Aluminum Contamination Research Articles

Effects of Aluminium Contamination on the Nervous System of Freshwater Aquatic Vertebrates: A Review.

Aluminium (Al) is the most common natural metallic element in the Earth’s crust. It is released into the environment through natural processes and human activities and accumulates in aquatic environments. This review compiles scientific data on the neurotoxicity of aluminium contamination on the nervous system of aquatic organisms. More precisely, it helps identify biomarkers of aluminium exposure for aquatic environment biomonitoring in freshwater aquatic vertebrates. Al is neurotoxic and accumulates in the nervous system of aquatic vertebrates, which is why it could be responsible for oxidative stress. In addition, it activates and inhibits antioxidant enzymes and leads to changes in acetylcholinesterase activity, neurotransmitter levels, and in the expression of several neural genes and nerve cell components. It also causes histological changes in nerve tissue, modifications of organism behaviour, and cognitive deficit. However, impacts of aluminium exposure on the early stages of aquatic vertebrate development are poorly described. Lastly, this review also poses the question of how accurate aquatic vertebrates (fishes and amphibians) could be used as model organisms to complement biological data relating to the developmental aspect. This “challenge” is very relevant since freshwater pollution with heavy metals has increased in the last few decades.

The Complex Role of Aluminium Contamination in Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractInvited for this month's cover picture is the group of Dr B. Layla Mehdi from the University of Liverpool. The cover picture demonstrates the impact of Al impurities on the nickel‐rich NMC cathodes. This observation of increased Al content can bring new insights into the ongoing discussions concerning the capacity fading phenomenon of nickel‐rich layered oxide materials in lithium‐ion batteries. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/batt.202100110.

Cover Picture: The Complex Role of Aluminium Contamination in Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries (Batteries & Supercaps 12/2021)

The Front Cover demonstrates the impact of Al impurities on the nickel-rich NMC cathodes. This observation of increased Al content can bring new insights into the ongoing discussions concerning the capacity fading phenomenon of nickel-rich layered oxide materials in lithium-ion batteries. More information can be found in the Article by B. L. Mehdi and co-workers.

The Complex Role of Aluminium Contamination in Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractA major challenge for lithium‐ion batteries based on nickel‐rich layered oxide cathodes is capacity fading. While chemo‐mechanical degradation and/or structural transformation are widely considered responsible for degradation, a comprehensive understanding of this process is still not complete. For the stable performance of these cathode materials, aluminium (Al) plays a crucial role, not only as a current collector but also as substitutional element for the transition metals in the cathodes and a protective oxide coating (as Al2O3). However, excess Al can be detrimental due to both its redox inactive nature in the cathode and the insulating nature of Al2O3. In this work, we report an analysis of the Al content in two different types of nickel‐rich manganese cobalt oxide cathode materials after battery cycling. Our results indicate a significant thickening of Al‐containing phases on the surface of the NMC811 electrode. Similar results are observed from commercial batteries (a mixture of NMC532 and LiMn2O4) that were analysed before use and at the end of life, where Al‐containing phases were found to increase significantly at surfaces and grain boundaries. Considering the detrimental effects of the excess Al in the nickel‐rich cathodes, our observation of increased Al content via battery cycling is believed to bring a new perspective to the ongoing discussions regarding the capacity fading phenomenon of nickel‐rich layered oxide materials as part of their complex degradation mechanisms.

Aluminium and Iron Contamination of Soil, Leaf Litter and Bioindicators in Selected South African Forest Pockets

Aluminium and Iron Contamination of Soil, Leaf Litter and Bioindicators in Selected South African Forest Pockets

