Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Method Research Articles

Impact of Polluted Soil on Herbivory of Leaves and Pneumatophore Growth of Black Mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) at Eagle Island, River State, Nigeria

Mangroves are ecosystem along the shoreline of Nigerian coast and area of active oil exploration in Nigeria. This study is on the impact of pollution on herbivory and pneumatophore growth in black mangrove at Eagle Island. Leave herbivory, pneumatophore growth, THC and heavy metal concentration in soil, root and leave were determined. The sample site was divided into: plot A (high muddiness), plot B (low muddiness), plot C (slight muddiness) and Control (little or no pollution). Random sampling was used in obtaining leaves, soil and pneumatophore from each plot. Pneumatophore height was taken with meter rule and the weight with weighing balance. The leaf image was taken using a digital handy scanner and was uploaded in a software called Image J to measure the area consumed. EPA Method 418 was used to test for Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC). Heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead, Zinc) were determined using AAS- Atomic Absorption Spectrometric method. Results revealed that control plot had highest leaf consumption (2.200±0.33cm2) compared to other plots. The heavy metals and THC concentrations in different plant parts (leaves and roots) revealed that THC was high in leaves (250.88±95.33mg/kg), while heavy metals were high in root The pneumatophores were taller and heavier in Plot A compared to Plots B and C. This study shows that pollution affects herbivory and pneumatophores growth in mangroves forest. Mitigation measures should be taken to prevent these pollutants.

Synthesis and Applications of Crown Ether-Linked Metal–Organic Framework Composite-Based Sensors for Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Lead

The present work demonstrates the construction and electrochemical characterization of novel disposable screen-printed carbon sensors integrated with functionalized MIL-53-NH2 metal–organic framework cross-linked with crown ethers and calixarene macrocyclic compounds for sensitive differential pulse voltammetric determination of lead ions in tap, surface water and biological fluid samples. The electroanalytical parameters were optimized regarding the nature of the electrode modifier, supporting electrolyte, the working pH value, scan rate, deposition potential, deposition time, reproducibility of measurement and the operational lifetime. Working electrodes dropcasted with MIL-53-NH2-dibenzo-24-crown-8-ether nanocomposite (MOFCE24) showed the proper performance within the lead concentration ranging from 13.75 to 217.83 ppb with LOD and LOQ values of 3.18 and 9.62 ppb, respectively. The synergistic effect of the metal–organic frameworks as transducer and dibenzo 24-crown-8-ether as sensing elements accelerates the electron transfer process at the electrode surface and improves the sensor selectivity through complexation of the lead ions with the crown ether moiety. The fabricated sensors showed high measuring reproducibility with long operational life time (60 days), which can be attributed to the formation of cross-linked ionophore/metal–organic framework with limited leaching of the sensing element in the measuring solution. The introduced sensors were utilized for the onsite voltammetric determination of lead in environmental and biological samples with acceptable average recoveries comparable with the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric method.

Adaptive pattern of mangrove species and the mangrove landscaping in the heavy metal polluted area of Eastern Segara Anakan Lagoon, Indonesia

Abstract. Hilmi E, Prayogo NA, Junaidi T, Mahdiana A, Fikriyya N. 2023. Adaptive pattern of mangrove species and the mangrove landscaping in the heavy metal polluted area of Eastern Segara Anakan Lagoon, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2927-2937. The mangrove species have specific adaptations to exclude, accumulate, translocate, and exert heavy metal contaminants. Mangrove species' adaptation to Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn) pollution are shown by their ability to reduce the negative impact of Cd and Zn pollution. This research aimed to analyze the adaptive pattern and mangrove landscaping in Cd and Zn contaminant areas of Eastern Segara Anakan (E-SAL), Indonesia. Cd and Zn content in different tissues (stem, leaves, and root) of 15 mangrove species were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometric method. Adaptive pattern and mangrove landscaping were assessed using bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF). The results showed that the Cd accumulation varied between 0.0610-0.2300 ppm in the stem, 0.0140-0.0480 ppm in leaves, 0.1501-0.3100 ppm in roots, whereas Zn accumulation varied between 5.7781-37.3409 ppm in the stem, 2.3973-32.2859 ppm in leaves, 10.8380-35.842 ppm in roots. Relatively Cd and Zn accumulation was highest in root than other parts. BAF scores of Cd and Zn varied between 0.0111-0.1760 and 0.1936-0.9017, respectively. TF score of Cd and Zn varied between 0.0642-0.9414 and 0.3419-1.3057, respectively. Based on the adaptation pattern, the mangrove landscape showed that Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., Rhizophora mucronata Lam., and Rhizophora apiculata Blume were the best accumulator of Cd contaminants. At the same time, A. marina, R. apiculata, and X. granatum were the best accumulator of Zn contaminant. The conclusion explains that mangrove species significantly adapt to life and grow in Zn and Cd-polluted areas. Therefore, mangrove landscaping can be developed to reduce the impact of Zn and Cd pollution.

