Abstract
Simple SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the levels and potential bioaccumulation of vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and bismuth (Bi) in horses from the industrial risk area of Sicily (Italy). Different biological substrates (whole blood, serum, tail, and mane) and samples of hay, concentrate, and water were analyzed. Pearson’s test was applied to evaluate the correlation of mineral concentrations between whole blood and serum, and between tail and mane. The results showed statistical differences in tested mineral elements among the biological substrates. Minerals had a non-homogenous distribution in the organism, showing different concentrations in the biological substrates.The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels and the potential bioaccumulation of vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and bismuth (Bi) in horses from the industrial risk area of Sicily (Italy). Different biological substrates (whole blood, serum; tail and mane) and samples of hay, concentrate and water provided to the horses were processed by means of Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP–MS spectrometer for mineral concentration. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to show the differences in various trace elements in the biological substrates. Pearson’s test was applied to evaluate the correlation of mineral concentrations between whole blood and serum; and tail and mane. The results showed statistical differences of tested mineral elements among biological substrates; Cr whole blood concentrations were negatively correlated with serum concentrations and a positive correlation between whole blood and serum was observed for Cd and Bi. This latter also showed a positive correlation between mane and tail. The concentrations of V, Cr, and Pb in tail with serum and whole blood samples were negatively correlated, while the concentrations of Cd in tail and serum samples were positively correlated. Minerals had a non-homogenous distribution in the organism, showing different concentrations in the biological substrates.
Highlights
Minerals are essential trace elements for the survival of living beings, which are divided on the basis of their body concentrations as macro- and microminerals
On the basis of this, we investigated the distribution of V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Bi in several biological components in horses located at an equine center near Milazzo (Messina, industrial risk area of Sicily (Italy))
This experience in the trace element analysis of biological fluids and other substrates suggests that high-resolution ICP–MS, which makes it possible to almost completely remove interference, and ETAAS with Zeeman correction of background absorption are the most effective techniques
Summary
Minerals are essential trace elements for the survival of living beings, which are divided on the basis of their body concentrations as macro- and microminerals. When their physiological values are exceeded, they become toxic for the organisms themselves. Animals 2020, 10, 1877 elements in the environment make them unique as pollutants or essential dietary components They are neither created nor destroyed by chemical processes but are redistributed in the environment, and the amount of mineral elements in water and plants is influenced by the composition of the atmosphere. Urine, hair, whole blood, and serum can be used to evaluate the concentration of minerals in animal organisms, and can be used as indicators of environmental degradation status [6]. Some authors have reported ineffective use of serum, blood, and hair as indicators of environmental pollution [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