Aluminum Hydroxide Impurities Occlusions and Contamination Sources

This paper is reporting the data concerning impurities occlusion in the dried, milled and classified aluminum hydroxide, the sources of contamination and the ways to control the purity of classified aluminum hydroxide as raw material for special aluminas. Mainly, all the micronic size particles, floating in the super-saturated Bayer liquors, are potential sources of occluded impurities in the aluminum hydroxide particles. There are several mechanisms for embedding the impurities in crystalline substances. Of these, most probable ones in the Bayer alumina process are: a) occlusion of the spent liquor drops containing impurities inside the polycrystalline aluminum hydroxide congregates; b) hetero-nucleation of aluminum hydroxide on the surface of particles or colloids containing one or more impurities (the foreign particles are seized inside a crystals or inside of a crystalline multi-particulate association); c) incorporation of available ions or molecule reactive fragments in the poor crystalline structures of aluminum hydroxide after nucleation, during different growth stages of all already aggregated particles, under certain super-saturations. d) building up bridges between the scanty aggregated particles or filling the inside hollows of these aggregates with new quickly crystallized material, including the particulate impurities, mainly, during large fluctuations of the super-saturation. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy EDS (Apollo SSD detector, EDAX), the contributions of each of these mechanisms can be investigated simply and assumed from the collected data. It was shown that well crystallized phases originating directly from bauxite (like the aluminum substituted goethite and substituted hematite, rutile or quartz), as well as the well as the crystallized new born phases during specific Bayer reactions (like cancrinite, are not promoting directly the impurities occlusion. Poor crystalline phases (like sodalite and katoite or other secondary phases and their micronic size fragments are really sustaining impurities occlusion through all the acknowledged mechanisms.

Contamination and health risk assessment of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum from a total diet study of Jilin Province, China.

Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and aluminum (Al) are the four most common heavy metals and can cause serious harm to human health. To evaluate contamination levels and associated safety issues of the four common heavy metals of the residents in Jilin Province, China, a total diet study (TDS) method was used. Concentration and consumption data of the four heavy metals were collected from the fifth Chinese TDS of Jilin province. In total, 12 food groups were studied and two regions were selected for comparison. According to the results, the mean concentration of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum was 0.0189, 0.0691, 0.0085, and 9.309 mg/kg, respectively. Aluminum in deep‐fried dough sticks exceeded the national limit standard. Pollution of the Songhua River Basin is not very different from that of other areas. The average consumer exposure to the four heavy metals in the 2 to 6‐year‐old group was the highest among all age‐groups. Potatoes and their products were the primary sources of dietary exposure to lead. Aquatic products and their related commodities had the highest contribution to arsenic exposure. Vegetables and vegetable products were the main sources of dietary exposure to cadmium. The highest contributor to aluminum in the diet was from cereals and cereal products. In general, there might be some potential risks to the 2 to 6‐year‐old population due to exposure to lead and aluminum. Contamination of aluminum in cereals and cereal products needs further consideration.

Determination of aluminum concentrations of parenteral nutrition solutions by HPLC.

Aluminum (Al) contamination of parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions has been known for over 30 years. In particular, vascular intake of Al leads to its accumulation in tissues. In this study, 8 all-in-one PN solutions the aluminum concentration was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The mean Al concentration of the glucose solutions of the PN solutions combinations was 16.36 ± 8.31 µg/L, the mean Al concentration of the amino acid solutions was 4.96 ± 3.73 µg/L, and the mean Al concentration of the lipid solutions was 9.09 ± 11.23 µg/L. The Al concentration of the PN5 glucose and PN2 lipid solutions were above 25 µg/L, which is the limit set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No studies in the literature have examined the Al concentrations of all-in-one PN solutions via HPLC. In two of the analyzed solutions, the Al concentration was found to be higher than the limit set by the FDA.

Response of transgenic tobacco overexpressing the CchGLP gene to cadmium and aluminium: phenotypic and microRNAs expression changes.