Determination of copper from environmental samples by solvent microextraction method using AAS. Multivariate modelling and factorial design

ABSTRACT The dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction methods were developed, based on the enrichment and separation of copper after complexation with bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediamine (H2SA2en) from environmental samples. The quantitation was made by the flame atomic absorption spectrometric methods. The effect of parameters pH, derivatising reagent (H2SA2en) concentration, the volume, extracting solvent, disperser solvent, centrifugation time and temperature on analytical signals and the extraction efficiency of metal ion was examined and optimised using univalent and multivalent (factorial design) techniques. The linearity of calibration curve was in the range of 5–30 ng/ml with R 2 = 0.9907. Limit of detection was 2.0 ng/ml and limit of quantification was 6.0 ng/ml, and the enrichment factor (21.5), repeatability (n = 4) and robustness of the determination were also evaluated. Method was effectively employed for the estimation of copper from the samples of water and sediments. Samples were collected from Darawat Dam and River Indus. The results obtained were matched with reported methods, and comparable sensitivity and selectivity was indicated.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Penang, Malaysia’s Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Approach

Heavy metals and trace metals are among the most prevalent contaminants in sewage. Depending on the concentration and frequency of exposure, certain heavy metals are toxic, carcinogenic, and hazardous to humans. In this study, copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and cadmium (Cd) levels were measured in the collected wastewater samples from 10 selected domestic sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Penang, Malaysia in December 2021. All metals in the wastewater were determined using the atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) method followed by the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) analysis. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the wastewater samples were found to be in the following order (unit of mg/L): Fe > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cd (influent), and Fe > Ni > Zn > Cd > Cu (effluent). Among the metals, Fe concentrations were found to be the highest in effluent, with average values at 5.93 ± 5.319 mg/L, slightly over than a maximum permissible Fe concentration. Cadmium level in all STPs was significantly higher when compared to the maximum permissible Cd concentration (0.02 mg/L) allowed by Malaysia’s regulation, with an average of 0.13 ± 0.011 mg/L. Other metals concentration such as Cu, Ni and Zn in wastewater at the studied STPs showed low level and were considered safe. Using the WBE approach, the collected data were then calculated to estimate the population’s exposure consumption to heavy metals. Mass loading demonstrated high Fe exposure in all STPs but low Cd exposure, with the mean exposure of 1,924.86 ± 2451.772 and 46.91 ± 20.936 mg/1000p/d, respectively. Given the World Health Organization’s recommendation for tolerable weekly cadmium intake, the estimated human exposure to Cd in this study was particularly concerning, in addition to the lack of efficiency of Cd removal in the studied STPs. HIGHLIGHTS The order of the heavy metal mean concentrations in wastewater samples was Fe > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cd (influent), and Fe > Ni > Zn > Cd > Cu (effluent) The removal efficiency of the STPs followed the order: Cu > Fe > Zn > Cd > Ni The daily exposure rate of Fe was recorded as the highest exposure rate among other studied heavy metals (1924.7 ± 2451.772 mg/1000p/d) The daily exposure rate of Cd, estimated from the mass loads of total Cd, was found to be the lowest when compared to the other heavy metals (46.91 ± 20.936 mg/1000p/d) GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

