Trace Element Analysis Research Articles

The development of chemical approaches to fossil hominin ecology in South Africa

When Dart recognised the fossilised skull of the Taung Child as a hominin ancestor, he also observed that its “sere environment” produced few foods preferred by African apes in equatorial forests. He thus set in motion an inquiry into the dietary and environmental proclivities of fossil hominins. His observations ultimately led him to suggest a strong reliance on meat-eating, later elaborated into a hunting model. Subsequent investigations into the diets of the South African australopithecines led to the development of new approaches including dental microwear, stable light isotopes, and trace element analyses, which together led to a new focus on the prime importance of plant foods, for which there had been little direct behavioural evidence. Here we review why and how stable and radiogenic isotope approaches to hominin diet and residence patterns were developed in South Africa, the problems that had to be addressed, and the subsequent outcomes.

The diamond-poor nature of corundum-bearing eclogite and Karoo-type overprint of deep eclogite sources beneath the Kimberley region (Kaapvaal craton)

Abstract Decades of studies have shown that the petrogenesis of kimberlite-borne cratonic eclogite and pyroxenite xenoliths reflects the endemics of their crustal protoliths and local lithosphere evolution. Detailed investigations of the origin and metasomatic history of individual eclogite xenolith suites are thus required to understand how cratonic eclogite reservoirs - and their diamond inventory - evolve in the regional tectonomagmatic context. Here, we investigate a little-studied eclogite and pyroxenite xenolith suite from the Balmoral kimberlite in the Kimberley area of the Kaapvaal craton, which, like eclogite suites in neighbouring kimberlites, likely originated as subducted Archaean oceanic crust. Detailed petrographic observations and mineral major- and trace-element analyses, combined with published data for eclogite xenoliths and eclogitic inclusions in diamond, show that this sample suite records at least two distinct episodes of metasomatic overprint: (1) Metasomatism by a kimberlite-like melt caused a decrease in clinopyroxene jadeite component and garnet grossular component and imparted high MgO and Cr2O3 contents, recorded dominantly by pyroxenite xenoliths. Comparison to Kaapvaal kimberlites and lamproites confirms that the geochemical trends cannot be reconciled with bulk kimberlite-eclogite mixing but require formation of diopside-rich clinopyroxene from the melt instead. This metasomatic style is recognised world-wide, and at Balmoral is notably restricted to the shallow lithosphere (110-150 km). (2) A distinct metasomatic event generated eclogites with extreme Y-HREE enrichment, at Balmoral restricted to the deep lithosphere (150-200 km). We propose that this enrichment style reflects garnet breakdown, with the liberation of these garnet-compatible elements to the metasomatic melt. This signature is identified in eclogite xenoliths both from early Cretaceous lamproite (Bellsbank) and late Cretaceous kimberlite (Balmoral, Kimberley) localities, tentatively ascribed to interaction with melts forming the Karoo large igneous province. Balmoral corundum-bearing eclogites derive from depths overlapping high-Ca eclogites showing a Karoo-type overprint, which significantly diluted the Al2O3 content in the bulk rock and increased silica activity as gauged by the decrease in Al[IV] in clinopyroxene, thereby destabilising corundum. Craton-wide, preserved corundum-bearing eclogites record diamond-stable ƒO2 and pressure conditions, yet show little compositional overlap with inclusions in eclogitic diamond. This may reflect the low propensity of COH fluids to reach carbon saturation in this lithology. The preserved corundum-bearing eclogites have reconstructed bulk major-element compositions, which, combined with small to absent Eu anomalies, suggest protoliths representing deep oceanic crustal (>0.5 GPa) cumulates of two pyroxenes plus only minor plagioclase that contained a significant melt component. The identification of such deep hybridised crustal rocks may reflect higher mantle potential temperatures and the formation of thicker oceanic crust in the Archaean.

