Learning Discriminatory Information for Object Detection on Urine Sediment Image

In clinical practice,the microscopic examination of urine sediment is considered an important in vitro examination with many broad applications.Measuring the amount of each type of urine sediment allows for screening,diagnosis and evaluation of kidney and urinary tract disease,providing insight into the specific type and severity.However,manual urine sediment examination is labor-intensive,time-consuming,and subjective.Traditional machine learning based object detection methods require hand-crafted features for localization and classification,which have poor generalization capabilities and are difficult to quickly and accurately detect the number of urine sediments.Deep learning based object detection methods have the potential to address the challenges mentioned above,but these methods require access to large urine sediment image datasets.Unfortunately,only a limited number of publicly available urine sediment datasets are currently available.To alleviate the lack of urine sediment datasets in medical image analysis,we propose a new dataset named UriSed2K,which contains 2465 high-quality images annotated with expert guidance.Two main challenges are associated with our dataset:a large number of small objects and the occlusion between these small objects.Our manuscript focuses on applying deep learning object detection methods to the urine sediment dataset and addressing the challenges presented by this dataset.Specifically,our goal is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the detection algorithm and,in doing so,provide medical professionals with an automatic detector that saves time and effort.We propose an improved lightweight one-stage object detection algorithm called Discriminatory-YOLO.The proposed algorithm comprises a local context attention module and a global background suppression module,which aid the detector in distinguishing urine sediment features in the image.The local context attention module captures context information beyond the object region,while the global background suppression module emphasizes objects in uninformative backgrounds.We comprehensively evaluate our method on the UriSed2K dataset,which includes seven categories of urine sediments,such as erythrocytes(red blood cells),leukocytes(white blood cells),epithelial cells,crystals,mycetes,broken erythrocytes,and broken leukocytes,achieving the best average precision(AP)of 95.3%while taking only 10 ms per image.The source code and dataset are available at https://github.com/binghuiwu98/discriminatoryyolov5.

Distribution and Contamination of Arsenic in Fish, Gastropods and Bivalves in the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in East of Ivory Coast

Lagoons are ecosystems for biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The main objective of the study was to analyze the variability of arsenic concentrations in gastropods and bivalves in the Aby and Tendo lagoons, taking into account spatial, seasonal and hydrological variations. The study was carried out in four stages spread over two successive hydroclimatic cycles, including two seasons during the rainy season and two more during the dry season. The samples were taken in two areas of the Aby and Tendo lagoons. Arsenic levels were measured by ICP-MS. The results showed that mean arsenic concentrations in the muscles of organisms in Aby Lagoon ranged from 0.01 to 1.26 μg As/g, with a mean and median of 0.17 and 0.06 μg As/g, respectively. Fish had the highest levels of arsenic, followed by crustaceans, while molluscs and plants had lower and comparable concentrations of As. Arsenic concentrations in tilapia and jawbones varied significantly between sites and seasons, with higher concentrations at Tendo and during the rainy season. Arsenic concentrations in gastropods and bivalves were significantly higher than those of other species, with averages of 0.74 and 1.03 mg As/kg, respectively.

Measurement of very low-molecular weight metabolites by traveling wave ion mobility and its use in human urine samples

The collision cross-sections(CCS)measurement using ion mobility spectrometry(IMS)in combination with mass spectrometry(MS)offers a great opportunity to increase confidence in metabolite identification.However,owing to the lack of sensitivity and resolution,IMS has an analytical challenge in studying the CCS values of very low-molecular-weight metabolites(VLMs250 Da).Here,we describe an analytical method using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC)coupled to a traveling wave ion mobility-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer optimized for the measurement of VLMs in human urine samples.The experimental CCS values,along with mass spectral properties,were reported for the 174 metabolites.The experimental data included the mass-to-charge ratio(m/z),retention time(RT),tandem MS(MS/MS)spectra,and CCS values.Among the studied metabolites,263 traveling wave ion mobility spectrometry(TWIMS)-derived CCS values(TWCCSN2)were reported for the first time,and more than 70%of these were CCS values of VLMs.The TWCCSN2 values were highly repeatable,with inter-day variations of<1%relative standard deviation(RSD).The developed method revealed excellent TWCCSN2 accuracy with a CCS difference(DCCS)within±2%of the reported drift tube IMS(DTIMS)and TWIMS CCS values.The complexity of the urine matrix did not affect the precision of the method,as evidenced by DCCS within±1.92%.According to the Metabolomics Standards Initiative,55 urinary metabolites were identified with a confidence level of 1.Among these 55 metabolites,53(96%)were VLMs.The larger number of confirmed compounds found in this study was a result of the addition of TWCCSN2 values,which clearly increased metabolite identification confidence.

