Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Research Articles

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY (GC-MS) ANALYSIS OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF Terminalia ivorensis

Terminalia ivorensis (TI) is used in West African ethnomedicine for the treatment of ulcers, malaria, inflammation, and wounds. Despite its widespread use, its nutritional status remains largely undetermined. This study was undertaken with the aim to evalute the nutritional and phytochemical composition of TI. Proximate analysis of the methanol leaf extracts of TI was carried out using the AOAC methods. Elemental analysis of the methanol leaf extracts of the plant was also carried out using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Identification and quantification of the bioactive components were determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) single-phase ion mode. Spectra from detected compounds were matched with known compounds of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Proximate analysis reveals that it is rich in primary nutrients such as carbohydrates (37.70±0.05%), proteins (10.94±0.03%), fats (7.97±0.12%), fibre (0.95±0.01%), ash (1.42±0.01%) and moisture content (41.02±0.21%). Mineral analysis of the extract revealed the presence of essential minerals such as calcium (641.2±1.20 mg/100g), copper (6.28±0.02 mg/100g), magnesium (186.16±0.29 mg/100g), iron (17.13±0.06 mg/100g), manganese (3.47±0.01 mg/100g), and zinc (3.82±0.01 mg/100g), which are essential for the metabolic processes and pregnancy. Forty-Seven (47) phytochemical compounds were detected by GC-MS including 1, 2, 3- Benzenetriol (26.31%), Diethyl Phthalate (14.93%), D-Allose (6.96%), Anhydro-.alpha-d-galactofuranose (5.09), Glycerin (6.28%) as the most predominant. The study revealed that Terminalia ivorensis could be a useful source of nutrients, minerals, and several helpful bioactive compounds that may serves as potential drug target needed for drug development

Mycological, Aflatoxin and Heavy Metals Composition of Dried Fish from Idi-ape Markets in Ilorin, Nigeria

Fish is a cherished and highly sort after food that is widely eaten among many communities in Nigeria and the world at large, with good nutritional values. This study is aimed at evaluating the mycological flora, aflatoxin, proximate composition and heavy metals content in different dried fish samples. A total of three samples were used in this study which are; Salvetinus fortinacis, Heterotis niloticus and Malapterurus electricus. Aflatoxin detection in samples were carried out using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The proximate analysis was carried out to determine the percentage nutritional value in each of the samples. Heavy metals detection was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Buck scientific model 230. The result of the mycological evaluation revealed that the mean fungal count of all samples ranged from 1.5 ± 0.71 to 22.5 ± 4.95 (x102 CFU/g). With H. niloticus having the highest while M. electricus had the least. The proximate analysis results revealed percentage moisture of samples ranged from 4.382 ± 0.02 to 6.869± 0.009 (%) with H. niloticus having the highest and S. fortinacis having least value. Ash ranged from 3.518 ±0.18 to 4.424 ± 0.06 (%) with H. niloticus having the highest and S. fortinacis having the least. Percentage carbohydrate ranged from 14.179 ± 0.26 to 15.728 ± 0.33 (%) with H. niloticuss having the highest and S. fortinacis having the least. Calorific value ranged 1270.115 ± 1.12 to 1407.66 ± 1.87 (KJ/100g) with H. niloticus having the highest and S. fortinacis having the lowest. Percentage lipid ranged from 10.549 ± 0.08 to 14.293 ± 0.10(%) with H. niloticus having the highest and S. fortinacis having the least. Percentage Crude fibre ranged from 22.389 ± 0.19 to 29.310± 0.03 (%) with S. fortinacis having the highest and H. niloticus having the least. Percentage Protein ranged from 35.529 ± 0.00 to 38.062 ± 0.00(%) with S. fortinacis having the highest and M. electricus having the least. The presence of mycotoxin producing fungi in the different dried fish samples led to the presence of different Aflatoxins (known carcinogenic toxin) in the samples which is of a threat to human health.