BISMUTH-ANTIMONY FILM ELECTRODE FOR STRIPPING VOLTAMMETRIC DETERMINATION OF TRACE CADMIUM AND LEAD IN THAI RICE WINE

Stripping analysis was proposed for the voltammetric determination of trace cadmium and lead in local rice wine alcoholic beverages. A bismuth-antimony film electrode (Bi-SbFE) was employed for accumulative preconcentration of trace metals by adding 4 mg L-1 of bismuth and 1 mg L-1 of antimony directly to the sample solution and simultaneously depositing bismuth, antimony, and trace cadmium and lead target metals on the glassy carbon electrode by applying a fixed potential of –1.1 V versus the Ag/AgCl reference electrode for 300 s. Pre-treatment parameters for mineralization of the sample were optimized using the wet acid digestion procedure. Under the optimum conditions, linear calibration graphs ranging 20-200 µg L-1 for Cd and Pb were obtained with detection limits of 0.22 and 0.62 µg L-1 and limits of quantitation 0.73 and 2.07 µg L-1, respectively. Reproducibility values for seven replicate analyses of 50 µg L-1 Cd and Pb were 3.6 and 3.3%, respectively. The developed method was successful for Cd and Pb analyses in Thai rice wine samples and results were validated by the flame atomic absorption spectrometric method. Most samples were not contaminated with Cd and Pb. The amount of Cd contaminants in only one of rice wine sample was still lower than the maximum permitted level of Cd in wine.

Association between trace elements and preeclampsia: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPreeclampsia is the main cause of maternal and perinatal death. Multiple studies suggest that trace elements were associated with preeclampsia, but the results varied, and less known about early or mid-term pregnancy of trace elements and preeclampsia. We aim to explore the association between mid-term pregnancy trace elements levels and preeclampsia. MethodsThe retrospective cohort study was consecutively conducted in Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Guangdong Province, China, from August 1, 2019, to November 30, 2019. Trace elements are derived from the laboratory data system, measured in maternal whole blood during 12–27 (+6) weeks of pregnancy by flame atomic absorption spectrometer method. Preeclampsia diagnosis and covariance were ascertained from the electronic medical records system. We used multivariable logical regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs. ResultsA total of 2186 participants were included in this study, and 59 (2.70%) women developed preeclampsia. After multivariable adjustment, the OR of Mg levels for preeclampsia was 0.35 (95%CI:0.06,2.20). The fifth quintiles of Mg were associated with 0.29 (95% CI：0.10,0.85) times lower risk of preeclampsia compared with the first quintile, with a dose-response trend (P for trend = 0.056). Per 1 µmol/L increment in Cu was associated with 11% lower risk of preeclampsia (OR=0.89; 95% CI, 0.78,1.02). Compared with the first quintile, the second, third，fourth，fifth quintile of Cu was associated with a odd ratio of 0.12 (95% CI:0.03,0.43),0.67 (95% CI:0.30,1.48),0.33 (95% CI:0.15,0.76) and 0.26 (95% CI:0.10,0.66),respectively. Null associations were observed for Zn, Fe, Ca. ConclusionsHigher blood Mg and Cu levels in mid-term pregnancy were associated with lower preeclampsia risk.

Arsenic in Groundwater Sources from Selected Communities Surrounding Taal Volcano, Philippines: An Exploratory Study

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic, carcinogenic trace metal that can potentially contaminate groundwater sources in volcanic regions. This study provides the first comparative documentation of As concentrations in groundwater in a volcano-sedimentary region in the Philippines. Matched, repeated As measurements and physico-chemical analyses were performed in 26 individual wells from 11 municipalities and city in Batangas province from July 2020 to November 2021. Using the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric method, analysis of the wells revealed that in 2020, 23 out of 26 (88.46%) had As levels above the WHO limit of >10 ppb while 20 out of 26 wells (76.92%) had persistently high As levels a year later. Using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, levels of As were found to be statistically elevated compared to the national safe limit of 10 pbb in the 26 matched sampling sites in both 2020 (p-value < 0.001) and 2021 (p-value = 0.013). Additionally, a two-paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that As levels were statistically higher in 2020 than in 2021 (p-value = 0.003), suggesting that As levels may be higher in years when there is more volcanic activity; however, this remains to be further elucidated with suitable longitudinal data, as this study is still in its preliminary stages. The data was also analyzed using a bivariable regression, which showed no evidence of a significant relationship between As levels and distance from the danger zone (Taal volcano crater); however, results showed an inverse but statistically insignificant relationship between As levels and elevation. Due to the toxic profile and persistence of As in groundwater in Batangas Province, continuous groundwater As monitoring, timely public health risk communication, and the provision of alternative water sources to affected populations are recommended.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Vegetables and Health Risk to Humans From Their Consumption

