Determination of mercury values in urine and air of chloralkali workers by copper nanoparticles functionalized in carboxylic carbon nanotubes and the effects of mercury exposure on oxidative stress

Mercury exposure can produce toxic organic compounds in the body. Also, mercury can potentially cause oxidative damage and cellular disorders. In this study, the determination of mercury values in urine and air of chloralkali workers based on copper nanoparticles functionalized in carboxylic carbon nanotubes (CuNPs@CNT-COOH) were obtained by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometer (CV-AAS). The urine samples were determined by magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) at pH 8.0. By measuring the mercury level in the air and the urine sample of workers, the level of oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (Cat)), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) as the proinflammatory cytokines were measured in the subject group. The results revealed statistically significant differences in the mercury level of the urine samples in the case and control groups (p<0.001). Similarly, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly different between the two research groups (p<0.001). Catalase concentration was not significantly different in the two groups (p=0.059). The LOD and linear range for mercury determination in urine were achieved at 0.012 µg L−1 and 0.05-7.0 µg L−1, respectively. Workers’ exposure to mercury can significantly increase oxidative stress and inflammatory cell signaling molecules such as cytokines.