Geochemistry of Pyrite from the Jiaojia Gold Deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, North China Craton: Implications for Source of Ore-Forming Fluids and Gold Precipitation

The Jiaojia gold deposit in the Jiaodong Peninsula, located in the northwestern part of the Jiaodong gold province in eastern China, has a gold reserve of over 300 t. Gold mineralization in Jiaojia deposit occurred in three stages: (1) The Pyrite–Quartz–Sericite Stage (Stage I) developed primary minerals that included quartz, sericite, and a small amount of anhedral pyrite, appearing as disseminations within milky quartz and foliated sericite. (2) The Quartz–Pyrite Stage (Stage II) developed quartz that appears smoky gray and pyrite that appears with a euhedral cubic morphology, with crystal faces oriented in a longitudinal pattern. Native gold occurs as fracture filling in pyrite. (3) The Quartz–Polymetallic Sulfides Stage (Stage III) developed polymetallic sulfides, including pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and magnetite. Native gold filled the pyrite fractures and was enclosed within the pyrite. (4) The Quartz–Carbonate Stage (Stage IV) developed the main minerals of quartz and carbonate, with scattered occurrences of pyrite. In situ geochemical analysis of pyrite, the main gold-carrying mineral from mineralization Stages I to III in the Jiaojia gold deposit, was conducted, including major element, trace element, and sulfur isotope analyses. The δ34S values of Jiaojia pyrite range from 4.5 to 8.0‰. Pyrite in Stage I (Py I) has δ34S values ranging from 4.5 to 7.4‰, with an average of 6.4‰. Pyrite in the Stage II (Py II) has δ34S values ranging from 5.9 to 8.0‰, with an average of 6.8‰. Pyrite in Stage III (Py III) has δ34S values ranging from 6.4 to 7.9‰, with an average of 7.4‰. Combined with the C-D-O-He isotopes, the ore-forming fluids of the Jiaojia gold deposit likely originated from subducted oceanic plate-related metasomatized mantle. The Co/Ni ratios of Jiaojia pyrite range from 0.50 to 1.47 in Stage I, 0.27 to 1.69 in Stage II, and 0.58 to 295 in Stage III. The Cu/Au ratios in the Jiaojia pyrite in all mineralization stages were >1. These geochemical features imply that the ore-forming fluids of the Jiaojia gold deposit were in a medium- to low-temperature reducing environment, with temperatures gradually decreasing from ore Stages I to III. The increase in Co and As in the pyrite of Stage III implies that gold precipitation resulted from fluid immiscibility caused by a decrease in pressure and temperature and an increase in the oxygen fugacity of the ore-forming fluid.

Quantitative analysis of trace elements in liquid samples using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Quantitative analysis of trace elements in liquid samples using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Hyphenated technologies: Transforming analytical approaches with combined methodologies

The hyphenated technique was developed by combining a separation strategy with an on-line spectroscopic detection technology. Currently, a combination of a separation approach with a more sensitive detection technique is the most used method for determining the speciation of trace elements. Before the addition of a detection approach, such hyphenated techniques involved coupling the separation of a unique sample preparation offline. Currently, a separation method (chromatography) and an online spectroscopic detection method are combined to create the hyphenated technique. Over the past two decades, hyphenated analytical methods have undergone amazing advancements that have greatly expanded their applicability in the analysis of biomaterials, natural products, elemental species, explosives, trace elements, and other things. This article discusses recent developments in the use of various hyphenated techniques, such as GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-FTIR, LC-NMR, etc. in a variety of fields, including forensic science, the environment, biotechnology, the various hyphenated techniques, a brief note on their instrumentation and working principles that are used in the current setup of industries. Like-wise their remarkable improvement and efficiency over the past decade. Techniques like single quadrupole inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-Q-MS), ICP- Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ), Liquid Chromatography-Two -dimensional Gas chromatography, mass spectrometry (LC-GCXGC-MS/MS), Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC), Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR), etc. are considered as recent improvements in this trend—geography, and pharmaceuticals, among others, with the use of relevant examples.

Synthesis and study of arginine-containing iodine chelates

Synthesis conditions have been established and arginine (Arg) containing iodine chelate compounds with the general formula: IXArgY·mH2O (where x = y = 1 or 2; m=1 ÷3) have been synthesized. The synthesized chelates have been studied using a number of physical and chemical research methods. Composition has been determined by means of trace element analysis, while individuality – via melting temperature measurement and diffractographic method. It has been established via study of qualitative solubility in different solvents that chelates are highly soluble in water and poorly soluble in organic solvents. Using the conductometric method there has been calculated the dissociation constant for solutions containing chelate compounds. As a results of studies, conducted under production conditions it has been established that addition of chelate form of microelement (iodine) to broiler feed has a positive impact on all zootechnical parameters (live weight, daily weight gain, survival and feed consumption).

