Standardization Study of Aerial Parts of Iceland Poppy (Papaver Nudicaule L.)

The influence of temperature and moisture on seed ageing in Iceland poppy ( Papaver nudicaule L.)

This study aims to evaluate several physicochemical indicators of black pepper samples purchased from three growing regions: Quang Tri, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Dak Lak. The results of ANOVA analysis at a equal 0.05 reveals significant differences in moisture content, total ash content, piperine content, and essential oil content among the pepper samples from these three regions. The results obtained by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identify the characteristic physicochemical indicators for Dak Lak pepper samples as moisture content, piperine content, and essential oil content. In contrast, Quang Tri pepper samples are characterized by moisture, total ash, piperine, and essential oil content. These findings not only demonstrate a correlation between the physicochemical index of black pepper and the factors associated with its growing regions, but also highlight their practical implications for the cultivation and quality control of black pepper across different regions.

To a large extent, public health can be prevented from being compromised by having access to potable water whose physicochemical fingerprints conform to the WHO Guidelines for drinking water. This study was carried out to assess the physicochemical properties and heavy metals speciation of groundwater in Nigeria. Water samples from thirteen sites were collected for three months and analysed for levels of pH, conductivity, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, and heavy metals using standard methods. The results of the analysis revealed that the respective mean temperature, conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, and oxygen reduction potential of Ifetedo sites were 27.57 ± 0.66°C, 318.93 ± 108.58 µS/cm, 5.29 ± 0.20, 207.40 ± 73.58mg/L, and 265.17 ± 11.29mV, while those of Garage Olode were 28.53°C, 275.04 ± 133.75 µS/cm, 5.23 ± 0.04, 177.66 ± 89.37mg/L, and 270.43 ± 37.75mV. Total mean levels (µg/mL) of heavy metals ranged from 0.04 ± 0.01 Cd to 26.21 ± 3.63 Mn at Ifetedo, while at Garage Olode, the range was between 0.02 ± 0.00 Cd and 14.49 ± 5.70 Mn. The respective ranges of mean values (µg/mL) of exchangeable metals were 0.01 ± 0.00 Cd to 10.64 ± 1.20 Mn and 0.01 ± 0.00 to 7.53 ± 2.57 Mn at Ifetedo and Garage Olode. Going by WHO provision for drinking water, the study concluded that the levels of heavy metals in the potable water samples could constitute serious health hazards over prolonged usage unless some water treatment protocols are adopted.

Comparative phytochemicals screening and estimation of constituents present in the leaves of Decalepis species through HPLC

The mundar plant (Garcinia forbesii) is a typical fruit of South Kalimantan. The people use mundar empirically as a spice, cosmetic, and medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of mundar extract from Karang Intan and Beruntung Baru districts in Banjar Regency. The collection of plants from two places, plant determination, and extraction with 70% ethanol. The extract was then characterized. The characterization showed that the Garcinia forbesii pericarp extract from both places was dark brown, distinctive odor, sour taste, and thick. Both extracts contained flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and anthraquinones. The chromatography of both extracts was the same and detected to alpha-mangosten. The extract from Karang Intan district has a yield 59.99%, total phenolic content 0.888%, moisture content 9.78%, total ash content 1.10%, and acid insoluble ash content 0.06%. The extract from Beruntung Baru district has a yield 58.74%, total phenolic content 0.823%, moisture content 9.93%, total ash content 1.59%, and acid insoluble ash content 0.04%. Garcinia forbesii pericarp extracts from from two places have the same organoleptical characteristics, phytochemical compounds, and chromatography patterns. The differences are in yield percentage, total phenolic content, water content, ash content, and acid insoluble ash content