Assessment of Toxic Elements and Peroxide Value in Lipsticks Collected From Karaj, Iran

The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), as well as peroxide values in 52 samples of lipstick in Karaj, Iran. The Varian Spectra AA-220 atomic absorption spectrometer was utilized to determine the concentration of metals. The average levels of the analyzed metals were in good accordance with the standard levels set by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI 14622). The obtained results illustrated that the mean (±SE) levels of Pb, As, and Hg were 3.029±0.787, 0.546±0.090, and 0.044±0.002 µg/g, respectively. Moreover, the mean peroxide value (2.173±0.314 mEq/kg) was lower than the maximum amount set by ISIRI 14622 )10 mEq/kg). Therefore, a continuous monitoring program to ensure acceptable quality of these products along with an enhancement in the consumers’ awareness of the potential hazards of the regular use of cosmetic products is highly recommended.

Proximate composition, levels of heavy metals and their associated risk assessment in ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe)

Ginger is a medicinal plant widely used as a spice and botanically categorized in the Zingiberaceae family, Zingiber genus, and officinale species. Natural and anthropogenic sources can discharge heavy metals into the environment from which they enter the human body through food, water, air, and skin contact and cause detrimental health effects. In this study, ginger samples were randomly collected from five kebeles in Ilubabor and Bunno Bedelle zones, Southwest Ethiopia, from which a composite sample was made for analysis. Microwave-assisted digestion was carried out using concentrated nitric acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide followed by atomic absorption spectrometer detection using different Association of Analytical Chemists, AOAC methods. Proximate analysis was performed with different standard operating procedures. The mean levels of heavy metals were 0.009 mg/kg for Arsenic, Chromium, and Lead and 0.01 mg/kg for cadmium while 578.2 mg/kg was obtained for iron. Proximate composition analysis shows 82.89%, 2.00%, 0.07%%, 1.63%, 3.42%, 9.99%, and 48.59 kcal for moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy, respectively. The validated method had acceptable linearity (R2 = 0.9978 - 0.9993), the limit of detection (8.18x10-5 - 0.0075), the limit of quantification (2.7x10-4 - 0.025), recovery (75 - 106.87%) and precision (4.77 - 13.97 %). The hazard index (HI) of the metals was less than one showing insignificant non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to a single or multiple possibly toxic elements from the studied ginger samples.

Assessment of heavy metals contamination of agricultural soils using pollution indicators in Thi-Qar governorate, Southern Iraq

This study aims to assess the levels of contamination of agricultural soils with heavy elements (cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, and lead) in three regions in Thi-Qar Governorate, Southern Iraq. These three regions are Al-Gharraf, Al-Islah, and Al-Batha. The study was done by using the pollution indicators, which are geographical pollution index (Igeo), contamination degree (Cd), contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk factor (Er), and finally, risk index (RI). From each region, four soil samples were collected from holes 25 cm deep, separated by a distance of 500 meters. After the digestion process of the samples, the concentrations of the studied elements were measured by flam atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). The results showed that the average heavy metal concentrations for all samples were (365.810, 96.424, 41.36, 11.919, 5.194 and 0.352 mg/kg). They were in the following order Fe > Ni > Cu >Co > Pb > Cd, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in the study areas were all within the limits allowed by the World Health Organization (WHO) except for 8.3% of the studied areas that were beyond the permissible limits for cadmium only. The reason for the increase in cadmium concentrations in some areas could be due to sewage, industrial emissions and agricultural practices. According to the Igeo values, the levels of minerals studied for the three regions followed the following order Cd > Cu > Co > Pb > N i> Fe.

Assessment of ecological risk potential in metal-contaminated soils of Baghdad city, Iraq

Metal pollution in the soil leads to the deterioration of agricultural production by negatively affecting the all properties of the soil. Because the more than 7 million people living in and the old military camp was used as residence by poor families after the war of 2003, Baghdad city has a risk factor from metal pollution. With this aim, metal pollution in the soil of Baghdad city was studied. Three different sites (farm, camp, and park) were selected. Ten soil samples were taken randomly from 0-15 cm depth on each of the sites. Concentrations of metals [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni)] of soil samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Basic soil properties such as texture class and pH were measured on the disturbed samples. Concentrations increased Cr

Assessment of Health Risks in Wheat Crop Irrigated by Manka Canal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