Single particle trace element analysis of uranium oxide standards with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Single particle trace element analysis of uranium oxide standards with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Modified Analyses of Trace Elements in Glass Beads by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS): Application for Particular Silicate Rocks

Laser ablation combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the analysis of trace elements in specially prepared glass beads is adapted to silicate rocks of unusual compositions. The modified technique is applied to standard samples and garnet-rich combustion metamorphic rocks (paralavas) from the Hatrurim Formation, Israel. Thirty-two to thirty-five minor and trace elements, including high field strength elements, rare earth elements and Y, are determined in 5–8 mg powder aliquots of samples with large ranges of major-, minor-, and trace-element contents. As the first step of the study, the composition of the NIST SRM 612, BCR-2, and AGV-2 reference materials is analyzed to assess the accuracy and precision of analytical data. The results for standard samples agree well with the compiled estimates (3.5 to 12.4% relative standard deviation) for all elements except Cu (18.1%). The following step is to analyze, with the same procedure, the glass beads of paralava, which are remarkable due to their high trace-element loading. Good agreement (70–100%) with the compositions determined previously by aqueous nebulizer mode ICP-MS confirms that the method is a promising tool for the rapid and precise analysis of compositionally complex materials available in small amounts.

Lipid extraction from Azolla filiculoides and its applications for catalyzed biodiesel production

The growing recognition that first-generation biofuels from food crops and oil seeds are inadequate has spurred global discussions on sustainable renewable energy production. This concern has increased interest in second-generation biofuels from non-food feedstocks, such as algae. Azolla is identified as a highly promising macroalgae for the production of biodiesel. This study investigates the efficiency of lipid extraction and biodiesel quality from Azolla, a promising macroalgae. Characterization techniques including GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and NMR 1H and 13C (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy were employed. The findings show that the kinematic viscosity and flash point of the biodiesel are 4.32 mm2/s at 40 °C and 165 °C, respectively. Trace element analysis revealed no major environmental concerns. Overall, the biodiesel produced from Azolla demonstrates potential as a sustainable and locally supplied substitute for diesel fuel in utility vehicles.

Tracking the Marine Migrations of Coho and Chinook Salmon

During their marine life stage, Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from watersheds connected to the Salish Sea display two distinct migration phenotypes; Strait of Georgia resident and out-migrant. Knowledge of Chinook and coho salmon marine migrations has been limited to tagged individuals caught by anglers and researchers. Microchemical techniques, specifically trace element and stable isotope analyses, can be used to identify the movement of fish in their marine environment. The goal of this study was to identify the microchemical signatures of different marine regions and to predict the proportion of escapements from Southern BC hatcheries that were residents or migrants. Initial results on coho salmon samples indicate that otolith trace elements can be used to determine differences between marine regions with over a 90% classification success rate. In 2017, roughly 70% of coho from Southern BC were Strait of Georgia residents, and in 2018 roughly 40% of coho from a few Southern BC river systems remained as residents. Otolith microchemistry shows promise as a technique to identify marine migration life history types amongst salmon.

Depositional Environment Conditions and Organic Matter Enrichment Mechanism of the First Member of Upper Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Heiyupao Depression, Northern Songliao Basin

The first member of the Qingshankou Formation (Qing Member 1) is rich in oil and gas resources and represents the first lacustrine transgression period, during which the lake basin area reached its maximum. This study utilizes major and trace element analyses, along with pyrolysis, to investigate the sedimentary environment and mechanisms of organic matter enrichment in the hydrocarbon source rocks of the Heiyupao Depression Qing Member 1. The results indicate that the hydrocarbon source rocks in this area exhibit good to excellent organic richness, mainly comprising Type I and Type II1 organic matter, and are at a high stage of maturity. Furthermore, the paleoclimate conditions during the Qing Member 1 period in the study area were characterized by a warm and humid climate, with an open lake basin and freshwater to brackish water conditions. The water was low in oxygen, suboxic to anoxic, and had relatively high primary productivity. Multiple marine transgressions occurred during the Qing Member 1, transporting substantial nutrients into the lake, which promoted algal blooms in the water. The correlation analysis of TOC content in the Qing Member 1 shale and various indicators shows that the enrichment of organic matter in the study area is primarily influenced by paleoproductivity and paleosalinity, while paleoclimate, paleoredox conditions, and paleowater are not the main controlling factors for organic matter enrichment in the area. Organic matter only accumulates under relatively high salinity and paleoproductivity conditions. Event-driven marine transgressions also play an essential role in enhancing paleoproductivity. Therefore, the organic matter enrichment model in the study area is more aligned with a productivity-driven model. Finally, a comprehensive organic matter enrichment model of hydrocarbon source rocks in the Qing Member 1 of the Heiyupao Depression is proposed.