Transgenic tobacco (N. tabacum cv. Xanthi nc) expressing Capsicum chinenseCchGLP gene that encodes an Mn-SOD, constitutively produces hydrogen peroxide that increase endogenous ROS levels. Previous studies using these plants against geminivirus infections as well as drought stress confirmed that CchGLP expression conferred resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. Cadmium (Cd) and Aluminium (Al) contamination in soils are a major ecological concern since they are two of themost widespread toxic elements in terrestrial environments. Trying to explore additional possible tolerance to another stresses in these plants, the aim of this work was to analyse the response to cadmium and aluminium salts during germination and early stages of plantlet development and a differential transcriptome of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in expressing CchGLP transgenic lines and an azygote non-CchGLP expressing line. Plants were grown in vitro with addition of CdCl2 and AlCl3 at three different concentrations: 100, 300 and 500μM and 50, 150 and 300μM, respectively. The results showed higher tolerance to Cd and Al salts evaluated in two CchGLP-expressing transgenic lines L8 and L26 in comparison with the azygous non-CchGLP expressing line L1. Interestingly, L8 under Al stress presented vigorous roots and development of radicular hairs in comparison with azygous control (L1). Differentially expressed miRNAs in the comparison between L8 and L1 were associated with up and down-regulation of target genes related with structural molecule activity and ribosome constituents, as well as down-regulation in proton-transporting V-type ATPase (Vacuolar ATPase or V-ATPase). Moreover, KEGG analysis of the target genes for the differentially expressed miRNAs, led toidentification of genes related with metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. One possible explanation of the tolerance to Cd and Al displayed in the transgenic tobaccos evaluated, might involve the fact that several down-regulated miRNAs, were found associated with target genes expressing V-ATPase. Specifically, miR7904-5p was down regulated and related with the up-regulation of one V-ATPase. The expression levels of these genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR assays, thus suggesting that a cation transport activity driven by the V-ATPases-dependent proton motive force, might significantly contribute as one mechanism for Cd and Al detoxification by vacuolar compartmentation in these transgenic tobacco plants.

Aluminum contamination of food during culinary preparation: Case study with aluminum foil and consumers' preferences.

The aim of the work was to estimate the degree of aluminum leakage from aluminum foil during baking process of selected food/meals. The experiment included 11 different types of food (Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, mackerel Scomber scombrus, duck breasts, cheese Hermelín, tomato, paprika, Carlsbad dumplings, pork roast, pork neck, chicken breasts, and chicken thighs) baked both marinated and not marinated. The aluminum content was measured by AAS and ICP/MS methods. The highest aluminum increase was observed in the samples of marinated Salmo salar (41.86 ± 0.56 mg/kg), Scomber scombrus (49.34 ± 0.44 mg/kg), and duck breast (117.26 ± 1.37 g/kg). The research was also supported by the survey that consisted of 784 respondents with different sociodemographic characteristics. The study clearly showed the occurrence of aluminum contamination of food when it is prepared by baking in aluminum foil. It cannot be concluded that aluminum leakage will occur with each type of food. The aluminum contents found among investigated samples are not alarming, though the increase was measured up to 40 times. On the other hand, revealed aluminum contents can represent a risk for younger/smaller children and for individuals with diagnosed certain ailments.