This study was carried out to evaluate the quality parameters and heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb) concentration of six different brands of instant noodles available in Bangladesh. A total thirty samples from six branded instant noodles were examined to evaluate five quality parameters such as moisture content, fat content, ash content, crude protein content, carbohydrate and crude fiber content. The level of heavy metal was investigated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The quality analysis of instant noodles showed the value of moisture content (2.10-4.51%), fat content (15.26-17.24%), ash content (0.97-2.27%), crude protein content (8.65-17.3%), crude fiber (6.19-11.99%) and carbohydrate (54.67-62.99%). The analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in all the quality parameters examined among all the samples. The mean levels of the metals significantly (p<0.05) varied between 0.004 to 0.073 mg/kg for Cd, 0.0678 to 0.1204 mg/kg for Cr, 0.096 to 0.1702mg/kg for Mn, 0.0132 to 0.074mg/kg for Ni and 0.0205 to 0.1144 mg/kg for Pb, the levels of these metals exceeded minimum safe limits given by WHO except for Ni and Mn. So awareness should be taken to prevent the consecutive consumption of these heavy metal contaminated instant noodles as well as diseases associated with the accumulation of these heavy metals.

Guideline references to levels of heavy metals in arable soils in upper Egypt

The contamination of soil with heavy metals is common and it can be a major source of transfer metals into tomatoes and is regarded as a primary path of human exposure to these potentially toxic metals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the levels of selected physico-chemicals and heavy metals in the three representative tomatoes and their farm soils obtained from three different major tomato-producing Kebeles in Gida Ayana district, Ethiopia. The proximate analysis of tomatoes and soils obtained the pH (4.58–4.62 and 3.74–3.89), electrical conductivity (EC) (0.200–0.206 and 1.92–2.52 mS/cm), moisture content (39.38–49.793 and 91.283–94.853%), and ash content (79.40–83.067 and 9.8–18.267%) for soil and tomatoes samples, respectively. After effective wet sample digestion, the mean level of heavy metals in the tomatoes and its farm soil determined is in the range of 3.6–6.20 and 25–26.30 (Cu), 269–397, and 54779.3–58538.87 (Fe), 50.87–74.89 and 110.34–156.2 (Zn), 0.0057–0.0081 and 0.079–0.152 (Cr), 1.461–1.582 and 24.82–28.16 (Mn) mg/kg dry weight, respectively. However, Pb and Cd are below instrument detection limits for both tomatoes and soil samples. The highest and lowest transfer factors (or the major mechanism through which the consumers are exposed to heavy metals) were observed for Zn (0.637) and Fe (0.0046), respectively. The Pearson correlation analysis showed moderate to the highest positive correlations between the levels of heavy metals and pH, EC, and ash content for both samples is observed. Furthermore, the assessment of health effects showed that there is no or less probability for the non-carcinogenic health risk against the consumer following the long time consumption of tomatoes obtained from the study areas.

IntroductionThe level of essential minerals in meat is an important factor in human nutrition and health. Meat from responsibly managed wildlife is an alternative raw material with considerable nutritional benefits. Meat from hunted animals has essential and non-essential elements for the human body. It is important to carefully monitor the levels of heavy metals accumulated in the tissues of hunted animals in polluted areas to ensure food safety and environmental contamination. High levels of heavy metals in food and the environment can pose a danger to human health.MethodsThe study aims to investigate the levels of essential mineral elements and heavy metals in the muscle tissue and organs of wild boar harvested through the herd density control plan over the last decade in north-eastern Romania.Results and discussionThe statistical analysis indicates that the age of the animals had a significant impact on Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in Longissimus lumborum. In the kidney a highly significant difference in Fe content by sex, with males showing higher values than females. The sex was shown to significantly influence the Mg levels. However, there are concerns about the accumulation of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd), which may hurt the health of game meat consumers in the study area. Cd level it shows significant differences according to both age and sex, with higher concentrations in adults and males. Statistical analysis shows a negative correlation between Fe and Zn concentrations in muscle samples, while a positive correlation was found between Fe and Mn in kidney samples. There was also a positive association between Zn and Cu in muscle samples, but a negative association in kidney samples. Principal component analysis shows significant variation in essential element and heavy metals data between muscle and kidney samples. The loading plot shows a direct correlation between Pb and Cu and between Pb and Cd. However, an opposite correlation also is observed between Cu and Mg, Cd and Mg, and Pb and Mg. HQ (Hazard Quotient) for children compared to adults indicates a potentially higher risk associated with meat consumption among children because children are more vulnerable than adults. We report for the first time, to the best authors’ knowledge, various levels of essential minerals and exceeded maximum admitted level of heavy metals in the muscle tissues and kidneys of Sus scrofa ferus from Romania intended for human consumption, moreover, our findings highlight the need for strict monitoring and implementation of appropriate corrective measures, given the significant percentages of muscle and kidney samples exceeding the allowable limits for two of the most common toxic metals in the environment.