Trace elements in Alaska's ice seals in the 2000s and 2010s.

Ringed (Pusa hispida), bearded (Erignathus barbatus), spotted (Phoca largha), and ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata) seals are ice-associated seals that are important subsistence resources for coastal Alaska Native people. These seals are also mid- to upper trophic level Arctic predators and primary prey of polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We analyzed concentrations of 19 trace elements in seal liver, kidney, muscle, and blubber, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and vanadium due to their potential toxicity. We also measured monomethyl mercury, the more biologically available and toxic form of mercury, in a subsample of seals. We tested for differences in elemental concentrations by seal sex, age, and two periods, 2003-2007 and 2011-2016, to detect environmental trends, assess seal health, and explore trace elements in seal tissues as indicators of seal diet. Trace element concentrations were within ranges that were similar or below that previously measured for these species throughout their range in the Arctic and subarctic. We found relationships between concentration and seal sex or age, as well as differences between periods, with a notable decline over time in magnesium for bearded seal liver and kidney, and ringed and spotted seal liver. Relative concentrations of methyl mercury and total mercury among the four seal species matched known patterns of piscivory and pelagic feeding. Cadmium concentrations were highest in bearded and ribbon seals, possibly due to greater benthic feeding and consumption of squid, respectively. Tissue trace element concentrations from sick seals collected during the 2011-2016 Northern Alaska Pinnipeds Unusual Mortality Event did not differ from those of healthy subsistence harvested seals. Our analysis of trace elements in four Alaskan ice seal species can inform toxicological risk assessments regarding non-essential elements of concern and assessments of nutritional benefits regarding essential elements for seals and for the people and polar bears that eat them.

A simple method for elemental analysis of liquids in sprayed microdroplets by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

The study shows that paper spray and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (PS-LIBS) analyze trace elements in aqueous solutions, addressing challenges in bulk analysis. Its efficiency highlights its potential for in situ liquid sample analysis.

Geochemical Analysis of Paleocene-Eocene Sediments from Subathu Formation, Dehradun District, Uttarakhand: Implication for Provenance, Tectonic Setting and Paleoclimate

The Palaeocene-Eocene Subathu Formation in the Nilkanth region near Rishikesh, Uttarakhand provides insights into the provenance, depositional environment, and tectonic setting prior to final India-Asia continent collision. Geochemical analysis of major oxides, trace elements, and rare earth elements from shale-dominated sedimentary rocks reveals a complex provenance. Discriminant function plots indicate the derivation of sediments from quartzose sedimentary sources, with minor input from mafic igneous sources. Trace element patterns suggest contributions from felsic igneous rocks, recycled sediments, and subduction-related components. The Chemical Index of Alteration (87.2*Avg.) indicates moderate weathering in the source area under semi-arid paleoclimatic conditions. Tectonic discrimination diagrams indicate that the deposition of sediments from Subathu Formation was occurred predominantly in an active continental margin setting. Rare earth element patterns exhibit varying degrees of fractionation, implying diverse sources ranging from mafic to felsic compositions. This multi-proxy geochemical study sheds light on the evolving paleoenvironmental conditions and sediment routing systems in the western Himalayan foreland basin leading up to the terminal India-Asia collision. Keywords: Geochemistry, Subathu Formation, Provenance, Tectonic Setting, Paleoclimate, Depositional Environment, Himalaya