Heavy metals contamination of soil and edible parts of vegetables is presently a challenging environmental issue worldwide. The present study determined the accumulated amount of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) in soil, coriander, onion, and tomato collected from agricultural fields of Jhansi city, India. The bio-concentration factor and non-carcinogenic health risks were also assessed to know the vegetables’ accumulation potential of heavy metals from soil and possibility to have non-carcinogenic health risks via an intake of these vegetables. The samples were digested using di-acid solution prior to heavy metals analysis by atomic absorption spectrometric method. The average content of Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu, and Mn were 2.02, 19.09, 21.56, 9.31, 35.34, 14.96, and 15.21 mg/kg dry weight (dw) in soil, 0.23, 2.12, 0.77, 0.47, 36.65, 5.92, and 21.65 mg/kg dw in coriander, 0.13, 0.66, 0.54, 0.32, 23.94, 6.25, and 20.15 mg/kg dw in onion, 0.14, 0.46, 0.89, 0.22, 16.77, 4.77, and 14.46 mg/kg dw in tomato, respectively. The bio-concentration factor revealed significant accumulation of Zn (1.04) and Mn in coriander (1.42), and in onion (1.32). The target hazard quotient and health risk index signaled that the population consuming these vegetables is risk-free. However, it is recommended that the concentration of heavy metals in the soil and crops of the study area and its related health risks be regularly monitored to avoid significant health risks in the future.

Evaluation of Elemental and Volatile Compounds of Three Selected Plants of Genus Hibiscus

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the minerals, bioactive compounds of 3 selected Hibiscus Genus i,e. Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Hibiscus cannabinus L., and Hibiscus acetosella Welw.
 Place and Duration of Study: The selected plants were collected during May to October 2018 from Imphal (24°37’N and 93°39’E) Manipur North Eastern State of India, which lies 2590 feet above sea level, and study were carried out in Genetics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University.
 Methodology: The minerals composition and bioactive compounds were evaluated by using Graphite Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (GF-AAS) method and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), respectively.
 Results: The elemental analysis shows the presence of Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Sodium, Potassium, Selenium, Chromium, Cobalt. By using the GC-MS method, the compounds are identified with Retention time (RT) and area percentage. The two compounds are identified for methanol extract and four compounds for chloroform extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. For Hibiscus cannabinus L., three compounds are identified for methanol extract and four compounds for chloroform extract and for Hibiscus acetosella Welw. eleven compounds for methanol extract and three compounds for chloroform extract.
 Conclusion: The selected plants are good source of Sodium, Potassium, Selenium, Chromium, Cobalt, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper and bioactive compounds which had antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant properties and renal related disorders protection effects. However, it is needed to study the pharmacological activity for further evaluation.

Determination of heavy metal elements concentration in soils and tailing sediments from lateritic nickel post-mining areas in Motui District, Southeast Sulawesi

Heavy metal elements concentration study has been determined from soils and tailing sediments in laterite nickel post-mining area in Motui District Southeast Sulawesi. This study aimed to determine the concentration of some heavy metal elements, especially Fe, Co, Mn and Cr, from surface soils sediments in waste dump sites and tailing sediments in settling ponds from lateritic nickel post-mining areas. A total of 20 samples consisting of 18 soil samples and 2 tailing sediments samples were systematically collected for the study. The soil samples from the waste dump site profile were collected from 3 layers which were divided based on the colour of the soils from top to bottom, namely Layer C, Layer D and Layer E. Six soil samples were taken from each layer with space between each sample in one layer was about 50 – 60 cm. The samples were sent to the laboratory and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) method to determine the concentration of heavy elements. Metal-bearing minerals detected from the bedrock consists of chromite, manganese, magnetite and limonite which are responsible for the Cr, Mn and Co, and Fe content, respectively. The result showed that Fe content is significantly higher in soil samples from Layer C and tailing sediments with dark red to brown in colour, suggesting the strong relation between Fe content and colour index. The general element mobility trend showed that Mn and Co are positively correlated in soil sampling from all layers and tailing samples, whereas Fe and Cr show a negative correlation trend in Layer C, D and tailing sediments but positively correlated in Layer E.