Mussel shell contains chitin and chitosan that can be used as bio-absorbent to reduce heavy metal level in contaminated water. The purpose of this study was to measure the Pb heavy metal level in well water in Keputih residential-formerly a dumping ground-before and after the application of mussel shell powder of 0, 1, 2, and 3 gram by stirring it for 10 and 30 minutes at 60 rpm. The research type was experimental, used One Group PrePost Test Design method. The object was well water which contaminated by leachate at Keputih residential ex dumping ground, Sukolilo Surabaya. The observation showed that the well water in the residential contain heavy metals of 1.049 mg/l. After being given 1, 2 and 3 gram shell powder, it decreases to 58%, 87% and 97%. Based on the statistical test, significant result was obtained at the addition of mussel shell powder of 1 and 3 grams, while addition of 2 grams was not. The conclusion is mussel shell powder can reduce the heavy Pb metal level in the well water in the Sukolilo residential and is advisable that the next researchers continue to check phisical condition of the well water. Keywords: Bio-adsorbent, Heavy metals, Water, Mussel shell powder

Heavy metals found in cosmetics are a safety threat to the health of consumers. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the levels of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) in lipstick makeup. The level of heavy metals in lipstick was discovered by using an analytical technique with high selectivity and sensitivity, namely atomic absorption spectrometry. Twenty lipsticks were selected from the same brands, yet differing in price. Ten original (expensive) and ten knockoff (cheap) lipsticks were chosen from shops in Diyala, Iraq. The detection-limit (LOD) was in between 0.01 and 0.1, the quantification-limit (LOQ) was within 0.03 and 0.33, the recovery values (Rec.%) ranged from 100.17% to 101.1%, the RE values were 0.81%, and the RSD values were 1.33%. The results also revealed that the levels of metals are in the order of Pb > Cd > Zn > Cu > As > Cr. However, the levels of heavy metals that were estimated in this study were less than the permissible limit set by the executive authorities, so there seems to be no concern associated with these heavy metals. However, the daily and frequent use of lipstick by women exposes them to low levels of toxic metals as these metals accumulate over time and pose adverse effects on the health of the users. The results of the hazard quotient (HQ) and health risk index (HI) indicate there was no harmful effect on human health related to heavy metals present in lipstick. Whereas the results of the biological activity of the samples indicated that there was no bacterial growth in expensive samples, cheap samples were contaminated with some types of organisms; this indicates poor quality.

Heavy metals status of agricultural soils should be monitored in order to prevent soil-plant pollution. This study evaluates the effect of season, agronomic practice and soil mineral composition on the levels of some heavy metals (Pb, Mn, Ni, Fe, and Zn) in the arable and oil palm soils of three Farm Settlements in Ogun-State Southwest, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected in two consecutive seasons between 2010 and 2012 and digestion was carried out using Standard Wet Acid Digestion method. Total heavy metals in the digest were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). The total levels of heavy metals (in mg/kg) found in the sampled soils were as follows: in the rainy season Mn (28.4 - 34.2), Fe (1599.7 - 2013.2), Pb (11.0 - 16.9), Zn (100.5 - 112.9) and Ni (11.3 - 13.8) and in the dry season Mn (32.1 - 40.1), Fe (1701.4 - 2455.5), Pb (13.0 - 18.7), Zn (105.7 - 110.4) and Ni (15.5 - 16.3). Levels of the heavy metals found in the sampled soils were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than their permissible levels in agricultural soils. Although the levels of heavy metals determined in dry season were higher than those of the rainy season, the only seasonal difference was that of Fe in Sawonjo soil significant at p = 0.05. The level of heavy metals in oil palm soils was significantly higher than the level in arable soils (p < 0.05). At present, pollution level of heavy metals in the sampled soils is low and poses no environmental risk, yet, they have to be regularly monitored before they bio-accumulate into toxic. Government should therefore set up soil monitoring agency and provide irrigation facilities to encourage dry season farming.