From microalgae to gastropods: Understanding the kinetics and toxicity of silver nanoparticles in freshwater aquatic environment.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly used in various consumer products and industrial applications, raising concerns about their environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the physicochemical stability, trophic transfer, and toxic effects of citrate-coated AgNPs in a freshwater food chain including the diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana and the gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis. AgNPs remained stable in the exposure medium, with a minimal dissolution (<0.06%) after 24h, indicating that particulate forms dominated during exposure. AgNPs inhibited the growth of C. meneghiniana without significantly affecting chlorophyll-a content or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Scanning electron microscopy revealed extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion, which likely formed eco-coronas, reducing AgNPs bioavailability and oxidative damage. However, trace element analysis showed significant depletion of iron, manganese, and nickel, indicating early metabolic stress and redistribution of essential metals to support antioxidant defenses. In L. stagnalis, toxicokinetic analysis showed distinct patterns of Ag uptake and depuration across exposure routes. Waterborne and foodborne exposure resulted in similar and higher Ag accumulation compared to the combined group. Waterborne exposure showed the highest non-eliminable fraction and a bioconcentration factor (BCF)>1, indicating efficient uptake and retention. Foodborne exposure exhibited a biomagnification factor (BMF)>1, despite efficient elimination. Combined exposure had the highest depuration rate, with BCF >1 and BMF <1, reflecting reduced trophic transfer potential. Oxidative stress in L. stagnalis was highest during combined exposure, with increased ROS in hemolymph during uptake. Foodborne exposure caused prolonged immune stress, evidenced by elevated total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and protein levels. In the hepatopancreas, foodborne exposure during depuration led to increased lipid peroxidation and TAC, indicating oxidative and metabolic challenges specific to dietary exposure. These results highlighted the complex interactions of AgNPs with primary producers and consumers in freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing the need for multi-route assessments in nanoparticle risk evaluations.

Environmental risk assessment of the surface sediments based on trace elements analysis from the largest freshwater lake in the southern slope of the Himalaya, Nepal.

Freshwater ecosystems, including high-altitude lakes, can be affected by trace metal pollution derived from a mix of natural sources and anthropogenic activities. These pollutants often collect in surface sediments, with notable concentrations in the deeper areas of lakes. To evaluate the environmental risk associated with metal contaminated sediment in Rara Lake, southern Himalaya, surface sediment samples were systematically collected in November 2018, with a subsequent specific emphasis on determinations of trace element concentrations. Subsequent analysis revealed nine elements exhibiting a descending mean concentrations order: iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > chromium (Cr) > rubidium (Rb) > nickel (Ni) > strontium (Sr) > cobalt (Co) > copper (Cu) > cadmium (Cd), of 7205.55mgkg-1, 2290.34mgkg-1, 176.29mgkg-1, 153.78mgkg-1, 51.86mgkg-1, 44.61mgkg-1, 38.89mgkg-1, 29.11mgkg-1, and 0.10mgkg-1, respectively. Comparisons to sediment quality guidelines highlight that Mn, Cr, Cu, and Cd as significant threats to the aquatic ecosystem in Rara Lake. To assess the impact of metal pollution, enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and contamination factor (CF) were computed. All metals (except Cd) had Igeo value exceeding 5, displaying strong contamination. EF values for Mn, Cr, Co, and Ni metals were > 10, indicating severe effects of anthropogenic influences. CF and PLI values also indicated significant pollution for most of the investigated sites. Elevated trace element concentrations have the potential to adversely affect water, sediment, and aquatic life, also potentially impacting nutrient cycling and microbial activity. This study enhances our understanding of the metal compositions within Rara Lake sediments and provides a basis for more effective lake management and pollution control strategies. Urgent action by regional governing bodies is crucial to address the early stages of metals pollution, including identification and controlling of pollution sources, by appropriate regulations, optimizing industrial practices, and remediating existing pollution to prevent further contamination and protect the lake ecosystem.

Origin of the Miaoling Gold Deposit, Xiong’ershan District, China: Findings Based on the Trace Element Characteristics and Sulfur Isotope Compositions of Pyrite

The Xiong’ershan district is situated on the southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) and located within the Qinling–Dabieshan Orogen’s orogenic zone. It is adjacent to the XiaoQinling mining district and exhibits very favorable geological conditions for mineralization, as the district contains numerous gold deposits, positioning it as one of the key gold-producing areas of China. The Miaoling gold deposit is a hydrothermal deposit and is controlled by the Mesozoic nearly NS-trending fault. The ore bodies are hosted in the Mesoproterozoic Xiong’er Group of the Changcheng System of volcanic rocks, with reserves reaching large-scale levels. Pyrite is the main gold-bearing mineral and can be classified into four generations: early-stage fine- to medium-grained euhedral to subhedral cubic pyrite (Py1); medium- to coarse-grained euhedral to subhedral cubic granular pyrite in quartz veins (Py2a); fine-grained subhedral to anhedral disseminated pyrite in altered rocks (Py2b); and late-stage anhedral granular and fine-veinlet pyrite in later quartz veins (Py3). Through in situ trace element analysis of the pyrite using LA-ICP-MS, a positive correlation between Au and As was observed during the main mineralization stage; gold mainly exists as a solid solution within the pyrite lattice, and the ablation signal curve reflecting the intensity of trace element signals showed that gold also occurs as micron-scale mineral inclusions. The trace element content suggested a gradual increase in oxygen fugacity from Stage 1 to Stage 2, followed by a decrease from Stage 2 to Stage 3. The Co/Ni values in the pyrite (0.56 to 62.02, with an average of 12.34) exhibited characteristics of magmatic hydrothermal pyrite. The in situ sulfur isotope analysis of the pyrite using LA-MC-ICP-MS showed δ34S values of 4.24‰ for Stage 1, −6.63‰ to −13.79‰ for Stage 2, and −4.31‰ to −5.15‰ for Stage 3. Considering sulfur isotope fractionation, the δ34S value of the hydrothermal fluid during the main mineralization stage was calculated to be between 0.31‰ and 2.68‰.