Background. Manka canal’s metal concentration rises from human activities’ garbage. Untreated water from the canal is used by farmers for local crop irrigation. Immediate action is crucial to assess heavy metal levels and ensure soil suitability for agriculture as metal pollution persists. Purpose. The current study was conducted to assess the health risks associated with metal pollution at Manka Canal, Dera Ghazi Khan. Methods. A total of eighty-four wastewater, soil, and wheat samples were collected from study areas. The collected samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). Results. The significant findings of the study revealed that the concentration of heavy metals in most of the collected samples of soil, water, and wheat was above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. The mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were at relatively higher concentrations, i.e., 4.88, 22.03, 38.2, 89.2, 19.62, and 67.9 mg/kg, respectively, in collected wheat samples. The soil and irrigation water quality metrics had values that exceeded the acceptable thresholds, rendering them unfit for agricultural use. The local community faces an elevated health risk index for both children and adults due to the consumption of wheat crop as HRI is greater than 1 for nonessential elements like Cd and Pb. Conclusion. The study suggested that wastewater irrigation leads to the accumulation of heavy metals in foodstuffs, causing potential health risks to consumers. The gradual accumulation of these contaminants in biological systems finally gives rise to severe health-related issues. Therefore, it is crucial to implement robust wastewater treatment processes and stringent quality control measures to minimize health risks associated with the consumption of crops grown using reclaimed water. Prior to irrigating crops like wheat and vegetables, it is strongly advised to treat municipal wastewater to prevent soil and dietary toxicity from heavy metals.

Impact of welding occupation on serum aluminium level and its association with physical health, cognitive function, and quality of life: a cross-sectional study.

There is an occupational health concern about welders' inhalation of toxic aluminium fumes. We investigated whether serum aluminium level (SAL) and demographic variables can significantly predict physical health parameters, cognition, and quality of life (QoL) among welders. The cross-sectional study involved 100 age- and location-matched men (50 welders and 50 non-welders). SAL obtained using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer, and data collected using blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) apparatuses, biodata form, pain rating scale, General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition, WHOQoL-BREF, and Nordic musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) questionnaire were analysed using independentsamplest test, chi-square, Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical linear regression. Welders had significantly higher SAL (mean difference [MD] = 1.77µg/L, p < 0.001), lower QoL (MD = 3.92, p = 0.039), and higher prevalence of MSS on the neck (χ2 = 10.187, p = 0.001), shoulder (χ2 = 9.007, p = 0.003), upper back (χ2 = 6.832, p = 0.009), and knee (χ2 = 12.190, p < 0.001) than non-welders. There was a significant bivariate association between SAL, systolic blood pressure (β = 0.313, p = 0.002), and BMI (β = 0.279, p = 0.005), but not pain intensity, cognition, or QoL. SAL remained a significant predictor of systolic blood pressure after adjustment for physical health and QoL parameters (β = 0.191, p = 0.044). The association between SAL and social QoL became significant after adjustment for physical health and other QoL domains (β = - 0.210, p = 0.032) and demographic variables (β = - 0.233, p = 0.046). Welders had significantly higher SAL, musculoskeletal symptoms, blood pressure, and lower QoL than non-welders. SAL was associated with adverse physical health parameters and social-related QoL, not cognition. We recommend routine aluminium bioavailability and physical health checks among welders.

Oral and dermal exposure to natural radionuclides and heavy metals in water and sediments of Nile River, Qena, southern Egypt

This study assessed the levels of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) and heavy metals (Hg, Fe, Cr, As, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in surface water and sediment samples from the Nile River in Qena Governorate, southern Egypt, using a gamma-ray spectrometer, 3ʺ NaI (Tl) scintillation detector coupled with 1024 multi-channel analyzer, and an atomic absorption spectrometer. In surface water and sediments, the average activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were 40K (4.73 Bq L−1; 395.76 Bq kg−1) > 226Ra (0.41 Bq L−1; 18.14 Bq kg−1) > 232Th (0.30 Bq L−1; 17.98 Bq kg−1). The average heavy metal concentrations in surface water in µg L−1 were Fe (121.0) > Zn (33.80) > Cr (28.0) > Cu (8.62) > Pb (8.35) > As (1.19) > Hg (0.81) > Cd (0.12). In Nile sediments the concentrations in mg kg−1 were Fe (1670.0) > Zn (207.0) > Cr (29.40) > Cu (16.20) > Pb (4.32) > Hg (0.41) > Cd (0.31) > As (0.14). The heavy metal evaluation index (HMEI) calculations for water samples revealed that 31% of the samples were suitable for domestic use, while 69% were not. The geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, and ecological risk factor for sediments were estimated, showing extreme enrichment for Hg and Zn with high ecological risk for Hg. Health risks for adults were evaluated due to oral and dermal exposure to Nile surface water and sediments from the study area, indicating minimal radiological risks and potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from the metals.