Vegetables are highly recommended in human diets due to the fiber and health benefits they present. Thus, contamination from any source particularly from tailing dams impounded with heavy metals raises public health concerns. The levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Fe) in Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and Capsicum annuum (pepper) grown in the Asutifi District around a mining concession were investigated to determine their levels in soil samples, the fruits, stem, and roots cultivated in four farms using AAS. The mean differences in the level of metals in the fruits, roots, stems, and the sampled soils were separated using Tukey’s B multiple comparison test (p&lt;0.05). The levels of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Fe in the fruits of vegetables from the farms were within the recommended FAO/WHO standards (mg/kg) except for As. The order of increase in levels of the heavy metals in the fruits of vegetables from all farms was: F4Ca&lt;F4Ae&lt;F2Ca&lt;F1Ca&lt; F3Ae&lt;F2Ae&lt;F1Ae&lt;F3Ca. The levels of the heavy metals were higher in farms 1 and 2 which were 1 km to a TSF than in farms 3 and 4 at 10 km to the storage facility. Therefore, continuous monitoring and assessment of As levels in the area are highly recommended.

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, and Cd) and metallothionein (MT) in the gills and stomach of two species of mussels (Crassostrea iredalei andCrassostrea glomerata), and to observe the ability of the mussels to absorb the heavy metals Pb, Hg and Cd present in the water.Methods: The mussels were obtained from Mayangan, Kenjeran and Gresik ports, East Java, Indonesia. MT levels were determined using ELISA. Heavy metal levels of Pb, Hg and Cd were assayed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Results: The levels of Pb and Cd in water were below the maximum permissible levels for local water quality standards. By contrast, the level of Hg in the water was above the maximum permissible levels for water quality standards. At Mayangan Port (Station 1), the level of Pb was higher than Hg and Cd. Levels of MT and heavy metals varied greatly among ofC. iredalei andC. glomerata individuals, but were always higher in the gills than in the stomach. The highest MT level (160,250 ng/g) was observed at Kenjeran Port (Station 2). MT levels were shown to be significantly associated with heavy metal level (P<0.0001).Conclusions: This result indicates that MT may be responsible for the sequestration of these heavy metals, as has already been observed in terrestrial animals.

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, and Cd) and metallothionein (MT) in the gills and stomach of two species of mussels ( Crassostrea iredalei and Crassostrea glomerata), and to observe the ability of the mussels to absorb the heavy metals Pb, Hg and Cd present in the water. Methods: The mussels were obtained from Mayangan, Kenjeran and Gresik ports, East Java, Indonesia. MT levels were determined using ELISA. Heavy metal levels of Pb, Hg and Cd were assayed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The levels of Pb and Cd in water were below the maximum permissible levels for local water quality standards. By contrast, the level of Hg in the water was above the maximum permissible levels for water quality standards. At Mayangan Port (Station 1), the level of Pb was higher than Hg and Cd. Levels of MT and heavy metals varied greatly among of C. iredalei and C. glomerata individuals, but were always higher in the gills than in the stomach. The highest MT level (160,250 ng/g) was observed at Kenjeran Port (Station 2). MT levels were shown to be significantly associated with heavy metal level ( P<0.0001). Conclusions: This result indicates that MT may be responsible for the sequestration of these heavy metals, as has already been observed in terrestrial animals.