ВЛИЯНИЕ БЕТА-ОБЛУЧЕНИЯ НА ПАРАМЕТРЫ АКТИВНОСТИ МИКРОПОРОШКОВ АЛЮМИНИЯ

Актуальность. Микропорошки алюминия являются сырьем для многих отраслей промышленности: порошковой металлургии, самораспространяющегося высокотемпературного синтеза новых материалов, водородной энергетики, пиротехники и ракетных топлив. Улучшение характеристик порошков алюминия способствует повышению их качества. Известные способы активирования порошков алюминия путем введения в состав алюминия добавок редкоземельных элементов, соединений ванадия, кремния, бора и других элементов приводит к загрязнению алюминия примесями. Облучение микропорошков β-частицами с энергией менее 8 МэВ не приводит к наведенной радиоактивности и в то же время активирует микропорошки алюминия. Цель: получение и объяснение экспериментальных данных по изменению параметров активности микропорошков алюминия после их облучения в зависимости от дозы β-облучения. Объекты: микропорошки алюминия АСД-6, АСД-6М, АСД-8, АСД-10, полученные распылением расплава алюминия. Методы: дифференциальный термический анализ, рентгенофазовый анализ, методика облучения микропорошков алюминия β-излучением, методика расчета параметров активности порошков алюминия. Результаты. Получены количественные показатели реакционной способности микропорошков алюминия АСД-6, АСД-6M, АСД-8 и АСД-10 до и после облучения β-излучением ускорителя ЭЛУ-4 с энергией 4 МэВ, т. е. энергией существенно ниже порога фотоядерных реакций, приводящих к наведенной активности. Дозы облучения образцов порошков составляли 1, 2, 4 Мрад. После β-облучения температура начала окисления снизилась максимально на 205 °С; максимальная скорость окисления возросла на 0,19 мг/мин (106 %); степень окисленности микропорошка АСД-6М повысилась на 18,9 %, а микропорошка АСД-10 минимально понизилась на 12,3 %; удельный тепловой эффект окисления после всех доз β-облучения увеличился максимально для АСД-10 на 188,6 кДж/моль. Запасание энергии микропорошками после β-облучения связано с формированием двойного электрического слоя в частицах алюминия.

Heavy Metal Contamination Index Using Spectral Variables for White Precipitates Induced by Acid Mine Drainage: A Case Study of Soro Creek, South Korea

We analyzed heavy metal contamination, mineral composition, and spectral characteristics of white aluminum precipitates from an acid mine drainage in Taebaek, South Korea. We introduced a single index for prediction of overall heavy metal contamination level in white precipitates using spectral variables. The white precipitates were severely contaminated with heavy metal elements and consisted of primary and secondary minerals. Due to the contamination in the environment, the precipitation pH values ranged from 4.76 to 7.80. The spectral characteristics of white precipitates are dominated by secondary minerals. The spectral reflectance of white precipitates decreased in all wavelengths, and the absorption depth related with OH, H2O, and Al-OH decreased with increase in heavy metal contamination. We found the distinctive differences at ferric iron and Al-OH absorptions between the white and reddish-brown precipitates. Based on these observations, we developed heavy metal contamination index and built prediction models using the index. The validation tests showed the index, and the regression model can accurately predict the amount of heavy metal from the spectral readings. Given the fact that the stream precipitates resulted by acid mine drainage is typically similar for each type, we expect that the heavy metal contamination index can be used to make reliable estimates of heavy metal contamination in the white precipitates by remote sensing applications.

Aluminium contamination of several types of tea

Abstract Introduction: Camellia sinensis, a widely used plant, optimally grows in a low pH soil that in most cases contains high amounts of aluminum. Objectives: The aluminum content of the tea obtained from Camellia sinensis and other plants was compared. The influence of pH on the aluminum content of the tea was also measured. Materials and methods: The aluminum content of 48 samples was measured using a colorimetric method. The method is based on the ability of aluminum to form a stable complex with xylenol orange at low pH; this complex has an absorption maximum of 555 nm. Results: The method was validated for tea obtained with water and for tea obtained with water containing citric acid. The method proved linear over the rage of 0.7 – 7 ug/ml, coefficient of variation ranged between 2.6 – 7.68% (was dependent on the pH of the solution used to obtain the tea), accuracy was suitable for quantitative measurement (92.39-102.92%) and the complex proved to be stable for at least 1 hour. The following concentrations were measured: green tea (1.59 - 7.70 µg/ml), black tea (1.39 - 5.60 µg/ml), fruit tea (1.01 - 5.63 µg/ml) and herbal tea (1.03 - 5.24 µg/ml). Conclusion: The method proved useful and easily applicable for screening aluminum content of plants used for tea brewing. Camellia sinensis both green and black types had significantly higher aluminum contents than other type of teas. Adding citric acid, as would result from use of lemon juice, significantly increased the aluminum extraction from the plants used for tea brewing.

