waste workers are exposed to high level of toxic metals through dust and particulate matter, resulting in significant oxidative stress and related health implications, while GSTT1 null polymorphism is associated with increased susceptibility to these metals and induced health outcomes.

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Abbreviations

E-waste:

Electronic waste

GSTM1:

Glutathione s-transferase mu 1

GSTT1:

Glutathione s-transferase Theta 1

PCBs:

Printed circuit boards

CRTs:

Cathode ray tubes

MDA:

Malondialdehyde

CAT:

Catalase

GR:

Glutathione reductase

SOD:

Superoxide dismutase

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

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Acknowledgement

We are thankful to all participants of current study for cooperation in providing biological samples and demographic information.

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Current research was funded by Quaid-i-Azam University research funds and did not receive any specific funding.

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  1. Muneeb Tahir and Muhammad Yasir Abdur Rehman contributed equally in the manuscript.

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  1. Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Muneeb Tahir, Muhammad Yasir Abdur Rehman & Riffat Naseem Malik

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Tahir, M., Rehman, M.Y.A. & Malik, R.N. Heavy metal-associated oxidative stress and glutathione s-transferase polymorphisms among E-waste workers in Pakistan. Environ Geochem Health 43, 4441–4458 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-00926-x

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