Analysis of Selected Physico-Chemical Parameters, Nutrients, and Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Samples in Halaba Town, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Residents in the Halaba town, SNNPR, Ethiopia have used tap water as the main source of water for their drinking and domestic purposes. However, the Physico-chemical parameters of tap water in Halaba town have not been studied and this study was aimed to investigate some Physico-chemical parameters and selected heavy metals in tap water samples collected from two sampling sites in Halaba town. All the samples were analyzed for selected heavy metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, and some Physico-chemical parameters such as EC, pH, TDS, TH, turbidity, K, Ca, Mg, nitrate, and sulfate using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS) and Paline test methods, respectively. The mean results of the physicochemical parameters investigated in tap water samples collected from two sampling sites were found to be in the range: EC (193.3–323.3) 𝜇S/cm, pH (7.88–7.9), TDS (96.7–175) mg/L, TH (24-30) mg/L, turbidity (3.93–4.53) NTUs, NO3-1(1.64–1.75) mg/L, SO4-2(1.3–3.3) mg/L. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were found to be in the range: Zn (0.05–0.30) mg/L, Fe (0.25–0.50) mg/L, Cu (0.01–0.04) mg/L, Pb (0.01–0.02) mg/L, Ni (1.86–2.4) mg/L, Cr (0.08–0.14) mg/L, Mn (0.001) mg/L, K (44.3–88.7) mg/L, Ca (180–204) mg/L, Mg (6.3–13) mg/L. The study showed that the concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Cr were slightly higher than the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO, USEPA, and EU standards whereas concentrations of K and Ca were found to be higher than the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO. All the other selected physicochemical parameters considered were below the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO. Furthermore, the concentration of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn were found to be below the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO, USEPA, EU, Australian, Iranian, Indian, Malaysian, Newzlandian, and Ethiopian standards. Therefore, citizens in the Halaba town that uses tap water for their day-to-day domestic activities and drinking purpose could potentially expose to health risks due to high levels of Pb, Ni, Cr, K and Ca. So, it is recommended that the tap water in the study area should be treated before being used for drinking and domestic purposes.

Validation of an analytical method for the determination of inorganic, organic, and total arsenic in fish sauce based on hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

An atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) method was performed to determine the total, inorganic, and organic arsenic in fish sauce. The total organic arsenic was calculated from the total and inorganic arsenic values quantified using the hydride generation AAS (HG-AAS). Under optimal experimental conditions at the absorbance wavelength of 193.7 nm, the concentration of inorganic arsenic in fish sauce ranged from 0.05 to 1.2 mg/L, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.015 mg/L. The detectable total arsenic concentrations varied widely, ranging from 0.03 to 2.5 mg/L with the LOD of as low as 0.01 mg/L. The practical applicability of the method was demonstrated with the recovery in the range from 97 to 102% for inorganic arsenic, and 97 to 101% for organic arsenic. The method was applied to the analysis of commercial products from Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and Phu Quoc City, Vietnam. The total organic arsenic in fish sauce samples determined by HG-AAS was compared with the results of liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP/MS). The f-test and t-test showed null hypothesis for acceptable variance and mean at a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that the HG-AAS method had high efficiency, accuracy, and sensitivity in quantifying inorganic and total organic arsenic in fish sauce using simple instrumentation.

Heavy Metal Concentrations and Human Health Risk Assessment of Selected Wild and Cultured Fishes of Bangladesh