Aluminum in Artisanal Dairy Products: Occurrence, Residues Level, Estimated Intake and Target Hazard Quotient

Aluminum is non-essential element for humans and is considered to be a toxic metal. dairy products are a major constituent of the daily diet, and its contamination with Aluminum may constitute a serious impact on consumers’ health. One hundred dairy products samples (butter, Damietta cheese, Kareish cheese and plain yoghurt) 25 each were collected randomly from artisanal producers at Damanhur city, West Delta, Egypt to be analyzed for aluminum (Al) concentration using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Aluminum was detected in examined samples of butter, Damietta cheese, Kareish cheese and plain yoghurt by 24%, 36%, 20% and 28% with mean concentrations (µg/kg) of 144.28, 232.76, 236.58 and 131.08, respectively. Consumption of raw milk in the area under investigation contributes to 1.44% (butter), 8.53% (Damietta cheese), 8.67% (Kareish cheese) and 3.05% (plain yoghurt) of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Al metal via artisanal dairy products consumption was less than one. Therefore, regarding aluminum contamination, the results indicated that consumption of artisanal dairy products does not pose health hazard to local residents in Damanhur city, West Delta, Egypt. An effective control measures(e.g. HACCP and ISO series) must be applied to decrease contamination of dairy products with Al.

Ubiquitous aluminium contamination in water and amyloid hybrid membranes as a sustainable possible solution.

We develop a membrane technology based on amyloid fibrils to remove aluminium from water and minimize its exposure to humans. We study aluminium adsorption by amyloid fibrils by evaluating the binding isotherms, the thermodynamics and the effects of different parameters. Amyloid-based membranes demonstrate outstanding removal efficiencies beyond 98%.

LC-MS characterization and reduction of the phytotoxic effect of aluminium by natural products from Eugenia jambolana Lam.

The objective of this study was to quantify the flavonoids present in the Eugenia jambolana Lam extract and fractions, identify their composition by LC-MS, to determine the cytoprotective potential against aluminium Chloride toxicity in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic model, as well as the mechanism of cytoprotection of the extract and fractions. The ethanolic extract from E. jambolana, as well as its tannic and flavonoid fractions, were tested and the minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentration of the products associated with aluminum chloride in different concentrations were established. These same products were used in the germination of lettuce seeds (Lactuva sativa). The extract and fractions did not show cytoprotective activity in bacterial and fungal models, since it was not able to interfere with the growth profile of these microorganisms. In relation to the vegetal model, it was possible to observe significant effects on caulis and lettuce radicle growth, as well as on the dry weight of radicles, showing a cytoprotective effect capable of inhibiting the aluminum chloride toxicity at different concentrations. In this way, due to the problems faced with aluminum contamination and the characteristics of the soils the E. jambolana extract may show an alternative to the toxicity of this metal.

The presence of inorganic calcium in pediatric parenteral admixtures.

Newborn infants and small children require large amounts of calcium and phosphate in a low volume of solution which can increase the risk of precipitation of calcium phosphate. Calcium gluconate is the predominant calcium salt form employed in parenteral nutrition (PN) compounding due to its solubility profile with phosphate. Unfortunately, calcium gluconate contains higher levels of aluminum contamination than calcium chloride, resulting in an increased potential for aluminum toxicity in patients receiving traditional PN. The physicochemical stability of 30 total parenteral admixtures containing inorganic calcium salts was evaluated. Parenteral admixtures were prepared in one-chamber ethylene vinyl acetate bags: amino acids, glucose, electrolytes including only inorganic calcium salt and 20% (w/w) lipid emulsions (SMOFlipid®, Omegaven® or Lipofundin MCT/LCT®) were placed together in a one chamber bag. Admixtures were stored at +4 °C for up to eight days after preparation. Visual observations, globule size distribution (using optical microscopy, laser diffraction and photon correlation spectroscopy methods), pH analysis and zeta potential measurements were performed. The physicochemical stability of 29 of parenteral admixtures in the presence of inorganic calcium salt was confirmed. One admixture was deemed unsuitable for use in clinical practice due to the coalescence of oil droplets. Despite the presence of inorganic calcium salts, pediatric parenteral admixtures were stable up to eight days of storage. Due to presence of multiple components and a high risk of incompatibilities, physicochemical studies should be performed for each admixture before use in clinical practice.