Origin, spatial distribution, sediment contamination, ecological and health risk evaluation of trace metals in sediments of ship breaking area of Bangladesh

Eleven trace metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, As, Pb, and Ag) in sediments of Bangladesh’s ship breaking area were measured by an atomic absorption spectrometer to determine origin, contamination extent, spatial distributions, and associated ecological and human health hazards. This study found considerable quantities of Pb, Cd, Mn, Zn, and Cu when compared with standards and high levels of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, As, and Ag contamination according to pollution evaluation indices. Different indices indicate most of the sampling sites were highly polluted. However, spatial distribution maps indicate that trace metals were predominantly deposited in the northern and southern region. The ecological risk index revealed that Cd has the highest while Pb and As had moderate risk. Based on the health index values, Zn for both adults and children were higher than the safe limit while Mn, Pb, Cr, As, Fe, Cu, Ni, and Co for children were close to the threshold. The mean total carcinogenic risk values of Cr, As, and Ni for children and Ni for adults exceeded the permissible threshold. The cancer risk possibilities were further assessed using Monte Carlo simulation. Most trace metals have anthropogenic origins, which were attributed to ship breaking activities.

Heavy metal and microbial testing of selected cosmetic products in the Palestinian market

Excessive and continuous use of cosmetic products containing heavy metals can lead to harmful effects. International regulations mandate limited quantities of heavy metals contamination in cosmetic preparations to ensure consumer safety. This research aims to evaluate heavy metal and microbial contamination levels in selected cosmetic products available in the Palestinian market. We collected 35 samples randomly from 23 companies, representing four product types, and analyzed them for the presence of seven heavy metals: zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As) using an atomic absorption spectrometer. We also interviewed pharmacists who sold these cosmetics to assess their knowledge of allowed limits and toxic effects associated with increased heavy metal content in cosmetics. The results indicated that all tested products exceeded the allowed limit for Cd (9.5 ± 2.3 ppm), Cu (33.8 ± 9.2 ppm), and Zn (151.0 ± 7.4 ppm). However, none of the tested samples showed microbial contamination. These findings underscore the significant heavy metal contamination of cosmetics present in the Palestinian market. Thus, there is a pressing need to register and quality-test all cosmetic products sold in the Palestinian market and to raise the pharmacists’ awareness and knowledge regarding heavy metals in cosmetics.

Bioaccumulation of some Heavy Metals (Cadmium, Copper and Zinc) in Three Tissues of the Common Carp Cyprinus carpio L. Collected from a Mud Culture

The current study was conducted to find out the bioaccumulation of the three elements cadmium, copper and zinc, in tissues of the common carp Cyprinus carpio L., they were gills, muscles and viscera. Cultivated in three mud ponds in Thi Qar Governorate - Nasiriyah city, Shatrah district, in the village of Al-Ajjah Al-Buhan, near Al-Ghamouqa Valley, it is 55 km away from the center of Al-Nasiriyah. The fish were distributed to the lakes with uniform densities for the period from 5/11/2022 to 5/4/2023, by 1000 fish/m3 were used, it was divided into three lakes equally, with an average weight of 20 gm. A standard local diet was used to feed the fish, standard methods were used to estimate the concentrations of heavy metals in tissues, by a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Results were recorded in tissues for cadmium in gills, muscles and viscera. The highest values were in the autumn season for gills and muscles, respectively (12.13-12.77 μg/gm dry weight). The highest concentration recorded in spring for tissues was (8.3 μg/gm dry weight). Copper recorded the highest value in gills, muscles and viscera, in the spring season (222.14, 334.77 and 110.65μg/gm dry weight), respectively. Zinc recorded high concentrations in the gills, viscera, and muscles, i In autumn (350.34, 259.17 and 303.34 μg/g dry weight), respectively. The results showed that the accumulation of elements; Heavy was in the following order: Zinc > copper > cadmium. Cadmium: gills > viscera > muscles. Copper: gills > muscles > viscera. Zinc: gills > viscera > muscles.

Study of the Heavy Metals Concentration Level in the Water and Sediment and some Tissues of the Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella V. Cultured in Cages in the Euphrates River

The current study was conducted in Thi Qar Governorate, Nasiriyah city on one of the private farms, grass carp were cultured, to determine the effect of some heavy elements (cadmium, copper and zinc) in the water and sediments of the Euphrates River, measuring the concentration of elements in some parts (gills, muscles and viscera) of grass carp fish. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected monthly from 11/8/2022 to 4/8/2023. The study also included field tests such as air and water temperature measurements, the air temperature ranged between 11-29 C, and the water temperature ranged between 9-25 C. Heavy metals were measured in water, sediment and fish tissues by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed the highest total concentration of cadmium in the water during April and copper in February and April, as for zinc, it recorded the highest concentration during April. The highest concentration of cadmium was recorded in the gills and muscles during April. The highest concentration of cadmium in the guts was recorded in the winter. Copper had the highest concentration in the gills and muscles during April. Zinc recorded high concentrations in the viscera, muscles and gills. As for the sediments, the values of cadmium ranged from 0.104-0.223 μg/L. Copper recorded values ranging between 5.07-13.2 μg/L. Zinc values ranged between 29.87-59.2 μg/L. The results showed that the accumulation of heavy elements was as follows: Concentrations in the water of zinc>cadmium>copper. Concentrations in the sediments of zinc> copper>cadmium. In tissues: Cadmium viscera>gills>muscle. gillscopper>viscera>muscles. Viscera>gills>muscles.

Assessing Environmental Impact and Socioeconomic Consequences of Oil and Gas Spillage on Soil in Warri, Southern Nigeria

The Niger Delta terrain is often prone to environmental degradation resulting from oil and gas spillage. This research aims to assess the environmental impact of oil and gas spillage on the soil of Warri, Southern Nigeria, by utilizing physicochemical properties, statistical analysis, and socioeconomic information to evaluate the impact of heavy metals in the study area. A total of six (6) soil samples were collected and examined with the aid of an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) using a procedure that adheres to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Concentration levels of Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Exchangeable Acidity (EA), Exchangeable Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) were analyzed and found to range from (21.1-74.98) ppm, (23.46-105.57) ppm, (128-1442) ppm, (58.80-341.60) ppm, (0.25-13.50) ppm, (11.51-14.78) ppm, (11.30-226.34) mg/kg, (98.26-122.60) mg/kg, (10.10-18.43) mg/kg, (321.86-994.04) mg/kg, (0.26-0.50) mg/kg, (0.4-1.15) mg/kg, respectively. The research revealed that the soil pH ranged from highly acidic to slightly acidic, which can negatively affect nutrient availability and plant growth. The research also highlighted the detrimental impact of oil spillage on the health, livelihood, amenities, and socioeconomic state of affected communities. Agricultural produce, crop yield, and livestock production were negatively affected due to poor soil fertility and damage to water bodies. Basic amenities were polluted, leading to abandonment and contamination of drinking water. The social environment of these communities experienced setbacks in occupation, income, and education. The findings provide valuable insights into soil characteristics and contamination levels and also show that regular soil quality monitoring and assessment are essential to detect any degradation in soil quality in the examined area.

Assessment of heavy metals among auto workers in metropolitan city: a case study.

In recent decades, heavy metals (HMs) have emerged as a global health concern. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a general lack of awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with HMs pollution among automobile workers. Herein, we investigated the concentration of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) among automobile workers who were occupationally exposed in Mingora City, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Three different automobile groups, i.e., battery recyclers, spray painters, and mechanics were studied in detail. A total of 40 blood samples were collected from automobile workers groups while 10 blood samples were collected as control individuals from different locations in the study area. We investigated heavy metals concentration with a standard method using an atomic absorption spectrometer AAS (PerkinElmer Analyst 700, United States). Based on our findings, the battery recycling group displayed the most elevated Pb levels (5.45 ± 2.11 μg/dL), exceeding those of both the spray painters' group (5.12 ± 1.98 μg/dL) and the mechanics' group (3.79 ± 2.21 μg/dL). This can be attributed to their higher exposure to Pb pollution resulting from the deterioration, dismantling, grinding, or crushing of old batteries. In the context of chromium (Cr) exposure, a similar trend was observed among the battery recycling group, as well as the spray painters and mechanics groups. However, in the case of cadmium (Cd), the mechanics' group exhibited the highest level of exposure (4.45 ± 0.65 μg/dL), surpassing the battery recycling group (1.17 ± 0.45 μg/dL) and the spray painters' group (1.35 ± 0.69 μg/dL), which was attributed to their greater exposure to welding fumes and other activities in their workplace. We believe that our findings will encourage regulatory measures to improve the health of automobile workers. However, further work is needed to determine various health-related issues associated with heavy metal exposure among automobile workers.

Lithium and zinc levels along with oxidative status in myocardial infarction: A case-control study

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) are the most prevalent diseases globally. While several risk factors for MI are well assessed, the influence of trace elements on MI has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to evaluate lithium (Li) and zinc (Zn) levels in MI patients and healthy control and assess their relationship with oxidative stress (OS) parameters, such as nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). MethodsThis case-control study was performed on 182 patients with MI and 83 healthy subjects at Shafa Hospital in Kerman, Iran. MI patients were divided into two groups based on the angiography results: those with coronary artery block above 50 % (CAB >50 %, n = 92) and those with coronary artery block below 50 % (CAB <50 %, n = 90). A flame atomic absorption spectrometer was used to detect Li and Zn levels, and biochemical indices were measured by an autoanalyzer. Also, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and the Griess method were used to measure the amounts of NO and TAC. ResultsThe levels of TAC and Li were significantly higher in the control group than in the patient groups (in both CAB >50 % and CAB <50 % groups). Furthermore, in the CAB <50 % group, TAC and Li levels were significantly higher than in the CAB >50 % group. In the Zn levels evaluation, higher concentration was seen in the CAB >50 % group compared to the CAB <50 % group (P < 0.05). Moreover, Zn and NO levels were significantly higher in both CAB groups compared to controls. In continue, Li levels had a positive association with TAC and ejection fraction percentage (EF%) as well as a negative association with NO levels and Zn levels had a significant positive association with NO and a negative association with TAC. In logistic regression analysis, Li, TAC, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly decreased the odds ratio (OR) of MI, whereas Zn, NO, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) significantly increased the OR of MI. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) analysis indicated that Li had the highest AUC for the diagnosis of CAB >50 % (Li < 167 ng/mL), and Zn ≥ 1810 μg/mL increased disease severity. ConclusionOur investigation revealed that Li had a protective effect against CAD by decreasing OS and increasing EF%. However, Zn at concentrations higher than 1810 μg/mL was found to be cytotoxic and increased the risk of MI through increased OS. Taken togather, it could be concluded that Li supplementation may decrease the risk of CAD.

CONTENT OF ELEMENTS IN AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PLANTS ANALYZED BY USING FAAS INSTRUMENTS

In this present study total four different family medicinal plants namely Azadirachta indica, Cascabela thevetia, Ficus benghalensis and Cassia angustifolia leaves parts collected from the different places of Bidar, Kalaburagi &amp; Yadgir districts. By using standard ratio of FAAS instruments, the solution samples for analysis of elements were prepared. Further analysis of the total 7 essential elements like Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As and Pb were done respectively. The Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS) is analytical, or radiation source instrument and it is useful for the quantitative analysis of any materials. The average concentration of elements varied between 0.01 mg/L to 1.7 mg/L in all 4 studied Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Here Mg and Pb concentration found to be in higher range, compared to the other elements. Further all studied elemental content were found to be under the permissible limits of WHO. Results could be useful in study of metabolic, enzymatic and physical activity of the samples and also useful for the new modern medicinal preparations. The variations of elemental concentrations in environmental samples were dependents on earth geological soil formation.

Sorption of cadmium, chromium, lead, and vanadium from artificial wetlands using Lemna aequinoctialis

The efficacy of the lesser duckweed, Lemna aequinoctialis (Welw.), to remediate varying concentrations of cadmium, chromium, lead, and vanadium from an organo-metallic contaminated media was tested in artificial surface wetland mesocosm experiment. A 100 g of fresh-weight duckweed was introduced into each of the mesocosm, except for the control setup and monitored for 120 days while the metals removal rate was quantified using an atomic absorption spectrometer. A time-dependent and partial sorption of metals was observed with the highest removal rate recorded for cadmium (71.96%), followed by lead (69.23%), vanadium (55.22%), and chromium (41.64%). The uptake and bioaccumulation of metals were reflected in the increased plant biomass (p < 0.05, F = 97.12) and relative growth rate (p < 0.05, F = 1214.35) in duckweed. A coefficient (r 2) of 0.951, 0.919, 0.970, and 0.967 was recorded for cadmium, chromium, lead, and vanadium respectively, indicating that the remediation of metals followed the first-order kinetic rate model. This study highlights the efficacy of the lesser duckweed to preferentially remediate metals in an organo-metallic complex medium for potential wastewater treatment in the petrochemical industry.

Determination of Zinc Concentration and Nutritional Value of Cow Hide (Ponmo) Sold in Different Parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Investigation of heavy metals (Zinc) concentration and nutritional value of cow hides (ponmo) consumed in AMAC (Abuja Municipal and Kuje Area Councils was carried out between November 2021 and January 2022. Samples were randomly collected from both Area Councils and prepared for Analysis using Nitric acid digestion and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The mean concentration of Zinc (Zn) in AMAC were 0.88 ± 0.35mg/kg and 2.04 ± 0.57mg/kg in Kuje Area Council respectively. Results showed that the concentration of Zinc (Zn) in cow hide (Ponmo) from AMAC was two times as high as cow hide (Ponmo) from Kuje Area Council. The mean concentration of Zinc (Zn) in cow hide in both Area Councils were two times as high as the Food and Agricultural Organization Standard unit for Zinc(Zn), which is 0.03mg/kg -1.0mg/kg. However, potential accumulation may depend on the frequency of consumption or exposure. In contrast to many studies the samples had alot of nutritional value. Proximate analysis showed that the ponmo samples for Kuje had 54% proteinand 34.68% carbohydrate, moisture 5.3%, crude lipid 2.3%, ash 2.7%, fibre 0.82% while ponmo samples for AMAC had 51.4% protein, 36% carbohydrate, 5% moisture, crude lipid 4.3%, ash 2.1% and fibre 1.1% which suggests that Ponmo has some level of nutrient especially rich in protein and carbohydrate and low in fibre content. Cowhides from AMAC and Kuje Area Councils contain significant amount of zinc, which exceeded the standard limit and could pose a potential health risk to consumers depending on the frequency of consumption. Hence the need for monitoring of this metal concentration to avoid excessive bioaccumulation that could be harmful to health. This study also showed that cowhides is rich in some nutrients especially protein and carbohydrates and can be a substitute for meat protein.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in water and organs of Tilapia brevimanus and Euthynnus alletteratus from a coaster water in southwestern Nigeria

The bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in coaster waters directly affects the ecosystem and human beings. Thus, the objectives of this study are to evaluate the interaction between fish and coastal water and assess the long-term implications of human consumption of some major organs obtained from Tilapia brevimanus and Euthynnus alletteratus. The study determined the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) in twenty coaster water samples collected from two points and in the muscle, gills, and intestine of ten pieces of Tilapia brevimanus and ten pieces of Euthynnus alletteratus using a Perkin Elmer Model 306 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Furthermore, the accumulation of these metals and the assessment of the long-term implications of human consumption of the designated organs of the two species types were performed. The statistical significance level of the obtained results was determined using the T-test analysis tool, which revealed that the distribution of the metals varies in different organs of the fish species. The levels of pollutants were higher in Tilapia brevimanus organs than in Euthynnus alletteratus. The contents of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in the gills were higher than those in the muscle. Also, the metal pollution index in the organs followed the order of intestine > gills > muscle for both Tilapia brevimanus and Euthynnus alletteratus, posing serious health risks.