This study was conducted to estimate the concentration of selected heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) as well as the possible risk to consumer health from the flesh of three wild and cultured fishes (Labeo rohita, Mystus cavasius, and Heteropneustes fossilis) collected from the Meghna river, Narayangonj and Rajoir fish farm, Madaripur district respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometric method. The average concentration of heavy metals were found in the wild fish samples in the range as Cr (0.295-1.647), Mn (0.900-1.294), Ni (0.063-0.198), Cu (0.179-0.529), Zn (5.487-8.343), Cd (0.004-0.009) and Pb (0.193-0.290) mg/kg dry weight while in the cultured fish samples in the range as Cr (0.043-0.315), Mn (0.975-2.36), Co (BDL), Ni (0.005-0.095), Cu (0.238-0.978), Zn (5.487-8.305), Cd (0.004-0.009), and Pb (0.238-0.286) mg/kg dry weight respectively. The hierarchy of mean concentration of heavy metals in wild fishes was Zn> Mn> Cu> Pb> Cr> Ni > Cd and in the cultured fishes, the order was found Zn> Mn> Cr> Pb> Cu> Ni > Cd. The present study showed that the wild fish accumulated higher concentration of heavy metals in their muscles than the cultured fish. The analyzed Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were below the allowable level specified by international agencies (FAO, WHO, EU, CE, USEP). In order to assess the human health risk, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Target carcinogenic Risk (TR) were calculated. The TR values suggested that the fishes posed low to moderate carcinogenic risk from Cr, Ni and Cd. Consequently, continuous and excessive consumption of these fish species over a lifetime will increase the possibility of causing cancer. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 189-203, 2021

Results of AAS-measurements of atmospheric deposition of copper and lead in the snow cover of Almaty agglomeration

Abstract The article presents the results of the study conducted on the territory of the Almaty agglomeration (AA) in the first half of 2019. During the expeditionary studies, sampling was carried out at 30 permanent points established taking into account the degree of anthropogenic load and sources of technogenic pollution. The content of trace elements (TE) in the snow was determined by a flame atomic absorption spectrometric method using an AA-7000 spectrophotometer with a hollow cathode lamp and with a nozzle burner operating on an acetylene-air mixture. The paper considers the amount of content of copper and lead in the snow, as well as the nature of their distribution over the study area. Calculations were carried out on the number of depositions of the TE in question per unit area over the territory of the agglomeration, with the allocation of zones experiencing the highest technogenic load.

Comparative Hydrochemical Evaluation of Water At Ilokun Village and Ado-Ekiti Metropolis, Southwestern Nigeria.

This study focused on comparative hydrochemical evaluation of water in Ado-Ekiti metropolis and Ilokun Village (where there is an open refuse dump), Southwestern Nigeria. Fifteen groundwater samples from Ado-Ekiti Metropolis, four groundwater samples and three stream water samples from Ilokun village were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters. In-situ parameters (Temp. (°C), EC (µS/cm), pH and TDS (mg/L)) were measured using Multi-parameter Testr™ 35 Series S/NO: 1382654. Major cations and anions were determined employing Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and Colorimetric methods respectively. The pH revealed that water in Ado-Ekiti was slightly acidic to alkaline while that of Ilokun village was alkaline.  The order of major ions concentrations in Ado-Ekiti metropolis and Ilokun village were Mg<K<Na<Ca and Mg<K<Ca<Na and HCO3<Cl<SO4<NO3 and Cl<HCO3<SO4<NO3 respectively. EC (µS/cm) values of all sampled water were <1000 except in a location at Ilokun village close to the refuse dump signifying local anthropogenic contamination. CaCl (54.55%) was the dominant water type and all were Ado-Ekiti groundwater. CaHCO3 (9.10 % Ado-Ekiti groundwater, 9.10% Ilokun water), NaCl (13.60 % Ilokun water), CaNaHCO3 (4.55% Ado-Ekiti groundwater) and CaMgCl (4.55% Ado-Ekiti groundwater, 4.55% Ilokun water) represent minor water types. The water chemistry in the study area may have modified from weathering materials derived from the underlying bedrocks. Based on graphical evaluation and estimated irrigation parameters, both Ado-Ekiti groundwater and Ilokun water were suitable for irrigation purposes. Hydrochemical parameters and all estimated irrigation parameters showed marked quality differences with respect to Ado-Ekiti groundwater and Ilokun water.  

