Environmental and Industrial Impact on the Biological Systems of Living Organisms

Abstract The purpose of this work is to establish the adaptive, stress and compensatory responses in people employed in titanium production and in laboratory animals kept at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant. It focused on the adaptive responses of mice (a total of 28 individuals in the experimental and control groups). The population of human participants consisted of 430 workers in the main workshops and 100 office workers (control group) employed at the plant. Morbidity and working conditions were analyzed. Urinary and blood biochemistry was evaluated. Changes in nitrogen metabolism were observed. The level of urea increased by 22%, creatinine – by 19%, and hydroxyproline – by 71% after a 2-week exposure to titanium and its compounds. Changes in carbohydrate metabolism were found. The level of glucose increased by 44% and the level of lactic acid increased by 65% after a 4- and 12-week exposure. As to animals, the study confirmed that there was a 41% increase in the concentration of lactic acid, a 38% increase in glucose, and a 50% increase in hydroxyproline following a 2-week exposure. Creatinine increased by 20%, indicating kidney damage in animals. The adaptive changes observed in workers can be markers in risk assessment. Keywords: Titanium, Pollution, Manufacturing plant, Toxins, Adaptive changes, Creatinine, Hydroproline