Aluminum exposure in premature babies related to total parenteral nutrition and treatments.

Aşut E, Köksal N, Dorum BA, Özkan H. Aluminum exposure in premature babies related to total parenteral nutrition and treatments. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 385-391. This study aimed to measure aluminum contamination of parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions and aluminum contents of parenteral products given to newborn infants for nutrition or treatment. In this study, the aluminum content of the first products used to prepare PN solutions for premature neonates, of the final parenteral products prepared therefrom, and of the parenteral drugs frequently used in newborn units was measured using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The aluminum contamination of all parenteral nutritional products evaluated, except for one, was detected to be over the recommended doses. Of all the first products analyzed within the scope of the study, trace-element preparation, preparation containing fat-soluble vitamins, 20% dextrose solution, calcium gluconate ampoule and sodium phosphate ampoule indicated high aluminum contamination. The total aluminum content of the prepared final products was identified to be at least 40% higher than the total aluminum content of the ingredients added to the compound. Accordingly, the minimum amount of aluminum content was measured as 233 μg/kg/day in nutrition solutions prepared for a baby weighing 1,000 g. Contamination was detected in 9 of the 18 drugs evaluated. This study indicated that the rate of aluminum exposure of the premature babies receiving parental nutrition is still much higher than the safe doses recommended as 5 µg/kg/day by the FDA. Products with lower aluminum content should be preferred in the care of premature infants.

Tropidurus torquatus (Squamata: Tropiduridae) as a bioindicator of heavy metal (aluminum and zinc) pollution in Vila Velha, Brazil.

Urbanization is responsible for numerous environmental changes including pollution. Information on the susceptibility of reptiles to environmental contaminants is relatively scarce. Tropidurus torquatus represents a potential bioindicator of heavy metal pollution. Levels of heavy metals in tissues from T. torquatus depend on bioavailability and vary among different populations. The aim of this study was to determine the heavy metal concentration in liver and fat tissue of T. torquatus from three distinct populations in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study areas included coastal rocky outcrops, dunes, and mountain rocky outcrops; each area had a different climate, vegetation, and level of anthropogenic influence. Fifty-one individuals were captured. Biometrics and sexes were determined, and stomach contents were identified. The tissue samples were digested with nitric acid and analyzed via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) contents. The concentration of zinc in Tropidurus torquatus was higher in liver than in fat tissue (432±1380mgkg-1), and that of aluminum was higher in fat tissue (765±1455mg.kg-1). The animals' diet may be related to heavy metal contamination. The study suggests that T. torquatus could be used for soil biomonitoring with liver as a bioindicator for aluminum contamination and fat tissue as a bioindicator for zinc contamination. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

The effect of manufacturing techniques on custom-made titanium cranioplasty plates: A pilot study

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of varying techniques on the surface characteristics of pressed titanium cranioplasty plates, commonly manufactured in laboratory practice. The aim was to highlight the variety of techniques currently used, assess these methods of manufacture and produce manufacturing recommendations. MethodsA questionnaire identified manufacturing methods commonly used by maxillofacial prosthetists. The plate surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry. The surface differences and titanium compositions were statistically analysed. ResultsBead blasting with aluminium oxide (Al2O3) showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in titanium surface composition, replaced by a large aluminium content. Trimming tool choice had a significant impact (p = 0.001) on surface contamination by smoothing wheel material deposition; however passivation and anodising techniques had no significant effect (p = 0.293 and p = 0.257, respectively) on the surface composition or roughness of titanium samples. ConclusionsA large range of manufacturing techniques of titanium cranioplasty plates was confirmed and significant differences were found. Amongst other recommendations, bead blasting with Al2O3 is not recommended for commercially pure titanium implant surface finishing due to aluminium contamination. The recommendations outlined will minimise manufacturing time, reduce risk of complication (thus costs) and unify methods to enable a safe, reliable treatment.