Dietary Metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn) Exposure and Associated Health Risks in Baia Mare Area, Northwestern Romania

This study estimated the non-carcinogenic health risk of Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn via dietary intake in the urban and rural areas of Baia Mare city, northwestern Romania, a former mining area. A total of 230 food items grouped in ten food categories (meat and animal organs, meat-derived products, animal fat, eggs, dairy, bread, corn flour, potato, vegetables, fruits) and 32 water samples were collected and analyzed for Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn using atomic absorption spectrometric method. The human health risk assessment through dietary exposure was evaluated by calculating the estimated daily intake of metals, the Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) and the Total Target Hazard Quotients (TTHQ) for normal daily consumption in adults. The average daily intakes of Pb, Cd and Zn were higher than the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) reference value for urban and rural residents, which showed that there was a potentially high risk of ingestion of food and water. The average daily intake of Cu with food and drinking water was lower than the corresponding TDI value, which indicated that Cu intake was not a potential hazard to the health of residents in the study areas. The individual target hazard quotients, calculated for food consumption in urban area decreased in the following order: Cd>Cu>Pb>Zn, and in rural area: Pb>Cd>Cu>Zn, having values higher than 1 for Pb and Cd in the rural area and approximately equal to 1 for Cd (urban) and Cu (rural), indicating non-carcinogenic adverse health effects. The TTHQs for the two areas (urban and rural) were 2.934 and 5.164, respectively, established cumulative adverse effects of metals. The results showed that vegetables, potato and bread were the main sources of metal intake from foodstuff for adults, but fruit, water and meat were secondary contributors.

Impact of Wastewater and Canal Water Irrigation on the Accumulation of Copper in Maize and Millet of Different Districts of Punjab Pakistan

In current work, we examined the absorption of metal Copper in generally grown food crops (Maize & Millet), cultivated in the waste water irrigated different Districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Analyzed samples of Water, Soil, shoot and grain were processed through atomic absorption spectrometric method. Our findings of Copper in water and Shoot were highest for Millet of Sargodha, irrigated with wastewater (1.69 mg/kg and 1.43 mg/kg respectively). In soil and grain samples maximum absorption of Cu was obtained in the waste water irrigated Maize (Sargodha) and Millet (Sheikhupura). Overall, Cu level was within the acceptable parameters set by FAO/WHO (2001). In this study, we also find out different indices such as Enrichment factor, Translocation factor, Pollution Load Index, Bio-concentration factor, Daily intake of metal and Health Risk Index. The study determined that frequently intake of waste watered forages in experimenting zone may carry possible health uncertainties in inhabitants.

Mineral and anti-nutrient composition of Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. grass

The grass Pennisetum pedicellatum is an ornamental-like grass that is widely used in northern Nigeria as a source of animal feed especially by local animal farmers. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional content of the grass and, hence, quantify their contribution to the animal feed so as to curb the unavailability of animal feed during the dry season. Both macronutrients and micronutrients were determined using flame photometry and atomic absorption spectrometric methods of analysis. The research investigates the mineral and anti-nutrients contents of Pennisetum pedicellatum grass. The anti-nutrients were determined using standard methods of food analyses. The mineral content of the sample showed a composition (mg/100gDW) of 11167 ± 3.82 sodium, 10850 ± 229.13 potassium, 108.3 ± 0.03 calcium, 28.3 ± 0.03 magnesium, 315.7 ± 0.03 phosphorus, 0.58 iron, 5.81 chromium and 4.07 nickel. However, copper, zinc and manganese were not detected in the sample. The anti-nutrient composition (mg/100 g DW) for oxalate, phytate, saponins, cyanide and tannins were 1.00 ± 0.0008, 3474 ± 0.0223, 56.00 ± 0.0035, 11.00 ± 0.0014 and 10.00 ± 0.0025, respectively. The anti-nutritional analysis reveals that the grass contains high amount of phytate and saponins and low oxalate content. The results revealed that the oxalic acid content of the grass is below the critical level while the phytate of the grass is above the critical level.

Spectrometric Determination of Heavy Metals Present in Mango Fruit of Nepali Origin

Quantitative determination of heavy metals; Fe, Zn, Co, Pb and Ni in Mango fruit of Nepali origin, locally sourced was carried out. Fifteen Mango samples were collected by random sampling method, converted into analyte sample by standard method and analyzed by using Atomic absorption spectrometric method. The amount of heavy metals Fe, Zn, Co and Ni present in sample was, 0.570±0.48, 0.510±0.031, 0.431±0.021, 0.106±0.003 mg/kg respectively. The results indicated the concentration of Zn & Co were higher (WHO 0.320 & 0.05), and the concentration of Nickel (Ni) was below the maximum permissible limit issued by WHO. The concentration of the Lead (Pb) was found below the detection limit of the instrument used.