Landscape of urine biomarkers for bladder cancer:molecular function,cell-of-origin,and bibliometric trend

Background:The effective management of bladder cancer(BCa)depends on the early diagnosis and surveillance.Previous studies have explored numerous urinary molecules as potential biomarkers of BCa.However,the molecular functions and cell-of-origin profiles of these biomarkers are yet to be elucidated.In this study,we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape of urinary biomarker genes for BCa.Methods:We conducted an exhaustive literature search in PubMed,through which 555 biomarker genes were identified.We then analyzed the BCa single-cell atlas to infer the cellular origin of these BCa urine biomarker genes and performed functional enrichment analysis to gain insights into the functional molecular implications of these biomarkers.Results:These genes are involved in tumor proliferation,angiogenesis,cellmigration,and cell death and are predominantly expressed in epithelial and stromal cells.Interestingly,our analysis ofmultiomics tumor data revealed a discordance between tissue and urine in terms of differential methylation and RNA expression,suggesting that biomarker discovery for liquid biopsies should ideally begin with the analysis of bodily fluids rather than relying interest and that test strategies incorporating multiple molecular markers represent an ongoing trend.Conclusions:Collectively,our study has built a landscape of BCa urine biomarker genes,uncovered molecular insights into these biomarkers,and revealed the bibliometric trends in this field,which will contribute to the discovery of novel biomarkers in the future.

Roles of Aqueous Extract of Marigold on Arsenic-Induced Oxidative Damage in Pancreatic Islet β-Cells

Roles of Marigold extracts (ME) on arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced oxidative damage to pancreatic β-cells need to be further elucidated. In this study, NIT-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of and/or ATO, following by the cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay. Then, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxide (MDA) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured with a fluorescence probe method and colorimetric assay, respectively. The apoptosis rate and morphology was detected and observed with hoechst 33,258 staining assay. The mRNA levels and protein expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein immunoblotting assay, respectively. Our results indicated that Co-treatment with ME and ATO exacerbated the cell viability decreasing reduced by ATO, while the addition of ME after ATO treatment effectively promote the recovery of ATO reduced survival rates. The ATO group increased apoptosis (P P β-cells by modulating the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Arsenic and fluoride co-enrichment of groundwater in the loess areas and associated human health risks:A case study of Dali County in the Guanzhong Basin

This study aims to reveal the occurrence and origin of typical groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in the loess area of the Guanzhong Basin—a Neogene faulted basin.Key findings are as follows:(1)Groundwater samples with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations collected from the loess area and the terraces of the Weihe River accounted for 26%and 30%,respectively,of the total samples,with primary hydrochemical type identified as HCO_(3)-Na.The karst and sand areas exhibit relatively high groundwater quality,serving as preferred sources for water supply.It is recommended that local governments fully harness groundwater in these areas;(2)groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in the loess area and the alluvial plain of rivers in Dali County is primarily distributed within the Guanzhong Basin,which represents the drainage zone of groundwater;(3)arsenic and fluoride in groundwater originate principally from natural and anthropogenic sources;(4)the human health risk assessments reveal that long-term intake of groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations pose cancer or non-cancer risks,which are more serious to kids compared to adults.This study provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in loess areas.

Feasibility Evaluation of Using Biochar-based Permeable Reactive Barrier for the Remediation of Mercury and Arsenic Composite Polluted Water Bodies

This study employed a modified biochar material to construct a permeable reactive barrier(PRB)for the treatment of water bodies polluted with mercury and arsenic.The experimental results demonstrated that the addition of goethite-modified biochar significantly enhanced the remediation efficiency of As(III),achieving a maximum removal rate of 100%.Conversely,pure biochar exhibited high efficiency in the removal of Hg(II),with a maximum removal rate approaching 100%.Furthermore,the pH level of the water significantly influenced the adsorption efficiency of heavy metal ions,with the optimal removal performance observed at a pH of 6.0.The PRB system demonstrated excellent removal rates under low concentrations of heavy metals.However,as the concentration increased,the remediation efficiency exhibited a slight decrease.In summary,the findings of this study provide compelling evidence for the use of modified biochar in the construction of PRBs for the remediation of mercury and arsenic-polluted water bodies.Furthermore,the study reveals the mechanism by which pH and heavy metal concentration influence remediation efficiency.

Mechanism of Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats Exposed to Arsenic and/or Fluoride Based on Microbiome and Metabolome

Objective Arsenic(As) and fluoride(F) are two of the most common elements contaminating groundwater resources. A growing number of studies have found that As and F can cause neurotoxicity in infants and children, leading to cognitive, learning, and memory impairments. However, early biomarkers of learning and memory impairment induced by As and/or F remain unclear. In the present study, the mechanisms by which As and/or F cause learning memory impairment are explored at the multi-omics level(microbiome and metabolome).Methods We stablished an SD rats model exposed to arsenic and/or fluoride from intrauterine to adult period.Results Arsenic and/fluoride exposed groups showed reduced neurobehavioral performance and lesions in the hippocampal CA1 region. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that As and/or F exposure significantly altered the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome, featuring the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus_1, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group. Metabolome analysis showed that As and/or F-induced learning and memory impairment may be related to tryptophan, lipoic acid, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic(GABAergic) synapse, and arachidonic acid(AA) metabolism. The gut microbiota, metabolites, and learning memory indicators were significantly correlated.Conclusion Learning memory impairment triggered by As and/or F exposure may be mediated by different gut microbes and their associated metabolites.

Mechanism research on arsenic removal from arsenopyrite ore during a sintering process

The mechanism of arsenic removal during a sintering process was investigated through experiments with a sintering pot and arsenic-bearing iron ore containing arsenopyrite; the corresponding chemical properties of the sinter were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES),X-ray diffraction(XRD),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS). The experimental results revealed that the reaction of arsenic removal is mainly related to the oxygen atmosphere and temperature. During the sintering process,arsenic could be removed in the ignition layer,the sinter layer,and the combustion zone. A portion of Fe As S reacted with excess oxygen to generate Fe AsO_4,and the rest of the Fe As S reacted with oxygen to generate As_2O_3(g) and SO_2(g). A portion of As_2O_3(g) mixed with Al_2O_3 or CaO,which resulted in the formation of arsenates such as AlAsO_4 and Ca_3(AsO_4)_2,leading to arsenic residues in sintering products. The Fe As S component in the blending ore was difficult to decompose in the preliminary heating zone,the dry zone,or the bottom layer because of the relatively low temperatures; however,As_2O3(g) that originated from the high-temperature zone could react with metal oxides,resulting in the formation of arsenate residues.

Control of arsenic Pollution from waste gases during fabrication of semiconductor

The abatement technology of toxic arsenic pollution during fabrication of semiconductormaterials and devices has been studied.

Plant-derived natural compounds in the treatment of arsenic-induced toxicity

Arsenic toxicity,imposed mainly by arsenic-contaminated groundwater,is considered a critical threat to global communal health,as there is no specific and proven conventional therapy for chronic arsenic toxicity,i.e.,arsenicosis,which is an insidious global public health menace affecting 50 countries.Alternative options should,therefore,be explored for the mitigation of arsenicosis.Literature survey reveals several natural compounds from plants possess significant protective efficacy against arsenic toxicity in chiefly preclinical and few clinical investigations.The studies on the ameliorative effects of plant-derived natural compounds against arsenic toxicity published in the last 25 years are collated.Forty-eight plant-based natural compounds possess alleviative effects on experimental arsenic-induced toxicity in animals,six of which have been reported to be clinically effective in humans.A potential nutraceutical or therapeutic candidate against arsenicosis for humans may thus be developed with the help of recent advancements in research in this area,along with the currently available treatments.

Hesperidin attenuates arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats

Objective:To explore the cardioprotective effect of hesperidin against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Methods:Cardiac toxicity was induced by oral administration of 4 mg/kg arsenic trioxide for 30 days.Hematological,biochemical,electrocardiography,echocardiography,and histopathological examinations were performed.Results:Hesperidin decreased the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,calcium,creatine kinase-myoglobin binding,lactate dehydrogenase,IL-6,and lipid peroxidation,as well as increased sodium and potassium concentration and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in arsenic trioxide-intoxicated rats.Moreover,it reduced peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity while increasing heart rate.Arsenic trioxide-induced histopathological damage to cardiac tissue was prominently alleviated by hesperidin treatment.Conclusions:Hesperidin attenuates arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Therefore,it can be further explored as a cardioprotective agent.

Arsenic removal from acidic industrial wastewater by ultrasonic activated phosphorus pentasulfide

Arsenic is one of the main harmful elements in industrial wastewater.How to remove arsenic has always been one of the research hotspots in academic circles.In the process of arsenic removal by traditional sulfuration,the use of traditional sulfurizing agent will introduce new metal cations,which will affect the recycling of acid.In this study,phosphorus pentasulfide (P_(2)S_(5)) was used as sulfurizing agent,which hydrolyzed to produce H_(3)PO_(4) and H_(2)S without introducing new metal cations.The effect of ultrasound on arsenic removal by P_(2)S_(5) was studied.Under the action of ultrasound,the utilization of P_(2)S_(5) was improved and the reaction time was shortened.The effects of S/As molar ratio and reaction time on arsenic removal rate were investigated under ultrasonic conditions.Ultrasonic enhanced heat and mass transfer so that the arsenic removal rate of 94.5%could be achieved under the conditions of S/As molar ratio of 2.1:1 and reaction time of 20 min.In the first 60 min,under the same S/As molar ratio and reaction time,the ultrasonic hydrolysis efficiency of P_(2)S_(5) was higher.This is because P_(2)S_(5) forms ([(P_(2)S_(4))])^(2+)under the ultrasonic action,and the structure is damaged,which is easier to be hydrolyzed.In addition,the precipitation after arsenic removal was characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer,X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.Our research avoids the introduction of metal cations in the arsenic removal process,and shortens the reaction time.

Experimental Study on the Removal of Arsenic in Waste Water from Semiconductor Manufacturing

An effective and economic process for removing arsenic in waste water which is acuminating in the process of etching, cutting and washing in semiconductor industry has been developed in this paper. The proposed technique of arsenic removal is as follows: first pretreatment step is to oxidize arsenite to arsenate by potas-sium permanganate, second key step is precipitation based on arsenic compound solubility with ferric sulfate and slaked lime under pH adjustment, and the last complementary step is followed by the adsorption of the bentonite with enhanced by activated carbon and organic adsorbent. Experimental results show that under the optimal condition the removal efficiency of arsenic in the waste water is better than 99.99%, or the concen-tration of arsenic is from its original 100mg/l reduced to less than 10&#181;g/l accordingly.

CD71-mediated liposomal arsenic-nickel complex combined with all-trans retinoic acid for the efficacy of acute promyelocytic leukemia

Clinically,arsenic trioxide(ATO)was applied to the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL)as a reliable and effective frontline drug.However,the administration regimen of AsⅢwas limited due to its fast clearance,short therapeutic window and toxicity as well.Based on CD71 overexpressed on APL cells,in present study,a transferrin(Tf)-modified liposome(LP)was established firstly to encapsulate AsⅢin arsenic-nickel complex by nickel acetate gradient method.The AsⅢ-loaded liposomes(AsLP)exhibited the feature of acid-sensitive release in vitro.Tf-modified AsLP(Tf-AsLP)were specifically taken up by APL cells and the acidic intracellular environment triggered liposome to release AsⅢwhich stimulated reactive oxygen species level and caspase-3 activity.Tf-AsLP prolonged half-life of AsⅢin blood circulation,lowered systemic toxicity,and promoted apoptosis and induced cell differentiation at lesion site in vivo.Considering that ATO combined with RA is usually applied as the first choice in clinic for APL treatment to improve the therapeutic effect,accordingly,a Tf-modified RA liposome(Tf-RALP)was designed to reduce the severe side effects of free RA and assist Tf-AsLP for better efficacy.As expected,the tumor inhibition rate of Tf-AsLP was improved significantly with the combination of Tf-RALP on subcutaneous tumor model.Furthermore,APL orthotopic NOD/SCID mice model was established by 60CO irradiation and HL-60 cells intravenously injection.The effect of co-administration(Tf-AsLP+Tf-RALP)was also confirmed to conspicuous decrease the number of leukemia cells in the circulatory system and prolong the survival time of APL mice by promoting the APL cells’apoptosis and differentiation in peripheral blood and bone marrow.Collectively,Tf-modified acid-sensitive AsLP could greatly reduce the systemic toxicity of free drug.Moreover,Tf-AsLP combined with Tf-RALP could achieve better efficacy.Thus,transferrinmodified AsⅢliposome would be a novel clinical strategy to improve patient compliance,with promising translation prospects.

Can the Urine Dipstick Test Be an Alternative in the Screening of Urinary Tract Infections for Inpatients in the Context of a Low-Income Country?

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), a prevalent bacterial infection in adults, heavily relies on cytobacteriological examination of urine (CBEU) for diagnosis. However, in resource-limited countries, accessibility to CBEU remains hindered by cost and availability. This study aims to assess the utility of the Urinary Dipstick Test (UDT) in diagnosing UTIs among hospitalized patients in the context of limited resources. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2019, encompassing hospitalized patients who underwent CBEU at the bacteriology unit of Sour? Sanou University Hospital. UDT and CBEU were concurrently performed, and UDT’s analytical and diagnostic performance was evaluated against CBEU, considered the gold standard. Results: A total of 274 CBEU requests were registered, involving 274 patients (159 males) with a mean age of 45.8 ± 21.3 years (ranging from 1 to 90 years). UTI was confirmed in 90 patients, yielding a frequency of 32.85%. The UTI bacteriological profile was dominated by Enterobacteriaceae (75.23%), primarily Escherichia coli (60.55%). Nitrite and Leukocytes were positive in 54 (19.8%) and 157 (53.6%) of the samples tested. Among patients with confirmed UTI, Nitrite, and Leukocytes were positive in 30 (33%) and 71 (79%) patients respectively. UDT demonstrated variable performance based on nitrite and leukocyte combination: Sensitivity (57%-82%), Specificity (7%-98%), Positive Predictive Value (PPV) (43%-57%), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) (43%-67%). UDT performed slightly better in women (NPV = 88%) and inpatients without urinary catheters (NPV = 75% and PPV = 80%). Conclusion: This study underscores UDT’s potential utility in excluding UTIs among women, younger patients, and inpatients without urinary catheters, albeit with limited confidence. The UDT emerges as a complementary tool for UTI screening, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Effects of Inhabiting and Life Patterns on the UV Spectral Properties of Small Mammalian Herbivores’ Urine

It is well known that avian predators can use prey excretions such as urine and feces to track their prey, and the urine and feces of small mammalian herbivores can reflect ultraviolet (UV) light and emit fluorescent light. There are still some debates as to whether UV visibility of small mammalian herbivores’ urine is used as a hunting cue by avian raptors. Some studies in Europe have demonstrated that diurnal raptors are capable of utilizing these cues to target key prey species. However, researchers in Australia have argued that raptors do not use the UV visibility of urine while hunting. To our knowledge, there are no reports from Asia concerning the ultraviolet spectral characteristics of small mammal herbivores’ urine. This study examined the UV spectral properties of urine from 6 small mammal herbivores species by comparing the UV reflectance and fluorescence spectra of urine from small mammalian herbivores living in plateau meadows, plateau shrubs, open marshland, farmland, and semi-desert grassland in China. In addition, we compared the UV spectral properties of urine from ground-dwelling species of rodents and subterranean species to determine whether ultraviolet visibility of small mammal herbivores’ urine could be used as a visual signal by Asian vole-eating raptors. The results showed that: 1) the SC370 values of urine from four small mammal herbivores species were ordered as plateau pika (plateau meadow) > root voles (plateau bush) > reed voles (swampland) > Brandt’s vole (desert grassland);and 2) UV fluorescence peak intensity and the wavelengths of urine from ground-dwelling species (such as the root vole, plateau pika, or Brandt’s vole) were significantly higher than those of subterranean-dwelling species (mandarin vole and plateau zokor). These results indicate that UV visibility of small mammal herbivores’ urine may act as a visual cue for raptors.

Preparation of Biomanganese Oxide-biochar Composite and Its Remediation of Arsenic Contamination

[Objectives]To prepare biomanganese oxide/biochar composite(BMO-BC)and examine its remediation performance on arsenic contamination.[Methods]The BMO-BC was prepared by cultivating Pseudomonas putida MnB1 in the presence of Mn 2+and biochar.[Results]The initial concentration of Mn 2+in the culture system had no significant effect on the growth rate and domestication cycle of Pseudomonas putida MnB1.The results of SEM-EDS and XRD analysis confirm that the adsorbent prepared in this experiment was a composite of biomanganese oxide and biochar particles.The results of arsenic pollution removal test in simulated environment showed that the in-situ formed BMO-BC composite had certain removal effect on As(III)and the presence of biochar particles and manganese dioxide in the reaction system and the manganese oxidation ability of microbial strain MnB1 affect its remediation performance to As(III).[Conclusions]When the initial concentration is in the range of 0-10.0 mg/L,the isothermal adsorption data of BMO-BC on As(III)conforms to the Langmuir model.

The Fate of Agent Blue, the Arsenic Based Herbicide, Used in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War

The destruction of the South Vietnamese rice (Oryza sativa L) crop using an arsenic-based herbicide known as Agent Blue during the American Vietnam War (1965-1972) was not a secret;however, it received little media attention in the United States. Republic of Vietnam and United States (U.S.) militaries began destroying food crops (rice) in November of 1962 primarily via aerial applications in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands of South Vietnam. Spraying of Agent Blue on 100,000 ha of mangrove forests and about 300,000 ha of rice paddies just before rice harvest time resulted in the destruction of the standing crop and rendered the land contaminated with arsenic (As). Six Rainbow herbicides, commonly called Agent Orange, Agent Green, Agent Pink, Agent Purple, Agent White, and Agent Blue, were sprayed on wetlands, rice paddies, forests, mangroves, bamboo and military base perimeter fences to defoliate jungle vegetation, reveal guerilla hiding places and destroy the food supply of enemy troops. South Vietnamese farmers, U.S. and Republic of Vietnam military personnel, and communist insurgents were exposed to these herbicides with immediate and longer term impacts on personal health, civilian household food security and population-wide famine. Agent Blue (cacodylic acid, C2H2AsO2,) was the most effective of all the Rainbow herbicides in killing rice and grasses. Manufacturing of cacodylic acid began in the late 1950s in the U.S. at the Ansul Company chemical plant in Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan. During the Vietnam War, ocean going ships were loaded with 208-liter Agent Blue barrels and shipped via the St. Lawrence Seaway to the coast of South Vietnam. Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring element that is found throughout SE Asia deltas including the Mekong Delta. Today arsenic contaminated rice and groundwater are growing concerns as neither naturally occurring arsenic nor anthropic arsenic have a half-life and cannot be destroyed. Anthropic arsenic has remained in the Mekong Delta environment for the last 60 years and added to persistent As contamination in water supplies, sediments and soils. Water soluble arsenic primarily leaches into the soil root zone and the groundwater or is carried by floodwater into adjacent waterways or volatilized under anaerobic rice paddy conditions as gaseous arsine. The health of 15 million Vietnamese people living in the Mekong Delta is at risk from the combination of manufactured and natural As in drinking water and food supply. The As in the contaminated rice paddy soil, sediment and water is up taken by fish, shrimp or by crop vegetation and trace amounts can end up in the food supply (rice grain) or be bioaccumulated by the fish, shrimp and birds which when eaten were bioaccumulated in the Vietnamese people. It is urgent that elevated As concentrations in water supplies and agricultural products be identified and mitigated through better run-off control and groundwater management;improved rice genetics and alternate crop selections;shifts in crop management associated with tillage, fertilization and phosphorus use;and systematic monitoring of food and drinking water.