Long-Lasting Magmatic, Metamorphic Events in the Cathaysia Block: Insights from the Geochronology and Geochemistry of Inherited Zircons in Jurassic A-Type Granites

The Paleoproterozoic basement underlying the Cathaysia Block remains relatively understudied, and its contribution to the region’s tectonic evolution requires further investigation. In this study, we examined Jurassic Laiziling and Jianfengling A-type granites and identified a significant number of zircon grains exhibiting varied CL imaging characteristics. These zircons yielded four distinct age groups: &lt;100 Ma, 200–100 Ma, 500–200 Ma, and &gt;700 Ma. Detailed trace element analysis revealed that these age groups correspond to different zircon types: metamorphic recrystallized zircons (&lt;100 Ma), primary magmatic zircons (200–100 Ma), and inherited zircons (500–200 Ma and &gt;700 Ma). Through host rock and tectonic setting discrimination, we consider that the inherited zircons have host rocks of S-type granites and basic rocks, and these were formed in subduction-compression tectonic environments. In comparison to local significant geological events in history, we propose that these zircons record multiple tectonic events in the South China Block, including the amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks during the Neoproterozoic; an intracontinental orogenic event that occurred during the Middle Paleozoic; and subduction–exhumation processes related to the Paleo-Pacific slab; as well as extensional metamorphic events from the Cretaceous to Tertiary events. A comparison of Hf isotopic compositions revealed that zircons aged 500–200 Ma and &gt;700 Ma share a 2.5–1.6 Ga crustal evolution zone, indicating that multiple re-melting events have occurred within the Paleoproterozoic basement of the Cathaysia Block.

The First Multiomics Association Study of Trace Element and Mineral Concentration and RNA Sequencing Profiles in Human Cancers.

Integration of various types of omics data is an important trend in contemporary molecular oncology. In this regard, high-throughput analysis of trace and essential elements in cancer biosamples is an emerging field that has not yet been sufficiently addressed. For the first time, we simultaneously obtained gene expression profiles (RNA sequencing) and essential and trace element profiles (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) for a set of human cancer samples. The biosamples were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissue blocks: 67 for colorectal cancer patients and 18 for other solid cancer types (16types). Mass spectrometry profiles were obtained for 45 chemical elements: Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hg, I, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Te, Ti, Tl, Zn, U, V, W, and Zr. The expression levels were profiled for 36,596 known human genes, and the activation levels were assessed for 10,520 human intracellular molecular pathways. For the concentrations of essential elements Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, and Zn we detected statistically significant correlations on both gene expression and pathway activation levels for both colorectal cancer samples and at the pan-cancer level. In total, 222/137, 122/220, 1/0, 239/186, 71/44, 1/0, 354/294, 69/82 gene/pathway biomarkers were detected for Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, and Zn, respectively. We believe that this first-in-class database provided here will be valuable for multiomics cancer research.

Development of an automated microfluidic system for actinide separation and analysis.

Mass spectroscopy and microfluidic technology, when combined, offer significant advantages in radiochemical analysis sample volume and cost reduction. A microfluidic device designed for efficiency has been developed. This device separates uranium from key trace elements by utilising UTEVA® chromatographic resins and nitric acid solutions of different concentrations for adsorption and recovery. The eluates from this microdevice are then diluted and directed to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system, enabling direct analysis of trace elements and uranium with minimal operator-sample interaction. This efficient approach greatly reduces the volume of sample required for trace elemental analysis in actinide materials, thereby reducing costs and satisfying the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle.